Vital Records - December 1854

 Oxford Times, December 6, 1854

Married:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 29th ult., by the Rev. J.W. Starkwether, Mr. Edwin A. Hull to Miss Martha B. Merrell both of Oxford.

Married:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 30th ult. by Rev. J.C. Ransom, Mr. Willard Wells to Miss Betsey Ann Leach, all of Oxford.

Oxford Times, December 13, 1854

Married:  At the Methodist church in this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 10th inst. by the Rev. Dr. Paddock, Mr. Z. Paddock, Jr., Merchant of Waverly, Tioga Co., to Miss Rachel S. York, daughter of Dr. Edward York, of this village.

Died:  In Preston [Chenango Co., NY], on the 5th inst., of typhoid fever, Mr. Clark Hough, aged 63 years.

Oxford Times, December 20, 1854

Married:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 13th inst., by the Rev. N. Ripley, Mr. Joseph C. Willcox of Sanford, Broome county, to Miss Sarah A. Gibson, of Gilbertsville, Otsego Co.

Married:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 14th inst., by the Rev. W. Bixby, Mr. Chandler Preston to Mrs. Melinda Ensworth, all of Oxford.

Died:  At South Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], Nov. 30th, Emma R. Thomas, daughter of Stephen C. and Elvira Thomas, aged 5 years, with a most distressing sickness, that terminated in the croup, yet was never heard to groan or complain.  A discourse was preached by George Balcom (Evangelist) from the Saviour's words "Blessed are they that mourn for they shall be comforted."

Also died Dec. 5th, in the same house, Lewis S. [Thomas] son of Dea. S. and C. Thomas, with the same disease, aged 11 years, uncle of the above.  His sickness was most distressing, yet he bore it with Christian patience, trusting in his Saviour, that he found last winter, under the following peculiar circumstances; During a meeting held in this place last winter, it was announced by Geo. Balcom that he would preach the funeral sermon of the first one that should die out of the congregation present, from the words "Prepare to meet thy God."  When this youth with others was convicted and converted, and this one desired to move forward and be baptized, but his parents (like many others) rather he would wait a little; but when on his death dead, he said "Mother, I am sorry I was not baptized."  By request the same preacher named the same text with improved arguments to a crowded house, as a warning to the next to be numbered among the dead, not doubting the happiness of the young brother deceased, but feeling there would be the same lack of brightness in Glory, as of obedience here on earth.

"Yes he has gone to realms above, / To dwell forever with his God; / To sing the great Redeemer's song, / In glorious anthems around the throne. / But oh! for him we should not weep, / In Jesus arms he fell asleep; / The Savior bade his spirit rise, / To find a home in paradise."

Oxford Times, December 27, 1854

Married:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 20th inst., by Rev. Wm. Bixby, Mr. Edwin Davidson to Miss Jane Driscall, both of Greene [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 22d inst., by Rev. J.C. Ranson, Mr. Charles Medbury of Gloucester, R.I., to Miss Cinda U. Aldrich, of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 24th inst., by Rev. J.C. Ransom, Mr. Wm. Marvin of Greene [Chenango Co., NY], to Miss Polly Payne, of Smithville [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 14th ins.t, by the Rev. A.B. Jones, Mr. Rufus Bennett of Greene to Miss Lucinda Adkins of Coventry [Chenango Co., NY].

We learn that news has been received here of the death of Benjamin H. King, of North Norwich [Chenango Co., NY] in New York City, of typhoid fever.  Mr. King left his residence for New York about two weeks since on business.  This intelligence will fall sadly on his numerous friends and relatives as Mr. King was universally respected for his good business qualities and high integrity of character, His age was about 50 years.  Chenango Union