This Day in Bovina for October 2025

 

James Archibald Boggs was born 141 years ago today, October 1, 1884, in Bovina, the son of Thomas Boggs and Jane Archibald Boggs.  He would spend his whole life in Bovina and run the family farm.  James was married three times.  He first married Elizabeth Felton in 1913.  They had one son who died at the age of two months.  Elizabeth died in 1918.  The following year, James married Edith Barnhart (my great aunt).  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).  James married for the third time in 1947 to Catherine Cameron Kelsey.  He died in 1972 at the age of 87. This portrait of James with his wife Catherine was taken by Bob Wyer in December 1951. Image courtesy of the Delaware County Historical Association. 

113 years ago today, on October 2, 1912, Helen Miller was married to Marshall W. Thomson in Bovina. They were married for 50 years, until Marshall's death in 1962, less than two weeks after celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary. Helen would live another 35 years, dying in 1997 at the age of 107, two days after the 85th anniversary of her wedding. Here's the invitation to the wedding, received by John Hilson and his sister Jane.   

These images of Rev. and Mrs. Charles Lay were taken by Delhi photographer Harold McMurdy in the late 1930s. Rev. and Mrs. Lay were the parents of Clark Lay, who was the Bovina Highway Superintendent for many years. Rev. Lay was born in 1877 in England and died in Margaretville in 1946. He married Maude Miller in Bovina in 1913. Maude Miller was born in Delancey. After she was widowed, she was remarried in 1951 to John Rockwell, who died the following year. She died in 1968 while being taken to Fox Hospital in Oneonta. Charles and Maude had four children. The couple lived in Vermont for a time, where their two sons were born. They also lived in Hamden and in Bovina, though Rev. Lay never was a minister in a Bovina church. As well as Clark, they had two daughters, Evelyn and Ida and a son Charles, who died in 1942 of tuberculosis at the age of 26. Image courtesy of the Delaware County Historical Association.  

143 years ago today, the October 4, 1888 Hobart Independent reported that "T. Ormiston's carriage team took the first premium at Delhi and Hobart fairs. The team was first put together when two years old, since then they have taken five prizes, and were not shown when three years old. One of them took the first at Hobart, and second at Delhi when one year old.

131 years ago today, October 5, 1894, a baseball game was played at Indian Rocks.  Given that it was the Sabbath, it caused some controversy.  The Andes Recorder, when reporting this game in its Bovina column, stated that “how the game succeeded we do not know, but such actions as this should be stopped immediately.” This image of Indian Rocks dates from around 1906. 

Lake Mohigan, also known as Silver Lake and Cole’s Lake, is on Route 28 heading towards Andes. The lake was manmade, built in 1909 by a group of men hoping to promote it as a resort spot, mainly for fishing. The partner-ship did not last long – they sold it in 1915. These two postcard views of the lake are courtesy of Chuck McIntosh. 

105 years ago, on October 7, 1920, the Bovina Town Supervisor and Highway Superintendent requested that a proposition be placed on the November ballot to appropriate money for a “Steam Road Roller.”  The proposition was placed on the ballot, but the Andes Recorder later reported that on election day "Bovina taxpayers voted down a proposition to appropriate the sum of $4,680 for the purchase of a steam roller for use on the road.  The vote was a tie – 64 to 64." The appropriation was approved the following March at a special town meeting.  

Forty-five years ago today, the October 8, 1980 Delaware County Times reported in its Bovina column that "Thirty farmer breeders from Holland arrived at the farm of Mr. and Mrs. Bill Inman last Wednesday. The tour was arranged through the Holstein-Friesian Association of Brattleboro, VT. The farmers also visited the Dreamstreet herd at the Bond Farm in Bloomville. They left for the World Dairy Expo in Madison, Wisc."

122 years ago today, October 9, 1903, the Catskill Mountain News reported in its Bovina column that “Hamilton Russell of Bovina is building a fine two-story house, 22 x 44 feet, with piazza in front, and equipped with all the modern improvements.  John Tweedie is the mason and James Scott of New Kingston is the carpenter.”  This house was on Mountain Brook Road and was later the Charles Rabeler farm.

118 years ago today on October 10, 1907, the first load of freight shipped to Bovina via the new station on the Delaware and Eastern at Andes was brought to town by Milton Hastings.  Previously, items shipped by railroad had to be picked up in Delhi.

130 years ago today, the October 11, 1895 Andes Recorder in the Bovina column had the following item:  “A letter recently came to this point office addressed to, Miss Maggie, Bovina Centre, N.Y.  This shows one of the many thousands of examples of carelessness that floods the Dead Letter Office every year.”

Thirty-two years ago today, the Bovina column from the Delaware County Times for October 12, 1993 carried this item: "Beth Rossley, club news reporter for the Bovina Happy Hearts 4-H club reports that there will be a meeting for new members from ages 8 to 18 on October 22nd at 7:30 at the Bovina community hall. Mrs. Carol Brannen is the leader."

132 years ago today, on October 13, 1893, James Coulter headed out for the Chicago World’s Fair.  In reporting this its Bovina column, the Andes Recorder noted that “others talk of going.  We say go, you will never regret it.” Also known as the World Columbian Exposition, Coulter likely went to the New York Agriculture pavilion at the fair. More information about why he went is on my blog at Here's an entry from July 2015 about Bovina at the World Columbian Exposition in Chicago in 1893: http://bovinanyhistory.blogspot.com/2015/07/bovina-at-world-columbian-exposition.html

In 1946, Delhi photographer Bob Wyer took a series of aerial pictures around Bovina in a plane piloted by Eddie Davidson. This is the Herbert Huggins farm at the intersection of Miller Avenue and Lee Hollow. Herbert Huggins was born in 1902 in the Beaverkill area and farmed in Bovina from 1931 until his death in 1964. The small building at the lower center where Miller Avenue and Lee Hollow meet is the Bovina District 5 School house. The building was later moved across the road and is a residence today. Image courtesy of the Delaware County Historical Association. 

159 years ago today, on October 15, 1866, Thomas Gordon became a citizen of the United States. More information about Gordon can be found at:

https://bovinanyhistory.blogspot.com/2021/04/the-people-of-county-who-knew-him-will.html

Eighty-four years ago today, the October 16, 1941 issue of the Delaware Republican carried this item in its Bovina column: "Miss Stella Sluiter and Mrs. Mary Anne Snell, teachers here, spent the week-end in New York City." (Stella Sluiter was married a couple of years later to Frank McPherson.) The same Bovina column also reported that "Mr. and Mrs. Alex Hilson arrived home from their western trip the first of the week." Also reported was that "Miss Ida Lay has finished her work at the Lovett's, at Lake Delaware, and has taken a job at Delhi with the Bruce Pitchers."

Eighty-five years ago today, on the Bovina column of the October 17, 1940 Delaware Republican reported that "John McCune has been ill the past week. David Roberts has been caring for the U.P. Church in his stead." John W. McCune was born in 1866 and married Ida McNair in 1896. The couple lived in Bovina on Maple Avenue. John died in 1942. This undated image of John is courtesy of Jim and Tom Hoy. 

164 years ago today, October 18, 1861, Christina Smith was paid 29.72 for teaching in the Coulter Brook School district between May 1 and September 30, 1861. Here’s the receipt for her payment.  

John W. Bramley died 126 years ago today, October 19, 1899, of diabetes, age 81 years. Fifteen months earlier, in July 1898, he was found passed out on the side of what is now Route 28, with his wagon and team about a mile or so ahead. It was likely that the diabetes caused him to pass out. After his death, the Andes Recorder reported that, “He was born and always lived in this town and was one of our most extensive and best farmers.  He leaves a widow and four children – three sons John G, William and Fred and one daughter, Mrs. E.C. Dean.  The funeral will take place on Saturday at 11 o’clock from his late residence.”  He was living in the Bovina Center hamlet at his death but spent much of his life on his farm on Bramley Mountain, which likely was located in the area of Reagan Road.

Forty-eight years ago today, the October 20, 1977 Delaware Republican Express carried this item in its Bovina column about the Bovina Girl Scout Troop 534. 

This picture from the Monroe family shows the adult children of James and Margaret Storie Monroe in 1939 - Jim (1899-1973), Martena (1898-1988, married to Arthur Kellam), Henry (1896-1992) and Amy (1894-1987, actually named Loruhamah, she was married to Lewis Jocelyn and later to Howard Samuels). 

October 22, 1961, sixty-four years ago today, as later reported in the Delaware Republican Express, “Walter Reinertsen and his cousin Sverre Reinertsen of New York, were week-end guests at Walter’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Reinertsen.”

205 years ago today, on October 23, 1820, Mary Ann McPherson was born in Bovina, the daughter of Alexander McPherson and Eliza Yeomans. She married James Rutherford in 1847 and died in Franklin, NY in 1902 at the age of 81. She was the mother of five children, two of whom survived her.

115 years ago today, on October 24, 1910, this bill was issued to the Town of Bovina for bridge decking.  This appears to be the decking for a new bridge to the Bovina Center creamery.  The bridge was completed in November 1910.  

In 1946, Delhi photographer Bob Wyer took a series of aerial pictures around Bovina in a plane piloted by Eddie Davidson. This is the John Burns farm at the upper end of Crescent Valley Road. Moses Burns settled on this farm in the early 19th century. The farm stayed in the Burns family for over 100 years. My grandfather, Benson LaFever, was born in the house in June 1900 (his mother was the former Ella Burns). John Burns, the owner of the farm in 1946, was the great grandson of Moses and the father of Agnes Burns and Mary Lounsbury. The farm is now owned by Mike and Heidi Goggins.  Image courtesy of the Delaware County Historical Association. 

148 years ago today, on October 26, 1877, Andrew T. Archibald was born in Bovina.  He would marry Mabel E. Johnston in 1901 and would have seven children, including an infant who died in 1913.  His surviving children included Mary (1903-1999), George (1905-1978), Elizabeth (1906-1986), Leonard (1909-1990), Marvin (1911-1987), and Herman (1913-1983).  Andrew died in 1963 and is buried in Bovina. This image is of Andrew later in life with his granddaughter, Joan Archibald Townsend. 

114 years ago, the Bovina column of the Andes Recorder for October 27, 1911 reported that "Miss Jennie E. Hoy is visiting Andes relatives." She wasn't the only person reported as going to Andes. The same column noted that "J.T. Barnhart made a trip to Andes early in the week." Also reported in Andes during the past week were Mrs. Alex Crosier and daughter and Thomas C. Strangeway. The latter was there to purchase two cows.

116 years ago today, at 1 pm on October 28, 1909, W.J. Doig, of Bovina Center, had for sale at an auction the following items, as advertised in the Andes Recorder:  “5 cows, 2 horses, surry, rubber tired buggy, 2 buggies, 2-seated buckboard, lumber wagon, truck wagon, mowing machine, 3 set single and 1 of double light harness, heavy work harness, bobs, 2-seat pleasure sleigh, 2 cutters, buffalo and lap robes, blankets, whips, harrow, cultivator, grind stone, chains, crow-bars, sledge hammers, whiffletrees, hay rigging, straw from 95 dozen oats, 10 barrels apples, 3 piece parlor suit, stoves, bedsteads, springs writing desk, 2 bracket lamp, hall rack, hall map, etc.”  The Recorder later reported that the sale could not be completed on the 28th and was continued on election day. Doig was selling these items before heading out west to Crested Butte, Colorado, which he did by mid-November.  He settled in Gunnison, Colorado, where he was a coal miner, a rancher and then a hardware merchant.  He died in California in 1939 and was buried in Colorado.

Eighty-two years ago today, October 29, 1943, was the start of two days of distribution of "War Ration Book No. 4." These were issued at the Bovina Center school (now the Bovina Library). People coming for their new book were asked in the Delaware Republican Express to "bring War Ration Book 3 properly filled out." The paper went on to note that "Applications for War Ration Book 4 may be secured at the stores or at the Post Office or the schools. Fill out only one application for each family group."

138 years ago today, the October 30, 1883 Stamford Mirror reported in its Bovina column that "On Monday last the family of John Hastings, was much frightened at the appearance, without wagon or driver, of the horse which John had left home with a short time before. Friends at once started out to find John and met him near the village, and learned that his horse had kicked and caught his foot behind the cross-bar of the thills and then tried to run. The wagon was overturned and John thrown out, and the harness broken, so that the horse became loosened from the wagon and soon arrived at home without doing very serious damage." This John is likely the son of James Madison Hastings and Elizabeth Elliott. Born in 1825, he died in 1891.

This image of school children dressed for Halloween comes from the Archibald collection and likely dates from the 1940s or early 1950s. At least it probably is Halloween. The masks somewhat resemble the masks worn by the Calico Indians during the Anti-Rent War in the 1840s. 

A Week with Bovina People - October 1900 - 125 Years ago from the Andes Recorder

Life in Bovina 125 years ago this month, as reported in the pages of the Andes Recorder. 

October 5, 1900

• Alex Hilson was at Delhi Monday.

• James Muir was here from Andes on Tuesday.

• Peter Arbuckle was in town Monday from Delhi.

• A.F. Storie, of Newburg, is a visitor in town.

• George Gladstone visited Andes one day recently.

• Leslie McNee has returned from his work at Stamford.

• William Hoy, of Oil City, was here the first of the week.

• The Methodist parsonage has received a new dress of paint.

• Mrs. Alex Hilson and Miss Jennie Archibald were at Delhi Tuesday.

• The infant child of Mr. and Mrs. E.C. Burgin is seriously ill at this writing. [This likely was their son, Paul Marvin Burgin, who was born in June 1900. He would survive his childhood illness, dying in Delhi in 1983.]

• Mrs. Archie Maynard has purchased a light quartered oak surry from C.L. Huber.

• John Storie was down at Delhi Tuesday, as were also Samuel and Maggie Storie.

• Alex Hilson is having the water brought from across on the sidehill to his barn.

• A game of ball Friday between the boys and married men resulted in favor of the boys.

• Mr. and Mrs. John R. Hoy are visiting their son at Oil City, Pennsylvania, stopping at Walton and Ithaca enroute.

• Rev. W.L.C. Samson and Elder D. L. Thompson are attending the meeting of Synod at Philadelphia this year.

• A.T. Hyzer, of Madison, South Dakota, was in town Friday.  His wife was Mary Cathels, a native of this town.

• The old veterans would like to know why they were not given excursion rates from Bloomville to Stamford last week.

• Charles Carman was in town Tuesday and took down the building which he has used for two or three years for a photograph gallery.

• Miss Minnie B. Ruff has entered the Delaware Academy at Delhi, and will devote the larger part of her time to vocal and instrumental music.

October 12, 1900

• Alex. Hilson had a cow die Saturday.

• T.S. Miller was in this village Monday.

• W.L. White was at Stamford Saturday.

• Barton Jackson was in this place on Monday.

• Alex Hilson is in New York city this week.

• Robert Feiro was over at Andes on Saturday.

• John W. Blair was at Bloomville on Saturday.

• John Aitkin, of Delhi, was seen in town Saturday.

• Thomas Gordon and wife were at Delhi Saturday. 

• Frank D.M. Landon and his bride were on Sabbath.

• Born to Mr. and Mrs. Robert Robson September 10, a son.

• Miss Nellie Myers is very low this (Thursday) morning.

• David Hoy, of Colchester, has been a guest in this place.

• Mrs. Muller and daughter Frederika visited Delhi Friday.

• Anna Dumond, of Stamford, has been a guest in town.

• James H. Liddle and wife, of Andes were in town Saturday.

• Dr. Dickson, wife and daughter went to the City Wednesday.

• Andrew Tuttle and wife, of Andes, were in this place Wednesday.

• Mrs. A.O. Butts and Mrs. Thomas Gordon were at Arkville Friday.

• Adam Laidlaw and Milton Hastings are expected home from the west this week.

• Miss Susan White, of Fennimore, Wisconsin, is a guest of relatives in town.

• George Hunter and family, of Colchester, were guests at William Cook’s the first of the week.

• Elmer Thomson and wife, of Long Island, are guests of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. John G. Thomson.

• We understand that James L. Ormiston will move from Pennsylvania to Maryland, where his brother, Thomas, resides.

• The Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper will be observed in the United Presbyterian church the third Sabbath of October, with preparatory services on the preceeding (sic) Friday and Saturday. 

• At the ball game Saturday between the married men and boys the score stood 12 to 11 in favor of the married men.  Each side has now won a game and the third will played Saturday.

• All those wishing to subscribe for a copy of the 144th Regiment history, written by J. Harvey McKee, can do so by calling on B.S. Miller, who has been appointed to solicit subscriptions in Bovina.

October 19, 1900

• Reed Dumond was seen in town on Friday.

• Ephriam Worden was here from Andes Friday.

• W.J. Hyzer, of Andes, was in this place Tuesday.

• R.R. Gladstone and wife were visitors here Tuesday.

• Miss Anna Bell Thompson was up form Delhi Saturday.

• Rev. Piper preached to the Methodist church here Tuesday night.

• John Dunn, of Binghamton, has been a guest at Peter McNair’s.

• W.C. Russell and wife and Miss Ella Forrest visited Delhi Tuesday. 

• The first day of registration Saturday 315 were registered as against 314 last year.

• Mrs. Joseph Brown, of Downsville, who has been living in Bovina, died last week.

• James Hoag, of California, who formerly lived in Glenburnie, has been visiting in town. 

• James Laing has moved from Andes onto James Ormiston’s farm (the old Andrew Archibald farm.).

• Among those at Delhi Wednesday were Frank Gownlock and wife, Marshall Scott and Mrs. Slater.

• Alex. Hilson had a heifer break its leg Saturday by turning around quickly.  It was killed and the meat peddled out.

• At the Republican rally last Thursday night Hon. D.L. Thompson was chosen chairman. Messrs Burnett and Nichols made excellent addresses and held the closet attention of their audience. 

• Miss Nellie Myers whose serious illness we mentioned last week, died Friday morning, aged 20 years.  She had been ill for several months, suffering with gatherings in the head.  The funeral was held Sabbath at 12:15.  Rev. Samson preached the sermon, and Rev. Williams read the scripture lesson and offered prayer. [“Gatherings in the head” was a general term that likely referred to some kind of cerebral access.]

• Last Friday David Oliver and wife started to the drive to the village and had not proceeded far before they met with an accident.  Some one had skinned a coon and left the carcass laying in the middle of the road, and this frightened the horse causing it to turn around in the road.  Mr. and Mrs. Oliver were thrown out and while the former escaped with bruises the latter had her shoulder dislocated and was otherwise injured Leonard Sloan who works for R.A. Thompson happened to be where he saw the accident and went to the rescue.

October 26, 1900

• Joseph Raitt is visiting in town.

• E.J. Hanlon was in this place Monday.

• John G. Russell was at Bloomville Friday.

• John Storie was down at Delhi on Tuesday.

• James Mills and wife were in town recently.

• Hugh Munn and wife were in this place Friday.

• Thomas Rich, of Hobart, was seen in town Monday.

• Dr. Dickson, wife and daughter have returned from the city.

• Elmer Hastings, wife and daughter were Delhi visitors Friday.

• The truant officer has been making a tour of the schools in town.

• A number intend to go to Andes to hear Ray next Tuesday night.

• At the sociable last week at W.L. Moore’s the receipts were $7.20.

• The total registration this year in Bovina is 324, as against 321 last year.

• Mrs. John G. Russell returned from Walton Wednesday, after an extended visit.

• William Miller of Walton, is visiting his brothers and other relatives in town.

• The carpenters are pushing the work on F.R. Coulter’s wagon house right along.

• Adam Laidlaw and Milton Hastings arrived home Friday from their western trip.

• John Oliver and family and Mrs. G. D. Miller visited the County Seat on Thursday.

• George Cable is at Delhi this week as a grand juror and Charles Hafele as a trial juror.

• Dixon Thompson, William Archibald, Elmer Hastings and John G. Russell were at Delhi Wednesday.

• Communion services were held in the United Presbyterian church on Sabbath, Rev. Sankey assisting the pastor.

• Richard Smith is visiting his sons at Walton. His son-in-law, Mr. Seeley, will move back to Walton from California.

• The receipts of the sociable held at Lancelot Thompson’s Wednesday evening for the benefit of the Methodist church amounted to $23.60.

• A fishing social will be held at G.D. Miller’s Friday evening, November 2, for the benefit of the Methodist church.  All are cordially invited to attend.

• Rev. T.M. Slater and wife expect to soon visit Europe, where he will meet his sister, who for some years has been doing mission work in Syria.  The item noted above which has been, published in some of the county papers, we are informed is untrue.

• Mrs. Jane Murray Thompson, relict of Walter Thompson, died at Davenport, Thursday, October 18, aged 67 years and 7 months. She was born at Perthshire, Scotland. Seven children survive her – five boys and two girls. The remains were brought here Friday and the funeral was held Saturday at the residence of her son, Elliott. Rev. Samson preaching the sermon and Rev Slater offering prayer. The interment was made at Delancey. 

Bovina to Have a Lecture Course.

Arrangement for the Bovina lecture course are being completed and negotiations for the following lectures are under way, vis: Colonel L.F. Copeland, Dr. James Hedley, Rev. A.A. Willies, D.D., and either the Metropolitan Quartette or the Norton-Wald Musical Combination.  This is thought to be the best course ever offered to the Bovina public.  Course tickets and reserved seats for the above course and an entertainment by local talent will be sold for $1.  It is expected that tickets may be procured on election day of A.B. Phyfe at Strangeway’s store.

Bovina and the American Revolution - Elisha Maynard (1763-1840)

On November 12, 1778, a company of militia in Westchester County was on guard duty at the home of the colonel of the regiment. Not long before daylight, the company was attacked by a British infantry force, killing the regiment’s lieutenant and a private, wounding the captain and taking the rest of the force, including the colonel they were trying to protect, as prisoners.  

One of the privates in this company, was Elisha B. Maynard, who later was one of earliest Europeans (if not the first) to settle in what became the town of Bovina. But before Elisha’s adventurous trek as a pioneer in the wilds of the Northern Catskills, he led an adventurous life while in the service of his country. 

He enlisted in March 1778 while residing in the Town of Harrison, Westchester County, serving until November 1778 when he was taken prisoner. He, along with other members of his company, was taken to New York City, first in the “provost jail” where he spent three months then to the “Sugar House” where he remained a prisoner until April 1779 when he was exchanged. He was later paid for his time in captivity 12 pounds 7 shillings and 1 pence.

Image from Wikipedia entry for Sugar House dates from long after the war, but provides an idea of what one of the prisons in which Maynard was housed looked like.

The Sugar houses prisons in New York City were notoriously bad. They were used to store sugar and molasses imported from the British West Indies. These were owned by several prominent families, including the Livingstons, ironically, who owned much of what is now Bovina. The sugar houses were confiscated by the British when they occupied New York City to be used for prisons. Over 17,000 soldiers are estimated to have perished under the substandard conditions in these sugar houses and prison ships over the course of the war, more than double the number of killed in battle. 

Revolutionary War veteran Levi Hanford from Walton, who was captured in March 1777, about a year and a half before Maynard, described his experiences in the sugar house. The cramped conditions initially housed about 40 to 50 prisoners but the population soon swelled to between 400 and 500, though attrition was constant due to those succumbing to illness. Rations consisted of pork and sea biscuits, which were often moldy from sea water and infested with worms. Supplies for sick prisoners were provided by the fledgling American government, as "the British furnished nothing" according to Hanford.

Elisha was released in New Jersey in April 1779. He had to walk back to New York across the  Hudson River near Tarrytown before he could get back to the home of his father in Bedford. He continued to serve throughout the rest of the war, mainly in Westchester County as a private in various companies. In March 1781, he joined a company to “convey and guard a number of British prisoners from Bedford…to the American Prison at Fishkill in the County of Dutchess…”

After the war, he lived about eight years in the Town of Harrison before moving his family to what is now Bovina. He first arrived in 1792, leasing about 150 acres of land in the northern part of Bovina. Married with 3 children, he and his wife Esther would have 12 children all together. 

In 1828, he turned his Bovina farm over to his son and moved back to Westchester County, settling in Rye, NY, dying ther in 1840. He had applied for a pension in May 1834. 

Unfortunately, we do not know where he is buried, though I’m assuming it was in Westchester County. 

October 1925 - 100 Years Ago in "That Thriving Town"

October 2, 1925

• Wednesday at John W. Blair’s sale of cows no big prices were received.

• Wilber Doig is moving this week to the farm which he recently purchased on Elk Creek.

• Mrs. Gideon Miller, of Hamden, spent over the week end with Mrs. Andrew T. Doig.

• Hilson Brothers have sold their entire dairy of Holstein cows to W.D. Ceas.  They will buy tested cows.

• William A. Hoy and Jas Ackerley are trial jurors drawn from Bovina for October court. None were drawn for the grand jury.

• Mr. and Mrs. Frankl Brown, who for several years have been employed on the farm of John Blair, are moving to Delhi this week. 

• Ted Fuller has rented what is known as the Armstrong farm, to Alfred Johnson, from near Arkville, who has taken possession.

• Mrs. Estella Oliver, who has been with her daughter, Mrs. Fred Thomson for some time, has gone to visit her son, William Oliver, at North Kortright.

• At the Republican caucus Saturday there was a spirited contest for collector between Mrs. Alex Myers and Mary Bouton, and the first named won by only one vote.

BOVINA NOMINATIONS – Republicans and Democrats Willing to Serve the Dear People

Below are the nominations made by the Republican and Democratic parties in the town of Bovina.

Republican – William J. Storie, Supervisor; D.G. Currie, Town Clerk; Isabelle Myers, Collector; John W. Storie, M.T. Hastings, Thomas C. Strangeway (vacancy), Justices of the Peace; Walter G. Coulter, Town Superintendent Highways; David Draffin, Assessor 4 years, William J. Archibald, Assessor 2 years, William C. Russell (vacancy) Assessor 2 years; D.D. Liddle, Overseer Poor; H.C. Burgin, School Director.

Democrat – Wallace B. Smith, Supervisor; John W. McCune, Town Clerk; Jennie I. Hoy, Collector; James A. Boggs, Howard McPherson, Rema M. Hobbie (vacancy), Justices of Peace; Guy C. Rockefeller, Town Superintendent Highways; George Decker, Assessor 4 years, Howard Campbell, Assessor 2 years, Charles Fuller (vacancy) Assessor 2 years; Evertt Jocelyn, Overseer Poor; Frank T. Miller, School Director.

October 9, 1925

• Mrs. David Oliver, of Hamden, was a recent visitor in town.

• Mr. and Mrs. Sloan Archibald were County Seat visitors Tuesday.

• Ralph Hillis, our garage man, was at Binghamton on Saturday.

• Robert G. Thomson has rented rooms in Delhi and will move from Frasers.

• Dr. Leonard Thomson, of Connecticut was here the first of the week to see his father.

• Senator Peter G. Gerry spent last Wednesday and Thursday at his Lake Delaware estate.

• Mrs. Georgie More, of Stamford, and Mrs. Ella Benjamin, of Liberty, are visitors here.

• Mrs. J.A. Thomson, of Delhi, called on her cousin, Mrs. Walter Wilson, on Sabbath.

• Mr. and Mrs. Ray Thomson and Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Parsons were Delhi callers Saturday.

• Mrs. H.L. MacWhirter was here on Tuesday from Andes calling on Mr. and Mrs. Robert R. Gladstone.

• Lewis Baker attended the Cobleskill fair last Thursday and the Binghamton fair on Saturday.

• Miss Angelica L. Gerry, who has spent the summer at Lake Delaware, returned to New York this week.

• Rev. W.L.C. Samson, of Pittsburg a former pastor, is preaching at revival meetings in the U.P. church.

• William Archibald sold his entire dairy this week to Gladstone Brothers, of Andes.  He will restock with tested cows.

• John W. Blair has secured Mr. and Mrs. Rowe, of Hobart, to work for him on his farm, and they moved the past week.

• Miss Jennie Bigger has returned to her home in Bovina Center after helping Ray Thomson during the cauliflower season.

• Mr. and Mrs. Chauncey McFarland and Mr. and Mrs. Milton Liddle and daughter left this week for Jamestown on a vacation.

• Mr. and Mrs. J.E. Rusgrove, of Terryville, Connecticut, are guests of her parents Mr. and Mrs. Robert Parsons, in Upper Bovina.

• William Crosier, who sold his household goods last Thursday, has gone to Steubenville, Ohio, to make his home with his son, Harry Crosier. [William was a widower. He stayed with his son until his passing in 1931.]

Aged Bovina Man Dead

Frank C. Armstrong died at the home of his son, William Armstrong, October 7, at the advanced age of 87 years. He was a native of Bovina and much of his life was spent in the town. For the past few years he had resided in Walton, returning to Bovina the past summer.

He was three times married, his first wife being Nettie Burns, his second Mrs. Brown and his third Mrs. Neidig. He is survived by the son at whose home he died and a daughter, Mrs. Ted Fuller, both by his first wife.

Home on Vacation

Dr. Norris B. Whitcomb, who went to Assiut, Egypt, six years ago as a medical missionary under the United Presbyterian board, has arrived at his former home in Walton on a vacation of fifteen months. Assiut is in upper Egypt, about 200 miles above Cairo. Mrs. Whitcomb and two children came home last April. For several years he was physician at Bovina. [Dr. Whitcomb would go back to Egypt and came back for another furlough in 1933. He returned to Egypt and died there in May 1935.]

October 16, 1925

• Ralph Barnhart is having changes made in his bath room.

• Mrs. A.S. Banker and son, Gilbert, spent Sabbath at Pine Hill.

• Norton Forrest is preparing to put water in his stables this fall.

• Thomas Van Deusen, of Walton was an over the week end visitor in town.

• Robert Robinson has purchased a drag saw from Thomas A. Raitt, of Andes.

• Mrs. Herbert Thomson and son, of Andes, were Monday guest of Mrs. Andrew Doig.

• Mrs. Ella Teneick and daughter, of Oneonta, were visitors at David Liddle’s the past week.

• Mrs. William Armstrong is confined to her bed. Miss Nettie Doig is attending to the household duties.

• Robert A. Thomas and wife, and William Puffer and wife of Hobart, were recent guests at William Armstrong.

• Mr. and Mrs. Frank Myers and Jack Myers, of Endicott, spent of the week end with their parents, Mr. and Mrs. Alex Myers.

• John Blair, John Hilson and William Archibald, who were at Vermont last week after dairies of tested cows, purchased 86.

• The Meetings at U.P. church the past week brought many visitors to hear Rev. W.L.C. Samson. We note among them Rev. and Mrs. Skinner. Mrs. William Hastings, Aaron Beams of Oneonta; Henry Campbell, wife and daughter, William Ward and family, of Walton; William Aitkens and wife, Mrs. Gideon Miller, Mrs. McNaught, of Hamden; William T. Black and wife, Geo Cable, Mrs. Robert Hunt, James A. Thomson and wife, Wilson McFarland; James Robinson and dauter, of Delhi; Andrew J. Thomson, of New Kingston; Marjorie Boyd and sister, of Pittsburg.

October 23, 1925

• The Bovina Public Library building is being re-shingled. [This is now the Bovina museum]

• Mrs. Hamilton Russell, who has been on the sick list is improving. [This was Cecil Russell’s mother.]

• Mrs. John McCune, who broke her arm several weeks ago, is able to be out again.

• Milton Liddle and family and Mrs. David Liddle were shoppers at Oneonta Saturday.

• William Crosier started this week for Steubenville, Ohio, to make his home with his son.

• A hollowe’en party will be held at the home of Everet DeSilva on Friday evening, October 30.

• Mr. and Mrs. Thomas C. Strangeway and Miss Nettie Doig were visitors at Margaretville on Saturday.

• Edward Gladstone and family and Mrs. Robert E. Thomson were at Margaretville and Andes last Saturday.

• Mrs. Mary Corsier, who has spent some time here, returned to the home of her son in Philadelphia this week. 

• There was no preaching service at the R.P. church last Sabbath, owing to the absence of the pastor, Rev. A. M. Thomson.

• In the estate of Mary A. Russell late of Bovina, letters of administration have been issued to Erwin Russell. Estimate is $2,500 real and $2,750 personal. One son is the heir.

October 30, 1925

• Mrs. James Monroe, of Delhi, spent the week end in town.

• Mrs. Margaret Salton, of Delancey, is visiting her friend, Miss Margaret Storie.

• Mrs. Thomas Gordon, who is taking care of Miss Dean at Delhi, was home for a week, returning last Sabbath.

• Mrs. Bell McPherson, who has been in Walton the past year, is visiting sons, Everett and Charles McPherson.

• T. Montgomery, in upper Bovina recently had the great toe on one foot amputated by Dr. Thomson at Delhi.

• Mrs. Morehouse, who makes her home with her daughter, Mrs. Loron Maxin, is visiting her son at Rock Rift.

• Floyd Rockefeller, who has been living on the Bryden farm, has purchased the Layman place at East Delhi.

• Twin sons were born on Saturday, October 24, to Mr. and Mrs. Fletcher Davidson, of Bovina, at the home of J.E.W. Thompson in Delhi. One of the babies died. [The surviving baby was Alan Lloyd Davidson, who later served in World War II. He died in 2004.]

• Dr. N.B. Whitcomb, a former physician here, who has been a medical missionary in Egypt for several years, being sent by the Bovina U.P. church spoke at the morning service last Sabbath. Next Sabbath there will be a temperance sermon.

• The Beacon Light Sabbath school class will hold a Hollowe’en social in the church parlors October 31. On Election day there will be bake sale at Cecil Russell’s store. The Willin Workers will serve an oyster dinner in the church basement on Election day. 

Leg Re-Broken

Alva Shultis, of Meridale, who has been crippled for several months due to a broken and crushed leg, went to Pittsburg, Penn., this week and expected to have the leg rebroken and reset in order to straighten the foot. His wife accompanied him. The Shultis family were former residents of Bovina. 

This Day in Bovina for September 2025

 

Here's the monthly compilation of the daily entries on the Town of Bovina Historian Facebook page. 

This image of Paul Bellino was taken by Delhi photographer Harold McMurdy in 1940. Born in New York City in 1908, he came to Bovina as a child with his parents, Angelo and Rose Bellino, in 1915. They had the farm on Pink Street now owned by Hall Wilkie. Paul graduated from the Oneonta Normal School and in 1931 he was teaching in Oneonta. He was a veteran of World War II, enlisting in 1942. Paul died in 1999. Image courtesy of the Delaware County Historical Association.  

Eighty-two years ago today, the September 2, 1943 Delaware Republican reported in its Bovina column that "Warren Sarle of Chicago is spending a few days with his father, Dr. W.C. Sarle, who recently submitted to an operation for cataracts." Dr. Sarle had been the doctor in Bovina since 1927. He left Bovina not long after the surgery and died in 1946. This sign is now at the Bovina Museum.  

147 years ago today, the September 3, 1878 issue of the Stamford Mirror had this item: Mr. M.N. Mitchell of Andes, was recently assaulted by a drunken constable from Bovina. Such officers of the law (?) ought to be under lock and key for a while."

125 years ago today, on September 4, 1900, Fred Bramley of Bovina, and Lucy Jackson, of Andes, were married at Delhi. The Andes Recorder noted that the "marriage occurred just ten months to the day after the death of his first wife." His first wife, Margaret, died in November 1899. They had been married for seven years and had two children, both who died young. His marriage to Lucy lasted 14 years until her death in 1914. They would have five children. Fred would marry a third time but waited nine years before marrying Christina Close in 1923. He would be widowed a third time when she died in 1943. He died the following year.

These are three postcard views of the same bridge - the old Scott Bridge which stood at the lower end of the Bovina Center hamlet. Built in the 1870s, it was demolished in 1955 after a modern replacement bridge was built. 

Thirty-nine years ago today, the September 6, 1986 issue of the Daily Star (Oneonta) carried this article by Diane Galusha about Hilson's Store.  

124 years ago today, the September 7, 1901 Delaware Republican had the following item of news ('borrowed' from the Andes Recorder): "Needle in Her Foot - For some time Mrs. Joshua Hobbie, who resides in the upper part of Bovina, has been suffering severely with swollen foot, it was thought she would have to go to the hospital and undergo an operation. Last week she was rubbing the afflicted member when she felt something sharp in the foot and called to others of the family and an examination showed that the point of a needle protruded and when pulled out by Mr. Hobbie it was found that with the exception of being broken at the eye the needle was intact. How the needle got there is a mystery, as Mrs. Hobbie has no recollection of ever running a needle into herself. She still has a very bad foot." This likely is Matilda Pangburn Hobbie. Born in 1862, she survived the needle and died in 1927.

101 years ago today, September 8, 1924, Hillis's garage in Bovina submitted this bill for $10.45 to the Town of Bovina for a tire and tube.  This garage later became Thomas's garage and is now owned by Tom Hetterich.  

Sixty years ago today, the Bovina column in the September 9, 1965 Delaware Republican-Express reported that "Mr. and Mrs. Robert Burns and older daughter, Amy, have been on a seashore vacation and other places of interest. Mrs. Jack Burns kept the baby in their absence." The baby was Colleen.

This chauffeur license image of Fred Desilva were taken by Delhi photographer Harold McMurdy in 1940. Chauffeur licenses were required for anyone driving for hire or as part of their job. Today this is known as a Class E license in New York.  Frederick Alexander DeSilva was born in Arena in 1909 and spent much of his childhood and early adulthood in Bovina.  He married Ethel Burgin in Bovina in 1934. Fred and Ethel have the distinction of being the only married couple to appear on the World War II Bovina Honor Roll. They moved to Hobart around 1946. Fred died in Stamford in 1976. Image courtesy of the Delaware County Historical Association. 

Roxanna A. Hobbie, the three-year-old daughter of Joshua Knapp Hobbie and his wife Sarah, (also known as Sally) died 190 years today on September 11, 1835.  She is buried in the Bovina Cemetery. 

136 years ago today, the September 12, 1889 Hobart Independent had this item: "Archie Maynard, of Bovina, who has been roaming about this vicinity during the summer, and ' cutting up' peculiar capers, has been adjudged insane by a commission—which consisted of Dr. Buckley of Delhi, and Drs. McNaught & Odell of Hobart" The paper reported a few months later that Archie had returned to his home in Bovina. This is likely Archibald Maynard, son of Elisha B. Maynard and Jane McDonald. Born in 1860, he was living with his parents in 1900 in Stamford and listed as an invalid. By 1910, his census entry lists him with his widowed mother, working as a landscape painter, but two years later, he was examined by a commission and committed to the Binghamton State Hospital. He died there in 1927.

In 1946, Delhi photographer Bob Wyer took a series of aerial pictures around Bovina in a plane piloted by Eddie Davidson. This image is of Eddie's parent's home at Russell Hill Road and County Route 6. Fletcher and Lois Davidson bought the home in 1923. It is now the home of Bonnie and Ed Denison.  Image courtesy of the Delaware County Historical Association. 

Here's a postcard view of the Bovina United Presbyterian Church, likely dating from the early 20th century. Note the stone steps on the left and in the front of the church. These were for alighting from horse drawn carriages.  

On September 15, 1858, 163 years ago today, Rhoda Davis died in Andes.  As reported in the Bloomville Mirror on September 21, Mrs. Davis was the widow of Samuel Davis.  She was 88 years old at the time of her death.  The paper went on to report that "She was one among first settlers in Bovina.  Her exemplary life endeared her to all who had the pleasure of her acquaintance." She was born Rhoda Hilton around 1770 in Connecticut.

Seventy-two years ago today, on September 16, 1953, as later reported in the Catskill Mountain News, a school fair was held at the Bovina Center school. Here's the article which appeared on the front page of the paper. 

Fifty-seven years ago today, the September 17, 1968 Daily Star (Oneonta) included this photo and caption of the new barn being built by Jack and Bob Burns. The barn still is in use by Dominic and Laurie Gullow. 

In 1946, Delhi photographer Bob Wyer took a series of aerial pictures around Bovina in a plane piloted by Eddie Davidson. Farm on left now owned by Raymond Stewart, Jr, was purchased from William and Luise Sellhorn. The Sellhorns purchased the property in the late 1930s.  The property at one time was owned by Sloan Archibald.  The farm on right is that of Raymond's brother, Lester Stewart.  These farms are part of lot 108 of Great Lot 41 of the Hardenburgh Patent.  One section of this lot leased in 1834 for an annual rent of one shilling per acre paid to James Overing. Image courtesy of the Delaware County Historical Association.   

124 years ago today, on September 19, 1901, a memorial service was held at the Bovina United Presbyterian church for recently assassinated U.S. President William McKinley.  As later reported in the Andes Recorder, the service was presided over by the church's pastor, Rev. Samson.  "Charles Arbuckle read the scripture lesson; Margaret Swart read the President's proclamation, and addresses were made by Rev. Slater, R.E. Bergman and Rev. Samson." Presidential Portrait by Harriet Anderson Stubbs Murphy

109 years ago today, September 20, 1916, Cecil Russell was married to Isabell Irvine. Here is the invitation to the wedding received by Henry Monroe and his sister Martena. 

In 1946, Delhi photographer Bob Wyer took a series of aerial pictures around Bovina in a plane piloted by Eddie Davidson. This image is of the Weber farm. It was owned by Mary Weber and still is in the Weber family today as Webcrest farm, operated by Ed and Donna Weber. The lower left is where Bovina Farm Day takes place each year. Image courtesy of the Delaware County Historical Association. 

109 years ago today, September 22, 1916, the J.W. Coulter Hose Company had a ball game, a Chicken Pie supper and an entertainment in the evening to raise funds. The Bovina Fire Department still has a piece of equipment from the company. Images courtesy of Bovina Fire and EMS from the Town of Bovina Bicentennial Parade in July 2022.  

Seventy-two years ago today, a newspaper (unidentified) reported in its September 23, 1953 issue that "The first meeting for lessons in first aid was held at the fire hall Wednesday evening, Sept. 16, with 11 enrolled in this course. The beginners’ course will last for eight weeks and the advanced course will take another four weeks with meetings to be held once a week. This course is being taught by Earl Many and Harold Morse of Hobart. Those enrolled are Mrs. Floyd Aitkens, Mrs. Victor Rose, Mrs. John Renner, Mrs. Howard LaFever, Mrs. Leif Reinertsen, Mrs. Clifford Hall, Mrs. Norton Forrest, Mrs. Magdalena Rosa, Victor Rosa, Floyd Aitkens and George Storie."

Sixty-three years ago today, on September 24, 1962, Rema Hobbie died on the family farm on Cape Horn Road in Bovina. His obituary was published a few days later in the Catskill Mountain News. 

This chauffeur license image of Raymond Jardine was taken by Delhi photographer Harold McMurdy in the late 1930s. Chauffeur licenses were required for anyone driving for hire or as part of their job. Today this is known as a Class E license in New York. Raymond B. Jardine was born in 1900 in Bovina and died there at his home in 1962. He married Mary Hyzer in Franklin, NY in 1934 and had three children, Marian, Martha and Richard. Image courtesy of the Delaware County Historical Association.  

Eliza Aitken, the 31-year-old wife of David Aitken, died 181 years ago today on September 26, 1844.  She is buried in the Old Reformed Presbyterian Church cemetery. A death notice appeared a few days later in the October 2, 1844 Delaware Gazette: "In this town, on the 26th ult., after a short but severe illness, which she bore with christian fortitude, Eliza Aitken, wife of David C. Aitken, aged 30 years, formerly of New York." Her husband died three years later.  

Seventy-eight years ago today, on September 27, 1947, the Delaware County Jersey Club held its second annual Consignment Sale at the Charles McPherson Farm in Bovina. This was later the farm of Frank and Stella McPherson. Here's the cover of the sales catalog. 

These images of Charlie McIntosh were taken by Delhi photographer Harold McMurdy in the late 1930s and early 1940s. Born in 1915, he lived most of his life in Bovina, dying in 1989. He married Eva Pindar in August 1943. Images courtesy of the Delaware County Historical Association.

Fifty-nine years ago today, the Bovina column in the September 29, 1966 Delaware Republican-Express reported that "The Recreation Club met last Thursday for a luncheon meeting. Officers elected for the coming year are: Chairman, Mrs. Stanley Hewitt, vice-chairman, Mrs. Alex Rabeler sr., secretary-treasurer, Mrs. William J. Storie." The same column also reported that "Mr. and Mrs. Howard LaFever and son Allan took their son John to Canton last weekend where he will enter college for his freshman year. They also visited Mrs. And Mrs. Benson LaFever at Massena."

130 years ago today, on September 30, 1895, as later reported in the Andes Recorder, people around Bovina woke up to snow covering Bramley Mountain and Mount Pisgah.