Vital Records (July 11)

Seely - DeLand

Married September 3, 1890

On Wednesday, Sept. 3d, the near relatives of the contracting parties gathered at the residence of Mr. and Mrs. M.F. DeLand, to witness the marriage of their oldest daughter, Cora E. [DeLand], to Mr. Chas. Seely, of Coventryville [Chenango Co., NY].  The ceremony was performed by Rev. N.B. Ripley, and the happy couple departed on the noon train for Binghamton, followed by the best wishes of many friends.

Daughter of N.E. Kelley

Born July 27, 1890

Born, to Mr. and Mrs. N.E. Kelley, a daughter.

Caswell - Dickinson

Married September 27, 1890, Nineveh, NY

A very pleasant social event occurred at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Dickinson, at Nineveh [Broome Co., NY], last Saturday evening at which time their daughter, Miss Annis [Dickinson] was united in marriage to Mr. Will Caswell, of Afton [Chenango Co., NY], The ceremony was performed by Rev. A.M. Colegrove, in the presence of the immediate friends and relatives of the bride and groom.  Following the congratulations, the company sat down to a bountiful repast that had been liberally provided by the host and hostess, and the happy couple left on the evening train for Binghamton. The bride is one of the first young ladies of our sister village, while the groom is one of our finest young men.  Mr. and Mrs. Caswell are well known in Afton, and they have hosts of friends who join with the Enterprise in wishing them many years of happiness.  They were the recipients of many useful and valuable presents.

Kirby - Cable

Married August 19, 1890, Afton, NY

Edward G. Kirby and Effie L. Cable, both of Afton [Chenango Co., NY], were married Aug. 19, at the Presbyterian parsonage, by Rev. H.T. Perry. We extend our congratulations, and wish them much joy in their wedded life.

William O. Roberts, Attempted Murder

Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, May 21, 1885

William O. Roberts was on Thursday afternoon last arraigned in the Oyer and Terminer under an indictment for attempting the life of Jennie Tracy, at Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], in August last.  The prisoner pleaded guilty to the charge, and was sentenced to ten years imprisonment at Auburn, the term being the full extent of the law.  In passing sentence, Judge Murray called attention to the heinous nature of the assault, dwelling upon the evident intention of the prisoner to murder the girl in cold blood.  Had Miss Tracy died, and her recovery was almost miraculous, the prisoner would doubtless have been convicted of murder in the first degree.

The history of the crime can be given in a few words.  Miss Tracy was the daughter of a farmer named William Tracy, who resided about two miles South of Oxford.  In August last she was attending school in Oxford.  Roberts, who had worked for her father as a farm hand, was smitten with the girl and had importuned her to marry him, which she refused to do.  On the day of the crime, Miss Tracy was leaving the school building, when she was met by Roberts, who pulled out a pistol and deliberately fired at  her.  The ball took effect under the left eye, and taking a downward course lodged in the neck.  For weeks the case was considered hopeless, the poor girl hovering between life and death. But although the shot did not prove fatal, she has never fully recovered from its effects.  Her hearing is impaired, and her nervous system dreadfully shocked. The brute who committed the crime offers no defense except that he had been drinking, and was enraged at her refusal to marry him.  Ten years at hard labor in prison will give him time to reflect upon the enormity of his offense.  He was taken to Auburn by Sheriff June on Tuesday.

Elsie Hunt, Missing

Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, May 21, 1885

On Wednesday afternoon, May 6th, Elsie, aged fourteen years, daughter of B. Buler Hunt, a farmer residing near White's Pond, in the eastern part of this town [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], left her home, and is still missing.  She had for some time been dissatisfied with her home life, and it appears had contemplated leaving, having saved from time to time small sums of money for that purpose.  On the afternoon mentioned she left home, saying she was going to gather flowers for May baskets. She did not return that night, and it was supposed she had gone to stay with some of the children of the neighborhood.  Not appearing the second day, inquiries were instituted, when it was found that she had not attended school, and had not been seen in the vicinity.  Her father came to this village, where he learned that she had on Wednesday night purchased a ticket for New york, at the N.Y.O.&W. station.  He left for the city on Friday, the 8th, and is still there, searching in vain for his runaway daughter. Detectives have been employed by him, to assist in the search, and a reward is offered for information which will lead to her recovery.  The New York Sun of Tuesday last has the following:

"Mr. B.H. Hunt, of Holmesville, Chenango county, has been in this city for a week searching for his runaway daughter Elsie.  On the morning of May 6th she left home without any reason, and took a West Shore train from Norwich, N.Y.  Mr. Hunt traced her as far as the West Shore ferry house at Forty-Second street, where she attracted attention by asking questions.  She was fourteen years old, of slim build, and wore short dresses. She has light eyes, dark hair, carries her head slightly forward when walking, and has a small scar on her upper lip. She wore earrings with red stones."

Charles Maydole

Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, May 21, 1885

Charles Maydole, of Morrisville, a brakeman on Conductor Asher Young's coal train on the N.Y.O.&W. road, left Norwich station [Chenango Co., NY] Wednesday morning of last week. At Eaton Summit he fell between two cars, the wheels cutting off his right leg just above the knee.  He was taken to Morrisville, where he died in about three hours. Deceased was about twenty years of age, and this was his third trip as a brakeman. A young man from McDonough made his first trip as brakeman on the same train, and became so frightened over the accident which befell young Maydole, that he threw up railroading in disgust, returned from his trip, and made good time back to McDonough.

Hiram Locke

Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, May 21, 1885

Hiram Locke, a respected resident of Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], died suddenly at his residence, on the afternoon of the 7th inst., of apoplexy, aged 71 years.  Deceased was born in Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], and removed to Bainbridge about twenty-five years ago.  In former years he was widely known and popular as a hotel keeper, both in Guilford and Bainbridge, and will be remembered as a genial and obliging host.  He was a life-long Democrat, and a man respected and esteemed in all the walks of life.  His wife died several years ago, and he had since made his home with his daughter, Mrs. N.D. Card, the only remaining member of his family.

Lyman Barnes

Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, May 21, 1885

Lyman Barnes, Esq., died at his residence in north Pharsalia [Chenango Co., NY], May 15th, aged 91 years, 2 months and 17 days.  He was born in Granville, Mass., and settled in Pharsalia in May, 1827.  In politics he was a Democrat, and for many years one of the leading men of the party in his town.  He was a pleasant companion, a kind and indulgent parent, and an obliging neighbor.  He leaves two sons and many friends to mourn his loss. Deceased was father of Horace l. Barnes, Esq., of North Pharsalia.

Joseph Baker

Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, May 21, 1885

East Pharsalia [Chenango Co., NY]:  On Wednesday night last, Mr. Joseph Baker passed to the spirit land, at the advanced age of ninety-six years and one month, being the oldest person in town. About fifty-eight years ago, Mr. Baker came to this town from Massachusetts with his wife and little ones, making the journey in a wagon.  How little do we, in this age of railroads, realize what such a journey comprised, the privations and hardships to be endured in those long days of travel through an unknown country. Still less can we in looking over our fertile fields and pleasant homes, realize the change he has seen wrought here in over half a century.  The large forests have mostly disappeared, and fine fields and happy homes are in their places.  He has seen our churches built, he has seen children grow up, take their part in the various scenes of life, and pass away.  His health has been poor for some time, no perceptible disease, simply wearing out.  Loving daughters caring for him unto the end.  He leaves three daughters and one son in this place, also one son in the far west.  His funeral was held at the Congregational Chruch on Friday. Rev. D.L. Safford ably conducted the services. Then we laid him to rest that beautiful day, beside the wife who passed away more than a quarter of a century ago, with thoughts of the glad reunions over there.

Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, May 21, 1885

Married

LEE - SKINNER:  At the M.E. Church in this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], Wednesday evening, May 13th, by Rev. O.B. McAnnity, Mr. Henry H. Lee to Miss Jessie Skinner, all of Norwich.

LAMPHIRE - DARLING:  in Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], May 11th, by Rev. J.W. Mevis, Mr. Z.N. Lamphire, to Miss Luna A. Darling, all of Oxford.

MINER - VROMAN:  In Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY], May 2d, by Rev. C.S. Crain, Mr. Brownell W. Miner, of Hamilton [Madison Co., NY] to Miss Mary A. Vroman, of North Pharsalia [Chenango Co., NY].

Died

McDONALD:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], May 14th, Mr. Donald McDonald, aged 57 years.  Remains taken to Kingston, Canada, for interment.

KETCHUM:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], May 13th, Mr. Egbert Ketchum, aged 59 years.

BARNES:  In North Pharsalia [Chenango Co., NY], May 15th, 1885, Lyman Barnes, Esq., aged 91 years, 2 months and 17 days.  [See obituary above]

BAKER:  In East Pharsalia [Chenango Co., NY], May 14th, Mr. Joseph Baker, aged 96 years. [See obituary above]

LOCKE:  In Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], suddenly, of apoplexy, may 7th, Mr. Hiram Locke, aged 71 years.  [See obituary above]

JULIAND:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY],  May 12th, Charlotte H. [Juliand], wife of George juliand, aged 64 years.

HAND:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], May 1st, Minnie [Hand], wife of H. B. Hand, aged 16 years.

BASSETT:  In New Berlin Centre  [Chenango Co., NY], May 10th, Mr. Christopher Bassett, aged 67 years.

CHURCH:  In North Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], May 10th, Mr. A. William Church, aged 66 years.

CHAPIN:  Near Wells Bridge [Otsego Co., NY], May 8th, Mr. Ezra Chapin, aged 77 years.