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

 

Life in Bovina 125 years ago, from the pages of the Andes Recorder:

August 3, 1900

• Richard Smith has gone to Walton.

• Alex Hilson was at Delhi Saturday.

• John Wright has been in town his week.

• John G. Russell was at Bloomville Friday.

• F.R. Coulter and wife visited Delhi on Friday.

• Dr. Dickson and wife went to Oneonta Friday.

• Rev. Williams returned Tuesday from his vacation. 

• Adam Douglas and wife passed thro’ this place Monday.

• Robert Biggar made trip was over to Andes Wednesday.

• Miss Etta Liddle, of Andes, has been a guest in town recently.

• Will Maynard and Elliott Thomson visited Downsville Friday.

• G.D. Miller is building a veranda along one end of his house.

• Leslie McNee has gone to Stamford to work in the Delaware house.

• Charles Spiers and Miss Ida Glendening were seen in this place Tuesday.

• Simon Marx and wife and some friends were here on Sabbath from Andes, for a drive.

• William Richardson has returned from Margaretville where he has been for the past seven weeks.

• A.O. Butts now comes out with a new three seated canopy top carriage and Dr. Seacord with a new buggy.

• Mrs. Charles Arbuckle, son and daughter, or Newark, NJ, arrived here last Thursday, for their customary summer visit.

• Mrs. Johnson, M.D. from India, gave an address in the United Presbyterian church Sabbath evening of about an hour and a half duration.

• Among those at Delhi Tuesday were F.C. Armstrong, Frank Brown, Wm. T. Miller and wife, Mrs. Thomas Ormiston, Dora Boggs, James Hastings and family, Oscar Felton, Ward Coulter, Leonard Sloan, D.D. and B.S. Miller.

• Nell Myers has not been so well for a few days.  Sunday the doctor made an incision back of the ear and took out considerable pus, and Wednesday while he was dressing it she was taken with a spasm, but rested well Wednesday night. [Nellie's illness started in July and she would succumb to it in October.]

• Mrs. Emile Ruff died at her home on Scotch Mountain Monday morning. Before her marriage she was a Redmond. Wednesday the remains were brought here for interment. She was about 35 years old and a daughter of Matthew Redmond. [She was the former Cora Redmond, born in 1867.]

August 10, 1900

• Dr. Dickson was at Hobart Monday.

• Miss Lucy Jackson visited Delhi Saturday.

• Dr. Seacord and wife were at Delhi on Friday.

• H.J. Hewitt was up from Delhi on Saturday.

• Peter Mosier and wife passed thro’ town on Sabbath.

• Wm. and Everett McPherson were in town Saturday.

• John W. Hewitt made a trip over to Andes Wednesday. 

• The Al Martz specialty company is billed here for Saturday night. [More detail below.]

• A Mr. Striker from New Jersey, has been in town trying to buy calves.

• A.B. Jardine wife and child, from Glenburnie, were visitors here on Saturday.

• James Seath arrived in town Friday.  He was compelled to take a vacation on account of a lame leg.

• J.L. Coulter and wife and Miss Jennie Strangeway returned home Saturday from their western trip.

• Among those at the County Seat on Saturday were Arthur Hoy, Peter Robson, D.C. Worden, Fred Bramley. 

• Tuesday evening Alex. Hilson was elected one of the trustees of the Centre school to succeed J.L. Coulter.

• Monday was the hottest day so far this season, the thermometer standing at 100 in the shade. Wednesday beat it.

• A social was held at D.J. Miller’s last Friday evening, with a goodly number present and a good time reported.

• Saturday the Bovina and Bovina Centre boys played ball at Bovina and the game resulted in favor of the Centre boys by a score of 8 to 6.

• The trustees have hired Miss Margaret Gilchrist to teach the Primary department of the village school for the ensuing year. It will be remembered that she taught that department last year until the spring term, when she was taken sick. 

[This is a description of Al Martz’ Big Specialty Company’s appearance in Andes. The company appeared in Bovina two days earlier.]

Wait for It

Al. Martz’ Big Specialty Company, brass band and orchestra will appear at Union Hall, Andes, August 13.  This company has appeared here before and made a decided hit.  With the company are such well known vaudeville artists as John H. Fagan, Irish comedian, dancer and singer; Bates and Bates, musical artists; Hazel Reynolds, acrobatic dancer; Grant Sisters, lady song and dance artists; O’Brien Bros, acrobats; Al Martz, comedian and bone soloist, and Jones and Livingston, contortionists.  Street parade at noon.  Prices 25 and 35 cents.  It will pay you to wait for this show.

August 17, 1900

• Thomas Miller was at Norwich Friday.

• David Oliver has purchased a new horse.

• Alex Burns was at the County Seat Monday.

• David Currie was up from Delhi on Sabbath.

• James Happy, of Albany, was in this place Wednesday.

• Thomas Gordon and wife were at Delhi over Sabbath.

• George Cable and W.L. Forrest visited Delhi Wednesday.

• G.D. Miller and wife visited relatives at Andes Saturday.

• Richard Smith returned Saturday from his visit at Walton. 

• H.S. Graham the Delhi Harward merchant was in town Monday.

• Frank Kaufman and family from Kingston have been visiting in town.

• Misses Lillian Miller and Mayme Liddle of Andes were in town last Tuesday. 

• The Trustees have hired William E. Hastings as principal of the Centre school.

• John Storie returned Thursday from visiting his brother, A.F. Storie, at Newburgh.

• Dr. Lee of Franklinville was in town Wednesday as a witness in the Storie suit.

• Adam Elliott, of Garettsville, two daughters and Mr. Holdrich have been guests at Thomas Miller’s.

• John L. Gordon, of the New York city police force, arrived in town last Thursday for a ten days vacation.

• Commissioner Gow held teachers’ examinations at Delhi last Thursday and Friday. About 75 took the examinations.

• Last week J.J. Johnson’s team ran away with a reaper, damaging it considerably by colliding with a telephone pole at George Russell’s.

• Among recent real estate conveyances in town are Lydia and Edgar Hall to J.K. Russell, $2,500. J.K. Russell and wife to Frank Finch, $2,500 (the Soper farm.)

• Saturday a return game of ball was played here between the Andes and Bovina Centre teams. The Centre boys could handle the visitors “without gloves” and won with a score of 22 to 6.

• Alex Neish was in town Wednesday as referee in the suit of Samuel Storie vs. John Storie.  The case was adjourned to October 2.  Wagner & Fisher attorneys for the plaintiff and Henry Davie and George Youmans for the defendant.

• Some of the teachers have secured positions as follows:  Emma Campbell in the Miller avenue district; Charles McPherson in the Armstrong district; Bert McNair, at the Butt End; Irene Forrest, at the Toll Gate; Carrie Scott, in Maynard district; James A. Thompson, up Coulter Brook; Maggie Strangeway, in Josh Hobbie district; Levi Bowen, at Lake Delaware.

August 24, 1900

• School in town will soon open.

• John P. Mabon and wife were here on Sabbath. [His wife was the former Elizabeth Murdock.]

• Andrew Scott of Delhi, was in town on Sabbath.

• George Douglas was seen in town on Sabbath.

• John O. Gladstone, of Delhi, was in town Monday.

• W.J. Maynard has been at Springfield, this week.

• John G. Bramley and family have been visiting in town.

• John Mitchell, of Stamford, was in this place Wednesday.

• Miss Jennie Miller went to Walton the fore part of the week.

• The Fortnightly Club held a picnic at Lake Delaware Friday.

• James F. Scott and family, of Delhi, were visitors here Tuesday.

• Marshall Mitchell and M.T. Menzie, of Delhi, were here Thursday.

• William Sloan and David Currie were up form Delhi on Sabbath.

• Frank Kaufman and R.A. Thompson were at Bloomville Monday.

• W.L. White and Harrison Gladstone were at Stamford Saturday.

• Miss Mina Cooke has hired to teach school at Brock’s Bridge, Colchester.

• Miss Jennie Campbell has been visiting her sister, Mrs. John Doig, at Walton.

• Saturday John L. Gordon returned to New York to resume his police duties. 

• Mr. and Mrs. F.R. Coulter and W.A. Boy were among those at the County Seat Wednesday.

• Thomas Gordon and wife, John L. Gordon and Lizzie Rogers visited at Stamford Saturday.

• James Armstrong and W.B. Gladstone, two Gladstone Hollow farmers, were in this place Friday.

• Rev. Samson, James Coulter and others went to Walton Wednesday to attend the convention at that place.

• Among those at Delhi Tuesday were R.E. Bergman and sister, James Forman and sister and David Draffin.

• John W. Blair, Rev. Williams, Dr. Seacord and W.G. McNee were at Fleischmann’s Tuesday to witness the ball game. 

• Mr. and Mrs. W.D. Ceas, of Bloomville, were guests of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Bailey, at Lake Delaware last week.

• Thomas Ormiston arrived in town on Friday from Maryland for a visit, and on Wednesday he and his family started on their return to their southern home.

• Among those in town Tuesday we noticed Daniel Ceas of Bloomville, W.D. Thomson, of Rondout, Bert White, of Andes, George Gordon and a load of Delhi people.

• There will be a Sabbath School picnic of the Sabbath Schools in town on Tuesday, August 28, in Dickson’s grove.  The public in general is invited.

August 31, 1900

• William Maynard is at Chicago this week.

• F.C. Chamberlain was here Tuesday from Andes.

• Miss Maggie Sloan, of Mateawan, is visiting in town.

• Miss Fannie B. Thomson visited at Andes Saturday.

• Butter is bringing a good price – 20 cents for firkins.

• James B. Thomson made a trip over to Andes Saturday.

• Rob Robson, Arthur Hoy and Geo. McNair were all over at Andes Friday last.

• B.S. Miller is attending the National G.A.R. Encampment at Chicago this week.

• Dennis Brothers are exhibiting their poultry at the Margaretville fair this week.

• A new dress of paint is soon to be put on the Methodist church and parsonage.

• This place was visited by violent thunder storms Friday evening and Sabbath afternoon.

• At a meeting of the directors of the Town Insurance Company Tuesday the claim of W.F. Boggs was adjusted at $200, and the claim of F.R. Coulter at $140.25.

• There was a Sabbath school picnic of the Sabbath Schools in town on Tuesday, August 28, in Dickson’s grove.  The picnic did not come up to those of former years and the attendance was not as large as formerly.

Fire in Bovina

Bovina had a fire Friday night.  During the thunderstorm that raged on that evening lightning struck the wagon house on F.R. Coulter’s farm near Bramley mountain, and burned it and all its contents.  Charles Hafele, who lives on the Jardine farm, discovered the fire and hastened to the scene.  Mr. Bogg’s, who rent the farm, were to bed and before they could be aroused the entire building was in flames and nothing could be saved.  Two horses, wagons, harness, hay, etc., were destroyed.  A new buggy and harness belonging to young Russell Boggs were also burned.  It is thought that the horses were killed by lightning, as when the boards fell away so the interior could be seen, both horses laying each with its head thrown around on its shoulder, apparently no struggle had been made.  The insurance was in the Bovina Town Company as follows:  $100 on the building, $100 on the horses, and $150 on the other contents.

Bovina and the American Revolution - James Cooley (1755-1823)

 

James Cooley’s experience in the American Revolution was fairly dramatic. He was born in 1755 in Massachusetts. In April 1777, he enlisted in Captain Luke Day’s company of Infantry in Massachusetts for three years, serving as a fifer. The year he enlisted he participated in the Battle of Saratoga. The following May, he participated in the Battle of Cobleskill and was captured by the forces of Joseph Brant, a loyalist Mohawk Indian. They took him to Fort Niagara then to Quebec in Canada, where he was a prisoner for over four years. He was exchanged at Dobbs Ferry in the lower Hudson Valley in November 1782 rejoining his regiment near West Point and was honorably discharged.

A couple of years after the end of the war, James was married to Mary Lyon and by 1800, they were living in Harpersfield, Delaware County. He later lived in northern Bovina, moving there when it still was part of the town of Stamford.

James applied for a pension in April 1818, when he was 63. His application noted “that he was engaged with the enemy in the memorable Battle of Saratoga and a number of skirmishes.” He also mentioned his time as a prisoner or war. James now was living in indigent circumstances and required “the assistance of his country for support…”

At the time of his application, James possessions included a pitchfork, six sheep, one sickle, one broken tea kettle, two or three cups and saucers, one tea pot, a cherry table, an old bible and an old tobacco box. He was a farmer but said that because of his feeble health, including rheumatism, he could no longer farm and relied on the support of his daughter. His wife was age fifty and was also in increasing feeble health. He was in debt about fifteen dollars plus he had to pay for his pension application.

He received a pension of eight dollars a month and collected it until his death in November 1823. His wife continued to collect the pension at eighty-eight dollars a year, until her passing, sometime after 1841. She left Bovina after his death, likely to live with one of her children in Chenango County.

James is likely buried in Bovina, but unfortunately, we don’t know where. Given that he lived in Northern Bovina, he could be buried in the Nichols Cemetery on Cape Horn Road.

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

 

From the Bovina column of the Andes Recorder for August 1925:

August 7, 1925

• Born to Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Russell August 3, a son. [This son was named William James Russell. He died in 1966.]

• Charles J. Russell, of Delhi, was a caller in town Wednesday.

• Miss Nettie Doig, of Delhi, is with her sister, Mrs. T.C. Strangeway.

• Professor Leon Taggart and family, of Oneonta, were here on Sabbath.

• Mrs. Marvin J. Thomson and children, of Troy, were here the first of the week.

• Mrs. John Aitkens is visiting her daughter, Mrs. Arthur Flynn, at Pepacton.

• Mr. and Mrs. Tracy and children, of Philadelphia, are visiting her father, A.B. Phyfe.

• The U.P. church was filled Sabbath morning to hear Rev. H.B. Speer, a former pastor.

• Miss Edith Tripp, of Oneonta, is a guest of her aunts, Mrs. J.F. Brown and Mrs. C.S. Gladstone.  [Mrs. Brown was Nancy D. Coulter. Mrs. Gladstone was Margaret J. Coulter. They were the daughters of Dixon E. Coulter and Margaret Elliott.]

• Mr. and Mrs. James Ackerley spent Sabbath with his sister, Mrs. Josephine Hornbeck, at Arkville.

• Miss Margaret Archibald, of the County Clerk’s office, spent over the week end with relatives here.

• Ralph Barnhart has purchased of Charles J. Russell his house in the upper part of Bovina Center. [This house later became the home of Roy and Eleanor Worden and is now the home of Brian and Marcia Olenych.]

• Mr. Bell Dunn, Mrs. E.F. McNair, Raymond McNair and wife, of Binghamton, are visiting at John McCune’s.

• John Northrup, and daughter, Mrs. Scutt and children, spent Monday with his daughter, Mrs. Will Oliver in Harpersfield.

• David J. Miller, of Walton, with a carpenter, is making repairs on the barn on the homestead farm, which is back on his hands. [David was named for his grandfather, who came to the United States around 1815 from Scotland. The farm was in the Bramley Mountain area.]

• Dr. and Mrs. Trader and children, of Sonyea, N.Y., are visiting her father, James W. Thomson. Mrs. Trader is also a physician.

• F.W. Hyatt, who a few weeks ago moved to Delhi, has moved into the house on the former Thomas Mabon farm on the Turnpike.  During the moving Mrs. Hull, his housekeeper, broke her wrist.

August 14, 1925

• Mrs. Gideon Miller, of Hamden, is a visitor in town. [This likely was the former Christiana Northrup.]

• Mrs. James A. Gow has been visiting her sons at Endicott.

• Born to Mr. and Mrs. Alex Thomson uptown on August 8, a son. [Actually, the Thomson's had a daughter, Thelma Eloise, on October 7. Mrs. Thomson was the former Thelma Joslin. Thelma Eloise later married George Fletcher. She passed away in 1992.]

• The Coulter reunion will be held on August 19, at J.W. Thomson’s.

• Bovina real estate transfers recorded are Margaret Storie to Eugene Storie $1.

• Mrs. and Mrs. Henry Monroe are spending a few days in New York City.

• Harold Kern, of Ithaca, was a guest at the Dickson home over the week end.

• Mr. and Mrs. William Aitkens of Long Island, are visiting his parents here.

• Master Alex Hilson has been spending the past week with Master Robert Hunt at Delhi.

• Mrs. Scholas and three children, of Walton, are visiting her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Wallace Smith. [Mrs. Scholas was actually Mrs. Horace Schloss. She was born Helen Eusebia Smith in 1899.]

• Mr. and Mrs. Charles Thomson and children, of Katona, N.Y., spent a few days this week with his father, Jas W. Thomson. 

• Mrs. George Decker, Mrs. Arthur Decker, Mrs. William Armstrong and Mrs. Hugh Galland spent Tuesday at Margaretville.

• Mr. and Mrs. Gaylie Hafele and his mother, Mrs. Charles Hafele, have gone to Canada to visit his brother, Dr. Jardine Hafele.

• Jayson McCumber died at the home of his son, Harry McCumber in upper Bovina, on August 9. The funeral was held Tuesday and interment made at Margaretville. His age was 69 years. He was a stone mason by trade.

Attacked by Bull

Last Thursday Elmer Gladstone was attacked by a bull and knocked down. Fortunately the bull then walked away a short distance and before it could renew hostilities Mr. Gladstone made his escape.  All the other members of the family were absent from home. [I believe this is Robert Elmer Gladstone, son of George Gladstone and Helen Strangeway. He survived this attack and lived another 30 years, dying in 1951 at the age of 81.]

August 21, 1925

• Mr. and Mrs. James Rogers and two sons, of New York, were callers here Tuesday.

• There was a large attendance at the Coulter reunion held Wednesday at Jas W. Thomson’s.

• Milton Hasting spent from Friday until Wednesday with his brother, Elmer Hastings, at Saranac.

• Rev. Tucker, a representative of the Anti-Saloon League, preached at the U.P. church Sabbath morning.

• G.D. Miller is having the basement wall under his barn rebuilt. He will move the barn back about five feet.

• Mrs. John McCune entertained her Sabbath School class on the heights of Utsayantha at Stamford on Tuesday.

• Employees of the New York State Gas and Electric Company have set the stakes to run the line into Bovina Center.

• Mrs. Charles Scovell, son, Robert and daughter, Bertha, of Glen Cove, Long Island, are visiting her parents, Mr. and Mrs. George Decker.

Bovina Woman Breaks Arm

Mrs. John McCune had the misfortune to have her arm broken between the shoulder and elbow.  She was returning from Stamford and at Delhi as she approached the turn from Main to Kingston street she put out her arm to give the signal a truck backed into her car at that moment and her arm was caught in such a manner as to break it.  She was taken to the office of Dr. Goodrich, where the fracture was given attention. [This probably was the former Ida Jane McNair. She was in her 50s when this accident occurred. She died in 1953.]

August 28, 1925

• A new roof is being put on the Bovina Center school house.

• Alex Myers was at Andes on business errands Wednesday.

• This section was visited by a heavy white frost Saturday morning.

• Loron Maxin moved this week into the house on David J. Miller’s farm.

• Millard Gow and wife and Willard Gow and wife, of Endicott, were here Wednesday.

• Mrs. Bell Laing, of Andes, is visiting her niece, Mrs. Bell Hilson and other relatives. [Mrs. Laing was the former Isabella Anderson. Mrs. Hilson was married to Alex Hilson. Both women were widows at this point.]

• Milton R. Hoy and three children, of Oil City, came Wednesday for a visit with Bovina relatives.

• Miss Mary Flamsburg, of South Hampton, Long Island, is a guest of her friend, Miss Jane Hilson.

• Born in New York City, August 18, to Mr. and Mrs. Maurice Miller, a son. The father was a former resident here. 

• The Archibald family reunion was held Wednesday at the home of Mrs. Alexander Hilson. There was large attendance, about 100 of the clan being present.

• Henry M. Archibald came up from New York City this week to attend the Archibald reunion. He was accompanied by his daughters, Mrs. Agnes McGill and Mrs. Irene Craddick, and granddaughters, Miss Irene McGill and Miss Agnes Craddick. They made the trip by auto with William Scanlon as driver.

New Residence of Miss Gerry

Plans are said to be nearly completed for the fine new summer home which Miss Angelica Gerry of New York and Lake Delaware is to build on the former J.K. Russell place, which Miss Gerry purchased last year, near the Lake Delaware church.  The building will be of colonial style; will have 23 rooms, and will be built of native stone, to be taken from the place, and will be on a knoll which affords a delightful view. [This became Ancrum and stood until after Miss Gerry's death in 1960. It was demolished a few years later.]

This Day in Bovina for July 2025

Here's the compilation of the entries from the Town of Bovina Historian Facebook page: 

106 years ago today, on July 1, 1919, as later reported in the Andes Recorder, "Lloyd Oliver had a narrow escape …from going off the high wall at Alex Myers' in his car.  Something was wrong with the car and Terry, the garage man, towed it backwards to the top of the pitch and he started to coast down.  In front of the Myers house a rod dropped down careering the car into the air so that only one wheel was on the ground and when it righted itself it was on the wall and less than a foot from the edge.  Mr. Oliver, who had no brakes, succeeded in guiding the car along the wall and it was stopped in front of Elliott Thomson's." John Lloyd Oliver would pass away in 1924 at the age of 22. He was the hired man for John Burns at the time of his passing.

197 years ago today, on July 2, 1828, David Thomson posted the following ad in the Delaware Gazette: "Six Cents Reward. Ranaway from the subscriber on the 1st inst. an indented apprentice of the Farming business, by the name of Mitchell McComb, in the 20th year of his age. All persons are forbid harboring or trusting him on my account as I will pay no debts of his contracting after this date. The above reward will be paid to any person who will apprehend and return said boy to me but no charges." Whether and/or how he was returned has not been determined but by 1840, McComb had his own farm in Bovina. Before 1850 he sold the farm and ended up in Delhi working as a laborer. He served in the Civil War and settled in Washington, DC after the conflict, where he died in 1880.

117 years ago today, on July 3, 1908, Norman Hawley was married to Edith Michelbach in Bovina, with the Rev. Norman Speer officiating and Mrs. E.E. Hastings and John T. Coulter as witnesses.  About six weeks later, on August 18, Norman was arrested at the farm of John A. Irvine on Coulter Brook, where he was a hired hand, for having deserted from the regular army about a year previous while stationed in Vermont.  His wife was living in Binghamton at the time, probably with his parents.  The letters that passed between them led to his discovery.  He was dishonorably discharged on September 20, 1908. This doesn't seem to have had a major impact on his life. In 1910, he was living in Binghamton with his wife and parents.  The couple later settled in Syracuse, where Hawley worked for the railroad as an engineer for many years. He passed away in 1946 in Bainbridge and is buried in Syracuse.

Seventy years ago today, on July 4, 1955, Isabell Russell recorded in her diary "A grand day nice & clear but very hot. Charles was over and we ate on the side lawn had our new picnic table." Charles was Cecil's brother. I believe this photo is from that day - Hildreth Russell, Charles Russell, Cecil Russell and Isabell Russell. 

118 years ago today, the July 5, 1907 Andes Recorder Bovina column reported that: "The telephone service in Bovina is on the 'bum' and with no signs of anything better. It is stated that the central for the Rose lines will be at Hobart and in order to talk with Andes for example it would be necessary to call Hobart and then talk via Delhi. Certainly very convenient."

Thirty-two years ago today, the July 6, 1993 issue of the Delaware County Times included this photo of Florence Thomas with some of her husband’s antique cars. 

126 years ago today, the July 7, 1899 Andes Recorder in its Bovina column reported that "Quite a number of new mowing machines have been bought this year.  Besides those mentioned last week they are Walter Biggar, a McCormick; E. Burgin, an Osborn; James Coulter, a Walter A. Wood and F.C. Armstrong, a Buckeye." [Note: I could not find any mention of ‘those mentioned last week’ in the previous issue of the paper.]

127 years ago today, the Bovina column of the July 8, 1898 Andes Recorder reported that "The forest worms are committing great ravages in many sugar camps.  In Stephen Russell’s camp they have many of the trees stripped of leaves, and in many other places are equally as bad."

In 1946, Delhi photographer Bob Wyer took a series of aerial pictures around Bovina in a plane piloted by Eddie Davidson. This is the farm of Bill Parsons, which stood at the end of Boggs road in Bovina. Bill was born in 1906. He married Ruth Coulter in 1933, and they raised four children on the farm. Bill died in 1962. The house was demolished about a decade ago. Image courtesy of the Delaware County Historical Association. 

113 years ago today, the July 10, 1912 Delaware Gazette carried an article about what later became Route 28: "RIGHT OF WAY SECURED. Tuesday, Chairman Dickson, with [town] Supervisors Johnson and Palmer went over the route of the Andes-Delhi State road in company with an engineer and completed the work of securing the right of way. The damages in Bovina, range from nothing to $200. Some of the trees at Lake Mahican will be saved by a slight change of plans."

The Bovina column from the Catskill Mountain News from seventy-three years ago, the July 11, 1952 issue:   

These images of Jim Burns were taken by Delhi photographer Harold McMurdy in the late 1930s/early 1940s. Jim was born in Bovina in 1917, the son of Bill and Emily Burns. He married Helen Bowen in 1938 and farmed in Bovina on Pink Street the rest of his life. He died in 1994, leaving two sons and a daughter. His widow died 20 years later. 

156 years today, on July 13, 1869, James Campbell filed with the town clerk a notice concerning a stray colt that showed up at his farm.  "Notice is hereby given that an iron grey horses colt came to my premises this morning, the owner is requested to prove property, pay charges and take the same away.  Dated July 13, 1869, James M. Campbell."  James Campbell's farm was on Scutt Mountain Road.  

146 years ago today, a letter dated July 14, 1879 came from Bovina farmer George Archibald to Johnson's Patent Iron Neck Yoke company. It was published in the Delaware Gazette a few days later: "Dear Sir: I have broken three wooden neck-yokes on my mowing machine within the past few years. The last one, the present season broke while turning around frightening one of my horses which threw the other horse on to the knives of the machine, cutting its leg so bad that I was compelled to kill it (a valuable one). I have now one of your iron neck-yokes, which stands the racket. I could have sold my horse for enough to buy your iron neck-yokes for all my neighbors, and many of them are and have been breaking the cheap yokes furnished with the machines."

Ninety-nine years ago today, on July 15, 1926, as reported in the Stamford Mirror, "Mrs. Belle Hilson, Miss Jane Hilson, Miss Elizabeth Strangeway and Miss Ruth Coulter left Thursday for the Pacific coast.  Mrs. Hilson and her daughter expect to visit points in California, while Miss Strangeway and Miss Coulter will attend the Young People's Convention in Seattle."  Belle Hilson was the widow of Alex Hilson and lived in the house now occupied by Chris and Mike Batey.  Elizabeth Strangeway was the aunt of Ruth Coulter.  Ruth would later marry Bill Parsons.

This image of a young Margaret Gordon came from photos shared by the late Russ Boggs. Margaret grew up in Bovina, the daughter of Bovina Town Clerk Tom Gordon. She later became a social studies teacher, teaching for many years at Delaware Academy. 

In 1946, Delhi photographer Bob Wyer took a series of aerial pictures around Bovina in a plane piloted by Eddie Davidson. This is the image of the Alex Rabeler farm, which later became Suits Us Farm.  There's been a farm on this site since at least 1830, when it was owned by John R. Thomson. It later was owned by John M. Miller, then Frank Rupert before Alex purchased it in 1941. This is now the Bovina Center Montessori School. Images courtesy of the Delaware County Historical Association. 

178 years ago today, on July 18, 1847, Robert Forrest, the son of Thomas E. Forrest and Ellen Raitt, died at the age of three. He is buried in the Old Associate Presbyterian Church cemetery (more commonly known as the Reinertsen Hill Road cemetery).  Thomas and Ellen Forrest would lose several other children in their infancy. Ellen had thirteen children but would lose at least six of them before they reached adulthood.

107 years ago today, on July 19, 1918, Bovina was hit with a heavy storm that caused considerable crop damage and killed three cows.  Gardens and field crops, including William Archibald's buckwheat were destroyed by hail, some of the early stones being as large as plums (the Archibald farm was at the lower end of Bovina Center, what later was the Frank McPherson farm).  The maple tree at the home of the Muller sisters (across from about where the late Hugh and Pat Lee lived – and where Taylor Foster lives) was struck by lightning.  Lightning traveled into the house of Adam Laidlaw through the telephone lines but did no damage (the Laidlaw farm is where Marie Burns lives now).  A.B. Phyfe, who had the farm now owned by Tim and Kristin Schneider, saw his entire dairy of three cows killed by lightning.

Twenty-two years ago today, on July 20, 2003, I took this photograph of my dad, Charlie LaFever, with the Davidson brothers, Richard, Ed and Alan. It was the last time these four gentlemen would gather like this. Charlie and Alan died within a couple of weeks of each other in early 2004. Ed and Dick continued their annual trips to Bovina for about another decade. Ed passed away in 2019. Dick lives in California. 

Sixty-four years ago today, the July 21, 1961 issue of the Oneonta Star included this story about the family of baseball great Whitey Ford spending some time at Suits-Us Farm: 

This image of Ralph Tuttle was taken by Delhi photographer Harold McMurdy in the late 1930s. Ralph was born in 1906 and lived on the Tuttle Farm on Lee Hollow for many years. Ralph died in 1983 and is buried in Bovina.

124 years ago today, on July 23, 1901, as later reported in the Andes Recorder, "the first load of lumber was drawn for the creamery at the Centre…" Here's an image of the creamery a few years after it opened. 

129 years ago today, the July 24, 1896 issue of the Andes Recorder, in its Bovina column, had several entries concerning the poor hay and oats crop, reporting that "The worms are doing a great deal of damage in the oats and also in some pieces of corn. Some have quit haying and are cutting their oats to save them from the pests." The Bovina columnist also noted that "a good many have finished haying and the majority say they have only about half a crop, as compared with last year. There will be lots of cows to dispose of this fall."

Eighty-seven years ago today, on July 25, 1934, J. Douglas Burns died in Bovina at the age of 75. He was a lifelong resident of Bovina, the son of John Burns and Nancy Ormiston. He married Maggie Doig in 1879. They had five children, four of whom survived to adulthood - Arthur, Eva, Elizabeth and Willam C. The images are J. Douglas and his wife Maggie.  

144 years ago today, the Bovina column for the July 26, 1881 Stamford Mirror reported that "The new boat on the pond at the coopershop is a source of attraction for the small boys, and some large ones."

Forty-three years ago today, this article appeared in the July 27, 1982 Delaware County Times about Russell's Store.  

164 years ago today, on July 28th, 1861, George H. Lee, son of Charles R. Lee, died of diphtheria in Brushland. Four days later, his sister, Margery Saloma also died of the same disease. Both children are buried in the Bovina cemetery.

130 years ago today, on July 29, 1895, as later reported in the Bovina column of the Andes Recorder, "John Bramley was in town…after ice for the Andes meat market."

Ninety-one years ago today, on July 30, 1934, David Currie resigned as Bovina Town Clerk. James Hoy was appointed to fill the position. Hoy would hold the position for about a year when David Currie would resume it and hold it until 1945. James' wife, Margaret, succeeded David in the position, becoming the first woman to be the Town Clerk for Bovina.

 

This double postcard view of Bovina Center probably dates from the 1930s.  

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

 

July 6, 1900

• Stock day Monday.

• Alex. Fenton was in town Saturday.

• F.C. Armstrong visited Delhi Saturday.

• Ed Thompson was up from Delhi Monday.

• G.D. Miller and wife are on a trip to Oneonta.

• Rev. Piper and family passed thro’ town Monday.

• John R. Hoy and wife [the former Isabella Wilson Miller] returned from Hobart Friday.

• David Currie was up from Delhi on his wheel on Sabbath.

• W.L. White and Elmer Close were over at Andes Tuesday.

• Ernest Bouton is seriously ill with inflammation of the bowels.

• Robert R. Gladstone and wife were here from Andes on Sabbath.

• David J. Miller and wife [the former Elizabeth Campbell] returned Friday from their western trip.

• Doctor [Rev. J.B.] Lee and wife left Monday for their home in Franklinville.

• Joseph Raitt has been renewing old acquaintances in town this week.

• Fred Bramley has been having a well dug at the old Sott cooper shop.

• Andrew Anderson and wife [the former Margaret Liddle] were in this place on Monday from Dingle Hill.

• William A. Liddle and wife, of Margaretville, were visitors in town over Sabbath.

• James Hastings has been having some improvements made on the interior of his residence.

• Rev. and Mrs. Moser have been guests at S.G. Bramley’s. Rev. Moser will preach in the Methodist church on Sabbath.

• The loss on E. George Gladstone goods destroyed by the recent fire in the Methodist parsonage, has been adjusted at $8.47.

• Recently, Master John Miller of this village caught a trout which measured 14 ¼ inches in length and weighed one pound and two ounces.

• The frame is up for the addition to Andrew T. Doig’s store.  James L. Coulter, John E., and E. George Gladstone are the carpenters.  

July 13, 1900

• John A. Irvine was at Delhi Monday.

• Miss Louisa Case was home for a few days the past week.

• William L. White and Elmer Close visited Delhi on Saturday.

• Mrs. Dr. Phinney has been visiting relatives at New Kingston.

• Otis McCumer and family were at Mrs. Muller’s over Sabbath.

• William VanKeuren was seen in this village Saturday from Andes.

• Frank C. Armstrong made a trip to the County Seat last Saturday.

• Marshall Thomson was over at Andes Saturday on a business trip. 

• Thomas Gordon and wife visited her parents at Falls Mills over Sabbath.

• George Hunger of Colchester, was a guest at William Cooke’s recently.

• Albert Butts and wife returned from their visit at Davenport on Monday.

• Rev. W.L.C. Samson and wife arrived home Friday from their vacation.

• William Bramley and a son of John G. Bramley were in town on Sabbath.

• Lou Cooper and family were in this place from Scotch Mountain Sunday.

• W.L. White has purchased Woodburn & Smyth’s span of sorrel horses.

• Elliott Thomson made trip over to Davenport the fore part of the week. 

• Miss Anna Glover, of Delhi, has been renewing old acquaintances here.

• Rev. W.T. Mabon will preach in the United Presbyterian church on Sabbath.

• Ephriam Worden and daughter, of Andes, were visitors here on Saturday.

• J. Kennedy McCivitt, of Andes, will preach in the Methodist church on Sabbath.

• Gideon Miller and wife went to Andes this week, where he will help his father in the hay.

• William Northrup, the Walton painter, is doing a job of painting for Mrs. A.D. Thomson on Pink Street.

• The family of William Rogers arrived at their summer home at Lake Delaware Tuesday for the summer.

• George able, William L. Ruff and Thomas R. Boggs were among our citizens who were at Delhi Tuesday.

• Thomas Ormiston’s family arrived in town Tuesday from their home in Maryland, for a visit with relatives.

• Mrs. William Huber is at Alexander Myers’ helping take care of Nellie Myers, who has been very ill with a gathering in the head, but she is now some better. 

July 20, 1900

• Alex. Myers was at Delhi Saturday.

• Henry Thompson’s family are stopping in town.

• Thomas A. Oliver was up from Delhi the first of the week.

• Monday and Tuesday were the two hottest days of the year.

• Stephen Avery, of Bloomville, was seen in this place on Sabbath.

• Andrew Seacord and Alex. Hilson were among those at Delhi Friday.

• David Oliver, Alex. Hilson and Elliott Thomson were at Andes Saturday.

• A son and daughter of the late William Gladstone have been visiting their uncle, George Gladstone.

• Richard Smith, William Smith, Elliott Thomson, Dr. Seacord and Helen Blair were all at Delhi on Tuesday. 

• William Smitha nd family, of Walton, and also John Smith have been visiting their parents, Mr. and Mrs. Richard Smith in this village.

• The little town of Bovina has two nominees for county clerk – Republican and Prohibition.  And the Democratic convention has not yet been held.

• Miss Nellie Myers, whose serious illness we reported last week, is lightly improved. Her grandfather, Frank Myers, visited her the first of the week.

• James L. Coulter and wife and Miss Jennie Strangeway expect to start next Monday for Denver, Colorado, to attend a Christian Endeavor convention.

• William T. Mabon preached in the United Presbyterian church on Sabbath from Gallatians 4:4 and 5. J.K. McDivitt preached in the Methodist church.

• Leslie, son of William L. Moore, draws milk to Bloomville, and drives one horse. Sunday going up the river he felt unwell and took a sun stroke but is now recovering. 

July 27, 1900

• William Lidle of Andes was seen in town Saturday.

• Born on July 3d to Mr. and Mrs. Robert Doig a son.

• Mr. Hamn, of Delhi has been in town doing some upholistering(sic). 

• Miss Cora Bell, of Delhi, was a guest at Thomas Gordon’s recently.

• W.C. Russell and Marion Robertson were at Andes on Wednesday.

• William Smith and family returned to their home in Walton Saturday.

• A number were at Andes on Sabbath attending the funeral of Andrew A. Liddle.

• The Misses Hunter, who have been at Rev. T.M. Slater’s started for home on Tuesday. 

• Among those at Delhi on Saturday were W.T. Black, John A. Irvine and David Oliver.

• Mrs. William Crosier, Mrs. G.D. Miller, and Mrs. Thomas Gordon, were at Delhi Wednesday.

• Owing to the absence of the pastor there was no preaching in the Methodist church on Sabbath.

• Mrs. and Mrs. T.S. Miller were here from Andes Tuesday evening to see their niece Miss Nell Myers.

• A good many have finished haying and report a fair crop.  It is said that Bovina as a whole has a better crop than her sister towns.  Oats and other crops are looking fine.

Bovina and the American Revolution

 

It’s been 250 years since the start of the American Revolution, so now is a good time to look at Bovina’s role in the nation’s fight for independence. Officially, it had none – mainly because there was no Bovina until almost 50 years after the war. In fact, Europeans had yet to discover the delights of the Northern Catskills, and while Indians hunted here, they probably never settled. 

So, identifying Revolutionary War soldiers from Bovina is a bit tricky. I focused on finding Revolutionary War veterans who settled in or at least spent some of their time in Bovina. This involved reviewing a variety of records in order to track these veterans down. The service records are challenging to find, given that there were several militia companies in each state. But the records are out there, thanks to sources like Ancestry and Fold3. Several states in the late 19th/early 20th centuries published books on their state’s role in the revolution, including various lists of soldiers in the war. 

In 1818, the federal government started to offer pensions to Revolutionary War veterans. These pensions are incredibly useful, though it also means that soldiers who died before 1818 won’t have a pension record (though sometimes you can find a widow applying for her husband’s pension). Veterans had to apply for their pensions, presenting information about their service and their current circumstances. These pensions are very helpful, though the information presented in these applications are based on memories over 40 old. One Bovina soldier was in a battle, but he could not remember the battle’s name. These pension records are mainly held by the National Archives and can be found on Ancestry and Fold3. If a veteran opted not to apply, there won’t be any pension records to review. 

Pension records also can be found at the county level. In the 1980s, Shirley Houck and the Delaware County Clerk’s office published a book of these applications from soldiers in Delaware County – “Delaware County’s War Papers.” This helped me identify two of Bovina’s five soldiers. I identified two other soldiers through their pension applications filed elsewhere. A fifth soldier died before pensions were offered, so I only found a bare service record. 

Over the next few months, I will be creating blog entries on each of the five American Revolution War vets that I have identified as having connections to Bovina. And there’s a possible sixth I also will write about. The five definite Bovina Revolutionary War veterans are:

• James Cooley (1755-1823)

• Samuel  Ludington (1744-1814) 

• Elisha Maynard (1763-1840)

• Jesse (or Justice) Purdy (1748-1840)

• James Vandenburgh (1758-1840)

Two of these veterans were Prisoners of War, one of the British and the other of Indians allied with the British. 

Two of them are definitely buried in Bovina. One more may be buried here and is memorialized on his granddaughter’s monument. One other veteran very likely is buried here but if so, the grave is unmarked and unlocatable. And one veteran we know is not buried in Bovina because he moved away over a decade before his passing. 

So more to come. 

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

July 3, 1925

• David J. Miller, of Walton, was a caller here on Thursday.

• James F. Forman and family were up from Delhi on Tuesday.

• Archibald Thomson and family, of Walton, were here on Sabbath.

• A banquet for the juniors was held in the church parlors Tuesday night.

• William Tuttle, of East Delhi, spent a few days the past week with relatives in town.

• Mr. and Mrs. Harry Robinson were at Stamford and South Kortright on Sabbath.

• Miss Jame Hilson is home from South Orange, N.J. for the summer vacation.

• Miss Alva Galland, who has been teaching in the east, returned to her home in South Dakota.

• Mrs. Elizabeth Irvine left Wednesday for Seattle, Washington, to spend the summer with her sons.

• The friends of Mr. and Mrs. Edward Burgin made them a shower Monday evening at the Burgin homestead.

• George Shaver moved Thursday to Andes. He will assist his son Freeman Shaver of Terry Clove in haying.

• Professor and Mrs. Leon Taggart and family, of Oneonta, are with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. T.C. Strangeway.

• Glen and June Coulter, of Delhi, who have been visiting their grandmother, Mrs. Lucy Coulter, returned home Wednesday.

• The Fritz Burger and Ted Fuller sale Thursday was called off. The parties reached an agreement and Mr. Fuller will move onto the farm. 

• Carrie Dumond and Margaret Gordon have gone to the Pakatakan Country Club at Arkville for the summer. Mary Gladstone and Lillian McNair have gone to Stamford. 

July 10, 1925

• W.C. Russell’s new residence is being painted.

• Frank Drake has moved into the small Dickson tenant house.

• Alex McPherson, of Utica, was with the relatives here over the week end.

• Robert Doig and family and John Doig were up from Delhi on Friday.

• Lauren Dickson, of Binghamton, spent over the Fourth with his mother.

• Mrs. Wilbur Archibald has hired to teach next year in the Fleischmann high school.

• Mrs. Alice McNaught, of Hamden, is spending two weeks at the home of Colin McNaught.

• Mrs. James Monroe and daughter, Ruth, have gone to Catskill to spend three or four weeks.

• The Whitcomb Circle will give an entertainment entitled Breezy Point at the Hall of Friday night.

• Superintendent of the Poor James f. Forman and family, of Delhi, were in town Saturday evening. 

• Misses Kate and Fred Muller spent over the Fourth with their sister, Mrs. Otis McCumber, at Andes.

• Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Smith and family, from Connecticut, have been spending the past week in town.

• James W. Thomson, Geo Russell and Wm C. Russell are shingling the barn of Eliza J.P. Russell in southern Bovina.

• Millard Gow and wife, and Willard Gow, wife and son, of Endicott, spent over the Fourth with their parents in Bovina.

• Frank Myers and wife and William Thomson, of Endicott, spent over the week end with their people here. Ledger Myers returned home with them.

• Rev. and Mrs. H.B. Speer, of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, are expected here August 1st to spend their vacation. He was a former pastor of the United Presbyterian church.

• The Women’s Missionary Society and the Young Woiman’s Society held a meeting at Chas A. McPherson’s on Thursday afternoon. Miss Work, a missionary gave an address.

• William Crosier was called to Delhi on Monday by the injury of his nephew, Don Burns. He is employed at the Ayer & McKinney creamery and was struck on the back of the head and was unconscious.

Kaufman-Russell – from our Bovina correspondent

Miss Edna Russell, daughter of Mrs. William T. Russell, and Kenneth Kaufman were united in marriage at the Russell home on the former Dysart farm, in the town of Bovina on Friday evening, July 3, in the presence of a large gathering of relatives. They went to New York City on a wedding trip. 

July 17, 1925

• Charles Hafele and John Hafele were at Andes last Friday.

• Mr. and Mrs. James Mabon and son motored to Andes on Thursday.

• Charles A. McPherson, on the former Strangeway farm, has had a part of the bar re-shingled.

• Quite a number attended the minstrel show held at Andes last Friday and Saturday nights.

• Supervisor Wallace Smith was at Delhi last Friday attending a meeting of the board of Supervisors.

• Miss Emily Hyatt, Miss Grace Hyatt and Mrs. Olson, of New York, have been spending their vacation in town.

• Mr. and Mrs. B.M. Thomson, from California, and Mr. and Mrs. E.F. Thomson, of Walton, were in town on Tuesday.

• Twin daughters were recently born to Mr. and Mrs. Schols at Walton. The mother is a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W.B. Smith up-town.

• Floyd W. Hyatt, who a number of years ago came here from Yonkers and purchased the David J. Miller farm, moved off this week and has gone to Delhi. The farm was sold Monday at foreclosure.

July 24, 1925

• John Armstrong and wife were at Schenectady last week.

• Cecil Russell, wife and daughter were at Delhi on Saturday.

• Mrs. James Monroe and son were here from Catskill last week.

• Ward Coulter and two sons, of Walton, called on his mother here on Sabbath.

• Harold Robinson and wife, of Delhi spent Sabbath with their people in town. 

• Mrs. John Hilson and Children are spending a few days at Jas Forman’s at Delhi.

• John Myers, of Springfield, Mass., spent over the week end with his parents here.

• Roy Worden has bought the hay on the Jas. A. Russell or Cathels farm up Pink Street.

• Mrs. Alex Crosier, who resides with her son in Philadelphia, is renewing acquaintances in town.

• Mrs. Charles Hyatt and two sons, of New York, are with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Everett Joslin.

• Mr. and Mrs. Wilson, of Pennsylvania, are guests of Rev A.M. Thomson at the R.P. Parsonage.

• Sabbath morning Rev. F.N. Crawford spoke especially to the children on the Best Not Good Enough.

• Mrs. S.K. Ferris, of Albany, and her mother, Mrs. M.M. Boggs, are at W.J. Crosier’s for the summer.

• George Decker, Mrs. Arthur Decker, Howard McPherson and wife, Charles Fuller were at Oneonta on Monday.

• Dr. and Mrs. Harry Corsier and child, of Steubenville, Ohio, are visiting his father, W.J. Crosier.

• David F. Hoy, registrar of Cornwell University, and Mrs. Hoy spent over the weekend with his sister, Mrs. Archibald and Mrs. Davidson. 

• Born recently to Rev. and Mrs. Thos Graham at Ambridge, Penn a dauter. Rev. Graham is a former pastor of the Church of the Covenanters here.

• The June Sabbath School report for the U.P. church showed 61 in perfect attendance for the month, and 25 did not miss a day during April, May and June.

• Mr. and Mrs. Alex Myers are spending a vacation with their son and dauter at Endicott. Mrs. Arthur Decker is taking charge of the telephone.

• Mrs. George Decker has returned from spending several weeks with her daughter, Mrs. Scobel, at Glen Cove, Long Island. Her granddaughter, Ada Scobel, accompanied her home. 

July 31, 1925

• Alex Scobie, of Cherlottville, was in town Wednesday.

• Ernest Jackson, of Andes, has rented rooms in Mrs. Julia McPherson’s house.

• Mrs. Laura Braden, of Amoret, Missouri, has been visiting her brother, Rev. F.N. Crawford.

• Dr. James Crosier, of Philadelphia, and his sister, Mrs. Walter Jackson, of East Orange, N.J., are visiting in town.

• United States Senator Peter G. Gerry of Rhode Island, has been spending a few days at his summer home at Lake Delaware.

• Mrs. Estella Oliver and granddaughter, Kathryn Martin, of Cannonsville are with her daughter, Mrs. Fred Thomson.

• Mrs. Nettie Donnaly, of Oneonta, is a visitor in town. She will be remembered as a daughter of the late Low Thomson.

• Wilber Doig has purchased the Geo Hamilton farm up Elk Creek, the former Ed Cavin place, and gets possession October 1.

• Rev. and Mrs. Hugh B. Speer, of Pittsburg, Penn are visitors here. On Sabbath Rev. Speer will preach at the U.P. church.

• Kester Signor, well known here, had a leg, three ribs and his collar bone broken in an automobile accident at Shinhopple last week.

• Mrs. Charles Hyatt, who has bene visiting her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Everett Joslin, returned to New York on Wednesday, leaving her two children with her mother for a few weeks. 

Bovina Farm sold

Lester T. Hoy, who has for a number of years has been employed in creameries, has purchased his father, W.A. Hoy’s farm and takes possession September 1.  This is the former John Hastings place and the original Alex Brush place for which Brushland now Bovina Center, was named.

Bovina Estate

In the estate of Margaret S. Burns, late of Bovina, estimate is $5,000 personal. To Eleanor Burns is willed $100; Eva McPherson, daughter, $100 and an equal share of residue; J. Douglas Burns, husband, Arthur J. and William C. Burns, sons and Lizzie Rutherford, daughter, each an equal share of residue