Tuesday, December 31, 2024

This Day in Bovina for December 2024


Here's the monthly compilation of entries from the Town of Bovina Historian Facebook page for December 2024. Happy New Year!

113 years ago today, the December 1, 1911 Andes Recorder reported in its Bovina column that "180 barrels of dry milk were shipped from the Dry Milk plant here, to Vienna, Austria." The dry milk plant stood just behind the Bovina Center creamery.


Seventeen years ago today, the December 2, 2007 issue of the New York Times carried a review of "The Toy Farmer," a children's book written by Bovina native Andrew T. Pelletier.


164 years ago today, on December 3, 1860, John Dean died. Born in County Down, Ireland, he came to Bovina before the 1830s. He married Elizabeth Johnson in 1832 and they would have eight children. They lived in the area of present-day Regan Road.


136 years ago today, the Bovina column of the December 4, 1888 Stamford Mirror reported that "J.A. Whittaker, the optician, has been in town for the past week, looking after defective eyes." Whittaker was a jeweler in Margaretville as well as an optician. He died in 1918.


204 years ago today, December 5, 1820, John Johnston was born, son of William Johnston and Maria Lathan. He first married Sarah Mitchell and second Susan Brownell. He had four children by his second wife. Johnston died May 3, 1895, at the age of 74 at his son-in-law's house in Bovina.


143 years ago today, the December 6, 1881 Stamford Mirror reported in its Bovina column that "James Hoy, of Kansas, formerly of Bovina, is making his friends in this vicinity a visit." This likely is the James Hoy born in 1822. He married Helen Miller in 1847. She died in 1858 after having three children. James went to Iowa after his wife's death and remarried in 1862 to Martha Jones Smith. They had three children in Iowa. James died in Kansas in 1897.


142 years ago today, on December 7, 1882, Thomas Hamilton signed this document as part of his claim concerning an error on the 1880 tax roll which led to an overpayment of $15.39 in taxes. 



Thirty-two years ago today, the December 8, 1992 Delaware County Times included the weekly Bovina News by Ann Cairns:  



Seventy-two years ago today, on December 9, 1952, a benefit dance was held by the Ladies Auxiliary of the Bovina Fire Department "for Billy Aitkens, who was recently wounded by a shotgun…" The music was furnished by Ernie Russ. The Catskill Mountain News later reported that “Clear cash of $177 was realized.” Billy was the 13 year old son of Floyd and Que Aitkens. 


146 years ago today, the December 10, 1878 Stamford Mirror reported on an International Dairy Fair in New York City. The last paragraph of the article noted "W.L. Rutherford, of Bovina, Delaware co., entered nine packages of butter for exhibition." Rutherford's farm is where the Weber farm is now located.


141 years ago today, the December 11, 1883 issue of the Stamford Mirror reported on several illnesses in Bovina. They noted that "Mrs. John Hastings is quite sick with pneumonia." They noted that Dr. Telford's daughter Gracie also was sick with pneumonia and that the doctor himself was ill. And Rev. Lee's wife was reported as suffering from inflammation of the lungs. Mrs. Hastings, Grace Telford and Mrs. Lee would all recover, though Mrs. Hastings would die of pneumonia in 1889. Grace Telford, who was less than a year old when she became ill would live until 1953. Mrs. Lee died in 1897. Dr. Telford, however, would not recover and died January 11, 1884.


107 years ago, the Bovina column of the December 12, 1917 Andes Recorder reported that "Miss Leila Miller, who has spent the past three months with her brother, Earl, in St. Paul and other relatives in Wisconsin and Minnesota, returned to her home…" She was the daughter of John and Bertha Miller. They lived on Pink Street on what later became Suits Us Farm.


147 years ago today, on December 13, 1877, Andrew H. Archibald was born, the son of Barbara H. Archibald. Barbara was the daughter of Andrew Archibald and Elizabeth McFarland. There is no information as to who his father was. Barbara died nine days later. Her son only survived her by about three months, dying in March 1878.


Ninety-seven years ago today, the December 14, 1927 Stamford Mirror reported that "Bovina Center Has Two Fires." Both fires involved barns owned by the Hilson Brothers in Bovina Center in the area of the creamery. The first fire was big enough to require bringing in a second department from Delhi. It was noted that the lack of wind was fortunate, thus preventing the creamery and feedstore from going up in flames. Here's the full article. 



113 years ago today, on December 15, 1911, as announced in the Andes Recorder, “the ladies of the [Bovina] United Presbyterian church" held a masquerade social at the home of Mrs. Estella Oliver…" The paper went on to note that "All unmasked are expected to pay a fine of not more than $5 or less than 25 cents. All are cordially invited."


Ninety-seven years ago today, the December 16, 1927 Catskill Mountain News reported that "Two sites have been offered for the proposed Bovina Community house." One lot was reported as being "opposite the garage…" This likely meant across from what later became Clayt Thomas's garage and is land now owned by Mark Foster. The other option was "land opposite William Archibald's new house…" This is the spot that was chosen. The paper noted that "it is planned to erect a building 36 x 80 of one-story construction with basement."


The following noticed appeared in the Andes Recorder, dated 147 years ago today, December 17, 1877:  “All persons are hereby notified not to sell or give any intoxicating liquors to Hiram Scutt.  Mrs. Hiram Scutt" Scutt lived in Andes so his Bovina connection is not strong. And we can’t be sure whether this is the father or son. Hiram Sr was born in Bovina in 1815. The son was born in Andes in 1842. The father died in 1886, the son three years later in 1889.


126 years ago on December 18, 1898, Mrs. Charles F. Smith died at the age of 90.  The Andes Recorder, when reporting her death, noted that "Her maiden name was Christina Lamont and she came to this town [Bovina] over 40 years ago.  She was an excellent woman, a good neighbor; always cheerful and she will be missed in this community as well as in her home.  On Tuesday the funeral was held, the sermon being preached by Rev. Samson, and the interment was in the Bovina cemetery." Christina was the second wife of Charles Smith, marrying him in 1856, a few months after the death of his first wife. Charles survived his wife by 10 years, dying in 1908.


121 years ago today, the December 19, 1903 Hobart Independent reported "Sudden Death at Bovina Center." The article reported "The village people were very much surprised to learn of the sudden death of A. F. McPherson which occurred Saturday morning. Mr McPherson went downtown to shovel some snow, and on his way back, he felt ill and stepped in to a blacksmith shop, where he died. He had been a resident of that place all his life and was well thought of by all who knew him. He was aged 71 years. A widow and four children the youngest being 10 years old, survive beside a brother, Albert in Hobart. Funeral services were held Tuesday from the M E. church, interment in the village cemetery."


Ninety-six years ago today, the December 20, 1928 issue of the Stamford Mirror-Recorder reported: "Walter Coulter, with a few helpers, is tearing down the red barn by his mill. He will leave the basement and is taking the remainder up to the upper end of the village where he will make an up-to-date shop. They moved the large parts of the building with the tractor." This building still stands behind the house owned by Pat Parsons Miele next to the church.


103 years ago today, on December 21, 1921, Violet Hewitt, the little daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Hewitt, of Margaretville, died in Kingston following an operation for appendicitis. Her remains were brought to Bovina for burial.


210 years ago today, on December 22, 1814, James Gladstone was born, the son of Robert Gladstone and Ann Ray. He was born in Scotland and likely came to Bovina with his parents. He appears to have lived most of his adult life in Andes, but at his death in 1885, he was buried in Bovina in the Associate Presbyterian Church cemetery.


Eighty-one years ago today, the Bovina column of the December 23, 1943 Delaware Republican reported that "Andrew Reinertsen's horses ran away on Monday morning but little damage was done."


134 years ago today, on December 24, 1890, as later reported in the Delaware Gazette, "The Bovina Centre Brass Band will give a concert Christmas eve and the evening following."  This undated image of the band (though likely around the 1890s) is courtesy of the late Tom Hoy:  



104 years ago today, December 25, 1920, Henry and Ruth Monroe were married on Christmas Day. - https://bovinanyhistory.blogspot.com/2020/12/henry-and-ruth-monroes-wedding.html


142 years ago today, the December 26, 1882 Stamford Mirror reported in its Bovina column that "Dr. Dickson is moving his stock of drugs and medicines form the basement to the main floor of his store." His store is now the Brushland Eating House.


Eighty-nine years ago today, the December 27, 1935 Catskill Mountain News carried this Bovina column: 



Ellen Raitt was born 204 years ago today, December 28, 1820, the daughter of John Raitt and Catherine Shaw. She married Thomas E. Forrest and died on Feb 22, 1868 at the age 47.


160 years ago today, on December 29, 1864, several voters in the Town of Bovina submitted this petition requesting a special town meeting "for the purpose of determining by vote to pay a Bounty not [to] exceed Eight hundred dollars to each volunteer that shall be credited to the said town on the last call of the President for 300,000 men." 



114 years ago today, the December 30, 1910 Bovina column in the Andes Recorder reported that "Mrs. Charlotte Miller continues in very poor health." Charlotte was the wife of David William Miller. Born in 1860, she was the daughter of Robert Gow and Beatrice Graham. She married David Miller in 1887 and was widowed in 1892, left with a two-year-old son. Charlotte died about a month after this item appeared in the paper on January 24, 1911.


133 years ago today, as later reported in the Andes Recorder, "a large party of young people had a dance in Strangeway's Hall on New Year’s Eve, [1891]. Music by Sutherland Bros. and Jas. Amos."



Saturday, December 21, 2024

A Week with Bovina People - December 1899 - 125 Years ago from the Andes Recorder



 Here’s what was happening in Bovina 125 years ago, December 1899, from the pages of the Andes Recorder.

December 1, 1899

Will Lambert was here Friday.

Thomas Barrett has moved into Alex Hoy’s house.

Mrs. Hunt has gone to work for Fred Bramley.

J.W. Coulter was at New York city the past week.

David A. Oliver, of Delancey, was in town Thursday.

Elden Kaufman, wife and child were in town Monday.

School commissioner elect Gow was at Walton last week.

Mrs. Charles R. Lee visited relatives at Union Grove last week.

Miss Kate Muller started for Denver Colorado, Monday morning.

Mr. and Mrs. Otis McCumber were at Mrs. Muller’s over Sabbath.

T.E. Hastings and Marshall Scott were at the County Seat Monday.

George Hunter and wife, of Colchester, were guests in town over Sabbath.

Michael Miller and wife, Jeremy Barnhart, Miss Bell J. Miller visited Delhi Friday.

Among those at Delhi Monday were, James A. Gow, Lance Thomson and James Monroe.

Rev. T.M. Slater has gone to Sterling Valley, on account of the illness of his father-in-law.

Walter Oliver and wife and Mrs. James Harkness of Federal Hill, were in this village on Sabbath.

Mrs. Archie Forman and son James, Mrs. George Currie, and Mrs. William Wight were at Delhi Friday.

His many friends here will be pleased to learn that Thomas H. Lee has been elected District Attorney, of Rockland county.

Thanksgiving services were held in the United Presbyterian church Thursday at 11 o’clock. Rev. H.F. Brown preaching the sermon. 

William T. Black has sold his farm and stock to John A. Irvine, for $8,000.  Possession given January 1.  Mr. Black will remain in part of the house until spring.

December 8, 1899

Wilson Scott had a horse die Monday.

Merritt Reynolds was in town Monday.

D.C. Worden was at Bloomville on Saturday.

Mrs. and Mrs. John Storie visited Delhi Friday.

William Archibald was at the County Seat Friday.

In the spring James A. Gow will erect a wagon house.

Miss Alice Oliver has returned from her visit to Pennsylvania.

William Ceas and wife were in town on Sabbath, from Bloomville.

Peter Gerry was up last week from New York on a hunting trip.

Rev. H.F. Brown was at Halcottville on Sabbath and preached.

Mrs. Ferris McPherson visited her brother in Margaretville last week.

T.W. Miller of the Andes Recorder was in this place last Thursday.

There was no preaching in the Reformed Presbyterian church on Sabbath.

Thomas Hastings is building a cold storage and ice house, for use in his butter business.

Professor Jencks, principal of our school, spent Thanksgiving at his home at West Oneonta.

John A. Irvine moved Wednesday from the Lake to the Black farm recently purchased by him.

John and William Smith, of Walton, visited their father, Richard Smith, in this village last Thursday.

Mrs. Hamilton Erickson died at her home in the upper part of this town on Monday morning, aged about 80 years.

Jennie J. Campbell of the Hobart High School faculty, spent the Thanksgiving vacation with her mother in this village. 

Monday evening, December 4, was the tenth anniversary of the marriage of the Rev. and Mrs. W.L.C. Samson, and a pleasant surprise had been planned for them. Accordingly a large company gathered in Strangeway’s Hall, where a pleasant evening was passed. Rev. and Mrs. Samson were presented with a typewriter.

December 15, 1899

A.B. McCune was in town Wednesday.

Reed Dumond, of Andew was here on Thursday.

Thomas H. Liddle and daughter, Etta were in town Thursday.

Thoams Gordon and wife were down at the County seat Monday.

Robert A. Thomson had one of his horses die Thursday.

James Aitkin, an old resident of this town, has been here on a visit.

John Irvine is attending the meeting of the Board of Supervisors this week.

Alexander Myers has the job of papering the Reformed Presbyterian church.

John Beekan was in town Thursday.

Bert Elliott and Mary Schultz were here on Saturday.

A.C. Seacord, W.T. Black, Mrs. Archie Maynard and son, William, were at Delhi Monday.

Andrew Sanderson, of Elk Creek and Miss Middlemast, of the Beaverkill, were married by Rev. W.L.C. Samson last Wednesday at his home.

Marshall Dean and Barna Johnson were in town last week; the former as appraiser of the John Bramley estate on account of inheritance tax, and the latter representative of the Comptroller.

Samuel McCune, a native of this town and at one time engaged in the mercantile business here and Bloomville, died at Jefferson last Tuesday, aged 76.  He was twice married and leaves four children – Samuel, who is interested in the mercantile business at Richmondville; Ralph, a druggist at Oneonta; John, a carpenter and contractor at Jefferson, and Kate, who lived with her father.

December 22, 1899

Ed Hanlon was in town on Monday.

Elmer Close was over at Andes on Saturday.

William Armstrong was at Hamden on Sabbath.

William Crosier was at Bloomville on Thursday.

Robert Mable was in town Sabbath from the Little Delaware.

Mrs. Frank Gownlock went to Cannonsville Tuesday for a visit.

Bert and George Elliott have been cutting wood for Frank R. Coulter.

A Christmas tree is to be held Monday evening in Strangeway’s Hall.

Rev. Samson preached in the Maynard school house Monday evening and at Francis Coulter’s on Coulter Brook, on Thursday afternoon.

G.D. Miller and wife, Charles Palmer and son, William, J.H. Johnson, Frank Gowanlack and John A. Irvine were among those at Delhi Monday.

Presiding Elder Philip Germond, N. D., will hold the fourth quarterly conference in the parsonage of the Methodist Episcopal church, Saturday, December 23 at 2 p.m.

Supervisor Irvine has selected the following as liable to grand jury duty for the ensuing year: James W. Coulter, George Cable, E.G. Gladstone, Lancelot Thomson, Alex. Burns, John M. Miller and Charles A. Tuttle.

An Old Inhabitant Gone.

Mrs. Martha McNair died at the home of her son in law, James Thompson near Tunis Lake, Sabbath evening December 17. She had been ill since April with dropsy and had she lived until the 21st would have been 94 years old.

Her maiden name was Martha McKenzie and Scotland was the country of her birth. With her people she crossed the ocean, when 14 years old, and landed in Nova Scotia, where they remained until 1840, when they moved to New Jersey and in 1842 came to Delaware county and has since been a resident of Andes and Bovina. Over 70 years ago she was married to Archibald McNair, who died in 1854. Nine children – seven girls and two boys – lived to grow up, and of these six girls and one boy are now living, and they are James McNair, in Iowa, Mrs. James Whitson, Mrs. Walter Amos, Mrs. Daniel Calhoun, Mrs. John Glendening, Mrs. D.M. Coulter, Andes, Mrs. Jame Doig, Bovina.

The funeral was held at 12 o’clock Tuesday, Rev. W.L. C. Samson preaching the sermon. Interment was made in the lower cemetery. 

Why Not the Andes Road

Something is always astir in regard to the Sidney-Franklin trolley. Why not with the Andes-Bovina enterprise? It has advantages certainly superior for it has no competition was with Franklin as that village lies within four miles of two great roads and from Sidney to Unadilla there seems to be all the railroad facilities needed. Not so with Andes or Bovina. They need a road and they have a large amount of business for the road as soon as it is completed—Gazette.

Notice

The annual meeting of the Bovina Co operative Fire Insurance Company will be held at Strangeway’s Hall, Bovina Center on Tuesday, January 9, 1900 at 1 oclock for the election of directors and such other business as may come before the meeting.

R.F. Thomson, Sec, Bovina Centre, Dec 20 1899

December 29, 1899

Fine weather.

Irving Phinney is home from Walton.

Mrs. Duncan Campbell is visiting at Walton.

William Coulter is in New York city this week.

Jennie Campbell is home for the holidays from Hobart.

Alex. Hilson and wife were down at Delhi Thursday last.

Mrs. William Crosier and Mrs. Chas. Boggs visited Delhi Saturday.

Robert Fiero, wife and daughter were visitors at Delhi Saturday.

Andrew Seacord and Miss Margaret Chisholm were at Delhi Saturday.

B.S. Miller visited his brother, William, at Walton Friday and Saturday.

Anna Phyfe is home from her school at Doleville, for the holiday vacation.

Mr. and Mrs. David Oliver and son, John Oliver, were at Andes Tuesday.

Born to Mr. and Mrs. William W. Hoy, at Oil. City, Pennsylvania, a daughter.

William Moore now drives the white faced team recently owned by David Muir of Andes.

Rev. Samson and James A. Gow were at Andes Friday evening, as judges in the prize speaking contest.

Rev. W.L.C. Samson officiated at the Thompson-henderson wedding at New Kingston, last Wednesday.

Mrs. Muller and daughter, Frederika, spent Christmas with her daughter, Mrs. Otis McCumber, at Andes.

The appraisal of the George Archibald estate occurred Friday. Thoams Gordon and Alex. Burns were the appraisers.

The union Christmas ladder and the attending exercises at Strangeway’s Hall Monday evening passed off pleasantly, and the presents were both useful and ornamental.

A new order just received from the State Department forbids the acceptance of any excuse from pupils except for sickness, and that only on the certificate of a physician.  Take warning.



Saturday, December 7, 2024

December 1924 - 100 Years Ago in "That Thriving Town"

 


Here's what life was like in Bovina 100 years ago this month – December 1924


December 5, 1924

James Ackerley is employed at his trade as a carpenter at Delhi.

Hilson Brothers have moved their wagon house across the brook onto the flat.

Wilber Archibald has taken a position as cheese maker in the creamery at Meridale.

Ralph Hillis, the garage man, is on the sick list.  His brother is in charge of the garage.

Mrs. James Monroe has rented the furnished rooms of William F. Boggs in Bovina Center.

Walter G. Coulter, town superintendent of highways, had the town machinery stored Wednesday for the winter.

Born to Mr. and Mrs. Floyd Rockefeller, on the Alex Bryden farm back from Lake Delaware, November 4, a son – Silas T.

Henry Monroe has purchased the farm of his father, the late James Monroe, in upper Bovina, and moved thereto Wednesday.

Miss Caroline Dickson, who has a position with the American Educational Company, as a general agent, is with her mother for a vacation.

Lloyd Strangeway, who now lives in Otsego county, collided with the side of the stone arch bridge just below the village.  His car was damaged to some extent.

Professor Leon Taggart and family of Oneonta, Frank Dickson and family, of Little Delaware, and Mr. and Mrs. Thos C. Strangeway were dinner guests at John Hilson’s on Thanksgiving.

In the estate of James Monroe letters have been issued to Henry F. and James W. Monroe. The estimate is $5,000 real and $6,000 personal. To Julia Monroe, wife, is willed one-third of the property; to Henry Monroe son and Martina Monroe, daughter, each five eighteenths, and to James Monroe one-ninth.


Born in Southern Bovina

William T. Brown, who was born in southern Bovina, died November 7 at his apartments in the Majestic Hotel, Chicago, where he had lived for over 20 years. The deceased was the youngest son of Thomas Brown and Mary Ann McNee, who lived on the Brown homestead, Bovina, later known as the Amos place and now part of the Gerry estate. Mr. Brown was 68 years of age and is survived by one sister, the wife of Rev. David Nicholl of Red Oak, Iowa. He was never married. 


December 12, 1924

James Hilson has had a radio installed.

Elmer Hastings, of Saranac, is visiting his brother, Milton Hastings.

The three Missionary societies held an all day union meeting Thursday.

Mr. and Mrs. Francisco were Sabbath guests of her brother, George Decker.

Mrs. Decker, who had her hip injured by a fall a few weeks ago, is now improving.

Margaret Austin, of Hawley’s Station, was a week end guest of her cousin, Mrs. James Ackerly.

The neighbors and friends of Alex Burns gave him a post card shower on December 8, on his 76th birthday.

Rev. O. Edgelow, rector of the St. James church, at Lake Delaware, has been visiting his son, Dr. Arthur Edge\low, at Springfield, Mass.

Mrs. John McCune’s Sabbath School class, the Beacon Lights, were entertained at her home last Friday evening. All reported an enjoyable time.

Captain J.E. Billings, superintendent of the Gerry farms at Lake Delaware, was operated on last week in the Roosevelt hospital for appendicitis.

Mrs. John M. Miller and two daughters, of Walton and Mr. and Mrs. William Oliver, of Harpersfield, were here Tuesday to attend the funeral of Mrs. G.D. Miller.

Paul Marvin Burgin, of Bovina and Miss Hazel Maud Shackelton, of Delhi, were married December 1. The bride is a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W.C. Shackelton and has been employed as stenographer in the office of W.S. Oles. Mr. Burgin is employed by the Delhi Motor Sales Co. 


Rigged for Comfort

A.W. Baker, of Bovina, who will spend the winter in Florida, has had his Chevrolet truck rebuilt with a six foot wide body all covered, and will carry a bed and cooking utensils on the trip. 


DEATH CLAIMS BOVINA WOMAN – Mrs. G.D. Miller Passed Away About Noon Saturday

Mrs. Gilbert D. Miller of Bovina Center, died Saturday, December 6, from acute bronchitis, after a three weeks’ illness at the home of her sister-in-law, Mrs. A.S. Banker, in Andes.

Mrs. Miller was born near Bloomville in the town of Kortright, January 6, 1844, and was the daughter of John and Elizabeth Dickson Banker. On November 16, 1869, she was married to Gilbert D. Miller by the Rev. Gibson of South Kortright.

She is survived by her husband, Gilbert D. Miller; one sister, Mrs. Ellen Newell, of Highland Falls; and one brother, Henry Banker, of Marceline, Missouri.

The funeral was held Tuesday in the Bovina Center United Presbyterian church the Rev. F.N. Crawford officiating. Interment was made in the Bovina Center Cemetery. [Mrs. Miller was the former Mary Jane Banker.]


December 19, 1924

Supervisor W.B. Smith is in Delhi this week attending the sessions of the Board.

Mrs. Ella Telford is moving her household goods from William F. Bogg’s house to Delhi.

From an oyster supper and sale held last week the Women’s Auxiliary of the St. James parish at Lake Delaware cleared $50.

A surprise party was held last Friday evening at the U.P. Church parlors for Rev. and Mrs. F.N. Crawford, and a purse of $55 was presented to them. 

Mrs. G.J. Dickson has received word that her son, Lauren Dickson, who is in a law office at Saratoga, successfully passed the bar examination, which he tried in October.

John Redmond, the seven year old son of William R. Redmond, was hurried off to the hospital at Delhi Monday night and operated upon for appendicitis. The appendix had bursted, but he is doing as well as can be expected. 


December 26, 1924

The students and teachers are home for the holidays.

The community Christmas tree and exercises were held on Tuesday evening.

Misses Kate and Fred Muller are visiting their sister, Mrs. Otis McCumber, in Andes

Mrs. Marshall Thomson, of Long Island, is visiting her parents, Mr. and Mrs. John Blair.

Miss Jane Archibald, daughter of Wm Archibald is ill. She retired in good health and all efforts to arouse her from sleep are futile. [She recovered and lived almost another sixty years, dying in September 1986 at the age of 86.]

Mr. and Mrs. Robert R. Gladstone celebrated the 56th anniversary of their marriage Dec. 22. His brother, Ed Gladstone and family took dinner with them.

Miss Maggie Storie has gone to Hobart to spend the winter with her nephew, Eugene Storie. A couple of days before her departure about forty of her [friends paid her] a surprise visit.


Saturday, November 30, 2024

This Day in Bovina for November 2024

 

139 years ago today, November 1, 1884, this bill from Paine & Smith, Delhi, was sent to the Town of Bovina for several print jobs: 



Eighty years ago today, the Bovina column in the November 2, 1944 Delaware Republican-Express reported that "Cpl. Clark G. Lay of the 79th A.A.A. Hq. Btry. writes his parents that on Oct. 22nd he was transferred from Camp Stewart, where he has been since August 1st, to Camp Gordon. This camp is fifteen miles from Augusta in Georgia." The same column had another report on the Lay family, reporting that "recent dinner guests of Miss Evelyn Lay at her home here were the Misses Vesta Norwood and Ada Bliss of Norwich."


200 years ago today, on November 3, 1824, this "true canvass and estimate of the votes taken at an election held in the town of Bovina" on November 1, 1824 was issued. The votes were for Governor, Lieutenant Governor, senator and member of congress and two members for assembly. Note that Erastus Root, who it is claimed named Bovina, received only 45 votes as Lieutenant Governor as opposed to 93 votes cast for his opponent. Root was the running mate of Samuel Young. Young and Root lost statewide to Dewitt Clinton and James Tallmage. 



144 years ago today, the Bovina column for the Stamford Mirror, dated November 4, 1880, reported that "Election day passed off quite lively with us. A great deal of excitement prevailed all day."


161 years ago today, on November 5, 1863, this receipt for a bounty payment made to Charles Wycoff was audited. Wycoff received $140 in bounty payment for volunteering during the Civil War. Wycoff had enlisted in the 72nd NY Excelsior Regiment in December 1861 but was discharged within three months for disability. One source states he later re-enlisted in the NY 144th but no further information about him can be located.



134 years ago, the November 6, 1890 Kingston Weekly Freeman and Journal had the following item under the headline "Rats!" - "C. R. Lee,  of Bovina, Delaware county, was digging potatoes a few days ago and upon opening one hill found, instead of potatoes, one very large rat and 11 young ones.” Charles R. Lee’s farm was on Lee Hollow. 


Eighty-four years ago today, the Bovina Centre column of the November 7, 1940 Delaware Republican reported that "Miss Marjorie Ormiston accompanied Miss Helen Winter, Mrs. Henry Schall and John Raitt of Delhi to New Concord, Ohio, last Friday. This occasion was home coming week at Muskingum College. They returned Monday."


142 years ago today, on November 8, 1882, as later reported in the Stamford Mirror Bovina column, "A night-cap party was held in Hasting's Hall, on Wednesday evening, for the purpose of raising money to lay sidewalks through Brushland. The result was about $11 in cash and a splendid assortment of night-caps."


Eighty-five years ago today, the November 9, 1939 Delaware Republican, in its Bovina column, reported that "Mrs. Clinton Marks a former resident of this town is visiting Mrs. Fred Thomson." The same column also reported that "Mr. and Mrs. Claude Erkson have moved into Miss Calla Bogg's house at the turn onto the Bramley Mountain Road." This is the residence of the late Hugh and Pat Lee and now the home of Taylor Foster.


126 years ago today, on November 10, 1898, Alex Hilson presented this bill to the Town of Bovina for his services as Bovina Town Clerk, using his store's bill head.


212 years ago today, on November 11, 1812, Deborah Maynard died. She was the daughter of one of Bovina's first settlers, Elisha B. Maynard. She is buried in the Brush Cemetery. 



113 years ago today, November 12, 1907, "The second number of the Bovina Entertainment Course" was a lecture by Judge George C. Alden.  The judge was promoted as "an interesting speaker."  Alden was a lecturer of national prominence.  In an article about his upcoming appearance in Hobart during his 1907 lecture circuit, the Hobart Independent noted a review from the Unadilla Times: "We haven't time for particulars, but [his lecture] amused, entertained, instructed, leavened, inspired, and best of all prompted consideration and left something for thought - it was worth the price of the course. In accord with one expression heard, 'It was a Corker.'" He died in 1941 at the age of 75. 



Seventy-three years ago today, the Bovina column of the November 13, 1951 Delaware Republican-Express reported that "Mrs. Agnes Draffin, who has been assisting her brother, John Burns, since early summer, has returned to her home in town for the winter." Her home is now the residence of the Pelletier family.


Thirty-eight years ago today, the November 14, 1986 Binghamton Press carried this article about a fundraiser for Ed Finkenberg, who had been serious injured when he was hit by a car in Manhattan. 



Eighty-four years ago today, the following ad appeared in the November 15, 1940 Catskill Mountain News: "STRAYED-From Mary Weber pasture, Bovina, 8 heifers. Liberal reward for information. E.L. Foote & Son, Inc., Hobart, N.Y."


136 years ago today, on November 16, 1888, as later reported in the Stamford Mirror's Bovina column, "A small company of young people assembled at the Hall….and had a good time, all on account of Harrison's election, with 'Tommy' as 'chief mourner,' instead of 'actor,' as before election." The same article in the Mirror went on to report "We have heard, through our village gossips, that one of our young men has won the hand of a fair damsel by the result of election. 'Rats,' who is the lucky gent?" Harrison is Benjamin Harrison, who won the 1888 election when he defeated Grover Cleveland.


Eighty-five years ago today, on November 17, 1939, Mr. and Mrs. Alex Myers celebrated their sixtieth wedding anniversary in the Bovina U.P. Church parlor. As later reported in the Delaware Republican, "those from out of town were their son and daughter-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. John Myers and their daughter, Mrs. Anna Thomson and Mrs. Myers' brother, John Laing all from Binghamton. Mr. and Mrs. James Laing of Hotaling Hollow also Lynn Dickson, Misses Kate and Freda Muller of Andes and Miss Mary Ormiston of Oneonta." Photo by Bob Wyer.



Seventy-two years ago today, in an article dated November 18, 1952, the Catskill Mountain News reported that "Bovina Center Hunters Shoot Several Deer." The report went on to note that lucky deer hunters in the Bovina area were Vincent Thimbell (sic), Jr., Herby Parsons, Ronnie Oelsner, Roy VanBuren's hired man, Charles Robinson, and a city visitor at the VanBuren home. Several deer were taken from this area by out-of-town hunters."


Seventy-one years ago today, the November 19, 1953 edition of the New York Times published the obituary for Sylvanus W. Bramley, who had died in White Plains hospital the previous day. He was the founder in 1926 of Bramley & Co, Inc, a White Plains jewelry firm. Sylvanus was born in Bovina in 1865, the son of Stephen G. Bramley and Mary S. Lull.  



Eighty-three years ago today, the November 20, 1941 Delaware Republican reported in its Bovina column this item: "While skating on roller skates on the sidewalk in front of the post office Friday afternoon, Thelma Hotchkin fell and broke her leg between the knee and the ankle. She was taken to the Delhi hospital where Dr. Thomson attended her."


Two hundred and three years ago today, on November 21, 1821, the following notice was posted in the Delaware Gazette: "Public notice is hereby given, that the personal property of Adam Kezie, late of the town of Bovina deceased consisting of Horses, Cattle, Sheep, and Farming Utensils, will be exposed to sale at public auction for cash, on Thursday the 6th day of December next, at the house formerly occupied by the said Adam Kedzie deceased. Mary Kedzie, administratrix; James Kedzie, William Kedzie, Administrators.”


147 years ago today, the Andes Recorder for November 22, 1877 reported that "John Steele, formerly of Bovina, is one of the five Protestants missionaries in the territory of New Mexico."


241 years ago today, on November 23, 1783, Jennett Graham was born in the Scottish Borders, the daughter of John Graham and Jane Grey. She married William Ormiston in Scotland in 1801. Shortly after the marriage, William and Jenett emigrated to America and settled in Bovina. They had eight children. Jennett died in Bovina in 1856 and is buried in the old Associate Presbyterian Church cemetery on Reinertsen Hill Road. 



150 years ago today, the Stamford Mirror for November 24, 1874, reported that "Henry Hogaboom, of Bovina, has bought and is picking some six hundred barrels of apples in the vicinity of this village. He intends to take them to Europe for sale."


139 years ago today, the November 25, 1885 Delaware Gazette reported that "Circulars from N.Y. city state that the butter from the towns of Roxbury and Bovina this year is inferior in quality to that from the same towns in former years."


146 years ago today, the November 26, 1878 Stamford Mirror reported in its Bovina column that "John G. Bramley, who has been engaged on the State Survey during the past summer, will spend the winter at home and teach the school in which he was formerly a pupil." He was the son of John W. Bramley and Margaret McCune. He left Bovina in the 1880s and settled in Onondaga County, NY.


141 years ago today, the Bovina column in the November 27, 1883 Stamford Mirror reported that "D.L. Thomson has finished his job of tinning the roof of the R.P. Church." This is the church that stood about where the playground and fire house now stand. 



184 years ago today, on November 28, 1840, Alexander Storie was deemed to be "well qualified in respect to moral character learning and ability to teach a common school in this town…." (document courtesy of the Delaware County Historical Association). 



147 years ago today, the November 29, 1877 issue of the Andes Recorder in its Bovina New reported that "A literary society has been organized here.  President, Russell Stevens; Secretary, Thomas Gordon.  It numbers eighty five members and supports two papers, 'The Star,' and 'The Meteor' edited by gentlemen and ladies respectively. Orations, debates, select readings, etc. are also given."


104 years ago today, as later reported in the Bovina column of the November 30, 1920 Andes Recorder, "Robert G. Thompson was at Delhi…and traded his Buick roadster for a five passenger 1921 Buick."



Thursday, November 21, 2024

A Week with Bovina People - November 1899 - 125 Years ago from the Andes Recorder

 

Here’s what was happening in Bovina 125 years ago, November 1899, from the pages of the Andes Recorder.

November 3, 1899

Election November 7.

Vote for James A. Gow.

A.T. Strangeway is in New York city this week.

Hay sold at the Aitkin farm on the 26th for about $5 a ton.

William S. Boggs is building a new house for himself at Alemda (now South Kortright).

The benefit to Bovina from the new Raines law during the past certificate year is $363.27

We understand that Miss Maggie Sloan has secured a position in the hospital at Matteawan.

Robert A. Thompson is making extensive repairs in his cow stables.  Thomas and Michael Miller are doing the job.

Bovina will uphold McKinley and cast her full party vote.  She realizes that to vote for Warner is a bid for Tammany methods at Albany.

Professor Duncan C. Lee, of Cornell, and a son of Rev J.B. Lee, formerly of this place, is now the editor of the Ithaca Daily News, which has lately come out as a Bryanite organ.

We understand that William Barlow who recently sold his farm below Hobart to Talcott Gould, including stock, for $12,000, will move to this town and reside with his daughter, Mrs. W.B. Smith.

The widow of the late John W. Bramley was found dead in bed Thursday morning.  She had not been feeling well for a few days and had complained of her stomach.  The doctor was there Wednesday but it was thought she would be better in a few days.  Thursday morning her son Fred, went to her room about 4 o’clock and spoke to her and receiving no answer, thought she was asleep.  About an hour later he went back and found her dead.  She was cold and must have been dead when he was in the first time.  She was 72 years old.  Her husband died just two weeks ago.  

November 10, 1899

Dr. Schurman was in town Wednesday from Delhi.

Archie Elliott, of Andes, was in this place on Friday.

George McNair arrived home Friday.

Albert McPherson was home Friday and Saturday from Utica.

G.D. Miller and Thomas Gordon and wife were at Delhi Saturday.

Orrin Carman, wife and daughter have been visiting in town.

Dr. Ormiston and wife, of Delhi, were in this place on Sabbath.

Merritt Reynolds was in town Monday selling patent neckyokes.

F.R. Coulter will soon have a new furnace in working order in his house.

Hector Cowan, son of James Cowan, who kept store in the centre many years ago, was in town Saturday.  It is 41 years since he was here.

Mrs. Fred Bramley died Saturday afternoon with consumption, aged 31 years.  She has been suffering for several years with the disease and for the past year she has been very poorly.  She was a daughter of Thomas Hoy.  The funeral was held Tuesday, Rev. W. L.C. Samson, officiating. [Note, she died the day of her mother in law’s funeral]

Word has been received that David Laidlaw, of Auburn, Washington, who left this place about ten years ago, had been drowned in the White Horse rapids in the Yukon river, Alaska, October 8.  With a party he was on his way to Dawson City and they attempted to shoot the rapids without a pilot and their scow was wrecked on a boulder.  Laidlaw and another man lost their lives.

The following is the vote in Bovina: The whole number of votes cast were 224. For supreme court judge Albert H. Sewell 207; member of assembly Delos Axtel, 165, Charles Warner 45; county treasurer, Hugh Adair, 138, Charles Herring, 75; superintendent of poor, George Smith, 169, William Hubbell 40; coroner, Dr. Hillis 167, Dr. Palmerton 42; school commissioner 2d district, James A. Gow, 200, George Baker 20. There were about 10 prohibition votes and 15 blank. 


A Former Bovina Pastor

The New York Journal of Wednesday contains an account of attempted suicide of Rev. A.T. Civill, pastor of the Methodist church at Mount Kisco. He stood on the track Tuesday in front of an approaching train at Chappaqua, and was only saved by his friend Walter Lyman pushing him to the ditch. He is said to be insane and had acted strangely for some time. He had sent his resignation to the presiding Elder, giving as his reason that he was not firm in the faith and he had doubts.

He was great esteemed and is about 30 years old. 

November 17, 1899

Fred Bramley was at Andes Tuesday.

William L. White was down at Delhi Saturday.

William M. Lee was up from Delhi on Sabbath.

Jashua K. Hobbie was at the County Seat Friday. 

Mr. and Mrs. David Oliver were over at Andes, Friday.

Alex Hilson and A.D. Seacord were at Delhi Wednesday.

Alex Archibald of Delhi, passed through town on Sabbath.

Miss Alice Oliver has been visiting relatives in Pennsylvania.

James L. Coulter started for Monmouth, Ill., Wednesday last.

Misses Emma Campbell and Jennett Ellen Hoy visited Delhi Saturday.

Born on Saturday November 11 to Mr. and Mrs. John B. Lee, a son.

William J. Doig and Robert A. Thompson were at Bloomville Monday.

Mrs. D.H. Coulter and son visited her brother, John Ward, at Treadwell last week. 

The Town Board has appointed B. S. Miller as truant officer for the schools in this town.

Chas. Dart and family from Meredith have moved to the Bell farm on the Little Delaware.

John A. Irvine is at Delhi this week attending the annual meeting of the Board of Supervisors.

Walter Liddle, who has been living here the past summer, moved his household furniture to Andes Friday.

Miss Kate Muller expects to go to Denver, Colorado in about two weeks, where she has a brother and sister residing.

The Reformed Presbyterian people have been grading around the church and everthing is assuming a tasty[?] appearance.

B.S. and G.D. Miller attended the funeral of James S. Adee last Thursday [Nov 9].  He was a veteran of the rebellion serving in Co. E, 144th Regt., was 64 years old and was a native of Bovina.  He was buried with G.A.R. ceremonies.

The lecture course under the auspices of the Fortnightly club is arranged as follows:  November 28, readings by Miss Dean; December 12, lecture by Colonel Copeland; January 16, entertainment by J. Williams Macy; March 14, concert by Swedish Ladies Quartette.

An entertainment by local talent is also arranged for to be given sometime in February, date to be announced later.  Season tickets, including reserved seats for the entire course, are offered for $1.  Single admission 25 cents.  Tickets will be put on sale at Strangeway’s store on Thursday, November 23.

November 24, 1899

Bovina Justice only cost $34 last year.

William Bramley was up from Delhi Saturday.

W.L. Ruff was over at Andes on Saturday.

John Storie is at Delhi this week as a trial juror.

William Hastings was at the County Seat Saturday.

Henry S. Murry was in town from Andes Friday.

Peter McNair, wife and son were at Delhi Monday.

Lou Cooper and family were visitors in town Friday.

Born to Mr. and Mrs. W.L. Ruff, November 16, a son.

James L. Coulter returned home from Monmouth Friday.

Mrs. William Wight, of Delhi, has been visiting relatives in town.

F.R. Coulter, James Boyd and Chas Thomson were at Delhi Monday.

Andrew Coulter has purchased a new St. Johnsville engine and thresher.

Misses Kate and Emma Deitrich, of Roxbury, have been guests at Mrs. Muller’s. 

Thomas Gordon is at Delhi assisting R.P. McIntosh in making out the tax rates.

E.C. Smyth, the Delhi Marbleman, was up Thursday placing the base for the Dr. Telford monument.

Alex Fenton has completed his engagement at Mrs. Andrew Thomson’s where he has worked for about eight years.

The C.F. Smith hotel property in this village was sold last week at auction at Delhi and was bid off by Mrs. Lance Thomson for $1,000.

The new furnace has been placed in Reformed Presbyterian church this week.  F.R. Coulter has also been putting a new one in his house.

The weight of the mail originating at the Bovina Centre office from October 3 to November 6, was 379 pounds.  The outgoing mail is light, but the mail received is very large.  

Quite a number from New Kingston passed through town Monday to attend William Dumond’s suit against the town of Middletown, for injuries sustained by falling through a bridge.


Thursday, November 7, 2024

November 1924 - 100 Years Ago in "That Thriving Town"


Here's what life was like in Bovina 100 years ago this month – November 1924

November 7, 1924

Colin McNaught is having concrete stable put in his barn.

Rema Hobbie, up-town, will have a furnace oinstalled in his residence.

Mary Little, of Andes, spent over the week end with her aunt, Mrs. Geo Russell.

Mrs. Hazel Flynn, of Pepacton, is a guest of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. John Aitkens.

Lauren Dickson, who is in a law office at Saratoga, came home to vote and is remaining for a few days.

William S. Gordon, who is a student at Pratt’s Institute, Brooklyn, was home from Friday until Tuesday.

The Margaretville Chorus gave an entertainment here last Friday night under the auspices of Willing Workers.

Mrs. and Mrs. Wilbur Archibald motored to Ithaca last Friday and on Saturday attended a football game there.

Miss Elizabeth Jay, of Jefferson, Iowa, visiting in town. Her maiden name was Downie and she left Bovina 48 years ago.

The Woman’s Missionary Society served an India tea at the home of Rev and Mrs. F.N. Crawford on Tuesday afternoon. The sun of $20 was realized.

Rev. Boyd White, of Walton, preached in the Church of the Covenanters last Sabbath, exchanging pulpits with the pastor, Rev. A.M. Thomson.

The operation of Mrs. D.C. Worden at Delhi last Thursday morning for the removal of a goitre was a success, and she expects to be able to come home in a short time.

Mrs. James Burnett, of Syracuse, who will be remembered as Bell Thomson, is in the hospital at Oneonta. She was taken ill while on a visit with relatives at South Kortright, and was taken to the hospital.


Bovina Team Located - Horses of Fritz Burger Found at Gilboa by State Troopers

Some three weeks ago Ed York, who had hired to work for Fritz Burger on the Armstrong farm in Bovina, hitched Mr. Burger’s heavy black team to a rubber tire wagon and stated that he was going to Harpersfield after his wife.  He failed to reach his destination and there was no trace of him.  After a few days the case was put in the hands of the state troopers and this week the team and outfit(?) was located at Gilboa, where the team had been sold for about $200.  No trace of the man has been found.


November 14, 1924

Ed Henderson is spending the week in New York City.

Mr. and Mrs. Thomas A. Archibald, of Franklin, are visiting relatives in town.

Supervisor Wallace B. Smith is in Delhi attending the sessions of the board.

Arthur Coulter, son of Frank A. Coulter, has been compelled to quit school on account of illness.

Mrs. James Lunn, of Lake Delaware and grandson, Frank Hoag, are visiting her son, John Lunn, at Ithaca.

Frank Kaufman, of Kingston, is a guest of his sisters, Mrs. Dixon Thomson, and Mrs. William Armstrong.

Mrs. Charles Hafele and Mrs. Alex Jardine are visiting Dr. Jardine Hafele son of the first named, at Dutton, Canada.

Cows brought low prices Wednesday at A.W. Baker’s auction, on the Fred Johnson farm.  Mr. Baker and family expect to spend the winter in Florida, going by auto.

Friends and neighbors of Mr. and Mrs. Harvey Burgin, to the number of about 70, made them a surprise visit on Monday evening, November 10 on their 15th anniversary of their marriage.


Was Native of Bovina – from our Bovina correspondent

Mrs. James Burnett, formerly of Bovina, died in the Oneonta hospital Friday morning, November 7, from a cancer. Her maiden name was Bell Thomson, being a daughter of the late David Low Thomson. Her age was about 62 years. Burial was at Delhi.


Bovina Farmer Shoots Self – James Monroe Committed Suicide on Monday in Bedroom of home

James Monroe, a farmer living on the former James Russell place a short distance above the Butt End in upper Bovina, committed suicide about noon on Monday, November 10, by shooting himself through the head with a rifle.

Mr. Monroe had been putting concrete floor in the basement of his barn and was being assisted by his son, Henry Monroe. He had appeared to worry over the matter. Another thing that seemed to have a depressing effect and weigh on his mind was taxes. He had paid his school tax and had expressed a fear that he would not have money enough to pay his town taxes. 

After finishing his dinner Monday he went to his bedroom on the ground floor. Soon afterwards the report of a gun was heard. The family rushed to the room and found Mr. Monroe lying apparently dead. He had raised the window and set the gun with the butt on the ground and placing the muzzle against his head had fired it by means of a stick pressed agains the trigger. The bullet entered the left side of his head near the eye but was not instantly fatal, and he did not die until 5 o’clock that afternoon. He never regained consciousness.

Deceased was about 59 years of age and his early life was spent with the “Stone House” Thomson’s. He was twice married, his first wife being a Coulter. By this union four children survive, viz: Henry, in Bovina; James Wilson, in Schenectady; Martena in Delhi, and Mrs. Lou Joslin in Bovina. A few years ago he married Mrs. Yager of Catskill. 


November 21, 1924

William S. Redmond was a Stamford caller Monday.

Mr. and Mrs. James Mabon were at Andes on Thursday.

Mrs. Alex Hilson and Mr. and Mrs. Wm. C. Russell moved into their new houses Tuesday.

Mr. and Mrs. Lester Hoy and children, of Frasers, visited his parents here Wednesday.

Mr. and Mrs. Slan Archibald spent over the week end with his son, Russell Archibald, at Delhi.

Misses Mary Keeley and Alice Frayer, of Delhi, spent Saturday as the guests of Margaret Gordon.

Mrs. D.C. Worden, who recently underwent an operation at Delhi for goiter, returned home last Wednesday.

The Whitcomb Circle held an oyster supper in the U.P. church parlor last Friday night and the receipts were $40.

A number of the entertainment course was held Tuesday evening. The entertainer was Miss Plume McIntosh.

Miss Louise Dennis, who is with her brother, John P. Dennis, in Virginia, was given a postal shower on her 80th birthday, which was November 16.

Courtney Currie, who a few weeks ago had an operation for appendicitis, was out for the first Wednesday.  He was given a post card shower November 14, on his 18th birthday.


Dr. Thomson Coming to Bovina

Dr. William Thomson, who recently located at Delhi, has leased a room in the former John Hastings house and commencing December 1, will be in Bovina Center one day in each week.


Bovina Woman Injured

Mrs. George Decker fell Friday evening while going to Alex Myers’ who lives across the street, and had the misfortune to dislocated her hip.  Dr. Goodrich is in charge of the case and Mrs. Lucy Coulter is the nurse.


Ministers Meet in Bovina

The Catskill Mountain Clerical Association held their November meeting in the U.P. church on Monday. Only seven out-of-town ministers were present. Rev. W.C. Robinson, of Delhi, conducted the question box. Other speakers were Rev North of Walton, and Rev. R.L. Mauterstock, of Pine Hill.


Bovina’s Tax Budget

The Delaware County Supervisors have ordered the following sums levied against the taxable property of the town of Bovina;-

Town audits……………$1,400.56

Cert of Indebtedness No. 4……..1,100.00

Interest on same……66.00

Cert. of Ind. No. 6 and Int…..836.00

Library fund………..100.00

The sum of $105 was levied against the taxable property of the Bovina Center Fire District


November 28, 1924

Students are home for the Thanksgiving vacation.

Union Thanksgiving services were held in the U.P. church.

Rev. F.N. Crawford was at South Kortright on Wednesday attending an installation.

The thank offering of the various missionary societies of the United Presbyterian church amounted to $540 this year.

Edward Charles Parsons, of Bovina, and Miss Esther Agnes Tweedie, of Walton, were married by Rev. F.C. Davidson, November 17.

The case of Edward Lifgren, which came up Justice T.C. Strangeway’s court Monday, was adjourned to Friday.  Young Lifgren is charged with maltreating a five months calf by pounding it with stones and it died later.  Lifgren is said to have been angry because the calf is alleged to strayed onto his father’s lawn from farm of Mr. Hadley across the road on the former Andrew Thomson farm.