John A. (1867-1918) and Elizabeth Richards Irvine (1866-1940) were the parents of five children, all born in Bovina on the Gerry estate, where Mr. Irvine was the superintendent of the estate.. They had four sons, William, Lester, John Clifton, and Edgar Lloyd and one daughter. The daughter was Isabell Irvine Russell, wife of Cecil Russell and long-time proprietor with her husband and daughter of Russell’s Store.

Clifton and William Irvine

I think these are the three older Irvine brothers: Lester, Clifton and William

Isabell and Lloyd Irvine

The Irvine family lived on the Gerry estate until late 1899 when John Irvine bought the Black family farm on Coulter Brook. The family had the farm for just under 20 years. John Irvine served as Bovina’s town supervisor from 1899-1907. He was the first farmer to bring his milk to the new creamery in Bovina Center in 1902. Tragically, John committed suicide on New Year’s Day, 1918, likely due to depression over health issues.

William Irvine

Three out of John’s four sons ended up moving west, settling in Washington State. William, Clifton and Lloyd (Isabell’s twin) all settled there.

William Irvine, the eldest, was the first to move west. He moved to Seattle in 1909, after graduating from New York State University as a CPA. He worked for the Fisher Trading Company, rising to the position of secretary and assistant to the president of the Fisher Flouring Mills. His obituary noted that he “occupied a commanding position in the world of business. As a personality he was no less a distinguished figure. He was interested in many things and active in many organizations. A man of unusual charm, his friends numbered legion…” In January 1922, he left the United States to travel to Japan and China and the Phillipines in his function as director of ceremonies for the Shriners. 

Unfortunately, all the effort to save Bill was for naught and he died on May 7, 1929 in Seattle at the age of 41. 

John Clifton Irvine, born in Bovina in 1892, grew up in Bovina and when he was 21, traveled to Seattle, Washington with his brother Will. Known as Clifton, he was living in Snoqualmie Falls, Washington during World War One, working for the Snoqualmie Falls Lumber Company. He was drafted into service and spent time overseas, returning to Washington after the war. When he went back west, his brother Lloyd accompanied him, as did Millard Blair (Helen Thomson’s brother). He married Anne Maloney in 1921. They had one son. Clifton died in March 1978 after a series of strokes at the age of 84.

As noted above, Edgar Lloyd Irvine, Isabell Russell’s twin brother, decided to join his brothers in the west, traveling with Clifton in the summer of 1919. He worked for Fisher Flouring Mills company in Seattle. At the age of 52, Lloyd was married and had four children. He died in January 1980, the last surviving Irvine brother.

Elizabeth Irvine made at least two visits to her sons in Seattle. She made a trip in December 1920, traveling with her sister-in-law, Mrs. W.T. Black. She went again after her son William’s second brain surgery in 1928.

The one brother who stayed east was Lester Irvine. He married Marie Hood in 1913 and they had one daughter, Eleanor (Eleanor married Don Volante and became the first, and to date only, female mayor of Delhi). Lester graduated from Delaware Academy and later graduated from the U.S. College of Veterinary Surgery in Washington, DC. He worked with Dr. Hamilton in Delhi and later took a post graduate course, starting his practice in 1918. His obituary noted that at the time of his death he was the oldest practicing veterinarian in years of service in Delaware County. Lester died in 1961 at the age of 71.

Fifty-four years ago today, the September 1, 1966 Delaware Republican-Express reported in its Bovina column that "Mrs. Belle Dickson of Delhi is visiting her sister, Mrs. Helena Hilson."

119 years ago today, on September 2, 1901, as later reported in the Delaware Gazette, "The Bovina and Elk Creek teams played a good game of baseball on the Academy grounds…notwithstanding the rather unfavorable weather. At the close of the ninth inning the score stood at a tie. Consequently the tenth inning had to be played to settle the contest. It was closely contested, but the Bovina boys won the score, standing 10 to 9."

169 years ago today, James Renwick posted an ad dated September 3, 1851 to sell his farm: "The subscriber offers for sale the Farm on which he now resides, in the town of Bovina, containing about 180 acres. There are two good dwelling houses and three good barns and other out buildings. It is mostly fence with stone wall. Also, a large orchard of bearing apple trees - well watered and well calculated for a grain or dairy farm. Terms easy. For further particulars enquire of the subscriber. He would be willing to take a small farm in part payment." This farm was on what is now Pink Street, possibly around the area of Suits-Us farm. He had leased it from the Livingston family since about 1822.

151 years ago today, the Delaware Republican reported in its issue for September 4, 1869 under the headline "Lightning Raid on a Sugar Camp" that "The lightning struck a Maple Sugar Camp belonging to Mr. John T. Miller, Bovina, felling some fifty trees."

Sixty-eight years ago today, the Bovina column in the September 5, 1952 Catskill Mountain News reported that "Mrs. William Sellhorn Sr., accompanied by Mrs. William Sellhorn Jr., Monica and Renate Rabeler, grandchildren of the former Sellhorn, are leaving for New Bern, N.C. on Tuesday. They will return the two children to the home of their parents, Mr. and Mrs. Alex Rabeler Jr., after spending several weeks in the South. The Mrs. Sellhorns will visit here for some time before returning home."

Eighty-five years ago today, the September 6, 1935 Catskill Mountain reported in its Bovina column that "Bovina has several new students starting in this year at Delaware Academy."

114 years ago today, the September 7, 1906 Catskill Mountain News carried this item under the headline "Dr. Lee Back to Bovina:""Will Spend the Remaining Years of Hist Life There. Rev. James B. Lee, D.D., for thirty-two years pastor of the United Presbyterian church in Bovina Centre, previous to 1888, was given a farewell reception at Franklinville, where he has been since leaving Bovina, Wednesday evening of last week. Dr. Lee had contemplated for some time spending the remainder of his life among the Bovina hills and with Mrs. Lee will soon take up his residence there. He will occupy rooms in George Gladstone's house, better known as the Kennedy House." Lee died in 1914.

134 years ago today, the September 8, 1886 Delaware Gazette reported that "The beautiful village in the town of Bovina, previously known as Brushland, will hereafter be known as Bovina Centre. Brushland was a misnomer for the place, for it was never a land of brush but always a land of cattle. We understand that it was through the personal efforts of Rev. Dr. Lee that the name has been changed from Brushland to Bovina Centre by the Postmaster General. We congratulate the inhabitants of our neighboring village on this change of names, for it certainly is much more appropriate." Brushland got its name from Alexander Brush, the first settler in what is now Bovina Center. Bovina Center was known as Brushland from 1849 to this reported change in 1886.

152 years ago today, on September 9, 1868, Margaret Ellen Strangeway was born in New Jersey, the daughter of the Reverend William Strangeway and Margaret T. Dunn. Her parents were from Delaware County but were living in New Jersey at the time of Margaret's birth. She was married to Oscar A. Felton in 1892 and they lived for some time in Bovina near Lake Delaware. She had two daughters, both of whom precedeased her. She died in 1943 in Walton and was buried in Bovina. Her husband survived until 1950.

107 years ago today, on September 10, 1913, as later reported in the Delaware Gazette, "…a Downsville man named W.C. O'Brien, who was employed in the blacksmith shop of Gideon Miller, Bovina Center, suddenly fell unconscious while at work in the shop. He did not revive and died about two hours later."

157 years ago today, on September 11, 1863, William McCune, trustee for Bovina School District Number 2 (Pink Street) signed this order to pay Elisabeth Colgan $18.12 for teaching in the school for a four-month period.  

120 years ago today, the September 12, 1900 Delaware Gazette reported that "Commodore Elbridge T. Gerry has ordered the manager of his estate at Lake Delaware to have the public highway between Bloomville and Bovina Center repaired, he himself paying for the same, preparatory to his coming to his country seat at that place, which will be in the near future. It is his purpose to come over the Ulster & Delaware railroad to Bloomville and from there by carriage to Lake Delaware."

136 years ago today, the Bovina column of the September 13, 1890 Delaware Republican reported that "Rev. Mason W. Pressly is expecting a windmill, and intends to have running water in his house."

156 years ago today, on September 14, 1864, Supervisor Alexander Storie issued this receipt to pay Miss Jeanette Wilbur for teaching in the District 11 school (Coulter Brook).

141 years ago today, on the afternoon of September 15, 1881, Mrs. Orr Sloan died at the home of her son-in-law, James Aitkin in what is now Bovina Center. She was born Sarah Collins in Belfast, Ireland.

Sixty-seven 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. 

186 years ago today, the September 17, 1834 Delaware Gazette had the following item: "Prolific - Mr. Robert Mitchell of Bovina, in this county, has raised, the present season, three calves from one cow. It is seldom that an instance of this kind occurs, particularly where the calves all live and do well, as in this case."

Forty-six years ago today, the Bovina column in the September 18, 1974 Stamford Mirror Recorder reported that "Burns Brothers have donated an eleven-week-old calf to be raffled off as a benefit for the Bovina fire department. The winner may decide to have the calf cut and wrapped or on the hoof. Tickets may be purchased from any fireman for $1 donation. The drawing will be held at the "Oktoberfest” on Oct. 13 at Catskill ski slope."

131 years ago today, the September 19, 1889 Hobart Independent reported "Bovina is a great town for accidents happening to those who go 'sparking.' Recently, a young man, after bidding his sweetheart a fond adieu, fell down stairs. People in the neighborhood thought it was an earthquake, but it was only 150 pounds falling about ten feet."

117 years ago today, on September 20, 1903, as later reported in the Delaware Gazette, "Stephen Russell died at his residence…in the 82d year of his age. He had always lived in Bovina, being born in that town January 1822. Mr. Russell was a very substantial farmer and one of the excellent citizens of the locality. His wife died a few years ago, but he is survived by a family of several children."

110  years ago today, the September 21, 1910Delaware Gazette reported on "An Unhappy Matter" concerning a former Bovina resident. "Charles Oliver, with a very large family, recently moved from Bovina into a house on the rear of the Pitcher block [not sure, but likely this was in Delhi]. Their habits were soon found not very creditable. Sunday evening about a dozen chickens, two ducks and a saw were stolen from John Strangeways. Monday evening Sheriff Austin and Police Justice Hewitt went to the Oliver house. When they rapped at the door the light was put out. The sheriff demanded entrance and they were admitted. They found the saw, and the chickens were on the table. Oliver admitted that he stole the saw and five chickens but denied as to the rest. He is notorious for not being willing to work. In Bovina a notice was tacked on the door to move out or go to work, signed White Caps. It is said they are preparing to go to Walton. There are seven or eight children living, and it is said a dozen or fifteen have been born."

Sixty-seven years ago today, on September 22, 1953, the Democrats and Republicans in Bovina held their primaries and selected these slates for town office. 

Fifty-five years ago today, the Bovina column of the September 23, 1965 Delaware Republican Express reported that "Mr. and Mrs. Jack Hilson and Christine attended the World's Fair the past week-end." The same column also reported that "Mrs. Agnes Burns visited a few days at the home of Dr. and Mrs. Fred Phillips in Latham (Norma Phillips is Agnes' daughter).

Fifty-six years ago today, the September 24, 1964 issue of the Delaware Republican-Express carried this article about the hiring of Gus Pelletier to teach English at Delhi Tech (now SUNY Delhi). 

150 years ago today, on September 25, 1870, Margaret Miller Doig gave birth to twin boys, James Lee and John Timothy Doig. Their father was William S. Doig. Margaret died when the boys were 23 years old. James Lee Doig married Emma Louise Smith in 1916 and died in 1953. John Timothy died in Detroit, Michigan in 1923. Both brothers are buried in Bovina.

112 years ago today, on September 26, 1908, as later reported in the Delaware Gazette, "there arrived in Delhi….from Montana, an antelope 3 months old. It appeared to have been well taken care of on its long trip, and was quite a curiosity to a good many of our citizens, especially the children. It was sent to the father of Mr. Ed. Russell, in Bovina, on the Andes stage Monday morning."

163 years ago today, late the night before or early on September 27, 1857, as later reported in the Delaware Gazette, "the proceeds of a year's produce of the farm of John Bramley, of Bovina, was burned to the ground. It is believed to have been the work of an incendiary, but nothing has occurred to fix the crime upon any individual."

Sixty-three years ago today, on September 28, 1957, Rev. David Hamilton Murray died in Hancock. The last surviving child of Bovina natives Henry Murray and Elizabeth Coulter, he was born in Andes in 1872. He married Jessie M. Cheney. He is buried near his parents in the Bovina Cemetery.

212 years ago today, on September 29, 1808, James Coulter was born, the last child of early Bovina settlers Francis and Nancy (Glendenning) Coulter. He also was the last surviving child of Francis and Nancy, dying in 1898 at the age of 90. He married Nancy D. Thompson in 1832. She predeceased him in 1891. They would have 13 children, six of whom survived their father. James and Nancy lost a son in the Civil War (Solomon) and another to tuberculosis (Andrew).

Seventy-one years ago today, the September 30, 1949 Catskill Mountain News reported that in Bovina, "Rains which have benefitted pastures, meadows and lawns have not been sufficient to raise water where springs and wells have gone dry."

Every once in a while, someone will alert me to a Bovina postcard. Often they end up being ones I have seen (though please never assume that - keep alerting me to cards). 

But occasionally, I get an alert to a card I've never seen before. Recently, Joan Burns gave me a postcard of Bovina and wanted to know where the view on the card was located. I quickly realized that it was a generic postcard view. I have scanned 3 of these in the past decade. One of the big clues is the text that says "Greetings from Bovina Center, N.Y." or "Greetings from Bovina, N.Y." It is clear that it was simply stamped on the generic card. The text showing a genuine view of Bovina is printed on the card, not stamped. 

Here's the postcard (it has a 1933 postmark) that Joan Burns gave me:

I'm always on the lookout for new postcard views of Bovina, so keep them coming!

Ninety-nine years ago today, on October 1, 1921, Jennet Isabella Doig died. She was born in 1867, the daughter of William S. Doig and Margaret Miller.

Forty-six years ago today, the October 2, 1974 Stamford Mirror Recorder carried this article listing new books at the Bovina Public Library: 

138 years ago today, on the evening of October 3, 1882, as later reported in the Stamford Mirror's Bovina column, "Some of our young men amused themselves by running horses through Brushland…." The action was "severely condemned by people generally…," partly because it was done "while people were on their way to Miss Meade's entertainment…" There also was damage to Dr. Telford's fence and several people were injured. "It is to be hoped that such a thing may not occur again."

134 years ago today, on October 4, 1886, as later reported in the Bovina column of the Stamford Mirror, "Madison McFarland, James L. Ormiston and Miss Addie Scott started for Missouri…going via Arkville and New York. Mr. Ormiston will return in a few weeks." It appears that at some point Madison McFarland also returned home, dying in Margaretville in 1914. Addie Loughran Scott did stay, marrying James H. Morrison in 1890.

140 years ago today, the Bovina column of the October 5, 1880 Stamford Mirror reported that "Dr. Dickson purchased a building lot of Rev. J. Kennedy, adjoining A.F. McPherson. Which of the fair ones are interested in that transaction?" This lot is where within the next year the building that is now the Brushland Eating House was constructed.

199 years ago today, on October 6, 1821, Nancy Armstrong Miller was born, the daughter of John Armstrong and Isabella Coulter. She married John Thomas Miller in 1949. They would have six children, one of whom died in infancy. Nancy died in 1868, leaving five children, ranging from 14 to 2 years old. Her last surviving child was Elizabeth, known later in life as Lib Blair. Lib died in 1965 when she was just shy of 99 years old. And in the interest of full disclosure, Nancy Miller is my three greats grandmother.

122 years ago, the October 7, 1898 Andes Recorder Bovina column reported that "George Forman, who lives at Abram Brandow’s, while out hunting recently, found Alex. Hilson’s money drawer which was taken from his safe when his store was robbed." It was found in the area of East Bramley Mountain Road. The robbery had taken place over a year and a half earlier in March 1897.

Fifty-six years ago today, the Bovina column of the October 8, 1964 Delaware Republican-Express reported that "Mr. and Mrs. Russell Ryder of the Bronx spent the weekend at their summer home here." This is now the home of Dario and Briana Riera.

132 years ago today, the October 9, 1888 Stamford Mirror reported that "D.J. Miller, of Bovina, has filled a 70 ton silo, the first one in that town."

191 years ago today, on October 10, 1829, Andrew Archibald, the ancestor of the Archibalds in Bovina, died at the age of 83. He was born in Lanarkshire, Scotland in 1745. He married Grace Hart in Scotland in 1778 where their children were born. Andrew is buried in Bovina in the Associate Presbyterian Church cemetery at Reinertsen Hill Road.

115 years ago today, the Delaware Gazette for October 11, 1905, reported that "Dr. Young of New York has purchased the practice of Dr. Rabuck, Bovina Centre, and taken possession. He will occupy Dr. Rabuck's furnished apartments in J.W. Coulter's house for the present. Dr. Rabuck will not practice for a time on account of nervous trouble." For more information on Drs. Rabuck and Young, visit the Bovina History Blog at http://bovinanyhistory.blogspot.com/2014/08/the-succession-of-physicians-bovina.html.

200 years ago today, on October 12, 1820, this bill was submitted for the surveying of the town of Bovina. The total was was $67, though it appears that there is a math error, since the total written looks like $77. The bill includes $2.25 for rum for the surveyors.

Forty-nine years ago today, the Bovina column of the October 13, 1971 Stamford Mirror Recorder reported on a couple of its citizens' travels: "Mr. and Mrs. Clayton Thomas left Wednesday for a trip to the west coast." The same column reported a return: "Mr. and Mrs. Clark lay have returned form a vacation trip to Wisconsin where they visited relatives."

157 years ago today, on October 14, 1863, Robert Dysart died on Folly Island, South Carolina of typhoid fever while serving in the 144th NY Infantry. More information about Robert can be found at the Bovina NY History Blog at http://bovinanyhistory.blogspot.com/2013/12/illegitimate-child-of-robert-dysart.html

146 years ago today, on October 15, 1874, as later reported in the Delaware Gazette, "Mr. Alexander Liddle, of Bovina, was using his new horse power thresher at the barn of Mr. John O. Liddle, of Andes, in feeding the machine his right hand came in contact with the knives of the revolving cylinder, and was instantly torn into shreds, as high as and above the wrist. Amputation of the arm was rendered necessary and was performed the same evening by Drs. Wight and Crawford, while the patient was narcotized by ether. - Mr. Liddle was able to ride home the next day, and at last accounts was doing as well as could be expected." This Alexander Liddle likely was the son of John O. Liddle. Alexander was a Civil War veteran. He would survive this accident 44 years, dying in 1918.

Seventy-nine years ago today, the Bovina column in the October 16, 1941 Delaware Republican included this item: "The ladies of the U.P. Church are serving a chicken pie supper at the church parlors, October 21, beginning at five-thirty p.m."

Eighty 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 McCune died in 1942.

200 years ago today, on October 18, 1820, Adam Kedzie died in Bovina at age 31.  On December 6, his wife Mary, administratrix of his estate, along with his two brothers, James and William  auctioned off Adam's horses, cattle, sheep and farming utensils at a public auction.  Mary died in 1830.

The Catskill Mountain News reported the arrest of "'Billy' Reed of Bovina' 108 years ago on October 19, 1912. He was arrested "on the charge of public intoxication and sentenced … to 30 days in Delhi jail…" The paper went on to note that this "must seem like going home to Billy." Reed appeared in the 1910 census for Bovina, listed as a servant in the home of Frank and Agnes Coulter.

105 years ago today, the October 20, 1915 Delaware Gazette reported the following: "The body of James D. Boyd, late of Bovina was brought here from New York last Friday for interment. He went to New York four weeks ago and was operated on for gall stones and seemed to be recovering until last week when he died, Thursday. A widow and three grown daughters survive, also four sisters, Mrs. Albert Strickland and Miss Flora Boyd of ‘Delhi, Mrs. E. Coan of Bloomville, and a brother F. M. Boyd of East Meredith. His age was 63 years. The remains were taken to Bovina Center Saturday where the funeral and burial took place." James was 62 years old at his passing.

Eighty-seven years ago today, the Bovina column in the October 21, 1943 Delaware Republican-Express carried this item: "War Ration Box No. 4 will be issued at the Bovina Center School on Friday, Oct. 29th, from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m, and on Saturday, Oct. 30th, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Bring War Ration Book 3 properly filled out. 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."

131 years ago today, the October 22, 1889 Stamford Mirror had the following item: "Alexander White, an extensive farmer at Belle Plaine, Iowa, has been visiting friends in Bovina, it being nineteen years since he was home last. He expects to bid his aged mother a last farewell. She is the oldest lady in Bovina, being upwards of ninety years of age. In return home, he expects to visit, in Chicago, his cousins, the Rev. John Graham's sons." Mrs. White, born Anna Graham in Scotland in 1799, survived her son's visit by almost 4 years, dying in 1893 when she was 94.

200 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.

Ninety-one years ago today, on October 24, 1929, as later reported in the Bovina Center column of the Delaware Republican, "Adam Laidlaw and family, Mr. and Mrs. Humbert of New York were at Howe Caverns on Thursday."

111 years ago today, on October 25, 1909, as later reported in the Catskill Mountain News, "Mr and Mrs. E.G. Gladstone and Mr. and Mrs. William J. Doig of Bovina Centre were guests at the home of James Coulter on Wednesday [in Margaretville] while enroute to Colorado where they will reside hereafter."

200 years ago today, October 26, 1820, Andrew T. Thomson was born, the son of Andrew Thomson and Elizabeth Rutherford. He married Elizabeth Dunn and died June 6, 1861.

109 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.

Sixty-six years ago today, the October 28, 1954 Delaware Republican-Express reported that "Former Bovina Pastor Dies." Rev. W.L.C. Samson, who had been pastor of the Bovina UP Church from 1895 to 1906, died "in Pittsburg, Pa., where he had preached until he was past 90." After he left Bovina, he was in California until 1914 then moved on to Pittsburgh. 

One hundred years ago today, October 29, 1920, William J. Storie hosted a Halloween Party. This is the invitation received by my grandmother, Anna Bell Calhoun.  

185 years ago today, a notice dated October 30, 1835 was posted in the Delaware Gazetter: "Application will be made to the next Legislature of the State of New York, by the Directors of the Bovina Subscription Library, for an act of incorporation." It was signed by Adam Scott, Samuel Gordon and Andrew McFarland.

200 years ago today, October 31, 1820, Jannet Rutherford was born, the daughter of James Rutherford and Jennet Thomson. She died December 31, 1864 at age of 44.

David Sloan was born in Belfast in what is now Northern Ireland in February 1843. He came to Bovina as child with his parents, Orr and Sarah Sloan in 1848. In March 1864, he married Margaret E. Hilson, daughter of William Hilson and Elizabeth Strangeway. Margaret and David had five children, all born in Bovina. Margaret died two years after the birth of her last child in 1876 when she was only 33.

Sloan lived in the house now owned by Dick and Carol Brannen, where he worked as a shoemaker. He was politically active while in Bovina. The October 06, 1886, Delaware Gazette reported that Sloan “was escorting candidate Thomson about Delhi, Monday evening. It is reported that they were looking after Prohibition votes.”

A few months later, his support of prohibition must have come into question when this report showed up in several local papers in August 1887: "David Sloan and Peter McNair went to Hobart last Monday, after Dr. McNaught to come and visit McNair's wife. They did not return that evening, as expected, nor the next. Alex. Hoy became alarmed about his horse and wagon and on Wednesday he sent David Finkle to bring the horse home. He found them at Bloomville, where they had driven through the rain on Tuesday. They had imbibed too freely at Hobart and had upset or in some way had broken the wagon, and were in a sorry condition. McNair came home with Finkle, but Sloan was not satisfied and went on to Delhi, and has not returned yet."

Sloan’s reasons for heading west are not documented, but it appears that around 1890 he moved to Colorado where he worked in the coal mines in the Gunnison area of the state, living mainly in boarding houses. He worked for several years as watchman for the Colorado Fuel and Iron Col at its Crested Butte mines.

He made a number of trips back to New York to visit family members into the first decade of the 20th century, making the trips almost annually. His daughter and son-in-law moved out west in 1909. A local Colorado newspaper reported on this move: “A daughter and son-in-law of David Sloan came here from New York recently and will make this their permanent home. The reason given was that there is work here in the mines every day in the year while in York state there is nothing to do during the winter months.” David’s daughters Clara and Sarah also moved to Colorado. His son William settled in Iowa sometime in the 1910s.  With his children moving west, it appears David’s trips back to New York ceased.

David’s son Leonard had moved to New York City in the 1910s and died there from pneumonia in 1916. At the time of his death, he was the manager of Sheffield Farms Milk depot. Leonard is buried in Bovina. His death was reported in the local newspapers in Crested Butte.

In later life, he was assistant sergeant at arms of the state senate in Denver. When the senate was in session, he stayed with his daughter, Sarah Gladstone in Denver. He was on duty at the state senate when he took ill and died at his daughter’s home of pneumonia on February 8, 1921. He was buried in Gunnison.

Ninety-one years ago today, the Catskill Mountain News on the front page of its November 1, 1929 issue printed an article that originally appeared in the Delaware Republican with the headline "CITY ENGINEERS PLAN DAM ON THE LITTLE DELAWARE." The paper noted that if the plans reached fruition, "properties at the 'Hook' including the beautiful St. James' chapel and community house erected by Miss Angelica Gerry…" would be flooded. The article went on to note that "nothing may come of all this…." but noted that "there may be 'more truth than fiction' in the rumors of the Little Delaware dam project; the fact may be nearer than we think."

161 years ago today, on November 2, 1859, Robert J. Forrest, the son of Robert and Elizabeth Forrest, died at the age of 4 years, 6 months and 19 days. He died as the result of being scalded. The hired girl had left a pail of water on the floor while getting more. The little boy was playing with the water in the pail when he heard the girl coming back. He was afraid he would be scolded and backed away from the pail, falling against a pot of boiling water which proceeded to spill on him. He lived for a couple of days after the accident.

196 years ago today, on November 3, 1824, this "true canvass and estimate of the votes taken at an election held in the town of Bovina" on November 1, 1824 was issued. The votes were for Governor, Lieutenant Governor, senator and member of congress and two members for assembly. Note that Erastus Root, who it is claimed named Bovina, received only 45 votes as Lieutenant Governor as opposed to 93 votes cast for his opponent. Root was the running mate of Samuel Young. Young and Root lost statewide to Dewitt Clinton and James Tallmage. 

157 years ago today, on November 5, 1863, this receipt for a bounty payment made to Charles Wycoff was audited. Wycoff received $140 in bounty payment for volunteering during the Civil War. Wycoff had enlisted in the 72nd NY Excelsior Regiment in December 1861 but was discharged within three months for disability. One source states he later re-enlisted in the NY 144th but no further information about him can be located. 

112 years ago today, the Bovina column of the November 6, 1908 Andes Recorder reported that "A monument has been erected in the Center cemetery to memory of John and Barbara Lewis." Here's the stone today. 

Sixty-five years ago today, on November 7, 1955, John S. Burns died.  Born in Bovina in 1888, he was the son of Alexander Burns and Nancy Miller.  He married Elizabeth Carnright and had two daughters, Mary, who would later marry Harold Lounsbury, and Agnes, who was married to Robert Burns, Sr.  He was widowed when his wife Elizabeth died in 1952.  John is the grandfather of Jack and Bob Burns and their sister Norma Phillips. Here he is as a child with his parents, sister Aggie Draffen and his grandfather and namesake. 

Eighty-one years ago today, the November 9, 1939 Delaware Republican, in its Bovina column, reported that "Mrs. Clinton Marks a former resident of this town is visiting Mrs. Fred Thomson." The same column also reported that "Mr. and Mrs. Claude Erkson have moved into Miss Calla Bogg's house at the turn onto the Bramley Mountain Road." This likely is the residence of the late Hugh and Pat Lee and now the home of Taylor Foster.

122 years ago today, on November 10, 1898, Alex Hilson presented this bill to the Town of Bovina for his services as Bovina Town Clerk, using his store's bill head.

208 years ago today, on November 11, 1812, Deborah Maynard died. She was the daughter of one of Bovina's first settlers, Elisha B. Maynard. She is buried in the Brush Cemetery. Here’s a photo of her grave from Find A Grave: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/66782490/deborah-maynard

113 years ago today, November 12, 1907, "The second number of the Bovina Entertainment Course" was Judge Alden.  When advertised, the judge was promoted as "an interesting speaker."

Sixty-eight years ago today, the Bovina column of the November 13, 1951 Delaware Republican-Express reported that "Mrs. Agnes Draffin, who has been assisting her brother, John Burns, since early summer, has returned to her home in town for the winter." Her home is now the residence of the Pelletier family. Here's a photo of her with her late husband Dave in front of their home in the Bovina Center hamlet. 

Eighty years ago today, the following ad appeared in the November 15, 1940 Catskill Mountain News: "STRAYED-From Mary Weber pasture, Bovina, 8 heifers. Liberal reward for information. E.L. Foote & Son, Inc., Hobart, N.Y."

132 years ago today, on November 16, 1888, as later reported in the Stamford Mirror's Bovina column, "A small company of young people assembled at the Hall….and had a good time, all on account of Harrison's election, with 'Tommy' as 'chief mourner,' instead of 'actor,' as before election." The same article in the Mirror went on to report "We have heard, through our village gossips, that one of our young men has won the hand of a fair damsel by the result of election. 'Rats,' who is the lucky gent?" Harrison is Benjamin Harrison, who defeated incumbent President Grover Cleveland. Four years later, the two would have a rematch, with Cleveland coming out on top.

Eighty-one years ago today, on November 17, 1939, Mr. and Mrs. Alex Myers celebrated their sixtieth wedding anniversary in the Bovina U.P. Church parlor. As later reported in the Delaware Republican, "those from out of town were their son and daughter-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. John Myers and their daughter, Mrs. Anna Thomson and Mrs. Myers' brother, John Laing all from Binghamton. Mr. and Mrs. James Laing of Hotaling Hollow also Lynn Dickson, Misses Kate and Freda Muller of Andes and Miss Mary Ormiston of Oneonta." Photograph by Bob Wyer. 

Sixty-eight years ago today, in an article dated November 18, 1952, the Catskill Mountain News reported that "Bovina Center Hunters Shoot Several Deer." The report went on to note that lucky deer hunters in the Bovina area were Vincent Thimbell (sic), Jr., Herby Parsons, Ronnie Oelsner, Roy VanBuren's hired man, Charles Robinson, and a city visitor at the VanBuren home. Several deer were taken from this area by out-of-town hunters."

Sixty-seven years ago today, the November 19, 1953 edition of the New York Times published the obituary for Sylvanus W. Bramley, who had died in White Plains hospital the previous day. He was the founder in 1926 of Bramley & Co, Inc, a White Plains jewelry firm. Sylvanus was born in Bovina in 1865, the son of Stephen G. Bramley and Mary S. Lull.  

Seventy-nine years ago today, the November 20, 1944 Delaware Republican reported in its Bovina column this item: "While skating on roller skates on the sidewalk in front of the post office Friday afternoon, Thelma Hotchkin fell and broke her leg between the knee and the ankle. She was taken to the Delhi hospital where Dr. Thomson attended her."

200 years ago today, on November 21, 1820, William Murray was born in Bovina, the son of William Murray and Jean Black. He married Rachel Merwin in 1850 and died in Delhi in 1887 at the age of 66.

139 years ago today, the Bovina column in the November 22, 1881 Stamford Mirror reported that "Thomas Gordon is teaching the school near the Bovina P.O.; Easton Phyfe in the Brushland district; James King the Coulter Brook school and George Gemmel at the 'Hook.'"

237 years ago today, on November 23, 1783, Jennett Graham was born in the Scottish Borders, the daughter of John Graham and Jane Grey. She married William Ormiston in Scotland in 1801. Shortly after the marriage, William and Jenett emigrated to America and settled in Bovina. They had eight children. Jennett died in Bovina in 1856 and is buried in the old Associate Presbyterian Church cemetery on Reinertsen Hill Road.

Seventy-three years ago today, the November 24, 1947, Catskill Mountain News reported that: "Several attended the funeral of William Coons held at Halls funeral parlors at Delhi Monday conducted by Rev. W. Wade Miller. Mr. Coons lived in Bovina several years. He was a sawyer. About two years ago they moved their mill to Bloomville where he was employed at the time of his death."

135 years ago today, the November 25, 1885 Delaware Gazette reported that "Circulars from N.Y. city state that the butter from the towns of Roxbury and Bovina this year is inferior in quality to that from the same towns in former years."

142 years ago today, the November 26, 1878 Stamford Mirror reported in its Bovina column that "John G. Bramley, who has been engaged on the State Survey during the past summer, will spend the winter at home and teach the school in which he was formerly a pupil."

137  years ago today, the Bovina column in the November 27, 1883 Stamford Mirror reported that "D.L. Thomson has finished his job of tinning the roof of the R.P. Church." This is the church that stood about where the playground and fire house now stand.

180 years ago today, on November 28, 1840, Alexander Storie was deemed to be "well qualified in respect to moral character learning and ability to teach a common school in this town…." (document courtesy of the Delaware County Historical Association). 

Seventy-six years ago today, the Bovina column in the November 30, 1944 Delaware Republican Express had this item: "Mr. and Mrs. Alex Hilson have a son, born on November 24th; his name is James Alexander." This is Jim on the left with his parents and siblings, taken in 1952. Photo by Bob Wyer.

Here are the daily entries for December 2020 from the Town of Bovina Historian Facebook page:

Sixty-five years ago today, on December 1, 1955, the Bovina Town Board met and approved these claims submitted by the town supervisor, Henry Monroe.  

Thirteen years ago today, the December 2, 2007 issues of the New York Times carried a review of "The Toy Farmer," a children's book written by Bovina native Andrew T. Pelletier.

160 years ago today, on December 3, 1860, John Dean died. Born in County Down, Ireland, he came to Bovina before the 1830s. He married Elizabeth Johnson in 1832 and they would have eight children. They lived in the area of present-day Regan Road.

132 years ago today, the Bovina column of the December 4, 1888 Stamford Mirror reported that "J.A. Whittaker, the optician, has been in town for the past week, looking after defective eyes."

200 years ago today, December 5, 1820, John Johnston was born, son of William Johnston and Maria Lathan. He first married Sarah Mitchell and second Susan Brownell. He had four children by his second wife. Johnston died May 3, 1895 at the age of 74.

139 years ago today, the December 6, 1881 Stamford Mirror reported in its Bovina column that "James Hoy, of Kansas, formerly of Bovina, is making his friends in this vicinity a visit." This likely is the James Hoy born in 1822. He married Helen Miller in 1847. She died in 1858 after having three children. James went to Iowa after his wife's death and remarried in 1862 to Martha Jones Smith. They had three children in Iowa. James died in Kansas in 1897.

138 years ago today, on December 7, 1882, Thomas Hamilton signed this document as part of his claim concerning an error on the 1880 tax roll which led to an overpayment of $15.39 in taxes. 

Twenty-eight years ago today, the December 8, 1992 Delaware County Times included the weekly Bovina News by Ann Cairns:  

Sixty-eight years ago today, on December 9, 1952, a benefit dance was held by the Ladies Auxiliary of the Bovina Fire Department "for Billy Aitkens, who was recently wounded by a shotgun…" The music was furnished by Ernie Russ. Aitkens was wounded November 2 while hunting with his father. He was the son of Floyd and Que Aitkens.

142 years ago today, the December 10, 1878 Stamford Mirror reported on an International Dairy Fair in New York City. The last paragraph of the article noted "W.L. Rutherford, of Bovina, Delaware co., entered nine packages of butter for exhibition."

137 years ago today, the December 11, 1883 issue of the Stamford Mirror reported on several illnesses in Bovina. They noted that "Mrs. John Hastings is quite sick with pneumonia." They noted that Dr. Telford's daughter Gracie also was sick with pneumonia and that the doctor himself was ill. And Rev. Lee's wife was reported as suffering from inflammation of the lungs. Mrs. Hastings, Grace Telford and Mrs. Lee would all recover, though Mrs. Hastings would die of pneumonia in 1889. Grace Telford, who was less than a year old when she became ill would live until 1953. Mrs. Lee died in 1897. Dr. Telford, however, would not recover and died January 11, 1884.

103 years ago, the Bovina column of the December 12, 1917 Andes Recorder reported that "Miss Leila Miller, who has spent the past three months with her brother, Earl, in St. Paul and other relatives in Wisconsin and Minnesota, returned to her home…" She was the daughter of John and Bertha Miller. They lived on Pink Street on what later became Suits Us Farm.

Twenty-five years ago today, the December 13, 1995 issue of the Walton Reporter carried this article about Marjorie Russell and Russell's Store.

Ninety-three years ago today, the December 14, 1927 Stamford Mirror reported that "Bovina Center Has Two Fires." Both fires involved barns owned by the Hilson Brothers in Bovina Center in the area of the creamery. The first fire was big enough to require bringing in a second department from Delhi. It was noted that the lack of wind was fortunately, thus preventing the creamery and feedstore from going up in flames.

109 years ago today, on December 15, 1911, as announced in the Andes Recorder, “the ladies of the United Presbyterian church" held a masquerade social at the home of Mrs. Estella Oliver…" The paper went on to note that "All unmasked are expected to pay a fine of not more than $5 or less than 25 cents. All are cordially invited."

Ninety-three years ago today, the December 16, 1927 Catskill Mountain News reported that "Two sites have been offered for the proposed Bovina Community house." One lot was reported as being "opposite the garage…" This likely meant across from what later became Clayt Thomas's garage and is land now owned by Mark Foster. The other option was "land opposite William Archibald's new house…" This is the spot that was chosen. The paper noted that "it is planned to erect a building 36 x 80 of one story construction with basement."

The following noticed appeared in the Andes Recorder, dated 143 years ago today, December 17, 1877:  “All persons are hereby notified not to sell or give any intoxicating liquors to Hiram Scutt.  Mrs. Hiram Scutt" Scutt lived in Andes so his Bovina connection is not strong. And we can’t be sure whether this is the father or son. Hiram Sr was born in Bovina in 1815. The son was born in Andes in 1842. The father died in 1886, the son three years later in 1889.

122 years ago on December 18, 1898, Mrs. Charles F. Smith died at the age of 90.  The Andes Recorder, when reporting her death, noted that "Her maiden name was Christina Lamont, and she came to this town over 40 years ago.  She was an excellent woman, a good neighbor; always cheerful and she will be missed in this community as well as in her home.  On Tuesday, the funeral was held, the sermon being preached by Rev. Samson, and the interment was in the Bovina cemetery." Christina was the second wife of Charles Smith, marrying him in 1856, a few months after the death of his first wife. Charles survived his wife by 10 years, dying in 1908.

117 years ago today, the December 19, 1903 Hobart Independent reported "Sudden Death at Bovina Center." The article reported "The village people were very much surprised to learn of the sudden death of A. F. McPherson which occurred Saturday morning. Mr McPherson went downtown to shovel some snow, and on his way back, he felt ill and stepped in to a blacksmith shop, where he died. He had been a resident of that place all his life and was well thought of by all who knew him. He was aged 71 years. A widow and four children the youngest being 10 years old, survive beside a brother, Albert in Hobart. Funeral services were held Tuesday from the M E. church, interment in the village cemetery.

Ninety-two years ago today, the December 20, 1928 issue of the Stamford Mirror-Recorder reported: "Walter Coulter, with a few helpers, is tearing down the red barn by his mill. He will leave the basement and is taking the remainder up to the upper end of the village where he will make an up-to-date shop. They moved the large parts of the building with the tractor." This building still stands behind the house owned by Pat Parsons Miele next to the church.

Ninety-nine years ago today, on December 21, 1921, Violet Hewitt, the little daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Hewitt, of Margaretville, died in Kingston following an operation for appendicitis. Her remains were brought to Bovina for burial.

206 years ago today, on December 22, 1814, James Gladstone was born, the son of Robert Gladstone and Ann Ray. He was born in Scotland and likely came to Bovina with his parents. He appears to have lived most of his adult life in Andes, but at his death in 1885, he was buried in Bovina in the Associate Presbyterian Church cemetery.

Seventy-seven years ago today, the Bovina column of the December 23, 1943 Delaware Republican reported that "Andrew Reinertsen's horses ran away on Monday morning but little damage was done."

Eighty-three years ago today, December 24, 1937, Bovina's district 3 school held a Christmas Eve program: 

100 years ago today, December 25, 1920, Henry and Ruth Monroe were married on Christmas Day. - blog link

138 years ago today, the December 26, 1882 Stamford Mirror reported in its Bovina column that "Dr. Dickson is moving his stock of drugs and medicines form the basement to the main floor of his store." His store is now the Brushland Eating House.

200 years ago today, on December 27, 1820, Robert Scott posted the following notice in the Delaware Gazette: "Strayed or Stolen, From the Farm of the Subscriber in the town of Bovina, some time since, a number of young CATTLE. - Any person who will give information where the same may be found, shall be liberally rewarded."

Ellen Raitt was born 200 years ago today, December 28, 1820, the daughter of John Raitt and Catherine Shaw. She married Thomas E. Forrest and died on Feb 22, 1868 at the age 47.

156 years ago today, on December 29, 1864, several voters in the Town of Bovina submitted this petition requesting a special town meeting "for the purpose of determining by vote to pay a Bounty not [to] exceed Eight hundred dollars to each volunteer that shall be credited to the said town o the last call of the President for 300,000 men." 

110 years ago today, the December 30, 1910 Bovina column in the Andes Recorder reported that "Mrs. Charlotte Miller continues in very poor health." Charlotte was the wife of David William Miller. Born in 1860, she was the daughter of Robert Gow and Beatrice Graham. She married David Miller in 1887 and was widowed in 1892, left with a two year old son. Charlotte died about a month after this item appeared in the paper on January 24, 1911.

129 years ago today, as later reported in the Andes Recorder, "a large party of young people had a dance in Strangeway's Hall on New Year's eve, [1891]. Music by Sutherland Bros. and Jas. Amos." 

Welcome to 2021. As you should know, the COVID-19 pandemic caused the postponement of Bovina's big Bicentennial celebration. Planning for the celebration in August of 2020 was well underway when in May, we made the difficult but necessary decision to put off the celebration until 2021. Fortunately, a number of the steps we took for 2020 have been easily shifted to 2021.

The new celebration dates will be July 31/August 1, 2021, with McIntosh's flat as the venue. The 31st will be the day for the big parade, vendors and crafts under the tent and a musical program in the evening. On August 1, we'll wrap everything up with a community picnic. As the year progresses, we'll provide more details about the celebration. 

We will need to keep in mind that the pandemic is far from over and that our efforts for 2021 may be for naught. But for now, we move ahead with hope that conditions will allow us to belatedly celebrate Bovina's Bicentennial this year. 

Here's what was happening in Bovina 100 years ago this month, from the pages of the Andes Recorder

Bovina residents were continuing to embrace electricity, having it installed through the use of “electric plants.” 

January 7, 1921

•Sheffield Smith has purchased another truck, making three he now has.

•Dr. James Crosier, of Philadelphia, spent the holidays with his mother, Mrs. Alex Crosier, in upper Bovina.

•About a dozen relatives of Sloan Archibald gathered at his home Wednesday to help him celebrate his 76th birthday.

•William S. Thomson, who sustained a broken leg last fall by a fall from an apple tree, is now able to be around on crutches.

•Frank Miller now has electric lights in his residence. The electricity is furnished by C.S. Terry from a plant in his garage.

•William Archibald, at the stone arch bridge, is having a Western Electric plant installed this week for lighting his residence and farm buildings.

January 14, 1921

•Hilson Bros have completed their annual inventory.

•Town Clerk Gordon has issued 16 hunting licenses thus far this year.

•During 1920 the overseer of the poor in Bovina spent nothing for poor purposes.

•John Aitkens has cut part of the large evergreen trees along the front of his residence, (the old Kennedy Place)

•L.D. Kennedy, who during the past year has been in Cortland, has returned to his farm, the Irvine place, on Coulter Brook.  Marshall Scott who has been in charge of the farm, has moved back to the Methodist parsonage in the Center [now the home of Chuck and Betty McIntosh].

•Misses Edith and Edna Russell twin dauters of Wm. T. Russell, returned this week from New York, where they had spent five weeks at the home of their uncle, Ernest Bergman.

Was Native of Bovina

Mrs. Earl Shaw died at Southern Pines, North Carolina, Sabbath night, January 9, from tuberculosis. She went south a few weeks ago in the hope of benefiting her health and for a time seemed to be improving.  She was in the Oneonta hospital 40 weeks for diseased arm, before going south.  She was born in Bovina and was the only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Robert A. Thomson, who now reside at South Kortright.  The remains arrived at the home of her parents Wednesday night.

Assisting Game Keepers

Gamekeeper Marshall on the Gerry estate at Lake Delaware is to have two assistants this year.  Both are now at Lake Delaware and are just over from Scotland.

January 21, 1921

•Abram Forman, son of Geo Forman at the head of Hobbie Mountain, who enlisted in the navy two months ago and went into training at Norfolk, Va., is recovering from measles.

•Ralph, the ten-year-old son of James Mabon, who a few weeks ago underwent an operation for appendicitis at Delhi, was taken to the home of his grandfather, Jas C.Mabon in Delhi, the latter part of last week.

•Mrs. W.T. Black, formerly of Bovina, who is spending the winter in Seattle, Washignton, had her tonsils removed recently in that city.  Surgeons were of the opinion that her eye trouble and other ill health was due to diseased tonsils.

•The funeral of Mrs. Earl Shaw, who died at Southern Pines, North Carolina, was held last Friday afternoon in the UP church…..burial…Bovina Cemetery. Her age was 29 years and she is survived by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Robert A. Thomson, her husband and a young child.

January 28, 1921

•During the year 1920, there were 66 hunting licenses issued the town of Bovina.

•Miss Eleanor Campbell has accepted a position with the Rose Telephone company at Hobart.

•The Bovina Center Co-Op Creamery company filled their icehouse this week from Lake Mahiken [later Silver and now Coles Lake on Route 28].

Bovina Farm House Burned

Residence of Gustave Leftgren [Lifgreen] Destroyed Monday Afternoon

The large farm house of Gustave Leftgren, located up Pink Street, in the town of Bovina, was entirely destroyed by fire Monday afternoon, January 24, but most of the contents were saved.

The family had company and were in the midst of a late dinner when the fire was discovered.  It apparently started about the kitchen chimney and had gained considerable headway when discovered.  Neighbors soon arrived and with their aid all the furniture was removed from the ground floor and also all that on the second floor except from two bedrooms. Everything was also saved from the cellar and even fixtures from the bathroom were removed.

The house was on what is better known to former residents as the Lyle Thomson farm and was a farm structure built many years ago, and burned very slowly, thus allowing time for the removal of the contents.  The structure had been re-modeled and modernized in recent years and was heated with a furnace and lighted with electricity.

Mr. Leftgren had an insurance of $1,000 on the building in the town company and there was $500 on the contents.  At present the family are staying with neighbors, and expect to have rooms in the house of Mr. Haddley [Hadley] located just across the road. [This is where the home of Molly Brannen is located.]

When I started thinking about Bovina’s Bicentennial celebration several years ago, I pictured a big parade, lots of music, good food and people coming from all over to celebrate this milestone in our community’s history. As 2020 rolled out, it was obvious that COVID-19 had other ideas and we postponed our celebration to 2021. Unfortunately, that does not seem realistic at this time. 

After discussions with the Bicentennial committee and town officials, we’ve decided to reschedule Bovina’s Bicentennial celebration to 2022. By moving the celebration into next year, our chances of having a celebration with few or no encumbrances caused by COVID-19 will be increased substantially. I know this is disappointing news to many (and I’m not exactly dancing a jig about it myself), but this option seems better than going through all the work for a celebration in 2021 only to have it cancelled or curtailed again. Rescheduling to 2022 makes it more likely that we can have the big grand celebration that Bovina richly deserves. 

We are planning the rescheduled celebration for July 30/July 31, 2022, using the same venue and scheduling the same or similar events, including a parade. 

I thank you all for your patience. In the meantime, please stay safe so we can all get together again for the big party in 2022. 

127 years ago, readers of the Delaware Gazette for January 17, 1894 read this sad story about the deaths of two Bovina men.

Tuesday afternoon [January 9] Mr. Walter L. Doig and his son Milton, were cutting up a large maple tree that had fallen not far from the house on his farm. The top of the tree was supported by large limbs, and they had placed a crooked one underneath for the trunk to fall upon after it was sawed off. They used a crosscut saw and when it was severed the trunk fell upon the cooked limb and one end of it flew up, striking the father a terrific blow on the temple. He was immediately rendered unconscious and died shortly after being carried to the house.

Mr. Doig was one of the best men in the town of Bovina. He was about 56 years old and leaves a widow and four sons. The funeral was held on Friday at the Bovina U.P. church of which he was a member.

Wednesday another terrible accident occurred, and another man was suddenly killed. Mr. Charles Jardine was engaged in digging a cellar in the rear of John Oliver’s cooper shop. The digging had been continued under the frozen dirt that had been left as a sort of roof underneath which the work was being carried on. Our informant said the space that was thus undermined was about 14 x 10 feet. A stone boat was used for drawing away the dirt. While Mr. Jardine was at work the entire amount of frozen dirt thus undermined suddenly fell. It is estimated at some six or seven tons.

Mr. Jardine’s body was terribly crushed. His death must have been instantaneous, as his neck was broken and other organs of his body were so injured as would have caused almost instant death.

Mr. Jardine was unmarried and about 30 years old. He was industrious and very generally respected.

Walter Doig was born in 1837 in Bovina, son of William Doig and named for his immigrant grandfather, Walter, who was born in Scotland in 1767 and came to Bovina in the early 19th century. The Walter of this story was married to Jane McNair. She died in 1918. One of his sons, Archibald, died only a month after his father in Boston from an abscess of the gall bladder.

Milton, who was with his father when the accident occurred, died in 1953 at the age of 81. Milton was the father of Ed Doig, who farmed on Pink Street at Scutt Mountain Road for many years. Another of Walter’s sons, Andrew, owned what is now Russell’s Store, having bought it only a few months before the deaths of his father and brother. Andrew sold it to Cecil Russell in 1919.

The February 21, 1894 Delaware Gazette reported that “The Heirs of Walter S. Doig have received from the Washington Life insurance Co…$5,000 in settlement…The check was received three days after proofs of death were mailed.”

Both Walter and his son Archibald were buried in Bovina, as were Andrew and Milton after their respective deaths. 

Walter’s oldest son, William James, headed west with his wife and daughters in the fall of 1909, settling in Gunnison, Colorado. He died in 1939.

Charles J. Jardine was the son of Gilbert Jardine and Nancy Tuttle. Gilbert was born in Hawick, Scotland in 1822. He and his wife Nancy had seven children, all born in Bovina. Gilbert died a little over a month before his son’s tragic passing. Charles was survived by his mother and four of his siblings. His mother died at the end of 1894. Gilbert and his parents are all buried in Bovina. Charles is the great-uncle of Marion Jardine, Martha Musgrove and the late Richard Jardine.

From the pages of the Andes Recorder 100 years ago this month. The cold weather was helping to fill ice houses.

February 4, 1921

•Leon VanDusen has purchased a Reo army truck.

•Mrs. Marshall Scott is suffering from erysipelas in the face.

•Mrs. John McCune and Ed Doig are the latest victims of the measles.

•The schoolteachers of the town were at Bloomville attending a conference Wednesday, adding more useless expense on the districts.

•John Aitkens, collector for the town of Bovina, settled with the county treasurer Tuesday and was the first to make settlement.  He had only $66 uncollected taxes.

•Daniel Franklin is having ice hauled this week from Lake Mahiken to fill the ice house of the Up-Town Creamery. He is also putting up a large building at Lake Mahiken and will fill that with ice.

•…Bovina Center Co-Operative Creamery Co….Dan Franklin has the creamery for a year.

February 11, 1921

•Ice nearly two feet thick is being harvested from the Johnson pond uptown.

•Drs. Goodrich and Ormiston operated upon Floyd and John Aitkens Sunday afternoon, for the removal of their tonsils.

•Robert G. Thomson who was manager of the Dry Milk Co plant here until it closed has gone to Michigan to work for the same company.

•Sloan Archibald has sold his house (the old McDonald place) on the outskirts of the village, and the small farm adjoining to David L. Liddle who takes possession March 1.  Mr. Archibald has purchased the Jennie Miller house. [The ‘old McDonald’ place is now my house. While Sloan was the home’s owner, he added the second story to it.]

February 18, 1921

•Mrs. John Hilson gave a Valentine party to 16 friends Monday evening.

•The Winslow company gave an excellent entertainment here Tuesday evening.

•A milking machine expert from the State College of Agriculture will be at a diarymen’s meeting in Bovina Center next Monday.

February 25, 1921

•Dr. Wakeman of Andes, was here Wednesday and purchased Sloan Archibald’s horse.

•John Lunn and wife, of Ithaca, are at Lake Delaware to spend the remainder of the winter with his aged mother. 

•Gustave Leftgren, whose house was burned a few weeks ago, had the misfortune to have his leg broken while getting out logs for lumber for a new house.

•Abram Brandow Forman, who last fall enlisted in the U.S. navy, is spending a twenty-day furlough with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Geo Forman on Hobbie mountain.  He is just out of the hospital at Norfolk, Virginia, where he was ill for 36 days with measles, tonsillitis and pneumonia in succession. 

An Old Violin

Mrs. Ann Bouton, of Lake Delaware, has in her possession a violin of interest to many.  Her father, Sandy Gillie (for many years court crier) bought the violin from Alva Belcher, the well remembered fiddler of his day, for his son, William Gillie, who died while serving his country in the civil war.

100 years ago this month, in February 1921, two Bovina couples celebrated their Golden Wedding Anniversaries one day apart. On February 15, Alex and Nancy (Miller) Burns celebrated at their home (now the home of Michael and Heidi Goggins on Crescent Valley Road) with about 100 attending to enjoy a dinner and music. The couple received a number of gifts, including a gold watch to the bride and several gold coins. The next day, William and Alice Boggs planned a quiet family party that turned into a party of 125, including Alex and Nancy, fresh from their celebration the day before. Also attending were William’s brother Thomas and his wife, the former Jane Archibald, who were married 55 years and Gib and Mary Jane (Banker) Miller, married 52 years. 

Left to right: William Boggs, Alice Boggs, John Miller, ?? B. Thomson, Sarah Phyfe, Alex Burns, Gib Miller, Archibald Phyfe, Jane Boggs, Nancy Burns

An article appeared in an unidentified magazine (likely a publication from the Presbyterian Church) about these two couples and others in Bovina who had been married over 50 years.

Alexander Burns was born in December 1848 on the Burns family farm in upper Bovina, the son of John Burns (1807-1896) and Nancy Ormiston (1813-1877). He was the next to youngest son out of a family of seven children. He lost a brother, Sinclair, in the Civil War. On February 15, 1871, he was married to Nancy Miller, the daughter of John Thomas Miller (1822-1900) and Nancy Armstrong (1821-1868), their eldest child of six children.

Alex and Nancy had four children, three of whom grew to adulthood. Agnes Bell Burns, born in 1872, was married to Dave Draffen. Widowed in 1942, she died in 1964, the last of Alex and Nancy’s children (and the eldest). Their daughter Ella (Ellen Miller Burns), born in 1874, was married to Sylvan LaFever in 1897. She had two sons and a daughter (who died at the age of 2) before she died from a miscarriage or stillbirth in 1908. Ella is the ancestor of the LaFevers in Bovina. Alex and Nancy had a son, John Sinclair Burns in 1888. He was married in 1913 to Elizabeth Jane Carnright. They had two daughters, Mary and Agnes.

William Fountain Boggs was born in October 1844, the son of William Hill Boggs (1806-1892) and Elizabeth McKenzie (1807-1883). He married Alice Jane Russell on February 16, 1871 in New Kingston. Alice was born in 1847, the daughter of John Russell (1822-1902) and Jane Chisholm (1815-1886). William and Alice had two sons. Harry G. Boggs, born in 1873, died in 1891. Their son John Russell Boggs was born in 1878 and was the father of Don, Bob and Norrie Boggs.

William and Alice Boggs would celebrate two more anniversaries before Alice’s death in June 1923. William died just over 10 years later in 1933. Alex and Nancy would go on to celebrate their 60^thwedding anniversary in 1931. Nancy died three months later in May 1931. Alexander survived his wife by over eight years, dying in October 1939 at the age of 90.

Forty-three years ago today, the February 1, 1978 Walton Reporter carried this photograph from a retirement dinner held for four retiring Bovina town officials. 

100 years ago today, the February 2, 1921 issue of the Delaware Republican carried this item: “The blacksmith shop owned by Mrs. Logan, in Bovina Center, was destroyed by fire on Wednesday morning about 1 o'clock. Loss about $500, besides about $300 on stock owned by the lessee. There was a hot but successful contest by the bucket brigade to save Mrs. L's barn, which stood within a dozen feet of the burned shop. Several persons had their faces severely scorched. The place is fortunate in having its buildings generally separated, as in case of fire its facilities, except buckets and running streams, are very limited. But they always seem to use the means at hand with promptitude, judgment and resolution. The insurance on the shop, we learn, had recently expired; but the liberal people of the town have already subscribed over $300 to assist in rebuilding the property.”

Seventy-seven years ago today, the Bovina column in the February 3, 1944 Delaware Republican-Express reported that "Mr. and Mrs. John W. Blair observed their fifty-fifth wedding anniversary last Sabbath. They are both in good health and able to be about. Their daughter, Mrs. Marshall Thomson, is with them at present." John would die in August of the following year. His wife, the former Lib Miller, would survive him by almost 20 years, dying in May 1965 at the age of 98.

Thirty-five years ago today, the Bovina column of the February 4, 1986 Delaware County Times carried this item:  

137 years ago today, the Bovina column of the February 5, 1884 Stamford Mirror carried this item: "The pupils of the Brushland district school, are preparing for an exhibition to be given at the close of the winter term."

Seventy-nine years ago today, on February 6, 1942, Jennette Ellen Hoy Archibald died. Born in 1859, she was the daughter of John R. and Isabella [Miller] Hoy. She also was the sister of David F. Hoy. She lived most of her life in Bovina. In 1915, she married a widower, Sloan Archibald. She was in turn widowed at his death in 1928.

125 years ago today, on February 7, 1896, Alexander Storie died at his home in Bovina at the age of 83. The Delaware Republican noted that "he was one of the staunch, judicious and reliable men of [Bovina], for a number of years its supervisor, whose judgment was seldom at fault and who always had the courage of his convictions and the nerve to carry them into effect, if possible. A venerable land mark and pioneer, warm friend and excellent and thrifty citizen is removed by his decease." This is his portrait from Munsell's History of Delaware County. 

Sixty-nine years ago today, the February 8, 1951 Catskill Mountain News reported in its Bovina column noted that "Howard Currie of Delhi has commenced a job on our church. He will do a good bit of remodeling, add cloak and rest rooms and change the doors leading into the auditorium. There will be other changes." The same column reported the arrival from Italy of Mrs. Frances Bomanico, the "sister of John Bellino," who was visiting her brother and trying to learn English. It was noted that "She finds it difficult."

162 years ago today, on February 9, 1859, this document was filed with the town clerk from the town's commissioners of highway petitioning voters in the town to raise an additional $750 in highway monies to cover the cost of creating a new road "from Bovina to the Town line leading to New Kingston."  

141 years ago today, the February 10, 1880 Bovina column in the Stamford Mirror, reported that "After an illness of about fourteen weeks, Mrs. McDonald, widow of the late Henry McDonald, died at her residence near Brushland, on the morning of [February 3], aged 83." Born in Scotland in 1797, the former Margaret Donald married Henry before coming to the US in the 1830s. Henry had died about five weeks earlier. She had six children, who survived her. She is buried in the Bovina cemetery. The house in which she died is now my house.

142 years ago today, the Stamford Mirror in its February 11, 1879 issue, reported under the headline "Fire in Bovina" that "The house of Mr. Charles H. Bramley in Bovina was burned on Tuesday night last week. The family were away making an evening visit and arrived just in time to see the house fall in ruins. No insurance. Mr. Bramley and family will have the sympathy and pecuniary assistance of his townsmen and many friends." This Charles likely was the son of Henry Bramley and  had a farm on Bramley Mountain. Because of the fire, Bramley sold his herd of 21 cows and other animals, as well as farming implements on February 28.

132 years ago, on February 12, 1889, the Stamford Mirror reported that "Bovina people want a new U.P. church, just like the one recently dedicated at South Kortright. They are going to solicit about $3,500 and fix up the old church with new-fashioned notions. Let them go ahead." The renovations were carried out in the church that fall, making it look very much like it does today.

136 years ago today, on February 13, 1885, this bill was submitted by T.F. McIntosh of the Delaware Republican for printing 200 quarantine notices for the Town of Bovina. The notices were for the diphtheria epidemic that hit Bovina Center in late 1884 and early 1885. More about the 1884/85 diphtheria outbreak in Bovina is at https://bovinanyhistory.blogspot.com/2015/02/business-in-brushland-has-been-at.html

138 years ago today, the February 14, 1883 Delaware Gazette reported that: "Rev. J.B. Lee, of Bovina, has received a $100 check from Hon. E.T. Gerry, to be used for the benefit of the 'Young People's Christian Association.' On a former occasion Mr. Gerry presented the Association with $50 worth of books for their library."

Seventy years ago today, the Bovina column of the February 15, 1951 issue of the Delaware Republican-Express included the following: "The Bovina Home Bureau unit is holding a 'Winter Fair' Feb. 2 in the Bovina Community Hall at 8 pm. There will be a fish pond, snack bar, sweet shop and fancy work shop, as well as a variety of games. Come and visit with your neighbors and have an evening of fun. There is no admission charge; save your money until you get inside."

135 years ago today, the February 16, 1886 issue of the Stamford Mirror in its Bovina column reported that "The household goods of John Shanks, wagon maker, late of New Kingston, arrived in Brushland on Thursday, the 11th inst., and he will occupy the rooms, and carry on the business, in the shop lately occupied by J. Dietrich."

110 years ago today, the Bovina column of the Andes Recorder reported in its February 17, 1911 issue that "C.J. Marks, who for two years has been the buttermaker at the Center creamery and was hired for this year, has thrown up the job and hired to make the butter at the up-town creamery. He will move to the house near the creamery."

Eighty years ago today, on February 18, 1941, as later reported in the Delaware Express, "Mrs. William J. Archibald and Miss Emily Archibald received medical advice in New York….They and Henry Monroe made the trip with the Rev. Harvey H. McClellan. Mr. Monroe visited an uncle in the Bronx."

Ninety-one years ago today, the Bovina column of the February 19, 1930 Delaware Republican reported that "Lancelot Thompson was taken ill last Wednesday night and Dr. Sarle was with him for three hours. He is better at this time." Thomson survived this 'attack' but died a few months later in June at the age of 81.

131 years ago today, the February 20, 1890 issue of the Hobart Independent reported the following: "Bovina farmers have hired help for the coming season at $25 per month for men and $4 a week for girls, in some cases. Bovina farmers can stand this if anybody can, but the price is quite out of proportion to the price of farm products."

185 years ago today, on February 21, 1836, Elizabeth Jane Fuller was born in Bovina, the first born child of Richard and Ann Fuller. She died at the age of 21 in 1857 and is buried in the Nichols cemetery on Cape Horn Road.

134 years ago today, the Bovina column in the February 22, 1887 Stamford Mirror reported that "The R.P. Church is being re-kalsomined [whitewashed] and repaired. A social for the benefit for the church was held at the house of David J. Miller, on the night of the 16th, and about $18 was raised." This church stood about where the Bovina fire hall and the playground are located. It was taken down in 1943.

Twenty-seven years ago today, the Bovina column of the February 23, 1994 Walton Reporter reported that "The Bovina Library is sponsoring a craft and hobby night on Feb. 23 from 7:30-9 pm at the library. The program will be displays and demonstrations of crafts and hobbies. Janet Stewart will provide musical entertainment. Refreshments will be served. Call Hugh Lee if you have crafts or hobbies you wish to share."

171 years ago today, on February 24, 1850, Matilda Loughran Phyfe died at the age of 23. She was the daughter of Alexander Loughran and Sara Maria Card. She married John Phyfe in Roxbury in May 1847. She likely died in childbirth, giving birth to her daughter Sarah. John would marry twice more, and was widowed each time, dying in 1901.

Sixty-one years ago today, on February 25, 1960, the Bovina column of the Delaware Republican-Express reported that "The LaFever Brothers have tapped their sugar maples, ready for the first sap run."

106 years ago today, the February 26, 1915 issue of the Catskill Mountain News carried an article under the headline "Stops Slander Suit.""The slander suit, in which $25,000 damages were asked of Rev. James B. Lee, pastor of St. Paul's Presbyterian church in Philadelphia, by Charles W. Wilkins, has been withdrawn, the plaintiff having reached the conclusion that he could not sustain his case. This suit is of local interest from the fact that Mr. Lee was born in Bovina and spent his boyhood there. He is a son of the late Rev. Dr. J. B. Lee, who was for many years pastor of the Bovina Centre United Presbyterian church. The plaintiff in this action, Mr. Wilkins, who was an elder and also treasurer of St. Paul's church, was charged by the pastor with having misappropriated church money, and then having embezzled money belonging to a trust fund." Rev. Lee's father, J.B. Lee, was involved in a slander suit back in 1870. More about this suit may be found in the Bovina NY History Blog from March 2013: https://bovinanyhistory.blogspot.com/2013/03/kennedy-vs-lee-part-i-libel-of-slander.html

127 years ago today, on February 27, 1894, Shirley Ada Miller was born, the daughter of John and Bertha Miller. She grew up on Pink Street on the family farm (the farm that later became Suits-Us Farm). She later became a dental hygienist and passed away in 1973 in Walton.

Seventy-three years ago today, on February 28, 1948, R. H. Lewis and Sons of Delhi sold to the Bovina Rural Fire District the recently created Bovina Fire Department's first fire truck. The truck was sold in 1987 and recently purchased by current Bovina Fire Chief Kevin Brown.

Photo by Bob Wyer

Same truck in September 2020

I've been reviewing some recently acquired images and want to share some of them with you.

Tom Davidson recently sent me an envelop of pictures from his late father, Ed Davidson. Included were two images of Bovina Center that I have not seen before. Unfortunately, they are not dated, but likely come from the early 20th century. 

Looking east on Main Street. The house to the left is the historic Alexander Brush home, now the home of Tim and Tamara McIntosh. You can see Russell's Store in the background (at the time probably A.T. Doig's store).

Looking west on Main Street. That's the current Russell's Store on the right. The angle of the shot interests me. Likely taken from the lawn of what is now Joe and Connie Dibble's home.

Two more interesting pictures hail from Lake Delaware. The Delaware County Historical Association, where I'm the archivist, has a collection of glass plate negatives taken by Edna Georgia Benedict of East Meredith in the early 20th century. It was a bit of a surprise to find two images of the construction of Aknusti, the home built by Robert Gerry. The photos are dated 1913. 

The house was a summer home for Robert and his family until February 1953 when a fire badly damaged it. Here are two postcard views of the house in its heyday. 

The final image I recently uncovered came from images from the Monroe Family. Henry Monroe's sister was Martena Monroe Kellam. Her daughter gave images to former County Historian Pat Grimes. The current county historian turned them over to me. This image was labeled on the back "Raising barn upper Coulter Brook, Bovina NY....Next to my grandfather Coulter's farm." I figured out that this barn likely was built by Charles Tuttle in May 1894. The farm went through several owners, including William Doig, Fernando Hunt, Frank Eraczek, Walfred (Wally) Hansen, James Henderson and Eric Saubart. The barn is now gone but I think it was still standing in the 1980s.