Civil War Letter, from New Orleans, August 1863

 Oxford Times, August 26, 1863

New Orleans, Aug. 13th [1863]

Already we are reaping the benefit of the fall of Vicksburg and Port Hudson.  A few arrivals from St. Louis, with flour, corn, oats, cattle, apples, potatoes &c, has had such an effect upon the price of these necessaries as to astonish some folks here about.  Flour, that two weeks ago was fetching $13 and $14 per bbl can now be got for $6; corn that a few days ago was held at $2.50 per bushel, is now offered at $1, and no buyers; potatoes two weeks ago were selling for $13, can now be had anywhere for $3.50.  This will show you how the National cause is prospering in New Orleans; for, let me say, no people will long continue to withhold their allegiance to a government that, at the same time it fights for its preservation against traitors, gives cheap food to the people.

The parole given to the men of the 176th (Ironsides), New York Volunteers, captured by the rebels at Brashear City and thereabouts, has been declared by Gen. Banks to be invalid, not having been signed by the officer in command. The paroles were signed by Gov. Mouton's Adjutant. They have been accordingly ordered to report for duty at Bonnet Carre, the headquarters of the regiment, M. Morgan, jr., Major Commanding, the Colonel and lieutenant Colonel being prisoners in Texas.

The health of the city is only fair. There were a number of cases of yellow fever at the Quarantine.

Vital Records - September 1863

 Oxford Times, September 16, 1863

Died:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 12th inst., Miss C.E. Gilbert, daughter of Mr. O.S. Gilbert, recently of Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], aged 26 years.  Again the wing of the dark Angel Azrael has overshadowed the happy home circle, and the loved one, as followed her brave, and lamented brother to the land of rest.  Miss Gilbert was the idolized and petted member of the family, one of those ministering spirits whose whole life is spent in doing good; and her death leaves them desolate, but they sorrow not without hope, for her "to live was Christ, to died is gain."

"Alone unto our Father's will / One thought hath reconciled / That He whose love exceedeth ours / Hath taken home his child.

Fold her, oh Father, in thine arms, / And let her henceforth be / A messenger of love between / Our human hearts and thee."

Died: In This village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 8th inst., Jennie E. [Rowley], daughter of Gilbert S. and Sarah A. Rowley, aged 13 mos. and 8 days.

Sweet Jennie's gone; shed not a tear / O'er death's cold billows, damp and drear; / A seraph band hath safely bore / Her spirit to that better shore.

God's ways to us are off denied; / Yet faith, the golden gates open wide, / It views her standing just within, / Free from every care and sin.

Heave not a sigh; her spirit's fled / Beyond the graveyard's molding dead,/ Close nestled by her savior's side; / She's safe from pain, from sorrow's tide.

Mourn not for her, fond mother, now / A shining crown adorns her brow, / A golden harp, a better song, / She sings amid the angel throng.

She's only just across the tide, / She's only on the other side; / She only waits for thee to come, / To bid thee welcome, welcome, home.

Died:  In Oxford, [Chenango Co., NY] on the 12th, suddenly, Mr. Benjamin Dudley, aged 78 years.

Died:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY] on the 5th inst., suddenly, Mr. John Upham, Sen., aged 65 years.

Died:  In Coventry [Chenango Co., NY] on the 4th ins.t, Amanda, [Packard], wife of Mr. Larking Packard, aged 65 years.

Died:  In Belvin Hospital, Washington, D.C., on the 30th ult. of fever, Mr. Wm. H. VanOstrand, of Co. C, 10th N.Y. Cavalry, of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], aged 32 yrs.

Died:  In McDonough [Chenango Co., NY], on the 3d inst.., Hattie Bell [Law], daughter of H.S. and Almira law, aged 15 months.

Died:  In the U.S. Hospital at Frederick City, Md., on the 30th ult., Myron H. [Dunn], of Co. H. 168th Reg. son of H.G. Dunn of Greene, aged 18 years.

Died:  In Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], Aug. 18th, Louise Marsh [Bradbury], daughter of George and Weltha Bradbury aged 2 years.

Died: In McDonough [Chenango Co., NY], July 20th, Arsalia A. [Beardsley], aged 8 years; and July 22d, Eliza L.,[Beardsley], aged 6 years, children of Russel B. and Roxena Beardsley.

Died: n Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], at the residence of Daniel Cornell on the 6th inst., Mr. Aaron C. Mosher, aged 47 years.

Died: At Camp Hubbard, near Thibodeaux, La., Aug. 16th, Franklin Boyce, of Co. C 114th Reg. of Mt. Upton [Chenango Co., NY].

Died:  At the St. Louis  Hospital, New Orleans, Willard G. Finch, of Co. C, 114th Reg. of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY].

Died:  In the Regimental Hospital, at Manassas Junction, on the 20th ult., Charles Barnes, of East Greene [Chenango Co., NY], aged 40 years.

Died:  In the U.S. General Hospital, Baton Rouge, La., Aug. 25th, from the effects of a wound in his foot, received in action, and of a fever contracted in the army, Freeburn S. Young, of Co. A, 114th Reg., of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], aged 44 years.  Mr. Y. was among the first who enlisted in the Regiment, and by his efforts many others were enrolled.  He was a true soldier, and whose death we deplore.  Vainly will comrades look for his coming, he has left them, and his wife and son to return no more.

Civil War Letter form NY 114th Regiment - July 1863

 Oxford Times, August 19, 1863

The letter below from a member of the gallant 114th, is sufficiently plain to be easily understood, and sufficiently positive to satisfy the most earnest and radical patriot.  It is from one who has the blood of a revolutionary sire coursing through his veins, and who does not propose to relinquish without a struggle, the blessings which his patriot father fought to obtain.

Donaldsville, La, July 17th

Dear Son:  I am now on the bank of the Mississippi.  We have got the rebels surrounded on all sides between here and Opelousas and Brashear cities, so they cannot get back into Texas again.  The Union men drove them out of Texas, while Banks' army was at Port Hudson, and now Banks has got them where he wants them, he says.  I suppose when the three Divisions march upon them, there will be some pretty hard fighting, probably a great many lives will be lost.  I may be one of them, if it should be so, you must do the best you can for yourself.  But there is one thing F. I want you should remember,--that is, the peace democrats and copperheads are traitors to the Union and their country.  I want you should despise them as you would traitors.  Remember this as long as you live, and tell them if I get killed, that I fought for the Union like a brave soldier, and was not a traitor, like them.  If it had not been for our northern traitors this war would have been closed a year ago.  They are the cause of the loss of a great many lives of brave soldiers that are fighting for the Union and the rising generation.  I have but one son, and I should be very sorry to have him become a traitor to his country and the union.  My father fought for our Independence, and for his country, and why should I not fight to maintain it?  And F., I want you should do the same, and stick to the Union as long as life lasts.  I suppose I have got one brother partly in favor of the copperheads or peace democrats.  Now, I don't want my son to be brought up in that way.  I had rather see him die on the battlefield fighting for his country and the Union.  I cannot see how fathers can hold their sons back from fighting for the Union, when their fathers fought for it.  Now some of them tell them to destroy it!  Curse such men  They ought to be shot down dead, when they open their mouths for such treason.  If I die, I shall die for my country and the union, not for a little money to leave behind and let the union go.  What do such narrow minded men care?  Such men ought to be hung. That is what I think about it.  I remain your father and a friend to the union and my country.   A.H.

Vital Records - January 1852

 Oxford Times, January 7, 1852

Married:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 1st inst., by Rev. J.C. Ransom, Mr. Richard H. Mowry of Scott, Cortland Co., to Miss Julia Smith of McDonough [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 30th ult., by the Rev. F. Rogers, Mr. Frank Cunningham to Miss Altia Maria [Hodge], youngest daughter of Mrs. L. Hodge.

Married:  In the Baptist Church in Greene [Chenango Co., NY] on the 29th ult., by Rev. C. Darby, Mr. George H. Moore to Miss Elizabeth L. Widger, both of McDonough [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  In Otego [Otsego Co., NY], on the 20th ult., by Rev. Mr. Burnside, Mr. William E. Arnold of Greene [Chenango Co., NY], to Miss Jane R. Smith of the former place.

Died:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 30th ult., Theron [Hoag], son of Mr. Stephen C. Hoag, aged 7 years and 4 months.

Died:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY] on the 31st ult., Sarah Jane [Sannick], wife of Mr. Peter A. Sannick, aged 21 years.

Died:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY] on the 2d inst., Rodolphus T. [Bowers], son of Col. John C. Bowers, aged 13 months.

Died:  In this town [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 3d inst., Mr. Charles Olds, aged 32 years.

Died:  In this town [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 4th inst., Mrs. Mercy Guild, aged 95 years.

Died:  In East Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], on the 31st ult., Charles Henry [Flagg], youngest son of Henry B. and Sarah Flagg, aged 2 years.

Died:  In Cleveland, Oswego Co., Nov. 20th, Mrs. Anna Fancher, wife of Mr. Wheadon Fancher, aged 70 years.

Died:  In South New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], 21st ult., Mrs. Mary Sijmons, wife of Augustus Simons, Esq., aged 57 years.

Died:  In McDonough [Chenango Co., NY], Dec. 28th, Mr. Cornelius Curtis, aged 65 years.

Died:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on 28th ult., Mrs. Pendleton, mother of Mr. Peleg Pendleton, aged 67 years.

Died:  In McDonough [Chenango Co., NY], on the 28th ult., John F. [Beebe], son of Dr. S. and Louisa Beebe, aged 1 year 11 months.

Oxford Times, January 14, 1852

Married:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 11th inst., by Elder E. Baldwin, Mr. Daniel Armstrong of Jasper, Steuben Co., to Miss Amy C. Denison of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  In Preston [Chenango Co., NY], on the 31st ult., by Elder R.L. Warriner, Mr. Robert E. Waldo of Birkshire, Tioga Co., to Miss Esther C. Nicholson of Preston.

Married:  On the evening of the same day, by the same, Mr. Charles A. Nicholson to Miss Charlotte L. Pickett, both of Preston [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 31st ult. by Rev. A.G. Orton, Mr. Julius Hoyt of Wellsville, Allegany Co., to Miss Martha Hoyt of Greene.

Died:  In this village, on the 6th inst., Georgiana [Carhart], eldest daughter of George N. and Ann Eliza Carhart, aged 3 years and 1 month.

To die! to be free from this world of care, / When age has severed the chain / That binds the mariner here to earth, / Is a boon we fondly claim; / But in the morning of life, while the budding flower / Is robed in its brightest bloom, / There's a sadness unmixed with the thought of an hour, / To measure the span 'tween life and the tomb.

Yet, when from earth pass the lovely and fair, / When they fade as the rapture of a passing lyre-- / When they die as the breath of an earnest prayer, / Or as stars in the first gleam of morning expire, / bid them on;  the young soul wends its flight / On swifter pinions to its home above, / And brighter and fairer are the regions of light, / And firmer and deeper is its Father's love.  E.W.L.

Died:  In this town [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 11th inst., Mrs. Permelia Miller, wife of Mr. Inman Miller, aged 42 years, 11 months and 13 days.

Died: In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 7th inst., Mr. Morris Birdsall, aged 77 years.

Died:  In New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], suddenly on the 1st inst., Mr. Oliver Reynolds, aged 56 years.

Died:  In Burlington, Otsego Co., on the 21st Dec., Mr. William A. Miller, formerly of Smithville Flats [Chenango Co., NY], aged 24 years.

Oxford Times, January 21, 1852

Married:  In McDonough [Chenango Co., NY], on the 8th inst., by Rev. W.N. Pearne, Mr. Ebenezer Folger of Addison [Steuben Co., NY], to Miss Lucy Hall of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 10th inst., by Rev. D.A. Whedon, Mr. Elijah W. Lenderson of East Greene [Chenango Co., NY], to Miss Lucy A. Northrup of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 11th inst., by Rev. C. Darby, Mr. William Mack to Miss Julia Cowel.

Married:  In Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], on the 1st inst., by Rev. A.G. Burlingame, Mr. Timothy D. Bradley of Greene [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Charlotte M. Knickerbacker of the former place.

Married:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 25th ult., by Rev. A.G. Burlingmae, Mr. Phineas Gleason to Mrs. Hannah Lyon, all of Greene.

Died:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 17th inst., Mr. Colby Lathrop, of Unadilla [Otsego Co., NY], aged 26 years.

Died:  In this town [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 16th inst., Mary Ann [Sharpe], only child of Mr. Nicholas Sharpe, aged 11 years.

Died:  In Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY], on the 25th ult., Mr. Daniel Adams, aged 78 years.

Died:  In McDonough [Chenango Co., NY] on the 8th ins.t, of consumption, Emeline B. [Hill], wife of Chester Hill, aged 45 years.

Died:  In McDonough, on the 17th inst., Mr. Almerine Cook, aged 42 years and 10 days.

Oxford Times, January 28, 1852

Death of Mrs. Fenimroe Cooper:  The widow of the late Fenimore Cooper died at Cooperstown [Otsego Co., NY], on the 20th inst., She was the daughter of the late Oliver DeLancey of Westchester, and was united in marriage to Mr. Cooper on the 1st of January 1817, and at the time of her death was 60 years of age.

Married:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on 20th inst., at the Stage House, by Rev. C.F. Hewes, Mr. Franklin Edwards to Miss Lucretia M. Ashcraft, both of Preston [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  In Coventry [Chenango Co., NY], on the 20th inst., by Eld. Smith, Mr. Ichabud Seeley of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Harriet E. Storks of the former place.

Died:  In this town [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 13th inst., Horatio T. McGeorge, aged 97 years.

Died:  In this town [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY] on the 20th inst., Mr. Stephen Carhart, aged 62 years.

Died:  In Binghamton [Broome Co., NY], on the 15th inst., Rosalind [Clapp], only daughter of John Clapp, Esq., aged 17 years.

Died:  In Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 19th inst., of apoplexy, Mr. Ira Locke, aged 74 years.

Died:  In Columbus [Chenango Co., NY], on the 13th inst., Mrs. Elsie Phillips, aged 103 years.

Died:  In Canton, St. Lawrence Co., on the 20th inst., Sarah Temple [Goodrich], daughter of Rev. J.T. and M.M. Goodrich, aged 11 years, formerly of this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY].

Died:  In Columbus [Chenango Co., NY], Dec. 20th, Betsey L. [Woodard], wife of Mr. Cyrus Woodard, Jr., aged 35 years.

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

Oxford Times, August 12 1863

114th New York Regiment, Donaldsonville, La., July 15th, 1863

Mr. Editor:  Our success at Port Hudson, so soon after the fall of Vicksburg and the still glorious news of Lee's defeat, inspires the troops with new zeal.  Their buoyant spirits know no bounds.  We had an engagement here on the 13th with the troops of Dick Taylor.  The object was to retreat and call the rebels out of their position; the battle lasted only a short time, but the loss is considerable on both sides, and we think equal. They lost the most men, and took the most prisoners.  The next morning our Cavalry started out to see the position of the enemy, but returned after a scout of 15 miles, finding nothing of the enemy.  Gunboats have retaken Brashear City, and the small force between here and there of the enemy is surrounded by our troops and will soon be gobbled.  We see here nothing that can make us think the back bone of this rebellion is not broken, and we hope hostilities may soon cease, but it is sad to think how the rebel troops are deceived. The day before Port Hudson surrendered the paper that was printed there declared Gen. Banks to be the besieged party, stating that Johnson was in his rear, and his whole army must be taken.  On the next day, the 8th, Gen. Gardner surrendered the Port, we met the enemy half way between the breastworks, and many of them asked what the flag of truce was for, and on being told that the Port was to be surrendered they ridiculed the idea, often making the enquiry where Johnston with his forces were, and did not believe the Port was to be surrendered until we marched in and they stacked arms.  One of the smart tricks of the rebels I must mention.  There were many new made graves, and on opening some of them, some thousands of Springfield Rifles and several pieces of artillery were found to have been killed in action, or at least were buried with the dead.  I will mention one little joke that took place before the surrender of Port Hudson  The pickets were so close together they could converse with ease, each behind a breast work, and both agreed not to fire while each of the pickets were on the breastworks, and our men at a little distance planted a battery.  After some hours one of the rebel pickets says "get down there." Gen Gardner says "fire, its only a d---d yankee trick," and amid a shout and a burst of laughter hostilities again commenced.

One question I wish to ask is, who the copperheads are, and what they want.  They are not democrats for we have plenty of them here, and patriotic men.  They are not republicans, because I claim that honorable name myself.  Who are they?  Are they peace men?  If so, let them make peace, but not by compromise with traitors in arms.  The patriotism of the 114th is not gone, yet; their numbers are now only 536 men for duty when we left Port Hudson  Any man or company of men North can cry peace, but how are they going to obtain it by acknowledging the independence of the Southern confederacy. Then blood of the noble sons they have sent here to crush out this rebellion has flowed in vain, and been spilt for naught.  The soldier is for peace, but on honorable terms.  The union we can't give up, for peace friends, nor home.  Our motto is, Lay down arms, else the only argument is the cannon's mouth.  Home and friends we prize in times of peace above all things on earth.    B.

Vital Records - December 1851

 Oxford Times, December 3, 1851

Married:  In Preston [Chenango Co., NY], on the 25th ult., by Rev. C.E. Hewes, Mr. William H. Lyon, of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], to Miss Jane B Brown of Preston.

Married:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 20th ult., by the Rev. Mr. Burlingame, Mr. David Wedge to Miss Phebe Niles.

Died:  In Toledo, Ohio, on the 17th ult., Abby Jane Willoughby, wife of the late Joseph Willoughby, formerly of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], aged 80 years.

Died:  In Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], on the 22d ult., Mr. John M. Whiter, aged 57 years.

Oxford Times, December 17, 1851

Died:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY] on the 7th inst., William Henry [Gilman], son of William and Mary Gillman, aged 2 years.

Died:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 11th inst., Amy E. [Hall], wife of Amos Hall, Jr., aged 31 years.

Oxford Times, December 24, 1851

Married:  In Smyrna [Chenango Co., NY], on the 3d inst., by Rev. Mr. Livermore, Mr. Uriah Coy, of Smyrna, to Miss Abagail Champlin of Lebanon [Chenango Co., NY].

Married: In Pharsalia [Chenango Co., NY], on the 8th inst., by Rev. E.B. Sherwood, Ansel Brown, Esq., to Miss Eliza Ann [Reed], daughter of the Hon. Hezekiah Reed.

Married:  in Tompkins, 26th ult., by the Rev. Henry Smith, Mr. William L. Seely of Masonville [Delaware Co., NY] to Miss Margaret Banmas of the former place.

Died:  In Seneca, Lawrence Co., Mich., on the 15th September last, Mr. Lyman Willcox, formerly of Preston [Chenango Co., NY], aged 54 years.

Died:  In Pitcher [Chenango Co., NY], on the 11th inst., of consumption, Mr. James Hinman, aged 27 years.

Died:  At the White Store (In Norwich) [Chenango Co., NY], on the 4th inst. Miss Arminda N. Eastwood, aged 14 years.

Died:  At Stonnington Point, Conn., on 17th inst., Mr. Dwight R. Main, aged 26 years, formerly of this place [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], where his remains were brought for interment.

Oxford Times, December 31, 1851

Married:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 24th inst., by Rev. J.C. Ransom, Mr. Leroy Coville of McDonough [Chenango Co. NY], to Miss Louisa Hall of the former place,  Also, at the same time and place, by the same, Mr. Harvey Nichols of McDonough, to Miss Henrietta Hall of Oxford.

Married:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 18th inst., by Rev. J.L. Harrison, Mr. Walter P. Sanford to Miss Sarah Ann Ackley, all of Norwich.

Married:  In Preston [Chenango Co., NY], on the 28th inst., by Eli Willcox, Esq., Mr. William Randall to Mrs. Harriet P. Brown, all of Preston.

Died:  In Addison, Steuben Co., on the 19th Dec. inst., Lorenzo John [Elder], son of W.R. and Melissa Elder, aged 5 years, 6 months and 5 days, formerly of Guilford, Chenango Co.

Died:  In Germantown, Pa., Dec. 20th, Miss Ann Wickham Chapin, daughter of Joel Chapin, formerly of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], aged 24 years.

Civil War Letter - NY Regiment at Gettysburg, July 1863

 Oxford Times, August 5, 1863

Near Hagerstown, Md., July 13th, 1863

Mr. Editor:  Two weeks ago we halted just outside of Frederick City on our way to Gettysburg.  The fight at that place commenced on the first of July and lasted three days.  Our regiment was in each day, but we were very fortunate, and only lost two men wounded in the whole regiment. We supported the brass battery which was out of range of the rebel shells and this is the reason we lost so few.  Perhaps you would like a little description of the fight. The whole line of battle lay in the shape of a drag.  Our regiment lay just at the right of the center. The front point of the line lay just outside of the town of Gettysburg. We took our position in the morning, which was in the woods, and commenced building breastworks.  These were built along the whole line and just at the top of a ridge.  It was a nice position and a strong one.  Everything was quiet until twenty minutes past four P.M., when a cannon was fired.  Hardly had the sound died away when an answer was received, and in less than ten minutes it was a perfect roar.  The musketry soon commenced with terrible volleys which proved that the expected battle had begun. The fighting commenced about the center of the left wing and was rapidly roiling towards the extreme left. The rebel General followed his favorite tactics of throwing his whole force on one point, and seemed determined to break through, but luckily for us he found something besides the 11th corps to break.  But his attack was so fierce that our Generals feared that he would succeed in driving our boys and break the line as he did at Chancellorsville, and by that means flank us.  So just about sundown we were ordered up to support the left. We went up under a perfect storm of shot and shell, but the ground being a little higher than we were, the shot went over, many of the shells burst near us, but none of us were hit. We arrived at the place just at dark, but just as our corps got there the firing grew less furious, and within half an hour had ceased entirely. The rebels found it impossible to break our lines and gave it up for the night. We were ordered back to our places on the right, and what do you suppose we found.  Nothing more nor less than the rebels had taken possession of our breastworks in our absence and we found ourselves fairly out witted this time. We felt very much worked up when we found the dirty rascals in our breastworks, and no doubt they were chuckling over it.  But all that we could do was to draw back in the field and lie down until morning.  At daylight we were aroused and drawn back into the road.  Our brass battery was just back of us on a knoll and but a short distance from the breastworks. The other battery which is the rifled cannon were on our right.  It was not long before both batteries opened on the breastworks, and every shell seemed to say come out of those breastworks you rebels. The infantry were now being sent in and the musketry commenced and the fight now raged on the right wing as terrible that day as it did on the left the day before, and it took us until half past eleven to drive the rebels out. During this time our regiment was lying back near the batteries and escaped the fire which the others received. The 27th Indiana and 2d Mass. lost over half of their men.  In the afternoon we went down into the breastworks and played with the rebel sharpshooters awhile and at night our corps was relieved.  We have been on the tramp now for four weeks, and expect another battle any hour.  We are near Hagerstown, and the rebels in plain sight.  Our company went out skirmishing Saturday night about 12 o'clock and skulked around and fired at the rebels until 10 Sunday morning, and was then relieved.  None of us were hit, although the rebels shoot close.  I think that Geo. Watson hit a rebel, for one was taken prisoner wounded in the morning, and George says he saw him fall.  

We have been building breastworks all day and the rebels are doing the same on the next hill beyond, and within easy shelling range.  We have got very strong breastworks and cannon planted all along the line. We think we have got the rebels in a tight place, but they may escape for all that.  It is reported that the Eleventh corps and Fifth corps have crossed the river, and will drive them close, if they try to cross, and if that is the case, they are hard up.  If we can whip them nicely here, now that we have Vicksburg, it is my opinion that rebeldom must dry up this summer, which I hope will be the case. Gen. Meade now commands the army, and gained a great victory at Gettysburg, and I should think understands his business.  That is the kind of a man we want.   J.D.H.

Vital Records - November 1851

 Oxford Times, November 5, 1851

Married:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY] on the 28th ult., by Rev. E. Baldwin, Mr. Thomas Miller to Miss Susan M. Maine both of Oxford.

Died:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 28th ult., Mr. Gideon Mead, long known as a beloved citizen, and worthy member of the Baptist Church, aged 80 years.

Died:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 1st inst., John N. [Purdy], youngest child of Nelson and Charlotte Purdy, aged 7 months.  Thus in the morning of its days, was this smiling babe taken to live in a brighter or holier sphere.  It was too fair and too beautiful for this world.  Hence the good Father sent a celestial Messenger, and called it home to the bosom of that Savior, who took little children in his arms, blessed them and said of such is the "Kingdom of Heaven."  May the richest consolations of the gospel, abide with the deeply afflicted parents and mourners all--and may they consider this infant a bud on earth, transplanted by Angel hands, into the paradise of God, to there bloom forever in unfailing beauty.

"I saw a flower in beauty drowned / Upon a vernal day; / It was a flower of May. / I looked again--the parent stem / Alone, then met my eye. / The flower, was in a brighter realm / Where Flowers can never die.

Services were attended by the writer.  J.M. Peebles.

Died:  In this town [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 30th ult. of consumption, Miss Amelia Bundy, aged 40 years.

Died:  In Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], on 29th ult., Sarah [Lee], wife of Mr. Thomas lee, aged 72 years.

Oxford Times, November 12, 1851

Married:  In South Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY], on the 19th ult., by Eld. J. M. Crandall, Mr. Burlington Button of Plymouth, to Mrs. Almira Barstow of Pharsalia [Chenango Co., NY].

Oxford Times, November 19, 1851

Married:  In Butternuts, Otsego Co., on the 26th ult., by Rev. J. Soule, Mr. Andrew Burrell to Miss Eleanor Aylesworth, both of New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  In Pharsalia [Chenango Co., NY], on the 22d ult., by Rev. E.P. Beecher, Mr. Aaron Kenyon of Pitcher [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Eleanor Chase of Pharsalia;  Mr. J.C. Weaver of Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY], to Miss Diana Chase of Pharsalia.

Married:  In Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 11th inst., by Rev. E. Cope, Mr. James O. Sturges of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Caroline B. Gibbs, of the former place.  

Married:  In Preston [Chenango Co., NY], on the 22d ult., by Rev. D.A. Wheedon, Mr. Augustus C. Aldrich of Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Elizabeth A Scott of Preston.

Married:  At Unadilla [Otsego Co., NY], on the 29th ult., by Rev. C.H. Force, Mr. Erastus Mills of Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], to Miss Adaline [Spencer], daughter of Dea. Ithamar A Spencer of the former place.  

Married:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY] on the 6th inst., by Rev. A.G. Orton, Mr. Jefferson Kingman of Cincinnatus [Cortland Co., NY] to Miss Caroline A. Perkins of the former place.

Married:  In Lisle [Broome Co., NY], on the same day, by the same, Mr. William F. Lyon of Greene [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Maria L. Stoddard of the former place.

Married:  In Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], on the 4th inst., by Rev. N. Mumford, Mr. John West to Miss Abrina Tillotson, all of Sherburne.

Died:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 14th inst., Mr. Andrew Mead, aged 49 years.  Thus, in about two weeks after he had buried his father, he was called away.  He is mourned for and missed by a numerous circle of acquaintances by whom he was beloved; especially by his many relatives who are so soon called again to mourning; but most of all by his bereaved companion and children, who feel that a kind husband and father is removed.  In all these sympathies, the Baptist Chruch has a large share.  His Christian deportment, his regular attendance at the Sanctuary, and his warm expressions of his Savior's love; all of which brightened his prospects, cause us to feel that our loss on earth, is his gain in Heaven.

Died:  In Coventry [Chenango Co., NY], on the 19th ult. of dysentery, Susan [Morse], wife of Mr. Joel Morse, aged 61 years.

Died:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 7th inst., Mr. Asa Barnes, aged 81 years;  on the same day, Henry C. [Sanford], son of Augustus Sanford, aged 9 years.

Died:  In Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], on the 12th inst., William [Knickerbacker], son of Thomas and Ahial Knickerbacker, aged 4 years, 9 months and 9 days.

Died:  At Wellsborough, Penn., at the residence of Col. Levi Chubbuck, suddenly, on the 14th inst., Mr. Erastus Miller, aged 60 years, formerly and for many years a resident of this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY].

Oxford Times, November 19, 1851

Painful Occurrence:  A most painful accident occurred in the town of Willet [Cortland Co., NY] on the 31st ult., which resulted in the death of one of the most estimable citizens of this county, Willard Rooks, Esq., The circumstances, as we learn them, are as follows:  Mr. Rooks, in company with Mr. H.N. Davis, were on a deer hunt in Willet. They had started one Deer, which Davis had shot.  Having reloaded his gun, he saw, at a distance of about fifteen rods, what he supposed to be another deer, but which unfortunately proved to be Mr. Rooks in a stooping position.  Davis had drawn up his gun to fire and Rooks, seeing him make preparations to shoot, called out not to shoot him, but the warning came too late, the gun being discharged simultaneous with the call--one buck shot taking effect on the jaw bone, a little back of the chin, passing down the neck between the breath and meat pipes, and lodging in the lungs.  He died from the effects of the wound on the 30th ult.  Cortland Democrat.

Oxford Times, November 26, 1851

Married:  In Hobart, Delaware Co., on the 12th inst., by Rev. W.A. Curtis, Mr. .Daniel D. Foote of New York to Miss Helen M. [Foote], daughter of Sherman Foote, Esq., of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY].

Died:  In this town [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 23d inst., Henriette [Wells], daughter of Eliza Wells, aged 15 months.

News of some Chenango County NY soldiers - July/August 1863

Colonel Elisha B. Smith 

Death of Col. E.B. Smith:  The sad event which is announced above, was rendered more than probable by the account in our last issue of the severe wound received by Col. Smith at Port Hudson on the 14th inst.  Assistant Surgeon Beecher, in a letter to the Chenango Union confirms the death of Col. Smith, on Thursday morning, June 18th, at 1 o'clock, apparently unconscious of suffering, having previously expressed his willingness to depart, being fully satisfied in his own mind that he could not recover.  The death of this brave man will be a shock to a very large circle of friends and acquaintances in this county, by whom Col. Smith was beloved for very many noble and excellent qualities, for although his new life was one of great exposure to manifold dangers, yet, of him as of all others whom we desire to have alive, it may be truly said, "what so unguessed as death."  Col. Smith had been the recipient of honors at the hands of the people of this county, in former years, the most important of which was the election to the Convention of 1846, to revise our State Constitution, on the same ticket with Hon. John Tracy, of this village. Subsequently Mr. Smith was the unsuccessful candidate of the Democratic party for Congress and Canal Comm'r.  But the crowning glory of his life was the patriotic purpose, and the high resolve which, superior to all party ties or partisan considerations, prompted him to the noble self-sacrifice in which he forgot his party and himself, and arose at once to the dignity of the true patriot. We are told that although hardly fully recovered from recent illness, he hurried forward to his command, and received the fatal wound that in a moment raised him from the living soldier to the dying hero.  Col. Smith has given all that he could give to his country, and the sorrow for his loss is mellowed by the thought that his death will bring no blush to the cheek of any son of Chenango, for to his country, he has left the priceless boon of a patriot's name and a patriot's example. [Oxford Times, July 8, 1863]

Thomas A. Barber

Death of Thomas A. Barber.  Another of our brave Oxford boys, a well beloved and cherished member of the 89th Regiment, has been called to the better land.  He was wounded last December at Fredericksburg, yet remained at his post until January, when Capt. Roome had him taken to the Hospital for medical treatment, but vain were all efforts to cure him, and eight weeks ago he came home to linger a patient sufferer, with loved ones around him, finally to close his eyes in death.  Those who have shared the same duties, fought by his side, and been as brother soldiers, partakers of his joys and sorrows, will learn with regret that he has gone from among them, to return no more.

"Tread lightly, tread lightly, disturb not his sleep, From his pains he's released, tho' friends o'er him weep;  Speak softly, speak softly, for he whom we love Has gone to the regions of glory above."

"Companion, beloved thy memory shall twine As close round our heart, as some evergreen vine; For sweetly and gently, thee seek to thy rest, A spirit by Deity called to the blest."

Oxford Times, July 22, 1863

Smith B. Wheeler

This brief announcement has brought sorrow to a widowed mother, to an affectionate brother, to loving sisters, and sadness to a large circle of devoted friends.  But that the usual formal notice of such an event be not the only tribute to the memory of a noble and heroic youth is the purpose of the writer of this, who sustained to the deceased the character of acquaintance and friend.  It was four years ago this summer that two of our Oxford boys, Smith R. Wheeler and James F. Parsons, left our village and hied away to the distant West to find their homes as it were in another land, and before the breaking out of the great rebellion, the subject of this sketch had gone to New Orleans, where at the beginning of the war, he narrowly escaped impressment by the Louisiana rebels, but made his escape, and hurried back to Illinois, where with his companion and friend, he at once volunteered for the defense of his country, and joined the first Regiment of Illinois Cavalry, which regiment was at once joined to the command of Gen. Grant, and moved onward in an unbroken path of victory, and never for one day was this brave soldier boy absent from his post, as those loyal conquering legions pressed onward and over the battlements of Fort Henry and Fort Donaldson, and were at Shiloh, Corinth, Clarksville, Grand Gulf, Port Gibson, Champion Hill, and at the fall of Vicksburg, and in all the bloody and terrific conflicts, he rode with his face to his country's foes, hurling back score for score, defiance for defiance, and paying back dead for dead. And when the long day of conflict were over, when victory after victory had brought relief and rest to the weary soldier, he writes affectionately to a dependent mother and other loved ones "that now for home once more with my honest wages saved for you," when the last conqueror approached, and in four days his lifeless body was being brought back to his early home, where attended by a very large concourse of sympathizing and sorrowing friends, he was gently laid to rest, to sleep beneath the sod of the valley, that never in their cold embrace [received] of a kinder son, of a more devoted friend or a more noble, brave and generous man.   [Oxford Times, July 8, 1863]

At Home:  James F. Parsons, son of J.B. Parsons of this village [Oxford, Chenango co., NY], and who is an orderly in the 2d Illinois Cavalry, came here on Saturday, and is passing a brief furlough with his friends.  Sergt. Parsons was with Grant's army at the surrender of Vicksburg, and came as far as East Greene, with the remains of Smith Wheeler, who was a member of the same regiment, and died of typhoid fever. The two young soldiers were under a mutual promise that in case of the death of either, the survivor should see that the remains of his companion were conveyed to his friends, and young Parsons has nobly redeemed his promise.  We are gratified to learn that Sergeant Parsons is in the best of health and anxious to return to the victorious army of the West.  [Oxford Times, July 8, 1863]

Addison Beardsley

From a letter written by Orderly Serg't N.W. Torrey, commanding Company K,  10th New York Cavalry, we learn that Addison Beardsley, who left here as a private in said company, and for some time past has been acting as one of the Orderlies of Gen. Gregg, was taken prisoner in one of the engagements at Shepherdstown, while bearing messages to different parts of the General's command, and is now a prisoner in Richmond.  [Oxford Times, Aug. 5, 1863]

Vital Records - October 1851

 Oxford Times, October 1, 1851

Married:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 18th ult., by Rev. C. Darby, Mr. I.T. Towsley of Greene, to Miss Lydia J. Knickerbacker of Smithville [Chenango Co., NY].

Died:  In Preston [Chenango Co., NY], on 22d ult., Harriet L. [Pinckney], daughter of John J. and Mary A. Pinckney aged 7 years and 1 month.

Died:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 19th ult., Josephine C. [Bly], daughter of G.W. and Polly Bly, aged 4 years; same day, Henry Martyn [Orton], son of Rev. A.G. and M. Orton, aged 6 years.

Died:  in Coventry [Chenango Co., NY], on the 20th ult., Susan [Hoyt], youngest daughter of Thaddeus and Hannah Hoyt, aged 20 years.

Died:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 21st ult., Mary A. [Penoyer], daughter of G.W. and Nancy Penoyer, aged 5 years 6 months.

Died: In Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY], on the 22d ult., Mary [Colwell], daughter of Tall Colwell, aged 15 years.

Died: In Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY] on the 24th ult., Mr. Joseph Bush, aged 84 years.

Died:  In Smithville [Chenango Co., NY][, on the 25th ult., Elbert P. [Knicherbacker], youngest son of Jared and Julia Ann Knickerpacker, aged 1 year and 8 months.

Oxford Times, October 8, 1851

Married:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 23d ult., by Rev. C. Darby, Mr. Thomas T. Terry of Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], to Miss Betsey A. Spencer of Coventry [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  In Pittsfield, Otsego Co., on the 30th ult., by Rev. S.P. Gamage, Mr. William F. Allen of this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Mary M. Hallenbeck of the former place.

Married:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 25th ult., by Rev. M. Stone, Mr. Andrew A. Demell to Miss Maria l. Race, both of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY].  At the same time and place, by the same, Mr. William Race of Greene [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Emily M. Warn of Oxford.

Married:  In North Norwich [Chenango Co., NY] on the 23d ult., by Rev. Mr. Gibbs, Mr. Horace E. Sawyer of Hamilton [Madison Co., NY] to Miss Hannah Maria Bennet of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY].

Died:  In Smithville [Chenango Co., NY] on the 2d inst., Aleurtis [Knickerbacker], son of Jared and Julia knickerbacker, aged 4 years and 9 months.

Died:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 24th ult., Henry William [Rogers], son of Rev. F. Rogers, aged 2 years and 5 months; on the 29th, Emmerance Clark, aged 16 years.

Died:  In Preston [Chenango Co., NY], on the 15th ult., Mrs. Susannah Nightingale, formerly of Providence, R.I., aged 89 years.

Oxford Times, October 15, 1851

Accidental Drowning:  On Friday last, the body of an unknown man was found floating in the Chenango Canal, about two miles south of this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY].  Appearances indicated that he had been in the water for several days.  Coroner Bunnell was immediately notified of the occurrence, and summoned a jury to make inquisition as to the cause and manner of death.  The body was identified before the Coroner as that of James Lane, late of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], aged about 70 years.  He left home on the afternoon of the 2d inst, in a partially insane or demented state, and was last seen about midnight near the Half-way House, coming towards Oxford.  It is supposed he proceeded to this village in the night, and in endeavoring to pass the Canal bridge, stepped into the Canal and drowned.  There was no suspicion of foul play as his money and two watches were found upon his person.  The finding of the Jury was in accordance with these facts.

Married:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 14th ins., by the Rev. E. Baldwin, Mr. Abner G. Preston to Miss Bethial Root, all of the former place.

Married:  In the Baptist church, in McDonough [Chenango Co., NY] on the 5th inst., by the Rev. C. Darby, Mr. John T. Curtis to Miss Julia A. Ackley.  Also, at the same time and place, by the same, Mr. Edmund B. Curtis to Miss Mary E. Moore, all of McDonough.

Died:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 8th inst., Mr. Cyrus A. Sheldon, aged 29 years.

Died:  In Erwin, Steuben Co., on the 3d ult., John M. [Hamilton], son of James Hamilton, formerly of this place [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], aged 21 years.

Died:  In Smyrna [Chenango Co., NY], on Saturday, the 27th ult., of disease of the heart, Mrs. Almira G. Leavenworth, wife of D.B. Leavenworth, and daughter of Maj. John Strew, aged 26 years.

Oxford Times, October 22, 1851

Married:  In North Blenheim, Schoharie Co., on the 6th inst., by Rev. Mr. Scribner, Mr. S.S. Hoyt, son of Rev. J.B. Hoyt of Coventry [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Mary C. [Dickerman] Daughter, of H. Dickerman of Blenheim.

Married:  In New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], on the 8th inst., by Rev. S.P. Gamage, Mr. George Sexton, Jr., of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Laura A. Sage of New Berlin.

Married:  In South Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY], on the 8th inst., by Elder Crandall, Mr. Orrin H. Baldwin to Miss Jane E. Bridlebough, both of German [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  In Providence, Lancaster Co. Pen., on the 8th inst. by Rev. Mr. Barlow, Mr. Wm. B. Letchworth, Esq., to Miss Susan A. Corbin of McDonough, Chenango Co., N.Y.

Oxford Times, October 29, 1851

Married:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 23d inst., by the Rev. Mr. Stocking, Mr. Charles S. Everson, to Miss Sarah S. Tracy, all of Oxford.

Married:  In this town [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 21st inst. by the Rev. F. Rogers, Mr. Ralph P. Crandall of Greene [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Ann E. Davidson of Oxford.

Married:  At New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], on the 20th inst., by George W. Sumner, Esq., Mr. Perry Sherman of Butternuts, Otsego Co., to Miss Adalade Wiswell of South New Berlin.

Married:  In Binghamton [Broome Co., NY], on the 12th inst., by Rev. D. Pratt, Mr. Simeon Johnson of Greene, to Miss Mary Terwilliger of Barker [Broome Co., NY].

Died:  In Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], on the 23d Sept. Malissa [Tillotson], aged 11 years; Sept. 29, William [Tillotson], aged 9 years, 6 mos and 16 days; Oct. 1st, Ellen [Tillotson], aged 5 years, 1 month and 11 days; Oct. 3d, David [Tillotson], aged 12 years, 10 months and 7 days, children of Ira and Hannah Tillotson.  Oct. 25th, Hannah [Tillotson], wife of Ira Tillotson, aged 35 years.

Died:  In Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], on the 15th inst., Mr. Artch Underwood, aged 77 years.

Civil War Letter - June 1863

Oxford Times, July 8, 1863 

Chickasaw Bayou, June 11th, 1865

Editor of the Times:  It is reported, that Gen. Bragg has left his position in front of Rosecranz and is marching to attack Gen. Grant in the rear, but we will be ready for them, so let them come.  Fourteen Steamboats have passed here today loaded with troops from the North, they are landed at Haine's Bluff and the troops that are already there are throwing up breastworks from the Yazoo to the Black River.  there are several cannon laying on the bank here that were taken from the Rebels since our Army crossed the river below Vicksburg, the most of them are 12 pound Howitzers, there is one 20 pound Parrott gun (the lady Bowen) they are all ready for use, but our men have plenty of them in the field and do not want these there.

12th--I went down to Young's Point today on business for the Captain, there is nothing going on at that place.  I had a talk with one of our paroled men. He was taken prisoner just back of the convalescent camp below Young's Point. He said the Rebels came in sight of the Camp and saw so many tents pitched that they thought we had a large force there and they retreated back to Richmond without firing a shot, and there they paroled their prisoners.  This fellow sold his canteen to a Reb for $2.00 in silver and a pocket Inkstand for one dollar in Greenback, and a few minutes after that they were all searched and their canteens and pocket knives were taken from them.  He said it would be a great place for a sutler(?) among the Rebs. They had plenty of greenbacks and confederate Script.

14th--I went out to Gen. Grant's headquarters on business for the Capt., met Parsons and one of our boys, they were well, and we took a drink to get the dust out of our throats. The Rebs have got a mortar planted inside of their fortifications and shell our men with it. They have hurt no one yet.  As I was going out I met a deserter from the Rebels at Vicksburg, he says they have been living on half rations ever since Grant got them surrounded. Night before last over 100 deserters came to our lines from Vicksburg.

15th--There is no later news from the front and nothing from Bragg.  It rained some this forenoon.  Yesterday I was talking with an Officer in one of the colored Regts, that was in the fight at Milliken's  Bend, He said that when the Rebs come in there they cried end quarter to the d***l Black Abolition sons," and that they killed every wounded negro they came to, and when the negros got them turned they were like tigers (the Negs).  They charged on the Rebs taking no prisoners but killings every one they came to, and the Officers could not stop them.  I say bully for the Negs,--them's my sentiments.  I have just as like have a colored put up for a target for a Reb as to see a white man there, and a little more so.  I was talking with an Engineer on this boat the other day and I got him almost angry.  He said he did not think it was right for a colored to be a soldier.  I told him that if some of these folks that didn't want a colored to fight would go and fight for themselves they might change their opinion on the negro soldier question.  I had him right where Kelsy had the hen, and he has not said a word about negro soldiers since, in my hearing at least, He was very mad at the time and talked pretty plain but he could not scare me.

21st--I was out to the front on the 17th, The Rebs have got excellent range on Gen. Logan's headquarters with their mortar.  Yesterday and day before the Rebs were firing their mortar every 15 minutes, and they struck all around the Gen's quarters.  There was over 20 holes where the 10 inch shells had struck within 10 rods of the Gen's tent.  On Friday one struck right in Major St---l's tent.  He is chief of Artillery of Logan's Division and his tent is about two rods from Logan's and blew the Major's papers and tent all over.  The Major was standing in the tent door and he saw the shell coming and got out of the way, and yesterday he put up a new one and before he got the --lly on, there was a piece of shell about 6 lbs weight went right through the top of the tent.--We can see the smoke when the Rebs fire their mortar and then have a chance to watch for the shell which we can see over 1/2 mile off and can have a chance to get up and dust which they all do without orders.  One struck near the table that the Orderlies had just commenced eating dinner on. Someone told them the shell was coming and they vacated immediately and the shell struck and threw so much dirt in their dinner that they had to throw it away.  Several shells struck right there yesterday while I was there, and a piece of one of them hit Parson's horse on the chin and would have hit P. if he had not backed up his horse just as he did. Another one went through a shed and buried itself within two feet of a horse and burst, but did not hit the horse. It scared him so he died.

It is just 1300 yards by measurement from the Rebel mortar to Gen. Logan's quarters and the rebels have to fire their shells very straight in the air to have it fall at so short a distance, and the shells bury themselves so deep in the ground that what few pieces do come out when it bursts go up in the air.  We can look out for them when they fall.  I have not heard of a single one being killed yet by their morter shells.  Shells from a small Howitzer are more dangerous, for you can't see them.  Our men yesterday planted one gun within 200 yards of the Rebel mortar and threw canister and shells at them but could not silence it.  It was down in a hollow where a shell or canister can't get to them.  The reason the Rebs direct all the fire of their mortars at Gen Logan is because he has got two 9-inch guns within 5 rods of his tent and they annoy the rebels a little.  Our men are mining on the outside of the rebel fortifications and have dug a trench for the sharpshooters and planted a gun there. They say it is 40 feet across the breastworks there. They had dug in 15 or 20 feet yesterday. The rebels can't shoot the men that are at work for we have got sharpshooters only a few rods back that pick them off if they show themselves, and have got a battery within 50 yards of them.  Our men got a Vicksburg paper of the 18th, the other day, it was printed on the blank side of wall paper, they spoke of one of the Yankee shells coming into their office and bursting in the basement and not doing much damage, they think that they will get help from the outside in a few days.   W.

Vital Records - September 1851

 Oxford Times, September 3, 1851

Married:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 31st ult., by Rev. C.E. Hewes, Mr. William Payne to Miss Lucy M. Ferris, both of Guilford [Chenango Co., NY].

Died:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY] on the 22d ult., Mary Elizabeth [Fish], youngest daughter of Luman B. and Jane E. Fish, aged 2 years.

Died:  In South Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], on the 27th ult., Mrs. Olive [Landers], relict of Major Ebenezer Landers, aged 93 years.

Died:  in Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], July 23d, of consumption, Mrs. Eliza E. [Blood], wife of Mr. Orson Blood, and daughter of Carlton Humphrey, Esq., aged 42 years.

Died:  In Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 17th ult., Mr. William F. Dickinson, aged 55 years.

Oxford Times, September 10, 1851

Married:  At the Oxford House in this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 4th inst. by Rev. C.E. Hewes, Mr. George B. Edgerton to Miss Mary R. Thomas, both of German [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY] on the 7th inst., by Rev. F. Baldwin, Mr. Hiram Davis of Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Marilla Havens of Oxford.

Married:  At the National Hotel in McDonough [Chenango Co., NY], on the 3d inst., by Rev. J.C. Ransom, Mr. George W. Bolles of East Smithville [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Betsey M. Smith of the former place.

Married:  In the Presbyterian Church in Coventry [Chenango Co., NY] on the 27th ult., by Rev. J.B. Hoyt, Mr. Vincent White of South Carolina, to Miss Mary Hoyt of Coventry; at the same time and place, Mr. Samuel G. Hoyt of Coventry, to Miss Charlotte R. Elliott of Greene [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  In Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], on the 31st ult. by Rev. A.G. Orton, Mr. John R. Cook to Miss Sarah J. Ready, both of North Norwich [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  In Guilford [Chenango Co., NY] on the 6th ult., by Rev. J.L. Janes, Mr. McEarl Dunham of Sa--- to Miss Harriet U. Hughston of the former place.

Married:  In Taylor, Cortland Co., 8th inst., Mr. Israel P. Brown of Pitcher [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Polly Main of the former place.

Oxford Times, September 17, 1851

Married:  In North Norwich [Chenango Co., NY] on the 21st Aug., by Rev. A. Parker, Rev. B.B.  Gibbs, of Natchez, Miss., to Miss Eliza E. Poyer of the former place.

Married:  in Cortland [Cortland Co., NY] on the 9th inst., by the Rev. D. Cobb, Mr. N.K. Ransom of Lanesboro, Penn., to Miss Adelia Hunter of the former place.

Married:  in Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 4th inst., by the Rev. A.G. Orton, Mr. Robert P. Barnard to Miss Margaret H. Welch, only daughter of Benjamin Welch, Esq., all of that place.

Died:  In this town [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 12th inst., William Leonard [Richmond], only son of Leonard and Mary Richmond, aged 4 years.

Died:  In Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], on the 13th inst., John [Raymond], son of Wm. H. and Laura Raymond, aged 1 year.

Died:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY] on the 3d inst., Willie [Nichols], son of S.S. and Irene E. Nichols aged 1 year and 2 months.

Died:  In McDonough [Chenango Co., NY], on the 16th ult. Frances M. [Fosgate], son of Silas and Maria Fosgate, aged 1 year, 9 mo and 18 days.

Oxford Times, September 24, 1851

Married:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 11th inst., by Rev. M. Stone, Mr. James H. Allen, formerly of this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], to Miss Eliza A. [Sherwood], daughter of William Sherwood of Norwich.

Married:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 12th inst., by Rev. C. Darby, Mr. Henry Johnson of Greene, to Miss Sarah Blanchard of Triangle [Broome Co., NY].

Married:  At Chenango Forks [Broome Co., NY], on the 10th inst., by Rev. L. Johnson, Mr. Theodore S. Rogers to Miss Harriet Narcissa Johnson.

Married:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 16th inst., by Rev. C. Darby, Mr. Hial Hodge to Miss Emily T. Race.

Married:  In Binghamton [Broome Co., NY], Aug. 31st, by Rev. J. Humphrey, Mr. George English to Miss Caroline Kinyon, both of Triangle [Broome Co., NY].

Died:  In Triangle, Broome Co., on the 22d Aug., Mrs. Rhoda Brown, aged 77 years.

Died:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 14th inst., after a short illness, and in her 84th year, Mrs. Phebe Squire, relict of Deacon Andrew W. Squire, formerly of Lisle, and mother of Mrs. A.G. Orton.

Died:  In West Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], on the 4th inst., Mary Ellen [Chase], youngest daughter of Nathan B. and Electa Chase, aged 2 years, 8 months and 4 days.

In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 11th inst., James Henry [Lansing], son of Peter and Helen F. Lansing, aged 18 months.

In Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], on the 20th inst., Mr. David A. Miller, aged 45 years.

Mr. James Fenimore Cooper--a name extensively known and intimately associated, eminent and gifted of his time--expired at his residence in this village [Cooperstown, Otsego Co., NY] on Sunday last, at 1 o'clock P.M. 

Mr. Cooper has added to the stock, and greatly enhanced the value, of American Literature.  His writings are voluminous, extending through a period of over thirty years, and reaching an aggregate of nearly one hundred volumes.  He was a writer of original and powerful genius.  In his descriptions of Indian Character, in the truthfulness of his Forest Scenery, and in his graphic delineations and stirring narratives of Sea life, he stands pre-eminent and without an equal, It be true, that Scott was the most successful of writers, it is equally certain that Cooper was the most fascinating of novelists.  His pen invested every thing it touched with a charm that no contemporary writer has excelled, and few have equaled.

Mr. Cooper was born in Burlington, N.J. on the 15th of Sept. 1789, and was consequently at the time of his death 62 years of age, lacking a day.  His father, Judge Cooper, emigrated to this county the year following, where he subsequently purchased and improved a large landed estate.  In 1802, young Fenimore entered Yale College, where he remained until 1805, when he entered the Navy in the capacity of Midshipman.  In 1810 or '11, he married a sister of Bishop DeLancy, who still survives him.  It was about this time that his maiden novel "Precaution" made its appearance. Within the fifteen years next succeeding, he had given to the world those works which won for him the proud title of "America Novelist," and placed his fame as a writer on an abiding and imperishable base.  In 1826, Mr. Cooper made a tour to Europe, where he remained until 1834.  During his absence he published the "Red Rover," "Brave," and "The Prairies."  His more recent successful publications, since his return are "The Paths Under," "Two Admirals," "Wing and Wing," and his "Naval History." 

Mr. Cooper had been confined to his bed but a week previous to his death.  During his sickness, he was patient and uncomplaining.  In his last moments, as also for hours together throughout his illness, he was attended by his pastor and personal friend Rev. Mr. Batteo.  He was fully conscious of his approaching end and thoroughly prepared by the change which awaited him.

Thus has passed form among us One who brightened the record of his Country's  Genius, and of whom it may be said he was the first to exalt her Literature, and give to it a National instead of a Colonial character.--His death will thrill a cord in the American heart, and awaken a feeling of profound sadness throughout the literary world.  Cooperation Rep. 20th

Civil War Letter from the 89th N.Y.S. Volunteers, May 1863

 Oxford Times, June 17, 1863

From the 89th Regt.

Editor of Times:  I am requested by the member of the 89th N.Y.S. Vols. to send you the following Resolutions for publication.  We are now encamped five miles from Portsmouth, Va. on the bank of Elizabeth River.  It is one of the most pleasant camp grounds we ever occupied, and I think the pleasantest place in Virginia.  How truly we appreciate the rest we are now having, although we have to work seven hours each day on fortifications, yet it is not like constant marching and fighting.  Our leisure hours are spent to the best of our advantages for the good of our country.   P.

At a meeting of the officers of the 89th N.Y.V., called for the purpose of expressing their views on the important question now agitating the public mind, Col. T.L. England was called to the chair, Lieut, Morris was appointed Secy. Capt. James Hazley, Frank Burt, and R.P. Cormack, were appointed a Committee to draft resolutions expressing the sense of the meeting.  Patriotic speeches were made by the officers, and the following preamble and resolutions were unanimously adopted:

Whereas:  Certain evil disposed persons and violent partisan politicians taking advantage of the military arrest of the Hon. C.L. Vallandigham, are endeavoring by vituperation and misrepresentation to impress and influence the public mind with the idea that an attempt is being made by the authorities both civil and military to invade the rights of free speech, and whereas such a course has positive tendency to weaken the hands of the Government in a military sense by distracting public sentiment, and to strengthen the enemy by leading them to believe the North is divided on the great questions of the day, and whereas, we believe it to be the duty of every loyal man to counteract so far as it may be in his power the effects of these pernicious efforts, therefore, be it

Resolved:  That we view with apprehension of serious alarm and feelings of profound astonishment the late demonstrations in the city of New York, said to have arisen from the course pursued by the Government in the arrest, conviction and punishment of the Hon. C.L. Vallandigham of Ohio.

Resolved: that we condemn in unqualified terms the means adopted and the language used to inflame the public mind against the regularly constituted authorities because of said arrest.  

Resolved: That his arrest was simply a military necessity, and fully justifiable under the circumstances.  

Resolved:  That we, as officers and soldiers unqualifiedly and unreservedly in this as in all thing, pledge ourselves to sustain the President in his honest efforts to crush out treason and rebellion.

Resolved:  That we note with feelings of real pleasure the absence from these highly inflammatory meetings of the party leaders whose words and actions go so far as to make up the sentiments of the nation.

Resolved:  That the language used and the implied threat against the Federal Administration contained in Gov Seymour's letter to the Albany meeting, was unnecessary, uncalled for, and unpatriotic.  

Resolved:  That the material interests of the Nation demand a prompt enforcement of the Conscription act, and that resistance to the provisions of said act by the citizens of any loyal State is, in our opinion, disgraceful and disloyal, and should meet with immediate and condign punishment.

T.L. England, Pres't. A. Morris, Sec'y, Suffolk, Va. May 28, 1863

Note:  From https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ex_parte_Vallandigham 

Clement Vallandigham, a member of the United States House of Representatives, was the acknowledged leader of the pro-Confederate faction known as Copperheads in Ohio. After General Burnside, commander of the Military District of Ohio, issued General Order Number 38, warning that the "habit of declaring sympathies for the enemy" would not be tolerated, Vallandigham gave a major speech (May 1, 1863) charging the war was being fought not to save the Union but to free blacks and enslave whites. To those who supported the war he declared, "Defeat, debt, taxation [and] sepulchres - these are your trophies."^[1] He also called for "King Lincoln's" removal from the presidency.

Accordingly, on May 5, Vallandingham was arrested as a violator of General Order No. 38. Vallandigham's enraged supporters burned the offices of the Dayton Journal, the local Republican newspaper. He was tried by a military court on 6–7 May (the court adjourning to let him obtain a lawyer), convicted of "uttering disloyal sentiments" and attempting to hinder the prosecution of the war, and sentenced to two years' confinement in a military prison. A Federal circuit judge upheld Vallandigham's arrest and military trial as a valid exercise of the President's war powers^[cit

Vital Records - August 1851

 Oxford Times , August 6, 1851

Married:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 3d inst., by Rev. J.C. Ransom, Mr. Joseph W. Dempsey to Miss Desiah E. Martindale, all of this village.

Married:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 3d inst., by Rev. Mr. Hewes, Mr. Rufus L. Stephens to Miss Sophia E. Bartle, all of this village.

Married:  In New York, on the 23d ult., by the Rev. Wm. E. Eigenbrodt, William S. Sayre, Esq., Counsellor at Law, of Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Sarah McMurray of the former place.

Died:  In Newark, Rock Co., Wis. on the 5th ult. of consumption, Miss Emeline Harrington, formerly a resident of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], aged 22 years and 8 months.

Died:  In Lincklaen [Chenango Co., NY], on the 16th ult., Eleanor [Nash], wife of Thomas Nash, aged 33 years.

Died:  In Utica [Oneida Co., NY], on the 3d inst., Hellen Sophia [Bennett], only daughter of Ransom and Mary J. Bennett, aged 4 months and 3 days.

Died:  In Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], June 9th, of consumption, Mrs. Permelia G. [Wheeler], wife of Mr. Luke Wheeler, in the 32d year of her age.  Mrs. Wheeler was born in Stonington, Ct.  When two years of age her parents removed to Oxford, N.Y.  At an early age she was subject to religious impressions--when able to read, she, with an intimate associate, spent many of the hours allotted there for play in reading and conversing upon the scriptures, their little hearts often melting under the influence of gospel truth and the affecting story of Calvary.  When about 14 years of age, she was brought to a saving knowledge of Christ, was buried in the likeness of his death, and united with the Baptist Church in Oxford Village.  With that body she continued an exemplary member until 1846, when she and her husband moved their standing to the Fayette church in Guilford.--For the interests of that little band, and the cause of God in general, she manifested a zeal which characterizes the true Christian.  Her presence, her prayers, her tears, her exhortations and counsels, render deeply sacred to the remembrance of her brethren and sisters whom she has left behind, the hallowed seasons of the covenant meeting, prayer and conference room, and the public sanctuary.  Parents, brothers and sisters, deeply mourn their loss, but no heart is so deeply stricken as that lonely husband, who is left with three little children, and the youngest but a few weeks old.  He is bereft of an affectionate companion the tender mother of his children, whose deep toned piety, amiable disposition, and judicious counsels, sweetened the toils, cares, afflictions and trials of this life, made the family circle a kind of paradise, and the family altar a bethel.  But the sting of the bereavement is removed by the consideration of her peaceful and triumphant death.  A few days previous to that event she stated to the writer that at the commencement of her sickness a thick cloud of darkness hung over her mind, and she spent two days and two nights in prayer to her Saviour that he would forgive the follies and remissions of her past life, and restore unto her the joys of salvation.  Her prayer was heard, Jesus' face shone upon her, and not a cloud afterwards dimmed the horizon of her soul.--She could endure the sundering of the tenderest of nature's ties, if it was her Redeemer's will, for his rod and staff comforted her and she was assured that he would be her portion eternally.  This state of mind continued to the very last.  Conscious of her approaching change, a few hours before her death, she called her husband and children to her side, gave them her last dying counsels, her last affectionate embrace and bade them a final adieu--Her only anxiety then seemed to be that the Lord Jesus would come quickly. She gradually sank into the embrace of death, and without a struggle or a groan, with heavenly radiance upon her countenance, she leaned her head on Jesus' breast, and "breathed her life out sweetly there."  Her funeral sermon was preached on the 10th by her late pastor, from Ps. 116:15; and the large and weeping audience evinced that a beloved one was taken away.

Oxford Times, August 13, 1851

Married:  In Earlville [Madison Co., NY], on the 27th ult. by the Rev. Mr. Livermore, Mr. J.L. Jaynes to Miss A.D. Barber, all of Smyrna [Chenango Co., NY].

Died:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 9th inst., Mr. john G. Goldin, aged 33 years.

Died:  In Coventry [Chenango Co., NY], on the 13th ult., Miss Susan M. Shores, in the 18th year of her age.

Oxford Times, August 20, 1851

Horrible Tragedy:  On Sunday morning last our town [Hamilton, Madison Co., NY] presented one of the most horrible scenes ever witnessed in a civilized country.  Enos White, living about three miles below this village, attempted the life of his wife by beating her with a cherry board about three feet long and seven inches wide.  It appears that a quarrel arose between them in relation to money she had taken from him, and he attempted to kill her with an axe. She fearing to remain at home on Saturday night, staid at one of the neighbors  In the morning, about 8 o'clock, he sent his son, a lad about twelve years old, for her to come home.  She returned with him, and when she came to the door yard, he met her and knocked her down twice with his fist.  When she arose the last time, she ran and fell over the wood pile, and when down he struck her with a board three times. the last blow came on the external corner of the right eye, breaking the skull for three inches backward above the ear. The unfortunate woman lingered in great agony until Wednesday afternoon, when she died.  White was arrested a committed to jail at Morrisville.  He is about forty years of age, and possesses considerable property.  Hamilton Journal

Married:  At the Oxford House, in this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 17th inst., by Rev. Mr. Hewes, Mr. Francis W. Darling of Preston [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Ann L. Bryant of Jackson, Penn.

Married:  Also, by the same, on the 18th, Mr. William E. Williams, of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Mary Ann [Brown], daughter of David Brown, Esq., of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY]..

Died:  At Windham, Greene Co., on the 12th inst., of consumption, Mary D. [Packer], widow of the late Dr. W.W. Packer and daughter of the late Col. Otis J. Tracy, of this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], aged 25 years.

Died:  In this town [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 18th inst., Mr. Archibald Willcox, aged 63 years.

Death of U.S. Surveyors:  Mr. John M. Smith of Dubuque and formerly of Chenango Co., N.Y. and Mr. R.O. Lyman, U.S. Surveyors, who were engaged in making Government surveys on the Ind. lands on Wolf(?) river were killed on the 24th ult by the falling of tree during a terrific tornado.  Mr. Davis(?) Howard, another of the party was seriously wounded.

Oxford Times, August 27, 1851

Death of a Chief:  Peter Sky, one of the warrior Chiefs of the Onondagas, died at Onondaga Castle, on the 11th inst., aged 96 years.  The Syracuse journal says, the deceased was a true and faithful friend of the United States Government, and among the chiefs and warriors who answered Gen. Porter's call for volunteers in the war of 1812, to protect the Niagara frontier. At the battle of Chippewa, the Onondagas, led by their chief La Fort, behaved gallantly. Their leader fell in the battle, and the chief whose death is now noticed received a wound, on account of which he has received a pension.  He was intelligent, an amiable and upright man, and has done much by his advice and example to improve the condition of the Onondagas.

Died:  In this town [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 22d inst., Huldah [Salisbury], wife of Mr. Wm. Salisbury, aged 62 years.

Died:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 17th inst., Mr. George R. Bradley of Preston [Chenango Co., NY], aged 24 years.

Died:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 17th inst., of consumption, Miss Malinda Crandall, daughter of D.S. Crandall, aged 45 years.

Died:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 16th inst., Mr. Asa Wood, aged 54 years.

Died:  At Chenango Forks [Broome Co., NY], on the 18th, of consumption, Sarah P. [Edwards], wife of E.H. Edwards, aged 37 years.  

Died:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY] on the 18th ins.t, of dysentery, Mr. Henry C. Maynard, in the 28th year of his age.  Thus has fallen, in the morning of his manhood, after an illness of only ten days, one who was cherished as a son, a husband, a friend and a citizen.--His generous and attractive qualities had won him troops of friends, while his energy, perseverance and tact, were surely paving the way to success in life.  The loss is severely felt in the community where he resided, ad his death comes with crushing effect upon his relatives; and especially upon his amiable and devoted companion.  Havana journal

Died:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY] on the 18th inst., Charles [Leal], son of LaFayette and Frances A Leal, aged 7 months and 11 days.

Died:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 15th inst., Frederick Hayes [Juliand], infant son of Frederick and Catharine R. Juliand, aged 10 months.

Died:  In Preston [Chenango Co., NY], on the 16th, Mrs. Submit Graves, aged 77 years.

Died:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 19th inst., Henry M. [Gardner], son of Daniel Gardner, late of this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], aged 5 years.  

Died:  In Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], on the 20th inst., Harriet L. [Boice], daughter of Mr. Ethan Boice, aged 3 years.

Oxford Times,  June 24, 1863

Death of Lt. Col. Wm. Irvine:  Lieut. Col. William Irvine of the 10th N.Y. Cavalry, was killed in the late fight across the Rappahannock.  Mr. Irvine was formerly a resident of Greene [Chenango Co., NY].  He removed to Corning a few years since, and has represented the Steuben District in Congress with much ability. At the breaking out of the rebellion he was instrumental in raising the Cavalry regiment at whose head he fell while gallantly leading it in the advance of the battle.