Almond History
Found in the Hornellsville Weekly Tribune
August 13, 1886 – December 20, 1887
August 13, 1886
Milo Sweet, of Almond, was found dead Friday, in his oat field, near his residence. He died while reaping oats with a sickle. Heart disease is attributed as the cause of death.
September 6, 1886
Almond
The oil well on the hill, about three-fourths east of this village, near the residence of Mrs. Longjohn, is now down 2,000 feet and no good – affording even a smell of oil or gas. - This is a great disappointment to our citizens and all concerned, as everybody believed gas would be found. We can account for it only on the theory that it took all the gas to make the explosive for the big earthquake. The well has cost $2,000 and the owners to get their money back are going to pull up the hole and sell it to farmers to put on their land for blind ditches.
A vote was taken in the Presbyterian congregation yesterday, whether or not to retain the Rev. Mr. Boyce who has been preaching on trial. It was unanimous for him to stay. He is a great favorite with young people.
Our district school opens today – Mr. Christopher Emery and Miss Nellie Ferry, teachers.
Mr. John Hodges, wife and daughter Gertie, of Jersey City, visited friends here last week.
Mr. Frank Palmer commences at attending school at Alfred today. He is engaged to teach on North Hill the coming winter.
Mr. John W. Wetherby was taken very will with cholera morbus, Saturday night. His friends thought he would die. He is now better and with good care will get well.
One of our citizens, who is a Second Adventist, thinks the recent earthquake is an indication of the second coming of Christ and the end of the world is near. He had better get his ascension robe ready.
October 22, 1886
Mr. G. S. Humphrey has taken the contract of Messrs Bennett and Bardeen to rebuild the old Riley hotel which was recently burned at Almond. It will be 40 x 45 and two stories high, making an excellent addition to the already fine village.
November 5, 1886
Wednesday two Hornellsville young men left for a short stay in Almond and it resulted as follows: At two o'clock Mr. Frank Brown and Miss Rose Green were united in marriage at Green's hotel. Rev. M.D. Jackson of Almond performed the ceremony. At four o'clock Rev. Dr. Niles officiated in tying the knot between Mr. W. B. Hathaway and Miss Carrie Witter at the home of the bride's parents. A large number of invitations were issued to both weddings and elegant presents were received. Many Hornellians were present and all wish the well known couples a life of happiness and joy. They came to this place in the evening and took the Lehigh for Buffalo and Niagara Falls and will also visit other places before their return.
December 31, 1886
Almond
Mrs. Gersham Palmer is also confined to her bed in critical condition.
Business in this classic old town is picking up quite lively. Our merchants are doing a thriving trade.
Mr. A. Cowan was the recipient of a $500 Christmas present from his sister, Mrs. Cotton, who is visiting him.
I am very sorry to say ex-assemblyman Charles S. Hall is confined to his room very sick with a poor prospect of recovering.
Mr. A. J. Fenner has built an addition to his store, a much needed improvement, I should judge from seeing the crowds of customers at his counters, keeping himself and his clerks as busy as bees gathering honey.
Our new flour mill, for which we have to thank Mr. Wesley Gibbs whose enterprise and energy caused it Phoenix like to rise from the ashes of the old mill, burnt last spring, is first class in every particular and will prove a great accommodation to our citizens and add much to the business of our town.
The new hotel in process of building by Mr. Bennett, and nearing completion, is a fine looking structure. Mr. Bennett is too well known as a hotel keeper to need any complements from me. Almond has long needed a good hotel and I am greatly mistaken if he does not find his investment a lucrative one.
Written by O. D. W.
January 14, 1887
The widow ladies of Almond are a very large percentage of its adult population numbering over one hundred, but the number decreased one, when the Rev. Mr. Jackson at the Methodist parsonage on Saturday evening spoke the words which made Uncle Oliver Dean, aged 82, and Mrs. Ettis Burdick, aged 54, husband and wife. The happy couple are to make their future home in West Almond on Uncle Dean's farm. Success to them.
Oh! ye lone widows who have failed to get a pension, take courage for there are just as good fish in the sea as have ever been caught. (my note: The pension mentioned is the Civil War pension for survivors and dependents of Union soldiers.)
The second public meeting of the Women's Christian Temperance Union was held at the Baptist Church Sunday evening.
The talented Mrs. Grace Busby gave a graphic description of the horrors of drunkenness. Mr. George Crandall read a very interesting essay. Miss Mamie Robinson sang a beautiful solo the congregation joining in the chorus. The meeting was a grand success and many new names were added to the pledge.
By O.D.W.
February 11, 1887
John Curry, Almond, died Feb. 8th, aged 58 years. Funeral at the house on Thursday, at 9:30 a.m. and at the cemetery at 11:00 o'clock.
Almond
Miss Ella Pryor and Miss Sarah Taggart, who have been visiting Mrs. Flora Karr and other friends were returned to their homes in Arkport today.
A very pleasant surprise was given Miss Pryor on Wednesday evening. A large party of her friends and acquaintances, assembled at the home of her aunt, Mrs. Theodore Wyant, where she was stopping and presented to her a purse of $11 in tokens of their esteem, and to somewhat reimburse her for the loss she sustained in being burnt out in Arkport.
Mrs. Horatio Oliver has received a pension and back pay of $300. She is to draw in the future together with her children $20 per month.
Miss Emma Dixson who has been sick with consumption was taken much worse this morning. She is in very critical condition and a great sufferer.
By O.D.W.
February 18, 1887
Death of Miss Dixon
Miss EMMA DIXSON who has been sick with consumption about eighteen months was taken worse on Friday night and continued to fail until Sunday morning, when death relieved her from her suffering. Through all of her sickness she has been a patient suffer, and died as she had lived, a devoted christian. Ever noted for the evenness of her disposition and friendliness of character she had hosts of friends, but no enemies.
Her death casts a gloom over this community seldom felt on such occasions, especially over her young associates by whom she was dearly beloved.
She leaves a father and mother and two devoted brothers to mourn her loss who have the sympathy of the entire community in their sad affliction. Her funeral was held at the Presbyterian church yesterday.
O. D. W.
See Hornellsville Tribune 1888 for more information on this family and her mother's obituary
March 11, 1887
A young man, of West Almond, was arrested on Jane Street yesterday by Officer Brady, for being drunk. He was loaded clear to the muzzle.
Almond
The Democrats elected their entire ticket yesterday except Assessor, collector and a few minor officers by majority of 16 to 87.
An outrage was perpetrated on our ladies of the W. C. T. U. (Women's Christian Temperance Union) which for double distilled meanness could not be excelled. They had secured an empty store near the polls and set up a stove the night before, for the purpose of furnishing dinner to the hungry voters and making a little money. Some dastard, during the night, carried two skunks, reservoirs of perfumery, into the room. When the ladies opened the door in the morning, what a smell was there. It was enough to make a pig run backwards. Quickly taking in the situation they soon secured another, but less commodious room, and fired with righteous indignations rushed in a solid phalanx to the polls by the eternal they would carry the town for no license or die in an attempt, and they or the skunk did it. They said they could endure being smoked out, but to be skunked out was too much for Christian endurance. Their dinner was a success netting $14.75.
by O.D.W. (Almond, March 2, 1887)
April 8, 1887
Almond
The cold weather of the past month has prevented the making of but very little maple syrup as yet, but good runs of sap are looked for this month.
Many of our farmers are having to buy considerable hay to get their stock through on a account of the short crop last year.
Mr. B.J. Green has rented his hotel, which has been thoroughly repaired to Thomas Lewis and is going out of the hotel business. He will hereafter confine himself to the business of auctioneer and the practice of law.
Doctor Bowen lost a horse on Thursday night, a poetic account of which by one of our little school girls I subjoin: “A horse belonging to Doctor Bowen got scared in his stall by a rooster crowing. He kicked and thrashed and jumped about and broke his leg so the bone stuck out. Then Gilbert came and shot him dead, by surest aim straight through the head; took off his hide, and sold it to John Potter. And this is how the Doctor lost his highly valued trotter.”
B.J. Green is selling the old Dildine stock of goods at auction for a Buffalo man. The stock was sold last week at Sheriff sale to the Buffalo man for $46.
The lodge of Good Templars is in a flourishing condition most of our people have joined it and sworn off drink. May the good work continue.
By O.D.W.
April 22, 1887
Below we print the programme (sic) of the People's Arbor day entertainment to be held at Fenner's Hall, Almond, N.Y. Wednesday evening April 27. By this it will be seen that Almond is wide awake in regard to so important a matter as the cutting of forests.
Programme (sic)
Music
Prayer Rev. W. Martin
Music Male Quartet
Essay Gertrude Karr
Remarks. Rev. E.T. Edds
Music Quartet
Oration L.E. Dungan
Paper Anna Karr
Solo Nellie Ferry
Recitation Rev. W. Martin
Secretary Report Milo Burdick
Music Karr Dale Quartet
Address John Hurlbut
Solo J.H. Lamont, M.D.
Oration D.A. Stebbins, Esq.
Music Instrumental
Adjournment
Admission 20 cents or carefully setting out a tree along any public highway.
May 6, 1887
Miss Carrie Hall, daughter of Hon. Chas Hall, of Almond, was kindly remembered last week by Mrs. Grover Cleveland who sent her former school mate a box of choice flowers cut from the White House conservatory.
June 3, 1887
Hon. C.S. Hall, recently deceased of Almond, N. Y., left a valuable book for Alfred University, entitled Public Services of the State of New York. The book is profusely illustrated and originally cost $40. It is a history of the commonwealth of this state down to the recent date. The work has been received by President Allen.
October 14, 1887
At Almond
A small party of the young people of this city embarked in Casterline's carry-all last night and were driven to Almond. At this rural, rusty and forsaken village, they put up at the “big tavern” and proceeded to make things howl and in this they were quite successful. They took an orchestra with them and danced until the wee hours of the morning. At about midnight they partook of some of the good dishes which the hostess had prepared for them and were made considerably happier. They were all much elated over the pleasure they were able to get out of the trip.
November 11, 1887
Died in Almond, No. 8th, Kingsley Amadon, aged 80 years and 7 months, Funeral tomorrow at 2 p.m. at residence in North Almond.
November 18, 1887
Kingsley Amidon (note spelling change) was born in the state of Vermont, April 12, 1807, and died at the residence of his son Walter Amidon, in North Almond Valley, November 7, 1887. His sickness was very brief, having been stricken with paralysis Saturday, and dying the following Monday.
The deceased was married to Francis Howell, who survives him, over fifty years ago, and their golden wedding anniversary was celebrated last October. Mr. Amidon was from his native state when twenty five years of age and has since lived in Hartsville, and for the past seven years with his son where he died. Besides the widow he leaves six children to mourn his removal. Four score years is indeed a good old age, when those of that age are taken from us, it is like gathering of the ripened sheaf.
The funeral was held from the church and a goodly number of sympathizing friends and neighbors followed the body to the grave and assisted in showing respect to the hory head so ripe for the harvest. _ W.T. Edds
December 8, 1887
An accident which came near resulting fatality occurred last Saturday afternoon. A man named Pete Eveland and living up Karr Valley above Almond was driving along Hill street and when near West Street his horses became frightened and ran down across the track and down Buffalo Street. In making the sharp curves Eveland was thrown out and his head struck against the corner of a tie and a branch of the temporal artery was severed. He was carried into Ogdens coal office and cared for. Dr. Gilbert was readily nearby and assisted until other aid came. It is said that the man had been on a two day drunk and that he was drunk at the time. This ought to be a lesson to him, but whether it will or not remains to be seen. He is reported to be doing well.
December 30, 1887
Wedding at Almond
It is seldom that anything outside of our village to make an item for press. Yet our neighborhood has just passed through one of the most pleasant affairs for many a long day. It was no surprise to anyone when the wedding of Miss Frances Ayers of our city and C. E. Beach of Tioga Co. Pa., was announced to take place some time about the commencement of the holidays. The wedding was to take place at the residence of Mr. Nelson Ayers on the Almond Road, near D.C. Hopkins fruit farm. About seventy wedding cards had been sent to schoolmates, friends, and neighbors of the bride and her parents, requesting the recipients to favor Mr. and Mrs. Nelson Ayers with their company at the marriage of Frances to C. E. Beach at their residence Wednesday, Dec. 21st, 1887, at 6 o'clock p.m. The guests began to arrive at about four o'clock and at six there was about eighty comfortably seated in spacious parlors and sitting rooms at the Ayers mansion. Mr. D.C. Hopkins assisted assisted Mr. And Mrs. Ayers in receiving the guests with his genial countenance made all feel the happy welcome extended to them upon the occasion. When all had arrived and the hands of the dial pointed at six o'clock and thirty minutes the Rev. A. F. Curry was conducted by D.C. Hopkins to the front of the parlor where five vacant chairs had been left. A space was made the organ for Miss Grace Busby. She selected a most beautiful wedding march and as the rich tones of the organ filled the room, Mr. D.C. Hopkins marched in followed by Miss Eva L. Berry as bridesmaid, accompanied by Mr. Frank Hopper as groomsman. Then came Miss Frances Ayers leaning on the arm of Mr. C.E. Beach, bride and groom elect. After taking their places at the front of the parlor and facing the guests the organ ceased and Rev. A.F. Curry requested all to rise and then pronounced the wedding ceremony. After congratulations were over the spacious dining hall was opened and all partook of a bountiful repast. After supper was over the wedding presents were placed on exhibition, amongst which I mention a few:
Hanging lamp, D.C. Hopkins and A.L. Berry and family
Easy rocking chair, Mr. and Mrs. Voss
Bible stand, Mr. John Morris and sisters
Oil Painting on beveled glass, Miss Grace L. Crandall
Parlor lamp, Mr. and Mrs. A.C. Beach
Counterpane, Electa Curry
Counterpane, Mrs. Della Johnson
Book “Mother, Home and Heaven”, Mrs. J.M. Weatherbee
Brass easel, Miss Nellie Cone
Pair of hand painted vases, Mr. and Mrs. Hiram Nephew
Set of silver spoons, Mr. and Mrs. S.P. Beach
Pair perfumery sachets, Mrs. Eliza Hopper
Broomholder, mirror and match set, Philo Prior
Nutcracker and set of nut picks, Mrs. and Mr. Dr. Farnham
Glass water set, Mr. Frank Hopper
Tea set and glassware, Mr. and Mrs. J. A. Major
Glasswater set with tray, Mr. and Mrs. H. Ferry
Pair of vases, Miss Laura Prior
Set of silver knives and forks, Mr. and Mrs. C.E. Easterbrooks, Mr. and Mrs. Norton, Mr. and Mrs. Gilbert
Dozen linen napkins, Miss Inez DeBow
Pair linen towels, pincushion and holders, Mrs. G.S. DeBow
China tea set, Misses Jennie Lincoln, Hattie Beard, Lena Gilbert, Messrs Romaine Wilcox, Fred Benjamin, Elmer Wright, Burton Cone, Mr. and Mrs. Dr. Benjamin, Mr. and Mrs. M. F. Burdick
Pair linen towels, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Lincoln
Dozen linen napkins, Mr. and Mrs. G. Wright
Dozen linen napkins, Mr. G. Griswold
Pair embroidered pillow shams, Mrs. Vincent Davis
Towel and tidy, Mrs. Newton Carter
China set gold band, Mrs. Nelson Ayers
Sofa pillow and hand painted banner, Mrs. Sarah Ayers
All present seemed to enjoy the affair very much. The bride and groom took an early train Thursday morning for the home of the groom where they will visit friends for a few weeks. Then they will return here and make their home among us.
By G.W.