Civil War Letter from the NY 114th Regiment - March 1863

 Oxford Times, April 15, 1863

We are permitted with the consent of the writer, and through the favor of his wife to whom it was addressed to publish the following extracts from a letter written by a officer in Company H, 114th Regiment.  The writer does not profess to be a letter writer, but an earnest and faithful soldier determined to do his whole duty to his country, as the noble sentiments of the letter, abundantly testify.  The letter speaks for itself and is a sample of the firm purpose and evoted patriotism which pervades our army in the field.

[114th NY Infantry], Camp Mansfield, Bayou Boeuf, La., March 1863

"We  left Brashear City on the morning of the 22d of March. When the orders came for us to strike tents on the evening of the 21st, great dissatisfaction was manifest in the whole camp, for all thought we were to evacuate, and you well know my feelings on that subject, but I soon found it was not to be evacuated. The men all thought it a disgrace to leave before a single gun was fired, as it most assuredly would be.  None of the men know the great plan of our noble General Weitzel.  The move that we made on the 22d will I think be remembered. The country here is cut up with Bayous, that you can travel with small steamers from the Gulf to the Mississippi River, and Brashear City is on an island, and no force being here, the rebels were moving down Bayou Boeuf to cut the telegraph wires and destroy the bridge and so run in on both sides of us with their gunboats--but they failed in the attempt, as we think they will in all. This place is easily held, and we can go back to Brashear City and get ready for a fight in one hour if necessary. There is a small force with the gunboats left there, and the place will be held, and the war will be prosecuted to the end of time if the rebels do not lay down their arms. The health of the Regiment is generally good, yet there are some sick.  We have lost three of Co. H, since we left--William S. Willis of Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], we buried with all the honors of war on the 13th.  The death of Simeon Eckerson of Unadilla [Otsego Co., NY], occurred March 16th, at the Marian Hospital, at New Orleans.

"I am contented to stay here and contend with the rebels through life, if they will not come to terms sooner. The fact of the case is, soldiers will get dissatisfied and will write to their friends in the north the feelings of the troops, the dissatisfaction and the hardships of war, but the north can rest assured that the troops are ready to do their duty, and that we are the same patriotic men that left Oxford, comprising the 114th Reg., and to a man are ready to defend their country's cause to the last. The news comes here often that the Empire State will not submit to the Conscription act. They ought not to.  Any number should volunteer that is called for--like men. They are no better than those that have left. They have no more to leave than I have left.  It is their country that calls as well as mine. There is no excuse only cowardice or secesh principles. We are sorry to hear that politics are taking the place of patriotism at the north. At the commencement of this war the blood of the nation was dear to all. It was regretted that it must be shed.  Do men so soon become demoralized in our native State?  Can they stoop to the lowness to dabble with politics in this their time of need; they had better remember the men that have left their homes, and by withholding their services they may be the means of spilling the blood of their neighbors, for the spirit that is in this part of the army, would never yield to rebels nor any secesh north. This war was begun at the South, and while there is one drop of blood north, it should if necessary, be spilt to bring down the throne that Jeff Davis is building.  there is scarcely a day passes without bringing fresh evidence of the cruelty with which suspected union people are treated inside the rebel lines. Without trial or the shadow of justice, they are exposed to the most shameful treatment, robbed and even murdered unarmed. This is the bravery of the South.  For instance, let me mention one circumstance that I was knowing of at Brashear City, which we left on the 22d.  Berwick on the other side of the bay stands unharmed, the rebels under cover of the buildings ran down one gun, and commenced one night firing on our gun boats, the fire was returned too briskly, and they left.  the next morning a flag of truce came requesting the commander of the post not to fire on peaceable citizens, they wanted the protection of the union troops, but allowed the rebels to hide behind the property they wanted us to protect, and never gave us any warning of the approach of our enemy. What is this, the chivalry of the south or the cowardice of which they have a double share?

"Is there a man North that dares to favor the South, let him beware, for the time will come when he will have to hold his peace, and with shame hide from the public, or wither under public opinion.  The 114th Reg. all will remember, have friends in Chenango and Madison Counties, and I hope have too much patriotism to let our cause suffer there.  Perhaps you all think I am too bitter towards the South. The outrages that have been committed on our troops compel me to wish for the black flag to be raised. Don't think me reckless, but feeling for rebels has left me. The war has continued long enough, but some will say be careful, you may harm some union man south.  Now if there is any such that should ever read this, I wish he would come down and find one for me, and do me the favor, to bring with him some white lampblack, which he can find north, if he is smart enough to find a union man within the rebel lines, for I tell you they cannot live there. Now if there is any backslider there that is loosing his first love and his patriotism, let me invite him to look back to the time when the 114th Reg. left there and think of the spirit then manifest; think of the partings of friends, the throbbing hearts, the warm pressure of hands, the patriotic songs, the God speed that was bid us, the warm tears that fell on the clasped hands of parting friends, the sobbing good bye that was scarcely audible, the waving hands as we left our home, the prayers of the aged, and all the blessings given us, and then let him, if he dares prove recreant to the cause, and he is not worthy the name of man--Yet I feel assured that the old proud state of New York will be ever ready to do her duty, and never withhold her helping hand, and if anyone in Oxford should dabble with politics they many be dabbling with the better blood that is in the army."

Death of a Young Soldier - Oscar Nichols - 1863

 Oxford Times, April 1, 1863

Another of the young soldiers of the 114th has been obliged to succumb to disease, an enemy far more dreaded and fatal than rebel bullets.  Oscar Nichols, son of Mr. J. Nichols of this village, died at the Regimental Hospital on the 11th inst., of brain fever, after an illness of but two days.  Young Nichols at the early age of nineteen, has laid his life upon the altar of his country.  He belonged to Company "F," whose Captain, commanding, James T. Fitts, writes form Brashear City to his sorrowing friends as follows:

Oscar was a faithful soldier, and a good boy, and one who had not an enemy in the company or Regiment, All speak well of him, and deeply regret his sudden decease.  We buried him today, in a pleasant spot on the shore of the Bay, near the Camp.

To which Surgeon L.P. Wagner adds the following tribute:

Everything for his comfort was rendered him while he lived and his brother O. King took the utmost pains for him, and has prepared a grave in a beautiful spot on the bank of the bay, where rests the remains of as brave and dutiful a soldier as ever served in the cause of his country.  

Oscar was the third son of Mr. and Mrs. Nichols have given to the service of their country, and the sympathy of loyal souls is theirs in this sad bereavement.

"How sleeps the brave who sink to rest, 

With all their country's wishes blessed,

When spring with dewy fingers cold,

Returns to deck their hallowed mould,

She there shall dress a sweeter sod

Than Fancy's feet have ever trod. 

By fairy hands their knell is rung,

By forms unseen their dirge is sung;

There honor comes, a pilgrim gray,

To bless the turf that wraps their clay;

and Freedom shall awhile repair

To dwell a weeping hermit there."

Vital Records - December 1850

Oxford Times, December 4, 1850

Found Dead:  On Sunday, the 24th inst., the lifeless body of Nathan Frink was found in the woods about two miles and a half west from Grant's in Pharsalia [Chenango Co., NY], and about one mile from his own house.  The last seen of him was on Friday night, when he started from Crane's in the direction of home.  He was a man of family, was 53 years of age, and was addicted to intemperate habits.  Chenango Union.

Married:  In Elmira, Chemung Co., on the evening of Nov. 23d, by Rev. Geo. M. Spratt, Mr. Cyrus M. Gray of this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Derinda Lincoln of the former place.

Married:  In Maine, Broome Co., on the 20th ult., by the Rev. Wm. Gates, H.D. Stevens, M.D. of Triangle [Broome Co., NY] to Miss A. Marcy of Greene, Chenango Co.

Oxford Times, December 11, 1850

Married:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY] on the 9th inst., by the Rev. J.C. Ransom, Mr. Job Willcox to Miss Caroline Alcott, both of this town.

Married:  In McDonough [Chenango Co., NY], on the 1st inst., by Rev. O Ketchum, Mr. Bolivar Bisber, to Miss Martha M. [Herrick]\, eldest daughter of Dea. Jonas Herrick, all of McDonough.

Died:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 3d inst. after a short and severe illness, Mrs. Lucy [Hunt], relict of the late Charles A. Hunt, aged 52 years.

In Racine, Oct. 27th, Ellen Eliza [Williams]\, only daughter of John A. and Polly Williams of B---t, Wisconsin, and granddaughter of Eber Williams of this town, aged 12 years.

Oxford Times, December 18, 1850

Married:  In Cortlandville [Cortland Co., NY], Nov. 11th, by Rev. W.N. Pearne, Mr. Edwin Hall to Miss Mary Norris, both of this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  In Harpersville [Broome Co., NY], on the 4th inst., Mr. Wilson Wedge of Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Priscilla Mudge of Coventry [Chenango Co., NY].

Died:  In LaRavsville, Bradford County, Penn., on the 25th October last, of typhoid fever, Hiel T. Gifford, son of Joseph Gifford of this town, aged 31 years.

Oxford Times, December 25, 1850

Married:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 7th inst., by Rev. M. Stone, Mr. William C. Blivin, to Miss Sally M. Crumb, both of Smyrna [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  In McDonough [Chenango Co., NY], on the 5th inst., by Rev. E.W. Breckenridge, Mr. Sanford P. Bowdish, of Uxbridge, Mass., to Miss Mary Ann Smith of McDonough.

Died:  in Cooper County, Mo., Oct. 4, of Cholera, Samuel B. Tyler, of South Otselic [Chenango Co., NY], aged 23 years.

Died:  in South Otselic [Chenango Co., NY], on the 15th inst., of Consumption, William W. Tyler, aged 21 years.

Died:  In Homer [Cortland Co., NY], on the 6th inst., Mr. John Bishop, aged 74 years.

Civil War Letter from the NY 114th Regiment, February 1863

 Oxford Times, March 18, 1863

From the 114th Regiment, Brasier City, La., Feb. 24th, 1863

Mr. Editor--Dear Sir:  An absence of some months, I think sufficient excuse for addressing these few lines to you and being a resident of Chenango Co. and having an interest there, induces me to give you a short history of the 114th Regiment of N.Y. Vol. Infantry.

After leaving our homes with the good wishes and prayers of many of our neighbors we were taken by railroad to Baltimore, here we were joined to Gen. Bank's Expedition, and in time we arrived here, after doing great service to our country in the way of receiving green backs, partaking of rations and doing the same as other Regiments serving our country.  Our regiment is composed of as good and patriotic men as ever took up arms in so good a cause.  Our Colonel is a fine and noble man.  He has been a father to us.  The health of the Regiment is good, and let me assure the friends of Chenango Co. that bears us in sweet memory and with many blessings carries us to the sweet place of prayer, that lives on the last words that fell from our lips at the parting, they are not forgotten by us; the last pressure of the hands of friends that were dear to us; the warm tears that fell from the eyes of those we loved, has made us feel that we are daily remembered at a throne of Grace, and many a warm heart awaits our return, whilst we wait to see the stars and stripes again wave o'er our land, then the blessing of home will be ours if life should last, if not a glorious death, and we believe a glorious immortality beyond the grave. We are encamped on the shore of Berwick's Bay, that being the dividing waters between the two armies; the rebel pickets are on one side, and the noble sons of old Chenango on the other. What the four companies passed through that was unfortunate enough to come round Cape Hatteras on that old hulk called the Thames has made then fearless.

On our arrival here the 8th of Feb., we slept two  nights with no floors in our tents, the orders were given not to take nay boards nor to tear down any buildings, but we failed to get the colonel's meaning and small buildings moved into our camp without the aid of Mr. Potter's rollers or screws, and the fences and some houses left in double quick time, as we have had some experience in that drill.  I think it generally believed that camp life is demoralizing, but allow me to speak in defense of the noble boys from Oxford, they are ready to do any duty, but not suffer while rebel property can make them comfortable. There are many associations remembered by us, many that were hard to leave and are remembered still with pleasure and we hope will be renewed soon. As the news of the day will reach you sooner through other sources, I forbear to write them.

John Brown, Jr.

Vital Records - November 1850

 Oxford Times, November 6, 1850

Married:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 31st ult., by Rev. A.W. Bruce, Mr. Henry Burrows, Jr., to Miss Rhoena Nickerson, both of Greene [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 8d inst., by the same, Hezekiah Sherwood, Esq., of this village, to Mrs. Lucy Wood of Wellsborough, Penn.

Married:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 21st ult by Rev. J.C. Ransom, Mr. Clark Blackman to Miss Calphurna Aldrich, both of Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 30th ult. by Rev. Bishop A. Russel, Mr. Horace Fisk to Miss Martha Padgett, both of Oxford.

Oxford Times, November 13, 1850

A Cold Blooded Murder:  On Friday evening last between nine and ten o'clock, an Irishman by the name of Patrick McGary, was murdered at his residence near Busk--- Bridge, in this county [Chenango Co., NY].  The circumstances, as near as we can ascertain, are substantially there:  Three men entered the dwelling of the deceased and without any provocation, one of them leveled a pistol at him and snapped it, but it missed fire.  McCary's wife then told him to run for his life.  He succeeded in getting out of the house, the men armed with guns following him.  He was then fired upon by two of the men, the charges entered and mutilating his side in a horrible manner, and producing death almost instantly.  A gun was then fired through the window at Mrs. McCary, the ball just grazing her cheek.  She soon after went to the door and saw, a few rods distant, the lifeless body of her husband.  The murderers had fled. The deceased was a sober, industrious man, and about 30 years of age.  This revolting murder has produced great excitement in the neighborhood where it occurred.  Several arrests have been made on suspicion. The guilty will hardly escape detection.

P.S.  Since the above was put in type, we have received the following statement in relation to the murder, which was related by Mrs. McCary, the wife of the deceased.  It appears that Mr. McCary was a witness in a suit which was tried at the last Session of the Circuit Court held in this village; that his testimony on that occasion offended one of the parties to the suit; that his wife expressed fears that her husband would be murdered; that while they were conversing upon the subject of his testimony and threats which she heard had been made by a certain man residing in that neighborhood, a rap was heard at the door and two men entered the room where they were seated; that one of them had a pistol, the other a gun; that she screamed and told her husband to run for his life; that the man with the pistol snapped it at her, but it missed fire; that her husband went out of doors, and was followed by the men; that she looked out of the window and saw two other men armed with guns; that they fired at her husband who fell to the ground; that when he was lying there, a man stepped up and struck him upon the head with the butt end of the gun; [....unreadable....] The rest of the particulars of this horrible murder do not vary materially from the first statement.  Mrs. McCary could not say that she ever saw any of the men before.  One of the men arrested on suspicion is held in custody for further examination.

Died:  In this village [Chenango Co., NY]. on the 10th inst., Mrs. Eunice Sherwood, wife of Mr. John Sherwood, aged 75 years.

Oxford Times, November 20, 1850

Married:  In this town [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 18th inst. by Rev. Dr. Paddock, Mr. Solomon Bundy, Jr., to Miss Elizabeth Ann McGeorge, daughter of D.D. McGeorge, Esq., all of Oxford.

In Stonington, Conn., on the 6th inst., by Rev. O.T. Walker, Mr. Charles R. Breed of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Sarah Pendleton of this town [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY].

Died:  Suddenly in New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], on the 8th inst., Mrs. Lodema Lull, wife of Benjamin lull, aged 53 years.

Died:  In Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], on the 4th inst., Rev. Ethan Pratt, aged 52 years.

Died:  In Hav---, Chemung co. on the 12th inst. of dysentery, Henry [Potter], only son of Waldo M. and Catharine B. Potter, aged 1 year 2 months and 24 days.

Oxford Times, November 27, 1850

Married:  In South New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], on the 20th inst., by the Rev. J.H. Chamberlin, William M. Peebles, Esq., to Miss Julania B. [Harris], adopted daughter of Gen. Levi Harris, of the former place.

Died:  In Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], on the 13th inst., Mr. Stephen Fosbery, aged 67 years.

Civil War Letter from 10th N.Y. Cavalry - January 1863

 Oxford Times, February 4, 1863

10th N.Y. Cavalry, Camp near Fredericksburg, January 24th, 1863

Editor of Times:  I presume everyone is on the qui vive for news from the Army of the Potomac, and more so are our friends anxious to hear from us, whom we left behind a few months ago, toiling for a livelihood up and down the old Chenango valley, and along the new snow covered hill tops, while we are encamped on the banks of the old Rappahannock, ready at a few minutes notice to hazard our lives for the union of our beloved country.  We are all enjoying the blessing of health, as far as could be expected, considering how we are exposed to the inclemency of the weather at this season of the year.  Mud is knee deep where ever the teams travel and the ground is perfectly drenched with rain. After the day's toil through mud and water, it might be expected we have rather wet feet and clothes spattered with mud. There is but little murmuring among our boys at this, and we thank Him who rules the storm and holds our lives as in the hollow of his hand, that it is as well as it is with us. The last move of our army you have before this received the particulars.  Our regiment was out picketing at the time of the move on the banks of the Rappahannock, except a part of our Company who were Orderlies for Generals in different Divisions. The Rebel pickets expressed their mind quite freely to our boys, and said they were tired and sick of war, and wanted our boys to come across the river and exchange tobacco for clothing and other articles.  I am told by the Orderlies who were out at the time of the late move, that a great many horses died, and loaded wagons and Cannons were stuck in the mud, while nineteen horses were hitched to one cannon and could not draw it. True is the old Latin maxim "Nihil sine magno labore." [Nothing without great effort] Well it may be said that January rains and mud along the banks of the old Rappahannock have triumphed over the noblest army that the world ever beheld, and held it in check with greater ease than the most formidable enemy.  One thing I wish to mention, for it is due from us--it is rather late, but the old maxim, it is better late than never, may suffice.  It will be remembered by our patriotic friends of Oxford, that we were presented with a goodly number of sewing kits, which were distributed to our company.  I can speak for one, and am assured that it is the sentiment of the rest that they were most gratefully received, and the boys can be seen not unfrequently using them whenever there is a few spare moments.   C.

Vital Records - October 1850

 Oxford Times, October 2, 1850

Fatal Accident:  As Mr. John Cathardt[?] of this village [Binghamton, Broome Co., NY] was loading flagging stone into his canal boat, near Greece village, on Friday afternoon, he was accidentally struck on the side by a ---bar.  nothing serious was apprehended from the blow until about 10 o'clock yesterday morning, when as the boat was approaching to this place, he died almost without warning.  He was about 70 years old. Bing

Died:  In Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY] on the 24th ult., Mr. Freeman Newton, aged 45 years.

Oxford Times, October 9, 1850

Died:  In Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY], on the 15th ult., Mr. Seth Sexton, aged 73 years.

In Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], on the 4th instant, Mrs. Maria Sharpe, wife of Capt. George Sharpe, and daughter of Mr. Daniel Loomis of this town, aged 49 years.

Oxford Times, October 16, 1850

Married:  In Smithville, on the 13th inst. by the Rev. Z.A. Bryant, Mr. Wm. B. Pendleton of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Susan A. Denison of the former place.

Died:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 6th inst. Mr. Joe Ainsworth, aged 45 years.

In Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], on the 4th inst., Mrs. Maria Sharpe, wife of Capt. George Sharpe, and daughter of Mr. Daniel Loomis of this town, aged 49 years.  It is seldom we are called upon to record the death of an individual who, though moving in a humble sphere, was more worthy of the respect and esteem of the community in which she lived. She was ever ready to the wants of others, and many a weary hour had she spent by the bedside of sickness and death.  To her family and friends her loss is irreparable, nor will she soon by forgotten by her numerous friends and acquaintances.

Oxford Times, October 23, 1850

Married:  In Preston [Chenango Co., NY], on the 15th inst. by Rev. M. Stone, Mr. Elbert J. Dyer of Willet, to Miss M. Elizabeth [Osgood], eldest daughter of Luther Osgood, Jr., Esq., of the former place.

Died:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 21st inst., Mr. Charles McCalpin, aged 29 years.

Died:  In Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], on the 28th Sept. of consumption, Mr. David Bolles, aged 27 years.

Died:  In Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 29th ult. Mr. Paul Davis, aged 70 years.

Drowned in California, on the 21st of July last, Mr. George H. Baily, formerly of Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], aged 28 years.

Oxford Times, October 30, 1850

Married:  In North Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 20th inst., by L.E. Carpenter, Mr. John J. Bala, of Smithville [Chenango co., NY] to Miss Sabrina Ann Lent of Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  In Harrison, Westchester Co., on the 11th, inst., by Rev. Mr. Raymond, Mr. Underhill Mead of this town [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Eliza Ann Tyler of the former place.

Oxford Times, February 11, 1863

Died in Hospital:  We regret to learn of the deaths in hospital at Aquia Creek, Va., of Charles J. Robinson of Preston [Chenango Co., NY] on the 30th Jan. last, and of Frederick H. Dobson of this town [Oxford Chenango Co., NY], on the 1st of Feb. inst.  Both were members of Co. K, 10th Reg't N.Y.S.V., known as the Oxford Cavalry, and went from our midst in apparently sound health late last fall. They were brave boys, and we doubt not, had the choice been with them, would have preferred dying face to the enemy in battle, to the slow wasting of disease in hospital.

Civil War Letter from 89th NY Regiment, December 1862

 Oxford Times, January 14, 1863

Headquarters, Co. E, 89th regt. N.Y. Vols, Dec. 17, 1862

Mr. Editor:  Dear Sir. Being one of the little band that left your thriving town for the seat of war, some over one year ago, I know well that many of those who peruse the well filled sheets of your paper, have much interest for the welfare of our Regiment or more especially for the members of Co. E, for most of it is composed of young men that were raised in your own town.  On Wednesday evening last, just after the sun had disappeared behind the western hills, Gen. Burnside sent an order to our Colonel to march his Regiment down to the bank of the Rappahannock opposite Fredericksburg, and act as sharp shooters to protect the workmen while building a pontoon bridge. Scarcely an hour had elapsed before our Regiment were in line upon the banks of the river in readiness to send forth a death messenger to any gray back who might venture to show himself in range of our rifles.  The night was very cold and our men suffered very much, having nothing but a single blanket each, to lay between them and the snowy earth, yet they stood it without a murmur, not a lisp could be heard from one of them, as we lay listening during the darkness of the midnight hours. But not long did our men lay there undisturbed for soon the movements of those engaged upon the bridge attracted the attention of the enemy, and just after 4 o 'clock, they opened a tremendous fire of musketry upon those engaged upon the bridge, and also upon our Regiment. but it was the work of an instant, before our men gave them to understand that two could work at that game, for as quick as thought we sent such a volley of bullets into their ranks that they were compelled to seek a hiding place in the cellars of the city.  But not long were they safe in their hiding places for scarcely had the sun commenced to lighten the horizon before such a thundering from no less than sixty pieces of cannon were opened upon the city that it shook the earth for miles around. This fire was continually kept up with scarcely a moment's pause until after the sun had ceased to shed its light upon the shattered walls of that ruined city, and it was just before dusk that our men won new laurels such as the people of Chenango may proudly boast.  Half of the Regiment crossed the river in boats before the bridge could be completed, while the remainder kept their position on the opposite side so as to cover our men with their fire while crossing.  Our brave Gen. Burnside stood witnessing the daring undertaking and was about to order them back for it was more than he could ask of them. But he saw at once that we were determined to cross or die in the attempt.  Not but a moment had elapsed after our men had reached the opposite shore before they had taken seventy prisoners. We held our position until the bridge was completed, and then the remainder of our Regiment crossed to our support. We being the first Regiment out of the many thousand troops to occupy the streets of the city.  We took up our quarters that night in the most elegant mansions on one of the main streets of the city.  The pantries and cellars afforded us all the luxuries we could wish, and we felt as if we were well paid for the suffering of the night before.  

Friday - Dec. 12--The sun rose clear and it was quite warm throughout the day, nothing of note occurred, and all was quiet with the exceptions of the exploding of a shell now and then, which the enemy fired into the city to remind us that they were near.  At 10 o'clock A.M., our Brigade formed in line of battle in the street and remained there until dark when we again took up our quarters in the buildings.

Saturday, Dec. 13--Scarcely had the sun unmasked the veil of darkness which had so well covered the movements of our troops, who now thronged the streets of the ruined city, before the enemy opened their artillery thunder from their hundred breastworks which they had erected some two miles back of the city.  Our picket lines then extended just to the suburbs of the city, and to advance any farther was to bring on one of the most bloody conflicts that has been witnessed since the commencement of this rebellion.  Our Brigade were held as a reserve until just before the close of day when we were ordered to charge on their strongest battery one which eight different Brigades had already charged in succession, and each been repulsed with great loss.  Onward we went charging over the dead and dying, until we reached their fortifications, yet we the same as those that went before us, found it impossible to rout them from their strong position.  We then fell back a short distance, and that closed the bloody conflict of the third day's battle.

Sunday and Monday all was quiet, except the pickets who kept peppering away at each other and occasional boom of heavy cannon was heard followed by the bursting of a shell.  Our falling back on Monday night to our old position on the opposite side of the river is of course somewhat humiliating.  Yet we had the satisfaction of getting possession of the city and driving the enemy to their works. The number lost of our Regiment in the last engagement is two killed, twenty-seven wounded, and one missing, those of our company I will mention.

Sergeant F.C. Barnes, severely wounded in both legs one of which has been amputated.  He has since died.   His loss is greatly felt in our midst.  He was one of the finest young men and one of the best soldiers of our company.  He was the only son of Lucius Barnes, of Plymouth [Chenango co., NY].

Thomas Barber, slightly wounded in the hip.

Leonard E. Lindsey, bullet wound through the hand.

Wm. Van Vleet of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], wounded in the arm and hand.

I would mention that not only in this lat great battle has our Regiment shown their bravery in defending the old Flag. They gallantly fought at the battles of Camden, South Mountain and Antietam, in the latter of which we lost in killed and wounded one-half that entered the engagement.  Our Regiment when we left Elmira one year ago were about nine hundred strong, we now cannot muster over two hundred effective men for the field.  Much more I would like to write, but fearing that I have not done justice to what I have already written will close and give those a chance who are accustomed to holding newspaper correspondence.  

Respectfully Yours, Serg't A. Parsons

Vital Records, September 1850

 Oxford Times, September 4, 1850

Married:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 27th ult., by the Rev. J.C. Ransom, Mr. George Langdon to Miss Almira Hill, both of Smithville [Chenango Co., NY].

Died:  In this town [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 26th ult., of Consumption, Lucy O. [Cary], eldest daughter of P.C. Cary, Esq., aged 21 years.  In the death of this young lady, her relatives and friends have sustained a great loss. She was an affectionate daughter, sister and friend, and lived highly respected and esteemed by all who had the pleasure of her acquaintance.  Until a short time before her death, she manifested a strong desire to recover, life had its charms, and afforded many promises to her youthful imagination.  But knowing the fatal tendency of her disease, she "set her house in order," and met the Destroyer tranquil, satisfied, resigned and happy.  "Blessed are they who mourn for they shall be comforted."

In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 21st ult, Mr. Ichabod Brown, aged 60 years, same day, Mrs. Annah Sherman, aged 49 years.

In New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], on the 23d ult., Mrs. Wait Sherman, widow of Batcheldor Sherman, aged 64 years.

Rev. Dr. Judson:  By the Hibernin we received the news that Dr. Judson died on the 5th of April on the French baroque, Arlative, bound to the Isle of Bourdon, and that he was buried at sea.  His missionary life comprised thirty-eight years of such devotion as is rarely displayed.  He was one of the first party of Missionaries to Burma, his companions being his wife, and Mr. Newell with his gifted and devoted wife Harriet Newell.  The history of his sufferings, his persecution by government at Ava and Rangoon, his imprisonment under loads of chains in foul and noisome dungeons, his "march on the bloody track" over miles of burning sand, goaded by whips and galled by fetters, his exposure to pestilence, and his various and complicated trials for a series of years is familiar as household words.  It is a story passing the wonder of fiction. But in all this distress, he kept in view the object of his mission, and his life has been one of great industry and usefulness.  His translation of the Bible into the Burmese language was itself the work of a lifetime.  In June 1816 he was married at Hamilton, Madison Co., N.Y. to Miss Emily Chobbuck the favorite authoress "Fanny Forrester" who relinquished a brilliant prospect at home to share the labors of the missionary abroad.  She was his third wife. They sailed on the 11th of July the same year and were engaged after their arrival at Maulmain in the prosecution of their work.  Dr. Judson's death was not expected and there is little cause for regret, when such a man has ceased from his labor. Though not very advanced in years, having attained the aged of 62, his life was a complete one--being spent in the faithful discharge of the the severe duties he had undertaken, and it was a kindness that he was taken to his reward.   Utica Gaz.

Oxford Times, September 11, 1850

Married:  In West Lincklaen [Chenango Co., NY], on the 25th ult., by R.P. Turner, Esq., Mr. Albert Inquin to Miss Hellen Blackman, both of Lincklaen.

Died:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 29th ult., William Eli [Lamb], infant son of Coddington and Dorcas Lamb.

Oxford Times, September 18, 1850

Married:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 11th inst., by Rev. William S. Smith, Mr. Frances D. Race to Miss Martha Whellns, both of Greene [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  At the same time and place, by the same, Mr. Ira W. June of Greene [Chenango Co., NY], to Miss Martha S. Race of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY].

Married: At Union, Broome Co., on the 4th inst., by Rev. Mr. Wakeman, Mr. George W. Anderson of Earlville [Madison Co., NY], to Miss Harriet A. [Mersereau], of the former place.

Married:  In Coventry [Chenango Co., NY], on the 10th inst., by the Rev. M. Eggleston, of Windsor, Mr. N.A. Eggleston to Miss Jane A. [Church], eldest daughter of William Church, Esq., all of Coventry.

Married: In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 10th inst., by Rev. M. Stone, Mr. Thomas Milner to Miss Jane [Mitchell], daughter of Henry Mitchell, M.D., all of Norwich.

Died:  In McDonough [Chenango Co., NY], on the 12th inst., Mr. Sylvanus Moore, in the 80th year of his age. The deceased was born in Simsbury, Hartford Co., Conn, where he spent the years of his boyhood. At the age of 23, he removed to McDonough, Chenango County, where he spent the remaining 54 years and four months of his life, in meeting the toils, trials, privations and afflictions to which those are exposed who move into the wilderness.  He was among the first who settled in this county, there being no dwelling within five miles of the place of his residence.  He lived to accumulate a good property, but the last two years of his life have been years of affliction and suffering, and he witnessed during this time that temporal blessing could not afford relief, yet he was enabled to say that Jesus could impart peace to the soul in time of affliction.  

Died:  In Havana, Chemung Co., on the evening of the 7th inst., Ella [Potter], only daughter of Waldo M. and Catharine B. Potter, aged 2 years, 8 months and 8 days.

Oxford Times, September 25, 1850

Married:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 18th inst., by Rev. H. Callahan, Rufus J. Baldwin, Esq., to Caroline L. [Mygatt], daughter of Mr. William Mygatt, all of this place.

Married:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the morning of the 19th inst., by the Rev. Dr. Paddock, Mr. James Curtis of Addison, Steuben Co., to Miss Catharine A. McGeorge, eldest daughter of Davy D. McGeorge, Esq., of the former place.

Married:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 19th inst., by Rev. A.W. Bruce, Mr. James H. Gifford to Miss Narcissa M. Rhodes.

Married:  In Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], by the same, Mr. Alden Barstow of Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], to Miss Catharine Hastings, of the former place.

Married:  In South Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY], on the 9th inst., by Eld. J.M. Crandall, Mr. Charles W. Daniels of Preston, to Miss Nancy D. Hancock, of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  In New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], on the 3d inst. by Rev. A. Foote of Ohio, Mr Dan Foote of Hartford, Ct to Miss Catharine Phelps of New Berlin.

Died:  In North Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 5th inst., Laura [Loomis], wife of Jacob C. Loomis, aged 42 years.

Died:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 12th inst. of consumption, James Williams, a native of Sligo, Ireland, aged 43 years.

Died:  In East Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 5th inst., after a short illness, Mrs. Lucy [Nickerson], wife of James Nickerson, aged 60 years.

Civil War Letter from 10th N.Y. Cavalry, January 3d, 1863

 Oxford Times, January 14, 1863

From the 10th N.Y. Cavalry, Camp Field near Falmouth, Va, January 3d, 1863

Dear Times:  When I last wrote you it was a time of excitement, and a time when many a brave heart ceased to beat in the service of country, and for the defense of our dear institutions, and with what results you know as well as I can tell you.  We have an enemy of no mean ability to contend with, but on the contrary they are in skill our equals, and they, standing on  the defensive, and being at home and knowing all the country crossroads and paths and advantageous positions.  This knowledge is worth thousands of men to the enemy every month, for they have leaders who know how to make the best of all these things and they do it.  You of the Empire State, who have not traveled in the old dominion, can have but a faint idea why it was chosen for the battle field in this contest against the Government at Washington. The impassable gulfs, hills and streams, perhaps present more obstacles to an invading army than in any other place in America.  In order to move a train six or eight miles it is often necessary to go three or four times the distance to get there, owing to the natural obstacles in the way.  You think you have hills and bad place in your section, but any road in McDonough would be compared to the roads here, that the artillery and army wagons travel over--A nice Plant Road it is true, we do not often find any stones but such sand gulfs and sand hills could not be passed except by the indomitable enemy of the Yankee. And while our foe that we are contending with knows every ford and path, and can take advantage of it, we have to search them out ourselves, and then the vastness of our army, to be confined to a single road it would reach from New York city to Richmond, the army wagons alone, and then think of the artillery, cavalry and infantry force of the command. As I go out on duty and see all these things every road that by Herculean strength and indomitable zeal can open, filled with wagons, and these wagons filled with army stores for the supply of man and beast. The only wonder to me is that the army is able to move as fast as it does.  I know I used to be one of those who used to think that some things could be done as well as others. But the only way I know of to satisfy that class of men that there is some things that cannot be done as well as others, it to send them down here and try for themselves.  I must close as I began by saying that our enemies are our equals at least in their mode of warfare which they chose. Yet I believe they are not our equals in an open fight, and I am equally certain that if they would come out of their hiding places and meet us on a fair field, they would be whipped, and this they know full well, and therefore they choose their own mode of warfare, and we have to meet him where he chooses, which gives him all the advantage in every engagement, for their Generals are all smart enough not to be out flanked by us.  It has been tried, but as often they have foiled us and we in turn were flanked or they in the darkness slipped away and left us to choose a new base of operations.  I am now convinced that it will be a long war or peace must be brought about by an honorable compromise. But the army will never submit to anything but what is honorable to our cause. The men of our little Company are usually well, we are not all together, some 46 of our Company have been detached as orderlies to the different Generals of our army corps, which is under command of the General Reynolds. All letters to this Company should be addressed to the Headquarters, 1st army corps and not mention the 10th Cavalry as it only delays them, as they go to the old Regiment.   F.

Vital Records from July/August 1850

 Oxford Times, July 3, 1850

Died:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 1st inst., Elizabeth C. [Brown], wife of Mr. Roswell S. Brown, aged 23 years.

Oxford Times, July 10, 1850

Death from lightning:  During the severe thunder storm which occurred on Tuesday last, a barn in the town of Pharsalia [Chenango Co., NY] was struck by lightning.  There were six persons in the barn at the time, three of whom, who happened to stand near a post which conducted the fluid to the ground, were struck.  Two of them were instantly killed, and the other died the next day. We have not learned the names of the deceased, except one, which was Thompson.

Married:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 2d inst., by the Rev. J.C. Ransom, Mr. Milo L. Cook to Miss Samantha Shipman both of German [Chenango Co., NY].

Died:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY] on the 6th inst. Mr. James W. Ingersoll, aged 23 years.

Oxford Times, July 24, 1850

Mr. Berthier M. Smith, who was so badly burned by the explosion of fireworks in Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY] a few weeks ago, died on Tuesday evening last, from the effects of his injuries.  He lingered in great agony, and previous to his death, the flesh rotted from his arms and portions of his body.  Telegraph.

Oxford Times, July 31, 1850

Married:  In North Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 21st inst., by Rv. M.M. Tuke, Mr. Luther Curtiss of McDonough [Chenango Co., NY], to Miss Wrexavill French of Preston [Chenango Co., NY].

Died:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY] on the 23d inst., Mrs. Charlotte Harris, wife of Dr. Blin Harris, aged 63 years.

Oxford Times, August 7, 1850

Married:  In South Otselic [Chenango Co., NY], on the 17th ult., by Rev. Mr. Carver, Enos Johnson, Jr., Esq., to Miss Huldah R. Warner, both of Otselic.

Died:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 5th inst., Sarah C. Fish, daughter of L.W. and P.P. Fish, aged 7 eyars and 9 months.

Oxford Times, August 14, 1850

Married:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY] on the 7th inst., by the Rev. J.C. Ransom, Mr. Olney J. Harrington of Cincinnatus [Cortland Co., NY], to Miss Laura A. Sperry of the former place.

Married:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY] on the 8th inst., by Rev. A.W. Bruce, Mr. Orrin Wood to Miss Sarah Bancroft, both of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  In Louisville, Otsego Co., June 30th, by the same, Mr. Allen Hoag to Miss Respie Hunt, both of New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  In Preston [Chenango Co., NY], on the 6th inst., by the Rev. H. Callahan, Mr. Lucius J. Weaver of Pitcher [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Susan Hough of Preston.

Married:  At Vallonia Springs [Broome Co., NY], by Rev. W.M. Hoyt, Mr. William G. Shifter to  Miss Mary Carrington, both of Coventry [Chenango Co., NY].

Died:  In Preston [Chenango Co., NY], on the 9th inst., Mr. Francis Balcom, aged 83 years.  The deceased is the last of the first settlers of this village, being one of the many who cut the first road, as well as to help put up the first framed house in this place.  It can be truly said of him he always sustained an honest character.  He died as easy death, with a hope of changing worlds for the better.

Oxford Times, August 21, 1850

Married:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY] on the 15th inst. by the Rev. S. Hansen Cox, Mr. John R. Clarke to Miss Elizabeth W. Glover, all of this village.

Married:  At Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 19th inst., by the Rev. F. Rogers, Augustus Willard, M.D. to Miss Laura Perry, daughter of Dea. John Perry of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY]

Oxford Times, August 28, 1850

Married:  In St. Paul's Chruch, Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 19th inst., by the Rev. S. Hanson Coke, Oliver W. Himrod, of New York, to Mary J. [Cruttenden]; also D.W. Clinton Clapp of New York, to P. Agnes [Cruttenden], both daughters of Lyman Cruttenden, of Oxford.

Married:  At Sidney Plains [Delaware Co., NY], on the 14th inst., by Rev. Mr. Fish, J.E. Owens, Esq., of Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Mary Elizabeth Dies, of the former place.

Died:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 21st inst., Ruthany [Potter] daughter of Benjamin and Lucretia Potter, aged 8 months.

Died:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 20th inst., of inflammatory Rheumatism, Col. Otis J. Tracy, aged about 53 years.  The deceased was a son of the late Hon. Uri Tracy, was born in Oxford, and has always resided in Chenango County.  Unassuming in his manners and retiring in his habits, he instinctively shrunk from the strife and turmoil incident to political life.  He was however for several successive years Supervisor of his native town, and discharged the duties of the office with ability and fidelity.  He was a good husband, a kind father, a true friend, a worthy citizen and an honest man.  While his talents and integrity commanded the respect and esteem of all, the kindly sympathies of his manly heart endeared him to a large circle of friends by strong and endearing ties.  he was patient under trials, forgiving, merciful and magnanimous.  Those who have enjoyed his hospitality and have seen the exhibitions of the generous impulses and kindly emotions of his noble nature, can attest to the sincerity and dignified simplicity which characterized the dispensations of his unostentatious charities.  He was emphatically a peace maker and a philanthropist, and he delighted to devote the energies of his benevolent mind to calm the tempests of strife, to remove the elements of discord and restore to order and harmony what passion and prejudice had disjointed and sundered. Wherever probity and sterling integrity are held in estimation, such men will be highly prized while living, and deeply lamented when dead; and however painful the loss, it is truly grateful to those who mourn his departure to feel the assurance that he has gone where the benevolent and the humane, the magnanimous and the merciful, the peacemaker and the just receive an appropriate reward.

Civil War Letter from 10th NY Cavalry, December 1862,

Oxford Times, January 7, 1863 

From the 10th N.Y. Cavalry, Camp near Fredericksburg, December 14th, 1862

Dear Times - As these are stirring times here with the whole army of the Potomac, and as we form a small portion of it at this time, and are now at the scene of action, where one of the greatest of modern battles is being fought, I thought perhaps a few lines from us might be interesting to your readers.  On the 9th instant, at ten P.M., we received our orders to take three days Rations and report to Gen. Bayard's Headquarters at nine A.M., on the tenth.  We struck our tents or rather our Blankets, as we have not been troubled with that luxury since we left Alexandria, and got our breakfast, fed our horses, rolled our blankets and strapped them to our saddles.  At 8 A.M., we started to General Bayard's Headquarters. By the way, the General is a small man, and was yesterday mortally wounded, having his left leg shot off close to the body.  He was a brave officer, and beloved by his command, and will be a sad loss to our branch of the service and hard to replace. We then received orders to report forthwith to Gen. Reynolds Headquarters. As a provision Guard we started at about 10 A.M.  and arrived at the General's Headquarters about 6 o 'clock, and the next day the 11th, the great battle opening at 3 A.M., on the part of the Rebels, by resisting the construction of the Pontoon Bridges across the river by their sharpshooters from the windows of stone and brick buildings in Fredericksburg.  The first bridge was constructed by the 50th N.Y.E.R.C., assisted by the 66th N.Y. marines, who went across in the Pontoon boats, which are boats built after the fashion of the Navy Island, only about one-third the size and more substantial.  They lay down so as not to be seen and left only four men with oars in sight, and in the course of an hour they touched the opposite banks and the men sprang on shore and ran up the banks under the cover of the buildings and the Rebel sharpshooters skedaddled in fine style.  Our forces then built five bridges across the river, under the cover of our artillery and at night or about 4 P.M., one Grand-Division of the army crossed the river the next day. We were ordered to saddle up  and move on, we went to a bluff about three-fourths of a mile below the town and were ordered to halt, the Captain rode first to the banks and looked at the battle then raging, which was more grand than a painter can well portray or pen describe.  To see 100,000 men drawn up in battle array is a sign not often seen by any but soldiers, and the rebel guns starring at them and their army all along in the woods awaiting anxiously for the affray to commence.

The Dickinson Guards were once repulsed in crossing the river, with a loss of one killed and thirty-five wounded.  The Oxford boys were not in the advance, so they escaped.  Dwight Adams and "Shorty" are all right, and so are all the boys in the Sickles' Brigade. But they are on the advance.  Some of our boys saw Sam Balcom, and Augustus Parsons.  They say the boys are well and like the soldier's life, for one reason and that only.  I will not tell, but you can guess what it is (they can't go home.)  Just now there is a lively musketry firing going on, it is barely possible that something may transpire.  "Shorty" has just been into camp with a reb's horse that came into our lines yesterday.  We now number all told, 96 men here, and two officers making 98 in all, the largest Cavalry Company that I have seen in Dixie, as large as half of the Battalions now in service and the men all ride well.  Sheldon Bolles is a good horseman, and an efficient officer.  James Feeley can ride if he does not ride as graceful as some, he rides a little on the Bruchausen plan. The rest of the men ride like old Cavalry men, and not like raw recruits.  Finally the boys all do first rate.  We all look anxiously for the Times, once in a while someone gets one.  We have an honorable position and we hope to fill it honorably. Some of the boys say they would like to picket their horses for the night in front of "Gusties," They think it would make the people of your quiet town open their eyes, as they make more show than a fall regiment of infantry.   F.

Vital Records, June 1850

 Oxford Times, June 12, 1850

Mr. Tindell, died in this city on Sunday week, aged about 104 years.  Mr. T. had been a resident of this city [Syracuse, Onondaga Co., NY] some eight or ten years, and by persevering industry had accumulated a snug property, besides supporting his family.  His life had been an eventful one, born in Massachusetts near the middle of the last century, he was an eye witness to many of the stirring events preparatory to the  --ering of the [conflict] which [freed] our Fathers under British rule.  A man of superior mind (having been a preacher during a portion of his life)....Syracuse Journal 

Married:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 19th ult. by the Rev. M. Stone, Mr. John S. Shattuck to Miss Joanna Terry, both of that place.

Oxford Times, June 19, 1850

In Franklin, Delaware Co., on the 3d inst., by the Rev. Mr. Ingersoll, Josiah L. Hawks, Esq., of Cobleskill, Schoharie Co., to Miss Lucia R. Foote of the former place.

In Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY], on the 5th ins.t, by Elder Crandall, Mr. Orville Benedict to Miss Cyrene Crandall.

Oxford Times, June 26, 1850

Drowned:  Mr. Lewis Murray [21y] of Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], was drowned in the Susquehanna, at that place on Tuesday, 18th inst., under painful circumstances.  The day had been sultry, and at evening Murray proceeded to the river to bathe.  Having made an engagement to watch during the night, in the neighborhood his absence was not noticed until late the following morning.  On proceeding to the river, his clothes were found on the bank and the body in the water near by.  He was unable to swim, and probably, unawares, stepped into deep water, from which he could not obtain a footing and thus drowned.  Mr. Murray was son of Dauphin and Sally Murray, formerly of Guilford and brother of H. K. Murray of Norwich.  [Buried Guilford Center Cemetery, Chenango Co., NY]

Married:  In Coventry [Chenango Co., NY], on the 19th, inst. by Rev. J.B. Hoyt, Mr. Amasa J. Hoyt to Miss Phebe E. Phillips, daughter of G.D> Phillips, all of Coventry.

Died:  In Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], on the 17th inst., Mr. Dexter Newell, aged 52 years.

Vital Record Notices - May 1850

Oxford Times, May 2, 1850

Married:  In St. Paul's Church, Rochester [Monroe Co., NY], on the 11th ult. by Rev. Dr. Van Ingen, Ethan C. Clarke, Esq., resident Civil Engineer, having charge of the public works at Palmyra [Wayne Co., NY], to Miss Elizabeth Mickle.

Murder at Marathon [Cortland Co., NY]:  On Sunday the 14th inst. the body of Mr. Peter Shevalier was found dead at his residence in the town of Marathon in this county.  As there are many conflicting reports concerning the cause of his death, we publish the verdict of the Coroner's Jury, which is as follows:  "That John Haynes or Daniel Madole, or both of them, of the town of Marathon, County of Cortland, State of New York, did on the 14th day of April in the year 1850 between the hours of three and six o'clock, in the afternoon of that day, at the house of the said Peter Shevalier, with force, feloniously and violently make an assault in and upon the body of the aforesaid Peter Shevalier, then and there present, causing his death, by strangulation, and other acts of violence, while they all were in a state of intoxication.  Cortland Whig. 

Oxford Times, May 8, 1850

Sad Accident - Caution to Mothers:  A little girl about four years old, the child of Edson Ganonge, of this village [Binghamton, Broome Co., NY], was so badly burned by its clothes taking fire on Wednesday morning last that she died after about thirty-six hours of intense suffering. She was with her mother in the yard and left without her knowledge, went upstairs, and as was supposed, was putting some light fuel in the stove when her clothing took fire.  She screamed and commenced descending the stairway when she was seen by her mother, who ran to her and threw her dress about her and smothered the flames until a young man in our office got to her with a pitcher of water.  Binghamton Gazette.

Married:  In Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], April 30th, by the Rev. Mr. Pratt, Mr. Willard F. Stockwell, to Miss Susan Allison, all of that place. 

Died:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 24th  ult, Mr. Levi Ray, Jr., aged 54 years.

Died:  In Earlville [Madison Co., NY], on the 26th ult., at the residence of her son, Grove D. White, Esq., Mrs. Elizabeth H. White of a long lingering consumption, aged 61(?) years. 

Died:  In McDonough [Chenango Co., NY], on the 22d ult of a tumor, Mr. Russel Root, aged 74 years. 

Oxford Times, May 22, 1850

Married:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 16th inst. by the Rev. J. C.  -?- Mr. Peter D. Mericle of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], to Miss Ellen L. Willoughby of this village.  

Married:  In New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], on the 1st inst., by Rev. J.H. Chamberlin, John P. Harris, M.D. to Miss Elizabeth R. [Chamberlin], eldest daughter of Rev. J.H. Chamberlin. 

Died:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 21st inst., of consumption, Philo M. Judson, aged 28 years.  Mr. Judson contracted his disease by a too close application to business as a clerk in the city of New York.  He returned to his father's home in December last, and has continued gradually to sink under the insidious but fatal malady until his death.  On the 19th inst., he rode about 4 miles.  He was confined to his bed but one day.  But a moment before his death he sat in his chair and returned to his bed just in time to breathe his last.  Another warning is given to youth in this case, that death invades their circle also--that time is short--faith saith that eternity is long, and that, no delay in preparation for it should be indulged in. 

Oxford Times,  May 29, 1850

Married:  In Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], Wednesday morning 22d inst., by Rev. J.L. Jaynes, Mr. C.P. Sykes of Guilford to Miss Ruth Bradley of Carbondale, Pa.

Married:  In McDonough [Chenango Co., NY], on the 26th inst., by Rev. Wm. S. Smith, Mr. James Bell of Hancock county, Ohio, to Miss Mary Anne Cook, of the former place.

Married:  In Sidney, Delaware Co., on the 13th inst, by Rev. A.R. Wells, Mr. W. Barnes of Triangle [Broome Co., NY] to Miss Sarah Turner of Otego [Otsego Co., NY].

Married:  In DeRuyter [Madison Co., NY], on the 1st inst. by Rev. L.J. Wheelock, Mr. Alexander J. Pearce to Miss Julia Ann Sutton, both of Lincklaen, Chenango Co.

Drowned:  Geo. C. Wilson, Esq. late of Cooperstown [Otsego Co., NY], while in the act of leaving the Steamboat at the landing in Albany, on Wednesday morning last, accidentally fell from the boat into the river, and was drowned.  Mr. Wilson held the office of Deputy Clerk in this county for about 12 years and was afterwards elected Clerk of the County - Cherry Valley Gazette.