Saturday, October 19, 2019

Marriages (October 19)

Figary - Woodworth
Married January 12, 1924, Norwich, NY
Miss Viola M. Woodworth, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Sidney Woodworth of Maydole street [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], and Donald F Figary, son of Mr. and Mrs. Myron Figary of Taylor avenue, were united in marriage Saturday evening at the home of J. Roberts, pastor of the Sheldon street church.  The bride is a student at Norwich high school and the groom is a well known local young man. they will reside at 15 Maydole street.

Favalion -Favorito
Married November 30, 1933, Norwich, NY
In the rectory of St. Bartholomew's church [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY] Saturday noon, Miss Marion Janet Favorito was united in marriage with George W. Favalion of New York. The pastor, Rev. Father Walter A. Sinnott officiated.  The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Onofrio Favorito of 44 Division street.  The groom is the ward of Mr. and Mrs. George Gardner of Oneonta. The bride was dressed in powder blue with maroon accessories, and wore a corsage of white roses.  Miss Nancy Favorito, her sister and maid of honor, wore pink with black accessories and wore blue carnations.  Best man was Anthony Sparaco of Oneonta. The bride's mother wore navy blue and wore red roses, and Mrs. Gardner was dressed in black and white.  Following a wedding dinner at Mapleview inn, at which there were 40 guests, the couple left on a honeymoon trip.  They will reside at 1662 Hunt avenue, the Bronx.  Mrs. Favalion was graduated from Norwich high school in 1937, and for some time was a stenographer in the office of Chenango and Unadilla Telephone Company.  Mr. Favalion is production manager of Burndy Manufacturing Corporation of New York.

Finer - Friedman
Married March 1, 1942, Utica, NY
Miss Marian Friedman, daughter of Mrs. Morris Friedman and the late Morris Friedman of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY] was united in marriage with Seymour Finer of Utica [Oneida Co., NYH], son of Mrs. Allen Finer and the late Allen Finer, at 4:30 Sunday afternoon in Temple Beth El, Utica. The ceremony was performed by Rabbi Cohen and Rabbi Essrig of Utica in the presence of many guests. The wedding marches were played by Miss Nellie Edelman of Utica and during the ceremony William Sitrin of Utica sang "Because".  The bride was given in marriage by her brother, Sol Friedman of  Norwich.  Attending the couple were Miss Etta Friedman, sister of the bride, who served as maid of honor; and the Misses Shirley Bauman of Syracuse, cousin of the bride, and Helen Schnier of Utica, cousin of the groom, who were bridesmaids.  Leon Brown of Utica was best man and the ushers were Sidney Jacobs, Abe Sitrin and Jack Finer of Utica and Edward Marks of Syracuse. 

The bride was attired in a dress of ivory satin, made with long pointed midriff band. The full skirt was gathered onto the tight band at the waist and in the back formed a long oval train. The fingertip length veil was held in place by a bonnet-shaped headdress of net circled with orange blossom bows. The bride carried a prayer book showered with gardenias and white sweet peas.  The maid of honor wore a dress of old rose, the top of jersey and the long full skirt of lace ruffles. She carried a colonial bouquet of Token roses, sweet peas and white freezias and her headdress was Token roses.  Miss Bauman was gowned in a dress of light purple and carried a colonial bouquet of yellow roses sweet peas and yellow freezias.  Her headdress was yellow roses.  Miss Schnier wore a taffeta dress of old rose, long full skirt of ruffles and carried a colonial bouquet of pink roses, sweet peas, and white stock.  her headdress was pink roses.  Mrs. Friedman, mother of the bride, was dressed in a gown of black lace and wore a corsage of pink roses and rubrum lilies.  Mrs. Finer, mother of the groom, was attired in a gown of powder blue silk jersey and her corsage was also pink roses and rubrum lilies.  Palms, ferns, white gladioli and snapdragons formed the decorations at the temple.  

Immediately following the ceremony dinner was served at the temple for 120 guests and was later followed by a reception at 8 o'clock at the temple.  Table decorations for the dinner included snapdragons, freezias, stock and carnations.  The bride is a graduate of the class of 1937, Norwich high school, and is popular with many friends in her home city.  Mr. Finer is a graduate of Utica Free Academy and is now connected with the National Auto Accessories in Schenectady.

Marriage Notices
Chenango American, April 17, 1862

In this town [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], on the evening of the 9th inst., at the house of the bride's father, by Rev. Jas. D. Webster, Mr. Albert G. Northrup, of Binghamton [Broome Co., NY], 2d Lieut. Comp D., 27th Reg. N.Y.S. Vol., to Miss Viola A Warner, of the former place.

In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 9th inst., by Rev. N.R. Everts, Dr. M.J.E. Hurlbut, of Cincinnatus, to Miss Ella M. Shepard daughter of Levi Shepard of the former place.

Chenango American, May 1, 1862

In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 28th ult., by Rev. J.G. Ransom, Mr. Wm. H. Gage, to Miss Adaline S. Fry, all of Oxford.

Chenango American, May 8, 1862

In Syracuse [Onondaga Co., NY], on the 1st inst., by Rev. I.O. Filmroe, Mr. William K. Packer, of Preston [Chenango Co., NY]to Miss Jennie E. [Davis] daughter of Guy Davis, Esq., of the former place.

In Rockdale [Chenango Co., NY] on the 1st inst., by Rev. I.B. Hopwood, Mr. F.W. Curtis, to Miss Emily Peck, of that place.

At the same time, by the same, Mr. Berrian Fish, to Miss Nellie Truesdale, also of Rockdale [Chenango Co., NY].


Friday, October 18, 2019

Obituaries (October 18)

Asel Thomas
Chenango American, May 8, 1862
On Sunday morning last the body of a man was found in the Genegantslet creek about 4 miles west of this village [Greene, Chenango Co., NY].  Dr. R.B. Prindle, of Coventry, Coroner, was immediately summoned to hold an inquest. the investigation proved the body to be that of Asel Thomas, of Upper Lisle [Broome Co., NY].  Mr. Thomas has been missing since last November, at which time he started on foot to visit friends in Otsego Co.  He is supposed to have fallen into the creek at that time, the body probably remaining frozen in the ice until cast up by the recent freshet.  It was so much decomposed as to be unrecognizable, the identity being established by his clothing.  He was about 68 years of age, and a man of unsteady habits.

James Farrell
Chenango Telegraph, April 11, 1930
Former Alderman James Farrell, well known in this city as a real estate dealer, expired suddenly at his home, 57 Silver street [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], at 9:45 Tuesday Thursday night, aged 68 years.  Mr. Farrell had been engaged in his work as a dealer in real estate during the day, and had just returned home and was conversing with his daughter, Mrs. James Ryan, over completing the sale of a piece of property.  He was seated in a chair and his daughter noticed he acted strangely.  Before medical aid arrived he was dead.  Dr. E.W. Wilcox, coroner, was called and found death due to a sudden heart attack brought on by probable over exertion. The deceased was born at Scriba, N.Y. [Oswego Co.], 68 years ago but had been a resident of Norwich for 40 years.  He served one term as the Democratic alderman from ward four, having defeated the present mayor, Frank Zuber, for his seat in the council at that time.  He had been engaged in the selling of real estate in this city for five years.  He was a member of the League of the Sacred Heart of St. Paul's church and was well and favorably known by many friends.  Besides the daughter above named there survives a granddaughter, Catherine.  Funeral services will be held in St. Paul's church at 9:30 Friday morning.

Mary Alice (Murphy) Fern
Deid August 28, 1942, Norwich, NY
Taken suddenly ill at the family home, 24 Locust street [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], Mrs. Mary Alice Fern, wife of John P. Fern, died at 10 o'clock Friday morning.  Mrs. Fern suffered a heart attack Thursday and was attended by the family physician, Dr. J.C. Lee.  A second attack Friday  morning resulted in her passing. Although in failing health for the past year, her death was sudden and unexpected. The daughter of John and Margaret (Nolan) Murphy, Mrs. Fern was born in Norwich, December 29, 1876.  Practically  her entire life had been passed in this city and vicinity.  Mrs. Fern was the last of 10 children.  Her interests were centered in her home and church.  Mrs. Fern was interested in gardening and made that her hobby, passing many successful hours in her flower and kitchen gardens.  News of her death was a shock to neighbors and friends.  She is survived b her husband with whom she was united in marriage August 12, 1896, in St. Paul's church by Rev. Father Bergen, then pastor.  Two sons also survive, including Maxwell E Fern, a member of the draft contingent which left this city Friday morning for an army induction center and Carl T. Fern, also of this city.  Other survivors include two grandchildren, Mary Agnes and Richard John Fern and several nieces and nephews.  Mrs. Fern was a member of the Rosary Society and the League of the Sacred Heart of St. Paul's church.  Funeral services will be held from the family home Monday morning at 9 o'clock and from St. Paul's church at 9:30.  The pastor, Rev. Father Charles M. Coveney, will officiate.  Burial is to be made in the family plot in St. Paul's cemetery [Norwich,  NY].

Martin H. Farley
Died February 24, 1940, Norwich, NY
Oxford [Chenango Co., NY]:  This community was saddened Saturday to learn of the sudden death of Martin H Farley, Jr., son of Mr. and Mrs. Martin H. Farley of Tyner [Chenango Co., NY] at the Chenango Memorial Hospital [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY] Saturday morning.  Mr. Farley was in school Friday and that afternoon helped his father unload a load of hay.  He later went into the house and told his mother he was ill.  He complained of nausea and soon became unconscious.  Dr. W.D. Mayhew was summoned and the young man was removed to the Chenango Memorial Hospital at Norwich in the Seymour ambulance.  Every thing that medical aid could do was done but he failed to recover consciousness, death being caused by a cerebral hemorrhage.  Mr. Farley was born on June 30, 1921, at Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], the son of Martin H. and Lucy Harrington Farley.  The family have resided in this locality for several years where he has been in attendance at the Oxford academy, being a member of the senior class.  throughout his student days he was actively identified with all the athletic sports and was one of the members who Feb. 1st received their gold footballs for the 1939 season as champions.  Mr. Farley was a member of the Oxford wrestling varsity squad and on Feb. 1 appeared in a match at Norwich High School.  At the time he entered the ring he was taped about the body and after wrestling three and one-half minute was forced to withdraw because of an injured rib.  Surviving are the parents, three sisters, Anna Mae, Agnes and Geraldine, his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. James Farley of Oxford.

Norwich:  Stricken suddenly ill, Martin Farley, Jr., 18, Oxford High School senior, was admitted to the Chenango Memorial Hospital Friday night, where he died Saturday. The youth had been absent from school three days last week due to storm conditions and had passed the time skiing in the vicinity of the home farm where his family lives in the town of Smithville.  Dr. W.D. Mayhew, attending physician, gave the cause of death as a cerebral hemorrhage.  Members of his family believe he suffered an injury to his head.  The son of Mr. and Mrs. Martin Farley, the youth formerly attended school in this city.  He was a member of the Oxford High varsity wrestling squad and appeared with his squad in an exhibition match here Feb. 1 when Norwich and Oxford High met. Farley was suffering from rib injuries and his match was called off after three minutes and 31 seconds, when his injury was aggravated and he could not continue against his opponent, Harold Mattice, Norwich High wrestler.  Besides his parents, Farley is survived by three sisters.  Funeral services will be held at St. Joseph's Chruch in Oxford tomorrow morning at 10 o'clock with burial in the Oxford Cemetery.

Death Notices
Chenango American, May 8, 1862

In this town [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], on the 19th ult., Lydia Terwilliger, aged 84 years.

In Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], on the 26th ult., John R. Hetrick, aged 13 years and 6 months.

In Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], on the 2d inst., Chas. R. [Dibble], son of R.R. Dibble, aged 9 years.

In King Settlement [Chenango Co., NY], on the 21st ult., Mary Jane Follett, aged 24 years.

In Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], on the 12th ins.t, Mr. Chas. Merritt, aged 72 years.

In Afton [Chenango Co., NY], on the 26th ult., after an illness of nearly seven years, Mrs. Maria Angel, aged 46 years.

In Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], on the 22d ult., Mr. Charles Vincent, aged 20 years.

Thursday, October 17, 2019

Letter from John W White, Civil War, May 1862

Letter From John W. White
Chenango American, May 29, 1862

Camp, Near West Point, Va,
May 14, 1862

I will tell you something of the fight at Williamsburgh, for I was there and saw some of it myself.  Our advance guard had skirmishes with the enemies rear guard at times, all the way from Yorktown to Williamsburgh, which place we reached about dark. The next morning, (Monday) the fight commenced and raged with unabated fury all day.  Had they met us in an open field we could have whipped them in double quick time, but instead of that the cowardly traitors felled about 10 acres of heavy timber in front of their batteries, and among the fallen timer was our battle field. the guns of their batteries commanded the road on either side, the timber lay so thick that our artillery could not advance, while theirs could play upon us all the time.  Hooker's Division of 12,000 men held them at bay all day; their force being at least 80,000.  Had not Hancock's Division reinforced us just as they did, about five o'clock in the evening, I believe the day would have been lost; in fact we were completely whipped, but being ignorant of the fact, we maintained our position.  When our brigade took the field the Rebels were driving everything before them. Whole regiments were running from the field, and the Rebels were hallooing--BULL RUN, Bull Run!  at the top of their voices. But I shall always believe that had it not been for the firmness of the Sickles' Brigade, it would have been a compete Bull Run affair.  A Rebel Captain, who was wounded and taken prisoner by some of our boys, said they (the Rebels) had it all their own way until the d----d Sickles' Brigade come up. They made a desperate stand and with the position and numbers they had, we must have been whipped, had it not been that there is a just God who will help the right.  There were eight killed in my company, and six missing, who we suppose were killed--a number more were wounded.  

My Captain was badly wounded but I think he will recover.  He was shot through both legs and both shoulders, and lay on the field all night.  It rained all day and all night, which made it doubly severe for us.  Just imagine to yourself a lot of men fighting all day in the rain and then being obliged to lay down at night on the wet ground, in their wet clothes, without blankets or tents, to spend the night, and you have the picture of those who were engaged in the fight at Williamsburgh.  I have often read of the horrid appearance of the battle field the next day after a battle, but no one can imagine half its terribleness until they see it themselves.  I will not attempt to describe it, but may God grant that I may never be obliged to witness another such a scene.

We are now encamped about four miles from West Point, and have been here three days. What we are waiting for I do not know, but I suppose Gen. McClellan does. We are told the Rebels are fortifying themselves in a great swamp between here and Richmond. Gen. McClellan says he has got them just where he wants them, so you may expect soon to hear that Secession is played out.

The country which we have traveled over the last few weeks is very beautiful. The soil is of a sandy nature and only needs Yankee cultivation to make it a perfect garden.  I have seen some of the most splendid peach orchards that any one can imagine, and a few weeks ago, when they were in full bloom, they looked very beautiful.  It is getting pretty warm down here, and the dust is now as abundant as the mud was a short time ago.

I am well, and hope through the protection of a merciful Providence to soon be permitted to meet my friends at home.

Yours as ever,
John W. White.
___________________________________________________________

From Adjutant Report for 74th New York Volunteer Infantry
WHITE, JOHN W.:  Age 26 years.  Enlisted, June 15, 1861, at Greene, to serve three years; mustered in as sergeant, Co. C, July 7, 1861; promoted first Sergeant, December 17, 1861; killed in action, August 29, 1862, at Bull Run, Va.

Another letter from John W White was posted to this blog on Aug. 15, 2019

Obituaries (October 17)

John B. Wheeler
Chenango American, April 17, 1862
John B. Wheeler, a notice of whose death appeared last week to our obituary column, deserves more than a passing notice.  Mr. Wheeler came to this town about 36 years ago, and soon commenced the battle of life, poor and unaided.  He was industrious and prudent, and succeeded.  His education was limited, but his vigorous and original intellect and strong common sense made him successful in whatever he undertook.  He was one of the leading mean of the town, and as a business man did much for its improvement.  He was the friend of the poor and was always ready and willing to help those that would help themselves.  His sudden death has thrown a deep gloom over the community, and many are the poor that will miss his assisting hand.  In his death the town has lost an active business man, community a good citizen, the poor a friend.

Emerson Day
Died February 29, 1944, New Berlin, NY
Emerson Day died Tuesday, Feb. 29, 1944, at his farm home north of this village, death being due to a cerebral hemorrhage, after an illness of only five days.  Emerson Day was born at Fergusonville, N.Y. [Otsego Co.], October 2, 1868, a son of George E. Day and Helen (Ketchum) Day and his childhood was spent at the place of his birth. December 28, 1892, he was united in marriage with Minnie M. Sarle who survives.  Other surviving relatives are two brothers, Calvin Day of New Berlin and Albert Day of Worcester, N.Y.; one sister, Mrs. Lillian Pope of New Berlin and several nieces and nephews. The deceased was a member of the Methodist church of New Berlin.  He was engaged in dairy farming and had resided on the farm where he passed away over forty-six years.  He was a good neighbor and well thought of by many friends.  The funeral was held at the Dakin funeral home, New Berlin, Friday, March 3, at 2 o'clock p.m., Rev. Robert T. Webster pastor of the M.E. church officiating.  Interment was in Scribner cemetery.

New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY]:  Funeral services for Emerson Day, a resident of the River road, who died at his home on Tuesday, were held from the Dakin Funeral home, yesterday, the Rev. Robert T. Webster officiating.  Mr. Day suffered a cerebral hemorrhage five days ago and his condition was critical from the first.  he was born in New Berlin Oct. 2, 1868, a son of George Day and Helen Ketchum Day.  His childhood was spent at Fergusonville, where he attended school.  On Dec. 28, 1892, he was united in marriage with Minnie M. Searle, who survives They had no children.  Mr. Day had followed the profession of farming and had been a veterinary for some years. Besides his widow he is survived by two brothers, Calvin Day of this village and Albert Day of Worcester, and a sister, Mrs. Lillian Pope, also of this place.  Mr. and Mrs. Day had recently sold their farm home on the South New Berlin Road and had purchased the Amelia Beatty property in New Berlin owned by Dr. E.A. Hammond.  They planned to move to New Berlin this month, when Mr. Day was stricken by illness.  Interment was made in Schribner Cemetery, New Berlin.

Minnie M. (Sarle) Day
Died March 13, 1944, New Berlin, NY
Mrs. Minnie M. Day passed away Monday, March 13, 1944 at her farm home at Davis Crossing, north of this village, her death being due to hypostatic pneumonia, and occurred after an illness of two weeks, following that of her husband.  The deceased was born in Pittsfield [Otsego Co., NY] September 3, 1870, the daughter of Albert H. Sarle and Ambrosia (Peck) Sarle.  Her childhood was spent at the place of her birth and there she attended school.  Her marriage to Emerson Day occurred December 28, 1892, whose death occurred Feb. 29, 1944.  She was a  member of the Methodist church of New Berlin. There survive a brother, Mr. Edgar A. Sarle of Earlville; a nephew, Dr. Burnham S. Walker. Funeral services were held at the Dakin funeral home, New Berlin, Friday, March 17, at 2 p.m., Rev. Robert Webster officiating.  Interment was in Scribner cemetery.

George Emerson Day
Died July 16, 1941, New Berlin, NY
New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY]:  Funeral services were held from the Dakin Funeral Home here at 2 o'clock Friday afternoon for George Emerson Day, 37, whose death occurred Wednesday in the Bassett hospital at Cooperstown following a seven-months illness.  Mr. Day was born July 12, 1904, at Pittsfield [Otsego Co., NY], the son of Calvin and Lucy (Bailey) Day.  He was educated in the New Berlin schools.  His entire life was passed in this village and vicinity where his friendly nature, fine character and industriousness endeared him to a wide circle of friends.  He was a member of the Methodist church here.  Mr. Day was engaged in farming and also operated an automobile service station. Rev. Theodore Stone, pastor of the Methodist church, officiated and burial was made in Fairview cemetery. besides his father, Mr. Day is survived by three brothers and two sisters, Alvah G. Day of South Edmeston, Leslie C. of Fly Creek, William E. of Herkimer, Mrs. Florence Walker of New Berlin and Mrs. Helen Walling of Watertown.

Death Notices
Chenango American, April 27, 1862

In this village [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], on the 20th inst., Peter Rathbone [Wheeler], youngest child of Orrin and Mary Ann Wheeler, aged 8 years.

In this town [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], on 22d inst., of Scarlet Fever, Flora B. [Harrington], youngest daughter of R.D. and Electa Harrington, aged 1 year, 10 months and 24 days.

In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], suddenly, on the 18th inst., Mr. Joseph Dickinson, aged 88 years.

In Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], on the 15th inst., Frederick [Rorapaugh] son of Charles and Antoinette Rorapaugh, aged 7 years.

In Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], on the 15th inst., Mary [Hayes], daughter of Samuel P. and Elisa Ann Hayes, aged 2 years and 6 months.

In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], suddenly, on the 20th inst., Mr. Charles P. Browning, aged 60 years.

Tuesday, October 15, 2019

Obituaries (October 15)

Infantile Paralysis Deaths
South New Berlin Bee, August 19, 1916
Miss Dora Gifford, the 19-year-old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Nathaniel Gifford of West Laurens, died at about 10 o'clock Tuesday forenoon of infantile paralysis. This is the third death from the disease within the past two weeks.  The first was that of Mattie Wade, aged 10 years; the second of a young son of Hans Anderson, and the third that of  Miss Gifford.  No other cases have developed in the vicinity, and Dr. Winsor is hopeful that the malady has run its course at West Laurens [Otsego Co., NY]

Samuel Thomas
Chenango American, March 27, 1862
In this town [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], on the 16th inst., Mr. Samuel Thomas, aged 76 years.  The deceased had long been a resident of this town and was respected for his quiet, unostentatious virtue.  For many years he had been in feeble health, though until a few months past he had been but little confined to a bed of sickness.  Professing through a long course of years the Religion of Christ, he sought to exhibit its blessed influence in a life of obedience to its exactions.  The last years of his life were spent in the Communion of the Episcopal Chruch to the services of which he was evidently attached.  He sought its ministrations and found comfort in them just ere he closed his eyes in death. The author of this brief notice has enjoyed many tokens of kindness at the hands of this aged and departed friend and he brings this simple tribute to the grave where his ashes sleep.

Frank Withey
Died September 18, 1936, Utica, NY
Funeral services for Frank Withey, a highly respected resident, who died at  his home in Utica [Oneida Co., NY] Saturday morning, were held at the residence of Mr. and Mrs. David Hillsinger on Grove street, Morris Tuesday afternoon at 2 o'clock conducted by Rev. H.E. Danielson, pastor of the Morris Baptist church, of which organization the deceased had long been a member.  Interment was in the family plot in the new part of Hillington cemetery.  Frank Withey, oldest son of Silas and Adaline (Benjamin) Withey, was born April 26, 1873, in Elm Grove and remained in Morris township [Otsego Co., NY] throughout young manhood.  Later he spent a few years in Bainbridge and moved from there to Utica.  Mr. Withey was a carpenter and followed his trade until 13 years ago when he received an injury which made him unfit for the active duties of life.  He was three times married.  Mrs. Ella Withey, his widow, survives.  Other immediate relatives are a daughter, Mrs. Maurice LaPointe of Massena; two brothers, Jesse Withey of Utica and George Withey of Eatontown, N.J.; two aunts, Mrs. Lavinia Lewis and Mrs. Carrie Benington of Morris, and numerous cousins.

Benjamin B. Woodard
Died March 31, 1940, Norwich, NY
Following an extended period of ill health, the death of Benjamin B. Woodard occurred Sunday afternoon at 2:45 at the family home, 32 Division street [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY].  Mr Woodard was born April 3, 1877 in the town of Norwich.  For many years he was engaged in farming but for the past several years ill health forced him to live in retirement.  A wide acquaintance held him in high respect and affection.  Besides his wife there survive a daughter, Mrs. Mildred Miller, and one grandson, Kenneth Miller, also three brothers, Fred, Frank and Wallace Woodard, all of this city, and several nieces and nephews.  Funeral services will be held at the Breese Funeral home Wednesday afternoon at 2 o'clock, Rev. R.L. Matthews, pastor of the Calvary Baptist church, will officiate. Burial will be made in Mt. Hope cemetery [Norwich, NY].

Death Notices
Chenango American, March 27, 1862

In the Hospital at Hatteras Inlet, on the 3d inst., of Typhoid Fever, Byron M. Badger, aged 16 years and 8 months, of Co. B, 89 reg. N.Y.S.V.

In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 20th inst., Mrs. Hannah B. Dunlap, wife of Robert Dunlap, aged 67 years.

Chenango American, March 20, 1862

In this town [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], on the 17th inst., Miss Caroline Ockerman, aged 46 years.

In this town [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], on the 14th inst., of diptheria, Edmond [Wardwell], youngest son of Augustus and Adeline Wardwell, aged 8 months and 10 days.




Monday, October 14, 2019

Marriages (October 14)

Marriage Notices
Chenango American, March 20, 1862

In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 18th inst. by Rev. J.C. Ransom, Mr. Henry A. Nicholson to Miss Mariah Wales, both of McDonough [Chenango Co., NY]

In Hamilton [Madison Co., NY], on the 26th ult., by Rev. W.R. Brooks, Mr. P.L. Mathewson, of Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], to Miss Mary A. Wickwire, of Hamilton.

Chenango American, March 27, 1862

In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 20th inst., by Rev. W.T. Potter, Mr. Thomas E. Searles of Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Augusta J. Loomis of Oxford.

In New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], on the 19th inst., by Rev. John McLiesh, Mr. E.H. Joslyn and Mrs. Sarah Banks, all of New Berlin.

Chenango American, April 3, 1862

In Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY], on the 13th ult., by Rev. A.N. Benedict, Mr. Daniel W. Fisher, of Plymouth, to Miss Elizabeth Frink, of North Norwich [Chenango Co., NY].

In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 21st ult., by Rev. A.N. Benedict, Mr. Geothard Margroff, of Norwich to Miss Ernestine W. Zion, of Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY].

In Triangle, on the 23d inst., by Rev. T. Willis, Mr. John N. Sines of Whitney's Point [Broome Co., NY] to Miss Hulda M. Taylor, of Upper Lisle [Broome co., NY].

Chenango Union, November 19, 1875

LILLY - HICKS:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], Nov. 10, by Rev. H.V. Talbot, Mr. A.S. Lilly to Miss E.J. Hicks, all of Guilford [Chenango Co., NY].

BROWN - EDDY:  In Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], Oct. 25 by Rev. J.D. Webster, Mr. Edgar C. Brown of Michigan to Miss Ida A. Eddy of Smithville.

ALLEN - BABCOCK:  In Pitcher [Chenango Co., NY], Nov. 3, by Rev. D.W. Bigelow, Mr. Paul E. Allen of Whitney Point [Broome Co., NY] to Miss Atala O. Babcock of Pitcher.

OSTRANDER - WETMORE:  In South New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], by Rev. H.A. Smith, Mr. Charles Ostrander of Morris [Otsego Co., NY] to Miss Celia Wetmore of New Berlin.

PRESTON - SOULE:  In Otselic [Chenango Co., NY], Nov. 9 by Rev. L. Lawton, Mr. Harlan D. Preston to Miss Adell E. Soule of Otselic.

Civil War Letter - Oscar Phelps - March 1862

Letter from Oscar Phelps
27th NY Infantry - Civil War
Chenango American, April 3, 1862

Camp Clara, near Alexandria, Va.
March 22, 1862

[The following letter is written by Oscar Phelps, a member of the 27th Regiment, formerly of this town [Greene, Chenango Co., NY])

Ever Remembered Friend:  We received marching orders the 10th inst.; accordingly with sixty round of cartridges, two days rations and knapsacks, containing our blankets--little tents to be used on a march, and numerous other little necessaries, we moved forward toward the renowned giberalter of Virgin,a (Manassas).

Each man acted upon his own judgment carrying only what he could march rapidly with; of course some were able to carry more than others; I should think I carried nearly one hundred pounds, rifle, cartridges, rations, etc, etc.  It rained nearly all day, but notwithstanding, we made a forced march of 18 miles the first day and encamped in Fairfax for the night, with thoughts that e're the sun went down the next night we would be engaged in a bloody battle at Centerville, where the rebels were supposed to be strongly entrenced.  But you can imagine our surprise and vexation as the confirmed news came to us that the rebels had not only evacuated Centerville, but also Manassas.

As Wednesday came we were still encamped at Fairfax.  I conlcuded to take a stroll over to the old battle ground at Bull Run, distant from Fairfax about 13 miles, the nearest way.  Accordingly in company with a comrade I set out, reaching Centerville at 11 o'clock A.M.  As we came within about 2 miles of that place, everything began to show with what skill and care the rebels had prepared the ground for a great battle.  Centerville, heights were strongly fortified overlooking a sloping field comprising thousands of acres. As you stand on these heights what a splendid sight meets your gaze as you look far and wide nothing meets your notice of so notable appearances as the thousands of "secesh" barracks, in which the rebel army has quartered this winter. They have gone far ahead of us in winter quarters; this was necessary as those Southern fellows can't stand the cold like Northern Yankees, and I expect we can't stand the heat with them.

Everything between Centerville and Bull Run shewed that they had made a hasty flight; every little ways we came across a dead horse, sometimes four of five in one place, killed no doubt by hard driving in getting away.  Everything showed that they lived well.  I saw large quantities of meat that they had thrown away; their barracks were terrible filthy, which was doubtless the cause of their dying off so. Whether they have ever had any guns in their forts or not, I could not say; the inhabitants say they did not; the embrasures are now filled with large logs painted at the ends.  On the way from Centerville to Bull Run, they burned and blew up two bridges.

I reached the old battle field a little past two o'clock.  O! what a sight there was to be seen on that once bloody field; I trust that e're now some of our brave boys have been over the field and made a change, by burrying out of sight the bleaching bones of our brave comrades, that were then to be  seen.  Not a bullet, not a trophy of any kind could be found except the bones of our dead soldiers.  The woods all around have been cut away for the purpose of getting the bullets that lodged in trees.

We are now waiting to embark down the river--expecting to go any hour.  Troops are embarking night and day.  Hoping to hear from you soon I'll bid you good bye.
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Oscar Phelps died of typhoid fever in Philadelphia on August 10, 1862.  Another letter of his was posted to this blog September 6, 2019.