Notes for: Peter Van Nest Bodine
The following comes from a family history of Peter Van Nest Bodine in The Gazette and Independent of Ovid, NY from March 1, 1957on pages 1 & 4:
Peter V. N. Bodine was a Lodi schoolmaster in his early days. In the course of time Peter Bodine and Coan Covert formed a partnership and established a department store at the four corners across from the Eagle Hotel. Ray Dann took over the store later on and the Eagle Hotel became the Townsend House. Peter Bodine built a house known in later years as the Bodine House. After many years no Bodines actually lived in Lodi and it passed into other hands.
****End of information from The Gazette and Independent.
A Peter V. N. Bodine married a Mary E. Hyde on April 29, 1874 in Lodi, New York (Waterloo Observer, Seneca Co., p. 71).
Peter was listed as a merchant in the 1880 Census of Lodi, Seneca Co., NY. His father was born in PA and his mother in NJ. He was 48 and born in NY.
Here is some information I got from the Internet:
Three Rivers
Hudson~Mohawk~Schoharie
History From America's Most Famous Valleys
The History of Montgomery Classis, R.C.A.
by W.N.P. Dailey,
Recorder Press, Amsterdam, NY 1916
To which is added sketches of Mohawk Valley men and events of early days, the Iroquois, Palatines, Indian Missions, Tryon County, committee of Safety, Sir Wm. Johnson, Joseph Brant, Arendt Van Curler, Gen. Herkimer, Reformed Church in America, Doctrine and Progress, Revolutionary Residences, Etc.
LODI REFORMED CHURCH
...
Rev. John A. Liddell succeeded Bennett (1838-1848), during whose ministry a hundred and twenty-one new members were received. Mr. Liddell was a Glasgow graduate, an attractive and able preacher. He served the church at Cicero for a year after leaving this field, and died in 1850. After a year Rev. Garret J. Garretson was installed in September, 1849. Rev. Gustav Abeel, a Rutgers trustee for forty years, then in the Geneva church, preached the sermon, as he did also for Mr. Liddell eleven years previously. Mr. Garretson remained three years (1849-1852), and died within a couple of months after the relationship was dissolved. After an interim of a year, Rev. Geo. J. Van Neste was installed in November, 1854. Van Neste was connected with the celebrated family of that name in the Dutch Reformed church. He remained until November, 1865. During this pastorate the church numbered two hundred twenty-three members, its largest roll. One hundred and thirty-four were received while he was pastor. After several pastorates he took up the work at St. Johnsville (cf), and later was pastor at Flatbush, and Pottersville, N. J. at the latter place dying in 1898, Rev. John Addison Van Doren was next called, and accepted (New Years, 1866), but a serious illness prevented his being installed. He remained here but six months. In 1866 he became the first pastor of the Annandale, N. J. church, arid remained in that field until 1873, when he retired from the active pastorate; Rev. Isaac H. Collier from Nassau, N. Y. was installed by Geneva Classis January 29, 1867, and remained until September 25, 1869. Forty-five were added during this ministry. Leaving Lodi Mr. Collier had pastorates at Saratoga and Montville, N. J. when he entered the Presbyterian ministry; and while supplying the Oakfield, N. Y. church died, February 19, 1881. For more than a year following the close of the Collier pastorate the pulpit was supplied by Rev. Alexander McMann, who had been in the Ithaca Dutch church for seven years (1831-1837), and had gone into the Presbyterian body in 1862. He died in 1893. The next settled pastor was Rev. H. P. McAdam, who delivered an interesting address at address at the Centennial. Mr. McAdam began his work about New Year's, 1871. In the autumn of 1871 repairs upon the church were begun under the committee, S. S. Gulick, Peter Lott, P. V. W. Bodine, Voorhees Minor, and Covert Osgood. The expense incurred was $6,500. Six months later, July 14, 1872, the church was burned. Two hundred of the members and friends of the congregation at once subscribed toward a new church and the congregation began to build under the direction of the former committee of repairs, and $20,000 was spent, the new church being dedicated July 15, 1873, Rev. Wm. W. Brush of Geneva preaching the sermon. Rev. McAdam remained thro a part of 1884 when he went to the Wolcott Presbyterian church of Utica, later pastor of the Worthington (0.) Presbyterian church, and has been living retired at Saugerties since 1905. The present parsonage was built in this pastorate. His successor at Lodi was Rev. Chester P. Murray (1884-1886), a Presbyterian minister who reentered the work of that church and is now living in Cleveland O.
Rev. William H. Ballagh succeeded Murray, remaining thro 1892. Mr. Ballagh died at Palmyra, N. Y. in 1892. The next pastor was Rev. Charles F. Porter (1888-1904), an Auburn graduate who came from the Alden Presbyterian church to a sixteen year pastorate at Lodi. For several years now Mr. Porter has been connected with the New York State Library at Albany. Rev. Frederick Perkins of Bainbridge (Ga.) took up the work in 1905 and remained thro 1909, going next to St. Johnsville where he is now pastor. Succeeding him was Rev. Seth Cook who was installed in 1909 and in the Fall of 1914, going to the Dryden, N. Y. Presbyterian church. Rev. E. J. Meeker, who had served the churches of Mohawk and Glen, next took up the work in December, 1914, and is the present pastor. The Reformed church of Lodi has sent many men into the ministry, evidencing the sort of work that has been accomplished there thro the years. Among these have been Revs. Elbert Nevins, Arad Sebring, John Minor, James Wyckoff, William Cornell, Minor Swick, G. DeWitt Bodine, John V. N. Schenck, Elbert Sebring, Charles Wilson, and John Van Neste. A son of Rev. Isaac Collier, William M., after the Spanish-American war became the American Ambassador to Spain.
*****
Marriages in Tompkins Co newspapers: Peter V N Bodine @ Lodi Apr 29 by Rev J W Wilson to Mary E Hyde: Ithaca Journal May 11, 1874.
From Ronny Bodine:
In June 1870, Peter Bodine lived with his wife and 2 children in Ovid, Seneca County, New York engaged in farming. In June 1880, he lived with his 2nd wife, Mary, in Lodi and in June 1900, Peter Bodine now lived with his 3rd wife, Mina, in Lodi. He reported they had been married 14 years, but she had borne no children. In April 1930, Mina Bodine, age 78, lived with her nephew and niece, Arthur and Anna Knight, in Lodi. She was still living in March 1937. Peter and Helen Bodine were buried in West Lodi Cemetery, Seneca County.
Obituary, Ovid (N.Y.) Gazette and Independent, Wednesday, 1 Oct 1902.
Peter Van Nest Bodine, whose death at Lodi on the morning of September 23d was noticed in these columns last week, was one whose loss will be deeply felt thru out this vicinity. He had been in delicate health for several years, but his sudden death was a surprise and shock to all, as he had been attending to business, until late the previous evening. In him Lodi loses one of its oldest and most representative business men. His business record covers the last thirty years, for twenty nine of which he has been at the same stand in the firm of Covert & Bodine up to March, 1897, and since then at the head of the new firm of Bodine & Company. Mr. Bodine was born Jan. 12, 1832, and received his education in local schools. He held the office of school commissioner in this county in 1861-4, and then taught for two years in Waterloo. He then engaged in farming in partnership with his brother, the late Joseph S. Bodine, of Ovid, on the farm owned by the latter up to his death in June last. Peter sold his interest to his brother in 1872, and bought the Woodworth drug store in Lodi, which he sold the following year to enter into partnership with the late Claudius C. Covers. This firm became one of the best known and widely respected in Seneca county. Mr. Bodine always took an active interest in public affairs. He served a term as supervisor of the town of Ovid in 1869. In 1881 he was elected to the same office in Lodi, and served continuously for seven terms, and again for one term in 1891. He was for several years president of the Lodi memorial Association and also members of the Royal Arcanum. For many years he took an active interest in the work of the county board of visitors of the State Charaties Aid Association, of which he was for some time president. Mr. Bodine was brought up in the Reformed Church of Lodi, with which he united in 1858, from this time taking an active part in its affairs. For many years he was a worker in the choir and Sunday school. He was elected to the Consistory in 1859, and served in all eleven terms in that body, two as deacon and nine as elder, in which capacity he was serving at the time of his death. Mr. Bodine married Helen E. Baker Oct. 7, 1858. He was married again to Mary Hyde in April, 1874, and July 7, 1887, to Mina Knight, who survives him. Two children of the first marriage also survive---Charles E. Bodine and Mrs. Alfred D. Traphagen, both of Lodi. Peter Bodine was a man of sterling character. As a business man he commanded the respect and confidence of the entire community. He was a faithful and efficient public officer, a consistent Christian, a wise counselor to those in trouble, and a friend who loss will be deeply mourned. The funeral services were held at his late residence on Friday afternoon last, and were conducted by his pastor, Rev. C. F. Porter, assisted by Rev. H. A. Porter, of Ovid, and Rev. Charles Eddy, D.D. of Lodi.
Obituary, The Farmer (N.Y.) Review of Friday, 3 Oct 1902.
The sudden death at Lodi, on the morning of Tuesday, September 23, 1902, of Peter Van Nest Bodine, whose portrait we publish this week, removes one of tbe best known business men of south Seneca county. The loss to the community is accentuated by its suddenness, as Mr. Bodine continued to take his usual active part in affairs up to the morning on which he died. He attended a political convention the previous Saturday; he was present and took part in the last prayer meeting preceding his death, and attended church twice on the last Sunday; and he was in his store until a late hour the evening before death called him. For some time past Mr. Bodine had not looked forward to many more years of life, but it was his earnest desire that he might keep his active interest in affairs as long as he should live. This desire was fully granted. His death ends a life of varied interests and usefulness. The Bodine name is of French derivation, and may be traced back to that Jean Bodin of the 16th century, who was a prominent French statesman and author of his day, and who visited the court of Queen Elizabeth. He died in 1596. The American branch of the family was founded by a namesake of his who settled on Staten lsland about 1682. A descendant of his in the third generation, Cornelius Bodine, came to Seneca county in 1802, and settled on a military claim on lot No. 29 in the town of Ovid, then marked by the ruins of the "Old Fort" of the Mound Builders, on the farm now owned by the Ditmars brothers. This farm passed to Cornelius' son George, who died there in 1868. Peter Van Nest Bodine was the second son of George, and was born at the homestead January 12, 1832. Receiving only common school advantages, he succeeded in acquiring a good education, and was, for a time, a successful teacher. He was school commissioner of Seneca county during the years of the civil war, taught at Waterloo. Two years thereafter, then farmed for several years in partnership with his brother, Joseph S., and in the early'70s, began his business career in the village of Lodi which continued for 30 years. The firm of Covert & Bodine acquired an enviable reputation thru out this region by strictly honorable dealing, and by the attractive personality of both men. That two such men should be found in one firm was a matter of frequent remark. After the death of Mr. Covert, Mr. Bodine and his sons bought the business in March, 1897, and carried it on under the name of Bodine & Co. To carry on business in such a manner as conscience would sanction, was always with Covert & Bodine a more important consideration than getting rich. They had their reward, in being known thru out western New York as two of the squarest business men on record. Mr. Bodine was always active in town affairs. He served as supervisor for the town of Ovid one year, while on the farm. In 1881 he was elected supervisor of Lodi, and was continued in office for seven consecutive terms. He served, altogether, eight terms in Lodi and one in Ovid. In the church he has left a similar record, having served in the consistory of the Reformed church of Lodi 11 terms, a total of 22 years. He was for some time at the head of the Memorial association. He also took part in the work of the county board of visitors of the state charities aid association, and was for several years the president of that board. He was a man of literary tastes and wide reading, and was a warm friend and supporter of the Lodi Whittier library. His favorite books were lrving's Knickerbocker History and Motley's Dutch Republic. In every organization to which he belonged, Mr. Bodine displayed the same qualities of ability, good judgment, and kindliness. His unfailing courtesy was the outer covering of a very resolute manhood, when questions of principle were involved. Mr. Bodine married Helen E. Baker in 1858. After her death in 1872, he married Mary Hyde; again death broke up his home, and in 1887 he married Mina Knight, who survives him. He leaves two children, Chas. E. Bodine, and Mrs. Alfred D. Traphagen, both of Lodi. Mr. Bodine was one of the real counselors of his community. Men looked to him in all public matters for guidance. Any one in trouble went to him. Cervantes' description fitted him: "He had a face like a benediction, and was the kindest man that ever trod on shoe leather." He was a just business man, to whom honesty was of greater moment than gain; he was a faithful public officer, an earnest Christian, and a delightful friend. The funeral services were held at his late residence at 2 o'clock on Friday, September 26, and were conducted by Rev. C. F. Porter, assisted by Revs. H. A. Porter of Ovid, and Dr. Eddy, of Lodi.
Death Notice, The Interlaken (N.Y.) Review of Friday, 11 June 1937.
On May 29, on the eve of Memorial Day, Mrs. Mina K. Bodine, of Lodi, passed peacefully away after a few weeks illness. She was one of the oldest residents of the town. She was born at Townsendville eightyfive years ago and lived in the house now occupied by her nephew, Arthur S. Knight, until her marriage in 1887 to the late Peter V. N. Bodine, of Lodi. The funeral services conducted by the local ministers, Rev. I. F. Livingston and Rev. F. S. Hewitt, were held at Towsendville on June 1. Many relatives, neighbors and friends gathered at the old home to pay their last respects. Interment was in Interlaken Cemetery. Mrs. Bodine outlived all the other members of her immediate family. The nearest surviving relatives, most of whom attended the funeral, are three nephews, Arthur S. Knight, Interlaken, Homer Johnson, Hawthorne, N.J., and Allen Johnson, Wellsboro, Pa.; five nieces, Mrs. Stella Switzer, Grand Rapids, Mich., Mrs. Flora Mayer, Bath, N.Y., Mrs. Florence McKean, Knox, Pa., Mrs. Lura Gross, Elkland, Pa., and Mrs. Edith Pierson, Trumansburg. Those related to her through marriage to the late Peter V. N. Bodine include a step-daughter, grandchildren, Mrs. Frances Boyer, Miss Gertrude Traphagen, of Lodi, Parks V. N. Traphagen, of Geneva, and Preston Bodine, of Ithaca. Mrs. Bodine was a member of the Dutch Reformed Church of Lodi for half a century and her presence in its fellowship will be missed. She was highly respected in the village where she had lived for so many years. Her death must counted as one more of those changes of life that leave us all poorer and sadder.