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

 Oxford Times, June 10, 1863

114th NY Regiment, Beecher's Hospital, Berwick City, La, May 16th, 1863

Mr. Editor:  Since the last battle on Bayou Teche, Berwick and Brashear cities have presented quite a lively appearance.  Several new hospitals have been established and most of the sick and wounded of General Banks army has been brought to these two places. Gunboats are arriving, and departing daily. Transports loaded with cotton and sugar land their precious cargoes upon the dock at Brashear city.  From there it is taken by rail to New Orleans.  Large droves of horses, mules, cattle, sheep and goats, have been brought here and pastured, many of them have been butched for the troops stationed about this place.  Large numbers of contrabands have also been arriving since the fight, and for a few days past our increase in population must be tremendous. Gen. Banks, has lately issued an order for raising 18 regiments of colored troops in this Department. The work has already been commenced in good earnest.  Not only in this place, but at Baton Rough, New Orleans and other places. The negroes are enlisting rapidly, and filling up the Regiment.  The regiment that is already organized, is well officered by men that have seen from twelve to eighteen months service.  I was informed by a captain, that the colonel was a native of this place.  When the war broke out he remained true to the 'old flag' and by so doing came near losing his life.  He was seized by the rebels, and a rope placed about his neck to hang him, he however escaped, went to New York and enlisted in a N.Y. Regiment, and was commissioned as Lieutenant, from that he was promoted to Captain, and now he is back home as Colonel of a colored Regiment.  Last Friday, a large number of recruits were brought in.  They were collected about Newtown. The crowd was composed of all classes, male, and female, old, and young, such a sight I never before witnessed; some were mounted upon mules, others were carrying large bundles upon their heads.  Old carts were loaded down with worthless trash, mules bent beneath the combined weight of a wench and family of children. The procession halted in the center of the place.  Here friends met friends, that had come before.  It was interesting to listen to their conversation; they all appeared to be feeling their best, and in high spirits. How ye do Frank? say one.  Oh right smart!  Ye gwine ober de Bay?  Yes! hab ye meets Joe?  Oh yes, Joe big man, he in de kumany ober dah\, yah! ha! ha!

The men were soon formed in line, and with the aid of one or two colored sergeants, the ranks were opened, and the officers who had them in charge proceeded to pick out "the halt, the lame, and the blind."  These will be placed upon the plantations with the women and children to raise sugar, and cotton. The strong able bodied men were then taken over to Brashear, and were regularly examined by an army surgeon.  Those that passed were uniformed, armed, and equipped, and placed in the camp of instruction.  I was informed by an officer who was present at the medical examination, that many of their backs looked like a checkerboard, they were so cut up with scars.  yesterday, another company of some five or six hundred, arrived and went through the proceedings as the other company.  They have all been taken over the Bay, old, and young.  They are fed at Uncle Sam table, and I suppose are under his protection.

The soldiers make a very fine appearance, in their new uniforms. They are mostly straight, large, well developed men .  I think that it is mostly owing to the custom of carrying things upon the head that gives them such a straight, high headed appearance.

Gen. Banks forces are mostly at and around Alexandria.  This Department is pretty well cleared of rebels at present.  Hardly one dare show his head this side of the Red River.  Many of the prisoners taken in the late battle have taken the oath of allegiance, and many others would like to stay, and enjoy protection instead of fighting Confederate battles.  They are in no hurry to get back, at least those that I have talked with are not. Most of them seem to have quite a liking to our uniforms, the confederate sick, and wounded in our hospitals are nearly half dressed in our clothes.  Most of them think that they done fighting enough. The main hope of the rebels now hangs on England and northern copperheads. They say that England will interfere and that the north is already divided.  I trust that they are mistaken.  Words are inadequate to convey the disgust that the soldiers feel towards Northern copperheads.  I fear some of them would fare hard if our soldiers were at home.  At least I have heard them say that they would knock down the first copperhead they met.  The sick, and wounded are doing well and gaining rapidly.  Many of them will soon be able to rejoin their regiments.  W.E.

Vital Records - July 1851

 Oxford Times, July 2, 1851

Married:  At New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], on the 24th ult., at the Hotel of H.L. Clark, by Geo. W. Sumner, Esq., Mr. John Penny of Winfield, Herkimer co., to Miss Catharine Freemen of the city of New York.

Married:  In Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], on the 18th ult., by Rev. A.G. Orton, Mr. Kendrick N. Leach to Miss Jane M. Reed, both of Smithville.

Married:  At Tioga, Pa., on the 12th ult., by the Rev. E.H. Place, Mr. Daniel S. [Whittenhall], son of Elihu Whittenhall of Addison, N.Y. (formerly of Oxford) to Miss Catharine A. Brown, of Lansingville, Tompkins Co., N.Y.

Oxford Times, July 9, 1851

Married:  In Smyrna [Chenango Co., NY], on the 2d inst., by Rev. Mr. Pomeroy, Mr. Dewitt C. Briggs to Miss Charlotte M. West, all of Smyrna.

In Preston [Chenango Co., NY], on the 1st inst., by Eli Willcox, Esq., Mr. Oliver A. Smith of Irwin, Steuben Co., to Miss Mehitable Simpson of McDonough [Chenango Co., NY].

In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 29th ult., by Rev. C. Darby, Mr. Charles Rorapaugh of Smithville [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Anntonette E. Bunnel of the former place.

Oxford Times, July 23, 1851

Another Soldier of the Revolution Gone!--Died, in this city [Utica, Oneida Co., NY], on the 17th inst., after a brief illness.  Qurceheus Downer, Esq. late of New Lisbon, Otsego Co., where he had been a resident over fifty years.  He faithfully served in the wars of his country, and was universally beloved and respected.  His life was prolonged to the advanced period of nearly ninety-six years, yet he enjoyed uninterrupted health, and retained his faculties to a remarkable degree.  his old age was serene and happy, but the corn was ripe for the Harvest, and the Reaper came.  Utica Gazette, 18th

Drowned:  Mr. Jeremiah Banks of Edmeston Otsego Co., was drowned on Sunday the 6th inst., while crossing the river from Columbus to Edmeston in a skiff.  No one witnessed the accident, and he was not missed until the skiff was found empty some distance below the crossing place.  Search was made for the body, but it was not found until the Wednesday following.  He was about 30 years of age and intemperate habits.  Chenango Union

Oxford Times  July 30, 1851

Married:  In Spring Harbor, Michigan, on the 9th inst., Mr. J.D. Lownsbery of Dunkirk; formerly of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], to Miss Harriet K. Edda of Jackson.

Married:  In Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY] on the 20th inst., by Rev. C.H. Force, Mr. Enos Johnson to Miss Frances Church, all of Bainbridge.

Died:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 26th inst., Mrs. Charity [Judson], wife of Mr. Philo Judson, aged 57 years.  Mrs. Judson was born in New Milford, Ct., and there received an early religious education, which laid the foundation of that consistent Christian character which she subsequently attained.  Having in mature life experienced the power of the Gospel, she made a public profession of her faith in Christ, and united with the Presbyterian Chruch in this village in whose communion and fellowship she lived and died.  Her relations to the Church, to her family, and to society, she was enabled through grace to adorn in health; but it was in the dark valley and the shadow of death alone, that the strength of her faith in Christ fully appeared.  Here, in extreme physical suffering, protracted through years, she could say, notwithstanding the infirmities incident even to sanctified humanity, it is well,  "I know that my Redeemer liveth."  Passing from earth to her reward, she has left to the different circles in which she moved the savor of a Christian example, and another witness to the truth of that promise.  "I will never leave thee nor forsake thee."

Died:   In this town [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 28th inst., of paralysis, Mrs. Deborah Main, widow of the late Mr. Luther Main, aged 84 years.  Mrs. M. was much beloved by her large circle of relatives and friends.  She was a consistent Christian, and had been for many years a beloved member of the Baptist church--"Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord."

Died:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 16th, Mrs. Nabby Thompson, wife of Capt. James Thompson, aged 63 years.

Died:  In Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY], on the 18th, Mrs. Lucy Ann [Hart], wife of Mr. Bennet Hart, aged 23 years.

Civil War Letter from 114th NY Regiment - April 1863

 Oxford Times, June 3, 1863

114th NY Regiment, Brasher City, La, April 30th 1863

Mr. Editor:  You know our situation.  You must go back with me to the 9th of April, when we crossed Berwick's Bay with Gen Wietzel's Brigade with nothing but 3 days rations and blankets, with one change of under clothes, bivouacked on the south shore until the 11th when we took our line of march up the Bay towards Palisonville, marching for the battle field, but did not have a long march, not over 2 miles before the pickets engaged each other.  Our cavalry was skirmishing, at our head and it became necessary to send out our Olive branch in the form of a shell, our compliments in that shape were sent often during the day. We slept that night on our arms, and at dawn of day the preparation was making for the march.  At seven we were in line and fighting our way up the tash with Capt. Barots and Capt. Perkin's cavalry still skirmishing in advance, and nobler Commanders are not in our army, nor braver men ever sat on saddles than those that followed them.  We passed Palisonville without the loss of a man; we took several prisoners on the road yesterday the eleventh.  The 12th brought no change until near night when we were drawn up in line of battle and passed our batteries for their support if necessary. We had not arrived to our position before the rebel batteries opened fire on us (I use the word us for the 114th, were in front).  the first shot from the Diana (the gunboat that was taken from us a few weeks since) grounded in front of the 114th, within a few rods of Co. A.  All seemed calm and composed, the line did not break nor waver, but at the left of the colors where Co. H was, we had not much time to look in that direction as another shot passed over us, killing two horses six rods in the rear. The piece of artillery they were drawing was a fine brass piece.  We were soon down in a ditch, and the gun seeking revenge.  It is useless to say that the 114th lay very close to the ground, for we do not call it bravery to stand and see a rebel shell burst if we can get out of range.  The battle raged only one hour and twenty minutes, and we retired for the night, amid a shower of shells from the rebel batteries, not doing much damage, a few only slightly wounded.  One shell burst in the rear of our Company, slightly wounding Corporal Wellock in the neck, James Sandell in the foot, slightly, Dwight F. Taylor, very slightly in the head.  Perhaps some copperhead will say the Yankees were whipped.  Let me invite him to the field.  On the next day at an early hour we again took the field in nearly the same order extending the left Wing to the woods. The engagement commenced near the same ground we left the night before, and four guns opened on the Diana for the space of half an hour, and the rebel flag kept up the Bayou tash.  She was in command of a Texan calling himself the Yankee eater, [who] had pledged himself to go to New Orleans with her, but while she bore away the rebel flag she also bore the remains of the Yankee eater, the Diana was silenced.--The engagement became general along the whole line, which lasted during the day, but the rebel batteries were nearly silenced when darkness put an end to the bloody scene. We had but few killed, I was informed by one of our men that was detailed to bury the dead, that they buried only 18 of our men, and he believed there was not more than 36 in all, and to guess off the wounded I should say one hundred. Gen. Grover's division on the other side of the Bayou suffered greater loss.  Most of the day the 114th lay in a cane field under a heavy fire of musketry, but escaped with the loss of one man.  James Hill of Smithville, was shot through the head at 4 o'clock in the afternoon of the 12th, died on the morning of the 13th at 9 o'clock.  He proved himself a good soldier and left his work well done, and died a death that none need blush for. The officers behaved like brave men, and the 114th Regt. will never make the Empire State blush for their acts of the battle field.  Gen. Witzel was heard to say the 114th is the best new regiment he ever saw under fire.  The coolness of the men astonished me, although I have often wrote that I had arrived at the point where nothing astonished me.  Chenango and Madison Co.'s may well be proud of the noble sons they have sent here to crush out this unholy rebellion, and Bainbridge may have the honor of furnishing some noble young men that would not like to have their names mentioned in praise here, but will be remembered by the writer while life lasts.  Also DeRuyter has done her share and Oxford need not blush for any from there.  There was many of Co. H, left sick at Brashier City.  On the 13th we renewed the attack and found the enemy leaving us on a forced march after 3 days fight. The enemy undertook to make a stand at Franklin, but only had time to throw one shot and a few charges of railroad iron and left. We drove them to Vermilion river 40 miles toward Red river, from New Ibera. There the 114th was ordered to return to Brashear City and relieve country of what cattle, mules, horses they had, and of all droves this excels.  We found no trouble on the way back. After we arrived at New Ibera, Co.'s F and H were detached from the Regiment to take charge of 169 prisoners. The uniforms and shoes of the rebels are as has been described, clothes of all kinds and colors, shoes like hen's teeth, rather scarce.  I would give more of the particulars of this march if time would admit. Suffice it to say 80 miles of the best part of Louisiana is stripped by the 114th and the army still moving on to Red river and the rebel are universally whipped.   J.

Vital Records - June 1851

 Oxford Times, June 4, 1851

Accidental Death:  On Thursday last, Benjamin F. Holdrege, son of Ethiel Holdrege of McDonough, in this county [Chenango Co., NY], was killed by the falling of a limb of a tree.  He was chopping trees for Mr. Barker, in company with two others; one of whom, a boy, named John Corbin, was knocked down by a part of the same limb.  His skull was fractured, but he is likely to recover. The deceased was 23 or 24 years of age.

Married:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 27th ult., by Rev. J.C. Ransom, Mr. Peter Augustus B. Sannick to Miss Sarah Jane Randall, all of this town.

Married:  In South New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], on the 25th inst., by Rev. Albert Guy, Mr. joseph Brownson of New Berlin to Miss Nancy M. Dibble of Guilford [Chenango Co., NY].

Oxford Times, June 11, 1851

Married:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY] on the 9th inst., by Rev. Dr. Paddock, Mr. Thomas Landers of South Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], to Miss Mary L. Emmons of Danbury, N.H.

Died:  In Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 3d inst., Mr. James Nickerson, formerly of this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], aged 65 years.

Oxford Times, June 18, 1851

Married:  In Preston [Chenango Co., NY], on the 10th inst., by Rev. Wm. Reddy, Mr. William Judd of Candor [Tioga Co., NY], to Miss Philecta Judson of Preston.

Married:  In Coventry [Chenango Co., NY], on the 8th inst., by Daniel Beecher, Esq., Mr. Benjamin Hall of Coventry, to Miss Frances Ann Tracy of Greene [Chenango Co., NY].

Died:  In Preston [Chenango Co., NY], on the 7th inst., Mr. Adon Rogers, aged 66 years.

Died:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY] on the 4th inst., Mary [Willson], wife of Mr. Robert Willson, aged 60 years.

Died:  In Stockton, California, April 29, Mr. Simeon Davis, late of Greene [Chenango Co., NY], aged 57 years.

Died:  In Triangle [Broome Co., NY], 4th inst., Mr. Asa Jordan, aged 71 years.

Oxford Times, June 25, 1851

Married:  In German [Chenango Co., NY], on the 1st inst., by Rev. Wm. Bixby, C.G. Briggs, Esq., to Mrs. Maria Hamilton.

Married:  In Castle Creek [Broome Co., NY], on the 14th inst., by Rev. E.L. Benedict, Mr. Zenas B. Hamilton to Miss Minerva Norton, both of German [Chenango Co., NY].

Death of a soldier - Lieut. G.G. Donnelly, April 1863

 Oxford Times, May 27, 1863

Lieut. G.G. Donnelly--The friends of this brave man have received news of his death.  When he enlisted into the 114th Regiment he was pastor of the Baptist Church in Afton, Chenango county, and he left his charge and proceeded with his regiment as lieutenant of one of the companies to New Orleans, in Gen Banks' expedition; where he saw considerable hard service.  Just before his death he had been quite sick, but had so far recovered as to be doing duty when by accident he fell through a draw bridge, while out on picket, at Brashear City, La., April 26th.  He had been in the ministry but about three years, and was beloved by his Chruch at Afton, and the community at large.  He left a pleasant home, and kind friends, and associated himself with those who went forth to fight for the old flag, the Stars and Stripes, and has fallen a victim to this wicked Rebellion, at the age of 89.  His widow will have the sympathy of all her neighbors and friends--Oneonta Herald.

Civil War Letter from the NY 44th Regiment - May 1863

 Oxford Times, May 27, 1863

Camp of the 44th Reg., Va., May 18th, 1863

Mr. Editor:  I promised you a letter after the battle, if I did not get my head pushed off on the occasion, so I fulfill, and I do so more willingly after reading the comments of the New York papers on this last great conflict.  Never before have i seen such misrepresentations of any movement we have made.  It seems to be a malicious attempt of reporters to vent their impotent rage upon Hooker and Butterfield because they were kept from the usually cowardly enjoyment of seeing a terrific battle at a safe distance.

"You must keep this side the river gentlemen," says Gen. Hooker, to the sneaks.  "If you go over you must shoulder muskets, I'll have nothing but fighting men over there."  This was a different business to any they had been accustomed to, yet they must send some report to the N.Y. papers, if they fabricated one, hence the infamous stories now afloat.  Not wishing to take for soldiers more credit than truth will allow I wish the people of Oxford to have a correct version from one who was in all, and through all, from the 1st to the 6th of May, the first division on the ground was ours. The simple gaining of the position unopposed by the enemy, which we held to the last at Chancellorsville, the other side of the Rapidan was a movement exhibiting more Generalship than has ever been displayed by any previous generals of this army  It perfectly astounded the rebels, we dropped down in their midst so suddenly, it left doubtful the direction we came from. The river where we crossed was so desirably fitted by nature for a strong defense, it was estimated by the best judges, that had 5000 rebels opposed our crossing with thirty pieces of artillery, it would have been impossible for us to get over.

The old "44t" were in the lead that day, a mile ahead of the Corps. We came to the river bank, on the other stood 10 rebel pickets, apparently lost in amazement [at] our sudden appearance.  Gen. Griffin came to the river, took one look at the frowning hill on the other side, turning around in his saddle said, "Forty-Fourth, we must gain those hills with one Division, within an hour, or this river will run with blood.  Every minute is worth the lives of 500 men.  Will you lead!"  "We will! we will!" shouted 300 strong voices.  Taking off our cartridge boxes and rations, holding them high above our heads in the left hand, our gun in our right, we plunged in.  It was cold, and muddy, and rising fast from the rain of the day before, and wider than the Chenango at Oxford. We reached the opposite side safely, with our powder dry, taking a good position, stayed there that night.  The next morning moved forward three miles and found we were in the vicinity of the entire Rebel army.  Now came the maneuvering.  But three corps of ours were then on the ground.  That night the 2d and 3d Corps joined us, via of U.S. Ford.  Friday in the forenoon our corps began to feel of the enemy.  He seemed rather shy.  In the afternoon, we had one short but severe collision.  The 2d Division of our corps (Gen. Sykes) suffered the most.  The enemy had a good charge at him. With us it was the other way, we lost few, and killed very many.  Saturday we were assigned our position on the left centre, having time made a breast work behind which we expected to stand, and if the rebels came, give them a warm reception. About 4P.M. were astonished by a discharge of musketry on our right, the like of which I never heard.  Those heavy discharges from long lines at Antietiam and Malvern Hills, seemed but picket firing beside this Cannon. Opened immediately and with the musketry fairly shook the earth where we stood.  In a few moments there came that the 11th corps had broke and back they came upon us in the utmost confusion.  Our boys felt this state of things keenly.  Knowing too well what an advantage it gave the enemy.  Conch's corps immediately filled the breach, being nearest we went on Conch's right, leaving our place, since there was no probability of any fighting in the old quarter, collecting what they could of the scattered 11th it was nearly dark, but the real fighting of May 2d now began.  Jackson's whole force, the flower of the rebel army were moving up, flushed with momentary success.  Hooker rode down the lines, receive the enemy upon your bayonets, fire not a shot, they cannot see you.  We got down.  In a moment they burst from the woods, line after line came steadily forward toward Berry's Division first to our left.  They thought there was nothing in the way, and an easy victory before them, but instantly a long dark line extending across the fields arose, presenting a glistening.  They halted as quick as though shot in their track.  In vain did their commanders urge them forward, they could not drive them on to the bayonets, they wavered for a moment, then the first line broke.  At this we opened with musketry throughout the whole line, at the same time some 30 brass Napoleon guns 20 lbs opened with canister of the discharge of these pieces, so close were the enemy, that legs, arms, and huge pieces of bodies filled the air. They would totally demolish a line of battle at two or three discharges.  They fell back in the woods and formed again, and then came forward as before, only again to be demolished.  How many times this was done I cannot say, but as fast as the men could be got into line till midnight.  The long sheets of fire from the infantry, the terrible flashes of the cannon, the bursting of shells, all together, made fireworks awfully grand, and cast Fourth of July operations into shade.  When at last Jackson learned what he had to deal with, that it was impossible to break our lines, he withdrew for the night.  We laid down on our arms.  As day broke Sunday morning the enemy came on.  Deserters during the night, told us that Jackson had promised "to break our centre if it cost his life, and the lives of his entire army," and when line after line came out of the woods early in the morning, advancing across the fields steadily to the attack, it would seem to an observer, unused to such scenes, that no human power could withstand the onset. We were ready, and however determined Jackson might be, there was determination equally firm in our unwavering line, which stood with bayonets fixed for the foe.  the scene which now ensued was similar to that of the night before, only the slaughter of the enemy was greater, if that was possible, although they hurled their entire force against two divisions for six hours, they never moved an inch, not a solitary inch from where we had set our line after the retreat of the 11th corps.  At length they encumbered the ground, they could not move their lines over it.  We lost heavily in two Divisions, of course we must in such fighting, but by the side of the enemies dead in front, piled up till nearly as high as the fences, our loss was but a cypher. As they went down almost by battalions, I could hardly refrain from swinging my hat and crying out.  "So much for Dec. 18th when they set us down so before Fredericksburg."  The enemy left us, and went back on Sedgwick with their whole force and drove him from the height.  What then should keep us there?  It would not do to drive Lee this side of the river, between us and Washington, there was nothing but to retire, as for being driven back by Lee's army, you may set this down that the whole population of the South, men, women, children, negros, and all, could not have driven us from that position.

The 17th N.Y. started for home today, you remember Capt. Tyrrell enlisting men in Oxford for that regiment, their time is out, we have been to see them off, for they belonged to our brigade.  In kind regards, Yours,  J.E.B.

Vital Records - May 1951

 Oxford Times, May 7, 1851

Deplorable Accident:  Franklin Lyon, a young man about seventeen years of age, son of Widow Mott Lyon, of East Greene [Chenango Co., NY], was drowned in the River at this place, on Wednesday last.  He had gone out in a boat to set his eel lines, just at evening, and was rowing along above the dam, and below the piers of the bridge, when one oar became entangled and was torn from its block.  The boat being unmanageable was taken by the current and swept towards and over the dam.  As it pitched over the fall, some four or five feet, the boat filled nd turned over.  Lyon then left the boat, and swam resolutely towards the west shore and had almost reached it, when he encountered a strong back-current; he then turned and swam back towards a dry part of the dam which he had nearly reached, when he sank, probably from exhaustion.  His body was not recovered until the following morning.  He was in the employ of Clark Lewis, Jr., and was an industrious and exemplary young man.

Married:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 28th ult., by Rev. C.E. Hewes, Mr. George L. Barrows of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Harriet M. Matson, of this village.

Married:  In Smyrna [Chenango Co., NY], on the 20th ult., by Rev. E.C. Brown, Francis E. Dimmick, Esq., to Miss Calista J. Willcox, both of Smyrna.

Married:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 17th ult., by Rev. M. Stone, Mr. Joseph B. Lewis of Pharsalia [Chenango Co., NY], to Miss Melissa Farrah of Pitcher [Chenango Co., NY].

Oxford Times, May 14, 1851

Married:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 11th inst., by Rev. Dr. Paddock, Mr. Charles A. Bowers to Miss Lauraette Phedors Bingham, all of Oxford.

Married:  In McDonough [Chenango Co., NY], April 15th, by Rev. J. Nicholson, Mr. Stephen Gale to Miss Hannah Dodge.

Died:  In Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], on the 10th inst., Miss Nancy Ingersoll, aged 31 years.

Died:  In Smithville [Chenango Co., NY] on the 7th inst., Mrs. A. Dudley, wife of Mr. Lyman Dudley, aged 60 years.

Oxford Times, May 21, 1851

Married:  In this town [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY][, on the 15th inst., by Rev. J.C. Ransom, Mr. Solomon F. McFarland to Miss Hannah Folger, all of this town.

Married:  In Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], at St. Peter's Church, on the 13th inst., by the Rev. H.N. Adams, Rev. Israel Foote, Pastor of St. Peter's Church, to Miss Mary Banks, all of Bainbridge.

Died:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY] on the 6th inst., Mrs. Ariann [Wheeler], wife of  Mr. John B. Wheeler, and daughter of the late Peter Lansing, aged 46 years.

Oxford Times, May 28, 1851

Married:  In Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], on the 2d, by Rev. John moon, Mr. Addison S. Wilder of Colesville [Broome Co., NY] to Miss Christina Bunce of Bainbridge.

Died:  In Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], on the 17th, Mr. Daniel Castle, aged 54 years.

Died:  In Wayne, Erie Co. Pa., on the 4th inst., Hezekiah Patterson, aged 59 years, formerly of this town [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY].

Vital Records - April 1851

 Oxford Times, April 2, 1851

Married:  In Preston [Chenango Co., NY], on the 30th ult., by Eli Willcox, Esq., Mr. Charles H. Miner to Miss Amelia R. Cummings, all of Preston.

Married:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 10th ult., by Rev. G.P. Porter, Mr. William Spencer to Miss Mary Ann Dent.  

Married:  On the 20th by the same, Mr. Chester Badger to Miss Sarah Carter.

Died:  In Philadelphia, on the 4th ult., Miss Eliza B Chapin, aged 21 years, daughter of Joel Chapin, formerly of this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY].

Oxford Times, April 9, 1851

Married:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 30th ult. by the [Rev.] J.L. Harrison, Mr. Stephen L. Avery to Miss Hannah W. Padgett, all of this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  In Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 27th ult., by Rev. Mr. Stanly, Mr. Silas Peet of Edmeston, Otsego Co., to Miss [Louisa Amelia] Roby of the former place.

Married:  In Coventry [Chenango Co., NY], on the 26th ult., by the Rev. N.D. Wilkins, Mr. Jotham Bixby to Miss Eliza Smith, both of Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 26th ult., by Rev. G.P. Porter, Mr. Lewis Winston to Miss Julia Van Ostrum.

Married:  At Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on Saturday evening, by the Rev. G.P. Porter, Ransom Macdonald, Esq., of Richmondville, N.Y. [Otsego Co., NY] to Miss M. Almeda Evans, Preceptress of the New York Conference Seminary.

Died:  In New York, on the 23d ult. Cornelius Smith, son of John A. Smith, Esq., of Greene [Chenango Co., NY], aged 20 years.

Died:  In Pharsalia [Chenango Co., NY], on the 20th ult., Mr. Luke Babcock, aged 78 years.

Died:  In Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], on the 21st ult., Delia H. [Redfield], wife of D.S. Redfield, aged 32 years.

Died: In Henderson, Ill., Mr. Samuel Randall, formerly of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], aged 65 years.

Oxford Times, April 16, 1851

Died: At Oxford, April 11th, 1851, Hezekiah Brackett, aged 94 years, a Soldier of the Revolution. 

The above notice scarce needs a further comment.  It tells in language, simple, but eloquent its own sad story.  Another of the "Old Guard" has passed from among us.  "The last continental" has joined his comrades in another world.  A few of the State Troops of the Revolution remain, but their whitened hair and tottering frames indicate their speedy surrender to the great enemy of man.

Born in 1757, the deceased for nearly a century has been a witness of most remarkable events.  His youth encountered the storms that overshadowed our Republic, his after life saw its unrivalled prosperity and greatness.  

In 1776, in the full vigor of health and patriotic feeling, young Brackett was enrolled in the Continental Army. Born in Connecticut, he partook of the spirit that so generally animated the sons of New England.  His first essay in arms was at New York, when the British force, strong in numbers and discipline, compelled the army under Washington to retreat. The star of the Republic shone more brightly from the clouds, on the next movement of our soldier and his companions.  At Princeton in the same year, 300 of the enemy's troops made prisoners at war, gave proof of the prowess of our arms. Soon thereafter, we find him at Trenton, where the American forces came down upon the startled Hessians and English with so decisive effect, reviving the ebbing hopes of the almost despairing patriots throughout the land.  The ice bound Delaware that allowed those hardy troops to cross its waters after the terrible winter they had endured, bore up soldiers of higher rank and brighter prospects, but none of purer patriotism and more honest, devoted feeling than the hardy Brackett.  The vicissitudes and hardships a private endured in that army, who, sharing for seven years its varied fortunes, as did the deceased, few at this day can appreciate. The story of Valley Forge, where the track of the army was marked in blood, where shoes, provisions and tents, in the dead of winter, were alike wanting, sends a thrill of horror to the heart.  

We are not apprised of the part the subject of this notice took in the successive campaigns of the war.  He was one of the few that followed the bold and adventurous Wayne in 1779, up the heights of Stony Point, an attack crowned with complete success.  American history has no brighter page.  Afterwards he was attached to the Southern branch of the army, and besides various minor engagements, met the corps of the famous Tarleton at the hard fight of King's Mountain, and had the good fortune to be present when British pride was humbled at Yorktown.  How must his heart have bounded as with saddened steps and banners furled, 17,000 regular troops under the conceited Cornwallis marched forth from the ramparts, and laid down their arms.  How his eye dilated as he beheld the flag of his country waiving in triumph on that eventful day. the hearing of the patriot soldier deafened on that occasion by the continued roar of artillery, was never recovered.  

Such is a brief sketch of the action of the deceased, in the first act in the drama of our country.  Happy was he in being permitted to act so manly a part in that great struggle--thrice happy in being spared to see the beneficent results. The thirteen States his weary footsteps traversed, are those feet refused to bear him longer, had expanded into thirty rich and powerful confederacies.  The navies of the Republic rode in every water--our flag waived triumphant from the snows of Maine to the golden sands of California, the breadth of a mighty continent.  New laurels had been won from British aggressions, new trophies plucked in the fields of Mexico.

It was fit the funeral rites of such a man should be particularly marked.  This respect was due to the virtues of the deceased and more to the patriotic devotion of the age that has passed.  The self sacrifices of the revolution, with the blessings that have followed, demanded it.  Well and becomingly was that duty performed.  The veteran was buried with military honors.  The stars and stripes shrouded his coffin--the booming cannon echoed from hill to hill, as his bier passed along--Military, with glittering muskets and muffled drum, formed a guard of honor to the grave.  The steady march, and soldierly appearance of the Oxford Guard, under the lead of their gallant Captain, the solemn drum beat and the banner shrouded, were all in unison with the old man's spirit.  Often times have we seen him in our village on the National Anniversary, his form erect and his step steady, as the recollection of other scenes was brought up by the pageantry of the day.  Appropriate exercises in church being over, the last sad rites were performed amid a large concourse of people.  Volies of musketry were fired over his grave and the old soldier left to sleep peacefully, waiting the last great roll call.

_____________________________

Another Revolutionary Hero Gone to his Rest:  Obadiah Archer, grandfather of Deputy Clerk of the Assembly, died at his residence in Marion, ,Wayne county, on the 7th inst.  He was in the 92d year of his age, was through three campaigns in the Revolution, voted at every Presidential election from the organization of the government--first for George Washington and last for Zachery Taylor. The full enjoyment of his faculties were preserved to him in a remarkable degree.  He felt and expressed a deep interest in passing events, until within a few days of his death.  Eve. Jour.

Died:  In North Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 7th inst., Cornella Ann [Miller], aged 19 years and 4 months.

Died: In East Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 7th instant, Mr. Eli Haynes, aged 81 years.

Died: In Waterbury, Conn., on the 4th instant, Mr. Elisha N. Hawley, formerly of Greene [Chenango Co., NY],. aged 46 years.

Died: In Preston [Chenango Co., NY], on the 11th inst., Elmer [Westover], son of Mr. Calvin Westover, aged about 16 years.

Oxford Times, April 23, 1851

Married: In Preston [Chenango Co., NY], on the 30th ult., by Eld. J.M. Crandall, Mr. Erastus Daniels, of Preston, to Miss Sylvia C. Smith of German [Chenango Co., NY].

Married: in Smyrna [Chenango Co., NY], on the 5th inst., by Rev. L. Pomeroy, Mr. E.M. Wilber of Smyrna, to Miss E.A. Henry of Lebanon, Madison Co.

Married:  In Coventry [Chenango Co., NY], on the 15th , by the Rev. J.B. Hoyt, Mr. Hector Beecher of Coventry, to Miss Matilda M. Leonard of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY].

Died:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 11th inst., Mrs. Hannah [Juliand], relict of the late Capt. Joseph Juliand, aged 88 years.

Died:  In Preston [Chenango Co., NY], on the 13th inst., Mrs. Minerva E. [Packer], wife of James R. Packer, aged 33 years.

Died:  In Columbus [Chenango Co., NY], on the 2d inst., Mrs. Elizabeth B. [Whitmore], wife of Mr. Samuel P. Whitmore, aged 27 years.

Died:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 16th inst., Mrs. Gleason, wife of Mr. Phineas Gleason, aged 40 years.

Oxford Times, April 30, 1851

Married:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 2oth inst., by Rev. J.C. Ransom, Mr. William B. King to Miss Ann Hill, both of this village.

Married:  In Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], on the 19th instant, by Rev. John Moon, Mr. George Brizzee of Colesville [Broome Co., NY] to Miss Susan Austin of the former place.

Died:  In Preston [Chenango Co., NY], March 16th, William Kelsey, Esq., aged 77 years.

Died:  In Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY], on the 13th inst., after a lingering illness, Mrs.  Olive Sabin, daughter of Isaac Sabin, aged 31 years.

Civil War Letter from the NY 176th Regiment - April 1863

 Oxford Times, May 20, 1863

Ironsides, 176 Regt., N.Y.V., Hauma, Southern La. Apr. 26, '63

Friend Times:  I have to confess to a decided neglect on my part in not writing to you until this late day.  If you will accept a few lines now, I will try to present to our friends of Chenango some facts relative to us and the country we are in.  Perhaps it would be well in the first place, however, to give you a brief of our experience since leaving New York, and previsions to our occupation of the little village I now address you from.

We left New York Harbor Jan. 17th, in the ship Alice Counoe, and had a pleasant trip of two days and a half to Fortress Monroe.  We lay at fortress Monroe ten days, going on shore one afternoon in the time, were transferred to the ship William Woodbury, and on the 29th started out of the harbor for New Orleans.  Soon after rounding Cape Hatteras, a heavy gale arose almost dead ahead, which lasted eight or ten days, and drove us eastward into the ocean some six hundred miles. At the end of the eight days we were about as far from N.O. as when we left port.

Soon as the storm had subsided, we unfurled the white canvas and once more pointed our prow towards the warm lands of the "sunny South."  We had fair winds and pleasant weather most of the remainder of the voyage. We had it a little rough the night we were off the Florida Reefs, and were becalmed a day or two soon after entering the Gulf of Mexico, also were delayed two or three days at the mouth of the Mississippi, getting over the bar, otherwise we were kindly favored until we reached our destination, which we did, and dropped anchor early in the evening of the 17th day of Feb., with the lights of the "Crescent City" twinkling down the long levees and intersecting streets and winding around to the left in half circle until the beautiful night pageant was lost in the distance.

We were detained at New Orleans and kept on board the vessel two days and a half waiting for orders from Gen Banks.  Finally on the morning of the 20th, a tug came alongside, threw out her rope and we started up the river for Carrollton, a place 14 miles from the city proper, but a part of its suburbs.  But it was not to be our fortune to exchange the hard planks of the vessel's deck for terra firma yet. And if you had ever experienced a voyage of five weeks duration, on board a government transport, you could form some idea of our impatience at this continual delay. Two days longer we were doomed to endure that old prison house in which we had been incarcerated for 38 mortal days.  But there is an end to all troubles, and so there was to ours.  About noon of the 22d, the long wished for order came to "pack knapsacks and be ready to go ashore," and if a military order was obeyed with cheerfulness and executed with sincerity, that one was. Arriving onshore, we were marched about a mile back from the east bank of the river, we pitched our tents and made ourselves as comfortable as possible in our new quarters.  I will not go into detail about our accommodations during the voyage. We have, however, one gratifying record to make, to wit:  we had no sickness, except sea sickness, during our confinement of forty days in the old ship's cabin, and to run up the account to the present date, we have not lost, by death, but seven men since the regiment was organized, and there is not another regiment around here with so few sick on their list, as ours.

But to continue:  we remained in Carrollton only about a week, when we were ordered to Terrebonne Station, a depot fifty-five miles west of New Orleans, on the railroad called the N.O. Opelousas and Great Western Railroad.  This railroad is the grand highway, over which the vast products of Texas were formerly conveyed to market.  Gen. Banks has possession of it now as far as Berwick's Bay, eighty miles west of N.O.

Our regiment was posted along this railroad by companies, from Bayou Lafourche, another station three miles below Terrebonne, to Berwick's Bay, four companies remaining with ours at Terrebonne. We remained there three weeks, when two companies of us were ordered to Bayou Ramos, within four miles of the Bay, to guard two bridges, one the railroad bridge over that Bayou. The next day after arriving there, Weitzel's Brigade, stationed at the Bay, began falling back to Bayou Boeuf.  Soon his brigade had passed we received orders to follow on, which we accordingly did, and kept on down to our old position, Terrebonne.  During all these transitions form place to place, we were fortunate enough to be conveyed by water or railroad. But the moving mania had not subsided yet. We were ordered to remain at Terrebonne two weeks, when our company were ordered to occupy Hauma, where we have been permitted to stay now two weeks.

Hauma is a small town almost entirely deserted by the "aristocracy," what few people there are remaining being mostly poor French people.  They have all to take the oath, but they are at heart as disloyal as Jeff Davis himself.  All of them as far as we have been, have turned a cold shoulder on us, but I believe Hauma goes a little beyond them all.  They are respectful towns, coldly respectful, but there is a certain air about them, an unmistakable disdain, that shows plainly "which way the wind blows."  It would need only a reverse in the success of our arms, to create an uprising in those portions of La. now occupied by our troops and then a fearful vengeance would be taken upon companies detached like our own from their regiments and scattered over the country, doing guard duty on plantations and in small villages. They have suffered so terribly from the loss of property, that a hatred is engendered in their bosoms, deep and imperishable as the root of an oak.  Almost every plantation is deserted, and plantations here are measured by the mile.  I have been upon one which was three miles long by two wide. This, in it prosperity, was manned by two hundred negroes, one hundred mules, from forty to sixty carts, while droves of cattle, horses, hogs and sheep "lived in clover" on its broad, green acres. Add to this the mansion, with its rich furniture and beautiful pleasure grounds almost equaling in splendor and costliness the palace of a king, and you have some idea of the wealth of a plantation in La.  And all this has been deserted, the accumulation of years given up in a moment, the owner of millions, reared in luxury, turned a beggar and braving death in the ranks of rebellion, who can doubt that such men will fight to the death.

All the negroes, as far as we have possession, are now free, but the government has entered into a contract with their former owners (what few are left) that the negroes shall work for them one year for one-twentieth of the year's crops, or a fixed monthly compensation, as follows:  Mechanics, sugar makers and drivers, three dollars each; able-bodied field men, two dollars; able-bodied field women, house servants and nurses, one dollar.

The proportion of the crop reserved for them is to be divided into shares and distributed according to the value of the labor, as follows:  Mechanics, sugar makers and drivers, three shares each; able-bodied field men, two shares; able-bodied field woman, house servants and nurses, one share.

All that are not otherwise employed, are required to work upon the public works, and none, capable of labor, will be supported at the public expense, in idleness.  the negroes employed upon the plantations, under the above contract, are to be fed  and clothed by their employers. They are to be properly treated and are to maintain a respectful deportment towards their employers, are to work diligently from sunrise until sunset, and at the end of the year will receive their compensation.

Aside from all contracts however, is a permission given to every negro, to enlist into the army.  It seems to be growing more and more into the minds of our loyal people, that the negroes ought to help fight this war. Stern necessity is beginning to open the eyes of men--they see before them means not employed, strong, friendly arms not raised--sober calculations and deep reasoning begin to occupy the minds of our leaders, and, though I am no prophet, I venture to predict that the slaves of the South are yet to form an important element in the crushing out of this rebellion. Take away their slaves and you take away their chief resources--form them into regiments, properly drilled, armed and officered, and you have a force of a hundred thousand men, accustomed to the Southern climate and acquainted with every pass and bayou of the South--shall the North reject such an ally, in her present emergency.  Some at the North seem to doubt their courage to fight as also their loyalty with arms in their hands, but both have been tested satisfactorily, and from what I have observed of their character and nature since coming here, I could repose perfect confidence in their loyalty, and as to their courage I think they would fight like bulldogs. Setting them free has made them warm friends to the North, and remembering as they do their cruel treatment while in bondage, they cherish a corresponding hatred towards their old masters of the South.

Our company is quartered in the heart of the village, the officers living in the upper part of the town in a fine house richly furnished with confiscated goods taken from different deserted plantations around Hauma.  We have good "bunks" to sleep in, with mosquito bars, which we purchased ourselves. We find them indispensable, for the mosquitoes are so thick that they would torment us to death without them. We have plenty of fresh beef, under the confiscation act., have good, soft bread, and manage, by purchasing a few eggs and a little butter, now and then, to live very comfortable for soldiers.

Butter can be bought here for thirty-five and forty cents per lb, cheese fifty cents, eggs thirty to thirty-five cents per dozen and milk ten ot fifteen cents per quart. our regiment was paid off about three weeks ago to the first of March, and we expect two months more pay now in a few days.   O.E.B.

Vital Records - March 1851

 Oxford Times, March 5, 1851

Married:  In Cincinnatus, Cortland County, on the 20th ult. by the Rev. Wm. Bixby, Mr. Dayton Kingman to Miss Harriet Sperry, all of that place.

Oxford Times, March 12, 1851

Married:  In Hamilton [Madison Co., NY], on the 20th(?) ult. by Rev. C.H. Newton, Mr. Solomon Wait of Preston [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Amelia D. [Greenly], daughter of Thomas H. Greenly, Esq. of the former place.

Died:  At Guilford Centre [Chenango Co., NY] on the 2d inst., Rev. Seth Williston D.D., in the 81st year of his age.

In Windsor, Broome Co. on the 24th inst., while on a visit with his son, Dr. O.T. Bundy, Deacon Solomon Bundy, of this town [Oxford, Chenango co., NY], aged 76 years.  Deacon Bundy was born in Huntington, Fairfield Co. Conn, and some 41 years since came to Oxford, and with a few -?- emigrants, two of whom, "venerable men," survive, selected a farm on the southeast brow of the hill, two miles from this village, a healthy location it would seem, from the vigorous old age obtained by himself and neighbors.  Though from education, having been trained under Connecticut Congregationalism, a friend of the best interests of society, still he did not personally experience the power of the Gospel, until his 16th year.  Thence forward there was a real growth of grace, made apparent by a cheerful submission under the deepest bereavements which the heart of man knows, viz:  the loss of children in their prime, and of the wife of one's youth at an age "when a grasshopper becomes a burden," and the fostering care bestowed upon all institutions designed to promote the common good.  In 1818, he was elected Deacon in the Presbyterian Church, which office he filled in the education of all.  As his first thoughts were given to the Church, so his last labors were bestowed upon her success and edification.  As a citizen, Deacon B. commanded the esteem and respect of all who knew him.  But as a Christian, parent, neighbor and friend, his peculiar excellence appeared, and those who knew him intimately in these relations can adequately mourn his death.  But his reward is on high. While contemplating the life and death of so good a man the involuntary wish of all, and the sincere prayer of every Christian will be, "Let me died the death of the righteous and let my last end be like his."

Oxford Times, March 19, 1851

Married:  In the Methodist Church, in this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 18th inst., by the Rev. Dr. Paddock, Mr. Festus B. Cole of Afton, Illinois, to Miss Louisa E. Monroe of this village.

Married:  At the same time and place, by the same, Mr. William B. Hall of Binghamton [Broome Co., NY], to Miss Elizabeth S Paddock, of this village [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 6th inst., by Elder Darby, Mr. Noah Fowler to Miss Eliza A. Packard, both of Coventry [Chenango Co., NY]. 

Married:  In Preston [Chenango Co., NY], on the 12th inst., by the Rev. H. Callahan, Mr. Morino Coles of Smithville [Chenango Col, NY] to Miss Mary E. Hough of Preston.

Died:  In New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], on the 7th inst., Mr. Marcus S. Willard, aged 63 years.

Died:  At Catskill [Greene Co., NY], on the 11th inst., Miss Sarah C. Parker of Coventryville [Chenango Co., NY], aged 21 years.

Oxford Times, March 26, 1851

Married:  At Waterville [Oneida Co., NY], on the 19th inst., by Rev. E.E. Williams, Mr. William Hawley, of Waterville, to Mrs. Olive Austin of Smyrna [Chenango Co., NY].

Died:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 21st inst., Dr. William W. Packer, aged 32 years.

Died:  In Binghamton [Broome Co., NY], suddenly, on the 17th inst., Dr. Elihu Ely, aged 71 years.

Died:  In Triangle, Broome Co. on the 13th inst., Julia A. [Clark], wife of G.H. Clark, aged 37 years.

Died:  In Batavia, Kane Co., Illinois, on the 3d inst., Gen. Thompson Mead, aged 77 years. Gen Mead was one of the early settlers of this County [Chenango Co., NY], where he continued to reside until about eight years ago, when he removed to Illinois.

Fatal Accident:  We learn that Mr. Cyrus Dimmick of Smyrna, Chenango Co., was fatally injured on Monday the 15th inst., in the following manner;  He was on that day going to the sugar bush with his team, when one of the barrels fell off the wagon, and, rolling on the frozen ground frightened the horses, who started off on the full run.  Mr. D. retained his hold of the lines, and was dragged on the ground with his face downwards, for some distance.  he was insensible and horribly bruised when he was taken up and expired in a few hours.  Mr. D. was a brother of Francis E. Dimmick, Esq., and was at the time of his death, in the 26th year of his age.--Hamilton Jour.

Oxford Times, May 27, 1863

Died:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 17th inst., Mr. Stephen Ketchum, aged 85 years.

In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 16th inst., Huldah [Slawson], wife of Mr. Caleb Slawson, aged 37 years.

In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], at the residence of David Griffing, Esq, suddenly, on the 18th inst, Ansel Lull, M.D. of Syracuse [Onondaga Co., NY], aged 72 years.

In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 17th int., Mrs. Almira Card, aged 56 years.

In Coventryville, [Chenango co., NY], on the 12th inst. Frankie Leroy [Miles], son of LeRoy B, and H. Miles, aged 2 weeks.

Departed for the Spirit Land, April 2, 1863, Mrs. Ellen B. Stanley, wife of Adam E. Stanley, and daughter of J.L. and Betsey Beebe, of McDonough [Chenango Co., NY], in the 37th year of her age.  It is best justice to say of the departed, that as a wife, mother, daughter or sister, she was much beloved.  Her faith in the ministry, and her hope for immortality, were on the word and works of the Creator of all things. A short time before she died she called her near and dear relatives to her bedside, and said to them that she had no fears for the future, and wished them not to shed any tears for her after she was gone, for she was going to rest.  She wished her children brought to her, that she might kiss them for the last time, and bid them farewell, till they should meet in a purer and happier world beyond the River. She has left a husband, five children and many relatives to mourn for her.  May they be comforted with the thought that their great loss is her infinite gain.

  

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

 Oxford Times, May 20, 1863

10th N.Y. Cavalry, Bealton Station, Va., May 10th, 1863

Dear Times:  When I last wrote you, we were getting ready for the great raid in which the Cavalry have been engaged in for the last 11 days.  On the morning of the 29th ult., we crossed the Rappahannock, and drove Fitzhue Lee's force before us, and encamped for an hour or so, about five miles from the river, when we started in hot pursuit for Lee's retreating force.  We chased them across the Rappidan, when we expected he would make some resistance to our onward march, but thought discretion the better part of valor, and left in hot haste further into the land of rebeldom.  He would occasionally get his forces into line of battle, but they would be sure to be a column in rout before we could get in range of them with our carbines or artillery. We were led by General Stoneman as our chief commander, General Gregg as our Major General.  Col Kilpatrick as acting Brigadier General, is an officer in whom the whole brigade place the utmost confidence.  He is an officer who knows no such thing as fear, but is always ready to lead where he wants his men to follow.  He with the 10th made the charge into Louisa Court house, and with the 2d made the raid so near Richmond, and finally brought up near the White House on York river.  Co. K, was always on hand at all times, either a rear guard, advance guard, picket or supporting the battery.  Our squadron is called the best in the regiment, and when there is any dangerous duty to perform the 5th squadron is sure to be called on.  We burned bridges, tore up railroads, captured wagon trains, trains of cars, 500 prisoners, mules, and horses 15,000, and was on t e raid 10 days and all the while got our supplies from the enemy. We burned railroad bridges and sat down on the track for one day inviting an attack from the enemy, and in the night marched 30 or 40 miles to  another place to commit some new depredation.  

We got about 20 hours sleep in 11 days, so you may know that we were obliged to be vigilant and watchful and consequently were not taken by surprise.

You may satisfy the anxiety of all our friends at Oxford, by saying that we lost no men from our company in the action, three of them straggled behind and I presume were picked up by the enemy. Their names are Emory A. Butler, Harris P. Moak and Charles A. Ray. The rest are accounted for as I said before, you may be sure that Co. K, will not be a disgrace to the town in which it was raised. We of Co. K were on picket within 8 miles of Richmond, for 20 hours, and left 3 hours behind the main  column, it was considered the most dangerous position in the whole raid, yet we accomplished our task with honor to our company and squadron.  I was the only commissioned officer in command fo the squadron, which usually has six commissioned officers in the command. We are bound to a man to stand fast by the old flag and are confident that we will finally be able to push the enemy to the wall.   F.

Vital Records - February 1851

 Oxford Times, February 5, 1851

Death of George C. Hubbard:  Intelligence reached here on Sunday morning last of the death of this young gentleman.  He died at St. Charles, Kane county, Illinois, on the 17th last, aged 25 years.  The fact was communicated to his friends in a brief telegraph dispatch.  Mr. Hubbard was the youngest son of Mr. John F. Hubbard, Esq., of this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], and was a young man of talent.  He was First Lieutenant in Gen. Dimmick's company of volunteers, which went from this county to California in 1846(?), and at the close of the war, he became one of the proprietors of the Alta California newspaper.  In 1849 he disposed of his interest in that paper and traveled home.  He had been one of the editors and proprietors of the Kane County Democrat at St. Charles for about six months past and was prospering in his business.  Chen. Tel.

Married:  In Smyrna [Chenango Co., NY], on the 23d ult. by Rev. E.C. Brown, Mr. Cyrus Hartwell of Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY], to Miss Sarah J. Fisher of Smyrna.

Oxford Times, February 12, 1851

Died:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 31st ult., Mr. Thomas M. Tyrrell in the 65th year of his age.

Oxford Times, February 18, 1851

Another Revolutionary Patriot Gone:  Died, at his residence in Floyd, N.Y. [Oneida Co.], on the 1st inst., Stephen Moulten, formerly from Stafford, Ct., aged 9 years, of inflammation of the lungs.  He was a member of the celebrated band of musicians of the Revolutionary army under W. Timothy Olmsted. He immigrated to Floyd sixty-one years since, was one of the pioneer settlers of the country and has occupied the same farm from that period.  He was never sick till his last illness, but at all times enjoyed health and vigor during a long life and often boasted that the doctors were no richer for him, as he never took a portion of their medicines.  Rome Citizen

Married:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 13th inst. by the Rev. J.C. Ransom, Mr. William D. Benedict of Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], to Miss Mary Elizabeth Folger of Oxford.

Died:  At the residence of Joseph Willard, at Chenango Forks [Broome Co., NY], on the 12th inst., after an illness of 18 days with the smallpox, Miss Caroline Davis of this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], in the 21st year of her age.

In McDonough [Chenango Co., NY], on the 10th inst., Mrs. Charlotte [Root], wife of the late Russel Root, aged 71 years.

Oxford Times, February 26, 1851

Married:  In Binghamton [Broome Co., NY], on the 13th inst., by Wm. W. Waterman, Esq., Mr. Edward W. Hubbard of Leominster, Mass., to Miss Hannah Gibson of McDonough [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  In Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], on the 16th ins.t, by J.B. Northrup, Esq., Mr. Abner Thurber of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Dorcas Christman of Bainbridge; at the same time and place, Mr. Sylvester Wood of Freetown, Cortland Co to Miss Eunice Christman, daughter of Jacob Christman of Bainbridge.

Died:  At Preston Centre [Chenango Co., NY], on the 1st inst., of typhus fever, after an illness of two weeks, Charles C. [Coville] son of Stephen H. and Louisa Coville, in the 17th year of his age.

Oxford Times, May 20, 1863

Died:  In Brashear City, La., Lieut Geo. G. Donnelly of Co. E 114th Reg. of Afton [Chenango Co., NY], aged 37 years.

Died:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 10th, Mr. Roselle Weed, aged 45 years.

In Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 6th inst., of scarlet fever, Elmer Ellsworth [Sherwood], only son of Lucien D. and Catharine L. Sherwood, aged 1 year and 10 months.

In Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], on the 13th inst., Charles E. [Knickerbocker], son of Charles and Mary Jane Knickerbocker, aged 6 years.

We take from the N.Y. Independent, of the 14th inst., the following obituary notice of one who was formerly an esteemed resident of our village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY]:  In Minneapolis, Minn., April 23d, of consumption, Mrs. Julia M. Vanderburg, wife of Judge C.F. Vanderburg, of Minneapolis, and daughter of Wm. Mygatt, Esq., of Oxford, N.Y.  One year ago the fatal disease manifested itself. A sudden hemorrhage of the lungs startled the happy family with sad premonitions. The stricken wife showed no alarm. A devoted husband with two children made her long to live; for this she prayed.  Three months ago a new phase of her disease brought her, as she supposed, to the door of death, expecting to be torn thus suddenly from her loved ones, she felt no fear.  "Heaven seems come down to earth," she remarked, so assured was she that her peace and readiness must be from God.  "My peace I give unto you," was fulfilled to her.  Since that time she has rapidly failed, entertaining never more than a dim hope of prolonged life.  "For the sake of my husband and children, I would love to live," she said, "but I have no fear; my trust is in Jesus." Thus inspired and comforted by the son of God, she neared the river.  On the last day of her life she spoke much of her faith in Christ. She urged all to love Christ. Thursday, the day of her going home, was a sunny spring morning.  Nature lifted up her song of praise.  "I would" she said, "love to go to heaven on such a day as this."  Her last words were "Blessed Savior, receive my spirit," and thus "he gave his beloved sleep."  The character of this disciple was rarely beautiful in it symmetry. A wide circle of friends bear tribute to it.  Unselfishness was the rule of her life; her anxiety and interest was centered upon others; her nature was infused with love; Christ like love breathed from her life.  In her early home she was the loving and the loved.  On her dying bed she said, "I love everybody; heaven is love; God is love; Christ is love."  How congenial to her the atmosphere of heaven, the loving companionship into which she has entered.  Combined with the characteristics referred to was an unusual balance of judgment, a clearness of decision in questions of duty, which won the confidence of all. She was an active Christian; her benevolence sought the neglected and the poor. The bright Sabbath on which her frail body was laid to rest, the theme of the sermon--"To live as Christ, To die is gain," the trust that kindled mourning hearts with assurance of a happy reunion in the better land--these made the last services rather those of praise than of sorrow.

Civil War Letter - from NY 89th Regiment - April 1863

 Oxford Times, May 6, 1863

Head Quar's, Co. E, 89th Regt. N.Y.V.; Suffolk, Va. April 26th, 1863

Dear Sir:  It being a long time since you have received a letter from out little band of heroes, I thought that a line from us at this time would be received with interest. As you, of course, must have learned by the papers that we hourly expected the hostile enemy which nearly surrounds us to pounce upon us like a hungry beast of the forest that has been half starved for months, in order that they may get their fill from the boundless supplies of us Yankees as they term us. Yet I think they stand nine chances out of ten of getting their fil of bullets instead of digestible food. We have been receiving reinforcements of late, and do not stand in fear of any force that the enemy can bring against us. They came in force upon our lines one week ago last Saturday, and ever since that time have been trying to make a break, but as yet have met with no success.  You may think that our soldiers after so long being upon the eve of a battle and continually guarding against it, night and day, are somewhat worn and discouraged.  Well, perhaps they may be somewhat the worse for wear, after so long a siege of exposure, yet never since they were sworn to fight for the old flag were they in better spirits than at the present time.  Men may ask why are our men so anxious for a battle after their ranks have been reduced from ten companies to scarcely enough for three. Well, Ii can tell you, it is because we have always been fighting on the offensive, and never had a chance to fight behind intrenchments, and are anxious to give the enemy the same they gave us at Fredericksburg.  Our troops have been highly congratulated several times by Gen Peck for their long endurance ,and complete success in repulsing the enemy in every attack they have made upon our lines. As yesterday was the 10th of April, it is alike memorable to us as it is to all loyal people, it being the anniversary day of our first battle at Camden, and the second anniversary of the riot at Baltimore.  I will give you a brief description of our exploits on that day.  the day was bright and warm, and all was still and quiet as a Northern Sunday, with the exception of an occasional boom from the heavy cannon that were fired from our gunboats until 3 P.M., when our Regt were ordered to fall in with equipment, and march to the banks of the Nansemond for the purpose of taking a fort that the rebels had erected on a high bluff on the opposite bank for the purpose of blockading the river.  We marched at a rapid pace for some five miles. As soon as we reached the bank we found the gunboat Stepping Stone ready to take us on board, and were soon standing towards the fort.  But a few moments elapsed before we were directly under the enemy's guns.  There was no dock at which to land and no time to be lost, the boat was run as near shore as possible. The soldiers then made a leap for shore going into the water waist deep, one poor soldier went into the wheel and was drowned.  Our soldiers as fast as they reached the shore charged upon the fort, and in less than 30 minutes our blood stained banner was planted upon the ramparts of the fort.  We captured 125 men, 7 commissioned officers, 5 splendid brass cannon, 5 ton of ammunition besides 100 stand of small arms.  It was a very daring and dangerous undertaking, yet Gen. Getty having full confidence in our Regiment for bravery they have displayed under his command assigned us to execute the work, knowing that we would accomplish his plans or die in the attempt. This fort was one that nature had nearly built, and formed a strong blockade which rendered it most impossible for our gunboats to pass as our Ironclads cannot navigate the river. Two of our Gunboats while trying to run past the fort were disabled and many others are badly pierced with bullets. the Gunboat Stepping Stone that landed us under its guns had 17 men killed by the enemy's sharp shooters at the fort. This shows how important it was that it should be taken.  We took the enemy completely by surprise, thus saving many of our lives.  Our loss is 4 killed, 12 wounded, 4 of them mortally.  Our Regiment with the assistance of a few of the 8th Connecticut held the fort until reinforcements came to our support. The enemy came upon us twice during the night, and tried to retake the fort, but our steady fire soon repulsed and drove them back.  Our officers and men behaved themselves in the most gallant manner, and have won a name that will long live on the pages of history.  I would mention that among those who distinguished themselves as heroes was our Captain, H.C. Roome, who proved himself worthy of the command. The enemy are still hovering around us, but do not feel inclined as yet to attack us.

Respectfully Yours, Lieut, Parsons

Death of a Soldier - Jotham Woods 1863

 Oxford Times, May 6, 1863

Death of a Soldier

The following communication from Lt. Lownsbery, briefly recites a terrible accident which resulted in the death of Jotham Woods, of the 10th N.Y. Cavalry, on the 24th ult.

Warrenton Junction, Va., April 25, 1863

Editor of Times:  Yesterday, at 7 A.M., in Camp, Jotham Woods of Co. K, accidentally shot himself with his onw Carbine, while getting ready to move Camp.  He took hold of the muzzle of his piece with his right hand in a stooping position, and while drawing it towards him, the hammer caught and flew back on the cap, causing a premature discharge of the contents of the gun, passing entirely through his right side, yet he lived along until 4 o'clock, this morning at which time he died of his wounds.

Vital Records - January 1851

 Oxford Times, January 1, 1851

Married:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 26th of Oct., by Rev. Wm. Reddy, Mr. Erastus Burroughs to Miss Irena Hinman, both of Greene [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 11th ult. by Rev. A.W. Bruce, Mr. Derrick H. Wells to Miss Christina Hill, both of Smithville [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], ont he 29th ult., by Rev. Dr. Paddock, Mr. Henry A. Robinson of Oxford, to Miss Fanny Smith of New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  In Preston [Chenango Co., NY], 28th ult, by Rev. A.W. Bruce, Mr. Jared Redfield to Miss Maria L. Smith of McDonough [Chenango Co., NY].

In Triangle, Broome Co., on the 11th ult. by Rev. J. Woodruff, Mr. Reuben Hall, aged 68 years of Triangle to Miss Sarah Myrick, aged 25 years of Brooklyn, N.Y.

Oxford Times, January 8, 1851

Married:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 31st ult., by the Rev. J.C. Ransom, Mr. William T. Robinson to Miss Mary B. Gilbert, all of Oxford.

Married:  In Preston [Chenango Co., NY], by Rev. M. Stone, Mr. Lloyd French of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], to Miss Louisa Graves of Preston.

Oxford Times, January 15, 1851

Married:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY] on the 4th inst., by the Rev. A.W. Bruce, Mr. Joseph L. Smith of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Mary A. Hunt of Oxford.

Married:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 4th inst., by the Rev. H. Callahan, Mr. A.T. Lyon of Bath, Steuben Co. to Miss Sarah Ann Gibbs of Guilford [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY] on the 1st inst., by Rev. D. Clark, Jr., Mr. Samuel Z. Hammond to Miss Mary E. DeForest, daughter of Sylvester N. DeForest, Esq. all of Norwich.

Married:  In Smyrna [Chenango Co., NY], on the 27th ult., by Rev. L. Pomeroy, Mr. J. Muirhead of New York City, to Miss Helen M. [Strew], daughter of John Strew, Esq. of the former place.

Died:  In Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 25th ult., Mary Virginia [Dickinson], only daughter of Charles F. and Mary A. Dickinson, aged 5 years.

Oxford Times, January 22, 1851

Died:  At Whitney's Point, Broome Co., Dec. 3d, Mr. John M. Myres, aged 54 years.

Died:  In Lisle, Broome Co., Dec. 17th, Mr. John Peck, aged 72 years.

Oxford Times, January 29, 1851

Married:  At the M.E. Church, in this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 21st inst., by the Rev. Dr. Paddock, Charles G. Hart, Esq., of Binghamton [Broome Co., NY] to Miss Mary Jane [Paddock], daughter of Dr. Paddock, of this village.

Married:  In Franklin, Delaware Co., on the 22d inst., by the Rev. N.H. Adams of Unadilla [Otsego Co., NY], Dr. C.H. Eccleston of Oxford, Chenango Co., to Miss Amanda N. [Foote], daughter of I.C. Foote, Esq., of the former place.

Married:  In South New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], Dec. 29th, by E. Simmons, Esq., Mr. Darius Andrews of New Berlin to Miss Bulina R Carter of Columbus [Chenango Co., NY].

Died:  In Columbus [Chenango Co., NY], on the 18th inst., after a short illness, Bulina [Andrews], wife of Darius Andrews, aged 17 years.

Died:  In Addison, Steuben Co., N.Y., Dec. 31st, 1850, of consumption, Fanny L. [Folger], wife of Mr. Ebenezer Folger, in the 25th year of her age.  The deceased was formerly of this town [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY]; she has left a large circle of relatives and friends to mourn her death. She bore her protracted illness without a murmur, was conscious of approaching death, and met the King of Terrors with Christian meekness.

From the Wilkesbarre (Pa.) Journal, January 8th:  Died at the residence of Mr. Madison F. Myers, her son-in-law, in Kingston [Ulster Co., NY], on the 4th day of January, A.D., 1851, after a brief illness, Mrs. Martha Myers, consort and relict of the late Philip Myers, at the advanced age of about eighty-nine years.  Mrs. Myers was the last of that generation who witnessed the horrors of the Indian Massacre.  Her father, Thomas Bennett, was one of the forty white men who built the Stockade called Forty-Fort, a name blended with one of the deepest tragedies, that marks the pages of American history. She was about sixteen years old when she saw the fated band of patriots, the fathers, husbands, sons and brothers--the last hope of the Valley, march forth from this feeble shelter to meet the savage foe who were laying waste to their fields and giving their dwelling to the flames. They marched forth to defend their mothers, their wives, their daughters, their helpless children and feeble aged from the ruthless tomahawk. They went forth, most of them, "To return no more forever."  "Alas! nor wife, nor children, more shall they behold."  For of that band of near four hundred, not more than seventy escaped to tell of the fate of their companions. She was among those who heard the rattling crash of the conflict, and after hours of agonizing suspense, between trembling, hope and fear, they saw the miserable remnant of their friends escaping from the field of blood to tell the dreadful tale of woe. Then arose a wail of human agony, which would pierce the ear of Heaven--the wail of mothers, of wives, of sisters, of daughters, of helpless infancy, of feeble age for fathers, husbands, sons and brothers, slain in this merciless butchery. For butchery it truly was, since Butler, who commanded the British and Indians on that occasion with cold blooded audacity, declared in his official report after the battle, that the Indians brought in after the action as the trophies of the victory, "two hundred and twenty seven scalps of the Rebels!"  Then followed a fight of unspeakable horror, heightened by the tracts of lurid glare defined upon the overhanging mists of the Valley, which pointed to truly where some unhappy victim, spared from the carnage of the day, to glut the ferocity and complete the frightful orgies of savage triumph, were offered up at the stake, or on the burning pyre. She also on the morrow of that day saw the band of hedious savages fresh from that field of slaughter and reeking in the blood of their victims, enter the feeble asylum, and mock and enjoy with savage glee. the fears and terrors of its wretched inmates.

But enough of this, for the heart recoils at the attempt to portray this sad and heart sickening picture.  In brief, the subject of this poor tribute to departed worth survived these horrors, and has lived down through the eventful history of our Valley and has witnessed the darkest, as well as the brightest, day that ever lowered or smiled upon it.  She was truly a historical character, to whom historians and others who have taken an interest in the thrilling events of the Valley, have referred for the most important facts. She has witnessed those scenes of desolation and won, changed to the halcyon reign of unrivalled prosperity and peace; and although war, in its most hedious aspect, for a time deformed the face of this goodly land, yet we may ow say:

"A lovelier scene the eye ne'er rested on, / Nor fancy painted in its dreamy story-- / When summer has her richest robes put on, / than Wyoming in all her pride and glory."

She lived to see a numerous progeny; and herself the centre of their respect and veneration.  In all the relations of life she was all that a woman should be.  As a wife she was faithful, dutiful, and respectful, as a mother, kind, provident and affectionate, and as a neighbor, obliging. charitable and generous to a fault--and take her all in all, we shall seldom look on her like again.

She was followed to her long home by a large and most respectable concourse, of relations, neighbors and friends--and committed to her mother earth full of years, and the respect of a wide community, within sight of that very same Forty-fort, near which she has spent the last seventy-five years of her life, where among the fore-fathers of the Valley she sleeps well.  And let no vane and presumptuous tongue invade the sanctity of death and the grave, and imaging that naught but rest and eternal peace abide her.