Obituaries (November 1)

Fred Linn Townsend

Died October 31, 1933, New Berlin, NY

Fred Linn Townsend, 48, died at his home in Holmesville [Chenango Co., NY] at 1 o'clock Tuesday morning, after a brief illness.  Mr. Townsend was a section worker on the O.&W. railroad and had worked until Oct. 24, when he was taken sick. Deceased was born in Butternuts [Otsego Co., NY] but had lived in Holmesville three years.  He leaves a wife, Edith Bresee Townsend; two brothers, Howard and Olin; two sisters, Mrs. Frank Mumbulo and Mrs. Alfred Silvey.  Funeral services will be held at 2 o'clock Friday at the late home in Holmesville.

Uriah C. Toby

Died February 11, 1935, Bainbridge, NY

Uriah C. Toby

Uriah C. Toby, well known and prominent citizen of Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY] passed away at his home in West Main St. Monday morning February 11th after an illness of several weeks.  Mr. Toby went to Albany the middle of December where he was under observation in St. Peter's Hospital, but due to heart conditions an operation was deemed inadvisable and he returned to his home here where he was under the care of Dr. Edward Danforth.  Mr. Toby was a loyal citizen of Bainbridge and actively interested in the welfare of the town and community, having served as a member of the village board of trustees and a member of the present town board.  When a young man he united with the First Presbyterian Church and for many years had been a member of the board of elders.  He was also a charter member of the Bainbridge lodge and Independent Order of Odd Fellows, No. 920, also a charter member of the Bridgehanna Rebecca lodge. He was a past Grand of the Odd Fellows and a Past Captain of the Sidney Canton.  Mr. Toby was born Jan. 2, 1863 in the Town of Guilford [Chenango jCo., NY] near Yaleville, the son of Martin and Christine Spindler Toby. At the age of 21 Mr. Toby went to California where for seven years he was employed as a stage coach driver between Madera and the Yosemite Valley, a distance of 200 miles.  Returning to Bainbridge in 1892 he was united in marriage with Mary L. Humphrey and for several years they resided on the Humphrey farm west of the village.  About thirty-three years ago they sold the farm and came to the village to reside where Mrs. Toby's death occurred Feb. 9, 1922.  In Aug. 1924 Mr. Toby united in marriage with Mrs. Minnie Wadhams of Carthage who now survives.  Others who survive are a sister, Mrs. Willard Bradley of Davenport Center, a step-daughter, Mrs. R.H. Powell and children Varna Louise and William G. of Waterbury, Conn. and several nieces and nephews.  The funeral service was held Wednesday afternoon in the First Presbyterian church where the body lay in state from 11 A.M. until 2 P.M. Rev. G.H. Orvis pastor, officiated and the remains were then placed in the Greenlawn cemetery [Bainbridge, nY] vault for later interment.

Lydia Ann (Whipple) Throop

Died March 1, 1927, Norwich, NY

Lydia Ann (Whipple) Throop

In the death of Mrs. Lydia Ann Throop, which occurred at the home of her granddaughter, Mrs. William E. Bolt, Norwich lost its most aged residet and only centenarian.  Mrs. Throop passed her 101st birthday on January 6, 1927.  Her death occurred Tuesday morning, March 1, 1927, and was due to the infirmities of age.  Mrs. Throop was born in Cazenovia, N.Y. [Madison Co., NY] on Jan. 6, 1826, the daughter of Joseph and Elsie Whipple.  She was one of a family of six children, all of whom she survived.  When Lydia Ann Whipple was 6 years old, her bather's death occurred and she was adopted by Mr. and Mrs. William Throop of Hamilton [Madison Co., NY].  It was at their home that she met Daniel DeWitt Clinton Throop, Mr. William Throop's younger brother, to whom she was married on May 1, 1847.  With her husband, Mrs. Throop moved to Preston and resided there for about 20 years.  Here her three children, James H., George and Susan, were born and spent their childhood. About 1867 the family felt the general unrest which followed the Civil War, and finally determined to move to the Midwest.  They selected Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, as their home and settled there, remaining for about 22 years.  Mr. Throop became editor of the Mt. Pleasant Free Press, a position which he held until his death on March 10, 1888.  During their years in Mt. Pleasant, Mr. and Mrs. Throop had suffered a loss which was especially severe, in the death of their only daughter, Susan, who had become the wife of Marion Blanding of Mt. Pleasant.  Mrs. Blanding left two small children when her death occurred in 1877, a son George and a daughter, Mary. The latter, now Mrs. William E. Bolt of this city, remained always with her grandmother, taking a daughter's place in her heart, and by her tender care over a long period of years, doing everything possible toward the comfort of her declining days.  Four years after Mr. Throop's death, or in 1892, Mrs. Throop acceded to the wish of her son, James H. Throop, who had returned to the east, and came to Norwich to join him.  With her at that time was her aged mother, Mrs. Whipple, and her granddaughter.  Mrs. Whipple, who was born in 1800, died in 1897 at the home of Mrs. Throop in this city, at the ripe age of 97 years.  In Davenport, Iowa, where he had continued to make his home, the death of George Throop occurred on Jan. 31, 1917.  Mrs. Throop, altho she never joined a church, was a strong Universalist in faith and was closely allied with the Universalist church at Mt. Pleasant.  When asked to what cause she attributed her long lifetime, she always replied "temperate and regular habits."  she retired early, rose early, was active thruout the greater part of her lifetime and enjoyed the full use of her faculties.  Mrs. Throop was a kindly and charitable  woman, and her home was a refuge to all members of her family, no matter how far removed. She cared for the aged and sick during the years of her own activity, and was in a large measure rewarded, as she herself has many times said, by the devotion and care showered upon her by her one surviving son, James H. Throop, and her granddaughter, Mrs. Bolt.  Mrs. Throop has seen all modern inventions come into being, the telephone, the telegraph, electric lights and steam engines were  unknown in her girlhood.  She had seen her country in the throes of bitter Civil War, and lived thru the dark days that followed it. She felt the tragic pall that settled over the land when news of the assignation of the beloved Lincoln was flashed over the wires.  She came from her home in Preston to hear Henry Ward Beecher preach the word of God from the pulpit of the First Baptist church in this city.  All of these things she remembers and conversed interestingly about, and in her passing this city has lost its nearest contact with those days of history thru which she lived.  Surviving Mrs. Throop are her son, James H. Throop and granddaughter, Mrs. William E. Bolt of this city, two grandsons, George T. Blanding of --lesburg, Ill. and Frank Throop of Davenport, Iowa, and two great-granddaughters.  Several nieces and nephews also survive.  private funeral services will be held from the home of Mr. and Mrs. W.E. Bolt, 9 King street, at 3 o'clock Thursday afternoon, the Rev. Lloyd S. Charters officiating with interment in Mt. Hope cemetery [Norwich, NY].

Death Notices

Chenango American, June 12, 1862

In this village [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], on the 7th inst., Kattie [Adams], only child of Wm. H. and Caroline Adams, aged 2 years 9 months.

In Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], on the 9th inst., Miss Ida A. [Lewis], daughter of Alonzo and Mary Lewis, aged 12 years.

In Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY], on the 7th inst., Mr. Martin Sackett, aged 85 years.

In Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], on the 26th ult., Widow Timothy Davis, aged 65 years.

In Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], on the 3d inst., Widow Pardon Redfield, aged 75 years.

News Items: David K. Bunnell, Civil War Veteran

Life of the Campfires

Morning Sun, Norwich, NY, March 20, 1896

Some of the times, yet thrilling experiences of David K. Bunnell, who was one of the Norwich [Chenango Co., NY] Boys along back in the sixties:

David K. Bunnell will well be remembered by many of the older citizens of Norwich as being one of best of shoemakers along back in the sixties, and as some term it "one of the boys," always jolly and so interesting in telling stories that he has since been named the champion story teller and the life of the campfire.  One warm and pleasant summer day just before the war Mr. Bunnell in company with B. Gage Berry, Os Randall and others enjoyed the afternoon in having a jumping match out on the park.  B. Gage Berry, who was then connected with the Chenango Telegraph, acted as referee, and as a marker used large spikes which were drove in the ground after each jump.  Mr. Bunnell who was considered a good athlete made the best jump and at the same time had the misfortune to land on a small pebble, which threw him to the ground and broke his leg.  He was taken to the home of H.C. Wilcox and old Dr. Bailey attended him, where he remained for four months.  Another pleasing experience was when Mr. Bunnell went to the National hotel with a two gallon jug after two gallons of cider.  William Clark, who was the clerk there at that time, soon returned from the cellar (where cider was always kept in those days) with the jug filled and had scarcely handed the same to Bunnell when all in the room were greatly surprised at seeing the bottom fall out as Bunnell set the jug down heavily on the bar.  Then wishing to play a good joke on the bar tender at the Eagle hotel, Bunnell and his friends went over and asked the bar keeper if he would fill the jug with whiskey for fifty cents (and by the way the market price on Whiskey was only 25 cents a gallon in those days). When the bar tender answered in the affirmative and proceeded to fill the jug, then he discovered the bottom was out, it resulted in a hearty laugh and a treat all around.

Mr. Bunnell then enlisted in the army at Elmira and served three years.  In 1893 while on his trip to the grand army review at Washington, he was one of the many unfortunates to be in the wreck on the Baltimore & Ohio railroad and at that time had the misfortune to break a leg, shoulder blade, collar bone and three ribs.  Notwithstanding the many accidents Mr. Bunnell has had, and although 68 years of age, he is as spry as a boy sixteen years old and only a few evenings ago entertained the G.A.R. boys with singing and dancing the revilee the same as in war times.

Mr. Bunnell is an honored member of the Baldwin G.A.R. Post No. 6, of Elmira, known throughout the state as "Big 6" and is said to be the life of the campfire and as for telling war stories has no equal.  After a few days visit with W.B. Stoddard and other prominent G.A.R. men he left for his home in Elmira.

Death Notice

Morning Sun, September 30, 1897

The Binghamton Republican of yesterday chronicled the death of David K. Bunnell who died in Elmira, Sept. 28.  He was dismounting from his bicycle at the entrance to the Elmira fair grounds when death overtook him.  Mr. Bunnell was a veteran of the Civil War and made a visit to Norwich last spring.  He was well known among local Grand Army men.

Obituary

Elmira Daily Gazette & Free Press, September 29, 1897

A messenger came hurriedly up to the grand stand, asking for Coroner Davis, and saying that a man had dropped dead at the main entrance to the grounds.  Investigation showed that at 4:30 o'clock as David K. Bunnell, a well known citizen, was riding his bicycle, just outside the gate, he had stopped and dismounted from his wheel to talk to a friend and fallen to the ground dead.  As soon as Coroner Davis arrived, he ordered the body removed to the morgue and there the patrol wagon removed it.  The remains were later removed to the home of the deceased, at No. 512 John street.  Coroner Davis decided today that as it was evident that Mr. Bunnell had died of heart disease, an inquest was unnecessary, and that no autopsy would be performed. The deceased was a well known resident of this city, and was born at Fairfield, Conn., February 28, 1822.  In the fall of 1860 he moved to this city and followed the occupation of a shoemaker for some time.

At the opening of the war in April, 1861, he enlisted in Company K, twenty-[third] regiment, New York Volunteers and after two years service returned to this city.  Mr. Bunnell was united in marriage to Miss Caroline Mooers of this city on May 26, 1863, and is survived by her and three children, Miss Esther of New York, Miss Cora of Elmira and Clayton and Lewis of Guilford, Chenango county.  During his residence in this city, Mr. Bunnell has been a special police at different intervals, and during Cleveland's first administration was a watchman in the government treasury building at Washington.  He was also employed at one time as a cutter in Richardson's factory. The deceased was a member of Baldwin post, G.A.R., of this city, and a former member of the Twenty-sixth and Thirtieth separate companies.  The rheumatism had been troubling him lately and symptoms of heart disease had been noticed but no one thought the end so near.  He had recently warned a friend that he expect to die suddenly some day.  The funeral of Mr. Bunnell will be held at his residence, No. 312 John street, at 3:00 o'clock Thursday.

The Burial of D.K. Bunnell

Elmira Daily Gazette & Free Press, October 1, 1897

Those who stood about the grave of David K. Bunnell yesterday afternoon experienced one of the glorifying moments of their lives.  Exaltation is a word not too lofty to express the emotion of his comrades as they encircled the last resting place of this gallant soldier while the September sunlight cast its mellow radiance and the bugler softly sounded the melancholy taps.

David K. Bunnell was a unique and lovable personality.  He enlisted in the first company which went from this city [Elmira, NY] to the war.  He did his duty at the front and since the conflict has been the life of many a camp fire and reunion of the veterans.  His memory was an inexhaustible depository of local military history.  His fund of anecdote and story never grew scanty.  One of his customs was to dress himself in his old uniform, with gun and knapsack, on the occasion of each reunion of his regiment, the 23rd.  Fifty of his old comrades were assembled about his grave as Chaplain Beecher delivered prayer.  The pall bearers, Hosea H. Rockwell, Seymour Dexter, Lorenzo Howes, Joseph M. Roe, R.B. Van Gorder and Edward B. Pickering, were all members of Company K with whom he marched to the front. The inspired prayer of the old chaplain, the beautiful ritual of the Grand Army, the tender notes of the bugler, the surge of old memories and with all the effulgent baptism of the Autumn sun lifted the souls of comrades and friends to heights but seldom attained in this earthly existence.  

Letter from David K. Bunnell, Civil War Soldier - January 1862

Letter from David K. Bunnell -23rd NY Infantry

Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, January 1, 1862

Upton Hill, Va, Dec. 1, 1862
Dear Brother,

I now take the opportunity to inform you that I have been taken prisoner three times, and escaped at last.

On the 22d of last month the N. Y. twenty-third Regiment were stationed on advance picket guard.  About 10 o'clock on the evening of that day, we were driven back to the reserve by a body of rebel cavalry.  Near midnight the colonel sent me with two other soldiers to see if the cavalry of the enemy were yet in the neighborhood.  It rained quite hard at the time, and, as shelter was not to be obtained, we got very wet and cold. After remaining out nearly three hours, we returned to the regiment, and reported the fruits of our reconnaissance to the commanding officer.  At daylight we were remanded back to our posts again, and as the rain still fell, we started a fire for our own individual comfort; but it was soon cleared away, and the afternoon was warm and pleasant.  The next day evening, being still on the advance lines, I thought to get a little sleep before the time arrived to relieve my fellow picket, and laying down in my bough tent, slept soundly for four or five hours.  The cold rain had again set in when I awoke and went forth on duty.

I had been but a short time at my post, which by the way, was in a fence corner, near where two of the N.Y Fourteenth's pickets had been shot, when the clouds broke away, and the moon shone out in the effulgence of its romantic glory.  Everything seemed quiet, and I was keeping a sharp lookout in front, when the sound of advancing footsteps in the rear suddenly attracted my attention in that direction.  At first I supposed they proceeded from some of our own cavalry, but the illusion was soon dispelled by the stern order to "surrender or die!"  There was three to one, and, of course, there was no resort left me but to give myself up a prisoner, which I reluctantly did, and was marched off to the rebel camp.  The following morning, after having divested me of my gun and overcoat, three of the "chivalry" escorted me to Manassas Junction, where I was heavily ironed and thrown into a log prison.  During this entire period, although I had been compelled to march 19 miles with my hands tied behind me, I had not been offered one mouthful of any thing to eat, until my incarnation, when a few hard crackers with a limited supply of rain water were placed at my disposal.

The log prison was far from comfortable, I assure you; my bed was the ground, and my covering what little the chivalrous F.F.V's left on my back after my capture.  On the evening of the third day of my imprisonment in this pestilential dungeon, myself, with 13 other prisoners, were handled into an old freight car, and started off for Richmond.  I was not acquainted with one of my fellow passengers, and, as we were not allowed to communicate with each other, I was likely to remain in ignorance of their names or even positions in the Federal army when captured.  but here we were; fourteen destitute human beings crowded into a dilapidated cattle car; truly, not a very enviable position.

We had passed the second station on the road, when our keeper, who, I think, had imbibed pretty freely of poor whiskey, was discovered to be soundly asleep on the floor.  Then it was that the idea of escape flashed upon my brain.  Carefully creeping to where the prostrate man lay, I earnestly scrutinized him for a few moments. After satisfying myself of his unconsciousness, I proceeded to lighten his belt of a couple of revolvers.  Being successful in this main movement, I next carefully extracted the keys to our shackles from his pockets, and the bloated braggart lay a helpless prisoner at our feet.  We took from him everything of any value, and then very quietly dropped him overboard.  Soon freeing ourselves of the disgusting shackles,  I gave the requisite pull to the bell-rope, and the train soon slackened its speed sufficient to make it safe disembarking; when the last man had reached terra firma, I again gave the signal, made a leap from the cars, and away they dashed on their journey to the Confederate capital.

Not being at all posted as regarded our whereabouts, after a brief consultation it was agreed that each man should take up his own line of march, and get back to the Potomac as best he might.  I presented one of my captured revolvers to a needy companion, and we parted company, each to seek his own destiny.

It was plain that my first object should be to exchange my Federal uniform for one more appropriate to the latitude in which I now found myself.  I had travelled scarcely two miles, when I came upon a farm house, and, to my delight, saw a pair of pants hanging on the line near by.  These necessary articles, together with an old coat found in the woodshed, I borrowed for a while, and upon reaching a swamp, proceeded to hide my own toggery and robe myself in the countryman's garments.  My disguise thus completed, I resumed my journey with a light heart.

At daylight, seeing another farm house a short distance in advance, I concluded to stop for some breakfast.  Having procured a good meal, I mournfully informed mine host that I was without money and in quest of work, and that if he could furnish me with employment I should feel very thankful indeed.  His reply was that he had a considerable quantity of corn to husk and potatoes to dig, and concluded by offering me $5 for a month's labor, provided that I could wait till he disposed of his corn for my pay.  It is needless to inform you that I readily accepted his terms, and was duly installed as one of the family, for a short time at least. The question naturally referred itself to the farmer's mind, why did I not enlist in the Southern army.  To this not unexpected inquiry I had a ready answer; I was formerly the proprietor of a large farm near Fall's Chruch, had been driven away by the cursed Yankees, and was compelled to seek refuge somewhere; my eyes were very weak, or I would, ere this, have shouldered a musket and reeked vengeance on the miserable abolitionists.  This excuse seemed satisfactory to the old Secesh.  He then informed me that he had two brave sons in the army, and that they were then stationed at Manassas Junction; they had visited home a short time since, and during their stay gave the old man a lengthy account of their experience on and subsequent to their retreat from Upton's  Hill, closing with an exultation over the rebel mode of shooting Union pickets.  I listened earnestly to the recital of the bold deeds of his chivalrous sons, and could have added a sequel to the proud narrative, but thought the time and place hardly befitting.

This old Virginia farmer had also two very pretty daughters, who notwithstanding their sex and beauty, were violent secessionists, and boasted long and loud of what they would do if they were men.  They would fight, scratch, bite, bleed and all, but that they would conquer the north--although girls, I seen became quite a favorite wish  with these young ladies, and as they felt disposed to let me into the family secrets, I thought to turn the opportunity to some account.  Among other souvenirs thus brought to my sight, was a box containing a quantity of gold, which, they informed me, was captured by their brothers on the Bull's Run battle field after the fight--undoubtedly taken from the pockets of some of our slain officers--also an antiquated specimen of a silver watch, whose massive proportions reminded me of a moderate sized town clock.  I carefully noted the locality of these cherished keepsakes.

Chenango Telegraph, January 8, 1862

David K. Bunnell Letter - Continued

The third day's labor was completed, and I came to the conclusion that a longer stay was neither profitable nor prudent.  The room assiged to me was on the first floor, and easily escaped from without arousing the inmates of the house.  About midnight I noiselessly arose, not having undressed at all, cautiously advanced to where the gold box was deposited, emptied it of its contents, took the silver watch from its hiding place, slipped out the window, and traveled to the eastward at double quick.  While thus plodding along, the thought occurred to me that it were best to again change my apparel.  A secesh uniform was what I needed--what I must have.  Thus revolving in my mind the necessity and pressure of the cause, I hurried forward with renewed energy.  As though Providence really favored my plans and wishes, I found myself near a rebel picket line, one of whom was just then busily engaged in starting a fire.  He had carelessly left his musket leaning against a neighboring tree, and it was but the work of a moment for me to place myself between the gun and its owner.  With my revolver pointed at his breast, I demanded the astonished soldier to immediately disrobe himself, which order he tremblingly obeyed.  I  took possession of his coat and pants, gave him my own in return, broke his musket, and, with a friendly caution to the picket to keep closed lips while I remained in sight, or they woudl be sealed forever, I again made tracks for a more congenial atmosphere.

At daylight, I again espied a farm house, and again the thoughts of a warm breakfast had the attraction to draw me to its door.  You can well imagine my feelings upon entering the house, when, besides the family, a squad of rebel cavalrymen presented themselves to view.  However, it was no time to study upon consequences, so, placing full reliance on my Confederate uniform, I walked boldly in and asked for some breakfast. The meal was furnished me without any questioning, after which in the absnece of money, I proposed to make compensation by trading my watch with the landlord. A bargain was soon consumated, and for the sum of one dollar with my indeptedness, I parted company with the confiscated time piece.  Now the interrogatories as to my regiment and destination were to be answered. As to the name of my regiment, I had previously taken the precaution to study an answer; the figures "23" that adorned my Union cap had been transferred to the rebel's head dress, and as a matter of course, I was a member of 23d Georgia Regiment, Col. Anderson commanding, and my great solicitude now was to reach the camp ... all right; "go ahead," said a cavalry officer, and I went without further orders from that quarter.  

By the aid of a secesh pass, which, although written by myself, answered every purpose, as undoubtedly but a few of them could even read plain print.  I crossed the advance picket line and made double haste for the Federal army.  With a light heart, I was skipping through a piece of ... about four miles from our lines, when suddenly I was confronted by the identical three cavalrymen who first took me prisoner.  Luckily they did not recognize me, but I was not to pass them.  I was ordred to halt, and make what my special presence was in that localty.  I answered that I was on a scouting exedition; but the excuse was useless.  I was charged with being a deserter, and after having my person thoroughly searched, my hands were again secured behind me.

Although no sufficient reason for conviction was found upon me--my money, except the gold dollar I got in the watch trade, and revolver being concealed in my boots--two of the party proposed to "shoot the d----d deserter!"  But the third who, by the way, was a Captain, intimated that I might be innocent of the charge and that they better march me to camp.  Accordingly back to Manassas  I went and again the log prion was opened for my keep.

The hated shackles were not added as before.  I was this time a Secesh instead of a Union prisoner.  I was the only occupant of the room and as the guard at the door seemed quite communicative, I at once entered into conversation with him.  while thus engaged; who should pass the door, but one of the very daughters of whom I have heretofore spoken.  She had left for Manassas the day before my abrupt departure from her father's roof, but my thoughts being otherwise engaged, the fact of her departure had escaped my memory.  [unreadable] [his story to the daughter was this] While busily at work on her father's farm I was waited upon by three military men and compelled to put on the uniform and follow them; that as they heeded not my truthful plea of inefficiency, I made an unsuccessful attempt to evade them, and as a punishment, for my obstinacy was thrown into this prison.  This mournful narrative touched her sympathetic heart, and she vowed I should not remain there. She sought out the officer of the guard, and plainly informed him that I was her cousin, a strictly loyal man, and, withal, entirely incapacitated for military duty; but it would not do, I must remain for trail the next day.  At this refusal she was exceedingly indignant and promised to return home immediately and send her father to my rescue.

Here was a dilemma.  If that old Confederate rascal once found out that I was here, my year, aye, days on this terrestrial sphere, were at an end.  It was a desperate moment, and desperate means must be resorted to.  Once more approaching the voluble guard, who, through the maiden's  interposition, had come to sympathize with my unjust detention, I asked him if he could procure me a drink of liquor.  He could easily do so, had he the money.  I furnished him with the required amount, and told him to bring two quarts--enough for himself and me.  In a short time he returned with a two-quart pail full of the genuine "red-eye"  that would kill ninety rods without rest.  Unfastening the door, that the pail might be more easily passed to and fro, we began to imbibe quite freely at least on my companion's part.   In the mean time I kept up a constant conversation with my friend, telling him that I would buy us both a warm breakfast in the morning, and that the magic pail should be plentifully replenished.  It was not till about 9 o'clock in the evening that I had the man in a position, as I thought, for successful operation.  He had set down upon the ground, and was evidently in a state of beastly intoxication.  With great precaution I approached, possessed myself of his revolver, and leaving a brief history of my real character and adventures--which I had penciled off while the guard was drinking--in the room, I took a farewell leave of the familiar old prison.

Notwithstanding the strong guard about Manassas I succeeded in passing them all, and at daylight was within three and a half miles of the Union lines.  Hopefully, I sprang forward when--horror of horrors, who should confront me but the same three cavalry men who had twice taken me prisoner.  They recognized me in a moment, and one of the number deliberately fired at me, the ball striking one of my coat buttons, but providentially doing me no bodily harm.  I threw up both hands, a signal that I was unarmed, and was instantly surrounded. This time they would surely fasten me, and I was ordered to march on before them.  But my stern resolve was not be to taken this time alive. Death was certainly my fate if I returned, and I preferred to meet my fate then and there.  Making an excuse that I wished to roll up my pants before resuming the journey, I stooped down and drew forth the two loaded revolvers from my boots.  In less time than I can relate it, two saddles were empty and before the occupant of the third had time to draw and cock his revolver he too had bit the dust.  One of the number was only wounded, and succeeded in sending two balls in uncomfortable proximity to my person, when, with a well directed aim, I effectually silenced his battery.

The report of a gun caused me to look around, and there, about sixty rods distant, was a company of rebel cavalry coming at full gallop,  Quick as thought I mounted one of the riderless horses, and started him for the woods at his utmost speed.

As I entered the desired covert, the cold lead rattled around me like hail, but without any damaging effect.  Through the underbrush I went at railroad speed; but when near the middle of the copse my horse unfortunately stumbled over a log and broke his leg.  I immediately abandoned the poor brute to his fate, and plunged through the brush on foot.  Gaining the opposite side, I cleared an open field in an unprecedented space of time, and stood once more safe within our lines.

But my adventures were not yet ended.  I was now arrested by my own companions in arms as a rebel soldier.  I was not long, however, in convincing them of my loyalty, and after partaking of a hearty mean, of which you must know, I stood in much need, I was duly reinstated in my former position in the grand Federal army of the Potomac.

What became of the prisoners liberated from the cars I have not learned.  We exchanged addresses, and if any succeeded in making good their escape, I shall undoubtedly soon be apprised of the fact.

The life of a soldier, dear brother, is sometimes quite pleasant, but my last week's experience will satisfy you that it is not always so agreeable.  It was my intention to have escaped without taking life if possible; but as self-preservation is the first law of nature, I feel justified in the course I pursued.

With love to all, I remain, Yours Truly
D.K. Bunnell
_______________________________________________________

From the New York Adjutant General Report:  23rd NY Infantry
BUNNELL, DAVID K.:  Age, 31 years. Enlisted, May 6, 1861, at Elmira, to serve two years; mustered in as private, Co. K. May 16, 1861; mustered out with company, may 22, 1863, at Elmira, N.Y.

David K. Bunnell died 28 September, 1897 at Elmira, NY

Obituaries (October 29)

Ormond Eugene Tyler

Died August 30, 1916, Los Angeles, CA

The death of Ormond Eugene Tyler occurred at his home 735-1/2 Ottawa street, Los Angeles, Calif., Aug. 30, 1916, aged 72 years.  Ormond Eugene Tyler, second son of Sarah Parcelle and Orville Tyler, was born in South New Berlin, N.Y. [Chenango Co.], September 3, 1844. He came to  Waukesha, Wisconsin, with his parents when a young man.  Enlisted in army, in Company A., 39th Wisconsin.  Was married to Miss Mary Bancroft May 15, 1873.  One daughter was born to them.  He came to California in 1882.  He is survived by his wife and daughter. The funeral was held Saturday, Sept. 2, at 10 a.m., from the Los Angeles Crematory, corner of Sixteenth and Grover streets.

Frances E. (Welch) Ubbens & Margaret Ann Ubbens

Died October 16, 1933, Norwich, NY

Mrs. Frances E. Ubbens, 39, wife of Gottlieb Ubbens of 27 Mitchell street [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], died early Monday night at the Chenango Memorial Hospital.  Deceased was born in Preston [Chenango Co., NY], October 14, 1894, and had lived in Norwich for 28 years.  Besides her husband she is survived by five sisters: Mrs. Edward Byrne and Mrs. Jesse W. Church of Norwich, Mrs. James McEney of Oxford, Mrs. William J. Sullivan of Minon, and Miss Margaret E. Welch of Ossining; five brothers: William  H., Thomas F., Paul E, and John H. Welch, all of Norwich, and Joseph M. Welch of Chicago; and several nieces nd nephews.  An infant daughter, Margaret Ann [Ubbens], died at the hospital Saturday, October 14.  Mrs. Ubbens, who was a member of the League of the Sacred Heart of St. Paul church, was well known throughout the city and held in the deepest affection by a wide circle of friends.  Funeral services will be held from the deceased's home at 27 Mitchell street Thursday morning, and from St. Paul's church at 9:30, Rev. Charles M. Coveney officiating.  Interment will be made in St. Paul's cemetery.

Ward L. Winsor & Eunice Kevill

Died August 15, 1936, Guilford, NY

Thousands of dollars in damage was surveyed by residents of Unadilla, Otsego county after a cyclonic storm had roared over the region north of Binghamton Saturday night, and the area counted two deaths due directly to the weather.

WARD L. WINSOR, 28, of Gospel Hill, Guilford, Chenango County, killed by lightning Saturday afternoon while milking cows.

EUNICE KEVILL, 32, of 607 South Street, Endicott [Broome Co., NY], dead of heart exhaustion brought on by excessive heat.

Unadilla bore the brunt of a savage blow that lasted for two hours Saturday night, tore a large storehouse from its foundations, ripped up sidewalks, snapped and uprooted trees and bowled over silos like tenpins.  Ten valuable new road machines were buried in debris when a 100 by 45 feet storehouse of the York Modern Corp. at Unadilla toppled from its base.  Paul Newton, superintendent, said he is unable to estimate the damage, and predicted that some of the parts could be salvaged.

Mr. Winsor, prominent 4-H Club member whose farm is located on Gospel Hill, Town of Guilford, Chenango County, was killed by the flash before the eyes of his father, Lee C. Winsor, who was insulted by a pair of rubber boots.  The same bolt knocked 23 cows in the dairy barn off their feet, but none were fatally injured.  The dead man's father told Coroner Earl W. Wilcox of Norwich that the electrical flashes were blinding and blazed through the structure in flame.  The herd bull, chained in his stanchion, seemed to be alive with flame as it sputtered along the chains, the farmer described.  The victim in 1927 won first prize with his Holstein heifer at the State Fair and represented New York State at the National Dairy Show at St. Louis where he also took first prize.  He was also selected in 1928 as typical 4-H boy of the county.

The windstorm of hurricane proportions swooped down on the unprepared Unadilla at 7 o'clock Saturday night and before a half hour had passed, the streets were littered with debris.  A deluge of rain sent miniature floods over the sidewalks and Main Street was crippled by the inundation.  Traffic was completely paralyzed.  More than 100 trees were bent to the ground split or totally uprooted.  The uprooting of trees cracked sidewalk pavement and tore it up and scores of falling limbs damaged homes.  For 20 hours, homes were darkened and telephones out of commission.  A small army of emergency trouble shooters swarmed into the village from all directions when word of the storm reached outside.  No clear estimate has been made on the damage.

Norwich Sun, August 17, 1936

Ward L. Winsor of Gospel hill, Guilford, 28 years old, was a victim of lightning Saturday afternoon while milking cows on his father's farm.  The young farmer was killed before the eyes of his father, Lee C. Winsor, who was saved from the bolt, probably by a pair of rubber boots which he wore.  Twenty-three cows on the dairy farm were knocked off their feet by the lightning bolt, but none were fatally injured.  The herd bull, chained in the barn, apparently was alive with flame as the lightning sputtered along the chains.  Dr. E.W. Wilcox of this city, coroner, was called and gave a verdict of accidental death caused by lightning.  Mr. Winsor was a prominent 4-H club member and in 1927 won a prize with his Holstein heifer at the state fair and represented New York state at the National Dairy Show at St. Louis where he also took first prize.  He was also selected in 1928 as typical 4-H boy of Chenango county. Funeral services will be held at 2 o'clock Tuesday afternoon from the Guilford Center church following a prayer service at the family home.  Since completing his 4-H career, Mr. Winsor, together with his wife, Helen Schlafer Winsor, have served faithfully in the leadership of the Guilford 4-H clubs and have been successful farmers on the home farm.  Not only the Guilford community but the entire county will feel the loss of this splendid young man.

Press & Sun Bulletin, August 17, 1936

Miss Eunice L. Kevill, 32 years old, died at 5 o'clock Sunday afternoon at her home, 607 South street, Endicott.  She is survived by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. William Kevill of Endicott; three sisters, Mrs. Raymond Rosencrans of West Endicott, Mrs. Louis Willey of West Endicott and Mrs. Frank Haight of Endicott, and a brother Floyd S. Kevill of Vestal.

Death Notices

Chenango American, June 5, 1862

In Utica [Oneida Co., NY], on Saturday evening, 18th ult., J.C. Dana, aged 37 years, son-in-law of Mr. Moulter, of the Lewis House, Binghamton.

In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 17th ult., Julia A. [Eggleston], wife of Samuel Eggleston, aged 21 years.

In Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY], on the 24th ult., of disease of the brain, Mr. Ezra Kingsley, formerly of Otis, Mass., aged 76 years.

In New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], on the 26th ult., Anna Burch Allen, aged 1 year and 3 days.

In Pharsalia [Chenango Co., NY], on the 18th ult., of diptheria, John A. [Coy], youngest son of Alanson and Mary J. Coy, aged 5 years and 10 months.

At Chesapeake Hospital, Fortress Monroe, on the 20th ult., Mr. Stephen B. Brown, of Co. C., 14th Regiment U.S.I., son of Erastus Brown, of Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], aged 20 years.

Marriages (October 28)

Quinn - Goodrich

Married October 8, 1939, Norwich, NY

Charles Quinn of Smyrna [Chenango Co., NY] and Gertrude Goodrich of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY] were united in marriage Sunday morning at 9:30 by Rev. N.S. McPherson at his home on North Broad street [Norwich, NY].  Those witnessing the ceremony were Mr. and Mrs. Hiram Letson of Norwich and Mr. and Mrs. Leon Atwell and daughter of East Norwich.  Mr. and Mrs. Quinn plan to live in Smyrna.

Tiffany - Gregory

Married November 8, 1942, Jacksonville, FL

Norwich:  The family of Sergt. Russell E. Tiffany, Camp Blanding, Fla., Saturday received word of his marriage to Miss Molly Evelyn Gregory of Wadesboro, N.C.  Writing to his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Julian Tiffany of 5 Barnes Street, Sergeant Tiffany revealed his surprise wedding and his promotion to his present rank in the same letter.  The wedding was held at Jacksonville, Fla., Nov. 8.  The couple will make their home near Camp Blanding as long as he is stationed there, he writes.

White - Harper

Married October 4, 1942, South New Berlin, NY

Miss Patricia Lucille Harper of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], formerly of West Virginia, was united in marriage with William M. White, son of Mr. and Mrs. Anson White of Norwich Sunday afternoon at 2 o'clock in the South New Berlin Baptist church [Chenango Co., NY].  Rev. C.H. Skinner performed the ceremony. The bride's maid of honor was Mrs. Ruth Burdick of Cincinnatus and her bridesmaid was Mrs. Evelyn Wightman of Norwich, sister of the bridegroom.  Lyle Wightman acted as best man and Robert Burdick was usher.  Following the ceremony the bridal party returned to the home of the bridegroom for a wedding luncheon.  The wedding cake was made by Mrs. Wightman.  Many lovely gifts were received by the couple, who will reside in Norwich upon their return from a short wedding trip.

Thompson - Foster

Married October 16, 1940, Preston, NY

Miss Elsena Foster, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd Foster of Georgetown [Madison Co., NY], and James H. Thompson, Jr., son of Mr. and Mrs. James H. Thompson of Preston [Chenango Co., NY] were united in marriage in the Preston parsonage, Wednesday, Oct. 16, Rev. Phillip Pitcher officiating.  The bride and groom will reside in Preston in a newly furnished apartment where the groom has been managing the family farm.  Mr. Thompson was a student of agriculture at Cornell University.

Phetteplace - Beardsley

Married April 11, 1940, Norwich, NY

Announcement was made Monday of the marriage, Thursday, April 11, of Mrs. Blanche B. Beardsley and Gurdon E. Phetteplace. The ceremony was performed by Rev. Irving J. Beckwith in the presence of immediate friends of the couple.

Thompson - Gibbon

Married December 25, 1941, Norwich, NY

At the home of the bride's parents at 7:30 Christmas night occurred the wedding of Miss Leah Gibbon, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Arnold Gibbon of the town of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY],. and Albert Thompson, son of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Dewey Thompson. The ceremony was performed by Rev. Whitney Ward and attending the couple were Mrs. Alma Smith, sister of the bride, as matron of honor, and Robert Bernice Thompson, brother of the groom, as best man.  The wedding marches were played by Miss  Marion Sargent of this city. The bride was attired in blue silk taffeta, with half length white veil. She carried an arm bouquet of yellow roses and stevia. The matron of honor wore pink silk taffeta and she carried an arm bouquet of Talisman roses and stevia.  For her going away gown the bride had a blue tweed traveling suit with matching accessories.  Following the ceremony a wedding dinner was served the guests by Mrs. Cory L. Burdick. Both the bride and groom are valued employees of the Norwich Pharmacal Comp[any and after a brief wedding trip will reside at their home in Springvale.

Thompson - Filer

Married November 8, 1941, Brisben, NY

Yellow and white chrysanthemums in baskets, sprays of pine and candelabra holding yellow and white tapers adorning the fireplace, formed the attractive setting in the living room of the home of Mr. and Mrs. E.W. Filer of Brisben [Chenango Co., NY] for the wedding of their daughter, Ruth Maxine [Filer] to Staff Sergt, Charles W. Thompson, son of Mr. and Mrs. James Thompson of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], Saturday night at 8 o'clock.  The double ring service was performed by the Rev. Ralph E. Gould, pastor of the Brisben Community Church, and a program of wedding music was presented by Laura Wolcott of Greene. The couple were attended by the bridegroom's older brother, James, and his sister, Alta. The bride's gown was white lace over white taffeta and she wore a gold mesh cap.  Her corsage was of Talisman roses.  The matron of honor wore white lace over pink taffeta and carried orchids and white chrysanthemums.  Mrs. Filer wore a costume of brown with a corsage of gold and white pompoms, and Mrs. Thompson, Sr., wore dark blue with a corsage of red roses. A reception for the guests followed the ceremony, after which Mr. and Mrs. Thompson left for a wedding trip to New York City. They will reside at Hempstead, L.I., where Mr. Thompson was recently transferred to Mitchell Field from Albrook Field, Panama Canal Zone, where he had been stationed for 18 months.  Mrs. Thompson was graduated from Greene High School in 1938, after which she attended the Trapagen School of Fashion and Parsons School of Applied Arts and Science in New York City.  Mr. Thompson graduated form Norwich High School in 1937 and enlisted in the U.S. Army.  He reenlisted Oct. 3, this year.

Skinner - Brown

Chenango Telegraph, September 9, 1941

Miss Ethel H. Brown of this city [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Leon H. Brown of Smyrna [Chenango Co., NY] became the bride of Donald E. Skinner the son of Charles Skinner of 9 Gold street [Norwich], and the late Mrs. Skinner, at 10:30 Saturday morning.  The wedding took place in the rectory of St. Paul's church with the pastor, Rev. Father Charles M. Coveney officiating.  Only members of the immediate families and close friends were present.  Mrs. Leon Davis of Smyrna, sister of the bride, was matron of honor.  Charles H. Skinner, of Hartford, Conn. served his brother as best man.  The bride was attired in a tan print dress and wore a matching jacket.  Her accessories were in brown and her corsage of gardenias.  Her matron of honor wore a dress of soldier blue and wine accessories.  Her corsage was of Talisman roses. A reception and breakfast followed the ceremony in the North Broad street residence of Mr. and Mrs. Frank E. Moore and was attended by 40.  After a week's trip by motor through the New England states, Mr. and Mrs. Skinner will reside at 54-B Cortland street.  A graduate of Smyrna high school, the bride was a guest at prenuptial events given in her honor by Miss Barbara Brown and Miss Mary Alice Shepardson of Smyrna and Miss Evelyn Young of this city.  Mr. Skinner was graduated by Norwich high school and from the Bentley School of Accounting and Finance at Boston, Mass.  the groom is associated in the retail business here as manager of the Victory Chain Master Markets on South Broad street.

Chenango County Civil War Casualities - June 1862

Chenango County Civil War Casualties - June 1862

Battle of Fair Oaks

Chenango American, June 19, 1862

We give below as complete a list as we have been enabled to gather, of the killed and wounded from this County, who participated in the battle of Fair Oaks, on the 31st of May and the 1st of June.

Sergeant George A. Pabodie, of Co. E, 34th N.Y.V., was killed in the engagement of the 31st.  He was a son of Mr. Alfred Pabodie, of Preston, and formerly a student in Norwich Academy--a young man of excellent character and much promise, and the announcement of whose untimely death falls heavily upon a large circle of relatives and acquaintances.  His age was 22 years.  The Regiment to which he belonged was from Herkimer County, and is represented as having behaved admirably during the engagement, eliciting the highest praise from Gen. McClellan and other officers. Their loss was heavy--one out of every six engaged--in killed, wounded and missing.

Sanford Brooks and Edgar Willey, of Sherburne, members of the 61st, were wounded, and we learn have since died.  The former was shot through the brain, and the latter through the lung.

Sergeant Henry C. Chapman of the 61st, received a ball in his neck, while the Regiment, moving on the battle field, was passing a piece of woods, in which some rebels were concealed.  The ball entered just back of the left ear and came out back of the neck, some four inches from its entrance.  He is now in the hospital at Philadelphia, and will recover.

We are informed that a lad named John Smith, son of Elijah Smith, of this village, also of Brooks' Company, (61st) received a bullet in one of his legs, which so shattered it that amputation was necessary.

Corporal William Sheldon, of Sherburne, of Bates' Battery, Casey's Division was wounded in the leg by a musket ball, not dangerously, and has returned home.  Andrew J. Shepard, of Smyrna, of the same Company, has also returned sick.  --Norwich Union.