Vital Records (September 19)

Stephen Prentice Turner, the oldest resident of this town [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], died Monday, December 24, 1900, at the residence of his son, Nelson J. Turner, at the advanced age of ninety-four years.  Mr. Turner was born in Gilbertsville, [Otsego Co., NY], and came to this town with his parents when seven years of age, which has since been his residence.  He was a thrifty and prosperous farmer, and commanded the universal respect of his fellow citizens.  He is survived by three sons, Simeon A., Richard N., and Nelson J., and two daughters, Mrs. Frances Williams and Mrs. Martha Post, who reside in Coventry  -- Oxford Times.  Deceased was grandfather of J.B. Turner of this village. [Chenango Semi-Weekly Telegraph, December 29, 1900]

Died:  TURNER:  In Oxford, December 24, 1900, Stephen Prentice Turner, aged 94 years.

Margaret, wife of L. Gilbert Sanford, died at her home, the Park hotel in Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], Sunday morning after an illness of about twenty-four hours.  The cause of death was eclampsia.  Mrs. Sanford was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Martin O'Donnell of Norwich and was married to Mr. Sanford in 1888.  Besides the parents she is survived by the husband, a three-year-old daughter, two brothers and two sisters, Mrs. Murphy of Norwich, and Miss Ella O'Donnell.  Her age was thirty-six years, Funeral services were held from St. Joseph's church, Oxford, Wednesday morning at 10:30 o'clock.--Times  [Chenango Semi-Weekly Telegraph, December 29, 1900]

Newton - Yeaw:  "Santa Claus" reindeer wore their wedding bells when they called at "The Evergreens," Christmas morning. They rang most joyously, when "Santa," through Rev. H.W.H. Watkins, gave Fred Newton the most valuable and precious gift he ever possessed, Miss Lulu Yeaw.  Mr. Newton is the son of Mrs. Ellen Grant, and Miss Lulu, the only child of one of the merchants of East Pharsalia.  Both are universal favorites with old and young.  All wish them bon voyage through life.  [Chenango Semi-Weekly Telegraph, December 29, 1900]

Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, Apr. 6, 1882

Married

TALBOTT - ROGERS:  In McDonough  [Chenango Co., NY], March 30th, by Rev. A.W. Barrows, Mr. M.M. Talbott, to Miss R.L. Rogers, both of Binghamton, N.Y.  

BURHYTE - CREGO:  In Columbus [Chenango Co., NY], March 29th, by Rev. E. McWarren, Mr. Augustus E. Burhyte of Brookfield [Madison Co., NY] to Miss Jennie A. Crego of Columbus.

HOLMES - MAINE:  In Lincklaen [Chenango Co., NY], March 23rd, by Rev. L. Lawton, Mr. Julius Holmes to Miss Eliza Maine, both of Guilford [Chenango Co., NY]

Chenango Semi-Weekly Telegraph, December 29, 1900

Died

HARRINGTON:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], December 18, 1900, Dr. S.H. Harrington, aged 71 years.

MORSE:  In White Store [Chenango Co., NY], December 25, 1900, William T. Morse, aged 83 years.

GRAVES:  In Mt. Upton [Chenango Co., NY], December 25, 1900, George Graves.

HALLSTEAD:  In Afton [Chenango Co., NY], December 24, 1900, Mrs. T.P. Hallstead, aged 66 years.

MOREY:  In Earlville [Madison Co., NY], December 24, 1900, Mrs. Polly Morey, aged 84 years.

BELDIN:  In Holmesville [Chenango Co. NY], December 22, 1900, Mrs. Manley Beldin, aged 56 years.

BRASEE:  In Brooklyn, December 27, 1900, Mrs. Electa Brasee, aged 72 years, formerly of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY].

WARNER:  In Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], December 21, 1900, Mrs. Elidia Warner, aged 64 years.

WATSON:  In Rochester, December 19, 1900, Mrs. Caroline Manning Watson, aged 74 years, formerly of Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY].

Vital Records (September 18)

 SWEET - SKELLY:  In Afton [Chenango Co., NY], December 25, 1900, by Rev. C.E. Sweet, Wallace Sweet of Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY] and Miss Daisy Skelly of Afton.  [Chenango Semi-Weekly Telegraph, Norwich, NY, Dec. 29, 1900]

A very pretty home wedding occurred at the home of the bride's parents on South Main street [Afton, Chenango Co., NY] Tuesday, Dec. 25, 1900, being the marriage of Daisy M., the accomplished daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Skelly, to Wallace H. Sweet, a worthy and popular young man of our town.  The ceremony was performed by Rev. C.E. Sweet at high noon in the presence of a few near friends.  After a most bountiful repast Mr. and Mrs. Sweet were driven to the 1:40 train and left for a short wedding tour.  This popular young couple have the best wishes of a host of friends in this place.  [Afton Enterprise, Dec. 27, 1900]

Masonville [Delaware Co., NY]:  Clinton Willis, the eldest son of Frank Willis, died on Sunday.  He fell while playing at school and was injured internally, which resulted in his death.  This boy, who was about thirteen years of age, was very bright, and his pleasant and winning manner won for him many friends. The funeral was held from the Presbyterian church on Wednesday at 1 p.m., conducted by Rev. J.D. Cameron. The heart broken parents have the sympathy of the entire community. [Afton Enterprise, Dec. 27, 1900]

Perch Pond Hill:  Mrs. Angeline Allen, a former resident of this place who has resided in Oneonta [Otsego Co., NY] for the past few years, died December 21 and was brought here Sunday for burial.  The funeral was held at the residence of her brother, Geo. Hulburt. She has many relatives and friends in this place and will be greatly missed.  [Afton Enterprise, Dec. 27, 1900]

The funeral of Washington Pearsall was held on Friday at 2 p.m., in the Baptist church in Harpursville [Broome Co., NY], Rev. O.D. Moore officiating clergyman assisted by the Rev. Mr. Flint of Nineveh. The funeral was under the direction of J.A. Kark of Harpursville.  By the dealt of Mr. Pearsall an honored landmark has been removed form our midst.  He was born in April, 1830.  A good man is gone, one who will be greatly missed in religious meetings. The family have the sympathy of a large circle of friends.  [Afton Enterprise, Dec. 27, 1900]

Ex-Supervisor James M. Philips, a wealthy and philanthropic resident of Coventry [Chenango Co., NY], died at his home in that town Tuesday morning of last week after a protracted illness.  His age was seventy-seven years.  He is survived by his widow, an adopted daughter having died about fifteen years ago. The funeral was held Thursday afternoon.  [Afton Enterprise, Dec. 27, 1900]

Mrs. Betsey A. Butler, after suffering for years with cancer died at her home about two miles east of Afton [Chenango Co., NY] on Tuesday, Dec. 18, 1900.  Her funeral was held Thursday, Dec. 20, Rev. B. B. Carruth officiating. Funeral director A.J. Holmes in charge; burial in East Side cemetery.  One son, Adelbert, survives, also two brothers, Levi and Lyman LeSuer.  [Afton Enterprise, Dec. 27, 1900]

Mrs. Benjamin Decker of West Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], recently died, and her relatives were in doubt at first whether transition had really taken place or not, the physician applying the tests of death several days after to make sure. The reason for this precaution is explained by the Bainbridge Republican as follows:  The trance spoken of in last week's issue which Mrs. Benjamin Decker experienced some years ago occurred before her marriage. The supposed lifeless body was ready to be placed in the coffin which was in the same room.  When an attendant broke a bottle upon a stand nearby, and the pieces flew, one falling upon the forehead of Mrs. Decker with such force as to cut a gash and the blood began to flow. She revived soon after.  [Afton Enterprise, Dec. 27, 1900]

During the severe storm of last week a Franklin undertaker had to conduct a funeral with burial at Treadwell.  After the funeral the undertaker and the driver of the hearse had seven miles of stormy weather to face, and they began to consider how they might avoid it.  There was the interior of the hearse, and finding that the team could be driven through an opening in front they were soon enclosed comfortably within.  But the spectacle of a driverless hearse going through the country caused some apprehension and two or three efforts to stop it. At each attempt a deep sepulchral voice from within the hearse said "Let the horses go."  They were let go.  [Afton Enterprise, Dec. 27, 1900]

Mrs. Lina M., widow fo former Presiding Eloder T.P. Halstead, passed away at noon on Monday, Dec. 24th, at the home of her daughter, Mrs. C. E. Carrington, with whom she has lived for a number of years.  Mrs. Halstead was sixty-six years of age; she had been a great sufferer having been an invalid for the past sixteen years.  The funeral will be held at the residence of Mr. Carrington this afternoon at 2 o'clock the service to be conducted by Revs., C.B. Personeus of Sanitaria Springs and C.E. Sweet.  Interment in Glenwood [Afton Enterprise, Dec. 27, 1900]

Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY]:  The death of Miss Lydia Warner occurred Friday morning, after a lingering illness at her home on Kirby street. The burial was in the Episcopal cemetery Monday afternoon, Rev Arthur Spalding officiating.  [Afton Enterprise, Dec. 27, 1900]

Chenango Semi-Weekly Telegraph, December 29, 1900

Married

BOND - TURK:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], December 24, 1900, by Rev. Wilson Treible, Horace R Bond to Norwich, and Miss Hattie E Turk of Sidney [Delaware Co., NY].

SLATER - MONROE:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], December 23, 1900, by Rev. Wilson Treible, Joseph A. Slater of Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY], and Miss Eva N. Monroe of East Pharsalia [Chenango Co., NY].

MARSHALL - STRATTON:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], December 22, 1900, by Rev. J.H. Littell, Frank Marshall and Miss Della May Stratton, both of Oxford.

BECKWITH - DAVIS:  In Pharsalia [Chenango Co., NY], December 20, 1900, by Rev. F.W. Sessions, Henry Beckwith of Cincinnatus [Cortland Co., NY] and Miss Clara B. Davis of Pharsalia.

HOWE - ROSENDAHL:  In Jersey City [NJ], December 19, 1900, by Rev. Walter J. Swahfield, Charles W Howe, formerly of Smyrna [Chenango Co., NY] and Miss Martha Rosendahl of Marion, Jersey City.

NEWTON - YEAW:  In McDonough [Chenango Co., NY], December 25, 1900, by Rev. H.W.H. Watkins, Fred L. Newton and Miss Lulu A. Yeaw, both of East Pharsalia [Chenango Co., NY].

DAVIS - LOOMIS:  Near Smithville Centre [Chenango Co., NY], December 12, 1900, by Rev. J.O. Barber, Ernest A. Davis and Miss Edith M. Loomis, both of Smithville.

PATE - LUCAS:  In Willet [Cortland Co., NY], November 22, 1900, by Rev. D.D. Brown, Charles A. Pate and Miss Jennie Lucas, both of Greene [Chenango Co., NY].

BEACH - DICKERSON:  In Oran [Onondaga Co., NY], December 25, 1900, by Rev. Silas Ball, M.R. Beach of Earlville [Madison Co., NY], and Miss J. Helena Dickerson of Oran.

BURRITT - DAVIS:  In Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], December 25, 1900, by Rev. William A. Trow, Horatio Burritt of Spencerport [Monroe Co., NY], and Miss Anna Davis of Sherburne.

BROWN - HOWES:  In Cortland [Cortland Co., NY], December 21, 1900, Arthur Brown of South Otselic [Chenango Co., NY], and Miss Mabel Howes of Cortland.

BOORING - CLARK:  In Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], December 25, 1900, by Rev. C.H. Sackett, Charles A. Booring of Oneonta [Otsego Co., NY], and Miss Daisy E. Clark of Bainbridge.

DILGER - COUSE:  In Binghamton [Broome Co., NY], December 25, 1900, John Dilger, of Jersey City [NJ], and Miss  Viola Couse of Binghamton, formerly of Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY]

SMITH - MURDOCK:  In Hamilton [Madison Co., NY], December 25, 1900, by Rev. Mr. Fairhead, Louis A. Smith of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY] and Miss Lucinda M. Murdock of Hamilton.

FERRIS - STEVER:  In Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], December 25, 1900, by Rev. Arthur Spaulding, Elmer L. Ferris on Oneonta [Otsego Co., NY], and Miss Nellie Stever of Bainbridge.

ANDERSON - ROOD:  In Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], December 26, 1900, by Rev. D.H. Sackett, Jay L. Anderson and Miss Helen M. Rood, both of Bainbridge.

Vital Records (September 17)

 Samuel Downing, Chenango Telegraph & Chronicle, Norwich, NY, February 27, 1867:  On Monday the 18th inst., Samuel Downing, the last of the Pensioners of the Revolution, died at his residence near Amsterdam [Montgomery Co] in this State [NY], at the ripe age of 105 years.  Thus all are gone of that noble old band who achieved our Independence. Their record is closed, but their memory shall endure forever.  Voting first for Washington and last for Lincoln (and never for Buchanan as has been falsely said) this patriot was ever true in his political life to the principals for which he had contended on the field of battle.  1776 and 1864--he was a devoted to his country at the last of these dates as at the first; he was always true to himself and to his country.  Is it not a noticeable coincidence that in the same week which under the reconstruction bill, marks what we believe will be the beginning of a new life to the Republic, the last survivor of those who gave it is original existence should pass away?

Katie Brooks, Chenango Telegraph & Chronicle, Norwich, NY, February 27, 1867:  Pitcher [Chenango Co., NY]:  Out little village has been filled with sorrow and gloom since Saturday evening, by a terrible catastrophe from a kerosene lamp.  It occurred at Chapel's hotel, while the proprietor was absent on business, and Mrs. Schapel lay in another room, sick on her bed.  Miss Katie Brooks, a very pleasant and amiable faced young lady, whose parents reside in Pharsalia, was sitting in a rocking chair, busily engaged on some crochet work when one of the rockers tilted the stand on which the lamp stood, and upset the lamp in her lap, exploding it.  She instantly flew to Mrs. Chapel's door, but the sick woman being unable to render her any assistance, directed her to the bar room, whither she rushed, while the flames enveloped the whole upper part of her person, and went up nearly to the top of the room.  Mr. Ralph Taylor and others tried to smother out the flames with their coats, but to little purpose.  But Mr. John Eaton tore off the clothing from the part of her person to which the burning was confined, and soon succeeded in quenching the fierce flames; not however, till death had done its work.  For, though everything was done, which the medical skill and the kindness of the village could suggest, she expired Sabbath evening at 10 o'clock, a little more than twenty-four hours after the sad event occurred.  Her parents were sent for immediately after the accident happened, and in a few hours were on the spot, only to look upon the poor, distorted face and tortured frame of the dear child of love, while utterly powerless to relieve her sufferings.  Our hearts bled for the parents and the daughter.  But the poor girl could communicate only an occasional work, that was fully rational, either to parents or others.  It was one great, overpowering agony.  We could only commend them in silent sorrow, to the All Sympathizing One for comfort and there leave them.  May we all learn the lessons of wisdom suggested by this painful event, in the prayer of, Yours very truly, C.B. 

James H. Davis, Chenango Telegraph & Chronicle, Norwich, NY, March 6, 1867:  Quite an unfortunate and singular accident, happened in this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY] on Saturday afternoon, last, at the funeral of James H. Davis, who had died a day or two previous.  The corpse had been laid out in an upper room of the house, and upon the day for the funeral, the undertaker found upon going to the premises that it would be impossible to get the coffin, with the body in it, down the stairs, so narrow was the passway, and insisted that the body and coffin should be carried down separately to a lower room.  In this he was overruled by those having particular charge of the matter, they deeming it perfectly safe to lower the body and coffin to the ground, from a small roof which covered the entrance way to the house.  The funeral services having been concluded, four men stepped out upon the roof, to receive the coffin, and lower it by means of ropes, when just they were about to do so the roof fell, precipitating them, together with the coffin and contents violently to the ground, a distance of about ten feet.  All of the men were more or less injured by the fall, and Mrs. Ames, who was standing in the doorway below was seriously injured by being hit with a portion of the roof.  In the fall the head piece of the coffin was broken and the body partially slid out.  It was badly bruised and decomposition having partially set in, presented a horrid and repulsive sight.  The coffin was soon fixed and placed in the outer box and carried to the grave.  We don't know, indeed we think that no blame for the accident attaches to anybody; but the advice of the undertaker, who is a thorough practical man should have been taken.

Chenango Telegraph & Chronicle, Norwich, NY, February 20, 1867

Married

GREENLEAF - DAVIS:  In Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY], on the 13th inst., by Rev. D.D. Brown, Dr. L.D Greenleaf, of Pharsalia [Chenango Co., NY] and Elizabeth Davis of Plymouth.

TORRY - BROOKS:  In Earlville [Madison Co., NY], Feb. 9, 1867, by Rev. L.J. Ismond, Normon W. Torry, of Earlville, and Hellen A Brooks.

WILES - LIVERMORE:  In German [Chenango Co., NY], Feb. 3, by Rev. J.W. Barr, David A. Wiles, of Willett [Cortland Co., NY],and Jane H. Livermore of German.

GILLILAN - PECK:  In German [Chenango Co., NY], Feb. 5th, by the same, James R. Gilliland of German, and Jane E. Peck of the same place.

BROWN - SISSON:  In Columbus [Chenango Co., NY], Feb. 10th, by A.L. Tuttle, Esq., Alvin H. Brown, of Boulder, Linn Co., Iowa and Mary A Sisson of North Norwich [Chenango Co., NY].

KNOWLES - HUNTINGTON:  At Adrian, Michigan, Jan. 9th, Benjamin Knowles of the Society of Friends, Smyrna, N.Y. [Chenango Co.], and Mrs. Anna Huntington, of the former place.

Died

HOPKINS:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], Jan. 10th, Mrs. Sarah M. Hopkins, wife of the late George K. Hopkins, aged 42 years.

PABODIE:  Suddenly, in this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], Feb. 13th, Aldin Pabodie.

WARNER:  In Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], Dec. 30th, 1866, Asa Warner, aged seventy six years, nine months, and eight days, and for more than 50 years a subscriber to this paper.  Father rest from sin and sorrow / Death is o'er and life is won; / On thy way dawns no tomorrow / Rest! thine earthly race is run.

HALBERT:  In Butternuts [Otsego Co., NY], Feb. 8th, James [Halbert] son of Asa and Mary Halbert, in the 5th year of his age, Feb. 12th of Dyptheria, Eliza Myrick Halbert, and on the 13th, Mary [Halbert], wife of Asa Halbert.

WILLIAMS:  In Buffalo Oct. 22d, 1866, Mrs. Julia [Williams], wife of George Williams, aged 34 years.

RAYMOND:  In Elgin, Ill., Feb. 6th, after a painful and lingering illness, Augustin Raymond, formerly of Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], aged 64 years.

Looking Backwards - Harvey-Lawton families

 Looking Backwards - Harvey - Lawton Families

by George T. Harvey

Norwich Sun, October 4, 1932

I have always been interested in the work of the pioneers who laid the foundation of the present day development of Chenango county [NY].  I have the keenest interest in the lives and labors of the early missionaries who braved the perils of the wilderness to preach and organize churches among the scattered groups of Indians and the early settlers, but none more so than John Calvin Harvey.  We can safely add his name to the list as a builder of character.

The early life of John Calvin Harvey is enshrouded in much obscurity, and the records of the churches he served as we have been able to obtain will show a most interesting career during the period of his labors in central Chenango county.

John Calvin Harvey was born near Stanford, Conn. He was a chaplain in the American Continental Army.  He and Jonathan M. Lawton, went as missionaries into what was called the Hair Lots, in central New York working with the Oneida Indians, sometime about [1780?], and named the place Pharsalia, a Biblical name.

The few settlers who had preceded him and settled around the sulphur springs in Pitcher, were mostly from New England, yet of various religious opinions, and was immediately accepted by all.  His religious zeal and gracious manners eminently fitted him to meet spiritual needs of the people of all classes and conditions.  His log cabin became the central point of his ministerial labors, which was located at the health giving springs and people from far and near came to him for advice.

Several years after these two manly men returned to Boston, Mass., and got together several families, including John H. Lawton, the son of Jonathan M. Lawton, who was born near Stanford, Conn., on October 8, 1757 and John Calvin Harvey (my great grandfather) who was born in Mass. in 1760 and with five families, twenty souls and five ox teams and carts, loaded with two dressed pigs and other provisions started back to Pharsalia in central New York (now Chenango county).

After crossing the Hudson river, near Troy N.Y. and following an old Indian trail, they came to a deep forest and swamp and were surrounded with howling, starving wolves.  To save themselves from death, they cast part of one of the dressed pigs over to the starving wolves.  These animals jumped at the meat with vengeance and the little group was saved.  They arrived back at the springs safely.

On October 2, 1797, a son was born to John Calvin Harvey, whose name was Noyce Harvey (my grandfather) and on June 10, 1799, a daughter was born to John H. Lawton who was named Vesta Lawton.  On the 16th of December, 1824, Noyes Harvey and Vesta Lawton were married at Pitcher Springs, N.Y. and on October 4, 1832, just one hundred years ago today [in 1932] a son was born to Noyes and Vesta Harvey, who was named Rodney A. Harvey (my father).  He was born in South Pitcher on the Brackle creek between Cincinnatus and Pharsalia, the location of the log cabin I am unable to find.

In 1854, Rodney A. Harvey married Miss Mary Brown, a young maiden of Pharsalia and was residing in McDonough, N.Y., up to 1860 when he enlisted in the army, joining the 89th New York Volunteers, serving nearly five years with Uncle Sam, wounded three times, died at Scranton, April 7, 1927.

Vital Records (September 16)

Mrs. Joshua Wilkins, Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, August 17, 1882:  Mrs. Joshua Wilkins of North Afton [Chenango Co., NY] whose severe illness we mentioned in our last issue, died last Wednesday.

Wilkins - Mudge, Oxford Times, April 27, 1886:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], April 25, 1886, by Rev. Dr. Bradford, Edward L. Wilkins of Coventry [Chenango Co., NY] to Estella S. Mudge of Oxford.

Lyman L. Wilkins, Oxford Times, March 4, 1890:  Lyman L. Wilkins departed this life Feb. 18, in the 80th year of his age.  HIs funeral was observed the 20th, Rev. Mr. Stone, of Auburn officiating.  The remains were laid to rest in Glenwood Cemetery in Afton [Chenango Co., NY].

Wilkins - Caswell, Oxford Times, February 14, 1893:  Charles F. Wilkins and Mrs. Melissa Caswell were made one, through matrimony, by Rev. Mr. Berry, of Afton January 26.

Mrs. Edward Brown, Afton Enterprise, March 9, 1899:  Mrs. Edward Brown died, Wednesday at her home in Coventry [Chenango Co., NY] aged 54 years.  The funeral was held Friday at the Union Valley M.E. church, Rev. C.H. Sackett officiating.  Burial was at Union Valley [West Bainbridge, Chenango Co., NY].

Augusta Dutton Eaton, Afton Enterprise, March 30, 1899:  The burial services of Mrs. Augusta Dutton Eaton were held at the residence of B.B. Hyde Saturday afternoon, March 25, conducted by Rev. Henry Hill, interment in Glenwood cemetery.  Mrs. Eaton died of pneumonia at her home in Willet, Cortland county, Thursday afternoon, aged 74 years.  Beside her husband she leaves three sons and a daughter.  S.D. and Warren Dutton brothers of the deceased are now the only remaining members of this family.  Mrs. Eaton formerly resided here [Afton, Chenango Co., NY] and was most highly esteemed.  

Melissa Wilkins, Afton Enterprise, November 21, 1901:  Mrs. Melissa Wilkins of North Afton [Chenango Co., NY] died at the home of her son, Charles, on Friday. The funeral was on Sunday from the home.  Rev. H.C. Merrill officiating, and interment was in Glenwood cemetery.  Mrs. Wilkins was nearly ninety-two years old, and retained her mental and bodily faculties perfectly until the last.  She had been a life-long member of the Baptist church of this place.  Her maiden name was Landers and she was form the east side of the river, hence had lived in this vicinity for nearly a century.  She was married to Lyman  Wilkins about sixty-eight years ago, having lived all that time in the old homestead. She was greatly beloved, and her death removes one of the landmarks of the community.

Oxford Press, November, 1901:  Wilkins Settlement Loses a Well known and Aged Resident:  Mrs. Melissa Wilkins, or as she was known throughout the vicinity, "Aunt Melissa," died Friday Morning Nov. 15, aged nearly 92 years. Nearly 70 years of her life had been passed on the farm where she died.  Her husband Lyman L. Wilkins died nearly 12 years since.  She leaves a son, Charles F., one grandson G.B. Wilkins and one granddaughter, Mrs.  Henry Smith.  Besides three great grandsons and one great granddaughter. She had been a member of the Baptist church at Afton for many years and the funeral service which was held at the house Sunday was conducted by her pastor, Rev. H.C. Merrill and was attended by a large concourse of friends.

Wilkins - Carpenter, Oxford Review-Times, August 18, 1916:  Alton Wilkins, son of Mr. and Mrs. G.B. Wilkins, and Miss Clara Carpenter of Union [Broome Co., NY], were married in that place, Wednesday, August 2nd.  

Charles Jenks, Afton Enterprise/Harpursville Budget, February 20, 1936:  Mrs. Ralph Wilkins and son, Maynard, of Wilkins Settlement were called to Oneonta [Otsego Co., NY] last week by the death of her father, Mrs. Charles Jenks.

Vital Records (September 18)

 Wilkins - Francisco, Oxford Times, October 10, 1860:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 3d inst., by Rev. J.W. Hills, Mr. Silas D. Wilkins of Coventry to Miss Caroline A. Francisco of the former place.  

Toombs - Benedict, Bainbridge Republican, April 27, 1872:  Married, in Afton [Chenango Co., NY], April 24th, at the residence of the bride's mother, by Rev Mr. Jacobs, Mr. Jonas Toombs of Coventry, N.Y. [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Adalaide F. Benedict, of Norwich, N.Y. [Chenango Co., NY].

Committed to the Toombs for life.  Rev. E.T. Jacobs joined Mr. Jonas Toombs and Adalaide F. Benedict in holy matrimony at Afton, on Wednesday last.  [Bainbridge Republican, May 4, 1872]

Landers - Kelley, Bainbridge Republican, September 7, 1872:  By Rev. B.B. Carruth on August 18th, Mr. Osborne E. Landers, to Miss Rhoda E. Kelley, both of Afton, N.Y. [Chenango Co., NY].

Wood - Brown, Bainbridge Republican, September 28, 1872:  Married in Oxford [Chenango Co., NY] Sept. 17, by Rev. C.F. Janes, Henry Wood to Miss Emma Brown, both of Coventry [Chenango Co., NY]

Joshua Wilkins, Bainbridge Republican, November 2, 1872:  In Wilkins Settlement [Chenango Co., NY], Oct. 17th, Joshua L. Wilkins, aged 73 years.

Smith - Wilkins, Oxford Times, April 10, 1878:  In Afton, Mar. 28th by Rev. J. Jones, Mr. H. Henry Smith of Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Nettie A. Wilkins of Coventry [Chenango Co., NY].

Ezra Wilkins, The Weekly Press, Afton, NY, July 20, 1880:  After a short illness from dropsy and other diseases, Mr. Ezra Wilkins departed this life on July 6th at the advanced age of 86 years.  The funeral was held from his residence on Thursday, the Rev. Mr. Williams of Afton officiating  The remains were deposited in the cemetery at North Afton.

Orlie Purdy, The Weekly Press, Afton, NY, July 20, 1880:  Tuesday afternoon, about 2 o'clock, as Dr. J.L. Purdy, of Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], was returning home from a professional visit on what is called the "ridge road," accompanied by his little son, Orlie, aged about seven years, and as they were crossing the Hazelton bridge the horse (which was blind) was frightened by a passing bird which struck him on the ear, causing him to jump from the bridge, throwing the carriage and occupants clear over him.  Little Orlie struck on the top of is head on the stones in the bottom of the creek, a distance of about twelve feet, crushing the whole top of his skull, and his father struck on top of him.  He was immediately picked up and carried to the nearest house, where he lived until eleven o'clock the same evening.  Dr. Johnson and Dr. Wood, of Greene, were called, but could do nothing for him.  His father sustained no serious injury.  His parents are almost crazy over the terrible death of their only son, who was a very brilliant child and respect by all who knew him. the funeral was held at 1 p.m. Thursday, at the home of his parents.  Bainbridge Republican

Mrs. Wilkins, Chenango Union, August 17, 1882:  The funeral of Mrs. Wilkins was attended at her home, the residence of her son, Wallace Wilkins, on Thursday afternoon of last week.  Her death was sudden, being usually well until the evening previous to it.  Though quite an aged lady, she has never been idle, as the numerous bedquilts, spreads, and varied pieces of fancy work show what her busy fingers have done in the past few years.  But the Master she loved bade her "come up higher," and she rests from her labor.  Two sons resided in Rockford, Ill, one of them, Mr. Burr Wilkins, was present at her funeral.

Polly Storks, Chenango Union, August 17, 1882:  Coventryville [Chenango Co., NY]:  Mrs. Polly Storks, eighty-four years of age, was buried in our cemetery on Sunday morning, the 6th inst.  Though formerly, since her youth, a resident here, she has since the death of her husband, Ethan Storks, for a number of years made her home with her daughter Mrs. Ichabod Seeley, of Oxford. She suffered greatly for a long time with a broken hip, and for some months past with dropsy, but she patiently waited while "daily drawing nearer to home, sweet home."  Services--Rev. W. Warner officiating--were held at this place in the Congregational church, of which she had been a member of sixty-three years.

Vital Records (September 14)

 David Wilkins, Bainbridge Republican, November 21, 1879:  David Wilkins, after a few day's illness, died at the residence of Mr. Lyman L. Wilkins, on Monday night last, at the advanced age of 82 years.  The funeral was held at the house on Wednesday, and the remains were deposited in the cemetery at North Afton [Chenango Co., NY].

Mrs. Davenport Wilkins, Bainbridge Republican, December 10, 1880:  The funeral service of Mrs. Davenport Wilkins, of German [Chenango Co., NY], was held at North Afton [Chenango Co., NY] on Tuesday of last week, and the remains were deposited in the cemetery at that place.  She died from the effects of typhoid pneumonia, being sick only a few days.  She was 72 years of age.

John Brown, Bainbridge Republican, December 10, 1880:  John Brown, an old resident of Coventry [Chenango Co., NY], died a few days since from the effects of dropsy.  His funeral was held on Tuesday last, and the remains deposited in the cemetery at Coventry.

Wilkins - Handy, Broome Republican, February 24, 1869:  Married 17 February at Afton, NY [Chenango Co.] by Rev. Wm. W. Andrews, Wallace A. Wilkins to Janette M. Handy.

Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, May 10, 1871

Married

HULL - BROWN:  At the residence of the bride's father, in Pharsalia [Chenango Co., NY], May 2d, 1871, by Rev. E.W. Allen, Mr. Seth Hull of Margaretville, Del. Co., N.Y., to Miss Frances O. Brown, daughter of Charles D. Brown, Esq.

BOYD - HARRISON:  In Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], April 26th, by Rev. Jas. C. Nightingale, Mr. Robert Boyd, to Miss Maggie J. Harrison, all of Smithville.

Ezra Wilkins, Bainbridge Republican, July 16, 1880:  Wilkins Settlement: After a short illness from the effects of dropsy and other diseases Ezra Wilkins departed this life on Tuesday, of last week, at the advanced age of 86 years, being in nearly the full possession of his mental faculties.  The funeral was held from his residence on Thursday, the Rev. William of Afton, officiating, and the remains were deposited in the cemetery at North Afton [Chenango Co., NY].

Fred C. Wilkins, Bainbridge Republican, October 16, 1919:  Fred C. Wilkins died at the hospital in Austin, Texas, Tuesday evening September 23 at the age of 53 years.  Mr. Wilkins was the son of Silas D. Wilkins and was born in Coventry, N.Y. [Chenango Co.,] Jan. 17, 1866, and has been a resident of Austin since 1897, and has been an employee of the H.&T.C. railroad since 1888.  He is survived by his widow, one daughter Miss Corrine and one sister Mrs. P.O. Endt of Huffsmith, Texas.  He also has relatives residing in Coventry and Bainbridge, Mrs. C.F. Bentley being one of his cousins.

Wilkins - Caswell, Afton Enterprise, February 2, 1893:  Married at the Baptist parsonage Jan. 26, by Rev. L.L. Rury, Mr. Charles Wilkins of Coventry [Chenango Co., NY] to Mrs. Celia Caswell, of Afton [Chenango Co., NY].

Amelia Butler, Afton Enterprise, March 15, 1934:  Mrs. J.B. Butler, 85, one of Afton's oldest residents, died at 4 o'clock Monday morning, March 12, 1934, at her home on Sand Street, following a long illness.

Afton Enterprise, March 22, 1934:  The late Mrs. J.B. Butler was born in the town of Sherburne, N.Y. [Chenango Co., NY], Aug. 20, 1848.  She was one of three children born of Gilbert Prentice and his wife Fanny Harris.  Very young in life, Mrs. Butler was adopted out to Lyman Wilkins and his wife of Wilkins Settlement.  There she spent her childhood days.  It was at Mr. Wilkins house the all the neighbors used to gather to hear the Civil War news read from the papers. That was one of the duties that Mrs. Butler had to do.  At the age of 17, Mrs. Butler, then Amelia Wilkins was baptized in the Baptist church.  She and George Woods, later her husband, were both baptized in January, a hole having been cut in the ice in order to perform the ceremony.  After the war, in 1867, they were married.  From Wilkins Settlement they followed Horace Greeley's advice, "Go West, young man, go west." So in the spring of 1868, Mr. and Mrs. Woods went west to wrest their living from the prairie, leaving Afton by stage coach for Binghamton. They arrived in Iowa, where the early settlers had to build dugouts and sod houses.  It was in one of these dugouts that they lived 25 miles to any near neighbor.  More than once she has told of having to stand in the door of her dugout many times to protest a spring of water and even their very existence. There was also a camp of Sioux Indians, not five miles away, which five years before, had participated in the terrible Minnesota massacre.  It was in this dugout that her husband had to have his leg amputated as an after effect of the war. Then it was up to Mrs. Woods to provide for her family.  In spite of the strict school laws she was the first lady to secure a first class teacher's certificate in Plymouth County, Iowa.  Mr. and Mrs. Woods came back east again and settled in Afton.  In later years, Mrs. Woods opened a millinery shop in the old Hyde block later destroyed by fire.  Then came the big fire here in Afton, but that did not daunt her courage, even though she lost her stock in the fire.  she re-established her business and became well known both in this village and in Bainbridge where she later established the same trade.  In the month of January 1892, Mr Woods died leaving her a widow.  Eight years she remained a widow.  In April 1900, she was married to J.B. Butler of Canton, Pa.  From Afton Mrs. Butler moved to the latter place.  It was at this place that Mrs. Butler learned of her sister's whereabouts (although the sisters were separated from each other in childhood).  She wrote her sister a letter and she was very pleased to receive an answer from her.  It was to this place that she brought the writer of this and brought him up.  Mrs. Butler was at one time Junior vice President of the Department of Pennsylvania W.R.C.  She was also Past Regent of the Cunahunta Chapter D.A.R. and at different times a member of the W.C.T.U. and the Order of Good Templars. She was also the oldest in membership of the Afton Baptist Church. The funeral services were held from the home of the deceased on Thursday of last week. Rev. Lester D. Huxtable officiated assisted by Rev. Clifford E Webb.  Mrs. Harry Horton sang Mrs. Butler's favorite hymn "Sweet Hour of Prayer," accompanied by Kathleen Camp.  Mrs. Butler is survived by her sister Mrs. M.B. Sayre of Trenton, Mich. and a niece Nantie, a nephew, his wife and children.  A daughter Mrs. Carrie Pierce Cronin, Grandsons, Leon Pierce of Afton; Ivan Pierce of East Meredith, Granddaughters, Alura Pierce of Rockville Center, L.I.; Dorothy Pierce, Schuyler lake, and Sylvia Pierce of Afton, and one great-granddaughter, Annogene Pierce, child of Mr. and Mrs. Leon Pierce.  

Died

TICE:  In German [Chenango Co., NY], April 27th, Mr. Joseph Tice, aged 62 years. 

DAY:  In Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], April 30th, Louisa [Day], daughter of James Day, aged 15 years. 

WILKINS:  At his residence, in German [Chenango Co., NY], April 19th, Rev. Noah D. Wilkins, in the 65th year of his age.

KING:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], April 27th, Mary Elizabeth [King], only child of Cornelius O. and Mary King, aged 13 years.

WOOD:  In South oxford [Chenango Co., NY], April 23d, Mrs. Anna E. Wood, aged 38 years.

COBINE:  In Ensley, Nervago Co., Mich., April 13th, Mr. Geo. W. Cobine, formerly of Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY].

SHERWOOD:  in Unadilla [Otsego Co., NY], April 29th, Mr. David Sherwood, aged 78 years, father of Mrs. James C. Bennett, of Norwich.

Reminiscences of early "Jericho" - 1925

 Reminiscences of Early "Jericho"

Afton Enterprise, April 16, 1925

As told by Mrs. Melissa Landers Wilkins, a daughter of Isaiah Landers, one of the early pioneers of Jericho [Bainbridge/Afton, Chenango Co., NY].  She would now [1925], if living, be over 115 years old.  She was drawn on hand-sled to school mornings most of the winter of 1815, when she was five years old, by an old Indian named Kunkerpot, one whom the other Indians considered their chief; at least he was the one who settled their differences.  They lived in the winter in wigwams in a dense woods back of the Landers home, which is the same house no long occupied by a son, Hial Landers, and then by his son, Willard Landers.

A huge fireplace was in the large old kitchen and half of the time, on cold winter evenings, she said, there would be from three to six or seven Indians and Squaws lying on the hearth in front of the fireplace with their feet to the fire, and the only way to get them to leave at the end of the evening was to treat them to apples and cider of which they were very fond, then they would file out saying, "Good night, good woman, good night, good man; good fire, warm much plenty."

One old Squaw, Lispat by name, was overly fond of the cider, and used to come in the daytime and beg for it till she was considered a nuisance.  so one day, when she came begging cider, Mrs. Landers gave her some from the bottom of the barrel that had yeast put in it to keep it sweet, and consequently what remained in the barrel was rather thick.  She drank it without any remark, but when she came again, she said to Mrs. Landers, "Good woman, I like some more your emptens and cider," She was also given to helping herself to anything she wished if she had the chance.

Isiah Landers, who by the way always went by the military title of "Major" had a daughter, Clara, who married John Stevens, and went to housekeeping on what has been known as the Carr farm.  One day in March, having workmen to provide for, she cooked a boiled dinner, taking it all up on a large pewter platter, setting it on a shelf in the pantry near the window and partly raising it to let the steam escape.  Upon returning to the kitchen she caught a glimpse of this squaw passing the corner of the house towards the window with a basket on her arm, she thought nothing of it; only wondered why she did not enter the house.  But when she went to place her platter on the table, she found not a scrap of her boiled dinner.  The old squaw had deftly slid it from the platter into her basket, and was on her way to her wigwam with it.

On a portion of Major Landers farm, later owned and occupied by his grandson, Daniel Landers, is an Indian burying ground.  I once saw a half bushel basket full of Indian arrow heads that were picked up on the site of that old burial place, and a short distance this side of it is a space of quite a size where, on many evenings in summer, a dense fog arises reaching from the river up across the road, and the Indians said that bad spirits came there to do evil to passing people, both whites and Indians, and that the Great spirit sent the fog to baffle their efforts.

There used to live near Major Landers, all alone in a little long house, a widow of a Revolutionary soldier, called "Granny Catlin," who was very punctual to attend church services when held in a nearby school house, always wearing her only good dress, a black bombazine.  She might once have been an excellent housewife, but it seems with age she had deteriorated in that respect.  As she had not attended church in several Sabbaths, a couple of the neighboring women went in to inquire if she was sick or what was the cause of her absence.  "La Suz," she replied "I've lost my bombazine dress and I can't come.  I can't find it anywhere, I fear it's stolen and I never can get another to wear to church."

Her bed, with a valance around it, stood in the one living room.  About a year after, the old lady came out to church wearing her bombazine.  After services, the women gathered around her inquiring where she found her dress.  "La Suz," she replied, "I'd never thought to look under the bed till tother day and there I found it good as ever."  Shortly after this, when she was between 90 and 100 years of age, the government granted her a pension of $8 per month.  When she received her first check she bought herself a gold ring and turkey-red calico for a dress.  Some of her neighbors thought that was not just the right thing for her to do and told her to that effect.  "La Suz," she replied, "I can't remember the time when I did'ent want a gold ring and a turkey-red dress and I just thought I would get 'em and take a little good of 'em before I died."

Mrs. Wilkins commenced to teach school in 1827, when she was 17 years of age.  In the winter time the scholars brought raw potatoes which at about 11 o'clock, she had to put in the ashes at the corner of the fireplace and cover with coals that they might be baked by noon, and if their corn bread, Johnny cake, or cold meat was frozen, she had to take it from their dinner baskets and lay it on the warm stone fireplace hearth, to thaw out to go with their potatoes.

Teachers then only had every other Saturday to themselves, boarding around the district during the week, and in one place where she taught, the girls of the neighborhood used, on those Saturday afternoons, to meet at the place where she would be for a visit with her.  A foolish fellow in the neighborhood thought it fine to come and sit with them, which pleased him much more than it did them.  So Mrs. Wilkins told the girls one day that if he ever came again they would have some fun, for she would ask him to marry her and see what he would say.

For all that this happened over a hundred years ago, I think girls were about the same as at present; fond of a joke, and sometimes get the joke turned on themselves, as in this case.  When he again came, she took a chair and sat down close to him and began talking with him for a little time, then leaning toward him, speaking in a confidential tone, she said:  "I am tired of teaching and would like to marry.  Will you marry me?"  "Boy ask Gal, not Gal ask Boy," he said.

No little girl of the present time would think of playing with a stone for a doll, as Mrs. Wilkins did when a child, more than a century ago.  She was in the habit of playing by the side of a brook that ran near the house, under a tree up which ran a wild grapevine.  In the edge of the water she spied this stone.  So she would take it out of the water and dry it in the sun, wrap it in a little blanket of her own, and there under the tree play with it, not daring to carry it to the house for fear the other children would laugh at it.  But one day old Kunkerpot surprised the "Little missy," as he always called her, with it and the next she knew he had whittled her out a fine wooden doll with black eyes and hair burned in, nice red lips and nose  colored with berry juice and for which her mother made a dress and "wasn't I happy with it," she said.

Many many years after, she dreamed of playing again by that brookside, and told her dream in the following lines:

Last night, in my slumbers I had a strange dream;

In my vision I wandered down by the stream

Where in childhood's fair morning I sported so free.

Nor dreamed one sorrow e'er waited for me.

I saw the wild grapes as they hung on the vine.

The ivy and woodbine around them entwined;

The very same bluebird sang in the elm tree,

The robbin and lark and the sweet chickadee.

My friends of my childhood were smiling around,

We gathered wild flowers, then sat on the ground;

We talked of past friendships with hearts light and free,

As the sweet little warblers that sang in the tree.

How dear to my heart was the brook and the grove,

The orchard and meadow, the friends that I loved

As I entered my home with what transport I see

My brothers and sisters all smiling at me.

My father sat smoking, old "Watch" by his side,

My mother looked happy as our wants she supplied;

On the old dining table a potpie did smoke;

We were all seated around it and then I awoke.

I awoke, and how sadly my heart seemed to say;

"My parents, the friends of my youth, where are they?"

That home, Oh, how lonely, many loved ones are gone,

In the cold grave they slumber never more to return.

Since earthly enjoyments are passing with time,

Let us place our affections on things more sublime,

And when, with life's sorrows and cares we are done.

We'll rest with our Saviour in the Heavenly home.

                                                                                                                     Mrs. Butler