Thursday, March 14, 2024

Sketch Number 32 from the Delaware Gazette, 1874: History of Bovina


Martial Rosen Hulce (known familiarly as M.R. Hulce) wrote a series of ‘sketches’ about the history of Delaware County. The ‘Sketches’ were published in the Delaware Gazette over a nine-month period, starting at the end of 1873, concluding in October 1874.  

At the start of the Sketches, Hulce wrote: “Before offering for publication the ‘Sketches,’ the writer would state, they are not intended to be mere fancy- pictures embellished by the creations of the imagination, but plain narrations and delineations of facts, derived in part from personal cognizance, though in much the greater part from intercourse with the old pioneers, with almost all of whom he was well acquainted.”

Born in 1804 in Deposit, Hulce wore many hats. He was a surveyor and civil engineer in Deposit. He also was the founder of the Deposit Courier. His obituary noted that he “served the community as Postmaster and Justice of the Peace [and] served on many boards and councils. He was a historian and philanthropist.”  Hulce died in Deposit in 1896.

Sketch Number 32 was published on July 29, 1874 and focused on Bovina. [One confusing issue about these articles is when they were written. The latter sets of the articles, published in 1874, are dated 1863 and 1864. I thought it might be a typo, but several of the articles have dates at the end. Though published 150 years ago, this sketch of Bovina might date from a decade earlier.]

SKETCHES —No. 32.

Whyles owre a linn the burnie plays

As thro the glen it wimpl’t:

Whyles round a rocky star it strays;

Whyles in a wiel it dimpl’t;

Whyles glitter’d to the nightly rays,

Wi’ bickering, dancing dazzle;

Whyles cookit underneath the braes,

Below the spreading hazel.

Unseen that night.—Burns.


Having heretofore given a short account of the formation and early settlement of several of the towns in Delaware county it is proposed to add whenever convenient a similar notice of the others.

These statistical details may be dry to some readers but will interest most of those who desire to be familiar with local matters connected with Delaware county and continuous sections of the State.

In pursuance of this plan Bovina will next occupy our attention. This town is situated east of and adjoining Delhi and contains an area of about twenty-five thousand acres of land, three-fourths of which has been reclaimed from the forest and put under cultivation. It was formed from Delhi, Stamford and Middletown, Feb. 27 th, 1820, and received its name from Gen. Erastus Root, who, anticipating its future adaptability to grazing, gave it a name from the Latin, indicating a cattle region.

Like most of the towns in the county, it is hilly and mountainous, interspersed with small rapid streams, which in the course of long ages have carried away the rock and soil, forming deep valleys and steep ravines. The names of the principal streams are Little Delaware River,(which runs in a westerly direction nearly through the centre of the town, passing into Delhi and entering into the Mohawk, or west branch of the Delaware, a mile below the county seat.) Bush Creek, which drains Teunis lake, Coulter, Grant, Maynard and Mountain Brooks. The sides of these streams are often rocky and steep rising to great heights, some of the elevations being 2,500 feet above tide water.

Two small lakes are found nestled in the mountains. The waters are pure and sparkling and abound with the finest trout and other fish. Teunis Lake is situated in the south part near the foot of Mount Pisgah, and Landon’s Lake, in the west part of the town. A portion of this lake is in the town of Delhi. Near the sedgy and muddy sides of the former was the residence and wigwam of a kind Indian, named Teunis by the early Dutch settles, to whom the inhabitants of Middletown were indebted, as related in a former sketch, for timely information and warning that saved them from massacre and captivity when about to be attacked by hostile Indians and Tories in 1778.

He continued to live there for several years after the war, and the whites named the lake after him. This will embalm the memory of one of nature’s noblemen who in performing a good and merciful action dreamed not of fame.

The general face of the country is quite uneven and stony, with a soil of clayey loam, producing the finest and sweetest grasses in great luxuriance.

Brushland, one of the two villages in the town, was named after Alexander Brush the first settler and proprietor of the location. It is situated on the Little Delaware, about a mile west of the centre of the town, and contains a post office, tannery, grist mill and clothing works. —This place is named on the late map of Delaware county, Bovina Centre, though its postoffice designation is still Brushland. The changing of original names, unless for obvious reasons as in the case of the other village, Bovina, is undesirable and should not be encouraged. The old aboriginal names will soon be nearly all that will be left of the language of the first inhabitants of our hills and valleys. A few relics and names are all that remain.

Bovina, the other village, has also a postoffice, and is situated at the confluence of Maynard and Mountain Brooks, three miles east of Brushland. It has about one hundred inhabitants and is better known in the vicinity by the name of “Butt End,” by which name it has long been distinguished.

The town was first settled in 1792, by Elisha B. Maynard, and within the next five years a considerable number from Connecticut and from Scotland settled in the valleys and intervales. The names of some of these settlers were Francis Coulter, Levi and Jacob Mabie, James Kedzie, (the writer is informed Mr. Kedzie’s first name was Adam, ancestor and grandfather of Adam and Andrew Kedzie, Esqs. of Sanford, Broome county.) Andrew Chisholm, James Ray, Thomas Liddle, A. Nichols, Samuel Davis, and Rev. James Ritchie who conducted the first religions services in 1795. Tho first church formed was United Presbyterian. There are, as reported in the last census, three churches in the town, viz: Methodist Episcopal, Associate Presbyterian and Reformed Presbyterian.

The first birth was that of Elisha H. son of Elisha B . Maynard, Aug. 26.1793. In 1799, James Russell and Nancy Ritchie were married, the first wedding in town. The first death was that of Hezekiah David, in 1798. No schools were established till 1798, when one Edwards first “taught young idea how to shoot.”—

The first one was opened at the Hook, by James Wetmore, and the first store at Brushland, by Robert Hume. Stephen Palmer built the first mill, in 1798, for Gov. Lewis, and the first factory was erected by John Jerome. The inhabitants of this town are chiefly engaged in dairying and sheep raising, in which they excel. They are industrious and thrifty. The finer grains cannot be cultivated to advantage at so great on elevation above the sea, the average height being about two thousand feet.

This town has the least number of inhabitants of any in the county, and its territory is smaller than that of any other, except Harpersfield. It is not densely inhabited, there being only about two hundred and fifty families in the town, and at present about 1400 inhabitants, nearly one-third of whom are children that attend the common schools, which like nearly all others in the county under the supervision of capable and efficient Superintendents, are of a high order and constantly improving in the charge of teachers whose qualifications are such as to ensure confidence and success.

Like most of the eastern towns of the county a majority of the people are of Scotch descent and retain many of the Caledonian characteristics and an ardent remembrance and passionate love of the banks and braes of bonny Scotland.

Deposit, January 9,1864. M. R. H.


Thursday, March 7, 2024

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

 

Here's what was happening in Bovina in March 1924, as reported in the pages of the Andes Recorder.


March 7, 1924

The condition of Andrew T. Doig remains about the same.

A medicine show has been holding forth here the past week.

It is reported that J.K. Russell has sold his farm at Lake Delaware.

Ex-Supervisor Thos C. Strangeway was at Andes on business errands on Monday.

Christopher S. Gladstone and daughter, Miss Ruth were with Andes relatives on Saturday.

The fourth number of the lecture course was given at the town hall on Tuesday evening.

John Blair and Milton Hastings attended the funeral of Charles Blair at East Meredith on Sabbath.

It is stated that a truck load of milk from the Bramley Mountain section of the town will be hauled to Andes this summer.

The seven thorobred Guernseys that Captain Billings on his recent trip to Europe purchased for the Gerry estate at Lake Delaware, arrived Tuesday.

Two sleigh loads of young folks of the Guild of St. John’s church of Delhi came to Lake Delaware last Thursday evening for a leap year party. Supper was served in the parish house of St. James church and the evening was spent in dancing.


Was Native of Bovina

Charles P. Blair died suddenly at his home at East Meredith early Thursday morning February 23, of neuralgia of the heart.  He had been confined to his bed for about a week but his condition was not considered serious.  He was born in Bovina on Marcy 17, 1855 and was the son of Samuel O. Blair and Elizabeth Atken Blair.  He is survived by his wife to whom he was married in 1887, and two sons and two daughters.


March 14, 1924

Thomas H. Johnson is at Delhi this week as a trial juror.

Eli Felton, who is in poor health, has gone to Delhi for medical treatment.

Bovina real estate transfers recorded are Thomas H. Johnson to Constant Proskin, $4,000.

The Youn Woman’s Missionary Society held an all day meeting last Thursday with Mrs. Harvey Burgin.

The morning service at the United Presbyterian church last Sabbath was given over especially to the benefit of the children.

J. Kennedy Russell has sold his farm near Lake Delaware, to Edward C. Dean, of Delhi.  This is the former Henry Hogaboom place.

A young daughter of Jay Waterman at Lake Delaware recently had an eye removed at a New York hospital and an artificial one inserted.

Those who attended the funeral of Mrs. Thos S. Miller at Andes on Sabbath were Mr. and Mrs. Alex Myers, Colin McNaught and son, Robert E. Thomson and wife, Fred Thomson and wife, Mrs. Howard McPherson, Frank Coulter and wife, Anthony Banuat and wife. 


Native of Bovina

Mrs. Joseph Birdsall passed away at Oneonta on March 8

Mrs. Joseph Birdsall died at Oneonta on March 9, having been in failing health for about two years. Interment was in the Plains cemetery.

Her maiden name was Margaret Scott and she was born in Bovina in February 15, 1853, the daughter of the late John C. Scott and Susan Winter. When she was a young girl the family moved to New Kingston. In September, 1886, she married Mr. Birdsall and for nine years they lived in Bovina and 28 years ago they moved to Oneonta. She was a very active worker in the United Presbyterian church. 

Besides her husband she is survived by one son, Clinton Birdsall, and two grandchildren, of Davenport, and two daughters, one a teacher in Schenectady and the other at home. 


Prominent Bovina Man

Andrew T. Doig Dies Saturday Morn- March 8, after Long Illness

Andrew T. Doig, one of the best known citizens of the town of Bovina, died at his home opposite the U.P. church in Bovina Center, at about 5 o’clock Saturday morning, March 8, after an illness of considerable duration from Bright’s disease, aged 58 years. His funeral was held Monday afternoon, his pastor, Rev. F.N. Crawford, officiating.

Deceased was a son of the late Walter L. Doig and Jane McNair and was born in the town of Bovina on a farm on the Turnpike. For a number of years he conducted a general store and a few years ago sold his business to Cecil Russell. Since that time he had been engaged in the selling of Cadillac cars. He was an excellent citizen and for a number of years had held the office of Justice of the peace and had been a trustee of the U.P. church. Besides his wife, who was Carrie Thomson, of Bovina, he is survived by two brothers, William Doig, in Colorado, and Milton Doig on Coulter Brook. 


Born in Bovina

James H. Miller, aged 79 years, died in South Kortright, March 11, from pneumonia. H was a son of James and Madeline (Hastings) Miller and was born in Bovina on February 15, 1845, and in 1895, married Miss Anna Rockwell, of Hobard. He leaves a wife and one son. 



March 21, 1924

Miss Kate Muller is slowly improving from her illness.

James Hilson made a business trip to Kingston last week.

Born to Mr. and Mrs. Laurie Terry, at Lake Delaware, March 12, a son.

Bovina real estate transfers recorded are Maye E. Johnston to Frank G. Liddle, $1.

A daughter was born March 8, to Mr. and Mrs. Harrison Hall, on the former Soper farm.

Mrs. Arthur Flynn of Pepacton, is visiting her parents, Mr. and Mrs. John R. Aitkens.

Mrs. Arthur Decker entertained the Junior Missionary Society Saturday at Mrs. Alex Myers’.

Raymond McNair, of Binghamton, spent the week end with his sister, Mrs. John McCune.

Supervisor Wallace Smith attended a special meeting of the Supervisors at Delhi on Monday evening.

Nelson Tompkins, who has been in poor health for some time, seems to be improving. He will be 93 in April.

Mrs. Douglas Davidson has returned from visiting her brother, David F. Hoy, the Registrar of Cornell University at Ithaca.

Mr. and Mrs. Harvey Burgin entertained Mr. and Mrs. John Hilson, Mr. and Mrs. David Currie, Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Decker on Monday evening. 

Calvin Russell of Bovina, and Miss Eva Dugal, of Syracuse, were married March 15, and arrived her Saturday evening. His sister, Mrs. Hazel Munson, attended the wedding.

The Young Women’s Missionary Society have elected officers as follows: Mrs. William J. Storie, president; Mrs. Charles f. McPherson, vice president; Mrs. John Armstrong, secretary; Mrs. Walter G. Coulter, thank offering secretary; Mrs. Emily Burns, treasurer. 


Aged Woman Dies in Bovina

Mrs. Margaret Scott Passed Away on March 12, After Long Illness

Mrs. Margaret J. Scott, widow of the late W.J.J. Scott, died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Thomas Gordon in Bovina Center, March 12, age 77 years. She had been confined to her bed since she suffered a shock a year ago. The funeral was held Saturday with interment at Delhi.

Deceased was born in Terry Clove in the town of Hamden, January 15, 1847 and was a daughter of Peter Jack, and Mary Richardson. Her father was a native of Scotland and her mother of Ireland. On February 23, 1870, she married William B.J. Scott. After their marriage they resided for many years on a farm in Glenburnie. A number of years ago the family moved to Stamford, where the sons opened the first steam laundry in that village.

She is survived by the daughter mentioned and two sons, Andrew Scott of Stamford, and W.J.J. Scott, of Oneonta. A son, Peter Scott, died in 1900. She also leaves two sisters, Mrs. Jas C. Mabon, Sr., of Delhi and Mrs. Mary Bell, of Bridgeville, N.J., and a brother, John Jack, of Cooperstown.

Those attending the funeral from out-of-town were James B. Scott and wife, Mrs. Robert Brown, Chas Scott, Fall Cove, Jas C. Mabon and wife, and Mrs. Fred Lash, of Delhi, Andrew Scott, of Stamford. 


March 28, 1924

Alex Myers was a caller at the County Seat on Wednesday.

Dixon Thomson was a caller at the County Seat last Thursday.

William A. Hoy tapped his sugar bush last week.  A few others tapped this week.

Mr. and Mrs. Robert A. Thomson, of Hobart, spent the past week with relatives here.

Born to Mr. and Mrs. Gaylie Hafele on Coulter Brook, Saturday March 22, a seven pound son.

Mrs. William Armstrong has been ill the past week with the grippe, but is now much better.

The annual meeting of the United Presbyterian congregation will be held on Tuesday, April 1.

Mr. and Mrs. Otis McCumber, of Andes, with their two grandchildren, Isabelle and John Bentley, were recent callers at the home of Mrs. McCumber’s sisters, Misses Kate and Fred Muller.


Was Native of Bovina

Walter Campbell, who was born in Bovina in 1846, died in Walton on March 17. He was the eldest of the nine children of William Campbell and Agnes Murray and never married. Three brothers survive. The body was placed in the vault at Walton and later it will be interred in the Bovina Center cemetery.


Thursday, February 29, 2024

This Day in Bovina for February 2024

134 years ago, the February 1, 1890 Delaware Republican had a couple of items in its Bovina column on Bovina butter: Some of our farmers who were dreaming of 25c for their butter last September, are now selling for 15c. ''Tis true, 'tis pity; pity 'tis, 'tis true.'"  The column went on to note later "The way some of our farmers hang on to their butter is rather suggestive of the grippe."


Ninety-eight years ago today, on February 2, 1926, a program from the "Home Talent Minstrels" was held to benefit the "Basket Ball Team." The program included Clarence Becker, Frank Miller, Howard McPherson, Kenneth Kaufman, Sandy Myers, G.M. Banker, Sheldon Edgerton, Earl Smith, Lloyd Ormiston, George Storie, John Armstrong, Nort Forrest and Cecil Russell.


105 years ago on February 3, 1919, as later reported in the Andes Recorder, "Mrs. Mary Swart, who has been in poor health for some time, suffered a shock about 5 o’clock Tuesday morning, at the home of her niece, Mrs. William Crosier, and lies in precarious condition." She died a few days later on February 8.


125 years ago, on February 4, 1899, Mrs. Violet Johnson died suddenly at her home in the Mountain Brook area while on the telephone.  As later reported in the Andes Recorder, “John Hewitt was talking to her during the forenoon and all at once he noticed something unusual but supposed something was wrong with the instrument.  When her son, Thomas, went into the house for dinner he found her laying on the floor dead.”  Violet was born in Scotland in 1834, the daughter of Thomas and Helen Hamilton. She married Thomas H. Johnston and had four children. She was survived by two of her sons, “who are proprietors of the Woolen Mills.”


204 years ago today, on February 5, 1820, bills were reported on petitions in the New York State Legislature. One bill, reported by Mr. Storrs, was "An act to erect a new town by the name Bovina…in the county of Delaware."


Ninety years ago today, on February 6, 1934, Archibald Phyfe died. Born in 1848, he spent his whole life in Bovina, most of it on the family farm. He married Mary Ormiston in 1875 and was widowed 10 years later. His sister Sarah moved in with him to help raise his two daughters. On February 4, 1928, Archie and his sister were overcome by coal gas. He survived but Sarah died. More about the tragedy involving Sarah can be found in the Bovina NY History Blog at http://bovinanyhistory.blogspot.com/2011/02/dangers-of-coal-gas.html


Ninety-eight years ago today, on February 7, 1926, as later reported in the Andes Recorder, "Mr. and Mrs. John P. Dennis, celebrated the 55th anniversary of their wedding ... at their home, Glenwood, on the Richmond road Williamsburg, Virginia.  Miss Louise Dennis, a sister and the only guest at the wedding now living, was present, and also all of their children. Mr. Dennis is a native of Bovina, and for many years conducted the Dennis grist mill.  Around a quarter of a century ago he went to Virginia." John died at the end of December 1929, his wife in 1937.


123 years ago today, the Garnett (Kansas) Eagle, in its February 8, 1901 issue, reported on a call made by the congregation of the U.P. Church in that town. The report, later published in the Andes Recorder under the heading "A Bovina Boy,” went on to state that "At a congregational meeting of the United Presbyterian Church last Tuesday afternoon, it was unanimously agreed to call the Rev. W.T. Mabon to the pastorate of the church here.  Rev. Mabon has addressed this congregation a few times and the members were delighted with him.  He is a young man just graduated from the seminary at Xenia, Ohio.  His home is in Bovina Delaware County, N.Y.  It is understood that Rev. Mabon will accept the call. He will locate in Garnet in about a month."


160 years ago today, on February 9, 1864, Michael Miller signed this oath of office as town clerk for the Town of Bovina. He would serve for one term. 



Seventy-three years ago today, on February 10, 1951, as later reported in the Bovina column of the Catskill Mountain News, "A large number of people from Bovina attended John Deere day…at the South Kortright central school. A dinner was served to nearly seven hundred people. They were honored to hear Radio Farm Advisor Ed Mitchell with a fine speech." Ed Mitchell was a broadcaster on station WGY, starting in 1927.


159 years ago today on February 11, 1865, these two receipts were issued for payment to Robert Scott and James Elliott for $25 each.  Scott and Elliott incurred these expense by going to New York City to recruit volunteers to help Bovina meet its recruitment quota. 



Eighty-seven years ago today, the February 12, 1937 Otsego Farmer reported that "A Delaware County jury in Supreme Court at Delhi on Wednesday night, valued a human life at $2,250 when it returned a verdict after six hours' deliberation in favor of Mrs. Minnie Hansen of Bovina for the death of her son, Claude Hansen, fatally injured in an accident near Shavertown more than a year ago." The paper went on to report that her son Walford received $1,282 for injuries received in the same accident. He was incapacitated for over nine months. Claude died in December 1935 and was buried in the Bovina cemetery. His mother passed away in 1960. The Hansens had come to Bovina from Colorado in the 1920s.


121 years ago today, on the evening of February 13, 1903, in celebration of Valentine's Day, a Basket Social or Sociable was held at Strangeway's Hall. The Andes Recorder announced the event - "Come and get your Valentine at the Basket Social in Strangeway’s Hall, on Friday evening, February 13. Every lady will please bring a basket with lunch in it for two."  A few days later, on February 17, another "Basket Sociable” was held at Elmer E. Hastings, with the "Money to be used to purchase new Bible Songs."


124 years ago today, on February 14, 1900, "Archibald F. Maynard died at his home in the upper part of this town Wednesday night, aged 70 years." The Andes Recorder noted that "He had been in failing health for about six months.  Mr. Maynard lived on the old Maynard homestead and was born and spent all his life on the farm on which he died.  In 1875 he married Jennie L, daughter of Hector Cowan, of Stamford, who with one son survives him.  The funeral will be held on Friday."


Seventy-three years ago today, the February 15, 1951 Bovina column in the Delaware Republican-Express reported that "Last week the Bovina Center Co-Operative Dairy, Inc. again paid a thirteenth check to its patrons for milk delivered. A total of $19,410.00 or $.02 1/2 per dollar value of all milk delivered at the plant during the year 1950 was paid." The paper went on to note that "Over the period of the past eight years the Bovina Center Co-Operative Dairy, Inc. has paid its patrons total of $290,000.00 in thirteenth checks and special premiums or an average of $.234 per cwt. For all milk delivered at the plant during that time."


130 years ago today, the February 16, 1894 Andes Recorder in its Bovina column reported that "The plasterers are at work on Peter McNair's new home." This home is on Maple Avenue, now owned by Steve and Maureen Roberts. The same column also reported that "J.P. Dennis intends putting in a shingle mill in the near future. Bovina already has one shingle mill."


Eighty-one years ago today, on February 17, 1943, Kathryn Louise McPherson was born, the daughter of Lester McPherson and Margaret L. Russell. Better known as Louise, she married Wilford Barnhart in 1971 and, sadly, died in 1980 when she was only 37.


184 years ago today, on February 18, 1840, the Town of Bovina held its annual meeting and elected officers, including the Supervisor, Town Clerk, Assessors, Commissioners of Highway, Commissioners and Inspectors of Common Schools, Tax Collector, Constables, Overseers of the Poor and Justices of the Peace. The names of those elected are in the document below: 



Forty-three years ago today, on February 19, 1981, Margaret Hoy passed away. Born in Bovina in 1911, she was the daughter of Adam Laidlaw and Emma Campbell. She married Jim Hoy in 1935 and had three children before she was widowed in 1956. Margaret was the Bovina Town Clerk for a number of years, retiring in 1976.


136 years ago today, on February 20, 1888, William Clinton Burns was born. A lifelong Bovina resident, he married Emily Elliott in 1915. They had five children: Robert E., James, Eleanor, Clarence and Kathryn. Bill died in 1975 at the age of 87.


181 years ago today, on February 21, 1843, Walter Stott, Jr, the Commissioner of Common Schools in Bovina certified an alteration in school district 10, transferring James Aitkins from district 10 to district 2 (which was located in the area of Pink Street). 



144 years ago today, on February 22, 1880, Walter Thompson died. As later reported in the Bovina column of the Stamford Mirror, Thompson was a blacksmith in Bovina. The paper noted that "Mr. Thompson had been in poor health for some time, but was not confined to bed. On the morning of his death not feeling as well as usual a physician was sent for, but death ensued about half an hour after the doctor's arrival. The remains were taken to DeLancey for interment."


Eighty-three years ago today on February 23, 1941, as later reported in the Delaware Republican, "Mrs. W.J. Storie gave a ten-cent tea at her home for the benefit of the A.W.V.S…"


138 years ago today, on February 24, 1886, the Bovina Town Board appointed Gilbert D. Miller as overseer of the poor after John Hastings, who was elected to the office on February 9, refused to serve. Here is the document of appointment: 



103 years ago, the Andes Recorder for February 25, 1921 reported the following: "Mrs. Ann Bouton, of Lake Delaware, has in her possession a violin of interest to many.  Her father, Sandy Gillie (for many years court crier) bought the violin from Alva Belcher, the well remembered fiddler of his day, for his son, William Gillie, who died while serving his country in the civil war." For more on William Gillie, go to the Bovina NY History blog at http://bovinanyhistory.blogspot.com/2012/05/bovina-in-civil-war-soldier-biographies.html.


Ninety-four years ago today, the Bovina column of the February 26, 1930 Delaware Republican reported that "T.C. Strangway has not been so well for a little while. Dr. Thomson was there on Saturday to bleed him. Mr. Strangeway had this done a year ago and thought it a relief." He survived this treatment a little over two years, dying in July 1932.


Seventy-six years ago today, the Bovina column in the February 27, 1948 Catskill Mountain News reported that "Robert Hall came out the first of the week with a new Oldsmobile, which is well worth the second look."


Thirty-five years ago today, on February 28, 1989, the Delaware County Times carried this article about Ed and Donna Weber's farm and an award they received. 



160 years ago today, on February 29, 1864, William B. Laidlaw and David A. Elliott signed these statements requesting to have the $350 owed to them by the town of Bovina as a bounty for enlisting paid to relatives. William's payment was to his uncle Ebenezer. David's payment was to his brother John A., himself a Civil War veteran who was discharged for disability the month before. David was captured in June 1864 and died in Andersonville prison in three months later.  




Thursday, February 22, 2024

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


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

February 3, 1899

John Storie was at Delhi Thursday.

Mrs. Emma Campbell was home over Sabbath.

Adam Scott, of Delhi, was in town Saturday.

David Muir and family visited in town Thursday.

John K. Russell and Thomas Hutson were up from Delhi Monday.

Mrs. Dixon Thompson was a guest of Andrew Kaufman at Margaretville last week.

Mr. and Mrs. Robert Fiero visited his father, Peter Fiero at Margaretville last week. 

Born to Mr. and Mrs. William L. Forrest, January 26, a son.  Think of Abraham and Sarah. [This was a reference to the fact that when the son was born the couple’s only other child was 19. The boy was Norton Forrest, who died in 1957. Mrs. Forrest was the former Mary Lunn.]

Thomas Gordon, Robert A. Thomson, Lance Thomson and Frank Miller were among those at Delhi Tuesday.

Mr. and Mrs. G.D. Miller returned from East Branch Friday, where they had been called by the illness of Mrs. Miller’s sister.

At the first entertainment given by the Fortnightly Club at Strangeway’s Hall on Friday evening, January 27, everything from the first chorus to the last act was rendered in a pleasing and satisfactory manner.  Those who were fortunate enough to attend speak of it in words of highest praise.

The following are some interesting facts in regard to the United Presbyterian Sabbath School for the year 1898: Total enrollment 297; average attendance 202; contributions $530; forwarded to church boards $471; scholars reciting catechism perfectly 19; scholars receiving Robert Raikes diploma 11. For the first three Sabbaths in 1899 the collections have amounted to $31.17 or about a dollar more per Sabbath than in 1898. 

The Walton Times says: “James C. Mabon, one of Bovina’s prominent farmers, passed through town on Tuesday en route for Scranton for the purpose of selling a portion of his dairy of butter.  He returned on Thursday, having disposed of 3,200 pounds of butter, which he shipped this week.  Mr. Mabon is a gentleman who believes that the farmer is as capable of transacting business as any one.  The result of his trip would indicate that this is true, and that he has no use for the middle man.


February 10, 1899

Hugh Rose was in town on Thursday.

William Richardson was at Delhi on Monday.

Dr. Phinney was at the County Seat Monday.

William J. Doig was over at Bloomville Monday.

Miss Jennie E. Miller visited Bloomville Thursday.

Monday Peter McNair made a trip to New Kingston.

It is reported that Earley Eckart will move back to the village.

Harry Oliver and George Elliott were in town this first of the week.

Born in this village, February 6, to Mr. and Mrs. William L. Moore, a daughter. [The daughter was named Melissa Katherine. Her mother was the former Aggie Washburn. She went by the name Katherine. Married to Francis A. Shaw in 1918, she died in 1979 at the age of 80.]

Jennie E. Miller has sold the part of her farm that is on the other side of river to Wilson Scott.

Bills are posted for an auction sale of the goods in the Doig store.  Sale from day to day until all are sold.

Fremont and Pearl Oliver, son and daughter of David Oliver, of Delancey, have been guests of relatives in town.

George Raitt, who is employed by Olcott & Shanks of Walton, is doing a large job of plumbing for Elmer E. Hastings.

Some Bovina people at Delhi Saturday were, Mr. and Mrs. George Gladstone, Albert and Charles McPherson, G.D. and B.S. Miller, E.C. Burgin.

“The Midnight Charge” will be given here the last week in February for the benefit of the Methodist church. It will be under the management of Ed Hanlon. [The Midnight Charge was a play, the full title being “The Midnight Charge: A Grand Military Play in Four Acts” by W. Elsworth Stedman.]

Perhaps some that heard the debate in Strangeway’s Hall may not know how many foreigners were in the army during the Rebellion.  There were native Americans, 1,523,000; Germans, 177,800; Irish, 144,2000; British Americans, 53,5000; English, 45,500; other foreigners, 74,900.

Mrs. Violet Johnson, widow of the late Thomas Johnson died very suddenly last Saturday at her home at the Butt End, aged 68 years.  John Hewitt was talking to her [on the telephone] during the forenoon and all at once he noticed something unusual but supposed something was wrong with the instrument.  When her son, Thomas, went into the house for dinner he found her laying on the floor dead.  She leaves two sons, who are proprietors of the Woolen Mills.  The funeral was held Tuesday.


February 17, 1899

Thomas Oliver was here on Saturday.

Edwin J. Scott was at Delhi Monday.

Earley Eckart has moved into the old cooper shop.

Mr. and Mrs. Butts came back from Davenport on Sabbath.

It is said that Walter Liddle will soon move into the village.

Milton Doig has moved to John G. Thomson’s above the village.

Otis McCumber and family were visitors at Mrs. Muller’s last Friday.

Thomas Gordon was at Delhi Monday after the town meeting tickets.

Mr. and Mrs. Lance Thomson and John Oliver were at Delhi Monday.

Mr. and Mrs. John R. Hoy have returned from Oil City, Pennsylvania.

Miss Belle Miller has been visiting her uncle, William Miller at Walton.

Miss Anna Phyfe has completed her course at the Oneonta Normal school.

Friday and Saturday mornings was reported the coldest so far this winter.

Rev. Samson and wife went to Delhi Sabbath evening where he preached in the Second Presbyterian church.

Archie Maynard is making preparations to build a fine new carriage house in the very near future.

Mrs. D.L. Thomson has disposed of her millinery business at Walton and has moved to her new home here.

John W. McCune has moved from D.L. Thomson’s rooms to the John Phyfe house, lately occupied by M.A. Doig, where he will remain until his new house is completed.

“The Midnight Charge” is to be played here under the management of Ed. Hanlon, supported by a strong local cast, February 23 and 24, for the benefit of the Methodist church.

As a usual thing Bovina is the banner town on making returns of taxes to the county treasurer and this year was no exception.  Collector Gladstone was the first of the nineteen collectors to settle with the treasurer.


Result of Town Meeting

Town meeting passed off very quietly Tuesday and there was no excitement to bring out the vote and only 157 exercised the right of suffrage. The excise question was not voted upon.

The following was the vote [r-Republican; d-Dempcrat]:


Supervisor-John Irvine, r, 112; A.A. Johnson, d, 28

Town Clerk-Thomas Gordon, r. 113; William Maynard, d, 28.

Justices-W.L. White, r, 111; Jacob Baily, d, 27; D.J. Miller, r, 109; John S. Hobbie, d, 30; George Currie, r, 112; Michael Dickson, d, 31; T.C. Strangeway, r 94; Archie Maynard, d, 41

Assessors-George Cable, r, 110; Jas T. McFarland, d, 25; Michael Miller, r, 93; William McCune, d, 37; John Whitson, r, 112; Horace C. Hogaboom, d, 26.

Commissioner of Highways-Frank C. Armstrong, r, 104; Thomas R. Boggs, d, 35

Overseer of Poor-D.C. Worde, r, 111; Andrew Johnson, d, 29.

Collector-Robert A. Thomson, r, 113; Russell Archibald, d, 28.

Inspectors-Robert Fiero, r, 112; James A. Thomson, r, 113; Charles A. Tuttle, d, 25; William A. Hoy, d, 26


February 24, 1899

Thomas Miller was at Andes on Wednesday.

Arthur Neish has rented rooms in A.B. Jardine’s house.

Harry Oliver and Jay Hawver were here Sabbath evening.

Mr. and Mrs. John Blair were down at Delhi on Thursday.

Mr. and Mrs. William T. Black visited Andes last Thursday.

Miss Carrie Hoy has been here from Walton visiting relatives.

Irene Forrest and Nell McNee were over at Andes Thursday last.

Thomas Gladstone and sisters were in town Tuesday from Andes.

Alexander Hilson and John Storie were at the County Seat Friday.

Mrs. James Elliott has been visiting her daughter, Mrs. Eugene Allen.

William Richardson and wife are visiting relatives at Margaretville.

Adolphus Frisbee and wife, of Andes passed through town Tuesday.

T.W. Miller and wife of the Andes Recorder were in town Sabbath.

David Taylor and family and Mrs. William Elliott were in town Saturday.

Thomas Ormiston is to hold an entertainment on Friday evening, March 3, at the Centre.

Among those we noticed in town on last Thursday, were Gurdeon Dibble, and Lou Cooper.

Mr. and Mrs. E. George Gladstone returned Friday from a visit with relatives at Shavertown.

John Irvine, Frank R. Coulter and Elliott Thomson went to New York City Monday morning. 

At the recent special school meeting held in the Ed. Coulter district Thomas Mabon was elected trustee.

Dauley & Wright, of Oneonta, have the contract to erect a handsome Hill O’Fare granite sarcophagus in memory of Duncan Campbell. [Campbell had died the previous December.]

A social was held in the Christian Endeavor rooms of the United Presbyterian church last Friday evening for benefit of the Sabbath School. 


Wednesday, February 14, 2024

Edward O'Connor: "From the Young America, Farewell"


I’ve found another document concerning Edward O’Connor, the Bovina resident involved in the climax of the Anti-Rent War. More about O’Connor can be found in this blog at Bovina (NY) History: Stories from Bovina's Cemeteries - What Ever Happened to Edward O'Connor? (bovinanyhistory.blogspot.com)


In March 1921, David F. Hoy, Registrar at Cornell University, donated an item to the university archives. It was a poem written by Edward O’Connor, who had been sentenced to hang for the murder of Undersheriff Osman Steele in August 1845. The poem was written to his girlfriend, Janet Scott. 


It was written in Delhi on October 17, 1845 while he awaited his execution, scheduled for November 29, 1845. 


From the Young America

Farewell


Sore sure is my heart when I think of the night

So dark and so lonely so gloomy the sight

But little I thought I should never see more

My fond my sweet Jennett the girl I adore


So finally I pressed her soft bosom to mine

I loved her so dearly she was almost divine

But then when we parted what prophet could tell

I was bidding my fair one forever farewell


What tongue or what pen can my feeling express

To think of my loved one in keenest distress

My blood rushes through me and makes my heart swell

To write to my fond one forewell ah farewell


Oh well I remember the simple fond strain

When we parted she asked when shall we meet again

Our tears intermingled and swiftly they fell

But ah we were taking a final farewell


Oh Father in Heaven it is my desire

And ever shall be my humblest prayer

That Thou mayest protect her own parents as well

I send her my fondest my sweetest farewell


Edward O’Connor


Presented to my friends to preserve as a memorandum for him who died in his country’s cause November 29, 1845, aged 26 years the 17th October 1845.


Freedom’s willing son bleeds free

Through scourge and storm for liberty


E. O’Connor


On the back of the poem was this statement:


Edward O Connor, poetry whilst under the sentence of death for the murder of undersheriff Steel.

From the Cornell University Library, Rare and Manuscript Collections


Hoy says that his grandfather, David Miller, was one of a committee that appeared before the governor, urging leniency. The jury that convicted O’Connor pled for leniency, too, as did a number of correspondents to the governor. The governor was finally persuaded to commute the sentence to life in prison only a week before the scheduled execution. Ultimately, O'Connor was pardoned and released from jail within two years of his conviction.


Another letter written by O’Connor, donated by the late Andy VanBenschoten to the Delaware County Historical Association, was featured in this blog about a decade ago: Bovina (NY) History: "I did for friends and liberty" - The Jailhouse Letter from Edward O'Connor (bovinanyhistory.blogspot.com)


Wednesday, February 7, 2024

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



Here's what was happening in Bovina in February 1924, as reported in the pages of the Andes Recorder.


February 1, 1924

Mrs. James A. Gow spent last Thursday with relatives at Andes.

Thermometers here were 24 below zero and some even lower on Sabbath morning.

Word has been received of the death at Salinas, California, of David Gill, whose early life was spent in Bovina.  He was 84 years of age and went to California around 50 years ago.

Alex. Myers has received announcement of the marriage of his nephew, George Kaufman. Mr. Kaufman, who lives at Saugerties, is surrogate of Ulster county. He is a son of the late Charles Kaufman, who was well known in this vicinity.

The Annual meeting of the Bovina Center Co-Operative Creamery Company was held Tuesday and the following directors were elected, viz: Frank T. Miller, Frank A. Coulter, J. Russell Boggs, Fred H. Bramley and Fred J. Henderson. At a meeting of the directors, held the same day, Frank T. Miller was chosen president and Fred J. Henderson, secretary and treasurer. 


Buried in Delhi

Wallace Arbuckle died in Oneonta, January 27, and burial was made in Delhi on Tuesday. He was the son of Hon. James N. Arbuckle, who was born in Glenburnie on the farm adjoining the Soper farm, in Bovina. He was employed n a bank in Newark, N.J. for 25 years until his health failed a few years ago. 


February 8, 1924 

Miss Jane Archibald is pending the week with friends at Andes.

Mr. and Mrs. Harvey Burgin were at Andes last Friday evening.

Andrew T. Doig has been confined to his home with sciatica rheumatism.

A son was born recently to Mr. and Mrs. Doolittle at their home on Robert Gerry’s estate in southern Bovina. 

Born to Mr. and Mrs Harold Cole, on the Chas Tuttle farm on the Turnpike in Bovina, February 6, a son.

Mrs. Douglas Davidson and daughter, Mrs. William J. Storie, and Mrs. John Storie were shoppers at Delhi on Wednesday last.

At United Presbyterian church Sabbath morning, the pastor, Rev. F.N. Crawford, preached a sermon especially for the children. 

George Travis, who has been making his home with his aunt, Mrs. Wallace Smith, up-town, has entered a boy’s school through the kindness of Miss Gerry.

William C. Russell is preparing to build a new house on the lot adjoining the residence of T.C. Strangeway in Bovina Center.  We understand that Jas. T. Aitken and son of Andes, will be the carpenters.  

The Bovina Co-Operative Creamery Company had their ice house filled this week with 14 inch ice from Howard Coulter’s pond near Andes.  Other ice houses have been filled from the same source and from the Gerry Lake.  


Have a Son

A son was born February 4, to Mr. and Mrs. H. Glen Harper, of Delhi at the Brady Maternity hospital in Albany. The mother is a daughter of E.C. Dean and a granddaughter of the late John Bramley of Bovina.


February 15, 1924

Harvey Burgin has been under the doctor’s care the past week.

Andrew T. Doig, while improving from his illness, is still confined to his home.

Owing to the furnace being out of order there was no preaching at the U.P. church last Sabbath.

G.D. Miller, the only surviving veteran of the civil war, who has been confined to his home, able to be around again.

The former Methodist church, that was purchased a couple of years ago by D.C. Worden, is being used for roller skating.

Supervisor Wallace B. Smith was at Delhi the first of the week attending the organization meeting of the Board of supervisors.

John Henry, who lives up-town, was quite severely injured last week by his wagon slewing around on the ice and throwing him out.

Miss Mary Thomson, of Hobart, spent a few days last week with her brother, Elliott Thomson, and sister, Mrs. Jas A. Liddle.

Mrs. Alex Crosier, who is spending the winter with her son in Philadelphia, recently underwent a successful operation for removal of gall stones.

Miss Mary Belle Scott, daughter of John Scott at Lake Delaware, has graduated from the Oneonta Normal and has entered the State College at Albany. 


February 22, 1924

William Coyert, of Unadilla, was in town Saturday.

Hugh Garland has been working in the creamery during the illness of Harvey Burgin.

Nelson Tompkins, our oldest resident, has been confined to his bed part of the time for the past few days.

William J. Storie was at Delhi on Tuesday attending the first quarterly meeting of the Junior Extension Board.

Wallace B. Smith was at Delhi on Monday evening attending a special meeting of the Board of Supervisors.

“Ted” Burgin, son of Mrs. Ida T. Burgin, while cranking a [car] Saturday at Delhi had the misfortune to break his arm.

Captain Billings, superintendent of the Gerry farms at Lake Delaware, was at Dehi on Tuesday and gave an account before Kiwanis club of his recent visit to Europe.

The Bovina Center Co-Operative Creamery Company are making extensive improvements.  The big boiler will be moved over beside the other two and a new pan put in.  A. Jones and his assistants, of Roxbury, are on the job.

William C. Russell, who will erect a new house here this spring, has been hauling hemlock logs to “Wat” Couter’s mill from the Russell homestead farm in southern Bovina.  Some of the logs were over three feet in diameter.


Fell a Few Feet and Broke His Leg

Elmer Doig had the misfortune to break his leg between the knee and ankle last week while working on the new garage of Gaylie Hafele on the Thomson farm up Coulter Brook.  He and Mr. Hafele were on a scaffold putting on the roof and the scaffold swung sideways and went down carrying Mr. Doig with it.  Mr. Hafele managed to grasp the roof and save himself.  Mr. Doig only fell some five or six feet but struck among some stones.


Bovina Man Falls on Ice

Thomas R. Boggs, who lives in upper Bovina, and is one of the oldest residents of the town, had a narrow escape one day last week.  Mr. Boggs was going out into the orchard to cut some wood and was carrying an axe and a saw.  He slipped on the ice and in falling a gash was cut in his hand by the axe and the saw cut his neck.


Was Native of Bovina

Rev Joseph P. Dysart, a native of Bovina, passed away recently at his home in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, having lived more than four score years.

Dr. Dysart was a son of the late Peter Dysart and was born on the farm now owned by William T. Russell in Bovina.  In his early ministry he was pastor of churches at Troy and Albany and thirty-two years ago located in Wisconsin and found the Children’s Home society of that state, which has cared for more than 4,000 children by adopting them into good families.  He was also at one time president of the National Children’s Home Body. He was proud of his works.


Lake Delaware Infant Dies

The infant son of Mr. and Mrs. Loton Doolittle, who live in a house on the estate of Robert L. Gerry in southern Bovina, died February 19, aged 28 days. Rev. Edgelow conducted the funeral service and the body was placed in the vault at Delhi. 


February 29, 1924

Mrs. E. Thomson, of Walton, is at Andrew T. Doig’s.

The town  board has purchased a new Ames road grader.

Charles Hafele had one of his team or horses die the past week.

Town Clerk David G. Currie has been re-appointed notary public.

Andrew T. Doig continues critically ill at his home in Bovina Center.

From a bake sale the Whitcomb circle of the United Presbyterian church realized $10.

Eli Felton, who lives uptown has sold his entire dairy of cows to Will Ceas, the Bloomville cattle dealer.

Miss Alice Joslin, of Cabin Hill, spent from Friday until Monday with her sister, Mrs. Alex Thomson in upper Bovina.

Mrs. Kate Muller was taken with an attack of appendicitis the first of the week but it is now hoped that an operation can be avoided.

The Junior class of Delaware Academy enjoyed a sleigh ride an spent the evening with their class mate, Miss Helen Gladstone.

Mrs. Alex Hilson is preparing to build a new house the coming summer on the site of the present residence opposite Hilson Bros store.

Ruth, the 8-year-old daughter of Mrs. Hull, housekeeper for Floyd W. Hyatt, was taken ill on Monday with what proved to be appendicitis and she was taken to Delhi on Tuesday and operated upon. 


Wednesday, January 31, 2024

This Day in Bovina for January 2024


Here's the compilation of the Town of Bovina Historian Facebook daily entries for January 2024:


Ninety-four years ago today, the January 1, 1930 Delaware Republican carried this Bovina Center column.



 

146 years ago today, on January 2, 1878, "A building in Brushland, occupied by John Phyfe as a tailor shop, and the upper part by his son as a residence, took fire from a stove pipe…and before it could be extinguished, a considerable damage was done both to the building and contents."

 

105 years ago today, the January 3, 1919 Catskill Mountain News reported that "Miss Angelica L. Gerry will erect an Episcopal church at Lake Delaware on the plot of ground lying between the state road and the road and the road leading to the Lake. The edifice will be built of imported stone. A house will also be erected for the use of the rector."

 

132 years ago today, on January 4, 1882, as later reported in the Bovina column of the Stamford Mirror, "S.G. Bramley lost a valuable ox….He was starting logs when one ran against the ox's leg, breaking it so badly that it had to be killed."

 

Fifty-seven years ago today, the January 5, 1967 Walton Reporter had this item in its Bovina column: "Winners in the Christmas decoration contest were: First, Mr. and Mrs, Herbert Parsons; second, Mr. and Mrs. John Robson; third, Mrs. Margaret Hoy; fourth, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Eaton. Judges were Mrs. Barbara Arnold of Lake Delaware and Richard Rusnock of Delhi."

 

Ninety-four years ago today, the January 6, 1930 Delaware Express in its Bovina column reported that "Thomas A. Archibald and family, whose home was destroyed by fire Monday morning have moved into the tenant house on Lee Calhoun's farm which they will occupy during the winter."

 

191 years ago today, on January 7, 1833, the Bovina Association Presbyterian Church session met. The main topic of discussion concerned "James Coulter having given in a complaint in in writing against William McGibbon Jr for traveling with a loaded wagon on [the] Sabbath."  The gist of the story is that McGibbon has been seen traveling to Catskill on Saturday afternoon and was then seen there on Monday, so an assumption was made that he made some of the journey on Sunday. It was fairly quickly proven, based on the testimony of several witnesses, that McGibbon did not travel on the Sabbath. "James Coulter … expressed his sorrow for taking up an ill report against a Brother, and stated he did not retain any malice or ill will to William McGibbon." The session indicated that they knew "James Coulter to be a peaceable young man [and] did not inflict any censure upon him for this than admonishing him to be more careful for the time to come." Thirty-three years later, James would once again appear before the session in a more serious matter. More at the Bovina NY History blog at http://bovinanyhistory.blogspot.com/2011/05/brothers-in-law-part-i.html

 

Eighty-two years ago today, the January 8, 1942 Delaware Republican published this short Bovina Centre column:



 

141 years ago today, January 9, 1883, as later reported in the Bovina column of the Stamford Mirror, "Mr. Andrew McGibbon fell….from the hay lot to the barn floor, a distance of about nine feet, and hurt his ankle and back quite badly." He never totally recovered from this injury, dying in July 1883 at the age of 80.

 

102 years ago today, on January 10, 1922, as later reported in the Andes Recorder, "Miss Louise Dennis had a sale of household goods...  After a visit with relatives in Walton she will go to Virginia to live with her brother, John P. Dennis."

 

128 years ago today, on January 11, 1896, a meeting was held in Andes concerning "an electric railroad."  A number of Bovina people attended this meeting.  As later reported in the Andes Recorder, "Our people are very anxious to have an electric railroad…The only trouble appears to be raising of the $2,000 a mile which the company requires, and the people think this is almost more than they can stand."  See the Bovina NY History blog at https://bovinanyhistory.blogspot.com/2011/03/when-trains-almost-came-i-everything.html for the start of a four-part series about this attempt to bring the trains to Bovina.

 

Ninety-five years ago today, the January 12, 1929 Bovina column of the Delaware Republican reported that "there are several cases of measles both in Bovina and Bovina Center." The same column also reported that "The superintendent of highways, with help, put salt on the Andes road and also at Lake Delaware. Cars had rather a sliding time of it, but no one was hurt."

 

172 years ago today, on January 13, 1852, John Murray took out this chattel mortgage with James Cowan of Cortland County for the amount of $370.63. He mortgaged to Cowan twelve cows, three calves, twenty sheep, a wagon, a sleigh, a harness, one five-year-old mare, one four year old horse and three acres of rye. He had a year to pay off the amount. Otherwise, Cowan would take possession of the aforementioned items. There is no record as to whether or not the mortgage was paid off. 



 

Eighty-one years ago today the Bovina column in the Delaware Republican-Express for January 14, 1943 reported that "Friends of Charles Hyatt now of the Bronx, New York City, a former resident of this community will regret to know that he has been compelled to give up his work and enter a sanatorium for treatment. His physician gives him hopes of better health again after having a lung collapsed and a rest period of four months." Hyatt was born in Yonkers on June 10, 1895, but lived in Bovina during the 1920s. His illness was tuberculosis from which he did not recover. A little over a year later, on July 19, 1944, Charles died in the Bronx at the age of 49. He was buried in Yonkers, where he was born.

 

117 years ago today, January 15, 1907, while returning from the funeral of Frank Coulter in their horse and wagon, Mr. and Mrs. John A. Irvine, met Fine Hunt in the area where Coulter Brook Road comes onto present day County Route 6.  Irvine's horse became frightened at some logs that Hunt was dragging behind his wagon. The horse went off the bank and over a stone wall, taking the wagon and occupants with it.  Mrs. Irvine sustained slight injury and Mr. Irvine escaped uninjured.  The harness was broken and the dashboard smashed. The Irvines lived on Coulter Brook Road and were the parents of Isabell Russell.

 

134 years ago today, on January 16, 1890, Christopher Strangeway died at the age of 75. Born in Scotland in 1814, he married Margaret Thompson in 1836 in Bovina. They would have seven children. Fifty-three years after his death, on January 16, 1943, his granddaughter Elizabeth Strangeway, daughter of his son Andrew T. Strangeway, died at the age of 68. Both images courtesy of the Hilson family. The image of Lizzie Strangeway likely is that of Christopher's granddaughter, but I can't be 100% sure. 




 

136 years ago today, the January 17, 1888 Bovina column of the Stamford Mirror reported that "Robert Black, late teacher in the Bovina Centre district, failed to return on the expiration of his holiday vacation, and A.F. Storie has been employed and is now teaching the school." Black had been hired the previous September to teach the 'winter term.' What ultimately happened to him I have yet to determine.

 

165 years ago today, the Bloomville Mirror for January 18, 1859, carried this advertisement. This likely is the Edward O'Connor of Anti-Rent War fame. The only known photograph of O'Connor may have been done at his 'picture gallery.' It shows O'Connor and his three children and was taken a few months after his wife's death in May 1858. 


 


 

142 years ago today, on January 19, 1882, "The personal property of James H. Dean….[was] sold at public auction….to satisfy a mortgage held by Wm. McNaught, of Hobart."

 

134 years ago today, on January 20, 1890, the third of three deaths from pneumonia in less than three weeks occurred. As later reported in the Delaware Gazette, "D. Lyle Thomson, of Bovina Center, died of pneumonia…., aged about 38." The paper went on to note that Thomson's brother, Andrew, "died of the same disease about a week ago (January 4), also Mr. Christopher Strangeway, father of Mr. A.T. Strangeway, of Bovina (January 16)."

 

105 years ago today, the January 21, 1919 Andes Recorder Bovina column had the following item "At a farmer’s meeting held Tuesday about 44 names were enrolled as members of the Dairymen’s League, W.J. Storie was chosen president; A.T. Archibald, secretary, and Frank T. Miller, treasurer.  A good start for the League in Bovina."

 

135 years ago today, the Bovina column of the January 22, 1889 Stamford Mirror had the following item: "Leonard Sloan was trying how near he could skate to the edge of the mill-dam without going over, when his foot struck some obstruction on the ice and he took a flying leap over the dam into the water below the falls." Leonard David Sloan, born in 1872, survived his 'flight' over the falls. He died at the age of 43 in 1916.

 

157 years ago today, the January 23, 1867 issue of the Delaware Gazette noted the following: "Hall of Military Record. - Alexander Storie, Supervisor of the town of Bovina, Delaware county, has paid the amount assigned to that town, in full, for the erection of the Hall of Military Record." The Hall of Military Record was to be built in Albany to store records of soldiers of the Civil War. It was created by an act of the State Legislature, passed in May 1865, to "provide a suitable repository for the records of the war, and for other purposes." County boards of supervisors were asked pass resolutions of support and contribute to this repository. In the end, this building was never built.

 

The session of the Bovina United Presbyterian Church met 164 years ago today on January 24, 1860 to discuss rumors about dancing and different interpretations by the area's Presbyterian churches: “…Elder J. Raitt Jr gave some statements which led session to believe that Mr. Joseph S. Raitt, Mrs. Mary A. Raitt and Miss Agnes Davis on the 20 inst [meaning this month, January] engaged in promiscuous dancing.  Elders A McEachron and J. Raitt Jr were appointed a committee to wait upon said persons upon the subject and report at our next meeting….A free conversation was held upon the course pursued by the Sessions of Andes & Cabin Hill in encouraging Dancing and it was unanimously agreed that the 139 Question of the Larger Catechism condemns dancing & this session will adhere to its former rules upon this subject.”

 

153 years ago today, the January 25, 1871 Delaware Gazette reported the following: "The loss of Mr. Coulter by the burning of his wagon house at Bovina Valley, a few days since, we understand is estimated at $1000, on which there was an insurance of $600." This farm was located in the present day area of Route 28 and Russell Hill Road.

 

125 years ago today, on January 26, 1899, Norton Forrest was born, the son of William L. and Mary Lunn Forrest.  The age of the mother made some impact on the Andes Recorder:  "Born to Mr. and Mrs. William L. Forrest, January 26, a son.  Think of Abraham and Sarah."  The reference to Abraham and Sarah does not so much relate to the age of the parents (William was 43 and Mary was 42) but the fact that when their son was born, their only other child, a daughter Irene, was 19 years old.  Ironically, Norton would predecease his older sister, dying in 1957 (she died in 1970).

 

Seventy-one years ago today, on January 27, 1953, the Bovina Fire Department had a meeting, called to order at 8:30 pm by David Roberts. An election for chair of the department was held, with Alex Hilson and Clarence Burns as nominees. When the balloting was complete, Clarence won, 3 votes to 2. At the same meeting, Robert Hall was elected Secretary/Treasurer. A motion was made and seconded that the janitor salary be $75.

 

144 years ago today, on January 28, 1880, "Rev. J. B. Lee was called out of prayer meeting …. To marry a couple who were in waiting at the parsonage. The parties were a Mr. Butler and Miss Van Dusen…" The couple were James H. Butler (1854-1935) of Andes and Lucinda M. VanDusen (1854-1933) of Hobart.

 

154 years ago today, on January 29, 1870, William Miller died of cancer at the age of 78 years, 2 months and 23 days. As reported in the Delaware Gazette, "He was a native of Scotland and emigrated to this country about 40 years ago."



 

138 years ago today, on January 30, 1886, John Johnson, the collector of taxes for Bovina, signed a statement reporting that there was $1.00 in dog taxes unpaid for 1885 - George Dougherty and Jacob Dietrich. Each had one dog for which taxes had not been paid. In his affidavit, he stated that "he has not been able to find the persons charged with said dog tax, nor to find any property belonging to said persons whereon he could levy the same, nor could he find and kill the dogs."


[]

 

167 years ago today, on January 31, 1857, Elizabeth Nettie Cairns was born, the daughter of John S. Cairns and Elizabeth Chambers. She married Edward L. Coulter in 1878. They had one son, Andrew. Elizabeth died in childbirth in February 1881 and is buried in Bovina. Her husband remarried and would survive Elizabeth by over 50 years, dying in 1932.