Marriages (March 28)

Mr. & Mrs. Horatio G. Littlefair

60th Wedding Anniversary, February 15, 1926

Horatio G. and Hattie Louisa (Bowers) Littlefair

A rare by happy event of local interest to many Norwich and surrounding residents will occur Monday when in the neighboring village of Holmesville [Chenango Co., NY], Mr. and Mrs. Horatio G. Littlefair will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary.  On February 15, 1866, Horatio G. Littlefair of the town of Butternuts [Otsego Co., NY] and Miss Hattie Louisa Bowers of Plasterville [Chenango Co., NY] were united in marriage by the late Rev. John C. Foster at the parsonage of the Baptist church in South New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY].

Mrs. Littlefair is the daughter of the late Gilbert L. and Harriet Pendell Bowers, well known early residents of Plasterville and vicinity. She was born in Plasterville December 30, 1844, is a sister of Henry G. Bowers, of this city and Frank C. Bowers of Plasterville, also of Lewis H. Bowers, a former resident and policeman among Norwich's first uniformed force but now residing in Syracuse.  Her girlhood was spent in and around Plasterville and Norwich until at working age she became engaged in a cheese factory at Holmesville from which she resigned to marry Mr. Littlefair.

Mr. Littlefair was born in Gilbertsville [Otsego Co., NY], March 7, 1843.  His father and mother died when he was a very small child.  Thereafter he made his home with an uncle, the late Edward G. Gadsby of the town of Butternuts on a farm just across the river from Holmesville where he lived until about 20 years of age.  Early he learned the carpenter trade and although necessarily of the old school, his ability as a contractor and builder was very popular and he erected many fine dwellings and large dairy barns throughout this section which today stand as splendid tributes to his ability in this line.  For a time, Mr. Littlefair also followed the occupation of a railroad carpenter and erected a large number of depots on the southern railroad.  During the early development of the west he also followed his occupation in Colorado and recollects many of the early scenes in and around Denver, Leadville, Pike's Peak and many other places in that state.  Since giving up active work in this line, Mr. and Mrs. Littlefair have resided in the village of Holmesville, where Mr. Littlefair is now engaged as express agent and caretaker at the railroad station and despite his years is exceedingly active and looks and acts a man of many less than 83 years.  Mrs. Littlefair, three years ago, had the misfortune to rock off the porch of their home and fracture her hip.  Since then she has not been able to walk to a very great extent but by the use of a wheel chair propels herself about the house and attends to most of her household duties, and her general health is fine despite many attacks of sickness and she looks a woman much younger than she is.

To Mr. and Mrs. Littlefair were born six children; Mrs. Charles Powers of Holmesville; George E. Littlefair of Fort Worth, Texas; Merritt G. of Honey Grove, Texas; Charles L. and Frank B. of this city.  One son, Clarence L. died in 1889 at the age of fourteen.  There are seven grandchildren and four great grandchildren.  they comprise largely a family of railroaders. Starting with Mr. Littlefair as local agent at Holmesville, George E. Littlefair is general agent for the Frisco railroad at Forth Worth, Texas; Merritt G. Littlefair is a passenger conductor on the Sante Fe Railroad at Honey Grove, Texas, Frank B. Littlefair is employed as a train dispatcher at the local division office of the Ontario & Western railway, Charles Littlefair just prior to engaging in the confectionery business with Geo. W. Nagel in this city, was general transfer foreman at the local O.&W. Freight station. Two of the grandchildren are also employed as locomotive firemen.

Mr. and Mrs. Littlefair will not have a formal celebration of this unusual and happy event but their day will necessarily be given over to acknowledging the calls of their many neighbors and friends in this and in the Unadilla valley.

Marriage Notices

Chenango American, May 5, 1864

In East Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 1st inst., by the Rev. L.E. Spafford, Mr. Daniel Terrel of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], to Miss Eliza Pettis, of this town [Greene].

In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 20th ult., by Rev. S. Scoville, Mr. Obadiah G. Rundeld, to Miss Minerva Devoll, both of Norwich.

Chenango American, May 19, 1864

At East Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 17th inst., by Rev. M.S. Wells, Mr. Henry McFarland, to Miss Sarah J. Horton, both of Oxford [Chenango Co. NY].

In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 9th inst., by Rev. J.C. Ransom, Mr. Charles Fisher to Miss Delia Vickery.

In Norwich [Chenango Co., nY], on the 12th inst., by Rev. A.N. Benedict, Mr. Henry Bissell, of North Norwich to Miss Frances F. Roserbrook, of norwich.

Chenango American, May 26, 1864

In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 13th inst., by Rev. Daniel Ballou, Mr. Zeba L. Drake, of Oxford to Miss Emma L. Bennett, of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY].

Chenango American, June 2, 1864

In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 25th ult., by Re.v Wm. Searls, of Ithaca, Mr. H.D. Mallory, to Miss Sophia S. Nash, both of Norwich.

On the same morning, by the same, Mr. Charles H. Church, to Miss Hattie Heady, both of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY].

At Guilford Centre [Chenango Co., NY], on the 12th ult., by Rev. S.M. Kee, Mr. Legrand Cassell, of Afton [Chenango Co., NY], to Miss Alice Young, of Guilford Centre.

Letter from General Sherman's Army - May 1864

Letter from General Sherman's Army

Chenango American, May 26, 1864

In the Field Near Coosa Springs
May 6, 1864

Dear Brother:  Your letter I received two days ago.  It found me on the march.  On the 1st of May the order to "forward" again rang out to the Army of the Cumberland.  After one night's hurried preparations, and sending our surplus baggage to the rear at Chattanooga, the morning of the 2d found our Division on the road from Romille to Ringgold, Ga., distant 15 miles.  We accomplished the distance long before nightfall, and went into camp. We found Gen. Baird's division of our Corps already here. Troops continued to stream into the town until the whole of the 14th Corps was here.

Night before last we received orders to march at sunrise yesterday, and in accordance with orders, as Old Sol appeared above the tops of Taylor's Ridge yesterday morning, his rays were reflected back from the bright bayonets and polished accoutrements of Jeff. C. Davis' Division, as we slowly filed thro' "Hooker's Gap."  Hardly had the head of our advance merged into view in the valley below when we were fiercely engaged by the enemy's skirmishers, who contested our every step, but the gallant Kilpatrick, of Potomac notoriety, led his Western Cavalry to a charge, and assisted by the 60th Ill. of our Brigade, the Johnny Rebs were induced to fly, and hurriedly sought shelter in their fortifications at Dalton and Tunnel Hill.

Last night we bivouacked on the ground occupied by the enemy's videttes yesterday morning, and this morning we have advanced our lines 5 miles farther.  We are now 7 miles south of Ringgold, Ga. Johnston has a strong position in front of us, and his force is reputed at from 40,000 to 80,000; but he will have his match this time, I think. Gen. Sherman knows his game, and has concentrated an army at this point quicker than I have ever read of, or seen before. The 4th Corps which has been in East Tennessee so long, after a forced march from Knoxville, joined our left last night; the one-armed Gen. Howard commands it.  Joe Hooker, with his two Corps of Eastern troops, has marched from Lookout Valley, and joined our right last night, while the 15th Corps of the Vicksburg army is rapidly coming up from Huntsville Ala.  Its advance was at Chattanooga last night, and by tomorrow night we will have in position at least eighty thousand effective veterans. A battle is hourly imminent; from present appearances I think Hooker and Logan will attack on the right, Howard on the left, both executing a flank movement, while the 14th Army Corps advances directly in the front and centre of the rebel position, and unless Johnston retreats a terrible battle will ensue, putting in the shade Chickamauga.

The Army of the Cumberland is on the road to Atlanta.  No slight obstacle will impede its onward progress. Weeks ago I had thought a battle would occur in Virginia before we advanced, but it now seems that Northern Georgia will first echo from her hills and mountains the tidings of the first real battle of '64. We are stripped for the work; but one wagon is allowed to a Regiment to carry cooking utensils; all tents, clothing, &c., must be carried by the officers and men themselves.  I have one suit on me, and with my poncho of India rubber, overcoat, blanket, and one pair of shirts, drawers and socks, constitute my stock on hand. Gen. Sherman will not be caught with a great wagon train on hand as was Banks in Louisiana lately.

The weather is beautiful; trees in full leaf, and these little nooks and valleys among the smoky hills are the most enchanting places I ever saw.  The streams and springs which are numerous, are magnificent; and as good water for man and beast as the world produces.

I will write again when the battle is finished if I am fortunate enough to survive.  Hurrah for the old flag though it does wave over thousands of cowardly disloyal objects (by some called men).  I will cry "Bully! for him", whoever he may be, who assists to kill, slay, aye exterminate traitors who  murder defenseless prisoners.  I care not whether the work is done by whites, blacks, or mules, so it is done, and the wretches receive their reward.  

John S Schenck [of Smithville, Chenango Co., NY]

Obituaries (March 27)

Elizabeth A. Andrews

Afton Enterprise, April 2, 1886

Miss Elizabeth A. Andrews, a highly respected lady of Binghamton [Broome Co., NY], was instantly killed while crossing the D.L.&W. railroad, Monday morning.  She was on her way to the post office, and in order to reach Main street, where she took a street car to ride over to town, she was obliged to cross the Erie and D.L.&W. railway tracks. After crossing the Erie track, a freight train passed over that road, and it is supposed the rumble of that train prevented her from hearing trains approaching the crossing on the D.L.&W. tracks from the north, she could not see any train that might come in from the west, owing to several flat cars, piled with lumber and standing on side tracks, that obstructed the railway crossing.  Just as she had stepped around these flat cars and upon the western bound track of the D.L.&W., an express train came rushing along, and the train caught her.  She was struck upon her left side and thrown upon the cow catcher, which carried her about two hundred feet, when she rolled off between the tracks.  Chas. A. Weed, who was at work where the catastrophe occurred, in company with several others, hastened to the spot where Miss Andrews fell from the guard.  Upon their arrival they found that life was extinct.  Upon examination it was found that the left ankle had been broken, that the skull had been fractured about the right and left temples, and the neck had been broken. The deceased was 64 years of age, and formerly resided in Norwich this county [Chenango Co., NY].

May Linger

Died May 22, 1938, Omaha, NB

King Settlement [Chenango Co., NY]:  Relatives here of May Lingee have received word of her death after several months' illness at Omaha, Nebraska, May 22.  She was the oldest daughter of Albert and Jessie Follett.

Calvin A. Lewis

Died December 14, 1933, New Berlin, NY

Calvin A. Lewis, infant son of Mr. and Mrs. William Lewis of White's Pond, died Wednesday.  Funeral services were held Friday afternoon at 2 o'clock from the funeral home of George J. Devine, with interment in Mt. Hope cemetery [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY].  the parents are the only survivors.

Addison Lyon Mesick

Died February 15, 1932, Binghamton, NY

Addison Lyon Mesick, 82 years old, died at 12:30 o'clock Monday afternoon at his home, 31 Margaret Street, after  a long illness.  He is survived by his wife, Harriet Jayne Mesick; two sons, Henry P. and Ralph A. Mesick, and a grandson, Addison Mesick, all of this city. The funeral will be held at 2:30 o'clock Wednesday afternoon at the J.F Rice funeral home, 150 Main Street, Johnson City, Rev. Lloyd S. Ruland will officiate.  Burial will be in Riverside, N.Y.

Hattie Louisa (Bowers) Littlefair

Deid January 26, 1935, New Berlin, NY

The infirmities of old age resulted in the death Saturday of Hattie Louisa Littlefair at the family home in Holmesville [Chenango Co., NY], Saturday Jan. 26.  Had she lived until February 15, Mr. and Mrs. Littlefair would have observed their 69th wedding anniversary.  Mrs. Littlefair was born Dec. 30, 1844, at Plasterville [Chenango Co., NY], the daughter of Gilbert and Harriet Pendell Bowers.  Her childhood was spent in Plasterville, February 15, 1866 she was united in marriage to Horatio G .Littlefair, who survives her. Deceased was a member of the Baptist church in Littlefair,. Private funeral services will be held from the family home Tuesday afternoon, 2 o 'clock, Rev. G.H. Simons, officiating.  Burial will be made in Riverside cemetery, South New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY].  Besides her husband, the following children survive:  Mrs. George Page, Holmesville; George E. Littlefair, Fort Worth, Texas; Merritt G. Littlefiar, Cleburne, Texas; Charles L. and Frank B. Littlefair of this city. Another son, Clarence L. died in 1889. Two brothers, Henry G. Bowers of this city, Lewis H. Bowers of Syracuse and seven grandchildren also survive.

Death Notices

Chenango American, May 26, 1864

In St. James Hospital, New Orleans, on the 6th inst., from a wound received in the battle of Pleasant Hill, Mr. Joseph S. Smith, of Co. E, 114th Regt, N.Y.S.V., of this town [Greene, Chenango Co., NY].

In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 16th inst., Mary Adelaide [Herrick], youngest child of Eliphalet and Susan Herrick, aged 8 years and 2 months.

In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 11th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Wheeler, aged 58 years.

In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 17th inst., Mr. Rufus Phillips, aged 85 years 4 months and 20 days.

In Earlville [Madison Co., NY], on the 29th inst., John G. Smith, aged 74 years.  The deceased was the brother of James H. Smith, Esq., President of the Bank of Norwich.

Chenango American, June 2, 1864

I this village [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], on the 1st inst., Willard White, aged 34 years.

In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 29th ult., Minerva [Willoughby], aged 63 years and 5 months.

In Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 27th ult., Mr. Joel Yale, aged 73 years.

In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 26th ult., Dellaette C. [Willcox], wife of Whitman Willcox, aged 39 years.

In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 29th, ult., Frank Eugene [Shaw], aged 3 years and 3 months.

In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 26th ult. Anice Juelina [Merrill], only child of Daniel and Mary E. Merrill, aged 1 year and 6 months.

Letter from 114th -Dr. H.H. Beecher, Jan. 1864

Letter from Surgeon Dr. H.H. Beecher - 114th NY Regiment

Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, January 20, 1864

U.S. Marine Hospital
New Orleans, January 1, 1864

On Monday morning last, Charles Turner, private of Company C, 114th N.Y. paid the death penalty for desertion, in being shot, near the Vicksburg Cotton Press of this city.

I was aware that he had been tried and had received his death sentence, but understood it was to be put in execution in the division to which he belonged, now at the front, or near New Iberin, some time this month.

During the day of Monday it was rumored in the Hospital that a soldier of the 114th had been shot for desertion, but unable to learn the truth, I could not credit the report till I read in the Time and Era of the following morning the account which I herewith enclose.  Had I known that he had been transferred to this city some days before, and was so soon to meet his fate, most gladly should I have availed myself of the privilege of visiting him in his cell, and bestowing all the comfort, encouragement and consolation in my power.

Such an occurrence at any time or place, or under any circumstances, is a melancholy event; but when the unfortunate victim is one of our own number, it is bringing the matter very near to our own doors.  The verdict of death passed upon him by the Court, and approved by the Commanding General, at least a month ago, he firmly avowed he was entirely ignorant of till the morning before it was to be executed. To me, this, if it be true, and I am without evidence at present to the contrary, seems very strange; for I hold upon every principle of right, of justice, and religion, both as concerns the affairs of this world and the world to come, that when an offender is sentenced or doomed to die, whether by a civil or military tribunal, he should immediately know the worst, and have time and space given to prepare for it.

The terrible shock at the intelligence, and the condition of his mind, can better be conceived than described. During the day he made written application to the Commanding General, which was taken by the Provost Marshal in person, for a respite, reprieve, or commutation of the sentence.

The General, who, I believe, is a kind-hearted man, as well as a brave and gallant commander, replied that he had carefully considered the matter, and he could not change the result.  Having received the reply, and finding that his last and only hope was gone, he immediately set himself to work to prepare for the awful change!  He desired Christian sympathy and consolation--a spiritual adviser--when Rev C.B. Thomas, Chaplain of the university and St. James Hospitals (a classmate of our townsman and minister, Rev. Mr. Scoville) was soon provided.

With Chaplain Thomas I have the pleasure of an acquaintance, and am happy to know and state that the doomed man had the ministrations and counsels of so faithful a minister in his last trying hours.  He visited him in the evening--talked with him and prayed with him--remaining some three or four hours.  Early in the morning he visited him again--fervently commending him in prayer and conversation to the goodness and mercy of the Savior--remaining with him till he was taken from his prison, and then rode with him upon his coffin to the place of execution--still keeping by his side till within a moment or two of the time the fatal bullets sent him to his God.

The soldiers detailed to execute the terrible sentence were ten in number, each man furnished with arms, eight of which were fully and properly loaded. The unfortunate man was placed standing to face, ten paces in front, in his ordinary dress, his eyes uncovered and his hands unpinioned, and must both have heard the command and seen its execution, "make ready"--"take aim"--and with the deadly weapons pointed at his breast, heard the terribly fatal work--FIRE!

At one time, while standing upon the canvass, the Chaplain thought he trembled and faltered somewhat, and turned a little pale, but a few words of encouragement brought him right again, and he died like a hero, while there is reason to hope and believe he died a real Christian--a true penitent as well.  And I am happy to be able to correct the statement which appeared in the Times, that he "exhibited his horror and fear in a manner quite overcoming, previous to his leaving the prison," and also that he was "a Catholic in religion," all of which is untrue.

To the Chaplain he several times expressed himself, on the way to his execution, as feeling perfectly happy, in the immediate prospect of death, and his utmost confidence that his sins had been pardoned, and that as regarded his future, all was well.  He related to him everything concerning himself, his family, and matters of business, seen to the minutest detail, giving explicit directions how he wanted this and that disposed of--this thing and the other done.  He expressed the bitter sorrow of his heart and his deep sympathy for his dear wife and child in their sore affliction, saying that he wished his little boy might be brought up to lead a good life, that he might have a happy end.  He spoke likewise freely and kindly of his half brothers and others, also of Col. Frink, and said if they knew or had known of his fate, they would have done all in their power to have obtained his reprieve.  He appeared to blame no one, confessed he had done wrong and was sorry for it, but said he had not committed murder or stolen, and he thought the "articles of war" too severe.

While it is unpleasant to think that the odium attached to so flagrant a crime should fall upon one of our own men, and be reflected back to "old Chenango," which has sent forth so many of her brave and patriotic sons, there is some mitigation in the thought that the untimely end of this unfortunate man will prove a salutary lesson, and that he has done, perhaps, more for his country in his death than he could have done by his life.  In expressing my own sympathy, I express I am confident the deep sympathy of the entire regiment, and of the public, for the severely stricken family of the deceased.

A generous and confiding community, I am sure, will promptly and amply provide, if need be, for all their temporal wants, while Christian words of comfort and good cheer will soothe the otherwise inconsolable sorrows and loneliness of the widow's heart; and the gentle teaching of some pious friend, and the "still small voice" of a higher than parental love, lead the little one, the child of orphanage, in the path of rectitude, in the ways of virtue, whose "ways are ways of pleasantness and all her paths are peace."

Having said thus much--too much perhaps for publicity, of which you must be the judge--more at least than I at first intended, I drop the unpleasant subject.  And I do so the  more willingly as Chaplain Thomas has written a long letter to his wife containing, doubtless, a fuller account, more fittingly expressed, than I can possibly communicate, and which letter, I understand, is proper for the public.

Should I say more under the circumstances--in these times of straightened thought, when men's tongues and pens are tied in the emergency of our National calamity, I might say too much; and especially, opposed as I am to "capital punishment," unless it might be in case of well-proven, deliberate, and willful murder!  If God spared the life of Cain for the blood of his brother Abel, the law-makers and the executioners of the law, would so well to ponder and take heed!

Well, this is New Year's day, and I wish you and all my friends a "Happy New Year;" hoping that the new may savor less of blood, and war, and carnage, and desolation, that the old, which has been added to the cycle of the past, tinging with its crimson current the stream of time.  Of pain and anguish, of desolated homes, of sorrow and death, what, "old year," has been thy record?  Of great joy and comfort to all afflicted people, what have been thy 'idings?  Depart year; year of mixed good and evil; year of sanguinary strife, of disappointed hopes, of wrecked happiness in many lands; We sigh not, we sorrow not that thy record is closed and thy race is run, but we shall never forget thee, painful as the remembrance will ever be, because of the sad events that occurrred in our own dear land during thy existence!

A "New Year" Whatever of hopes or fears--of joyous anticipations or evil forebodings may be awakened by thy advent, we gladly turn from the bitter recollections of the past, to hail thy appearance, and joyfully greet thy coming!  As in the midst of civil war and strife we entered upon the last, so enter we upon this, while it is the fervent prayer of every patriot's heart, that as Victory appears upon our banners, the swelling acclaim of "Liberty and Union, now and forever, one and inseparable," may be raised from one end of the land to the other, and from all tongues, and before the end is nearly reached, a joyous and substantial peace, a peace founded upon the triumph of justice and right, be obtained. 

This morning was a "nipper"--the thermometer at 22 degrees or 10 degrees below freezing--yesterday morning it stood at 66 degrees.  Quite a "change in the weather."  So you see that even in the more "congenial clime" of the sunny South the poet's words prove true:

"On frosty wings the demon fled,

Howling as o'er the wall he sped.

Another year is gone!"

A rousing fire is very comfortable, and overcoats, mittens and mufflers indispensable just now, when facing the bleak winds of the North.

With today the holidays are over, which in this city, proverbial for its gayety and hospitality, are usually regarded with more than ordinary observance.  Spent Christmas mostly in the Hospital, discussing among other things, with the officers of the Institution and a few invited guests, a Christmas dinner worthy of Yankee land. The bill of fare, of course, was complete. The soldiers likewise had extra rations and a little good old cider from the North, which made their eyes snap.  It doubtless carried them back to the long winter evenings of "cider and apples"--to the rolicsome times of snow balling, skating and "sliding down hill."

Passed today much the same as "Merry Christmas."  Made a few "New Year's calls" with a friend, but the popping of corks and the flow of sparkling champagne, with such a variety of eatables and drinkables, was too much for my weak stomach, and we were obliged soon to retire.  H.  [Dr. H.H. Beecher]
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From the Adjutant General's Report for the NY 114th Regiment
TURNER, CHARLES:  Age, 24 years.  Enlisted August 5, 1862, at Norwich, to serve three years; mustered in as private, Co. C, August 7, 1862; executed for desertion, December 28, 1863.

Charles Turner sentenced to be shot for desertion:  We learn through the favor of Lieut. Isaac Burch, formerly of this office, now with the 114th in Louisiana, that private Charles Turner, of this town [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], a member of company C, 114th regiment, was tried before a Court Martial on the 18th of September last, on charges of misbehavior before the enemy, disobedience of orders, conduct to the prejudice of good order and military discipline, and desertion, and found guilty on all the charges, and sentenced to be shot to death with musketry, between the hours of sunrise and sunset on the 28th day of December, 1863.  Whether the sentence was executed, we have not yet heard.  [Chenango Union, Jan. 6, 1964]

 

We mentioned last week the trial and sentence of Charles Turner, of this place [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], a member of Company C, 114th regiment, for desertion and other offenses against the military law.  An arrival from New Orleans since then beings the following account of his execution.  the particulars will be read with melancholy interest.  (From the New Orleans Era, Dec. 29):  We briefly mentioned in our evening edition of yesterday the execution by shooting, of Chas. Turner, a deserter from the New York 114th Regiment.  He forsook his regiment at Port Hudson.  Forty days after he was arrested and court martialed for desertion and several smaller offenses, being found guilty upon each charge.  At the battle of Camp Bisland, he fell out of the ranks and took refuge in a ditch, but says he had the permission of his Captain to do so; that he only followed the example of others in taking refuge.  The sentence of death by shooting was approved by the Commanding General about the first of this month, and was carried into effect yesterday morning at the Vicksburg Press, before a large military force.  The culprit bore his fate with more fortitude than was to have been expected.  He was attended during his last hours by Chaplain C.B. Thomas, of the University and St. James Hospitals, his own chaplain being out of the city.  Turner told the chaplain that he slept the night before about as usual with the exception of an occasional awakening, when he addressed himself to prayer.  He was particular in requesting the chaplain to see that his name was properly placed upon his coffin and a prayer said over his grave.  He was anxious that the odium of dying in the manner he did, should not attach to his wife and child.  His last request was for Chaplain Thomas to write to his wife that he believed God had forgiven him, and that he died in reasonable hope of mercy.  [Chenango Union, Jan. 13, 1864]

Obituaries (March 25)

Helma Christina Pedersen Lewis

Died January 26, 1944, Butternuts, NY

New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY]:  After an illness of two years, Mrs. Helma Christina Lewis died Wednesday at her home in the town of Butternuts [Otsego Co., NY].  She was born July 23, 1885 in New York, the daughter of Andrew and Trinia (Tunersen) Olsen.  Her early life was passed in New York where she attended school.  In 1910 she was married to William Pedersen and his death occurred in 1926.  In 1930 she was united in marriage with Leon J. Lewis, He Survives.  Other survivors include a daughter, Mrs. Florence Pederson Dixson of South New Berlin; a son, Sgt. Arthur Pedersen, who is serving overseas, and two step-daughters, Mildred Lewis and Mrs. Dorotta Nelson, both of South New Berlin. Five grandchildren survive in addition to a sister, Miss Ottolia Olsen of Brooklyn.  Mrs. Lewis was an active member of St. Mathew's church and the auxiliary of that church. She also belonged to the home bureau and the Unadilla Valley Grange. Services will be held from her late home Saturday afternoon at 2.  Rev. Harold C. Kelleran, rector of St. Mathew's church will officiate. Burial will be made in Riverside cemetery at South New Berlin.

Charles Lethbridge

Died December 24, 1943, East Hubbardton, VT

Pittsford [Otsego Co., NY]:  Funeral services for Charles Lethbridge, 88, who died Friday at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Martin Powers in East Hubbardton, will be held Monday afternoon at 2 o'clock at the Barnard Funeral home here. Burial will be in this village.  Mr. Lethbridge was born in Rutland town and spent his entire life in Rutland county [VT].  He leaves, besides Mrs. Powers, three other daughters, Mrs. Alice Laroqque of Cambridge, N.Y., Mrs. Nora Harvey of Rutland and Mrs. Donna Chespo of New Haven, Conn., and three sons, Charles Lethbridge of Dresden Station, N.Y., Walter Lethbridge of Hudson Falls, N.Y., and Henry Lethbridge of Rutland. Twenty-six grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren also survive.

Ralph J. Griswold

Died January 16, 1935, Philadelphia, PA

Ralph J. Griswold of 14 Boulevard Terrace, former Norwich business man and prominent Binghamton investment expert, died at the University of Pennsylvania Hospital in Philadelphia, Pa., Wednesday, following a two-months illness for which he was operated on last week.  He was 54 years old.  Mr. Griswold had been undergoing treatment in Philadelphia since November.  Born in McDonough, Chenango County, in 1880, the son of Henry and Helen Griswold, he was educated at village schools, followed by attendance at Fairfield Academy and the Albany Business College.  He held the position of vice president and local representative of the F.G. Hood lumber co. of Pentoga, Mich., for six years as a young man, and then moved to New York City where he entered the brokerage business with the A.H. Lanburn Co., sugar brokers.  His next employment was with the E.J. Goode Rug Co. of New York, for whom he traveled.  In 1920 he went to Norwich and became associated with the John N. Benedict auto agency, remaining with this firm for about six years.   During that period he lived at Sherburne, attending the First Congregational Chruch.  Mr. Griswold opened investment offices in Binghamton in 1930 in the Security Mutual Building, establishing his home on Oak Street.  Since that time he moved to Boulevard Terrace.  He belonged to the Norwich Rotary Club, the Kalurah Temple, A.A.O.N.M.S., of Binghamton and the West Presbyterian Chruch here.  He is survived by his wife, Jennie and two daughters, Mrs. George B. Vermilye and Jane Griswold, all of Binghamton. The body arrived in Binghamton last night at 9:20 from Philadelphia and was taken to the Ivan Barber Funeral Home in Johnson City.  Prayer services will be held there Saturday night at 7:30 and the body will then be removed to Sherburne for funeral services at the First Congregational Church of that village Sunday afternoon at 2:30. The Rev. Lloyd Stanton Ruland, pastor of the West Presbyterian Church of Binghamton, will officiate.

Death Notices

Chenango American, May 5, 1864

In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 26th ult., Frederick Newkirk [Balcom], twin son of William and Selinda Balcom, aged six months.

In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 26th ult., Mr. Sherman S. Bartholomew, aged 39 years, 9 months and 20 days.

In Cannon, Mich., on the 8th ult., Harriet K. [Lownsberry], wife of J.D. Lownsberry, formerly of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], aged 32 years.

Chenango American, May 12, 1864

In this town [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], on the 9th inst., Mrs. Polly Campbell, aged 84 years.

At Fort Schuyler, McDougall Hospital, March 31, of measles, Mr. Joseph Searles of Guilford [Chenango Co., NY] and a member of the 5th Heavy Artillery, aged 33.

In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 6th inst., Mrs. Abby [Brown], relict of the late Jesse Brown, aged 83 years.

In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 29th ult., Mrs. Clarissa Noyes, widow of the late Col. John Noyes, aged 69 years.

Chenango American, May 19, 1864

In East Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 8th inst., Louisa E. [Towslee], wife of H.L. Towslee, aged 34 years and 11 months.

In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 12th inst., Margaret [Crozier], wife of William Crozier, aged 26 years and 3 months.

In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 12th inst., Willie [Lee], son of Calvin G. and Eliza Lee, aged two years, 3 months and 24 days.

In Mt. Upton [Chenango Co., NY], on the 11th inst., Mr. William W. Green, aged 38 years.

In German [Chenango Co., NY], on the 10th inst., Mrs. Lydia Harvey, wife of the late Cyrus Harvey, aged 79 years, 4 months and 8 days.

Obituaries (March 24)

E.B. Van Camp

Chenango American, March 17, 1864

In the list of killed in the late battle at Olustee, Florida, is the name of E.B. Van Camp a member of Co. B, 8th N.Y. Colored troops.  He was drafted into the service last summer from Norwich.  The name of George Robinson, of Co A, same regiment, is in the list of wounded in the same battle, and it is generally supposed to refer to another colored soldier from that place of that name.

Oliver Family

Chenango American, April 7, 1864

Mr. John Oliver, his wife, eldest daughter and infant, residing in Half Moon, Saratoga county, have died within a brief period. Their disease is attributed by physicians to the foul vapors from the cellar under the house, which was filled with potatoes.

Alfred Nichols

Chenango American, April 14, 1864

Alfred Nichols, Esq., a well known lawyer of Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], died at that place on Sunday last of diptheria.  He was last fall elected Special County Judge, and the office becomes vacant by his death.

Sherburne News, November 6, 1909

Editor Sherburne News:  Some kind friend sent me a copy of The Sherburne News of October 9th.  The article under the heading of "Do You Remember?" attracted my attention and being a member of the family of "Attorney Nichols" mentioned in that article, I thought some of your readers might be interested to know what has become of us.  The older residents of Sherburne many remember that my father, Alfred Nichols, died at his residence in that village in 1864.  At the time of his death he was Special County Judge of Chenango County.  Not long after my father's death my mother, with her three small children, returned to her girlhood's home in Pitcher, N.Y.  Bravely and patiently she toiled to keep her little family together until they were of an age to care for themselves. Twenty years after my father's death she married G.C. Palmer, of New Hartford, who recently died at the advanced age of 101 years.  She is still living at New Hartford, but will soon make her home with her children.  her eldest son, Irving E., resides in Cortland, N.Y., the youngest in Naugatuck, Conn. Though I was too young to remember much concerning my life in Sherburne, I can recall a few of its incidents.  I know I was sent to an "infant school" taught by Miss Miranda Follett.  I remember the queer little stove in the middle of the room upon which something black and bitter was always steeping, to wash the naughty mouth and tongue that told a lie.  I remember the willow tree that grew back of the house where we lived.  It had a curved limb so near the ground that it often served as a chair for a certain wee lass with her book; and there was a honeysuckle climbing over the porch and a jasmine growing on a trellis in the front yard.  It would be gratifying to me if some of my father's old friends in Sherburne could produce some anecdote or reminiscence of him.  He must have been a unique figure in those days.  He was a very small man and wore a tall silk hat and was an inveterate story teller. But I dare say the friends who knew him best have long since passed away.  To me the memory of the old times though dim, is very dear, and the odor of the honeysuckle or the jasmine flowers always carries my thoughts back to my childhood's early days in Sherburne.
Ida Nichols Warner,  23 Spring street, Ilion, N.Y., October 20, 1909

Rev. Dr. Henry Hale Gifford

Died May 3, 1937, Penny Farms, FL

Word has been received here of the death of the Rev. Dr. Henry Hale Gifford, retired minister of the Protestant Episcopal Church.  His death occurred at the Penny Farms, Florida, where he had been living since his retirement in 1931.  Dr. Gifford started his ministry, after graduating from Princeton University and the General Theological Seminary, in New York City, as rector of Grace church, Elizabeth, N.J.  He was successively rector of St. James Church, New Brunswick, N.J.; St. Margaret's Church, the Bronx, and St. Andrew's New Berlin, N.Y. Surviving are his wife, the former Anna E. Brown; his brother, Frank Gifford, of Marine, N.C.; and four sons, Clifford Brown Gifford and Henry Durelle Gifford, of Sacramento, Calif., Howard Kelly Gifford, of Los Angeles, and the Rev. Frank Dean Gifford, pastor of St. Thomas Episcopal Church, Mamaroneck, N.Y.

Lillian (Stark) Gifford

Died February 7, 1937, Edmeston, NY

Edmeston [Otsego Co., NY]:  Struck by a car and hurled down an embankment by the impact, Mrs. Ernest Gilbert, 54, was killed almost instantly Saturday morning in front of her home south of here.  Mrs. Gilbert had posted some letters in a mailbox and had started back across the road to her home when hit by an auto driven by Earl Hickling, son of Mr. and Mrs. Walter Hickling, this village.  Mrs. Gilbert was thrown over a guard rail and down an embankment and the car smashed over several posts. The driver was uninjured.  Mrs. Gilbert was dead of internal injuries by the time she had been carried to her home by passing motorists.  Dr. H.V. Frink, Richfield Springs, coroner, was called and troopers from Sherburne investigated the accident which took place near the milk station.  Lillian Stark Gilbert was born at Mill City, Pa., April 3, 1882, daughter of Jennie Daley and the late John Stark.  Most of her life was spent at Clark Summit, Pa., but she had resided in this section for several years. She was twice married, her first husband being Claude Titus, Oct. 30, 1930, she was married to Ernest Gilbert.  Besides her husband, she leaves a daughter, Marie Titus, Edmeston, and a foster son, Rutherford Stark, San Diego, Calif.; two brothers Thomas, Hopbottom, Pa., and Floyd, Clark Summit; two sisters, Mrs. Lewis Wademan Ithaca, and Mrs. Joseph Swintak, Binghamton,  The funeral wil be held Tuesday at 2 p.m.

Death Notices

Chenango American, April 21, 1864

In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 18th inst., Harriet Ann [Johnson], daughter of Homer Johnson, aged 15 years.

In Guilford [Chenango co., NY], on the 18th inst., Mr. Ezra Gibbs, aged 67 years.

In Mt. Upton [Chenango Co., NY], on the 5th inst., Mrs. Anna Stowell, formerly of Richfield, Otsego Co., aged 86 years.

Chenango American, April 28, 1864

In Chenango Forks [Broome Co., NY], on the 21st inst., Mr. Daniel Willson, aged 88 years.

At the U.S. Hospital, David's Island, on the 11th inst., Mr. Luther A. Johnson, of Co. H, 89th Regt, N.Y.S.V., aged 23 years.

In Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 13th inst., Mr. Thomas Sheldon, aged 83 years.

In Coventry [Chenango Co., NY], on the 5th inst., Ruth Martin, daughter of the late Dea. William A. Martin, in the 27th year of her age.

Letter from the NY 114th Regiment - April 1864

Letter from one of the 114th Boys--Account of the Red River Battles

Chenango American, May 12, 1864

Grand Ecore, Western La,
April 12, 1864

Dear Friend:  I take this the first opportunity to inform you of my safety after having passed through one of the hardest fought battles that has taken place during the war.  We left Nachitoches, four miles distant from this place, on the 6th inst., marched 15 miles and encamped for the night. The next morning resumed our march and reached Pleasant Hill, making twenty miles that day, our Cavalry having driven the enemy from there during the day after a severe skirmish.  On the morning of the 8th inst. the Cavalry and the 13th Army Corps, numbering nearly seven thousand men, commanded by Brig. Gens. Ransom and Lee, advanced at daylight and soon commenced skirmishing with the enemy, the 19th Army Corps consisting of one division or six thousand men followed them, and after marching eight miles went into camp for the night. We had hardly pitched tents when an order came to strike them and fall in with two days' rations of hard bread, it being the only grub that could be procured.  The Division was soon formed, and in motion to the front at a rapid rate. We had not marched far before we learned that our advance was engaged with the enemy and required reinforcements. After marching seven miles in one hour and thirty-five minutes, we reached the scene of action, where our advance was overpowered by vastly superior numbers of the enemy and was retreating in the wildest disorder.

The scene beggars description.  The road for more than a mile was completely barricaded with wagons, ambulances, caissons, panic-stricken soldiers and negroes flying to the rear. The 161st N.Y. Regt. that was on the right of our Brigade, was deployed forward to check the advancing enemy while our lines were being formed, which being done they retreated in good order closely followed by the enemy, who advanced in a splendid line of battle elated with their success and confidently expecting to capture our whole command.  Our Brigade was formed on the edge of a piece of woods with a cleared field in front.  The 2d Brigade was formed to protect our left flank and the 3d our right.  The enemy approached unconscious of our position and numbers, and when they came in short range of our line they were saluted by a volley of musketry from our entire Brigade. They broke in disorder and fled for the woods, but were followed by a second volley before they gained them; they then tried to turn our left flank, but with no better success, being repulsed by our left and centre; they next attempted to force our right, but were sent a third time with shattered ranks to the cover of the timber, leaving us in quiet possession of the position.  We then raised a yell of defiance which was taken by the enemy in front that the assault on our right was successful, accordingly they sent forward a body of cavalry to pierce our centre. They approached within a rod of our Regiment and took us to be friends, but to their astonishment found us enemies. We ordered them to surrender but they turned to run, and the entire regiment poured a volley into them which empties most of their saddles; only a few of them escaping unhurt.

The coolness of our Brigade, and especially our Regiment, is highly applauded by all who were on the field, and the credit is due them of saving the army from a disaster greater than Bull Run. The engagement lasted two hours from the time our Division was attacked until the enemy withdrew from the field. The loss in our Regiment was comparatively light considering the shower of leaden hail that fell around us.  Our loss was two officers and five privates wounded, including our brave Lieut. Col. who received a musket ball in the right wrist, shattering the bone so badly that it is feared amputation will be necessary.  Private J.S. Smith of Co. E, received a severe wound in the thigh, he being the only one in that company that was injured.  It is thought that all of the wounded will recover. The loss in the other Regiments in our Division is in about the same proportion as our own, but the loss in the 13th Corps and Cavalry was very heavy, being upwards of twenty pieces of artillery, over one hundred wagons and one-half of their men and officers which were captured by the enemy.

Gen. Banks is severely censured by the army here, for if he had kept his forces within supporting distance of each other the disaster would not have occurred, and we should have been in Shreveport ere this time.

We lay on our arms in line of battle until eleven o'clock at night, when learning that the enemy had received large reinforcements and would renew the battle at daylight, with a force twice our own, the General commanding deemed it prudent to fall back. Accordingly we commenced our retreat and marched back 15 miles to Pleasant Hill where we had eight thousand fresh troops of the 16th Army Corps encamped. As we were closely pursued by the insolent foe, it was thought necessary to teach them a lesson; accordingly we took our position formed our lines of battle, and awaited their approach. Brisk skirmishing commenced about 10 A.M. and was kept up until 4 P.M., when the enemy in front and right advanced in three lines of battle, each line four deep, with borrowed courage from a mixture of rum and gunpowder that was served out to them by their commander. They tried to carry our position but were greeted with a simultaneous discharge of musketry from our whole lines which sent them back to form again. A second time they advanced to force our centre.  Our two first lines gave way, but the third and last line which was formed of our division, succeeded in checking and driving them back a second time.  Meanwhile the two first lines were rallied and took their former position. The rebs fought with a desperation worthy of a better cause. The fighting on both sides was mostly done by infantry. For three hours there was one continuous and deafening roar of musketry, so loud that the report of cannon could scarcely be distinguished. Every available man on each side was engaged.

The enemy's force greatly exceeded our own. They had at least twenty-five thousand men while our force did not exceed fifteen thousand.  About sundown the rebs commenced falling back, badly whipped and our entire line advanced to the charge, capturing many prisoners. The fighting ceased at 8 o'clock, and we had quiet possession of the field.  Our loss through the day was nothing in comparison to that of the enemy, for they left upwards of two thousand killed and wounded on the field, while our loss will not exceed five hundred. The 114th Regt. was particularly fortunate, there being but three killed and five or six slightly wounded. The coolness and bravery of our men and officers could not be surpassed. The Regiment was commanded by Maj. Curtis, who nobly did his duty; Adjt, E.P. Pellet distinguished himself as a brave and efficient officer; Lieut. Rorapaugh, our gallant company commander, as well as all our line officers, nobly did their duty, and their example was followed by every man. Chenango may well be proud of her sons she has sent forth to protect her country's honor.  

We lay in line of battle until twelve at night, when we received orders to fall back, as our supplies were exhausted.  We had been living on hard tack for two days previous, and they had now played out. Accordingly the infantry withdrew and took up the line of march for this place, a distance of 35 miles, where we arrived at 4 P.M. yesterday; thus marching in six days upwards of one hundred miles, and fighting two severe battles. The field at Pleasant hill was held by our cavalry twenty-four hours, as the rebs had retreated from the field in the utmost confusion.  If we had followed them up, as we should have done if our supplies had been sufficient, we would have achieved the greatest victory of the war. The men are impatient to meet them again.  Our position here is a strong one. We have the protection of gunboats, and if necessary we can easily hold it against twice our numbers.

We are ready for an attack and hourly expect one, as their available force west of the Mississippi under the command of Kirby Smith, Dick Taylor, Price and Walker, are in our front.  The reb Gens. Greene and Mouton have been killed in the late actions. Gen. Banks is here as gay and cheerful as ever. We take it as an omen that all is well.  

Yours Truly, W.R. Corbett

_______________________________________________________

From the Adjutant Generals Report
CORBETT, WILLIAM R.:  Aged, 19 years.  Enlisted, August 11, 1862 at Greene, to serve three years; mustered in as private, Co. E, August 13, 1862; promoted corporal, September 1, 1864; killed in action, September 19, 1864, at Winchester, Va.

Marriages (March 23)

Sabin - Sage

Married May 14, 1943, Montrose, PA

George E. Sabin and Mrs. Ethel Sage were married Friday, May 14, 1943 in Montrose, Pa.,  They will make their future home in Norwich [Chenango Co., NY].

Walsh - Grover

Married August 3, 1924, Utica, NY

Miss Ruth Mildred Grover of Merritt place, New Hartford [Oneida Co., NY], and Thomas Francis Walsh of Cortland [Cortland Co., NY] were married at 11 o 'clock this morning in the rectory of St. John's Church. The Rev. Robert J. Bogan performed the ceremony in the presence of immediate relatives.  Miss Clara Barrows of Bellows Falls, Vt., and Gilbert Deery of Cortland were the attending couple. The bride wore a tan colored costume and carried an arm bouquet of white roses. The bridesmaid carried pink roses.  Mr. and Mrs. Walsh left for a wedding trip to Buffalo, Cleveland and other Mid-Western points. The bride, who is a sister of W.J. Grover of Merritt Place, New Hartford, has been a teacher of vocational training and natural science in the junior high school at Scotia. She was graduated from the Cortland Normal School and attended Cornell University.  Mr. Walsh is in the drug business in Cortland and is also associated with the Lane-Walsh Millinery Company of that place. The newly married couple will be at home after September 1 at 21 Pleasant street, Cortland.--Utica Press, Wednesday, August 6.

Wales - Standish

Chenango Telegraph, March 10, 1942

The marriage of Miss Virginia E. Standish and Vernon K. Wales was solemnized Friday evening at the home of Rev. and Mrs. Rexford K. Crounse at Sidney Center [Delaware Co., NY], with Rev. Mr. Crounse, pastor of the Methodist church of that village and former pastor at Plymouth united the couple, in the presence of only the immediate families.  The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Leland Stewart of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], and the groom is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Herman Wales of Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY].  Miss Standish was attired in a tan tailored suit with black accessories.  Her corsage was a green orchid with yellow roses.  The bridesmaid, Miss Marjorie Fuller, was attired in blue with black accessories, with a corsage of rubrum lilies and pink roses  William Sprague served the groom as best man.  Mrs. Stewart, mother of the bride, wore gold wool with brown accessories.  Mrs. Wales, mother of the groom, wore wine crepe with brown accessories. Their corsages were of Talisman roses and sweetpeas. Both the bride and the groom are graduates of Norwich high school, class of 1941. The bride is employed in the office of the Chenango Cooperative Savings & Loan Association. The groom is an employee of the Scintilla Magneto Company in Sidney. After March 15 Mr. and Mrs. Wlaes will be at home to their friends at 121 South Broad street, Norwich.

Mr. & Mrs. Edwin Wackford

50th Wedding Anniversary, October 29, 1940

Oxford [Chenango Co., NY]:  Mr. and Mrs. Edwin Wackford who reside three miles south of this village, celebrated their golden wedding anniversary Tuesday, Oct. 29 with a family gathering at their home.  They reside in the same home in which they started keeping house, a half century ago following their marriage in this village. The observance was a "four-square party" and in addition to the golden wedding anniversary marked the birthday anniversaries also of Mr. Wackford; a niece, Mrs. Henry Martin of Binghamton, and a sister, Mrs. Sarah Wackford, of Oxford.  Messages of greeting, flowers and gifts were showered upon the bridal couple during the day. A dinner party for the family was a feature.  In attendance also were Mr. and Mrs. Will Haynes and Mr. and Mrs. Levi Haynes of Norwich; Mrs. Nellie Peeler of Cleveland, Ohio; Mr. and Mrs. Henry Martin of Binghamton; Mrs. Sarah Wackford of Oxford and Stanton Clum of Norwich.

Marriage Notices

Chenango American, April 21, 1864

In Unadilla [Otsego Co., NY], on the 6th inst., by Rev. S.S. Goodman, Mr. Lucius Cumber to Miss Louisa M. Gage, both of this town [Greene, Chenango Co., NY].

In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 17th inst., by Rev. J.C. Ransom, Mr. D.H. VanAntwerp, of Afton, Wis., to Miss Adda Cooley of the former place.

Chenango American, April 28, 1864

In New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], on the 10th inst., by Rev. J.L. Jones, Mr. Charles R. Young, of Rutland Co., Vt., to Miss Sarah Ellen Roberts, of the former place.

At the residence of col. E.W. Stratton, in Cortland [Cortland Co., NY], on the 12th inst., by Rev. S. Crane, Mr. Richard T. Husted, of Marathon [Cortland Co., NY], to Miss Anglia P. Dodge, of Cortland, formerly of Oxford.

Chenango Union, December 9, 1875

STEELE - BROWN:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], Dec. 7 by Rev. L. Haynes, Mr. Edgar A. Steele to Miss All C. Brown, only daughter of E.L. Brown, Esq., all of Norwich.

BARD - THORNTON:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], Nov. 30, by Rev. S. Scoville, Mr. William F. Bard to Miss Mazada Thornton, all of Norwich.

KINCH - BECKETT:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], by Rev. J.C. Ward, Mr. Horton E. Kinch of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], to Miss Matilda Beckett of Oxford.

SMITH - VAN VALKENBURGH:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], Nov. 22 by Rev. A.B. Dilling, Mr. Alvah Hunt Smith to Maria VanValkenburgh. All of Greene.

RICH - MONCRIEF:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], Nov. 15 by Rev. A.B. Dilley, Mr. Lewis N. Rich of Triangle [Broome Co., NY] to Miss Libbie J. Moncrief of Greene.

QUAIL - CHAPMAN;  In Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], Nov. 23 by Rev. HS. Jones, Mr. Thomas J. Quail of Lebanon [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Libbie A. Chapman of Sherburne.

Obituaries (March 22)

Mary Ann (Bowers) Walker

Died December 14, 1912, Oxford, NY

Mary Ann (Bowers) Walker

1818-1912

Oxford [Chenango Co., NY]:  Oxford loses its oldest resident in the recent death of Mrs. Willis Walker after a brief illness with pneumonia.  Her advanced age, 94 years, made recovery almost impossible.  Mrs. Mary Ann Walker leaves as a legacy of a long life passed mostly in this section the memory of a beautiful career and the thoughts of her that friends cherish are only blessed recollections of a noble Christian character. Since the death of her husband in 1892, she had resided with her son, Melvin, most of the time and old friends have enjoyed visiting her there.  Her birthdays were usually observed by visits from her friends and many of them have been memorable occasions.  She was born on September 6, 1818, in Connecticut.  Her parents, Stephen and Mary Pettengill Bowers, were descended from old Rhode Island stock and came to New York State, settling in Plymouth.  Mrs. Walker being 5 years of age at the time, of a family of 11 children, she was the sole survivor. She had retained her mental faculties to a remarkable degree. She had always been a great Bible student.  She was a member of the East Oxford Baptist Church.  On March 27, 1845, she was united in marriage to Willis Walker, who died June 4, 1892.  Mrs. Walker is survived by three sons, Howard and Melvin, of Oxford, and Wayland Walker, of Burson, Cal.

Myrtle Vergason

Norwich Sun, January 2, 1931

Word has been received here of the death of Miss Myrtle Vergason at her home in Lodi, Cal., on Monday, December 29.  Miss Vergason was the 18-year-old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. H.E. Vergason, formerly of 90 Elm street, this city [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY].  Besides many friends, Miss Vergason is survived by her parents, two brothers, R.L. Vergason of Petaluma, Cal.; M.A. Vergason of this city and two sisters, Dorothy P. Vergason of Lodi, Cal., Mrs. E.W. Hutchins of this city.  Miss Vergason was well liked by all who knew her, and will be missed by many, both in this city and in California.

Edwin Wackford

Died December 9, 1941, Oxford, NY

Oxford [Chenango Co., NY]:  Following a prolonged illness, the death of Edwin Wackford, 76, occurred Tuesday at his home on Oxford East hill.  Mr. Wackford was born in England May 17, 1865, the son of Thomas and Jane (Gilbert) Wackford.  Widely known and respected his death removes a substantial resident.  Mr. Wackford was an honorary deacon of the Oxford Baptist church.  Funeral services will be held in the Baptist church Thursday afternoon at 2 o'clock. Rev. F.L. Anderson, pastor, will officiate. Burial will be made in Riverview cemetery [Oxford].  Mr. Wackford was united in marriage October 29, 1890, with Minnie Gordon who survives him.  He also leaves a sister, Mrs.  Nelson Beck of Afton and a brother, Herbert of Oxford, and several nieces and nephews.

C. Henry Barnard

Chenango American, April 7, 1864

In this village [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], on the 27th ult., Mr. C. Henry Barnard, aged 32 years.

This community has indeed been stricken of late in the loss by death of cherished and valued members. Within a few months past we have been summoned to mourn the departure of dear friends whose places may not easily be filled.  In the death here recorded another has been added to our sad Mortuary Register. Suffering through a long wearisome illness which he bore with exemplary fortitude, submission and patience, death at last came suddenly to blast the hopes of a devoted wife and fond mother and a large circle of affectionate family relatives.  Amid the alternations of hope and discouragement which his painful sickness caused him to experience, he was borne up by a prevailing cheerfulness of spirit.  Nervous in the constitution of his body, he was yet wonderfully clam and hopeful. The transit at last was sudden.  His spirit left the suffering body without any seeming increase of pain, so quiet and gentle was his departure.  Our friend now gone to the grave was prompt, active, honorable and just in an eminent degree in his business transactions, and true in all his attachments.  We can but deplore the dark decree which removed him in the very summer of his life from the ranks of the living. The writer of these lines has reason to remember the attachment of a long friendship with him which was never marred by even a word of irritation or a look of estrangement; while the kindnesses received at his hands will long keep his memory green in the shrine and sanctuary of the heart.  May the sorrows of the bereaved ones be soothed by influences which Christ alone can impart.

Death Notices

Chenango American, April 7, 1864

In Truxton, N.Y. [Cortland Co.], on the 31st ult., Birtie G. [Short], son of Wm. G. and Lydia M. Short, aged 4 years and 4 months.

In this village [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], on the 3d inst., Sarah [Gray], wife of the late Enoch Gray, aged 78 years.

In Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 24th ult., after a lingering illness, Samuel A. Smith, aged 85 years.

In Chenango Forks [Broome Co., NY], on the 28th ult., Mr. F. W. Shaylor, aged 20 years.

In Chenango Forks (Broome Co., NY], on the 3d inst., Wm. D. Lisk, aged 11 years.

In Franklinville, Cattaraugus Co., on the 26th ult., Mr. Seth E. West, formerly of this town [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], aged 57 years.

In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 29th ult., Mr. John P. Smith, aged 67 years.

In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 4th inst., Capt. Paul W. Latham, aged 70 years.

In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 27th ult., Mr. Jacob Woodlard, aged 77 years and 8 months.

In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 24th ult., Homer Winner, aged 9 years and 10 months.

In Preston [Chenango Co., NY], on the 3d inst., Mr. Marenus Gamet, aged 21 years.

In Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], on the 21st ult., Mrs. Amy Dible, aged 84 years.

In Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], on the 21st ult., Mr. Charles Wilcox, aged 85 years.

In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 25th ult., Mrs. Adosha Smith, mother of the late Col. E.B. Smith, aged 78 years.