Jacob Dingman
obit 9/22/1894 Ft Dodge, Kossuth Co, Iowa
An Old Veteran Gone - Battered To Death By A Cyclone in Algona, Iowa, born in Otsego Co,
NY.
By the burial Tuesday of Jacob Dingman's remain another old veteran of a campaign that
will be famous as long as history is read, passed from the sight of mortal eyes. He
was one of Phil Sheridan's boys in the Shenandoah Valley, and that is an honor worth
preserving to a posterity yet unborn. He was born in Otsego Co, New York, beautiful
Otsego, with its green hills and lakes, Oct 22, 1834. He was married in 1856 at
Norway, Herkimer county, New York, to Miss Mary Smith, the good wife who survives
him. He enlisted in the Sixth New York Cavalry, and was in the Army of the Potomac.
After the close of the war, in Oct. 1865, Mr Dingman and family came to Webster
county, and located in what they hoped would be a homestead, in Washington township.
Unfortunately it was land involved in the riverland dispute, and after living on it
nearly 30 years, they were obliged to surrender it, and last spring moved.
Eight children were born to their marriage, but some years ago when diphtheria raged in
this county with an awful virulence they suffered the expressible anguish of seeing
four of their children expire, one by one, by that deadly disease. Four still live,
of whom one, Miss Minnie is unmarried. The others are Charles Dingman, in the ruins
whose home the father lost his life, Mrs Kate Webb, of Fort Dodge, whose husband is
M.M. Webb, the foreman on the M. & St. L, and Mrs Carrie Hartman of Ruthven? The
surviving children were here at the funeral. The remains were interred in the
Duncombe cemetery. Mr Dingman went to Kossuth county about four weeks ago to visit
his son, Charles. Last Friday these two went to Algona to visit the county fair.
Before they reached home, rain began to fall and soon poured. They saw nothing in
the storm to alarm them, however. Reaching home they put up the team and hurried
into the house. They had a cave, and the son's wife, who was always fearful of a
cyclone, had gone to it with her children. The father and son had been in the house
but a few moments when the wind struck it. The time was about 8:30, it was pitch
dark and the rain came now like a flood. They heard no roar or warning sound.
Suddenly the house was lifted from the foundation and moved several feet with a
wrench which broke out the windows. Both men started for the _____?, then came two
more distinct ____? The men were still unhurt, but were unable to crawl to make their
way out. Then came the final twist, collapse and scatteration. Then the father was
instantly killed by blows on the head and body, but the son received no injuries
beyond slight bruises. He was over his father in an instant, but there was not even
a tremor of departing life in the body. He was beyond the storm.
Thanks to the prudent mother, the children were safe in the cave, and she with them, but
the home was obliterated. Furniture and out buildings, and the entire crop were
blown away, a heavy loss to a young farmer who at sundown that day had a good start
toward independence. Charles Dingman describes the storm as he saw it receding as a
genuine funnel shaped twister. The scenes and experiences of that night will never
be forgotten by him. In every direction from his place was desolation with dead and
suffering people. Cries of agony and grief came from every farm home. The Algona
doctors were overwhelmed with work nearer by, and it was not until late the next day
that many _____? (The rest of the obit is unreadable)
Contributed by Judy Morgan
Coroner Probes Fatal Accident
Cooperstown- The testimony of 16 witnesses was heard at the inquest Friday held by
Coroner Harrie V.Frank,Richfield Springs, in the death of Charles E.Edick,
65,Leonardsville. The questioning of witnesses was deligated by Dr. Frink to district
Attorney Livingston S.Latham,Unadilla. Dr.Frink reserved decision until he has
reviewed a transcript of the testimony.
Joseph P.Leary,Cooperstown,represented Madison Gordon Allen,19 tear old Leonardsville
youth operator of the coupe which struck Edick as he was walking along the highway
toward his home Sunday.
Lewis M.Thomas,Oneonta Police Department identified eight photographs he had taken at the
accident scene and of the Allen car.
Harold F.Knapp,member of the BCI,State Police,recounted his investigation of the
accident, Dr. Eugene E.Evans,Leonardsville,physician,testified Edick's injuries
included a compound skull fracture.
Contributed by Peggy McSwain
Feb 26, 1868, Otsego Co, NY
FATAL ACCIDENT AT CHASEVILLE
Henry JAMES, aged 32, a single man, employed upon the A. & S. R. R.,
was killed at Chaseville, 18th inst., while attempting to stop the
team of Frederick Baldwin of Westford, which had taken fright at the
approach of the cars. The team when frightened was standing at the
Eage Mills, and were running to cross the tracks. Henry seizing the
bridles tried to force the horses back, but was borne so far forward
that the engine struck him and afflicted wounds of which he soon
died, at the house of S. N. Wilber, to which he had been removed.
His remains were taken to Albany, and an inquest was held by Corner
Mulligan.
Contributed by Judy Morgan
Edgar A. Couse and Bertha Kelsey
Couse of the town of Oneonta were
jointly indicted on a charge of endeavoring
to conceal the birth of a child
born to Bertha Couse in Masonville,
Delaware County, December 30, 1934
And later interring the body in the
Woods on the Otego highway in the
Town of Oneonta without first obtaining
a burial certificate.
Published Richfield Springs Mercury
March 14 1935
Contributed by Rene' Treffeisen
The new Briar Creek Road, half
way between Otego, and Wells Bridge,
connecting Route 7 with the Rootville
community a distance of 6 ½ miles has also been
completed and is open for use.
Published Sunday October 26 1934
Utica Observer
Contributed by Rene' Treffeisen
A reunion of the Bundy and Shepard families will be held in the Otego House, Otego on
Wednesday, June 18. Some 20 or more years ago the families named were accustomed to
hold biennial gatherings, and at some of them as 150 of the kindred of these families
were present. For the past 19 years, however, none have been held and it is owing to
the efforts of Dr. S. G. Bundy of Otego that the custom is being renewed this year.
Published Richfield Springs Mercury 1913 in either June or July
Contributed by Rene' Treffeisen
Published Richfield Mercury 1909
Was Otsego’s Oldest Resident
Mrs. Lucinda M. brown, who died last week in Otego from old age, was in her 94th years.
She had lived in Otego about fifty years. Mrs. Brown was born on June 23, 1834, and
was probably Otsego County’s eldest resident.
Published Richfield Springs Mercury Thursday May 3 1928
Contributed by Rene' Treffeisen
Bert Topping has sold his property on Main Street in Otego, known as the Blakely property
to DeWitt G. Terry, who has immediate possession. The topping family intend to locate
in Oneonta, where he is employed as foreman in the Delaware & Hudson shops. During
their residence in town they have gained many friends who will regret their leaving Otego.
Published Richfield Springs Mercury 1925
Contributed by Rene' Treffeisen
John A. Elderlin, and aged and respected resident of the town of Otego, hung himself in his
barn, about three miles north of that village early Friday morning.
Published Richfield Springs Mercury 1907
Contributed by Rene' Treffeisen
Otego Man Commits Suicide
Merritt Gifford, Aged 30
Found Behind Chicken House With
Brains Blow Out – Had Disappeared
Merritt Gifford, a young man of thirty years, was found at the rear of the chicken house on
his place in Otego Tuesday evening, with his brain blown out as a result of a bullet
from a rifle. The Oneonta Star says he was found by The Troopers Cadwll and Drum of
the Sidney troop shortly after his suicide. Then engine of the Ford sedan, in which he
had driven into the yard of his home was still warm.
Gifford, who was employed by the Huddleston-Walton Bakey in Oneonta, disappeared about 7:30
o’clock Monday evening and was not seen again until he was found dead at 6:45 o’clock
Tuesday evening. Soon after his disappearance the fact was reported to Captain Fox of
Troop C. Sindey and troopers Cadwell and Drum were detailed to the case. They searched
all dangerous corners of the highway and finally returned to Gifford’s house.
They drove into the yard without seeing anyone and went to the house which was empty. When
they came out, they saw Gifford’s parked car in the yard. Investigation revealed him
lying dead behind a chicken coop. Coroner Norman W. Getman was immediately called and
with the aid of the troopers began an investigation.
It was found that the deceased had been in a higly nervous and depressed state for some
time. It is believed that brooding over various matters he had become mentally
unbalanced. A second rifle was found in his car and it is thought that he had
originally gone away from home with the intention of committing suicide but had
returned without getting up courage or for some other reason.
There were powder marks and a severe burn on his forehead from the discharge of the rifle.
Sometime ago a threatening letter had been sent to him, and the man who sent it was
arrested and fined. A careful investigation was made to ascertain the whereabouts of
the author of the threatening letter and it was found that he had been out of the
village of Otego for two weeks.
The deceased is survived by his wife and by one child, a boy about five years of age, and
by his parents Mr. and Mrs. E. E. Gifford of Otego.
Published Richfield Springs Mercury Thursday February 16 1928
Contributed by Rene' Treffeisen
Otego Lad Accidently Shot by Brother
Burton Miller, nine years old of R. D. 3, Otego lies in a critical condition at the Fox-
Memorial hospital, Oneonta. He and a brother were “playing” with a loaded .22 calibre
revolver shortly before 9 o’clock Saturday morning at their home when it was
discharged by the brother. The bullet entered Burton’s chest from the front on the
right side and passed his liver and out through the back of the chest.
The lad was rushed to the hospital in a private car and there he was attended by Dr. L. S.
House. The abdomen was opened to see what damage had been done by the bullet on its
way through the lad’s body and to release the ?? blood in the abdomen. Dr. House being
assisted by Dr. Marx and Augustin.
His condition was reported as fair from the hospital early Monday morning and it is hoped
that he will survive.
Published Thursday June 12 1930 Richfield Springs Mercury
Contributed by Rene' Treffeisen
Famous Air Pilot Down Near Hunter
Monday’s Oneonta Star relates that Captain Harry Krom, U. S. air pilot, who, with Byrd and
Bennett, and the famed flight over the North Pole, spent the weekend in Otego. Flying
from Chicago to Boston, he became lost in the fog Friday afternoon and wandered for
three hours over parts of Otsego and Delaware counties, until he ran out of gas and was
obliged to make a forced landing near Hunter, breaking a wing of his plane in
descending.
He was traveling alone with the exception of his Alaskan husky, or wolf dog which has
appeared in some of the popular films. Being obliged to reach Oneonta for mail
connections, he was brought here by C. W. Enderlin of Otego. Needing undisturbed quiet
and rest, he remained for the weekend at Mr. Enderlin’s pleasant home near Otego, where
he recovered comfortably from his fatigue and attended church services in Otego Sunday.
Captain Krom’s home is in Pasadena Cal., but he spends very little time in that state. For
the last five years he has been continually in the United States government service,
spending much time in Africa and South America. One of the especially thrilling
episodes of his work was a perilous investigation of the volcano of Santiago and
adventure which he hopes never to repeat. This last Winter he has spent in the United
States.
Captain Krom was Colonel Lindbergh’s first aviation instructor, he having given that young
air-craft enthusiast his first 35 lessons in flying. He also once rescued the famous
novelist, Zane Gray, from an agonizing death on the great western plain when his car
had become disabled by desert sand.
As soon as Captain Krom’s plane was repaired, he was to proceed on this flight to Boston.
Published Richfield Springs Mercury Thursday March 28 1929
Contributed by Rene' Treffeisen
Fred M. Shepherd has sold his farm in Otego known as the Redding Farm to Henry C. Anderson
of Ulster county, who takes possession of the premises April 1st. Consideration
$20,000.
Published March 3 1921 Richfield Springs Mercury
Contributed by Rene' Treffeisen
C. M. Conklin vacated Hotel Breffle at Otego last week. The hotel is now closed, which
leaves Otego without a hotel, which is a condition that has not existed in many years.
It has not been so very long ago that the town supported four hotels and all enjoyed a
paying business.
Published Richfield Springs Mercury 1919
Contributed by Rene' Treffeisen
Frank Anderson has sold his farm, consisting of 150 acres, located in the Susquehanna river
valley near Otego, together with the stock, tools and farm machinery on the place to,
Geo. A. Goble and gives possession June 1st. Mr. Goble has for a few years past
occupied the Maynard homestead farm in Upper Bovina
Published Richfield Spring Mercury 1919
Contributed by Rene' Treffeisen
William Birdsall, a native of the town of Otego and for many years one of its leading
citizens, died Saturday after a long illness, aged 82 years 10 months and 4 days. The
deceased was born on the farm where he died and at the age of 15 accepted a clerkship
in Binghamton. A few years later he engaged in the lumber business in Elmira remaining
until 1840, when he became connected with a similar business in Albany, where he lived
for about 30 years.
Published in the Richfield Springs Mercury May 22 1902
Contributed by Rene' Treffeisen
John Williams, 69 years of age, was on his way from Otego to Oneonta last Friday afternoon,
when as he approached the Crandall railroad crossing, about two miles this side of
Otego, he saw a train coming and stopped his horse. As the train drew nearer the horse
became frightened and in spite of Mr. Williams’ efforts to restrain him started forward
and reached the track directly in front of the locomotive. The engine struck the wagon
and demolished it throwing Mr. Williams in the air. He landed on the pilot, and here
he was found when the train was stopped by Engineer Hand. He was brought to his home
at the corner of East and Spruce Streets in this village, where it was discovered that
his injuries were of a very serious nature. He died from the effects of them on
Tuesday evening.
Published Richfield Springs Mercury Thursday October 18 1888
Contributed by Rene' Treffeisen
C. S. Williams of Otego N. Y. Injury of foot caused by dropping a firkin of butter on it.
Cost of ? $10.00 Compensation paid $10.00
U. S. Accident Insurance Co. of Syracuse
Published Syracuse Daily Curier 1866
Contributed by Rene' Treffeisen
Mt. Vision news
Mrs. Williams of Otego is a guest of her sister Mrs. W. W. Cutter
Published Richfield Springs Mercury Thursday June 18 1891
Contributed by Rene' Treffeisen
Fred M. Shepherd, the well known stock dealer of Otego was in Franklin last week and
contracted with L. G. Warner for a memorial at a cost of 1500 to be erected in the cemetery
at Otego replacing a former monument placed there. Mr. Shepard’s ancestors were early
settlers in the town “locating at Shepherd’s Corners, below Otego from whence it derived
its name.
Published Richfield Springs Mercury Thursday March 27 1924
Contributed by Rene' Treffeisen
Fred Shepard, one of the hustling stockmen of Otego, shipped from that station within ten
days nearly $5000 worth of choice stock. One shipment contained 110 head.
Published Richfield Springs Mercury 1909
Contributed by Rene' Treffeisen
Mrs. Carlton Smith and Miss Smith of Otego visited Mrs. Smith’s parents, Rev and Mrs. S. G.
Bundy, Sunday and Monday.
Published July 26 1906 Springfield Mercury
Contributed by Rene' Treffeisen
H. J. Patrick made a business trip to Otego Tuesday of last week, and Mrs. Smith and
granddaughter accompanied him and visited at Rev. S. G. Bundy’s. They returned
Thursday evening.
Published Richfield Springs Mercury August 19 1909
Contributed by Rene' Treffeisen
Rev. and Mrs. Bundy are with their daughter, Mrs. Carlton Smith, at Otego for a few days and making the acquaintance of their new grand daughter.
Published Richfield Springs Mercury January 24, 1907
Contributed by Rene' Treffeisen
On Wednesday, Dr. Smith, of Mt. Upton, assisted by Dr. Halsey, tapped Henry Mott, of
Unadilla Center, and took away about 19 lbs of water, which had every appearance of
water, ? to the odor. About the same quantity was taken from him a week ago. Mr. M.
has been suffering with dropsy for the past year.
Published Richfield Springs Mercury 1876
Contributed by Rene' Treffeisen
Dr. J. W. Still?, of Morris, brought a suit for absolute divorce from his wife for cause.
The charge implicated her uncle, a man about 21 years her senior, in whose family she
had been most intimate from her childhood. Mrs. Still is a ? and delicate looking
lady of about 38, the mother of a daughter of 19, who was by her side in court; she
is the daughter of highly respectable people in Butternuts, and ? ? position in
Morris was of the highest. She left her husband’s house ? she claims by his command
– the last of December 1878, since which time she has lived with her father. There
was one witness who swore to an alleged criminal transaction, a young fellow who had
been employed by Dr. Still as a stable hand. No other like act was charged. The
only material question was, should the jury belive or discredits this witness. There
was testimony given to prove that there had for some time previous to the separation
been unpleasant relations between the parties. The trial commenced on Monday and
closed Tuesday afternoon. The jury was out all night, and came into court Wednesday
stating that they could not agree upon a verdict. The judge said it was important
that they should do so, and after some conversation sent them back. In the afternoon
they brought in a verdict, finding for the defendant on each point submitted. This
case excited considerable interest, especially among the people of Morris, a number
of whom were in attendance as court; and the case was ably conducted. The outside
conclusion arrived at so far as we have heard expressions of opinion, is to the
effect that Dr. Still should never have been influenced against his wife by the
improbably story told by the stable boy, and that the verdict was the proper one.
Richfield Springs Mercury May 28 1881
Contributed by Rene' Treffeisen
Otsego County has an astonishing criminal record for the past six months. During that
time we have had to record an attempted murder and a successful suicide at
Portlandville, a double murder and suicide at Richfield, a suicide at Butternuts, and
a suicide and probably successful murder at Exeter.
Richfield Springs Mercury March 10 1883
Contributed by Rene' Treffeisen
J. J. Kinne, while at work on a cheese factory at Maj. Root’s, Butternuts, had the
misfortune to fall, breaking his shoulder in the socket, also his arm an inch or so
below the shoulder.
June 2 1898 Richfield Springs Mercury
Contributed by Rene' Treffeisen
Lost Man Found
Anxiety regarding the whereabouts of Warren Simmons, who disappeared on Wednesday of last
week from his home north of Garratsville in the town of Butternuts, was set at rest
Friday, when he was found working on a farm at South Columbia.
Mr. Simmons was seen on Monday last in the vicinity of the latter place, and was
definitely located Friday morning, and his family went for him, bringing him home
that evening. His condition does not seem to e to any considerable extent abnormal.
Richfield Springs Mercury Sept 22 1927
Contributed by Rene' Treffeisen
Major O.P. Root, a prominent citizen of Butternuts, was badly hurt recently by the kick
of a horse.
Utica Daily Observer Mar 31 1873
Contributed by Rene' Treffeisen
Chickens Neglected Say’s S.P.C.A. Agent
Who Causes Arrest
Cooperstown, Dec 21 – Albert Hill of Butternuts who had been entrusted by Miss A. M.
Richards of Oshkosh, Wis to care for her hennery of ? fowl, was arrested a few days
ago on complaint of Mrs. William T. Hyde, Otsego County agent for the S.P.C.A.
She alleged that Hill was not properly caring for the fowl. All showed neglect and ab
out a dozen were lying dead upon the floor of the hennery, Mrs. Hyde charged.
Hill, arrested by Trooper O. B. Brown of Sidney, was taken before Justice Charles H.
Naylor of the Town of Morris. He entered a plea of guilty. He was fined $10 and
given a jail sentence of six months. Owing to conditions in his home, both fine and
sentence were suspended on Hill’s promise of good behavior.
The Utica Observer Dispatch December 22 1926
Contributed by Rene' Treffeisen
The two men arrested at Butternuts on suspicion of being incendiaries have been held to
$3000 and $1000 bail respectively, to await the action of the Grand Jury.
Utica Daily Observer Friday October 30, 1874
Contributed by Rene' Treffeisen
Katherine the eight year old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Callahan of Butternuts was
badly injured recently by being kicked in the face by a horse which her father was
turning out to pasture. Her nose was crushed and broken, her face otherwise bruised
and her left shoulder dislocated.
Richfield Springs Mercury 1917-1918
Contributed by Rene' Treffeisen
E. R. Clinton of Gilbertsville formerly and for a number of years supervisor of the town
of Butternuts, is seriously ill at his home in that village suffering from a stroke
of paralysis, which he suffered one Sunday.
Richfield Springs Mercury December 1907
Contributed by Rene' Treffeisen
The town of Butternuts is said to be the pioneer town in cheese making. Early in the
century cheese was made there, taken to Albany and peddled about the streets in
wheelbarrows. By 1830 the industry had assumed large proportions there.
Published Richfield Springs Mercury April 15, 1897
Contributed by Rene' Treffeisen
The saw mill and cheese box factory of J. P. Sawyer in Butternuts was burned on Wednesday
of last week. One thousand finished cheese boxes were destroyed, with the entire
machinery, Loss $4,000; no insurance.
Published Utica Weekly Herald September 21 1869
Contributed by Rene' Treffeisen
The Late Senator Arnold
The Real Reason Why His Name Was Changed When a Lad
So many conflicting stories have been published concerning the late Senator Frank B.
Arnold’s change of name when a lad, that Maj. C. P. Root of Butternuts, N.Y., in a
letter to the Oneonta herald makes the real facts public. He says:
Mr. Arnold was born in County Clare, Ireland, of humble but honorabe parentage came to
this country with his father, step-mother, elder brother and one or two hald-brothers
or siters, and located in the town of West Hartford, Ct., and lived when I first saw
him, with his family in the house of Childs Goodman, my uncle. About his time
differences sprang up between some members of the family ad the boy relative to
attending a Protestant Sabbath-school, in which he had become interested. The
religions denominations took sides, the feeling became bitter, and it was thought
best for all concerned that the boy be sent away. He was then twelve years old and I
was twenty-one. I was asked if I would take a boy, and the circumstances were
related to me as I give them above. I replied that I would see him. I did so and
took a fancy to him and asked him if he thought he would like to live with me. He
replied that he would. I said: “When I return home I will send for you.” This I
did. He came to our house in November, 1852, and brought with him a letter in which
was written: “We have given him this name, Benjamin Franklin Arnold,” his real name
being Edwards. A more faithful, trusty boy or young man I never saw. He was never
given to slang, and I never knew him to tell a lie or use a profane word. The same
studious, industrious habits that were so marked in his ? years were just as apparent
then. He lived with my father and myself until he entered Hamilton college, and was
always called Frank Arnold. He explained the whole situation to his wife previous to
their marriage and also to her father, Mr. Frederick Sands, who advised him to make
an application to the courts and have the name frank B. Arnold legalized, which was
done. About two years after, Mr. Arnold visited his father at New Britain, Ct., and
was gladly and kindly received. He consulted the records at the clerk’s office and
found that his father’s home was mortgaged. He paid the mortgage, had it satisfied
and gave it to his father, with a substantial present beside. His father died about
a year ago. From the facts I have stated it wil be seen that the late Frank B.
Arnold was in no way responsible for the change of his name, neither was the boy,
Frank Arnold, responsible. A boy of only twelve years surrounded by influential men
of the town of West Hartford, it was but natural that he should take their advice.
Published Buffalo Express Wednesday Dec 24 1890
Contributed by Rene' Treffeisen
A special to the Albany Evening Journal states that the disastrous fire at Butternuts
noted in our yesterday’s dispatch, broke out in an unoccupied building, which would
indicate incendiaries. A strong wind prevailed and as the place was without fire
apparatus, all efforts to stop the flames were futile until buildings in the path of
the fire were town down. Whisky flowed freely and several disgraceful fights
occurred adding to the temporary horrors of the catastrophe.
Published Buffalo Evening Courier and Republic 1874
Contributed by Rene' Treffeisen
There were thirty-one each of births and deaths in the town of Butternuts last year. Of
the deaths 19 were over 70 years of age and 10 were over 80.
Published Richfield Springs Mercury January 21 1904
Contributed by Rene' Treffeisen
The people of Butternuts have organized a cemetery company, purchased a large and
beautiful location for its purpose and are now grading and ? up the roads and
grounds. A bequest of $1,000 was left to it by the late Deacon J. T. Gilbert.
Utica Herald September 15 1868
Contributed by Rene' Treffeisen
