Obituaries (November 30)

Julius A. Brown

Chenango Telegraph, April 20, 1859

An attentive friend send us from Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY] the following particulars of a fatal accident that occurred in that town on Sunday, the 17th inst.  Julius A. Brown, an interesting little lad aged about ten years, son of Mr. George L. Brown, with his cousin, Jerome A. Cross, some four or five years older, and who had been residing in the family of Mr. Brown for a few weeks past, went into the chamber about 9 A.M., for the purpose of placing the clothing of young Cross in his trunk, as he was going to leave for his home on the morrow.  Young Cross had in his trunk a short rifle, which they had taken out and were examining or playing with, and which was loaded with a very large slug or piece of lead, but which, as young Cross says, had no cap on.  By some means or other, however, it was discharged while in the hands of young Cross, the charge striking his cousin (who was about four feet distant, and both in a kneeling position) on the left cheek, where it entered, fracturing the jaw, and passing out at the back of the neck near the middle line.  The little fellow lived about an hour and a half, but never spoke, and died not seeming to recognize anyone.

Norris Davis

Died February 16, 1916, New Berlin, NY

Norris Davis, aged about 70 years, died while sitting in a chair at the home of his son, Clyde Davis, two miles north of this village, on Wednesday afternoon, his death being attributed to heart failure.  Mr. Davis had been a life-long resident of this town, where he married and reared a family.  His wife died a few years ago.  Two sons, Harry and Clyde, survive the father. The funeral will occur from his late home Friday afternoon at one o'clock.

Charles Decker

Died December 1, 1942, Cooperstown, NY

Edmeston [Chenango Co., NY]:  Charles Decker, 80, a retired farmer, died Dec. 1, 1942, in Cooperstown after an illness of two weeks.  Born in Prattsville, he was the son of Jacob and Tammy Jane Cooper Decker.  In 1881 he married Addie Georgia, who survives with these children, Delos, of Otego; Earl, Treadwell; Irving, this village, and Warren, who is in the Army; a sister, Mrs. Merty Harris, Fabius, also grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Catherine DeGaetano

Died April 26, 1941, Norwich, NY

Catherine DeGaetano, 18-months-old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William DeGaetano of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], tumbled ot her death Saturday night, after crawling through an open window onto a porch roof from which she fell to concrete sidewalk below.  The unfortunate occurrence happened at 6:30 Saturday night at the family home in Oxford.  The baby died in Chenango Memorial Hospital at 8:05 that night of a fractured skull according to the verdict of Dr. M.G Bonam of Oxford, coroner. The child was in an upstairs room with her grandmother, Mrs. Catherine Reitano.  she managed to slip away unnoticed and climbed through the open window to a porch roof falling off the edge to the walk below before any member of the household was aware of what had occurred.  Besides the parents and grandmother mentioned above two sisters survive.  Funeral services are to be held at 9:30 Tuesday morning, with burial in St. Joseph's cemetery [Oxford, NY].

Ernest Decker

Died November 4, 1933, Edmeston, NY

Edmeston [Otsego Co., NY]:  Ernest Decker, 15-year-old son of Mr. and Mrs. Irving Decker of this village was shot and instantly killed Saturday morning in an accident while hunting with a party of five, including his father and two uncles.  A full charge of buckshot entered the boy's head from the back, tearing a two-inch hole in the skull.  The hunting party included the lad's father, Irving Decker, Earl Decker of Treadwell and Warren Decker of Edmeston, uncles; Allen Craig of Gloversville and Scott Coburn of Edmeston. The accident occurred on the farm of Dan Barrett about one mile out of the village. The lad was about 15 feet ahead of the party when suddenly a cock pheasant arose between the lad and the hunters.  At least four of the men shot but no one knows which of the gun loads struck young Decker.  Troopers Val Hemmer and Davis Soules, who investigated, found that one of the men, Allen Craig, had not shot at the bird.  Dr. B F Bishop of Garrattsville, coroner, was called and gave a verdict of accidental death. The funeral will be held from the family residence in Edmeston Tuesday.  Young Decker was a student in the sixth grade at the Edmeston school.  Besides his parents, he leaves a sister Bernice, and a five months old brother.

Death Notices

Chenango Telegraph, March 23, 1859

CARRUTH:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], Saturday morning, Mrs. Eleanor Carruth, aged 66 years.

WHITMAN:  In Otselic [Chenango Co., NY], on the 7th inst., Mrs. Raby Whitman, wife of Randall Whitman, at the advanced age of 103 years.  The deceased had been blessed with remarkable health during her long life, and retained her general faculties in an extraordinary way up to the hour of death.

RICE:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 12th inst., Sylvanus Rice, aged 1 year and 11 months.

DAVIDSON:  In Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], on the -?- inst., John Davidson Jr. aged 41 years.

SHATTUCK:  In German [Chenango Co., NY], Feb. 28, Asa Shattuck, aged -7 years.

SLATER:  In Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY], March 18, Mrs. -?- Slater, widow of the late Capt. Joseph Slater, in the 69 year of her age.

Chenango American, September 25, 1862

In this village [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], on the 24th inst., Charles C. Willard, M.D., aged 33 years.

In Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], on the 20th inst., Mr. Lambert Terrell, aged 59 years.

In Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY], on the 15th inst., of dysentery, Georgiana [?ushman], daughter of George P. and Fanny ?ushman, aged 1 year and 3 months.

In Smyrna [Chenango Co., NY], on the 19th inst., Mr. Philo Nearing, aged about 73 years.

In Woodhull, Steuben Co., on the 26th ult., Mary [Gates], wife of Rathbone Gates, aged 78 years.

In Smyrna, on the 17th inst., Mr. Samuel Ackley, aged 85 years and 7 days.   

Marriages (November 29)

Weltz - Youngs

Married July 3, 1931, Norwich, NY

At Emmanuel episcopal church here [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY] Friday night, July 3, at 7:30 the marriage of Emma Emogene Youngs to Philip John Weltz, both of Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], was solemnized by the rector, Rev. L.S. Charters.  The attending couple were Mr. and Mrs. Frederick C. Frey of Leonardsville.  The ceremony was performed in the presence of only the immediate relatives of the contracting parties.

Neff - Wilcox

Married July 3, 1931, Norwich, NY

Miss Elizabeth Grace Wilcox and Harold Emery Neff, both of Erieville [Madison Co., NY] were united in marriage by Rev. N.S. McPherson at his home on North Broad street last Friday evening at 7:30.  They were accompanied by Mrs. Adella Wilcox, mother of the bride, who resides in King Settlement, and the brother of the bride, Harold Wilcox of Erieville.  Mr. and Mrs. Wilcox plan to reside in Erieville.

Oechslin - Scarlett

Married October 4, 1947, Sidney, NY

Mrs. Frederick A. Ives of Merchantville, New Jersey, has announced the engagement of her daughter, Frances M. Scarlett, to Ernest Oechslin, both of Sidney [Delaware Co., NY].  An autumn wedding is planned.  Miss Scarlett formerly resided in Norwich.

Mr. & Mrs. Kendrick D. Wheeler

50th Anniversary, March 3, 1930

Monday March 3 dawned as a day of supreme joy in the lives of Mr. and Mrs. Kendrick D. Wheeler of 10 Rexford street this city [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], and is the day of their golden wedding anniversary.  Congratulations from a wide circle of friends and relatives were showered upon this charming and delightful couple as they reminisced over a span of 50 years of wedded life.  A half century ago, in an event that was all important to them, they became man and wife at the home of the bride's father, H.A. Jewell who resided near Mt. Upton, where Mrs. Wheeler was born, March 24, 1860.  Eight of the guests who were present for the ceremony are living today, from a list of 50.  Then followed the happy honeymoon which was joyfully recalled Monday morning.  "We left Mt. Upton for our wedding trip which took us to Ithaca," said Mr. Wheeler, the groom of 50 years ago, and Mrs. Wheeler, his rosy cheeked bride of then and now, joined in by saying that "It took us two days to get there." They left Mt. Upton for Binghamton and spent an entire day getting from Binghamton to Cortland where they passed the night, resuming their journey the next day to Ithaca.

Tonight Mr. and Mrs. Wheeler will be the guests at a wedding dinner at the home of their daughter Mrs. Ralph Reynolds of 78 Elm street.  Mrs. Wheeler is the sister of Thomas A. Jewell, a former resident here and of Mrs. Don Prentiss of Earlville, also a former Norwich resident.  Another brother, H.A. Jewell resides on Conkey avenue, this city.

Following their "extended honeymoon trip" to Ithaca the bride and groom returned to the old Wheeler homestead at Rockwells Mills where they started their "homekeeping."  It was there that Mr Wheeler was born, as well as his father, the late Silas Wheeler and where his great grandfather, Ezekiel Wheeler settled in 1795.  French's Gazetteer give it that the Wheeler homestead was the first in the town of Rockwells Mills, that stout hearted pioneer having built his home across the road from the present schoolhouse in Rockwells Mills.  Ezekiel Wheeler also conducted the first inn in that village and soon after with two others built a schoolhouse.

Two daughters were born to bless the home of Mr. and Mrs. Wheeler.  One, Lida A., who died March 26, 1889 and the other, Louise Jewell Reynolds who tonight is the hostess of the golden wedding party.  Mr. and Mrs. Wheeler have one granddaughter, Gertrude Wheeler Reynolds of this city who was also born in the old homestead, making four generations.  Mr. Wheeler sold the old farm about eight years ago.  Mr. and Mrs. Wheeler have never lived out of Chenango county.  They are staunch republicans in politics and being of a very retiring nature have never become affiliated with any fraternal organizations. When they lived at the old homestead they were active members of the home church and of the Sunday school and always interested intensely in the life of the community.

The bride and groom of fifty years ago are of old American stock, both being descendants of Revolutionary ancestors.  Mrs. Wheeler is a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution.  Mr. Wheeler proudly showed the writer the old powder horn carried by his great grandfather, Ezekiel Wheeler in the last year of the Revolutionary War.  It is a prized possession, a relic seldom seen these days that fairly breathes the patriotism that fired their ancestors to fight for liberty and freedom.  Another of his treasured possessions is the old compass that directed Ezekiel Wheeler as he paddled his way in a canoe down the Unadilla river to his new home, trekking his way from Massachusetts.  Clearing the land and building that homestead meant untold hardships, and another choice possession of the family is the bear trap used by the forefather as he sought to provide his family with food.

Both Mr. and Mrs. Wheeler are enjoying sound health.  Mr. Wheeler is always to be seen about the city in fair weather.  He maintains a garden in the summer and also prizes a flock of hens that take up his spare time.  He formerly served his school district in Rockwells Mills as a trustee.  "Times have changed very much since we were first married," said Mrs. Wheeler. Asked if she had rather turn back to the times of 50 years ago or to continue the present day, she replied emphatically 'No."  She declared this to be a most remarkable and a most wonderful age.  "But we had pretty good times 50 years ago," said Mr. Wheeler, and his bride concurred, saying, "yes, for we didn't know anything different then."  Mr. Wheeler recounted that they had spent many happy times as they hitched up old dobbin and took a buggy ride to Binghamton where they have many friends today and to Elmira where they were well acquainted.  And today, their golden wedding anniversary, Norwich congratulates them.

Marriage Notices

Chenango Telegraph, April 6, 1859

CHEESBRO - BLODGETT:  In Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY], on the 27th ult. at the house of Col. E. Proctor by D. --alon, Esq., Silas Cheesbro, of Brookfield [Madison Co., NY] to Miss Permelia Blodgett of Plymouth.

BAILEY - DeFOREST:  In Unadilla [Otsego Co., NY] March 29th, by rev. S.B. Norton, John Bailey to Miss Jane H. DeForest.

Chenango American, September 11, 1862

At Parker's Hotel, in this village [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], on the 10th inst., by Rev. W.S. Adamson, Mr. Charles Lockwood to Miss Jeanette Church, all of this place.

In Whitney's Point, on the 3d inst., by Rev. Wm. Gates, Mr. Henry Johnson, to Miss Alice Sharp, both of this village [Greene, Chenango Co., NY].

In Brooklyn, on the 2d inst., by Rev. L.B. Mills, Mr. Mills R. Callender, to Miss Amelia M. Swain, both of New York City.

In Vernon Centre, Oneida co., on the 1th inst., by Rev. Mr. Hall, Samuel Williams, Esq., Associate Editor of the Albany Evening Journal, and Miss Lizzie F. Balmer, of Vernon Centre.

In Norwich [Chenango Co., nY], on the 8th inst., by Rev. S. Scoville, Mr. Van B. Crain to Miss Phebe A. Ackley, both of Norwich.

In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 3d inst., by Rev. Wm. Searls, Mr. Abel Comstock, to Miss Cynthia M. Thompson, both of Norwich.

Obituaries (November 28)

Isabella (Baker) Dalrymple

Chenango Telegraph, April 6, 1859

DALRYMPLE:  In Marlboro, Mass. on the 17th ult., Mrs. Isabella B. Dalrymple, eldest daughter of Joseph Baker of Pharsalia [Chenango Co., NY] aged 46 years.  Dear Sister, thou art gone to meet thy first born, who hast only preceded thee to the realms of eternal bliss.  Yes Sister, Kim has gone before, that she may welcome her mother home.  Kind parents, your affections have been again smitten; thy eldest child has gone to Heaven, and is waiting to congratulate the friends left behind as they severally arrive at the bourne of all those who love their Heavenly Father.  Brothers and sisters, our circle is again broken, let us all strive to exemplify our faith in Christ making it a living faith through works, as faithfully as did she who has been called from Earth to Heaven. 

Herman Davis

Chenango American, June 30, 1892

A special to the Norwich Sun, dated South Plymouth June 26 says:  This afternoon at about 4 o'clock Herman Davis, aged 22, a young man from North Otselic [Chenango Co., NY] who has been employed in a cheese factory here for a little over a month past, went bathing in the mill pond in company with a boy name Frank DeVallant.  Davis was not a good swimmer and going beyond his depth soon tired.  His companion asked him if he could swim out and receiving a negative reply went to his assistance but after being himself pulled under was obliged to cease his efforts and Davis sank.  Neighbors were at once notified and constructing a raft succeeded in getting Davis out, but all  efforts at resuscitation proved unavailing.  Dr. R.A. Thompson of Norwich was summoned and came here at once, but did not think it necessary to hold an inquest. The deceased was a young man of good habits and much esteemed by his associates.

Erford C. Landers

Chenango Telegraph, August 5, 1941

Oxford [Chenango Co., NY]:  Stricken with a heart attack, Erford C. Landers, well known poultry farmer of this village died suddenly at his home.  Mr. Landers was 55.  He was born in Willett, a son of George and Nancy (Hodges) Landers.  News of his passing was a shock to this village and residents throughout the county.  Mr. Landers had been a leader in the poultry business for some 15 years.  Besides his wife, Lulu Weaver Landers, four sons survive, John of Buffalo, Charles of Upper Lisle, Roger and David, both of Oxford. Two brothers also survive, Ernest of Upper lisle and Floyd of Cleveland, Ohio.  Funeral services will be held Wednesday afternoon at 2 o'clock from the family home.  Rev. Norman Graves Methodist pastor of Oxford will officiate. Burial will be made in the Upper Lisle cemetery.

Lillie Lamphere

Died April 25, 1937, New Berlin, NY

Following a week's illness, Mrs. Lillie Lamphere died at her home in Holmesville [Chenango Co., NY], Sunday. She was born April 23, 1865, in the town of Butternuts [Otsego Co., NY], the daughter of Almena Greene Isbell.  Her marriage to Douglas Lamphere occurred in March, 1881.  She was the last surviving member of a family of six children.  Funeral services were held Wednesday afternoon at 2 o'clock from the Dakin Funeral Home at New Berlin, Rev. G. Henry Simons of Holmesville, officiating. Burial was in the cemetery at White Store [Chenango Co., NY].

Frank Lamb

Died December 27, 1938, New Berlin, NY

Frank Lamb, who spent most of his life in the hardware business in South New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], died at the home of his cousin, Mrs. Otto Smeader, Tuesday, December 27, at 2 p.m. at the age of 64 years, 10 months and 14 days.  The cause of his death was given as heart trouble which had bothered him some in recent months, altho he was ill only four days. The funeral will be held at 1 p.m. Friday from the Smeader home. Burial will be in the family lot in the Cole cemetery.  Born at Woods Corners [Chenango Co., NY] of a family of three girls and two boys, children of Mr. and Mrs. Prentice (nee Roby Thompson) Lamb of whom two sisters survive, Mrs. David Lee of Cortland and Mrs. Ed Dresselt of Cobleskill.  Following his father's death when he was four years old, Mr. Lamb shortly came to South New Berlin with his aunt and uncle, Mr. and Mrs. William L. Brown where Mr. Brown conducted a hardware store with his son-in-law, Otto Smeader.  Mr. Lamb attended school here, grew to manhood and then spent several years working in Cortland and Syracuse. Returning to this village 20 years ago, he married Miss Edna Cole, a childhood friend, and worked in the Smeader hardware store which he purchased when Mr. Smeader retired in 1926. Since the death of Mrs. Lamb ten months ago, Mr. Lamb has spent much of his time in the Smeader home although maintaining his own home on South street. A member of the Odd Fellows lodge for some 35 years, Mr. Lamb was a past noble grand and only recently joined Phoebus lodge, 82, F.&A.M.  He was a member of the Tri-County Motor Club, president of the Community Men's Club, superintendent of the local water company and long active in fire prevention and other measures of community interest.  He was a well known and highly respected citizen whose passing is mourned by his host of friends.

Death Notices

Chenango Telegraph, April 6, 1859

WINSOR:  In Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], March 30th, Stephen Winsor, aged 73.

PACHIN:  In Guilford [Chenango Co., NY] March 17th, John Pachin, aged 79.

DAVIS:  At New Berlin Centre [Chenango Co., NY] March 27, Benj. Davis aged 81.

WILLARD:  At New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], March 25th, Lydia May Willard in the 5th year of her age.

HYDE:  In Pitcher [Chenango Co., NY], March 29th, Lydia J. [Hyde], daughter of Charles P. and Harriet M. Hyde, aged 9 months.

Civil War Killed & Wounded, September 1862

Our Civil War Killed and Wounded

Chenango American, September 11, 1862

Among the recent casualties to the volunteers from this section we notice the following:

Capt. Martin, of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], of the 17th Reg., shot in the face, the ball entering his cheek near his nose and coming out at the mouth - a bad but not dangerous wound.

Lieut. Sanford, was struck by a piece of shell near the shoulder.  He is getting along finely.

Byron Meritt, of North Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], Co. H, 17th Reg., among the killed.

Lieut. Stanton, of Norwich, acting Captain of a Company in Sickles' Brigade, was shot through the left hand, and loses the middle finger.

Phil Ray, of the 22d N.Y., formerly of Norwich, was shot in the head--not badly.

George H. Spry, of Norwich, and L. Crain and P. Frink, of Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY], and McKenzie Shaw, of Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], of the 44th--were taken prisoners and released on parole.  Henry Williams, of Plymouth, Co. H, 17th, is reported killed and -?- Webster of Pharsalia [Chenango Co., NY] lost an arm.  Orderly Clancey, of No. Norwich, was hit three times but would not give up.

Wm. Weaver of this village [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], who we last week reported was killed, was wounded and taken prisoner.  He has been released on parole.

Rufus Combs of the 17th, wounded.

Capt. Alcott of Sherburne, who was recently home on a furlough in consequence of a wound, returned to his regiment (the 1st Michigan) to meet his death, from a Minnie ball, on the 23d ult.

Obituaries (November 27)

Frances A.L. Jacox

Died Feb. 15, 1933, New Berlin, NY

Frances A.L. Jacox passed away Wednesday morning, February 15, 1933, about 9 o'clock, at her home in this village, following an illness of only a few days.  She was born February 1, 1862, at the Jacox homestead in the town of Butternuts [Otsego Co., NY] south of this village on east side, the youngest of four children born to Warren and Sarah Bagg Jacox and practically all her life had been spent in this place.  Her early education was received in the village school here.  She later attended Oswego Normal from which she graduated and for many years thereafter she followed the profession of teaching, a number of which were spent upon Long island.  Miss Jacox was a retiring, unassuming woman, kind of heart, of a cheerful disposition, and a member of the Baptist church here since girlhood.  At the time of her death she was survived by one brother, William Henry (now deceased) and by two sisters, Miss Esther and Miss Louella, all of this place. On account of the critical illness and physical condition of the immediate family of the deceased, no public funeral was held.  After a prayer by Rev. C.H. Skinner at the home of Miss Esther Jacox on Thursday afternoon the body was placed in the vault in Greenwood cemetery to await burial.

Sarah Louella Jacox

Died September 20, 1933, Butternuts, NY

S. Louella Jacox died Wednesday afternoon, after an illness of several weeks, at the Jacox farm house on the east side of the river in the town of Butternuts.  She was 73 years of age.  She was the third child of Warren Jacox and Sarah Bagg, and had been a life-long resident of this vicinity.  The funeral will occur Friday afternoon at 2 o'clock at the Baptist church, the pastor, Rev. Clinton H. Skinner, will officiate. Burial will be in Riverside cemetery.

Almon A. Jaynes

Died May 7, 1935, Utica, NY

Many friends here were grieved to learn of the passing of Archdeason Almon A. Jaynes, D.D., at his home in Utica [Oneida Co., NY], on Tuesday.  Archdeacon Jaynes conducted the services here in St. Andrew's church on April 7, just previous to his last illness.  On the retirement of Dr. Gifford as rector here, Dr. Jaynes was given an opportunity to take up the work here, but he finally decided he could be of greater service in the mission work of the diocese.  Dr. Jaynes was born in Norwich on Jan. 15, 1877.  He received the degree of Ph. B. from Brown University in 1899, being a classmate and very close friends of Claude B. Dakin of this village.  He was graduated from the General Theological Seminary in 1902.  Besides his wife, he leaves two sons; a brother, Walter Jaynes of Greene, and a sister, Mrs. C.J. Smith of Norwich. Funeral services will be held on Friday in Trinity church, Syracuse.--New Berlin Gazette.

George Henry Jenkins

Norwich Sun, July 1, 1938

New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY]:  Funeral services will be held Thursday afternoon at 2 o'clock from the family home for George Henry Jenkins whose death Monday followed a five-day illness caused by a cerebral hemorrhage.  Mr. Jenkins was born April 7, 1868 in Windsor [Broome Co., NY].  He was the son of George H. and Mary C. Winsor Jenkins.  His childhood was passed in West Winfield.  A resident of New Berlin for some 14 years, Mr. Jenkins was a railroad man by vocation, having been a conductor on the D.L.and W.R.R. and the Unadilla Valley.  He retired from service two years ago due to ill health. Besides his wife there survive the following children: Mrs. Hilda Van Buren of Holmesville; George H. Jenkins of Utica; Hobart W. of Sidney and Clarence H., of New Berlin.  Three grandchildren also survive with one sister, Mrs. A.S. Card of Warren; two brothers, Charles G. Jenkins of Washington Mills and Jay W., of Ilion, also one nephew.  Rev. B.H. Eddy of Norwich will officiate and burial will be made in Fairview cemetery.

Marriage Notices

Chenango American, September 11, 1862

In Philadelphia, on the 10th ult., of typhoid fever, Oscar Phelps, of Co. D., 27th Reg., N.Y.S.V. of this town [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], aged about 23 years.

In Willett, Cortland Co., on the 5th inst., Elizabeth M. [Dyer], wife of Mr. E.J. Dyer, aged 31 years.

In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 29th ult., Mr. John Adams, aged 72 years.

In McDonough [Chenango Co., NY], on the 4th inst., Mr. Elijah West, aged 27 years.

In Coventry [Chenango Co., NY], July 23d, of Diptheria, Addie [Odell], daughter of Robert C. and Sarah E. Odell, aged 2 years, 9 months and 7 days.  Little Addie was a bud of much promise but death loves a shining mark and she rests in his bosom, who said of such is the kingdom of Heaven.

Letter from Benjamin F. Spencer Civil War soldier - July 1862

Letter from B.F. Spencer - Civil War Soldier

Chenango American, July 17, 1862

Camp near Harrison Landing, Va.
July 4, 1862

Dear Father and Mother:  Within the past week we have had some very strange strategic movements, and at this time our army has a different position from what it held when I wrote you last.  June 26th as we were in camp, we could hear a fight going on near Mechanicsville, which became near or as night advanced. As soon as night was fairly set in the firing ceased, and for the time being it was still.

The next morning brought on the firing again and we soon learned that McCall's and Porter's Divisions were fighting the forces of Stonewall Jackson, who had broken into our lines and was doing big business generally.  Soon the order came to fall in and we fell in and went to support a battery to keep the Rebels from crossing a bridge on the Chickahominy.  But the Rebels did not show themselves upon this point, and we were ordered to go and assist Gen. Porter and McCall. We started for Jame's Hill where the battle was raging and arrived there about 4 in the afternoon and found the Rebels were in possession of a house in front of us and the sharp shooters were picking off officers from our ranks and Col. Bartlett (a brave and good man) ordered the 27th to charge upon them which we did, and drove them from the house and out building where they were concealed, and they fell back to the woods and brush in the rear of the house.  At first the smoke was so thick that we could not see them fairly, and they poured in volley after volley into our ranks, but soon we could see them and if ever Rebels took cold lead it was then.  They were no more than 100 yards from us, upon their knees and laying down on the ground where the smoke had kept them from our sight until it arose so that we could see them fairly and plainly. We had a good rake at them.  It was so near night we could not hope to hold the house, and the battle was not to drive them but to hold them in check, so we were ordered to retreat and we fell back and probably the Rebs again took quiet possession of the house.  We fell back a short distance and waited for them to advance upon our lines and get a little grape and cannister, which was in store for them. But they had no appetite for hard bread and kept back, and we went back to camp again, thinking of the poor fellows who lay upon the field dead. 

In the morning at quite an early hour we were ordered to fall in with knapsacks and go somewhere, but where no one knew, but I suppose it is just as well that we did not. We soon found ourselves moving on towards James River where was to be formed the base of the new line of operations against the Rebel capital, which to many seems disastrous in our army. But I think this movement will prove to be a great benefit to the nation. 

The movement has been conducted as quietly and with as much order as possible, showing that we have Generals and good ones left yet.  Although we have lost a great many men yet they could be spared as well as not for the greatest share of our loss has been stragglers that fell out as soon as they began to be the least tired, and let the rebels overtake and capture them, as they were behind the main army; but I think that we have killed four times as many Rebels in our match as they have of ours, for we would advance and take our position and let them come on and then mow them down with grape and cannister.  At times it seemed as if they thought that we were whipped, and all that they had to do was to march up and demand a surrender which they done in one advance.  A column of men advanced through a piece of woods and came within sight of our battery within good range and demanded its surrender but the Capt. of the battery couldn't see it in that light, and before mister Secesh had time to think about it, he got a charge of grape and cannister from two batteries that he knew nothing of.  They rallied and came on intent upon taking the battery, but almost every second they received a charge of the iron hand until they were almost annihilated.  Every day they had just such treatment as this, which is hard but honest.  Our Regiment has not suffered as much as many others, but it has lost a great many good men and quite a number of -?-.  I have not time to write more now and will close, so good bye.

Your son, B.F. Spencer
___________________________________________________________

From Adjutant-General Report; 27th New York Infantry
Benjamin F. Spencer:  Age, 23 years.  Enlisted, May 21, 1861, at Elmira, to serve two years; mustered in as private, Co. D; mustered out with company, may 31, 1863, at Elmira, N.Y.

In first battle of Bull Run.  wounded in leg slightly.  At Antietam.

Listing of blog posting October 22 to November 23, 2019

Listing of blog postings for October 22 to November 23, 2019

Marriages

Posted October 22, 2019
Lorraine Noel Finley - Theodore Frank Fitch (Montreal Canada)
Dr. A.O. Smith - Leila Agnes Kellogg (Norwich, 1937)
William James Fleming - Sarah Knapp (Plymouth, 1940)
Marriage Notices - 1862
     William D. Ransford - Julia H. Pabodie (North Norwich / New Berlin)
     Rev. N.R. Everts - Hattie M. Wait (Cincinnatus / Norwich)
     John Kerrigan - Mary A. Dinkin (NYC / Newark NJ)
     Benjamin S. Hayes - Elizabeth Rogers (Greene)
     Seneca Lake - Cornelia Chubbuck (Cazenovia)
     Williams Avery - Mary L. Payne (Sherburne / Georgetown)
     Earnest L. Riesburg - Katharine Weiler (Jamestown / Norwich)

Posted October 28, 2019
Charles Quinn - Gertrude Goodrich (Smyrna/Norwich, 1939)
Russell E. Tiffany - Molly Evelyn Gregory (Norwich/Wadesboro NC, 1942)
Patricia Lucille Harper - William M. White (Norwich, 1942)
James H. Thompson, Jr., - Elsena Foster (Georgetown/Preston, 1940)
Blanche B. Beardsley - Gurdon E. Phetteplace (Norwich, 1940)
Leah Gibbon - Albert Thompson (Norwich, 1941)
Ruth Maxine Filer - Charles W. Thompson (Brisben/Norwich, 1941)
Ethel Brown - Donald E. Skinner (Norwich, 1941)

Posted November 3, 2019
Marriage Notices - 1862
     Theodore A. Drew - Ellen A. Braman (Georgetown / Otselic)
     George A. Chamberlain - Josehine A. Tillotson (Greene)
     Dr. J.C. Campbell - Miss S.P. Childs (Deposit)
     Lyman Rathbone Jr. - Susan M. Crandall (Oxford)
     Wilbert A. Williams - Annie E. Brainard (Coventry / Lisle)
     Erastus Ford - Mary Boughey (McDonough / Portsmouth OH)
     Clement Miller - Amelia D Philley (Smithville / McDonough)
     Loyal S. Nye - Leonora E. Pollard (Unadilla / Afton)
     Judson Seely - Josephine Cannon (Bainbridge)
     Aaron Thompson - Caroline E. Shepard (Sherburne)
     Horace R. Palmer - Amelia j. White (Sherburne)
     John  H. Morley - Calista C. Cole (Smyrna / McDonough)
     Bradford S. Willcox - Sophronia Ingalls (Norwich / Earlville)
Marriage Notices - 1875
     Mr. J.N. West - Georgia Egelston (Willet / German)
     John S. Kinyon - Alice L. Palmer (Smyrna / Otselic)
     Horato Webb - Ada Hopkins (Chillwhack BC / Norwich)
     Edward Pettibone - Alcie C. Lacey (Guard PA / Norwich)
     Enos S. Eldridge - Fannie M. Cole (Norwich)
     Oliver Dimmick - Selina d. Peters (Norwich)
     Thomas R. Warner - Ida E. Ludington (Norwich)
     Luman M. Church - Elvia E. Gardner (Otselic)
     A. Coleson Shepardson - Mary Cutler (Poolville / Columbus)
     William H. VanTassell - Julia A. Ingraham (Oxford / Preston)
     William J. Ward - Hattie E. French (South New Berlin)
     Charles A. Lowe - Nettie A Stanton (Sherburne / Smyrna)

Posted November 8, 2019
Mary Graef - Delos Goodrich (Norwich / Sherburne, 1937)
Eva A. Reams - Ernest A. Tillapaugh (Norwich, 1942)
Eleanor Graves - George L. Graves (Norwich Quarter, 1942)
Ila V. Huntley - Robert E. Tillapaugh (Woods Corners / King Settlement, 1933)
Alice E. Cusens - Charles F Tillapaugh (Norwich, 1933)
Marriage Notices - 1862
     Frank A. Lyons - Hattie McNeil (Lanesboro PA / Oxford)
     Mr. T.W Shapley - Ellen Stoddard (Eagle Harbor, MI / Earlville)
     Jerome Loomis - Polina Beatman (Oxford / Afton)
     George W. Stration - Mary J. Webb (Smithville)
     Henry Blackman - M. Adelade Miles (Pitcher / Lincklaen)
     David M. Hakes - Ophelia L. Crane (Lincklaen)
     Andrew Bean - Jerusha Waters (Freetown)

Posted November 15, 2019

Marriage Notices - 1862

     Rev. Mr. Comfort - Sarah Foster (Triangle / Greene)

     J. Gariner Barber - E. Augusta Smith (East Haddon, CT / Preston)

     Samuel J. Neff - Martha Smith (Bainbridge / Unadilla)

     Mr. A.A. Neff - Miss A.G. Wheeler (Bainbridge)

     Lewis J. Poole - Jennie Blakesley (Afton / Colesville)

     William Slater - Juliette Van Zandy (Bainbridge)

     Henry K. Read - Dora C. Roberts (Greene)

     Samuel A. Willard - Amelia M. Johnson (Greene)

     Mr. C.H. Chamberlain - Hattie Huntley (Chenango Forks)

     George W. Duntley - Mary Cummings (Greene)

     James E. McClelland - Harriet S. Willcox (Norwich / Smyrna)

     Charles H. Lotheridge - Emily A. Weed (Norwich)

     James S. Ireland - Martha Dodge (Greene / Whitney's Point)

     Peter Brink - Hattie Hull (Owego / Oxford)

     Daniel M. Rathbone - Helen Lucretia Padgett (Oxford)

     William H. Pertilla - Betsey C. Robbins (Norwich)

     Hiram White - Eliza J. Owens (Pharsalia / Norwich)

Posted November 23, 2019
Elizabeth M. Peeler - Levi G. Haynes (Cleveland OH / Norwich, 1938)
Theodore C. Bonney - Edna Wheaton (Norwich / Syracuse, 1937)
Fern Follett - Linn Osborne (King Settlement / Norwich, 1941)
Muriel A. Follette - Norwood C. Oper (Boonville / Rome, 1941)
Gladys Prindle - William Brookins (Norwich, 1942)
Lillian A. Shoales - Ray Squires (Norwich, 1939)
Margaret M. Mulligan - James P. Noon (Norwich / Utica, 1938
Marriage Notices - 1859
     John F. Hill - Mary A. Gross (Norwich)
     George Thompson - Mary A Reed (Plymouth / New Berlin)
     Thomas P. Steere - Sarah Spafford (New Berlin / Pittsfield)
     G.E. Champlin - Amanda Miller[?] (Iowa / Lincklaen)
     Nathaniel Bryan - Esther Ann Pultr (Sherburne)
Marriage Notices - 1862
     Daniel Barber - Sarah M. Masten (Norwich / Otselic)
     Morris C. Thompson - Janet Evans (Pharsalia)
     Mr. J.H. Yale - Cordelia J. Root (Marshall)
     William Marvin - Adelia Holdrich (Greene)
     Marcus R. Horton - Elsie E. marvin (Greene)
     Mr. A.A. McDonald - Ellen A. Lockwood (Chenango Forks / Binghamton)

Obituaries

Posted October 23, 2019

Charles H. Woodard (Norwich, 1939)

Ivan DeWitt Woodard (Norwich, 1943)

Julia M. (Follett) Woodard (Norwich, 1935)

Schuyler Legrand Woodard (Morris, 1935)

Death Notices - 1862

     Frankie Eugene Cohoon (Greene, 5y)

     Carrie Dunn (Greene, 16 months)

     Lydia M. Miller (Chenango Forks, 20y)

     Elbridge R. Burnham (Washington DC, Pitcher, 19y)  Civil War Soldier

     Mary Barstow (Coventry, 49y)

     Philip Shiffer (Norwich, Coventry, 77y)

     Ernesteine Eddy (Pharsalia, 17y)

Posted October 25, 2019
Edward J. Tefft (Manlius, 1938)
Arthur David Thompson (Norwich, 1940)
May (Doolittle) Telford (Edmeston, 1936)
Newell S. Tarbel (Norwich, 1940)
Death Notices - 1862
     Luia B. Hotchkiss (Greene, 7 months)
     George R. Terwilliger (Chenango Forks, 2y)
     Roxana Johnson (Norwich, 56y)
     Joseph Keith (Norwich)
     Edwin D. Bennett (Bennettsville, 22y) Civil War soldier 61st Reg.
     Lucien Chandler (Pitcher, 20y) Civil War soldier 76th Reg.

Posted October 26, 2019
William Todd (Dry Brook, 1942)  soldier of WWII, killed in Philippines
Addie Augusta Tillapaugh (King Settlement, 1942)
Warren Tillapaugh (Bainbridge, 1934)
Death notices - 1862
     Lois M. Carter (Greene, 32y)
     Mary Eliza Lyon (Greene, 2y)
     Charles Berry (Norwich, 6y)
     Edward Berry (Norwich, 5y)
     James Berry (Norwich, 2y)
     Margarite Griffin (Norwich, 3y)
     Patrick Griffin (Norwich, 1y)

Posted October 29, 2019
Ormond Eugene Tyler (Los Angeles, CA, South New Berlin, 1916)
Frances E. (Welch) Ubbens (Norwich, 1933)
Margaret Ann Ubbens (Norwich, 1933]
Ward L. Winsor (Guilford, 1936)  Lightning strike
Eunice Kevill (Endicott, 1936)
Death Notices - 1862
     J.C. Dana (Utica, Binghamton, 37y)
     Samuel Eggleston (Norwich, 21y)
     Ezra Kingsley (Plymouth, 76y)
     Anna Burch Allen (New Berlin, 1y)
     John A. Coy (Pharsalia, 5y)
     Stephen B. Brown (Smithville, 20y)  Civil War soldier, 14th Regiment

Posted November 1, 2019
Fred Linn Townsend (Holmesville, 1933)
Uriah C. Toby (Bainbridge, 1935)
Lydia Ann (Whipple) Throop (Preston, Norwich, 1927)
Death Notices - 1862
     Kattie Adams (Greene, 2y)
     Ida A. Lewis (Smithville, 12y)
     Martin Sackett (Plymouth, 85y)
     Widow of Timothy Davis (Bainbridge, 65y)
     Widow of Pardon Redfield (Bainbridge, 75y)

Posted November 5, 2019
Rev. John B. Hoyt (Coventry, 1862)
William Brown (Page Brook, 1898)  Killed in cyclone
Harvey Trass (Norwich, 1936)  Civil War soldier
Alfred Joseph Trehanon (Norwich, Albany 1941)  Airplane accident
Death notices - 1862
     John C. Fitch (Norwich, 41y)
     Mary Wood (Norwich, 68y)
     S. Lucretia (Columbus, 26y)
     Rosannah Watrous (Greene, 40y)
     States Loomis (Smithville, 3y)

Posted November 7, 2019
Sally Augusta Kinsman (Greene, 1862)
John Tremlett (Gouverneur, Edmeston, 1939)
Mary A. Touey (Norwich, 1939)
Death Notices - 1862
     Julia Hamilton (North Norwich, 20y)
     Albertus Hayes (Smithville, 6y)
     William R. Harrison (Smithville, 6y)
     Jerusha Fanning (Corning, Preston, 95y)
     Erasmus D. Johnson (Norwich, 54y)
     Ellen Weaver (Norwich, 11y)

Posted November 9, 2019
Orlando W. Jones (1862)  Civil War soldier 90th Reg. N.Y.S.V.
Belle W Turner (Mesick MI, Sherburne, 1938)
Florence Pratt Tucker (Norwich, 1942)
Robert Tracy (Norwich, Waterloo, 1937)  Racing car accident
Death Notices - 1862
     Orrin R. Wells (Dundus Canada West, Greene, 48y)
     Robert Shipman (Oxford, Springfield, 82y)
     N. Horace Stanton (Norwich, 32y)
     Elizabeth Henrietta (Upton) Fenno (Boston, mount Upton)
     Edgar H. Warner (Port Crane)  Civil War soldier, 27th Reg. N.Y.S.V.

Posted November 14, 2019

Charles Henry Tuttle (Norwich, 1938)

Anna Todd Tuttle (New Berlin, 1942)

Ruth Tyler (South Plymouth, 1941)

Catherine De Gaetano (Oxford, 1941)

Death Notices - 1862

     Carrie L. Taft (Triangle, 2y)

     B. Sherman Allen (Norwich, 39y)

     Almon Janes (North  Norwich, 58y)

     Mary Ann Seward (Smyrna, 21y)

     David Ingersoll (Smithville, 18y) Civil War soldier, 7th Reg., PA Cavalry

     Rosalia M. Coley (Charles City IA, Oxford, 24y)

     Edgar M. Cooley (Preston, 3y)

Posted November 19, 2019
Grace Talbot Robinson (Edmeston, 1939)
Ophelia Delphine Robinson (Smithville, South New Berlin, 1935)
Delilian (Tyler) Robinson (New Berlin, 1912)
Leona Marguerite Riker (Norwich, 1934)
Death Notices - 1862
     Charles J. Hall (Greene, 16y)  Civil War Soldier, co. E, 90th Rev. N.Y.S.V.
     Almon S. Janes (North Norwich, 58y)
     Mary Ann Seward (Smyrna, 21y)
     Mary E. Wheaton (New Berlin, 26y)
     Reuben Wheaton (New Berlin, 61y)
     Charles Sumner Benedict (Plymouth, 2y)
     Oliver Fremont Benedict (Plymouth, 4y)
     Hellen Thompson (Preston, 12y)

Posted November 20, 2019
Mr. Moore (Preble, 1862) Train accident
Emery S. Manwaring (South New Berlin, 1939)
William Volney Mathewson (New Berlin, 1939)
Dr. Elra N. Morgan (South New Berlin, 1935)
Death Notices - 1862
     Celia M. Fairchild (Pitcher, 15y)
     Maria Theresa Clarke (Thompsonville CT, Norwich)
     Mrs. James Bisbee (East Pharsalia, 75y)
     Esther Clark (Clarkville, 71y)
     Thomas Keith (Brookfield, 59y)

Posted November 22, 2019
Dr. Charles C. Willard (Greene, 1862)
Jennie S. Newton (South Plymouth, 1932)
Alanson T. Newton (Norwich, Plymouth, 1938)
Myrtle V. (Dixson) Nelson (Holmesville, 1941)
Emma Hitchman Nash (Norwich, 1925)
Death Notices - 1862
     Jeremiah Slawson (Key West FL, Greene, 28y)  Civil War soldier, Co. E, 90th NYSV
     Lizzie Hallem Bacon (Oxford, 34y)
     John Lawrence (Mt. Upton, Waconsta MI, 73y)
     Lucy Miller (Plymouth, 60y)
     Seerling Gilmore (Binghamton, Greene, 43y)

Miscellaneous

Posted October 27, 2019

Chenango County Casualties - Battle of Fair Oaks - June 1862

Posted October 30, 2019
Letter from David K. Bunnell, 23rd NY Infantry, January 1862

Posted October 31, 2019
News Items:  David K. Bunnell, Civil War Soldier

Posted November 6, 2019
Letter from Samuel Haynes, Civil War Soldier, June 1862.

Posted November 13, 2019
Letter from Isaac S. Fitch - Civil War Soldier, July 1862.

Posted November 16, 2019
Letter from Albert G. Northrup - Civil War Soldier, July 1862, 27th NY Infantry

Posted November 17, 2019
Car Accident at Auburn, NY - Sheriff Lewis, J. Raymond Oakley, Ward Teachout

Posted November 18, 2019
Ward A. Teachout Story - 1939

Posted November 21, 2019
Letter from the NY 114th Regiment, September 1862