CAPT. BYRAM'S FUNERAL

Capt. S. M. Byram.

Cortland Evening Standard, Thursday, January 3, 1895.

CAPT. BYRAM'S FUNERAL.

Large Attendance of Soldiers, Grangers, Neighbors and Friends.

   The funeral of Capt. S. M. Byram, late of Company D, Seventy-sixth Regt. N. Y. Vols., was very largely attended yesterday at his home at East River. The house was filled to overflowing. Aside from being a soldier, Capt. Byram was a prominent member of Cortlandville grange and of the A. O. U. W. and all of these organizations were numerously represented. The floral decorations were very beautiful. His comrades in the army presented a handsome wreath; the A. O. U. W. another wreath, and each of the members of the grange, as they passed through the room to view the remains after the services were over, dropped a flower in the casket until the whole casket was filled with the beautiful emblems. There were also a number of other set pieces besides the ones mentioned.

   The services were conducted by Rev. J. L. Robertson, pastor of the Presbyterian church, of which the deceased was a member. Mr. Robertson read appropriate portions of the Scriptures, offered prayer and made some brief but fitting remarks.

   Judge A. P. Smith was then called upon by Mr. Robertson to make remarks touching Capt. Byram's war record. He spoke of this at length, and was listened to with deep attention, not only by the comrades who knew so well the story of their comrade's heroic deeds, but by the others as well. Capt. Byram took part in the following seventeen battles, a number unusually large: Rappahannock Station, Gainesville, Second Bull Run, South Mountain, Antietam, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Mine Run, Wilderness, Spotsylvania, North Anna, (where he commanded the regiment) Cold Harbor, Totopotomoy [Creek], and Petersburg, June 18, 1864, where he was severely wounded in the groin. The war ended before he recovered. The judge discussed a number of these battles, giving little incidents of Capt. Byram's work in each. He told particularly of the battle of the Wilderness where three color bearers were shot, the last one being killed and where Capt. Byram seized the colors and dashed across the field with them to a place of safety thereby drawing upon himself a galling fire from the enemy.

   At the close of Judge Smith's remarks Mr. N. F. Webb spoke of Capt. Byram as a member of the grange and as a good citizen.

   A quartet consisting of Mrs. Elizabeth Greenman, Mr. and Mrs. J. A. Graham and Mr. A. D. Blodgett sang appropriate selections of music.

   The bearers were all members of the Seventy-sixth regiment and were Messrs. A. Sager, Martin Edgcomb, Samuel Sanders, David C. Beers, Charles Fuller and G. D. Crittenden.

   The burial was in the Cortland Rural cemetery.

THE PHELPS INQUEST.

Important Testimony from Mrs. Phelps Expected this Afternoon.

   The Phelps inquest was continued at McGrawville this morning. Adelbert Phelps, brother of the deceased Loren Phelps, was on the stand, but he knew little about poison or the case in general. Emmett Finn was then called and had just begun his testimony when an adjournment was taken for dinner.

   Mrs. Phelps, the widow, was to be called this afternoon, and her testimony will doubtless be the most important of the whole inquest. If she can throw no light upon the question of how the poison got into Mr. Phelps' stomach which was found there by the expert chemist there is little likelihood that the mystery will ever be explained.

   District Attorney Burlingame is attending the inquest and is watching the testimony very sharply. A special STANDARD reporter is also there and Mrs. Phelps' testimony is expected to be given in full in The STANDARD of tomorrow.

Sixty-Second Anniversary.

   Mr. and Mrs. Prosper Palmer, residing at 56 Greenbush-st. in this village, passed the sixty-second anniversary of their marriage yesterday, Jan. 2. There was no attempt at a formal celebration, but the four children and their families with the exception of that of their son who resides in Utica, gathered in the home, took dinner together and passed several very pleasant hours. Mr. Palmer will reach his 86th birthday on the 21st of this month, and Mrs. Palmer her 83rd in March next. Their older son, Rev. A. P. Palmer, returned to Utica in the afternoon of the same day.

GOLDEN WEDDING.

Mr. and Mrs. David Price Celebrated on Christmas Day.

   On Christmas day the friends and relatives of Mr. and Mrs. David R. Price of Virgil by invitation assembled at their pleasant home to celebrate their golden wedding anniversary.

   Representatives from Groton, Dryden, Marathon and Cortland added to those from their own vicinity swelled the number to nearly sixty, and comprised a company eminently fitted to make it indeed a festive occasion. With music, visiting, games and renewal of old acquaintances the early hours of the day sped rapidly until all were summoned to dinner, where there was a great array of eatables, the tables groaning with their tempting viands. All that could tickle the palate of an epicure, or minister to the demands of hunger in any form was spread out before the guests. After the proper time taken for the discussion of this abundance, Mrs. J. O. Pinckney of Peruville in brief words presented the gifts and best wishes of the company to the worthy couple.

   Congratulations in abundance followed and even the custom of kissing the bride was strictly adhered to by many. Mr. Price in a feeling manner expressed his thanks for their presence and also for the many beautiful presents which would he cherished as a memento of this most pleasant occasion. Lengthening shadows were a signal for leave taking, and each one returned to their home with pleasant memories of this Christmas day.

   ONE OF THE FAVORED.

Quiet Home Wedding.

   Mr. George L. Gutchess of East Homer and Miss Marion May Blanchard were quietly married at 3 o'clock Tuesday afternoon at the home of the bride's parents, Mr. and Mrs. W. T. Blanchard on Tompkins-st., in the presence of thirty of the most immediate relatives and friends. The ceremony was performed by Dr. L. H. Pearce. The house was tastily decorated with smilax and the young people were the recipients of many beautiful presents. The bride was tastily attired in a light brown Covert traveling dress.

   Mr. and Mrs. Gutchess left on the 6:27 train amid a shower of rice and good wishes for Binghamton, where they will remain till the end of the week, when they will return to East Homer, which will be their future home.

HOMER DEPARTMENT.

Gleanings of News From Our Twin Village.

   The dividend meeting of the board of directors of the First National bank was held yesterday morning. The usual dividend was declared.

   The advance sale of tickets for the McGibeny Family's Star concert to-morrow night is the largest advance sale for any entertainment given in this place for years. Those desiring good seats should procure them early and thus secure the best that the house affords.

   Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Darby left town for Washington, D. C., yesterday morning. They will spend the winter in the South.

   Miss Brockway and Mr. O. B. Andrews were among the Homer people in Syracuse to-day.

   The annual meeting of the Homer fire department occurs at Fireman's hall this evening at 8 o'clock. It is important that every fireman should attend.

   District Attorney Miles E. Burlingame was in town yesterday. He was talking with several of the jurymen of the recent Quinlan inquest and it is reported that he has given them assurance that he will do all in his power to find and convict the murderer of Patrick Quinlan. If such is the case the new district attorney will do this community a great benefit.

   To-morrow is the first day of the farmers' institute which is to be held at the courthouse in Cortland for the next two days.

   At the annual meeting of the board of directors of the Homer National bank held yesterday the annual dividend of 3 per cent was declared and a balance of $700, undivided profit, remained. The election of this corporation occurs next week on Jan. 8.

BREVITIES.

   —The Normal [school] reopened this morning after the Holiday vacation.

   —A party of Cortland young people will trip the light fantastic at Higginsville tomorrow evening.

   —A farmer's institute will begin at the courthouse to-morrow morning at 10:30 o'clock and will continue through Saturday.

   —The Republicans of the First ward are requested meet at the office of Lewis Bouton on Friday evening, Jan. 4, at 7:30 P. M.

   —Field & Hanson's Drawing Cards with John and Harry Dillon will be the attraction at the Opera House next Wednesday night, Jan. 9.

   —The regular monthly meeting of the board of managers of the Hospital association will be held at the hospital Monday, Jan. 7, at 3 P. M.

   —Mr. Hugh Duffey has purchased the Smith place recently injured by fire which is next to his home on Port Watson-st. and is having the house repaired.

   —There is another ship on exhibition in Sager & Jennings' drug store. It is a full-rigged clipper and was made by Mr. DeWitt C. Haskins, who has spent a good part of his life on a similar vessel,

   —Meeting of Co. A, Loyal Temperance legion, at W. C. T. U. rooms on West Court-st. on Friday, Jan. 4, at 1 P. M. All children under twelve years of age are cordially invited. Visitors of all ages are always welcome. This is to be a hand of mercy meeting.

   —Peter B. Gale died at 7 o'clock this morning of old age, aged 70 years. He leaves a brother in Groton, one in Auburn and Supt. William W. Gale of Cortland. He also leaves three sisters and two children, Mr. L. Scott Gale and Miss Augusta Gale of Cortland. The funeral will be held at 16 Railroad-ave., at 2 P. M. Saturday.

MASQUERADE BALL.

Elon Encampment Entertain in an Elaborate Manner.

   Over three hundred were present last evening at the masquerade ball of Elon encampment, No. 59, I. O. O. F. It proved to be a very brilliant affair. Daniels' full orchestra of ten pieces gave a concert from 8:30 till 9 o'clock, which proved one of the best that has ever been given here. The grand march was made immediately after. The uniquely costumed dancers removed their masks at 10:30 o'clock and the following were identified as having the best makeups: Uncle Sam, whose mystifying manoeuvres had kept many of the people guessing, proved to be Mr. J. F. Costello. Mrs. Costello impersonated a noble lady, Mr. F. B. Lampman a peasant, Mr. Ira Hyde an Irish character and Mrs. Hyde wore a fancy dress. Mr. Roethig also represented an Irish character while Mrs. H. J. Lewis made a very good Normandy girl. Miss Mabel Thompson, Miss Brandenstein, Miss Maud Ryan, Miss Olds of Cortland and Miss Brown of Binghamton all wore appropriate costumes.

   Mr. C. S. Sperry made a very dashing robber and Messrs. Warren and J. M. Olds were dressed as clowns, Mr. William Ryan made a bold chevalier and Mr. H. P. Davis impersonated a Highlander, Mr. Myron Crane a Laplander and Mr. Burdette Ryan a negro. Mr. E. N. Sherwood wishes us to state that Mr. and Mrs. F. M. Quick left their uniforms at Marathon. Two of the best makeups were those of Mr. and Mrs. S. N. Gooding, who represented an Indian and his squaw.

   A fine supper was served at 11 o'clock and the ball, which proved to be one of the most enjoyable of the season, broke up in the wee small hours.

   The success of the affair is due almost entirely to the efforts of the following committee who had the matter in charge:

   General committee—L. A. Bloomer, chairman; E. H. Stockwell, treasurer and E. N. Sherwood, secretary.

   Reception committee—E. J. Warfield, S. K. Jones, H. J. Lewis, L. E. Blackmer, C. C. Gross of Cortland and M. H. Allen of Marathon.

   Floor committee—C. B. Roethig, I. D. Hyde, H. Holcomb, H. Griffith of Cortland and M. M. Wingler of Marathon.

   The invitation committee consisted of C. E. Ingalls, H. L. Bronson, A. B. Nelson, T. N. Leach, G. E. Ingraham of Cortland; N. A. Collins of Groton and F. Pierce of Marathon.

   The music was particularly [fine.] Daniels' orchestra was re-enforced by the presence of Harry Armstrong of Binghamton, leader of the State Hospital band, and John Kennear of the same place, a fine cornet player. The orchestra was composed of ten pieces.

DANCED THE OLD YEAR OUT.

Surprise Party at Mr. Wheeler's in McLean.

   Monday night, New Year's eve, about fifty young people met at the Elm Tree House and proceeded to the home Mr. and Mrs. Charles Wheeler, where they were invited to make a surprise for their son, Fred H. Wheeler. The evening was very pleasantly spent in dancing. Music was furnished by McDermott's orchestra of Cortland. At about 12 o'clock a recess was taken to watch the New Year out and the New Year in and to partake of the refreshments provided by Mrs. Wheeler, which consisted of ice cream, cake, coffee and candy.

   In the new year dancing was again resumed until early morning, when the company broke up, all wishing each other a Happy New Year.

   Those present were Mr. and Mrs. Ed Mason, Misses Eva Boyce, Mary Hart, Bertha Weeks, Claire Howard, Hattie Powers, Lena Houghtaling, Gail Hart, B. Thomas, Bertha Mason, Marion Webster, Marie PerLee and Jessie Dutcher, McLean; Mae Heffon, J. Dickinson, Jennie Stanton and Carrie Seavey, Freeville; Emma Sheerar, Jennie Watrous, Ora Watrous, South Cortland; Grace Pendleton, Cortland; Messrs, Bert Rummer, Burt Gray, Bert Boyce, J. McDermott, Charlie Mason, Burt Weeks, H. Mineah, J. Holden, Ed PerLee, Clint PerLee, Harry Houghtaling, Lynn Stanton, Clarence Boynton, Caroll Hart, N. Kennedy, Arthur Gray and H. Mason, McLean; Jay Searey, Freeville; Fred Sheerar, Allen Moore, South Cortland.