Chenango & Unadilla Valleys 50 years ago

The Chenango and Unadilla Valley Fifty Years Ago

S.S. Randall

Chenango Union, February 28, 1872

 

Norwich, Chenango Co., NY

[A walk about the downtown of the 1820s]

The Public Square or "Green" occupying a space of about three acres, and divided by the main street running north and south, into the "East and West Greens," was originally the gift of Peter B. Garnsey and Stephen Steere, the former owning the land west, and the latter that east of the highway.  Both were among the earliest settlers of the village; the former residing in the house now occupied [in 1872] by his descendants, a little south and west of the Court House, on the site, it is believed of the first dwelling house (a log building) erected in the village.  Judge Steere resided in the house on the north east corner of the Public Square; afterwards, at the period to which this sketch relates, occupied by his son, Mark Steere, as a Hotel (with the various Masonic emblems on the capitals of its pillars) and subsequently known as the "Eagle Tavern" of Gen. DeForest, which was burnt down some twenty years since.  The judge, at an early period in the century became the purchaser, from Silas Cole, of the entire tract west of the river to the Main Street, and from the Canasawacta Creek on the south, and the Harris farm on the north. The Garnsey property was originally purchased by Col. William Munroe--afterwards Sheriff of the county--and comprised all that portion of the village lying west of the Main street, from the north line of the Garlick property to the Dickinson farm. Elisha Smith, Esq., subsequently purchased this fine property--erected mills upon the creek--the only ones north of Tioga Point--and sold out to Mr. Garnsey.

 

The old Court House, fifty years ago, occupied a commanding site on the western extremity of the "Common"; and was built in 1808 by Josiah Dickinson, and George Saxton, at a cost of about $6500.  It was of wood, two stories in height, with a neat cupola, and contained in addition to the Court and Jury rooms, three rooms for prisoners, and ample accommodations for the residence of the Jailor.  Hither three times in each year came the Judges of the County Court--Uri Tracy, first Judge; John Noyes, Nathan Taylor and Levi Bigelow, Associate Judges--and once a Justice of the Supreme Court--Chief justice Spencer or Judges Van Ness or Yates--to hold Circuits.  In their train came all the County Lawyers--prominent among whom, at this period, were James Clapp, Henry VanDerlyn, John Tracy, Simeon G. Throop, Abial Cook, James Birdsall, David Buttolph, Smith M. Purdy, Noah Ely, John Hyde, Robert Monell, John C. Clark and Charles A. Thorp--and on special occasions such foreign lawyers of distinction as Samuel Sherwood of Delaware, Henry Stephens, of Cortland, John l. Viole, of Rensselaer, John Birdsall, of Seneca, John A. Collier, of Broome, and Joshua A. Spencer, of Oneida. The County Clerk's office--a small red-brick building, occupied a niche on the southern side of the Square, nearly opposite the court House--the Presbyterian church a fine building, afterwards burned down, adjoining it on the east; and directly opposite the court House, on the "East Green," stood the old Baptist Meeting house--unpainted, primeval, with large square pews, high galleries and pulpit--Elders Randall and Spaulding presiding.  Only the Presbyterian Chruch was furnished with a bell.  Its pulpit was filled, ably and eloquently, at this time, by the Rev. Edward Andrews, who was exceedingly popular with the congregation, and the citizens generally.  He subsequently went over to the Episcopalian Chruch, and was located at New Berlin in 1832, from whence he went to Binghamton, where he died a few years since, universally esteemed and respected. 

 

At this time no other buildings occupied the space between the Presbyterian Church and the corner of South Main Street, or between the latter and the office of Birdsall & Buttolph, south of what is now [in 1872] known as the Guernsey Block.  Next east of the store of Johnson & Noyes, on the opposite corner, was a dwelling, then recently erected by John Noyes, Jr.; occupied afterwards by Cyrus Strong, and more recently by Abial Cook.  Still farther on East Street resided Joseph Chapel, and between him and Mr. Buttolph's stood a house, afterward owned by Daniel Gray and occupied in 1821 by two maiden sisters, Celestia and Sophronia Whaples, and in 1835-6 by me; also a small house, then owned and occupied by Henry Snow and his mother, and subsequently by Jason Gleason and his son-in-law Eli M. Gibbs.  These buildings were mostly situated on the south side of the Public Square.  On that side of the street only two other dwelling houses intervened between those already mentioned and the river--a distance of nearly an entire mile.  These were the residence of Mr. Shumway, a carpenter, near the site of the present Episcopal Church, and that of Stephen Steere, Jr., for nearly half a mile south, comprising a beautiful and quite extensive grove of native forest trees, whither on the long afternoon of summer days the villagers of both sexes and all ages, were wont to ramble.

 

To be continued

Marriages (October 14)

Marriage Notices

Anti Masonic Telegraph, January 21, 1835

At South New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], on Sunday, the 4th inst. by the Rev. W. Bullard, Mr. Smith Thompson, of Norwich [Chenango Co.., NY] to Miss Jane Eliza Rathbone, of the former place.

 

On Thursday, the 8th inst. by the Rev. Mr. Chamberlin, of New Berlin, Mr. John Monroe, of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Emeline Palmer, of Guilford [Chenango Co., NY].

 

In this town [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], on the 8th inst. by Elder J.S. Swan, Mr. Alfred Slocum, of Hamilton [Madison Co., NY] to Miss Amelia B. Randall, daughter of Deacon Charles Randall, of Norwich.

 

In this town [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], on the 1st inst. by Nathan Taylor, esq. Mr. Theodore Tanner to Miss Susan Snow.

 

Anti Masonic Telegraph, February 4, 1835

 

Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY] Matrimonial Record for January 1835

 

January 1st, by the Rev. L.S. Rexford, Mr. Orrin B. Gilbert, of Lebanon [Madison Co., NY] to Miss Servilia Benedict.

 

January 6, by Philo Robinson, esq., Mr. H. Tinker to Miss Caroline Weeks of Cincinnatus [Cortland Co.., NY].

 

January 13, by Elder J.S. Swan, Mr. Olney Davis to Miss Sarah Ann Sturdevant

 

January 14, by the same, Mr. Benajah Benton to Miss Matilda Lewis.

 

Same date, by the Rev. L.S. Rexford, Mr. Hiram Pratt to Miss Marilla Harris, of North Norwich [Chenango Co., NY]

 

Same date, by the same, Mr. J. Crane, of Hamilton [Madison Co., NY] to Miss Abigail Harris.

 

January 22, by the Rev. Mr. Field, Willard Welton, esq. of Madison [Madison Co., NY] to Mrs. Blair.

 

January 25, by the Rev. L.A. Barrows, Mr. Zebulon Willoughby to Miss Mary Jane Doty.

 

January 26, by the Rev. I.S. Rexford, Isaac U. Wheeler, esq. to Miss Nancy Palmer.

 

January 28th, by the same, Mr. Hezekiah Gifford of Illinois to Miss Mary Jane Smith.

 

January 29, by Elder Jones, Mr. John Bressee to Miss Lucy M. Master

 

Same date, Mr. House, organ builder, to Miss Moore, of Virgil, Cortland county.

___________________________

 

January 15, by the Rev. Mr. Adams, Mr. Albert Card, of Cazenovia [Madison Co., NY], to Miss Catharine Storrs of Columbus [Chenango Co., NY]

 

In Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY], on the 28th ult., by Richard D. Taylor, esq, Mr. Alonzo Bacon to Miss Sally Cutting

 

 

 

Obituaries (March 14)

The Complaining Corpse

Sidney Enterprise, January 29, 1917

Vernon Green, an undertaker at Herman, St. Lawrence county, [NY] was called on the telephone and was told that a man was dead at a certain place and was probably another "flu" victim.  He said he was so busy with other calls that he could not go there that night, but left instructions that the body be placed in a cold room with the head elevated, and he would be there to do the embalming the first thing in the morning.  When he reached the place the next morning, he went into the cold room prepared to do his work.  The supposed corpse raised his head and looked at Mr. Green with as much displeasure as a man in his condition could.  "It is about time someone came," he said.  "You are the first person to come near me since last night."

 

Ernest Louis Hartmann

Bainbridge Republican & Express, January 30, 1919

The funeral of Ernest Louis Hartmann, Vice President of the American Separator Company, was held last Thursday afternoon at 2 o'clock at his late home on South Main street.  Rev. R.W. Nickel of St. Peter's church [Bainbridge, Chenango Co., NY] officiated.  The employees of the Separator Company attended in a body and viewed the remains of their friend with whom they had long been associated.  Great quantities of flowers and floral designs spoke impressively of the affection  held for him and the deep sorrow manifested was a tribute to the marked kindness of the man whose love in life was in doing for others.  The burial was in Green Lawn Cemetery [Bainbridge, Chenango Co., NY].

 

During the funeral services, the business places of the village were closed, which was a mark of respect to him who had long been identified with the business interests of the community and an evidence of the keen appreciation felt over the great loss his death has occasioned.  As soon as Mr. Hartmann's death was known, telegrams and letters came to the American Separator Company giving expressions of deep sympathy to the members of the firm over this sudden break in the business relations of years standing and also giving expressions of profound sympathy to members of his family.  Among the telegrams received were those from J. Rosenwald, President and Albert H. Loeb, Treasurer of the Sears, Roebuck Co., Chicago from the Moser and Cotins, Utica, Lyon Iron Works, Greene, and Sweet Bros. Foundry, Johnson City.

 

For a quarter of a century, Mr. Hartmann had been prominent in the industrial life of Bainbridge.  He was one of the founders of the American Separator Company, whose rise from infancy to a phenomenal growth of prosperity has been marvelous.  Mr. Hartmann was one of the originators of the cream separator about which the business developed and ever since its manufacture until recently he had been the superintendent.  He came to Bainbridge in 1892 as a machinist with the Swedish Cream and Butter Separator Company. The machine then made was impractical and the company did not succeed.  Mr. Hartmann and Thomas Collins, now President of the America Separator Company, and at that time associated with Mr. Hartmann in the former company, devised the new machine which was the basis of the present large industry built up from their early efforts.

 

As a mechanic, Mr. Hartmann had no superior.  Not only could he conceive the construction of a piece of machinery, but he could build it to completion.  He would even design and make the tools with which to perform the work.  His mechanical skill was most remarkable.  He also possessed another wonderful ability.  He was a naturalist.  He knew all about birds, fish and animals.  He [possessed extensive knowledge] of trees, plants and shrubbery and the valleys and hills where he was accustomed to roam in recreation hours will miss his friendly journeys.

 

Mr. Hartmann was a quiet and unassuming man and was the personification of kindness.  He loved his family and friends, and his chief joy seemed to be in continuously doing something for them.  Without ostentation or show, he would quietly bestow a kindness and seek out opportunities when he could administer some happiness.

 

For the past six months, Mr. Hartmann had been in poor health, but he believed his indisposition to be due to stomach trouble.  Up until Saturday previous to his death which occurred on Tuesday, January 21st, he was about as usual, going to the factory.  On Sunday he was taken suddenly ill and his condition was at once diagnosed as serious.  An intestinal trouble had developed.  An operation was advised as the only hope and Dr. miller of Binghamton was summoned.  On Monday the operation was performed and Mr. Hartmann rallied nicely from the results, but the disease which had gained a serious lodgment could not be eradicated and carried him away the following day, Tuesday.

 

Mr. Hartmann was born at Werdau, Saxony, on September 26, 1849.  He came to the United States in 1866 and at once became a citizen.  He was the oldest of 16 children of Andrew H. and Henrietta Hartmann all of whom emigrated to this country.  In 1870 he married Margaret Renth of Turners Falls, Mass., and later moved to Philadelphia, Pa.  Leaving there with his family, he came to Bainbridge where all have since resided.

 

Besides his wife, there survive three sons, William E., Louis H., and Walter E. Hartmann and two daughters, Mrs. Julien Scott and Mrs. Henry Hill.  Of his brothers and sisters the following survive:  Max and Robert Hartmann of Greenfield, Mass.;  Richard and Bruno Hartman of Hartford, Conn.; William Hartmann of Cleveland, Ohio; Mrs. Emma Schielding and Mrs. Hedwig Harris of Glastonbury, Conn.; Mrs. Henry A. Clark of Greenfield, Mass.

 

Death Notices

Anti Masonic Telegraph, January 21, 1835

 

Died in this town [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], on the 12th inst. of scarlet fever, George [Shattuck], youngest son of Leroy Shattuck, aged 6 years.

"All that's bright must fade,

And all tha's fair decay,

And all we love, was made

To bloom awhile--then fade away."

 

Died in this town [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], on Thursday last, Mr. Jabish Howel, aged 80 years.

 

Anti Masonic Telegraph, January 28, 1835

 

Died in this town [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], on the 19th inst. Col. Caleb Seabury, aged 68 years.

 

Died on Tuesday, the 20th inst., in a fit of apoplexy, Mrs. Jerusha Burlingame, aged 58 years.

 

Died in McDonough [Chenango Co., NY], on the 21st inst., Jonas W. Ogdan, aged 28 years and 10 months.

 

Anti Masonic Telegraph, February 4, 1835

 

Died in this town [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], on Thursday 22d ult. at 10 minutes past 11 o'clock A.M., Mr. Bradford Willcox, son of Mr. Whitman Willcox, aged 21 years.  Also at 14 past 12 o'clock of the same day, Miss Almira Willcox, daughter of Mr. Whitman Willcox, aged 18 years.

 

Anti Masonic Telegraph, February 11, 1835

 

Died in Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY], on the 4th inst. Mr. Olney Eddy, a Revolutionary soldier, aged 84 years.

 

Anti Masonic Telegraph, February 18, 1835

 

Died on the 12th of December last, in Yorkshire (England) where he had gone for the benefit of his health, Simeon [Kershaw], son of Thomas Kershaw, of Hamilton [Madison Co., NY], aged about 20 years.

 

Died in this town [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY] on Friday last, Mr. Abner Giles, aged 29 years.

 

Anti Masonic Telegraph, February 25, 1835

 

Died, in this town [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], on Thursday last, Mrs. Tamar Hull, aged 77 years.

 

Obituaries (October 11)

Frank Crandall

Bainbridge Republican & Express, January 30, 1919

Pneumonia claimed another victim in Unadilla [Otsego Co., NY] Saturday at midnight in the person of Frank Crandall, aged 37.  Mr. Crandall had been very ill for about a week.  He is survived by a wife and two small children, who need the sympathy of the community.

Katherine (Palmer) Vernon

Bainbridge Republican & Express, January 30, 1919

Word came last Monday of the death from influenza of Katherine Palmer Vernon of Middletown, N.Y.  Mrs. Vernon was a daughter of Mrs. Elbert J. Palmer of this place.  Besides her mother, she is survived by her husband and two small children, also a sister, Mrs. Alice Palmer of this place.

Sidney Enterprise, January 29, 1919

Mrs. George Herbert Vernon, formerly Miss Katherine M. Palmer of Unadilla, died of pneumonia on Sunday afternoon, Jan. 19, at her late residence, 69 Wallkill avenue, Middletown, N.Y.  She is survived by her husband and two children; also her mother, Mrs. Elbert J. Palmer, and sister, Miss Alice A. Palmer of Unadilla.

S. Dana Russell

Bainbridge Republican & Express, January 30, 1919

Last Thursday, the family of Rev. A.E. Holmes received word of the death of Dana Russell of Philmont, N.Y.  Mr. Russell married Mrs. Holmes' oldest daughter, Miss Vivian Holmes who survives him also two young children, a son and a daughter.

Sidney Enterprise, January 29, 1919

S. Dana Russell passed away Thursday morning, January 23, at Philmont, N.Y., after a short illness of pleuro-pneumonia following influenza.  The funeral services were held at the home of the deceased Saturday at 11 a.m., burial in the family plot at Windham, Pa.  The deceased was born in the town of Windham September 9, 1882.  He took a course at the State College in Pennsylvania, after which he was appointed superintendent of the Borden plant at North Orwell, Pa.  From there he was transferred to Youngs and later to Sidney Center, holding this position until he resigned September last, to accept a more lucrative one as superintendent of the States Metal Co. at Mellenville, which position he held at the time of his death.  Mr. Russell was a faithful member of the M.E. church at Sidney Center.  He leaves a wife, Vivian Holmes Russell, and two small children, Marjorie Mae and Howard Townsend, also a brother Theron Russell, manager of the La France garage of Binghamton, and two sisters, Mrs. G.G. Manning of Owego and Mrs. J.T. Marsden of Towanda, Pa. to mourn his loss.

Coralin Louise (Sands) Westcott

Bainbridge Republican & Express,  January 30, 1919

On Thursday morning, January 21st, at her home in Binghamton, N.Y. occurred the death of Coralin Louise Sands Westcott.  She was born in Greene, N.Y. [Chenango Co., NY], June 4th, 1883.  Her early life was spent at Vallonia Springs, N.Y.  She was graduated from the Bainbridge High School and the Oneonta Normal School and taught with marked success at Babylon, L.I., and at Oxford, N.Y.  In May, 1910, she was married to Mr. Joseph R. Westcott, who, with a seven year old daughter Nettie Sands Westcott, survives her. She also leaves a brother, Orin A. Sands and mother Mrs. Jeams C. Sands, two aunts, Mrs. P.O. Wheeler of Sidney, N.Y. and Miss Jane Sands of Bainbridge, two uncles, Fred J. Sands and William Sands of Bainbridge, and a host of sorrowing friends. The funeral was held on January 23rd at the home.  Burial in the family mausoleum in Spring Forrest cemetery [Binghamton, Broome Co., NY].

 

 

Post Listing, October 2-9, 2017

Listing of blog postings for October 2-9, 2017

Marriages

Posted October 2, 2017

Charles J. Taber - Lillian Parsons (1905)

Ida May Parsons - John Makay Cairns (1911)

Elizabeth Matilda Taber - Howard Carver Fell (1940)

Marriage Notices - 1889

     William J. Russell - Ruth E. Donley

     Judson A. Burton - Minnie A. Foote

     Milan B. Marsh - Eliza Wagner

     Homer B. Parsons - Lillian E. Phinney

 



 

Obituaries

Posted October 2, 2017

Robert Gallup (Greene, 1858)  Revolutionary War soldier
William A. Corey (Waverly, 1896)

Elizabeth Jane (Jay) Phinney (Bainbridge, 1923)
Death Notices - 1858
     Zoe Foster (Stockbridge)
     Celestia R. Ayres (Oneida, 9y)
     Harley Curtis (Point Coupee LA, 57y)
     Lester Blake (Hamilton, 38y)
     Merrells L. Blair (Farmersburgh, IA, 21y)
     Amelia Harp (Lenox, 2y)

Posted October 3, 2017
Eli Ackley (East Hamilton, 1798)  Revolutionary War Soldier
Mr. & Mrs. Jonathan Burdick (Sidney Center, 1896)
Abigail Phinney (Bainbridge, 1870)
Moses Orvis Pingree ( Nothrfield VT, Des Moines, IA, 1902)

Posted October 4, 2017
Deacon William Gibbs (Norwich, 1876)
Dr. Garvis Prince (Bainbridge, 1891)
Ira Merrill (Oxford, 1891)
Fred Hayes (Norwich, 1891)

Posted October 5, 2017
Archibald Campbell (Willet, 1846)  Revolutionary War Soldier
Henry Gibson (Orange County NY, 1852) Revolutionary War Soldier
Capt. Frederick A. Bolles (Unadilla, 1891)
Stephen Puffer (Oxford, 1889)
Susan (Haynes/Haines) Puffer (Oxford, 1889)

Posted October 6, 2017
Hannah (Wilcox) Barber (Lebanon, 1854)
Awrea A. Couse (Masonville, 1853)
Loretta B. Couse (Masonville, 1853)
Betsey Jane Couse (Masonville, 1853)
Death Notices - 1875
     David Lord (Pharsalia, 75y)
     Nellie Mahan (Preston, 13y)
     Jane E. Rouse, Scranton, Pa, 69y)
     Teresa E. Horan (Eau Clair, WI)
     George Griswold (Factoryville PA, 56y)
     John Tinker (Clockville, 74y)
     Pamelia Foster (Norwich, 82y)
     Mary E. Webb (Greene, 64y)
     Susan Grover (Afton, 28y)
     William B. Cole (Greene, 31y)
     Harriet Whitman (New Berlin, 69y)

Posted October 7, 2017
Hattie A. Raider (South Otselic, 1937)
Kate Webster (Georgetown, 1919)
Jerome F. Wheeler (Cortland, 1910)
Clara (Christinsen) Wallstrom (Otselic, 1942)
Antoine Vegiard (South Otselic, 1903)
Michael Leo Stack (South Otselic, 1926)

Posted October 9, 2017
Eudora Kirby (Bainbridge, 1955)
Maud Ellen Nichols (North Afton, 1897)
Harriet Ruth Nichols (Bainbridge, 1915)
Celia Grover Chamberlin (Afton, 1915)


 

Miscellaneous

Posted October 2, 2017

Chenango and Unadilla Valleys 50 years Ago, S.S. Randall - New Berlin (written 1872)

Posted October 3, 2017
Chenango and Unadilla Valleys 50 Years Ago, S.S. Randall - South New Berlin (written 1872)

Posted October 4, 2017
Chenango and Unadilla Valleys 50 Years Ago, S.S. Randall - Guilford, Bainbridge (written 1872)

Obituaries (October 8)

Eudora Kirby

1874 - 1955

There died on Friday, Dec. 2, in the Bainbridge Hospital [Chenango County, NY], after a lingering illness, Eudora L. Kirby, the last of the descendants of William D. Kirby and Harriet Cudworth

whose ancestors were among the original log cabin settlers of this community.  Her funeral was held in the Baptist Church Monday, 2 p.m. the Rev. Ruthvan Chambers officiating.  She was at the time of her passing the oldest member, having been an interested member for 63 years.  Eudora graduated from Bainbridge High School and Oneonta State Teachers' College and spent her life as a teacher in the school system of Brooklyn. She was a woman of wide and varied interests, a great reader, and active worker in the church locally and in the Green avenue Baptist Church, of Brooklyn, and aided in the missionary activities of the churches.  Much of her spare time was devoted to Christian work among the Chinese of New York city.  She is affectionately remembered by a number of Chinese young men who are now grown up and have a family life of their own.  She was a member of the local chapter of the D.A.R. and an associate member of the General Nathaniel Woodhull Chapter of the D.A.R. of New York City.  She was active in the Woman's Club of our village, and an officer of the Illuminate Woman's Club of Brooklyn.  Miss Eudora was highly regarded as a genuinely good person, kind, unselfish to an unusual degree, giving her talents and energies generously and gladly wherever trouble and need arose. She touched life at so many places with a homespun friendliness.  She was never comfortable in the presence of wrong; she had inner delight in the presence of truth and right.  Survivors of Eudora Kirby are two nieces, Mrs. Eleanor Kirby Roehrl, of Erie, Pa., and Mrs. Barbara Kirby Moore, of Eugene, Ore., daughters of John Reuben and Sarah Kirby; grandnieces and grandnephews; four cousins, Mrs. Cleon Parker, Harold and John Cudworth, all of Groton; Mrs. Arthur McCormick, of Cortland, also cousins in Kansas.  Local cousins are Mrs. Margaret Kirby Casey, Mrs. Arthur Kirby and Mary Kirby Lord.  Pallbearers at the funeral were Carroll Niles, Orris Coe, Ernest Hoyt, Maurice McGinnis, George Myers and Maurice Wilcox. She was laid to rest in the family plot in Greenlawn Cemetery [Bainbridge, Chenango Co., NY].  A life-long close friend of Eudora Kirby is Miss Ella Hawkins. She, too, graduated from Oneonta State Teachers College and taught in the same school system with Eudora. They had many interests in common and traveled extensively in this country and abroad.  During Eudora's more than two years' illness.  Miss Hawkins has been constantly at her bedside and has ministered tenderly to her.  No friend could have done more.

 

Maud Ellen Nichols

Afton Enterprise, February 4, 1897

It is our sad duty this week to chronicle the death of Miss Maud E. Nichols, eldest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Geo. E. Nichols, of North Afton [Chenango Co., NY], which occurred Wednesday morning, after an illness of about forty-eight hours.  The direct cause of her death is thought to be an internal abscess, followed by heart failure.  Deceased was a young lady nearly sixteen years of age and was dearly loved by her associates.  The grief stricken parents have the heartfelt sympathy of their many friends in this sad hour of affliction.  The funeral will be held from the late home Friday afternoon at two o'clock.  Rev. J.L. Thomas will officiate and Funeral Director Emens will have charge of the arrangements.  Burial at North Afton.

 

Miss Maud Nichols was born in North Afton, Sept. 8th, 1881 and died at the same place last Wednesday, Feb. 3d,  The report of her death was a startling surprise to the community  where she lived and her many friends at a distance who were not aware that she was sick.  The nature of the disease that hastened her death was not known, but the physician thinks that possibly there was an internal abscess, which on discharging did the fatal work that took from the home, a much beloved daughter, and from the community one whom everybody cherished as a dear friend, for she was a favorite with all.  Dying at the early age of fifteen at a time when her bereft parents were planning and arranging for her future as to school life, for it was hoped she might receive an education, but it was not to be, nevertheless.  She was a beautiful character, had a pure life, for she was learning in the school of Christ, was being fashioned and developed.  She loved her Bible and in her brief life actualized the precepts and principles therein taught.  Among her schoolmates who mourn her loss, she was the peacemaker, the arbitrator, always striving to settle the little differences and grievances among the younger scholars.  Indeed, with them Maud was a bright, loving, kind sister.  her religious life as to outward profession, was very brief, but long before our dear friend had confessed Christ, she was persuaded of her need of salvation and at the revival meetings held last December, she with others knelt at the altar, expressed her desire to become a Christian and the first Sabbath afternoon of the new year, she was baptized and received on probation.  Those who have been permitted to listen to her testimony could not but be impressed with the fact that the blessed Savior was her joy, and her anxiety that many of her young friends might become Christians was always expressed.  Our dear, young friend is gone, but she lives. She will be missed in school and church and the fragrances of her sweet life will remain.  Funeral services were held at her residence Friday, Feb. 5, 1897, by pastor Rev. J.L. Thomas of Afton.

Harriet Ruth Nichols

Afton Enterprise, November 18, 1915

Ruth Nichols, the daughter of George E.  Nichols, of Bainbridge, formerly of North Afton [Chenango Co., NY]. Miss Nichols died at her home near Bainbridge, Nov. 12.  Burial was at North Afton, Sunday afternoon.  She was a Christian girl, always cheerful, well-liked by all.  She leaves to mourn her loss, her father and mother and two brothers and one sister.  The family have the sympathy of all in their great sorrow and loss.

Oxford Review Times, November 19, 1915

Much sadness prevailed in our community [Wilkins Settlement, Chenango Co., NY] when it was learned that Miss Ruth Nichols had died Friday morning after a brief illness.  The deceased was a daughter of George Nichols of Bainbridge, who until about six years ago owned and occupied the old Nichols homestead near North Afton.  The funeral was held Sunday at 12 noon, from the house with burial in the cemetery at North Afton. The bereaved family have the sympathy of the entire community.

Celia Grover Chamberlin

Afton Enterprise, November 18, 1915

Tuesday morning, November 9th, 1915, Celia Grover, wife of Randolph A. Chamberlin passed into her eternal rest.  She was born in Westford, Otsego Co., N.Y. on May 9th, 1851, the daughter of Wm. and Abijal Grover.  When a very young woman, the family moved to Afton, N.Y., near Middlebridge, where she met and married Randolph A. Chamberlin, son of Rufus and Eliza Chamberlin, in 1868, the ceremony being performed by Rev. B.T. Jacobs, then pastor of the Afton Baptist church.  Two sons came to bless this union, she being survived by her husband, Randolph A Chamberlin, her two sons, Edward R., of Yonkers, N.Y., and Frederick G. Chamberlin of Afton, N.Y., a sister Mrs. Henry G. Carr of Afton and a brother Fred Grover of South New Berlin, N.Y.  In her early life, she united with the Afton Baptist church where she was very active and devoted in the work of the church, it being her great desire to aid in the work that would tend to bring the kingdom of God nearer this earth. She was a consistent Christian woman who lived as she believed, following the one straight path before her and never wavering or fainting by the wayside.  She knew whom she served, and no task for her Master and her Church was too great for her to undertake.  One of the griefs of her latter days was the affliction by which she was barred from many of the church activities which she loved.  In her home, she was the center, and well merited the love and devotion of those whom it was her great pleasure to serve, never wearying in her self-appointed tasks to make others happy.  Naturally of an energetic temperament, her work was but another expression of her true self.  Nine years ago she was stricken with an illness which in later years, developed into Bright's Disease, and for the past two years has been an invalid, most of the time, being confined to her home.  During these years of suffering, no work of complaint has passed her lips, her reply to inquiring friends being "I am all right," for she believed in greeting the world with cheerfulness, it being her philosophy that, "God is in His Heaven, and all's right with the World."  Patiently she sat, awaiting the summons that would relieve her pain racked body. The funeral services, which were held at her late home on Thursday, November 11th, were largely attended by many relatives and friends form Binghamton, Castle Creek, Harpursville, Nineveh, Oneonta, Milford Center, Franklin, Wellsbridge and South New Berlin. The services were in charge of Rev. Fuller of the First Baptist church of Afton, assisted by Rev. Ketchum of the Presbyterian church.  Interment being in the Glenwood cemetery, Afton [Chenango Co., NY]

 

 

Obituaries (October 7)

Hattie A. Raider

Cortland Democrat, July 30, 1937

South Otselic [Chenango Co., NY]:  Mrs. Hattie A., wife of John Raider, died at her home in South Otselic, July 21, 1937, aged 76 years. She suffered of heart trouble and paralytic stroke which rendered her comparatively helpless the past three years.  She is survived by her husband, a daughter, Gladys Loomis Conley of Detroit, a daughter-in-law, Ada L. Loomis, and a granddaughter, Hilda Loomis of Syracuse; two brothers, Julian A. Cook of Lima, Ohio, and Herman J. Cook of Swartwood, N.Y.  Funeral services were held Saturday afternoon at the Methodist church of which she was a member, the Rev. Guy Crawford officiating.

 

Kate Webster

Morrisville Leader & Observer, March 20, 1919

Georgetown [Madison Co., NY]:  Mrs. Kate Webster, an aged lady, passed away Thursday at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Luther Barber, where she has been tenderly cared for through a long illness. The deceased leaves a husband, D.M. Webster; two daughter, Mrs. Luther Barber of this place and Mrs. Ward Anderson of Mexico.  The funeral was held Sunday at the house.  Interment in Hillside cemetery.

 

Jerome F. Wheeler

Madison County Leader & Observer, June 2, 1910

Jerome F. Wheeler, a former resident of this place and a veteran of the Civil war, died at Cortland [Cortland Co., NY]on May 25th, aged 81 years.  The funeral was held in the Baptist church in this place on Saturday afternoon, Rev. E.R. Perkins officiating.  He leaves one son, R.F. Wheeler, and one daughter, Mrs. H.J. Baker, both of Cortland; also a brother, Wakeman Wheeler, of this place, and a granddaughter, Miss Florence Baker, of Cortland.

 

Clara (Christinsen) Wallstrom

DeRuyter Gleaner, March 12, 1942

On Sunday afternoon at 2:00 o'clock in the Davis Funeral Rooms was held the funeral of Mrs. Clara C. Wallstrom, for many years a resident of the Town of Otselic [Chenango Co.., NY] in the Beaver Meadow vicinity.  The funeral was conducted by Evangelist H.P. Gram, of Binghamton, supt. of the Seventh Day Adventist church--of which the deceased was a member.  Clara Christinsen was born in Norway, on September 19, 1876,.  In her young womanhood she was untied in marriage with Axel Wallstrom.  To this union were born three daughters and three sons, all of whom together with their father survive.  The daughters are:  Mrs. Marta Murphy, of Binghamton, N.Y., Mrs. Margret Grover, who was recently moved to Beaver Meadow, N.Y. and Mrs. Dagney Braien, of Endicott, N.Y.  The surviving sons are, Frank of Jamestown, N.Y. and Albert of Binghamton, N.Y., also several grandchildren survive.

 

Antoine Vegiard

DeRuyter Gleaner, February 26, 1903

Lincklaen [Chenango Co., NY]:  Undertaker I.J. Woodley of South Otselic was in town Wednesday after the remains of Antoine Vegiard, who was found dead in his bed Tuesday morning, at the boarding place at Elmer Potter's.  Mr. Vegiard was born in France about 82 years ago, and followed the occupation of a tailor, until old age and failing health caused him to retire form business and his son Charles of Rochester has provided support for father in his old age. The remains were placed by the side of the wife who died many years ago, in the beautiful South Otselic cemetery [Chenango Co., NY].

 

Michael Leo Stack

DeRuyter Gleaner, January 7, 1926

Our whole community was shocked late Monday evening to hear of the sudden death of Mr. Leo Stack, at the Sherburne inn, where with his wife he was attending a 6 o'clock dinner.  We have not been advised of the full particulars, but hear that Sherburne physicians pronounce his sudden illness due to acute indigestion.  Mr. Stack, was one of our leading business men and had a host of fast friends, having spent nearly his whole life of nearly 41 years in our village.

 

Norwich Sun, January 6, 1926

Leo Stack of South Otselic [Chenango Co., NY] son-in-law of Ralph Brown, who is president of the South Otselic Fish Line company, died suddenly at the Sherburne Inn Monday night, aged about 40 years.  Mr. and Mrs. Stack and an uncle of Mr. Stack were to have dinner at the hotel Monday night. Before dining Mr. Stack complained of pain in his side, and was given restoratives.  Later the pain subsided but after a time it returned again more severe than ever.  While being assisted from the dining room by his uncle and his wife, Mr. Stack suddenly collapsed in their arms and died before medical aid could reach him.  The death is particularly sad and the many friends of Mrs. Stack and family offer sincere sympathy.

 

DeRuyter Gleaner, January 14, 1926 

South Otselic [Chenango Co., NY]:  As mentioned in our letter last week the sudden passing of our highly esteemed neighbor and fellow citizen came as a shock to the whole community.  Mr. Stack was the son of the late Edmond J. and Ellen Norman Stack and was born at the Gothic Hotel in this village, March 15, 1885.

 

Notwithstanding the fact he was deprived of the tender care of a mother when very young and reared in the surrounding and influences of a country hotel life, Leo came to manhood clean and a general favorite with old and young.  He commenced his school work when quite young and graduated from South Otselic high school in 1901, and entered Clarkins Memorial School of Technology at Potsdam, N.Y., where he graduated with his class in Electrical Engineering in 1905.  His first position after graduating was with the general Electric Co., at Pittsfield Mass., later resigning to take a position with the N.Y.N.H. & H.R.R., where he acted as superintendent of all electrical apparatus throughout their New England division.  He resigned this position in 1913, going to Pittsburg, Pa., where he was with the West Penn. Co., for about a year and with the Aluminum Co. of America for four years.  He left this firm in 1918 to become superintendent of construction and operation of the Indiana Power and Water Co. of Vianes, Ind.  Resigning from this Co. the following year he shortly became associated with the Procter and Gamble co. of Cincinnati, Ohio, where he remained about two years and in Aug. 1920 returned to Pittsburg, Pa., where with Mr. Joseph Breeloce as a partner became consulting engineer.  He continued in that business until July, 1923, when upon the retirement of H.B. Mathewson from the B.F. Gladding Co. and at the urgent request of the officers of this corporation, Mr. Stack moved back to his home town and acquired a block of stock in the above company and at the time of his passing was acting in the capacity of mechanical engineer and secretary of the company.

 

Electrical engineering was Mr. Stack's chosen profession dating back to his kindergarten days when but about eight years of age he built and installed a system of electric call bells in the Gothic, one of which (from the kitchen to the bar room) was in operation for more than twenty years.

 

During the two short years since he was called back to his native town, he has seemed to live anew in happy retrospective fancy in his association with old schoolmates of over 30 years ago.  It has been said (and we believe truthfully) that in each of Mr. Stack's engagements with different corporations he has always given the best that was in him and that the numerous changes from one firm to another has been for advancement and by the resignation route.  Aside from his inspirations in mechanical functions, it seemed to be his happy mission to create friendship by a singularly genial and attractive individuality.  As his neighbor we can but say that his interest in humanity and community affairs took a wide range, a fact of which there are no better witnesses than the co-workers at the local plant.

 

It is a pitiless stroke of destiny indeed that has so suddenly stricken down this seemingly healthy man of usefulness in the maturity of his year.  We believe we can truthfully say that the sympathy of the whole community goes out to the bereaved family and are fully aware that our town loses much by the sudden disappearance of his engaging personality.

 

Funeral services were held from the home on Main street, Friday afternoon, and was largely attended.  Services were conducted by Rev. Anibal of the M.E. Church.  Undertaker Benedict of Sherburne in charge.  Floral offerings were abundant and very fine. Among which were large pieces from the H.F. Gladding co., the High School, Ladies Aid, Sabbath School, So. Otselic Lodge F.&A.M. and other organizations besides individual pieces.  Burial was made in the new west side of Valley View cemetery [South Otselic, Chenango Co., NY].

 

Mr. Stack is survived by the widow, Nina L. Brown Stack (daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ralph R. Brown) and daughter, Dorothy, aged 9, and son James Randall, 4 and one-half years of age.

 

 

 

 

Obituaries (October 6)

Hannah (Wilcox) Barber

Northern Christian Advocate, February 1, 1854

Mrs. Hannah Barber, wife of Freeborn Barber, and daughter of Champion and Betsey Wilcox, of Lebanon, Madison county, N.Y., died in Georgetown, Madison county, N.Y., Jan. 8th, 1854, in the thirty-first year of her age.  Sister Barber has been a professed follower of the Savior for a number of years.  She had an unshaken confidence in the blood of atonement to the last, and has, no doubt, through that blood found her way to the paradise of God.  May her death be sanctified to the good of all the surviving friends, is the prayer of the writer.  E. House.

 

Awrea A. Couse, Loretta B. Couse, Betsey Jane Couse

Northern Christian Advocate, February 1, 1854

Awrea A. Couse died in South Masonville [Delaware Co., NY], Dec. 19th, 1853, aged 4 years and 5 days.

Loretta B. Couse died Dec. 21st, 1853, aged 2 years and 4 months.

Betsey Jane Couse died Dec. 25th, 1853, aged 8 years, 1 month and 15 days.

These loved children died of putrid sore throat, after an illness of but a few days. The day before the death of the first, he sang,

"There is a happy land,"

so cheerfully yet affectingly, that proud sinful hearts trembled, and have since made their peace with God. After attending his funeral services, I retired from the grave to the house of mourning, and as soon as Loretta, then lying at death's verge, saw me she lisped out, sing.  Her favorite piece, "Heaven My Home," was sung. She seemed to realize the force of the words, and in a few moments breathed her last.  Betsey Jane and another brother were then slightly ill. Friends fondly hoped and earnestly prayed that affliction's hand might be stayed, but it was ordered otherwise, and the lacerated hearts of the bereaved parents soon saw the dark looming of clouds of sorrow again hovering.  Saturday, 24th, she distributed her little Testament, her new bonnet and other articles, among her Sunday School mates.  In the evening she called each one present to her side, and kissing them, entreated their prayers.  All join in saying that that death bed scene was beyond what they had ever witnessed.  Her firm, unwavering trust in Jesus--her joyful appeals, "Come, Lord Jesus, come quickly," and amid the tears and griefs of her loved ones and attendants, her calmness, and her peace, truly must afford the greatest cheer to praying parents and faithful Sabbath School teachers--The afflicted parents are wondrously stayed.  Their faith glows brightly, for God is better to them than all their fears.  God has sanctified these dispensations of his providence also to this neighborhood, for there has not been a day since but that souls have been seeking salvation's way.  Eighteen or twenty have turned to God, and not half of that number are left unconverted.  Truly this is a blessed neighborhood.   L. Hartsough

 

Death Notices

Chenango Union, October 7, 1875

 

LORD:  In Pharsalia [Chenango Co., NY], Sept. 28, Mr. David Lord, Aged 75 years.

 

MAHAN:  In Preston [Chenango Co., NY], Sept. 19, Nellie [Mahan], daughter of Charles & H.W. Mahan, aged 13 years.

 

ROUSE:  in Scranton, Pa., Sept. 29, Jane E. Rouse, widow of Austin Rouse, M.D. and daughter of the late Erastus Perkins of Norwich, aged 69 years.

 

HORAN:  In Eau Clair, Wis. Sept. 29, Mrs. Teresa E. Horan, wife of Thomas Horan, Jr. and daughter of John Redmond of Oxford.

 

GRISWOLD:  In Factoryville, Pa., Sept. 26, Geo. Griswold, formerly of Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], aged 56 years.

 

Chenango Union, October 14, 1875

 

TINKER:  Mr. John Tinker of Clockville, Madison Co., dropped dead at his home on Sunday, Sept. 26th.  He was formerly of Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY] and interment was made in McDonough, Chenango Co.  He was 74 years old, father of Mrs. M. Shaw of Norwich and Rev. Mr. Tinker of Goshen, N.Y.

 

FOSTER:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], Oct. 1, 1875, Miss Pamelia [Foster], aged 82 years.

 

WEBB: In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], Oct. 4, 1875, Mary E. [Webb], wife of Philo Webb, aged 64.

 

GROVER:  In Afton [Chenango Co., NY], Oct. 7, Mrs. Susan Grover, aged 28 years.

 

COLE:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], Mr. William B. Cole, aged 31 years.

 

WHITMAN:  In New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], Oct. 3, Mrs. Harriet Whitman, aged 69 years.

 

 

 

Obituaries (October 5)

Archibald Campbell

Cortland Democrat, September 3, 1846

Another Revolutionary Soldier Gone!--In Willet [Cortland Co., NY] on the 15th ult., Mr. Archibald Campbell, aged about 95 years.  Mr. Campbell has been active and useful in many battles, with Washington, Wayne and Greene, and once, at the taking of a fort in possession of the British, he saved his life by placing his head between the legs of a British officer, who struck at him while he was attempting to prevent the firing of a cannon.

 

Henry Gibson

Syracuse Daily Journal, March 20, 1852

Another Revolutionary Soldier Gone--Henry Gibson, one of the Revolutionary soldiers who fought under General Washington, died at his residence in Orange County, on Monday morning, aged 101 years 29 days.  He was in this city attending the late celebration of Washington's birthday, and excited considerable curiosity.  A committee at the various continental companies, under command of Capt. Helme, will leave town this morning for the purpose of conveying the remains of the deceased veteran to this city [NYC], which will be laid in state for several days.  He will be intered at Greenwood [Brooklyn NY]  with military honors--The continentals of New York, Brooklyn and Jersey, will join in the funeral ceremonies--N.Y. Cour, and Eng.

 

Captain Frederick A. Bolles

Chenango Semi-Weekly Telegraph, June 13, 1891

Captain Frederick A. Bolles, one of the oldest residents of Unadilla [Otsego Co., NY], died at his residence Wednesday, June 10th, at 4 o'clock P.M.  Mr. Bolles was one of the leading business men of Unadilla, having been a member of the hardware firm of Cave & Bolles for forty years.  he was Supervisor of the town of Unadilla for several terms and captain of an independent company of militia at the time of the anti-rent insurrection in Delaware county, and was at Delhi, the county seat, with his command until the rebellion was subdued.  He was elected to the State Legislature in 1860 from the second Otsego district and served with credit to himself and honor to his constituency. The funeral was held from his late residence Friday morning at 8 o'clock, and the remains were taken to Oxford [Chenango Co., NY] for interment.

 

Stephen Puffer

Oxford Times, February 5, 1889

PUFFER:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], suddenly, Feb. 1, Stephen Puffer, aged 82 years and 7 months.

Stephen Puffer, an old resident of this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], died suddenly Friday morning, at the residence of his son-in-law, Herbert Emerson, on mechanic street. Deceased was in as good health as usual for a man of his years, his age being 82, and that morning partook of a hearty breakfast.  About 11:30 he went outdoors, but soon returned and complained of a difficulty in breathing.  He was assisted to a chair and soon after to his bed where he expired.  his wife survives him.

 

Susan (Haynes/Haines) Puffer

Oxford Times, January 30, 1894

PUFFER:  In Port Huran, Mich., January 22, 1894, Mrs. Stephen Puffer, of this village, aged 81 years. 

The Oxford Times, February 6, 1894

Mrs. Puffer, whose serious illness from a paralytic shock was reported last week, died on the 22d last at Port Huron, Mich., where she had gone to care for a sick relative.  She was the widow of the late Stephen Puffer, of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], and mother of Mrs. Herbert Emerson of this village.  The remains were brought to this village, and funeral services held in the Baptist church, of which deceased had been a life long member, on Thursday, Rev. C.B. Persons officiating.

Chenango & Unadilla Valleys 50 Years Ago -1872

The Chenango and Unadilla Valleys Fifty Years Ago

S.S. Randall

Chenango Telegraph, March 13, 1872

 

Continued from posting of October 3, 2017

 

Guilford

In Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], situated about equi-distant from the Chenango and Unadilla rivers, resided the old Sheriff Samuel A. Smith, John Latham, Daniel S. Dickinson and Asher C. Moses.  Here the future distinguished Senator [Daniel S. Dickinson] commenced his career as a poor and struggling aspirant to the Bar, reading law in the office of Clark & Clapp, at Norwich, at such intervals as he was able to procure from his business as a worker on his father's farm, or a teacher of a district school, and it was not until he had attained his thirtieth year that, in 1829, he was admitted to practice in the county Court.  Here, too, out in the neighborhood, resided the veteran pettifogger, Joseph Sheffield, whose tall form, twinkling eyes and homely sun-burned humorous countenance with " Cowen's Treatise," in his horny hands, and iron-rimmed spectacles on his sharp nose, was often to be encountered in the Justices' Courts of the whole region round about; not seldom to the utter demolition of the most thoroughly trained professional practioners.  John Layman represented the county in the Legislature, and was subsequently elected County Clerk.

 

Bainbridge

 

In Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY] resided Levi Bigelow, long one of the judges of the Common Pleas, John C. Clark, Horace Dresser, Richard W. Juliand, Phillip M. DeZeng, Isaac Bush, Alvah C. Bush and Cyrus Strong, with other less prominent notabilities.

 

John C. Clark, at this period, was one of the brightest ornaments of the Chenango Bar; with brilliant talents, he combined the most pleasing and graceful manners, and commanded all the essential requisites of a wide spread popularity.  His strongly developed social qualities not unfrequently passed over the boundaries of proper moderation, but his heart was uniformly in the right place.  He filled the position of District Attorney at one time--was afterwards elected to Congress, where his abilities were speedily recognized and appreciated.--and was subsequently appointed solicitor of the treasury, by President Harrison.  His premature death, soon afterwards, was universally regretted.  Horace Dresser, at this time, was a promising and eloquent young lawyer, but having sustained an irreparable affliction in the death of his wife, he removed to the city of New York, where he now resides [in 1872].  Richard W. Juliand was a brother of Joseph Juliand of Greene--was a representative to the State Legislature, and widely known and respected.  Cyrus Strong soon afterwards removed to Norwich, and subsequently, with his son-in-law, John Clapp, and his family, to Binghamton, where he became President of the Binghamton or Broome County Bank, and died a few years since, the possessor of a large fortune, accumulated by his financial sagacity and practical business tact and ability.

 

The End

Obituaries (October 4)

Deacon William Gibbs

Chenango Telegraph, April 6, 1876

In our obituary column last week we announced the death of the venerable Deacon Wm. Gibbs, which occurred at his home in the eastern portion of this town on the 27th ult., at the advanced age of 87 years.  A friend has handed us the following which we cheerfully publish:

 

Deacon Gibbs was born in Sterling, Worcester county, Mass., 1789.  in 1818 he moved to the eastern line of this town [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY] then nearly in its wilderness state, upon the farm upon which he has resided for the last fifty-eight years.  United to a most worthy woman, they, with patient toil, reared and beautified a home where the young loved to gather and the aged to linger, the unfortunate were sure of sympathy, and the destitute of relief, the wayward were counseled with kindness and the penitent were pointed the way to God, and all down the years agone the morning song of praise was ne'er forgotten nor the evening prayer unbreathed.  The Congregational Church has lost a member that has stood in the ranks and borne unflinchingly his burdens for sixty years, the church triumphant welcomes home a soldier covered with the dust of a long and weary march, the scars of a thousand conflicts but with armour bright and girded on.  From the aged wife waiting for the gleaner to gather her home, from the sorrowing children speaking their last adieus, the eye of faith looks upward to where the first born in her spotless robes with the glorified stands her mission of daughter, wife, mother, Christian and friend so well fulfilled. She has welcomed home the father, and waits to welcome the rest.

 

Dr. Garvis Prince

Chenango Semi-Weekly Telegraph, June 13, 1891

Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY]:  Dr. Garvis Prince died at his residence in this village, yesterday morning, June 10th.  He has long been a resident of Bainbridge, and was personally known to almost every person within the town limits.  He was born at Springfield, Otsego County, August 24th, 1816, and studied medicine at Geneva, N.Y., where he graduated in 1842.  He practiced medicine ten years in New York City, and then went into the drug and medical supply business in the same city.  He was one of the directors of the East River Savings institution for a number of years, and moved to Chenango County in 1865, settling in Bainbridge where he has since been one of our most enterprising citizens.  A large block bearing his name is a standing monument to his business enterprise, and he was a trustee of the Gilbert Manufacturing company.  He organized the Frist National Bank of Bainbridge, and was its President at the time of his death.  Dr. Prince was also, for several years a trustee of the State insane Asylum at Binghamton.  He was well liked by everyone and will be greatly missed.  He leaves besides his widow, one child, Ida Prince Danforth, the wife of State Treasurer Elliot Danforth.

 

Ira Merrill

Chenango Semi-Weekly Telegraph, June 13, 1891

Ira Merrill died at is home in Oxford [Chenango Co., NY] in the 85th year of his age.  Mr. Merrill was one of the oldest and most favorably known citizens of the town in which he resided. The funeral was largely attended from his late residence Thursday afternoon, Rev. Howard Billman, of the Congregational Church, officiating.

 

Fred Hayes

Morning Sun, June 9, 1891

Last Monday morning a week ago, Mrs. Kate Hayes, who resides on Front street, received a letter from the Military Academy at Reading Pa., conveying the intelligence of the severe illness of her son, Fred, who was in attendance as a pupil at that institution.  Mrs. Hayes lost no time in hastening to the bedside of her son.  During the week, reports came that the young man was improving and bright hopes were held of his recovery.  Yesterday morning the sad news came over the wire to friends in this village that Fred Hayes had died that morning.  The dispatch was sent by the bereaved mother to her sister, Mrs. J.H. king, wife of Deputy Sheriff King.  Further it stated that Mrs. Hayes would leave Reading this Tuesday morning with the remains and will probably arrive here on the 4:30 p.m. train.  From what can be learned it is said the cause of the death was from throat trouble.  It will be remembered by many that shortly after entering this school, scarcely a year ago, the deceased returned home and remained several weeks on account of an epidemic of pronounced diphtheria which had broken out among the students of the Academy.  Young Hayes returned to Reading after the disease had subsided, and was pursuing his course of studies with care and diligence at the time he was stricken down.  Fred Hayes was known here as a promising lad full of life and ambition and his prospects for the future were most encouraging.  He was the son of Charles Hayes and sixteen years of age.  the funeral will undoubtedly be held tomorrow and the interment take place at Mt. Hope [Norwich, NY].  The Sun joins with all in extending the utmost sympathy to the grief stricken mother and relatives.

 

Chenango Semi-Weekly Telegraph, June 13, 1891

The funeral of Fred Hayes, whose demise at Selwyn Hall Military School, Reading, Pa., was chronicled in the last issue of The Telegraph, was held from the residence of his mother, Wednesday afternoon at 4:30, Rev. H.D. Stebbins, of Emmanuel Church, officiating.  The Y.M.C.A., of which deceased was an honored member, attended in a body. The floral offerings were numerous and beautiful.  The remains were interred in the family plot in Mt. Hope Cemetery [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY].

 



Chenango & Unadilla Valleys 50 Years Ago - 1872

The Chenango and Unadilla Valleys Fifty Years Ago

S.S. Randall

Chenango Telegraph, March 13, 1872

 

South New Berlin

 

Continued from post of October 2, 2017

Eight miles below [New Berlin], on the river, was Butts hotel, magnificently administered by the sprightly and companionable host, Caleb S. Butts, and his excellent and hospitable lady.  In the immediate vicinity resided Nathan Taylor, one of the judges of the Court of Common Pleas--a very worthy, intelligent and highly respected man--but possessed of little legal lore.  Dr. Henry Bellows was the practicing physician of the place, and enjoyed a wide reputation for medical skill and [...unreadable...]  Way House," kept by the landlord Lull.  In the neighborhood also resided Alpheus C. Jeffords, a prominent Democratic politician, with a jolly rubicund visage, not wholly destitute of cultivation.  To him, one warm summer day in 1827 or thereabouts, Lot Clark insisted upon introducing his distinguished guest, Mr. Van Buren, then in the meridian of his career as the "Great Magician" of the United States Senate, and on a visit with his son John, to his old friend Lot, who was driving him over the hills to New Berlin.  "Van Buren? Van Buren?" snorted Alpheus, who had evidently but recently partaken of refreshments; "Martin Van Buren?"  Receiving a polite affirmative from the great man, he pithily inquired--"Well Mr. Van Buren, Wouldn't you like to be next Governor now?"  Mr. Clark perceiving intuitively that farther intercourse with his friend Jeffords might be unprofitable, left him "alone in his glory" and hastened onward.

 

Here, too, in this hilly region flourished Sam Angell, Deputy Sheriff and Constable, who was known far and wide, as the "homeliest man in the county," with the exception, perhaps of his colleagues, Deputy Sam Pike of  Norwich and Francis Peeso, of Oxford.  No session of County or Circuit Court, could be recognized as strictly valid, unless the tall, lank, shambling, slouching form of Sam Angell, with his strongly marked and expressive physiognomy, and his long black official staff or pole, were present.  Deputy Peeso was another original.  He was "crier" of the Court, and especially distinguished for his utter inability to catch within any remote degree of accuracy, the names of witnesses, jurors or others, whom he was directed to call; transforming William into Billings, Jones into Stones, Smiths into Tiffts and Enoses into Peanoses. Three irrepressible wags Throop, John C. Clark and John Clapp, aware of this idiosyncrasy of poor Peeso, would keep him on every available occasion in the full exercise of his lungs, with roaring out for "Timothy Toodlefunks," Wunks McFadden," Alick Cumpane," "Jimmy Jessamy" and "Alick CumFundletop," to the infinite amusement of the bar, and not seldom to the disturbance of the gravity of the Bench itself--while the stolid countenance of the victim remained immovable as a stone. 

 

To be continued

Obituaries (October 3)

Eli Ackley

Norwich Sun, May 15, 1934

Earlville [Madison Co., NY]:  Blaine Baker Post, American legion, has discovered the grave of Eli Ackley, Revolutionary War veteran, in a small cemetery near East Hamilton.  The cemetery has been plowed up with the results that only a few graves now remain.  Mr. Ackley was one of the first settlers in this part of the country, coming here from Connecticut.  He was given a piece of land for services rendered during the Revolutionary War.  He died in 1798.  the post hopes to erect a railing around Mr. Ackley's grave and make it one of the historic spots in Madison county.

 

Mr. & Mrs. Jonathan Burdick

Sidney Record, October 3, 1896

Last Monday morning a profound sensation was occasioned in Sidney Centre [Delaware Co., NY] by the announcement that Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan Burdick, aged respectively 90 and 91 years, were both dead, one having died at seven o'clock and the other at eight o'clock.  To those familiar with the lives of this aged and worthy pair, the hardships they have endured in common, their long unbroken companionship of over sixty years, their death during almost the same hour must strike with a peculiar force.  It is a time honored saying that "truth is greater than fiction."  I was a solemn event that consigned into one common grave an aged couple, whose long lives were models of industry, thrift and contentment. Deep was the sorrow in that community when on Thursday, October 1st, the two were gently, reverently laid side by side awaiting the resurrection morn.  Companions in toil, they are now companions in eternal rest.  They commenced life's journey hand in hand, they ended it side by side. 

 

In many respects Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan Burdick were the most remarkable couple that lived in our state.  They were born, brought up and married in Kortright and came to Sidney Centre nearly a half a century ago.  They purchased and cleared up  a large farm.  One worked just as hard as the other.  It is even claimed that on the labor question, Mrs. Jonathan Burdick often proved the "better man."  There was no toil this brave woman would shrink from. whether it was in logging or in haying she was equally at home.  Hard work seemed a balm to their tireless muscles.  Never a complaint came from their lips. They worked for their common welfare.  By their constant industry they acquired and owned four farms, and fourteen years ago they purchased a home in Sidney Centre.  Like two good ships they had breasted many a storm together but the time had come to reel their sails and seek anchorage in a safe port.  And this they did.

 

There attaches to the life of Mr. Jonathan Burdick, another fact which cannot fail to prove of interest to students of history.  Mr Burdick had the exclusive honor to be the son of a veteran of the Revolutionary War.  His father was born in the year 1760 and served in the ranks under Gen. Washington.  He also had an uncle in the War of independence, who served as one of the guards at the execution of Major Andre.  It is safe to assume that Mr. Jonathan Burdick was the last surviving son of a veteran of the war of 1776.  Had he not been in comfortable circumstances, Congress on petition would have readily granted him a special pension.  There are now living in the united States three women whose fathers took part in that war and each of them receives a special pension by act of Congress.  One is Susanna Chadwick of Emporium, Pa., another is Sarah Hulbert, of Chatham Valley, Pa., and the third one is Anna M. Slaughter of Mitchel Station, Pa. 

 

Mr. and Mrs. Burdick are survived by three children, namely Thomas Burdick, Green Burdick and Mrs. F.H. Foot.  Three of their other children died.  The double funeral held on the 1st of October was largely attended, bearing ample evidence of the esteem in which the worthy couple were regarded by the entire community.

 

Abigail Phinney

1808 - 1870

In Bainbridge, N.Y. [Chenango Co.], Dec. 11th, 1870, of enlargement of the heart, Mrs. Abigail Phinney, in the 63d year of her age.  Death has snatched from our family circle a mother.  Though our hearts are sad, and we weep often, yet we mourn not as those who have no hope, for we are assured that our loved one, though torn from the embrace of those she loved on earth, now reclines upon the bosom of her Father.  She was converted to God in the year 1819, under the labors of Rev. Mr. Brown, and united with the M.E. Church. She was converted from the vanity and pleasures of this fallen world, and remained thus to the last.  For some months previous to her death she was in feeble health, yet she was resigned, when the time was approaching for her to depart this life.  She was very quiet and peaceful, and though she had earthly attractions, such as a husband and four children, yet her heavenly attractions were so much greater that she willingly left all in the care of an all wise and unerring Providence, and fell asleep in Jesus.  May Heavenly benedictions rest on the bereaved family through life, and in death may they triumph over all and meet their mother in the kingdom of Heaven.   L.J.

 

Moses Orvis Pingree

St. Albans Daily Messenger, February 17, 1902

A dispatch was received in Northfield [VT] Saturday evening announcing the death of Moses Orvis Pingree at his home in Des Moines, Iowa, Thursday word was received that he was critically ill with pneumonia and could not survive. The funeral was held in Des Moines, where the remains were entombed.  Mr. Pingree was the son of Mrs. Mary Pingree, of Northfield, and passed his boyhood days in that place, leaving for the West four or five years since.  He was employed in the Harris-Emery store, received frequent promotions, and gave every promise of a successful life.  While in Northfield he attended the graded and high school and was a social favorite.  His age was about 23 years. Aside from his mother, he is survived by a wife, three brothers, William, of Pensacola, Fla., George of Boston, and Clark, of Des Moines; also two sisters Mrs. F.J. Dutton and Miss Mary Pingree of Northfield.

 

 

Chenango & Unadilla Valleys 50 Years Ago - 1872

The Chenango and Unadilla Valleys Fifty Years Ago

S.S. Randall

Chenango Telegraph, March 13, 1872

 

Continued from posting of October 1, 2017

 

New Berlin

 

The village of New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], on the west bank of the Unadilla river, was distinguished for its large cotton manufactory, principally owned by Joseph Moss--its extensive tanneries, belonging to Charles Knapp--its leather manufactory, under the charge of Jeremy Goodrich--and its paper manufactory, presided over by Levi Blakeslee. The latter also kept a large public house, situated in the vicinity of the river, and was generally esteemed, as well as each of the others of whom I have spoken--very wealthy.  Both he and Jeremy were as "deaf as posts" and were frequently under the necessity of hailing outside passers by to "hear for them."  Gen. Welch, was, at this time, the proprietor and occupant of the principal hotel, situated on the north corner of the intersecting streets running easterly and northerly, adjoining which was his store.  The General was a very able and influential man--of fine personal appearance and popular manners--bluff, hale, hearty and warm hearted.  He was subsequently elected Sheriff of the county, and seldom failed to represent his town in the Board of Supervisors.  Silas A. Conkey was his chief political opponent--a shrewd, clear-headed, keen, astute and able man of business, owning and occupying a store on the north of Main street, nearly opposite Welch's hotel. The General commanded the Democratic battalions and Conkey the opposition under whatsoever designation.  On the South street Charles Medbury had a store and Nathan Hancox, a tavern.  On the north street resided Edward C. Williams, also a merchant, Rouse Clark, a manufacturer, Noah Ely and John Hyde, lawyers, and Dr. Royal Ross, physician and surgeon.  Farther up was John Pike, John l. Simonds and Samuel White, the former a magistrate and the latter a brewer.  On the street leading to the river, and near the Goodrich establishment, was the residence and law office of Nathan Beardslee, a promising young man, whose premature death a few years afterward, was universally regretted.  Mr. Ely was a gentleman of superior talents, fine manners, and solid worth--occupying at all times a high position in the esteem and regard as well of his fellow citizens as the county generally.  Mr. Williams was an intelligent, upright and respected merchant.  Mr. Hyde was endowed with excellent natural abilities, and genial social qualities of which, however, he did not always make the wisest use.  Simonds--"old Dean," as he was called, was as much a wag as his friend, Marshall Downing, and both could "keep the people in a roar."  Downing was attached to the Goodrich manufacturing establishment, and lived either in the building or across the way. Dr. Ross, the elder, was an eminent medical authority over the surrounding region, and was regarded far and wide as the model of honest men, "Now Dr. Ross is dead" was long afterwards the common exclamation, "there are no honest men left."  His son succeeded to his business--without, however, possessing in all respects, the idolatry which attached to the "old Doctor."  John \Pike and Samuel White were estimable citizens, and with their neighbor, Rouse Clark, enjoyed the entire confidence of the community.  Then there were Abel Judson, bluff and honest, Harry Burlingame, the neighboring tribe of Medbury's on the hill, including that non-descript genius, "the Elder," always to be found in the vicinity of roulette tables and gambling establishments generally, the elder Field, father of George and Orrin Field--Thomas Brown, a prosperous and highly intelligent farmer, and many others whose names I cannot now recall. 

 

To be continued

Obituaries (October 2)

Robert Gallup

Chenango American, Greene, NY, May 27. 1858

Robert Gallup was born in the county of New London, Conn., in February, 1761.  At the age of 19 he entered the American Army under a temporary enlistment, and was at the massacre to Fort Griswold, and stood by the side of Col. Ledyard when he fell by his own ill-fated sword. At this time he received several wounds, the scars of which he carried to his grave.  He was first short in the knee; a second bullet grazed the abdomen, making a slight wound.  He next encountered a British soldier who ran a bayonet through his wrist and with another thrust pierced his body through, entering near the diaphragm. Being unarmed, he wrested a spontoon from the hands of a British soldier standing by, and stabbed his adversary to the heart, so that he fell dead at his feet; and--to use an expression of Mr. Gallup's--he "would have stabbed three or four more of the rascals, if he had not been knocked down by the breech of a musket," which terminated the conflict with him. The next morning he was picked up by his father, on the beach, where he had been laid through the kindness of two British officers. After a partial recovery from his wounds, he enlisted again, but it is believed that he was never in a subsequent engagement with the enemy.  The sentiments of regard embraced in the resolutions adopted, render any remarks upon the character of the deceased, unnecessary.  The Committee of arrangements reported that in the morning, the American flag would be displayed at half mast, minute guns would be fired, and the bells tolled until the funeral service was commenced, and after its conclusion, the body would be attended to the bounds of the corporation by a procession of citizens on its way to Plymouth, where it is to be interred.  A. Willard, Chairman.

 

William A. Corey

Waverly Free Press, March 14, 1896

William A. Corey, for many years  an esteemed resident of Waverly [Tioga Co., NY], died at the home of his son-in-law, H.B. Parsons, in Bainbridge, N.Y. [Chenango Co], Monday morning, March 9.  Mr. Corey was born in Goshen, N.Y. [Orange Co.], Jan. 20, 1817, and while a small boy went to New York city where he remained until 1849 when he came to Waverly.  At that early day, Waverly consisted of but a few houses.  He was a carpenter and builder and was closely identified with the growth of the town.  He was a man of strictest integrity and was respected by all.  He was for many years a consistent member of the Methodist church.  His wife died about six years ago.  Last summer, Mr. Corey was very ill and his son-in-law Mr. Parsons, with his wife, and daughter, May, came on and tenderly cared for him and on his recovering sufficiently in October last, took him home with them.  He continued to improve and came to be able to walk about, and was very happy and contented.  About two weeks ago he contracted a slight cold which developed into pleura-pneumonia and heart trouble and while his condition was not considered critical, he grew suddenly worse and died.  His death was peaceful and quiet, as his life had ever been. The body was brought to Waverly Wednesday at 3:40 o'clock and taken to Forest Home cemetery where it was interred in the family plot.  The Rev. C.M. Surdam conducted the service at the grave.  Mr. Corey's granddaughter, May, was the only survivor of his immediate family.  She lived with him for several years and he was greatly attached to her, and made her his heir.

 

Elizabeth Jane (Jay) Phinney

1842 - 1923

The death of Mrs. Elizabeth Jay Phinney, wife of Frank Phinney of Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY] occurred at her home on West Main street Wednesday morning Feb. 7th in her eighty-first year, of acute bronchitis.  Mrs. Phinney, who had not been very strong, was sick only about one week.  She had a host of friends who were deeply affected by the announcement of her death. She was very highly regarded having been a resident of Bainbridge nearly her whole life. She was of a very loving nature, kind and considerate, always seeking the comfort and welfare of others in preference to her own enjoyment.  Mrs. Phinney was a member of the Methodist church this village. She was formerly Miss Elizabeth Jay of Nineveh [Broome Co., NY] and was married Dec. 26th, 1865 to Frank Phinney who has been a lifelong resident of Bainbridge and who is a veteran of the civil war. She leaves one daughter, Mrs. Charles Taber, who gave her mother most tender care during her illness. Two granddaughters, Mrs. May Parsons Cairns, of Scranton, Pa., Miss Elizabeth M. Taber of Bainbridge, a sister Mrs. Fred Smith of Nineveh and a brother Charles Jay of Los Angeles, Cal. survive. The funeral was held Saturday afternoon, Feb. 10 in the Methodist church with a large attendance, Rev. M.V. Williams officiated assisted by a former pastor, Rev. O.L. Buck.  Mrs. Phinney's friends contributed many floral pieces. The remains were put in the vault later to be laid away in St. Peter's cemetery [Bainbridge, NY]

 

Death Notices

The Oneida Sachem, May 29, 1858

 

In Stockbridge, May 13th, 1858, Zoe [Foster], wife of John A. Foster, and daughter of Deacon Samuel and Martha Davidson.  An affectionate mother and a kind friend.

 

In Oneida, May 23d, 1858, Celestia R. Ayers, only daughter of Daniel and Abigail h. Ayers, aged 8 years and 4 months.

 

In the parish of Point Coupee, Louisiana, on the 18th of March last, Mr. Harley Curtis, formerly of this county [Oneida, NY], in his 58th year.

 

In Hamilton, at the Wickwire House, May 18th, Lester Blake, aged 38 years.

 

In Farmersburgh, Clayton county, Iowa, May 11th, of Erysipelas and Typhoid Fever, Merrells L. Blair, aged 21 years 19 months and 11 days.  He was a son of Harvey Blair, of the town of Madison, in this county [Oneida, NY].

 

In Lenox, on the 21st ult. Amelia [Harp], daughter of Christian and Perlina Harp, aged 2 years and 4 months.

The pretty blue Violet, the golden colored Dandelion and the velvet looking Daisy, had just appeared a little while ago; so had Amelia.  the tender blossoms of the fruit trees had just ventured forth; so had Amelia.  The Violet, the Dandelion, and the Daisy came to stay only for a short time; so did Amelia.  While the birds were singing and the flowers were blooming, Amelia went home to Heaven--Could she have chosen a better time?