This Day in Bovina for November 2019

Here are the daily entries from the Town of Bovina Historian Facebook page:

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

Seventy-five 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."

123 years ago today, on Election Day, November 3, 1896, as later reported in the Andes Recorder, "Mrs. John Aitkin, over eighty years old…fell and was quite badly injured. She was unable to tell just how it happened." This appears to be Eliza Blish Aitkin. Born in 1816, she married John Aitkin in 1838 in Clovesville, NY. He died in 1888. She died about eight months after this accident in July 1897.

Seventy-six years ago today, the Lake Delaware column in the November 4, 1943 Delaware Republican Express reported that "The Home Bureau will meet on Tuesday, November 16….. It will be an all-day meeting and a luncheon will be served at noon under the supervision of our nutrition leader, Mrs. Lovett. Soybeans will be the main subject discussed and will enter principally in the meal. Everyone is sincerely uged to attend this luncheon, whether a Home Bureau member or not. The only thing the unit asks is that all who plan to partake of the meal will notify Mrs. Lovett or the chairman, Mrs. Charles Lee, so that we may provide plenty of food.

108 years ago today, on November 5, 1911, as later reported in the Andes Recorder, "Mr. and Mrs. Peter Gerry returned to New York…" The paper also noted that "Robert Gerry and family have arrived here."

129 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.

Seventy-nine 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." Helen Winter would marry John Raitt the following April.

138 years ago, the Bovina column for the Stamford Mirror for November 8, 1881 reported that "Dr. Dickson has had workmen from Binghamton, putting slates on his new drug store." This building is now the Brushland Eating House.

145 years ago today, on November 9, 1874, John Murray submitted this account of his expenses as overseer of the poor in "examining Margaret Mackessy, the mother of a bastard…" His expense was $2.00. 

Sixty-seven years ago today, on November 10, 1952, as later reported in the Bovina column of the Delaware Republican Express, "Mr. and Mrs. Floyd Aitken moved on Monday from the Ackerly house to the apartment over the garage of Clayton Thomas."

Thirty-eight years ago today, the November 11, 1981 issue of the Daily Star (Oneonta) carried this article by Neil Cunningham about World War I and longtime Bovina resident and World War I vet Fletcher Davidson. 

144 years ago today, on November 12, 1875, Elizabeth Raitt Black died in Philadelphia. She was born in Bovina in 1840, the daughter of Thomas Raitt and Jennet Thorburn. She married Rev. James E. Black in Mississippi in 1870. At her death, she was survived by her 19-month-old daughter and her husband. Elizabeth was buried in Bovina. Her husband survived her by over 50 years, dying in Oklahoma in 1929. 

Seventy-eight years ago today, the Lake Delaware column of the November 13, 1941 Delaware Republican reported "The Lake Delaware -Bovina A.W.V.S. (American Women's Volunteer Service) met at the parish hall on Tuesday afternoon, Nov. 4th, with the newly elected chairman, Mrs. T.S. Wallis in charge. A box of woolen garments was packed for Bundles for Britain; several sweaters being reserved for use in our own camps. Wool has been distributed for 24 sweaters, to be finished by December 1st."

108 years ago today, on November 14, 1911, as later reported by the Andes Recorder, "Robert B. Jardine died … from Bright's disease, at his home on the Arbuckle farm on the eastern slope of Glenburnie, just over the Bovina line, aged 55 years." Under the headline "Native of Bovina Dead," the paper noted that he was born in Bovina, the son of Gilbert Jardine and Nancy Tuttle. He was married twice and was survived by his second wife and a son and daughter from his first marriage. He was buried in the Bovina Cemetery. Here's his headstone. Note that it gives a death date of November 13, but the newspaper clearly says the 14th. 

154 years ago today, the Delaware Gazette for November 15, 1865, reported the following: "Who can beat it? - Robert Tilford of Bovina, the other day, killed a two-year-old Ewe which weighed (sic) alive 200 lbs. The four quarters, dressed meat, weighted 130 lbs., the pelt 18 lbs, and the tallow from the entrails 16 1/2 lbs. We say again, who can beat it?"

113 years ago today, the Bovina column of the November 16, 1906 Andes Recorder reported that the Bovina U.P. Church was considering getting an organ. It was noted that while James L. Coulter was leader of the choir, one wasn't necessary. "The removal of Mr. Coulter to Margaretville leaves the choir without anyone to 'start the tunes' and the congregation will have to dispense with singing or put in an organ.  A few years ago, the opposition to an organ was strong but now there is very few opposed to it.  A petition has been presented to the session by the choir asking that they take action."

132 years ago today, on the evening of November 17, 1887, Maggie Gow was married to Robert A. Mable. Robert was the son of Alexander and Elizabeth Mable. Margaret was the daughter of Robert and Beatrice Gow. The Mables would have four children, two daughters and two sons. Robert died in 1930, Maggie in 1939. This is the wedding invitation, courtesy of the Hilson family.

118 years ago today, on November 18, 1901, as later reported in the Andes Recorder, "T.C. Strangeway, R.A. Thompson and William J. Archibald were at Margaretville … on business relating to the opening of a new road.  The matter was adjourned." I have yet to determine what road is meant by this.

100 years ago today, November 19, 1919, Edith Jane Barnhart, the daughter of the late Jeremy Barnhart and Kate Miller Barnhart, was married to James Boggs, a widower. They would have five children, daughters Anna, Mary, Grace and Helen and son Clifford.  Grace died at the end of 1929.  In early 1930, Edith died after giving birth to Clifford (he died in 1933).  Anna would marry Glen Hobbie and later Harold Lounsbury; Mary was married to Sig Bathen and Helen married Bud Tyrell.

163 years ago today, on November 20, 1856, Margaret S. Doig was born in Andes, the daughter of William S. Doig and Elizabeth Armstrong. She married J. Douglas Burns in 1879 and lived in Bovina, where she gave birth to her five children, four of whom survived to adulthood, including Bill Burns, grandfather of a number of the Burns family. She died in 1925. Her husband survived her by 9 years, dying in 1934. Both are buried in Bovina.

One hundred ninety eight 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.

Seventy-three years ago today, on November 22, 1946, a game and card party was held at St. James' parish hall to benefit the Women's auxiliary.

137 years ago today, the Bovina column from the Stamford Mirror dated November 23, 1882 reported that "William M. White went over to Andes…and while there one of his horses was taken sick and died." The same column also reported that "owing to some break in the machinery, the steam mill has been idle this week; but the proprietors expect to resume business in a few days."

Fifty-nine years ago today, on November 24, 1960, as later reported in the Massena (NY) Observer it's "Louisville Events" column that "Mr. and Mrs. Charles LaFever and family of Bovina Center spent Thanksgiving with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Benson LaFever. Benson LaFever is working in Plattsburgh as a carpenter on a building project."

109 years ago today, readers of the Catskill Mountain News for November 25, 1910 learned that "Mrs. Elizabeth Hewitt of Bovina has bought the Dr. Ward Young house, Bovina Centre, and John W. Hewitt takes the homestead farm in upper Bovina." The Dr. Young house was later owned by Millie Reinertsen (42.2623°N 74.7833°W). The Hewitt homestead is on Mountain Brook Road and is now owned by Tom Groves.

141 years ago today, the November 26, 1878 issue of Stamford Mirror reported on two items in a brief entry: "Mrs. Miller, wife of William Miller, has become insane and a home will have to be found for her in some insane asylum.  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."

136 years ago today, the Bovina column of the Stamford Mirror for November 27, 1883 reported that "A 'weight party,' held at Hasting's Hall on Tuesday evening, ended with a dance." I don't know what a 'weight party' is. If anyone does, please weigh in (no pun intended!).

Seventy-two years ago today, the November 28, 1947 Catskill Mountain News in its Bovina column reported "Several attended the funeral of William Coons held at Halls funeral parlors at Delhi Monday conducted by Rev. W. Wade Miller. Mr. Coons lived in Bovina several years. He was a sawyer. About two years ago they moved their mill to Bloomville where he was employed at the time of his death."

138 years ago today, the Bovina column of the November 29, 1881 Stamford Mirror reported that "Thos. Johnson has made 260 barrels of cider this season." The same column also reported that "About $70 has been expended in improving the appearance of the cemetry (sic) grounds."

Ninety-nine 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."

Bovina Bicentennial Celebration, Update 11

We are three months away from Bovina's 200th Birthday. We will start the Bicentennial celebration with a Bovina Birthday party on Tuesday, February 25, 2020 at the community hall, from 6 - 9 pm. Bring a dish to pass (cake will be provided!). 

Planning continues for the big celebration on August 1. We need volunteers for several committees:

Fundraising - Responsible for raising the celebration funds. I have been actively seeking grant funding, but we need to reach out to local businesses and people who want to help with the celebration. The plan is to include a commemorative booklet where these donations can be acknowledged.

Parade - Responsible for getting marching units, including floats, bands, and any other participants, as well as handling organizing the actual parade. The Bovina Fire Department will handle traffic control, but the committee will coordinate with the department. 

Food/Vendor Tent - The event under the tent will celebrate Bovina's history and community. It would be great to have local people selling their wares, but it also would be nice to have different displays relating to the town and its people. This committee would invite vendors/participants appropriate to our celebration of our town's history and community. I've already lined up a couple of food vendors and an ice cream vendor. 

Evening music - Responsible for an evening program with local musicians, ending with a bonfire (and roasting weinies and s'mores). This committee would need to approach various musicians and explore whether or not we will want a stage (and if so, the cost). Some discussions with local musicians have already started.

So please contact me if you are interested in being involved - or be prepared for a phone call from me asking for your help! Thanks.

Bovina Ex-Pats: Alexander Brush (1824-1892), Mayor of Buffalo

This is the first in a series on Bovina natives who made a name for themselves in the 'outside' world. Ex-Pat is a British term meaning someone who has settled away from their homeland.

         Our first ex-pat made a name for himself in Buffalo, NY in the business and political arenas. Named for his grandfather, Alexander Brush, the first settler in what is now Bovina Center, this Alexander was born in 1824 in Bovina, the son of Jacob Brush and Phoebe Cushing. Brush left Bovina as a child with his parents around 1830. His father died in Wayne County, NY in 1835.

Alexander and most of his siblings settled in Buffalo, with Alexander arriving there in 1848. He opened a successful brick making business with his brother William. From 1879 to 1882, Brush Brothers were the largest manufacturer of bricks in the northeast, with over a million bricks a year.

While running his company, Alexander was active in Buffalo politics. He first served as Alderman for the third Ward in 1861 and was reelected to that position until becoming street commissioner. He was elected mayor in 1869 and re-elected in a special election held in 1872. During his tenure in office, the cornerstone was laid for the County and City Hall. Brush opted not to run again when his term expired in 1873. Six years later, in 1879, he was once again elected mayor and served until 1881. Brush was succeeded by Grover Cleveland, who became Governor of New York within the year and President of the United States in 1885.

Mayor Alexander Brush (image from Wikipedia Commons)

Alexander was married twice, first to Lucinda Bucklin of Titusville, Pennsylvania, who died within the year and second in 1866 to Mrs. Sarah A. Leonard, (née Warner) of South Wales, New York. He had no children by either wife.

Alexander Brush retired from the brick business in 1890 and died two years later in June 1892 while traveling to Europe on the Belgian. He is buried in the Forest Lawn Cemetery in Buffalo.

From Ancestry.com, Alexander Brush's passport application for his trip to Europe in 1892, a trip he would never complete.

November 1919 - 100 Years Ago "in That Thriving Town"

November 1919 in Bovina saw a surprise in the election of the Bovina Town Supervisor, a 50th wedding anniversary and the passing of a noted Bovina citizen.

November 7, 1919
·       It is reported that Charles J. Russell has purchased the land of Milton Hastings and Mrs. Thomas Fuller at the upper end of Bovina Center and is bargaining for Sloan Archibald’s land and house, known as the McDonald place [The McDonald Place is now my house].

Bovina Elects Democrat Sup.
Wallace Smith Defeated Thomas C. Strangeway by 25 Majority
In the election Tuesday 298 votes were cast n Bovina and the surprise of the day came when it was announced that Thomas C. Strangeway, Rep. had been defeated for supervisor by Wallace Smith, Dem., who is an uptown farmer.  The state road over the New Kingston mountain was the argument used to bring about the result.

November 14, 1919
·         Frank Kinch has sold his farm (the Soper place) to his son-in-law, Harrison Hall, and has moved to Delhi.
·         It is stated that J.S. Kennedy, who came from Canada, a few months ago and purchased the John Irvine farm for $20,000, has sold it for $30,000.

November 21, 1919
·         Thomas Ormiston is lying very low at his home on the Butt End road.
·         Mrs. Lucy Coulter is having a stone walk laid along the front of her residence.
·         Miss Jenette Laidlaw entertained the Camp Fire girls and a few others Friday evening.
·         Ray Thomson has purchased what is known as the Stone House Thomson farm up-town.  The price is reported to be $6,000.

Bovina Couple married 50 Years
Mr. and Mrs. G.D. Miller Celebrated Golden Wedding November 15
“…In honor of the day forty of their relatives and neighbors walked in upon them at about the noon hour bringing a bounteous supply of good things to eat.  Following the feast the afternoon passed all to quickly.  With Gilbert Banker at the piano the bride and groom, preceded by Rev. Galloway, marched thru the rooms.  Then there was singing and the final event was the taking of the picture on the lawn. [Here's that picture, which was not published in the newspaper.]












November 28, 1919
·         George Cable has commenced to remodel the interior of his residence.
·         There was no school in Miss Ormiston’s department at the village school this week.
·         Harry Martin is having a pipeless furnace installed in his residence at the Dennis corner.
·         The Dry Milk Company furnished turkeys and all the things that are necessary to go with it for a turkey supper for their employees, at the plant Thursday night.
·         Mrs. Dixon Thomson, who has been under the doctor’s care for sometime, is slowly improving.  Mrs. Geo Cable, who has been confined to her bed, is able to be about the house again.

Well Known Bovina Man Dead
Thomas Ormiston Passed away Nov. 22 After Long Illness.

Thomas Ormiston died at his home, midway between Bovina Center and the Butt End, early on Saturday morning, November 22, after an illness of several years with tuberculosis at the age of 63 years.  Deceased was a son of the late James Ormiston and Robena McFarland and was born in Bovina on January 31, 1856.  With the exception of a few years spent in Maryland he had been a lifelong resident of Bovina.

He is survived by his wife, who was Marjorie Boggs, and seven children, viz: Wendell, Ruth, Lois, Lloyd, Edwin, Marjorie and Marian. [Lois later married Fletcher Davidson and Ruth was married to Henry Monroe.]

The funeral was held on Monday, his pastor, Rev. H.K. Galloway, officiating. Internment was in the Bovina Center cemetery.