Maria Dorothea Drehmer

Family/Spouse: George Christian Bill. George (son of Johann Heinrich Bill and Maria Catharina Lauer) was born on 17 May 1802 in Niederlinksweiler, Saarland, Germany; died in 1881 in Wayland, Steuben County, New York; was buried in Saint Peter's Cemetery, Perkinsville, Steuben County, New York. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Barbara Bill. Barbara died before 1865. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Johann married Anna Regina Stannarius about 1865. Anna was born in 1843; died in 1876; was buried in North Loon Lake Cemetery, Wayland, Steuben County, New York. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Terrible Murder
A Former Resident of Wayland Murders his Wife in a Fit of Desperation
A report was circulated on our streets last week to the effect that Nicholas Bill, a former resident of the town of Wayland, but lately residing in The Dallas, Oregon, had murdered his wife and then commit suicide to escape the penalty of the law. Monday evening in the company with C. Dick, we visited Christian Bill, father of the above-mentioned Nicholas Bill, who lives by the side of the bullhead pond on the road between this village and Wayland, and from him received the letters published below, which will explain the situation of affairs to a certain extent. The first letter written to Jacob Werdein of Perkinsville as follows:

The Dalles, June 1st, 1880.
Estimable Friend, Jacob Werdein: - I take the liberty to ask of you a favor, and sincerely hope that you will perform it, namely, Be so kind as to read the enclosed letter directed to my father, and you will ascertain what I have done, then take the letter to my father, read it to him and console him in the best conceivable way. Beg of him not to be provoked, for I could not do otherwise. As I learned this morning, and I am therefore prepared now to die willingly. Ere the sun shall make its appearance over my head I will be a corpse also, and perhaps before it goes down to-night. I will not allow myself to be brought to justice. What for? I am considered in the world as a murderer, and death is certain, but nevertheless I hope that God will not look upon me as such, for he alone knows the sufferings I have endured. No human being is aware of what hardship and misery I have stood for the past nine years. I beg of you all, my friends, relatives and acquaintances, be not irritated for my deed is irrevocable. Jacob, you know what I have endured while with you and here. While here she was a greater plaque than formerly, for she coaxed and misled the children. The oldest of my boys has also left me since last Sunday. He was in the house at the fatal moment. I hope no one will ever be so unfortunate as to witness such an instance. These few lines I am writing in a woods, a wilderness, where no one can find me. I am to-day closely watched and sharply looked for by three sheriffs and perhaps more. I was at a neighbor's house about two hours ago. Live well, live well, for you never will hear from me again. Farwell to all until your death. From your friend, Nicholas Bill.

The Second letter needs no explanation:
The Dalles, May 31, 1880
Dear Father, Brothers and Sisters, and All Acquaintances: - With blood-stained hands and clothing, and at the same time as a murderer, I pick up this pen and send my farewell greeting for I murdered this afternoon the Wretch, May God forgive me, for his alone knows the extent of my sufferings. I am present sitting in the woods from where I write to inform you of the sad news. Would God that I could see you all once more, but that cannot be. Before you receive this letter, I think I will rest in the lap of the cool earth, for I will not give myself up to justice. My God console you for my bringing you such disgrace, but father, I could not do otherwise; for yesterday Christian also left me, and to-day I went to him and asked if he was not coming back to my home, and he responded with a no; whereupon I asked him for what reason and he said, because I had sued his mother, and consequently he desired to support her. An furthermore, he said I had driven him around as a dog long enough and was not disposed to submit to it any longer. This had a tendency to create great sadness and also made me very angry. Then upon my way home I perceived the "wretch" in company with Barbara slowly stealing along to ascertain what Barbara's husband, Christian and myself were contemplating, then I came to the conclusion to murder her, and immediately went home, took my revolver, shot gun and dagger, returned again and found them (Christian, Barbara, and the "wretch") sitting at the table, whereupon I fired four or five times at the "wretch." How often the shots took effect I do not know. Then I stabbed her in the breast and side until she fall to the floor. In the meantime, Christian gave me a tremendous blow across the head with the stock of my gun, causing the flow of blood and very nearly brought me to the floor, and then he ran off to call Barbara's husband. Nevertheless, that I know that she is dead I will die willingly. My life has been one sadness and a great burden ever since the "wretch" has made her appearance, and since then I never had an rest day or night, and therefore think myself better off dead than alive. It is of course a disgrace to the family, but I beg of you all not to get angry but forgive and pardon me from the bottom of your hearts. I can now also repeat the old prayer "Through deep misery I cry to thee, O Lord; listen to my supplications, etc." If I could have thought so nine years ago my children would at present possess a nice little fortune, but as it is I think not much will remain. I was at work enclosing my land with a fence but how it will proceed I am not aware of. My fruit is in very good condition.
Dear father, one thing more I wish to call your attention to. Should you at your death leave any property my me, be so kind and will it to Jacob, Catherine and Adam, for I do not wish to have any bequeathed to Christian or any of the remaining children except the three younger ones. I made my testament about fourteen days ago and bequeathed everything to my four smallest children. I do not think I ever could get my property again which lays in the city, that is as long as I am living. Dear Father, I do leave here a host of good friends such as I had when living near you but all my good friends cannot help me, but may God forgive my miserable sin. May you all live well till I see you again in the next world. God stand by you all.
From your son - Nicholas Bill

From friends of the unfortunate man, we have been able to learn these facts: Twenty-five years ago, Nicholas Bill married May Bill, and the second year after they were married, she left him for a time but finally came back. About nine years ago she again left him, and began suit to obtain possession of the property, which was continued until the property was used up. He then moved to Pennsylvania, taking his children — some eight or more — except the oldest girl. His wife followed him, and finding it unpleasant to be near here, he about five years ago went to Oregon. Some of his friends advised him not to take his children so far west, but to settle in one of the more eastern states, but his reply was that he would go to the ends of the earth where he could live at peace with his children. He purchased a lot of land and was in the prospering finely, when last April his wife made her mind to follow him, and in company with a cousin who had lately come from Germany, she went to him. What his life has been since her arrival can be surmised from his letter. Matters evidently had gone from bad to worse, until in a fit of desperation he stained his hands with her blood and put the brand of Cain on his own forehead. His friends here were at first inclined to doubt that he had added the crime of suicide to his greater crime, but the following from the Police News of June 24 dispels all doubt in the matter:
Nicholas Bills who brutally murdered his wife at the house of his son-in-law, of Moshler Creek, Wasco County, Oregon, and then fled, was found in his house June 4th, dead having, shot himself with a pistol. Lying on the bed and placing the muzzle of the pistol under his left ear, he fired, blowing out his brains. Near the body a letter was found, explaining the motive of the murder of his wife and his suicide. The letter is written in German, and addressed to W. M. Hand, editor of the Dalles Mountaineer. The letter disclosed that both the murder and the suicide were premeditated and were caused by the thought that his wife came from the east to estrange the children from him.
This terrible transaction is a sad blow to his friends and especially to his father who is advanced in years and unable to bear the burden of woe that has suddenly been cast upon him.
We are indebted to E. M. Schuchart for a translation of the above letters from German to English.
(The Dansville Express, Dansville, New York, Thursday, June 24, 1880)

Yesterday afternoon a boy came riding his horse to town as fast as his horse could carry him and brought the painful news that Nicholas Bills had killed his wife.
The particulars, as near as we could learn are as follows: Mr. and Mrs. Bills had not lived together for some years, the former residing here with his younger children and the latter in the East. Lately, Mrs. Bills came out to Oregon for the purpose of seeing her family. She had been stopping at her daughter's - Mrs. Robert Dinsmore- about twelve miles from this city, near the Sandy Wagon Road.
About two months ago, when she first came out here, she and Mr. Bills had a quarrel. An elder brother had left the paternal roof some time ago and was staying with his sister, Mrs. Dunsmore. The father was so cross that the young man thought he could do better away from home.
There were three children at home, Jacob, 16 years old, a girl 12, and the youngest, a boy 10.
On the morning of the tragedy, Mr. Bills sent his youngest boy to Dinsmore's to tell the older brother to come home. The boy came back and told his father that the elder brother had refused. Mr. Bills and his son Jacob were building a fence about a quarter mile from the house.
After eating dinner, Mr. Bills went down to Dinsmore's house and came back and got his shotgun and bowie knife, and again proceeded to Dinsmore's house. Immediately upon entering, he shot his wife twice in the stomach and then stabbed her with the knife. It was done so suddenly that the inmates had no time to interfere.
The elder brother grabbed the shotgun out of his father's hand and clubbed it over his head. The father immediately fled.
Our informant was the son of the murdered and murderer, and arrived in town about 4 o'clock, having left Mr.Dinsmore's house about 2.
He was in such an excited state that it was impossible to learn any definite particulars. He said as he left, he saw his sister washing the body of her murdered mother.
A warrant was immediately issued for the arrest of Bills, and the Sheriff sent one of his deputies in pursuit. Up to the time of going to press no arrests were made.
The following is a description of Bills; about 53-60 years of age, 6', 1" in height, high cheekbones, weighs about 180 pounds, has no beard or whiskers, and face kept smoothly shaven, dark blue eyes, and speaks fair English.
On the following night, Mr. Bills committed suicide after leaving a letter addressed to the Editor of the Mountaineer stating the cause of his actions.
(Grant County News, Canyon City, Oregon June 12, 1880
The Dalles Times, June 1, 1880. Historic Oregon Newspapers)

Family/Spouse: Mary Katherine Bill. Mary was born in 1834 in Germany; died on 31 May 1880 in The Dalles, Wasco County, Oregon; was buried in Mosier Cemetery, Mosier, Wasco County, Oregon. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

John married Sophia Kausch in 1866. Sophia (daughter of Valentine Kausch and Katherine Bower) was born on 15 May 1851 in Wayland, Steuben County, New York; died on 30 Mar 1914 in Wayland, Steuben County, New York; was buried in Saint Peter's Cemetery, Perkinsville, Steuben County, New York. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

George married Mary C. KauschDansville, Livingston County, New York. Mary (daughter of Valentine Kausch and Katherine Bower) was born in ca 1848 in Wayland, Steuben County, New York; died on 14 Nov 1887 in Wayland, Steuben County, New York. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Henry married Helen E. Rhinehart in 1871. Helen was born in 1850; died in 1913; was buried in Saint Peter's Cemetery, Perkinsville, Steuben County, New York. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Robert Dunsmore. Robert was born in 1837 in Scotland; died on 22 Dec 1906 in Mosier, Wasco County, Oregon; was buried in Mosier Cemetery, Mosier, Wasco County, Oregon. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: John B. Crate. John was born in 1850; died in 1929. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Mrs. Hattie Skinner died at her home on Hamilton Street, Wayland, early Tuesday morning, August 10, 1948. Funeral arrangements are incomplete, pending information from her son, who resides in Florida.
(Genesee Country Express, August 12, 1948)

Family/Spouse: Doctor George M. Skinner. George was born in 1853; died in 1929; was buried in Evergreen Cemetery, Springwater, Livingston County, New York. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Lola married Clarence G. Branch in 1904. Clarence was born on 14 Nov 1877 in Canadice, Ontario County, New York; died on 6 Oct 1952 in Rochester, Monroe County, New York; was buried in White Haven Memorial Park, Pittsford, Monroe County, New York. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Miss Amelia Louise Bill, 89, died in the Pryor Rest Home, Wayland, yesterday (Sept. 30, 1964) following a long illness. Born in Wayland, she was a daughter of George Jacob and Mary Kausch Bill. She had resided in Buffalo until two years ago. Surviving are two nieces, Mrs. Florine McAndrew of Corning and Mrs. Dorothy Bill of Sonyea, and several grand- nieces and nephews. Friends may call at the Don N. Allen Funeral Home in Wayland from 2 to 4 p.m. and from 7 to 9 p.m. today. A funeral service will be conducted there at 2:30 p.m. tomorrow. The Rev. Harold Page will officiate. Burial will be in St. Peter’s Cemetery in Perkinsville.
(Genesee Country Express, October 1, 1964, p3)

Louise married Archibald Glover Haynes in ca 1905. Archibald (son of Israel Canfield Haynes and Rebecca Ann Glover) was born on 14 Apr 1885 in Hornell, Steuben County, New York; died in 1957; was buried in Hope Cemetery, Hornell, Steuben County, New York. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: George A. Dodd. George was born on 16 Oct 1915 in Salamanca, Cattaraugus County, New York; died on 04 Jun 2000 in Mesa, Maricopa County, Arizona. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Doris M. Westcott. Doris was born in Apr 1919; died in Aug 1995. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Military Service: 1942 - 1945; World War II (US) US Army - Staff Sergeant Asiatic-Pacific Theater

Notes:

HORNELL - L. Jack Haynes, 87, of 82 Adsit St., Hornell, passed away early Friday afternoon (Nov. 23, 2007) at the Vincent House in Wayland.

Born in Hornell on Feb. 3, 1920, he was a son of the late Archibald and Louise Bill Haynes. On Oct. 2, 1947, he was married in Hornell to the former M. Teresa Mattie, who predeceased him on Dec. 8, 2000, after 53 years of marriage. Besides his parents and wife, he was also predeceased by his two sisters, Audrey Dodd and Helen Haynes; and his two brothers, Donald and Paul Haynes.

A lifelong resident of Hornell, Jack graduated from Hornell High School with the class of 1940.

He was a veteran of World War II, having served with the U.S. Army and was assigned to the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of operations as a Message Center Chief. He directed and coordinated all phases of the Message Center operations to insure the transmission of messages as well supervising and instructing personnel. He was a cryptographic technician and enchiphered, deciphered, encoded and decoded classified military message. He proudly served his country from 1942 to his honorable discharge as a staff sergeant in 1945.

Jack loved flowers and after the war, he returned to Hornell and became employed at the former James' Greenhouse. He retired from the City of Hornell Water Department.

His family includes his eight children, Christine (Thomas) Gibson of West Henrietta, Elizabeth (Joseph) Armeli of Wayland, Sue (Gilberto) DeMatos of Watertown, Mass., Stephen (Jeanne) Haynes of Farmington, Nora Haynes of Hornell, Thomas (Jill) Haynes of Bath, David (Chris) Haynes of Gates and Karl (Linda) Haynes of Bear, Del.; his 19 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren; his sister-in-law, Anita Shick of Hornell; also his nieces and nephews.

Calling hours are from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Monday at the Bishop & Johnson Funeral Home, Inc., 285 Main St., Hornell, where a funeral service will take place at 11 a.m. Tuesday, with Deacon Robert McCormick officiating. Committal services and interment will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery, Town of Fremont.

Leslie married Mary Teresa Mattie on 02 Oct 1947. Mary (daughter of John Mattie and Josephine Debarbieri) was born on 4 Jan 1922 in Hornell, Steuben County, New York; died on 8 Dec 2000; was buried in Saint Mary's Cemetery, Fremont, Steuben County, New York. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]