JASPER Steuben County New York
NEWSPAPER TIDBITS

1886

JASPER: Oliver Heliker of Farmington, Mich., after an absence of 50 years, is visiting relatives and old friends in Jasper. His father, Benjamin Heliker, settled on the E. G. Lewis farm in 1823. He moved to Michigan with his family in 1836. Somebody had lived on the farm before him, built a log house, cleared 5 acres of land and set out a few apple trees. Canisteo Times (Canisteo, NY) August 1886.

1896

A LETTER OF YE OLDEN TIMES.      Through the courtesy of Harmon A. Lent we publish a letter below, written in 1849 by Jonas Timerman, to his brother, Jacob I. Timerman, in Montgomery Co. All of our readers will enjoy reading it as it gives us a glimpse of Jasper in its primitive state: JASPER, N.Y., APRIL 22, 1849.      Dear Brother: - I take this opportunity of writing a few lines to you from this land of snow-storm, for we have had for the last week nothing but snow. I sometimes have the horrors, the worst kind. People say that this is the latest spring they have seen in twenty-six years. Marh was a very warm month and so the first week in April, people were plowing and sowing, but were stopped by the frost and snow. I have made plenty of maple sugar and molasses this spring, and have sap on hand to make seven gallons of molasses. Some people had taken their buckets home and carried them back to the bush.      The snow is about gone again and grass looks very green and we shall have pasture in a short time. Well, I must tell you something about our journey. The first day we drove to Millford, got there about eight o'clock. There was no small stir among those in the coop when they were let out, had very good accomodations, only had to sleep in cold rooms, and three in a bed. Took breakfast in the morning before we started, and drove the second day to Bainbridge, stopped to Kelsie's Hotel had good fare. We all took a hearty supper, for I tell you we were hungry, took breakfast again before we started. I tell you it took {paper clipping torn and missing} Canisteo Times (Canisteo, NY) September 1896.

1898

A JASPER BOY IN PORTO RICO. Interesting Letter From Private Andrew Snyder, Describing Soldier Life With General Miles. GUANICA, PORTO RICO, AUG. 3, 1898.      DEAR MOTHER: - I will now, after this long silence, try and pencil you a few lines. I am well, have not been sick since I came here. Battery "B" was the first to land in Porto Rico. We left Port Tampa July 10, stayed at Key West one day and night then sailed for Santiago de Cuba, arrived the 18th, and left that night for Guantanamo, 50 miles east. There we joined Gen Miles' Army; here also was Sampson's and Sehley's fleets of war vessels. The Marines were camped there, and I went ashore to see Frank Pease but he was out on picket duty, so I did not see him. We left for Porto Rico the next day, and got in Guanica the 25th. On Monday morning early, the U.S. gunboat Gloucester steamed into the harbor, supported by the battleship Massachusetts, and cruisers Columbia and Dixie, and sent solid shot and shell into the town and surrounding hills. We were on the transport Neuces and landed with the Mass. Marines and 70 engineer corps men. The Gloucester kept the Spaniards back while we landed and fell in skirmish line. There was about 400 Spaniards in the town, we drove them back to the mountains. I got in a few shots. One of our boys got shot through the side of the neck; a few others in the hands and arms; none seriously however. July 29 we went to the city of Ponce, 20 miles distant. That place was taken early and we came back to Guanica the 31. Ponce is a city of about 30,000 inhabitants. Our Battery is all cut up, part are here and part at Ponce and 30 are body guard for General Miles.      This is a fine country; just as good as represented; we have all kinds of fruit, oranges, lemons, bananas, pineapples, mangoes and others. It is a very good climate, the nights are cool but the mosquitoes are very bad. The Spaniards fight like Indians, in ambush; they have called us out almost every night by firing on our picket line, but with the exception of bullets whistling by my head, they have not done me any harm. Do not worry about me; I am a hard one; no Spaniard can kill me. Well I must close. I hope this will find you all well. Tell Sherley he had better stay at home and not enlist. Give my love to uncle Arthur's folks. Kisses for Daisy. I will say good by. Write as soon as you get this. Love to all, ANDREW R. SNYDER, Battery "B," 5th Artillery Battalion, Guanica, Porto Rico.      Following is a portion of a letter dated Aug. 13th, but received at the same time as the former:      * * Am well, About 50 of our battery are on their way to San Juan. We are building a fort; it is called Fort Capron. There is not much sickness here, but at Ponce there is a few cases of yellowjack, and 2,000 cases typhoid, and much malaria. Several of our battery who were stationed there have died and many more sick. * * Canisteo Times (Canisteo, NY) August 1898.

1900

(Reprinted from The Canisteo Times of June 21, 1900.)      JASPER: Misses Lena Stewart, Lottie Hall, Kathryn Flohr and Anna Ackley, and Otto Stewart and John Stephens attended the commencement exercises in the Hornell opera house. Canisteo Times (Canisteo, NY).

1904 

21 YEARS AGO IN CANISTEO (Reprinted from the Canisteo Times of June 29, 1904.)      JASPER:  Prof. Chas. K. Marlatt has closed a successful term of school here and it is regretted that he will not return next year. Leon Brown of Savona will succeed him. It is expected that Miss Kathryn Flohr will remain as a successful teacher.      Mark Towsley who got his leg crushed in a hay press last winter now has the misfortune of losing one of his work horses with a broken leg.      D. C. Hunter, J. W. Wallace, E. Chatfield, Will Wentworth and Chas. K. Marlatt were delegates to the republican assembly convention at Hornell Wednesday. Canisteo Times (Canisteo, NY) 1925.

1910 

George Dennis, for years one of the most prominent citizens of Jasper, who had been ill with pneumonia at his home in Greenwood street, Canisteo, for a week past, began to fail rapidly at 11 oclock today. The family were hurridly summonded to his bedside, it being apparent that death was imminent. Canisteo Times (Canisteo, NY) May 4, 1910.

1911

Mr. and Mrs. O. Kettle left the first of the week for a visit with her mother Mrs. McGavern at Holland and her daughter Mrs. Jennie Cartright at East Aurora. Asa Smith of Woodhull was a business caller in town Saturday. The young child of Mr. and Mrs. Cornell is seriously ill at this writing. Stewart Hull has been out of town a few days this week. R. S. Deck and Glenn Hunt were in Hornell Thursday on business. Dr. E. E. Wallace went to Arkport last Friday to attend the funeral of a relative. Canisteo Times (Canisteo, NY) March 1, 1911.

1912

THE LATEST NEWS OF JASPER VILLAGE Personal and Local Gleanings in a Place of Domestic Characteristics and Substantial Prosperity. - Items of Public Interest, Comprising a General Summary. Child Drank Poison      A young child of Mr. and Mrs. Bert Woodward drank a quantity of a mixture used for spraying cattle Saturday and was badly poisoned. Dr. H. R. Marlatt was called and administered timely aid and the child is doing as well as can be expected. AUCTION SALE. Having sold my farm, I will sell at public auction on my farm, one mile east of Jasper five corners, on September 21, 1912, commencing at 1 o'clock p. m. sharp, the following property: 4 good cows, new manure spreader, Oswego grain drill, nearly new; Champion grain drill, hay ted-, nearly new; horse rake, newrly new; McCormick mowing machine, -ck wagon, platform wagon, set of -kies, cutter, nearly new; plow, -ing tooth harrow, cultivator, potato -hiller, nearly new; land roller, -ning mill, Chatham incubator, -am can, single harness, hay rope, buggy, and other artiles too numerous to mention. Terms: All sums of five dollars under cash; on sums over five dollars, one year's time on good en-sed, bankable notes with interest. O.C. WALRATH George Andrus, auctioneer. Canisteo Times (Canisteo, NY) September, 1912.

1915

MILWAUKEE.      Mrs. Ada Drake and son Darwin of Hornell visited Guy Drake and family, Sunday.      Mrs. Kress Simpson visited Miss Eva Williams, Friday.      Mrs. DeWitt Simpson of State Road and Mrs. Woodward of Jasper were guests of Mrs. O. S. Rathbun, Wednesday.      Mr. and Mrs. K. Simpson were the guests of his parents on the State road, recently.      Mr. and Mrs. Guy Drake and daughter were guests of his parents in Hornell, Friday.      Mr. and Mrs. Silas Drake were the week-end guests of her mother in Hornell.      No school for two weeks so the pupils can help in fall work.      Miss Florence Drake was a guest of Miss Eva Williams, Sunday. Canisteo Times (Canisteo, NY) 1915.

1916

Former Jasper Pastor. Rev. J. H. Watrous, after a pastorate of two years at Lebanon, Madison Co., has been called to the pastorate of the Dale Baptist Church, and began his work there Sunday, May 21st. Mr. Watrous preached for nearly five years at Jasper. After a hard fought excise battle resulting in victory for the temperance forces of Lebanon, he returns to an adjoining county, where he will continue to lead the people in all right and civic righteousness. Canisteo Times (Canisteo, NY) May 24, 1916, page 5, col. 3.

1917

NORTH JASPER.      Allen Talbot is visiting relatives in Bath for a few days.      Sterry Dartt was a business caller on the Swale recently.      Mrs. August Stuart was called to Galton, Pa., last Wednesday, to see her mother, who is ill.      Mr. and Mrs. Harry Lamson and Mr. and Mrs. T. R. Stephens attended Farmers' Week at Alfred.      Miss Nellie Ferguson of Cameron was the guest of her aunt, Mrs. Ray Hallert, three days last week.      Mr. and Mrs. B. Ridgeway of Canisteo visited Mr. and Mrs. Ray Hallett from Saturday until Monday. Canisteo Times (Canisteo, NY) March 14, 1917.

1918

BIRTHDAY REUNION. It was an enjoyable occasion, indeed, when a company of something over 20 gathered at the home of Mrs. A. J. Hadley in honor of her 77th birthday. The ladies present were, as young women, members of the Sunday school class of the Methodist church of which Mrs. Hadley was the teacher. For several years it has been the custom of the members of the class, together with their husbands, to hold a reunion at the home of Mrs. Hadley on her birthday. Since her birthday, June 29, came on Sunday, the reunion was held on the preceding Saturday. A delicious dinner was served, after which the meeting was called to order by the president and prayer offered by Mrs. Vern Mayo. At the request of Mrs. Hadley, all sang "Rock of Ages." Mrs. Hadley, was presented with a basket full of good things. The afternoon was spent in visiting, reminiscences and jokes, and two strayed away to the spring with a wishbone to get water. Many regrets were expressed at the absence of Mr. and Mrs. Wesley Goodsell, who were unable to be present at the reunion on account of sickness. Those present were: Mr. and Mrs. Vern Mayo and Mr. and Mrs. Frank Gregory of Arkport, Mr. and Mrs. Will Brownell and Mr. and Mrs. Ed. Brownell of Painted Post, Mr. and Mrs. G. H. Robinson and Mrs. Flora Barnes of Hornell, Mr. and Mrs Frank Waight, Mr. and Mrs. Wilson Rowley, Mrs. Eva Ingersoll and Mrs. Minnie Houghtaling of Jasper, and Mrs. Whittemore and Mrs. Stewart of South Canisteo. The reunion will be held with Mrs. Hadley next year on June 27. An inivitation was extended to members of the class and their husbands by Mr. and Mrs. Will Brownell to spend Labor Day at their home at Painted Post. Canisteo Times (Canisteo, NY) 1918.

1919

SHOT SISTER BY ACCIDENT A Rifle in the Hands of a Jasper Young Man Accidentally Discharged. The Bullet Entered the Shoulder of His Sister, Miss Florence Pierce, A Prominent School TEacher. - The Brother Grief Stricken.      Miss Florence Pierce, a prominent young teacher of the town of Jasper, daughter of Mrs. A. Z. Pierce, was accidentally shot by her brother Earl on Saturday morning at their home three miles east of Jasper village on the state road.      Earl was cleaning a rifle and believed that he had removed the cartridges from the weapon. His sister was sweeping in the room nearby when the bullet struck her, entering the right breast. Dr. E. E. Wallace was immediately summoned and she was taken to the Bethesda hospital in Hornell for an X-ray examination, but owing to her weakened and nervous condition and also the illness of Dr. Mitchell, the X-ray was not used and the location of the bullet has not been ascertained. Miss Pierce will remain at the hospital until her condition improves. Her brother was grief stricken over the accident. Canisteo Times (Canisteo, N.Y.) January 15, 1919; page 1, column 1. TRIBUTE TO DR. E. E. WALLACE.      When Russia collapsed and released great German forces on the eastern front, the Beast of Berlin openly bragged that with these added forces he would crush Enlgand and France before America could come to their aid, and yet two months elapsed before this great western offensive could be launched. What was the cause of the delay when each hour meant so much? It was because a new plague, that was not influenza, neither was it the grip, yet like them with added complications that baffled the medical science of Germany, was making such havoc both in the German army and its civilian population that the western offensive had to be held up until the worst of it was over. Fearing the disease would be called "German influenza" (as it should be) the German military machine with its characteristic craftiness, devised the misleading name and sent it broadcast before the infection spread from Germany to other countries. So when we make up the final account against Germany, we will include with all the rest, the worse epedemic plague that has scourged the civilized world in four hundred years. So far we are concerned here in America this dreadful plague of 1918 and so far of 1919, according to conservative estimates based on available statistics, has killed ten times as many as all fatalities from all causes in the war and the number of deaths is increasing daily. There were 20,086 deaths from the disease in New York City alone during the epidemic stage.      Jasper, according to size and population, has had its full quota of cases, and they have not been of a mild type, as a rule, either; many of the sufferers have lingered between life and death for days with the chances hardly fifty-fifty in their favor, yet the number of deaths in the township during the epidemic has been no greater than has often times occurred in the same period of time under normal conditions. For this most favorable condition of things the people of Jasper should be, and are, most devoutly and sincerely thankful, and a very large share of this heartfelt gratitude is hereby tendered, by a very general request, to Dr. E. E. Wallace, whose single-handed and heroic fight against the terrible malady has been unselfish, untiring and successful to a degree that has made him famous throughout this section.      It should be borne in mind that bacilli are the cause of the disease, and up to the present time no means have been found of killing them with serum, virus, or other scientific discoveries, as is the case with smallpox and other infectious diseases, so the success of the physician in treating this disease depends entirely upon his own knowledge, skill, experience and initiative, and whatever success he attains belongs to himself and not to the other fellow who supplies the remedy ready-made that does the trick.      In years, Dr. Wallace is well past what is usually termed the prime and by all ordinary standards should be enjoying, in ease and luxury, the well earned fruits of his more than thirty years of strenuous life as a country practitioner; but instead, he has risen to the needs of the occasion and has been riding night and day over rough country roads, through mud, snow, cold and storm, with pratically no sleep other than that secured on the road between patients, and it is only fitting that Dr. Wallace's many friends take this opportunity to express in this public way their appreciation for the valuable services he has rendered not only to his own community but to the surrounding communities as well. Canisteo Times (Canisteo, NY) January 15, 1919; page 2, column 1 & 2. NEW BUTTER MAKER.      Bert VanWie of Troupsburg has been engaged by the Jasper Creamery Co. as butter maker for the coming year. Mr. VanWie was recently discharged from U. S. service and comes to us highly recommended.      Russell Reynolds was very pleasantly surprised Wednesday evening when several of his young friends gathered at his home to celebrate his 21st birthday. Refreshments were served and the occasion was greatly enjoyed by all.      Mr. and Mrs. Rollow Hilborn, Mr. and Mrs. W. B. Wentworth, Mrs. Louise Murphy, Mrs. Anna House, Mrs. A. B. Craig and daughter Sarah, Merle House and Miss Cora Card were in Hornell Saturday night to attend "Parlor, Bedroom and Bath" at the Shattuck. Canisteo Times (Canisteo, NY) February 12, 1919; page 5, col. 4.

1920

"WILLOWDALE" A SUCCESS      A $70 house greeted the players who took part in the play Willowdale, which was repeated at Maccabee hall, Friday night. The proceeds of this evening together with the amount taken in the week before, brings the total receipts of the play itself up to $192.72. It is very gratifying to the cast of characters who produced the play. The excellence of the play deserves special mention. The players deserves no end of praise and credit for their efficient work. The social dance that followed was one of the most enjoyable dancing parties ever held in Jasper and that is saying a lot. The huge success of the dance was due largely to the fine music furnished by Schnurle's orchestra of Canisteo. An enjoyable feature of the dance program was the singing of Mr. Fred V. Schnurle who was obliged to respond to many encores. This orchestra will play at Greenwood May 21 for Jasper home talent play and a dance will follow. Canisteo Times (Canisteo, NY) May 6, 1920.

1923

21 YEARS AGO IN CANISTEO (Reprinted from The Canisteo Times of Wed., Feb. 14, 1923.) JASPER:      Evelyn Walrath had a birthday party at her home Tuesday and several young friends attended.      Rev. H. L. Somers of Canisteo was speaker at the Big Brothers' class meeting at the home of Mr. and Mrs. W. B. Wentworth Tuesday evening.      Alvin E. Whipple, 65, died on Sunday night, Feb. 11 at the Bethesda hospital, Hornell. He was an employee of the Erie railroad, and a former Jasper resident. Two sons, Coy of Poughkeepsie and Carrol of this place, survive.      Lee DeVore and family of Troupsburg will move in the near future to the E. E. Wallace dairy farm, here. Canisteo Times (Canisteo, NY) 1944.

1932

Perry Zeh of West Jasper visited Mr. and Mrs. Chas. Zeh Monday. Mrs. Sarah June is numbered among the sick. Canisteo Times (Canisteo, NY) January 7, 1932, page 6, col. 1.

1935

BARN BURNED WITH CONTENTS ON GRASS HILL JASPER, N. Y., Oct. 8 - The Lee Cooper barn on Grass hill burned to the ground Wednesday night about 11 o'clock. The fire is thought to have started in the silo. The origin of the fire is unknown. A. J. McCaig and son J. W. McCaig, who have worked the farm this season, had 20 ton of hay which burned and some machinery, with no insurance, stored in the barn. It is understood that Mr. Cooper had insurance on the barn. BridgeClub Mrs. Lester Cornell, Mrs. Clair VanSkiver, Mrs. George Murphy, Mrs. Anna Craig, Mrs. Carrie Whiting, Miss Viola Whiting, Mrs. Minnie Riley, Mrs. Peter Brabant, Mrs. L. J. House, Mrs. Lee Cornell and Mrs. L. H. Robinson attended the Junior Bridge club meeting held with Mrs. John Halninen in Cameron Thursday afternoon. Three tables of bridge were played during the afternoon. The hostess served refreshments. Taken to Hospital Mrs. Delbert VanSkiver was taken to St. James hospital, Hornell, on Sunday afternoon for observation and treatment. A Shower About 50 friends and relatives of Mr. and Mrs. Fred Marley, who were recently married, attended a variety shower held in their honor Friday evening at the home of her brother, Mr. and Mrs. James Brabant. The gifts wer attractive and useful for housekeeping. A social evening was enjoyed by all, after which ice cream and cake were served. S. L. B. to Meet The Presbyterian Search Light Band will have their October social and business meeting Tuesday afternoon, October 15 at the home of Mrs. Harvey Bruen. Mrs. Carrie Bruen and Mrs. Myra Marlatt will assist in entertaining. Hallowe'en Supper Date The Jennie Ordway Missionary society of the Presbyterian church have planned to serve a hollowe'en supper in the Presbyterian church parlors, Thursday evening, Oct. 24. Keep this date in mind. Dancing Party A dancing party was held at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Kendall Rowley Saturday evening. Those attending were: Elmer Slater, Katherine Sjostrom, Urania and Dilo Sjostrom of Sayre, Pa. Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Hadley, Mr. and Mrs. Corbin, Mr. and Mrs. Ray VanSkiver, Mr. and Mrs. Harold Dennis, Mr. and Mrs. Marian Simpson, Mr. and Mrs. Orval Rowley, Miss Eva VanSkiver, Chas. Kinney, Mr. and Mrs. Ellsworth Drake and Ernhard Sjostrom jr., of Jasper. Refreshments were served. An enjoyable evening was spent by all. Birthday Supper A birthday surprise party was held at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Ellsworth Drake Tuesday evening in honor of Mr. Drake's birthday anniversary. The list attending the gathering included: Mr. and Mrs. Ellis Waufle and daughter, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Button and daughter, Mr. and Mrs. Allen Drake, Mr. and Mrs. Cecil Drake and family, Mr. and Mrs. Clifton Rounds and family, Mr. Carrie Prentice, Mr. and Mrs. Floyd Drake and family, Mr. and Mrs. Marion Simpson and son Lloyd, Mr. and Mrs. Orval Rowley and family, Mrs. Earl Downey, Mr. and Mrs. Wilson VanFleet and son Gerald, Misses Arlie, Elsie and Betty Bailey. Refreshments wer served and the evening was spent with music. Canisteo Times (Canisteo, NY) October 10, 1935.

 
UNKNOWN YEAR

Jasper Folks and Events Prominent in General News Mrs. Simpson Honored on 73rd Birthday - Jasper People at Addison Prom - Memorial Services Arranged for Sunday - Play pleases Audience.      Mrs. Ella Simpson who celebrated her 73rd birthday Friday was honored that afternoon by several friends and neighbors. Refreshments were served to those present who were: Mrs. Howard Heckman, Mrs. J. W. McCraig; Mrs. M. C. Hollenbeck, Mrs. Harvey Lewis and daughter, Miss Eliza Old, Mrs. Ray Van Fleet and Richard O'Brien. Visit Greenwood O. E. S. Those from Jasper who attended the Home Coming of Mrs. Mildred P. Fish District Deputy Grand Matron and Otis Waldo, Asso. District Lecturer of Prattsburg at Greenwood Monday evening were: Mr. and Mrs. C. A. Bruen, Mr. and Mrs. F. J. Loper; Mr. and Mrs. B. F. Smith, Mrs. Myra Wallace, Mrs. W. H. Huntington, Mrs. Carrie Bruen, Mrs. Myra Marlatt, Mrs. Clair Van Skiver, Mrs. Lester Cornell, Mrs. Kenneth Schoonover, Mrs. Anna Craig, Mrs. Carrie Whiting and daughter Viola Whiting, Mrs. A. B. Craig, Sr. Canisteo Times (Canisteo, NY)