Jabez N. Beardsley
Chenango Telegraph, June 10, 1863
On Tuesday afternoon last, we were startled by a crowd running past our office, and upon enquiring the cause, learned that Jabez N. Beardsley had been drowned in what is known as Shack town pound, and that they were after boats. As fast as possible a large number rushed to the pond, and with boats and hooks commenced searching for the body, and the search was kept up until near 12 o'clock at night, without finding it. On Wednesday morning the search was again renewed, there being some eight or ten boats engaged, and the body was found about noon, some ten or twelve rods from the shore. It seems that on Tuesday afternoon, Jabez, in company with two other young men, went out upon the pond fishing, in rather a small sized boat, and had been nearly around the pond, and not having luck, were doing up their lines, intending to start for home, when by some means the boat capsized. they all three grasped hold of the boat, and commenced swimming for the shore, and were doing well, when Jabez thinking that he could reach the shore, let go his hold of the boat and swam some two rods ahead of the boat when he was seen to throw up his hands and immediately sink. The other boys got to the shore and as soon as possible gave the alarm. Jabez was 34 years of age, and for some years past has been subject to frequent spasms or fits, and it was probably one of these that caused him to be drowned. He was followed to the grave on Friday afternoon by a large circle of friends. [1829-1863, buried St. Andrews Cemetery, New Berlin, NY]
Frank Merrill
Chenango Telegraph, June 10, 1863
Frank Merrill, the eldest son of Dwight Merrill of this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], met with an accident on Monday afternoon last which resulted in his death. The facts as near as we can gather them are as follows. Frank was engaged in driving a team for Mr. Hamilton Marsh, and had gone upon the east hill, to a lot owned by Mr. Newton, for a load of bark. While coming down the hill with his load, he was observed by Mr. Edmonds who was some distance off, trying to keep his load, which was tottling and sliding forward, from slipping off, when suddenly Mr. E. saw Frank slip off the front end of the load under the wagon. Mr. E. ran to him as soon as possible, but he was unable to speak. One of his legs was broken twice, and his head and chest were badly bruised and crushed. He survived only about an hour after the accident. Frank was about sixteen years of age and was a bright active boy and beloved by all who knew him. The blow comes with a crushing weight upon his father and mother, with whose tears are mingled the warmest sympathies of the whole community. [1847 - 1863, buried Mount Hope Cemetery, Norwich, NY]
Sylvester Gomes
Chenango Telegraph, June 10, 1863
Oxford [Chenango Co., NY]: Sylvester, a son of Mr. Gomes, the butcher, of Oxford, was drowned in the river on Saturday. The accident occurred at the slaughter house, which is situated upon the bank of the river just below the dam. This boy and another of about the same age were playing in the slaughter house, having been engaged in throwing worms into the water to see the fish jump to catch them, when young Gomes lost his balance and fell out of the door into the river, a distance of about ten feet. At this point there is a powerful eddy, with an undercurrent that draws al light objects under, and the boy disappeared at once. His father, who was near when he fell, plunged in and remained in the water nearly half an hour, searching for him, but to no purpose. The body was not recovered till near noon on Sunday. Mr. Gomes was very near drowning himself, and a boat had to be sent to his assistance before he could be taken from the water. The boy was about fourteen years old. [1849-1863, buried Riverview Cemetery, Oxford, NY]
William Ward Pierce
Chenango Telegraph, June 24, 1863
Wm. Ward, aged 5 years, 3 months and 3 days, son of Hiram S. and Sarah Pierce, was drowned in the canal at the foot of the first lock south of this village, on the 11th inst. The shock of the boat, Shady Side, upon which he was standing, as it entered the lock, probably caused him to fall into the canal where he was not found until too late to save his life. His parents reside in Vestal, Broome county, whither they returned with the body. This little boy was usually promising and intelligent, and had been a faithful attendant at Sabbath School during the past two years. A short time previous to this fatal accident, he stood by his mother's side, looking toward the sky, when he remarked with earnestness that he would soon have wings and fly up there. His childish fancy was too truly and quickly verified--Greene American [1858-1863, buried Spring Forest Cemetery, Binghamton, Broome Co., NY]
George Ballou
Chenango Telegraph, July 1, 1863
The New Orleans mails bring intelligence of the recent death of George Ballou of Co. B, of the 114th Regiment, N.Y. Volunteers. When the 89th N.Y. Regiment was forming in 1861, Mr. Ballou, then a merchant's clerk in this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], enlisted therein and was efficient in organizing the Company E, commanded by Captain Guernsey. Upon nomination by the Company, Mr. Ballou was commissioned its 1st lieutenant. He went with his Regiment to Hatteras and Roanoke sharing in their trials and perils and always proving himself a capital officer. In the Spring of 1862, in an excited interview with his Colonel when both had been indulging in undue conviviality, Lieut. Ballou threatened to chastise him with his sword for some real or supposed word of insult. For this rashness, forbidden by the articles of war, he was, of course, dismissed from the service by the judgement of the Court Martial. He immediately returned home without uttering a murmur or complaint, and enjoyed a brief rest until the President's call for volunteers in July. He at once enlisted with eagerness as a private in Co. B, of the 114th Regiment then raising. He was promptly made Orderly Sergeant and in that capacity rendered essential service in drilling and disciplining both officers and men in military tactics. Accompanying the Regiment to Louisiana he was wounded in the knee in the fight with the rebels in the Teche Expedition and the wound proved incurable. His gallant behavior in action was attested by his Captain and Colonel.
Lieut. Ballou's nature was genial and kindly. His military talent was good and his courage unquestioned. Respect for his patriotism and bravery induced our prominent citizens to voluntarily petition the President to remit the usual disqualifying clause of the sentence of the Court martial in order that he might be promoted in accordance with his merits. The application was warmly seconded by Col. Miller, the member of Congress from this District, who was bringing it to the notice of the Department with every assurance of success when the death of Mr. Ballou intervened. He is now insensible alike to human favor or frown. Lieut. Ballou was the nephew of Dennis Ballou, Esq., of Plymouth and was about 26 years of age. "He died for his country." [1832-1863, buried Chalmette National Cemetery, St. Bernard Parish, Louisiana]
Death Notices
Chenango Telegraph, June 17, 1863
SMITH: In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], Sunday, June 14, 1863, Mrs. Mary Smith, wife of Hiram Smith, aged 54 years.
OSBORN: In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], June 4, 1863, Mr. Daniel Osborn, aged 19 years and 10 months
AGARD: In Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], June 5, 1863, Sally [Agard] wife of Mr. Erastus Agard, aged 64 years and 6 months.
BUNNEL: In Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], May 26, 1863, Rosannah [Bunnel], wife of Mr. Edward Bunnel, aged 42 years and 7 months.
LEACH: In Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], June 7, 1863, Mary Jane [Leach], daughter of Loren leach, aged 10 years.
DEFOREST: In Oxford [Chenango Co.., NY], June 5, 1863, Mrs. Phebe P. DeForest, aged 58 years.
CRANDALL: in McDonough [Chenango Co., NY], June 4, 1863, Mr. Henry Crandall, aged 76 years.
ROGERS: In McDonough [Chenango Co., NY], May 28, 1863, of diphtheria, Sarah Jane [Rogers], only daughter of Willard C. and Fanny W. Rogers, aged 11 years, 5 months and 15 days. Also, June 3, of the same disease, George W. [Rogers], son of the above, aged 6 years, 5 months and 12 days.
NICHOLS: In Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], June -, 1863, George H. [Nichols], son of Hiram F. and Serena H. Nichols, aged 6 years, 2 months and 23 days.
HYER: In New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], May 18, 1863, Mr. Augustus W. Hyer, aged 26 years. He was one of the first to go at the call of his country and enlisted in the 23d NYSV from the town of Bath, Steuben County. He was in several battles, and from the battlefield of the last Bull Run fight was sent to the hospital at Portsmouth, R.I. where he stayed about three months. He was then sent home to his friends in New Berlin, and with these he lingered through much suffering, until death closed his trials on earth.
No comments:
Post a Comment