Civil War: Execution of Charles Turner of the NY 114th Regiment, December 1863

 Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, January 13, 1864

Execution of Charles turner, of the 114th, for Desertion

We mentioned last week the trial and sentence of Charles Turner, of this place [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], a member of Company C, 114th regiment, for desertion and other offenses against the military law.  An arrival from  New Orleans since then brings the following account of his execution. The particulars will be read with melancholy interest.

From the New Orleans Era, Dec. 29 [1863]

We briefly mentioned in our evening editions of yesterday the execution by shooting, of Chas. Turner, a deserter from the New York 114th Regiment.  He forsook his regiment at Port Hudson.  Forty days after he was arrested and court martialed for desertion and several smaller offenses, being found guilty upon each charge.  At the battle of Camp Bisland, he fell out of the ranks and took refuge in a ditch, but says he had the permission of his Captain to do so; that he only followed the example of others in taking refuge. The sentence of death by shooting was approved by the Commanding General about the first of this month, and was carried into effect yesterday morning at the Vicksburg Press, before a large military force. The culprit bore his fate with more fortitude than was to have been expected.  He was attended during his last hours by Chaplain C.B. Thomas, of the University and St. James Hospitals, his own chaplain being out of the city. Turner told the Chaplain that he slept the night before about as usual with the exception of an occasional awakening, when he addressed himself to prayer.  He was particular in requesting the chaplain to see that his name was properly placed upon his coffin and a prayer said over his grave. He was anxious that the odium of dying in the manner he did, should not attach to his wife and child.  His last request was for Chaplain Thomas to write to his wife ant he believed God had forgiven him, and that he died in a reasonable hope of mercy.

Vital Records - June 1854

 Oxford Times, June 7, 1854

Death of Mrs. Emily C. Judson:  The many friends of this gifted lady will receive the intelligence of her death with unmingled sorrow.  The frail cords which had for so many months barely bound her to her family and friends have been broken, and her spirit has gone to a better and a brighter world.  She breathed her last at her residence in Hamilton [Madison Co., NY], on Thursday evening, June 1st, and thus was realized a prophetic wish expressed years ago, that she might die in the beautiful month of June.  By her maiden name, Emily C. Chubbuck, or her nom de plume "Fanny Forrester" she is better known in the literary world, but as the wife of a co-laborer, and later as the widow of Rev. Dr. Judson, the pioneer missionary of the Baptist denomination to Burma, she had acquired a name throughout the Christian world.

In early life Miss Chubbuck resided at Morrisville, in Madison county [NY], with her parents (who still survive her) and there first manifested her talents as a writer in several small works of a strictly religious character.  Subsequently she filled the position, and for many years, as a teacher in the Female Academy of this city [Utica, Oneida Co, NY}.  It was here that she acquired the reputation of being one of the most graceful and pleasing female writers in our country.  As a writer she captivated by the beauty and loveliness of her characters and thoughts, instead of astonishing or overawing by any boldness of action or brilliancy of expression.  The homely scenes of home, the green fields and forests, domestic affections and the personal sentiments of the Bible were the themes which her pen painted, and enforced.  In 1835, the deceased was married to Dr. Judson, and to use her own language, her life was thenceforth "devoted to higher and holier purposes."  In the fall of 1846, with her husband, she arrived at the field in Burma, where he had labored for 34 years as a Missionary.  From that benighted land the subject of this notice sent home appeals in behalf of "those sitting in darkness."  and her pen deepened and widened the interest in the cause of Missions.  In 1850 Dr. Judson died, and soon after the bereaved widow returned to this country. Since then she had resided at Hamilton, finding the highest enjoyment in training for usefulness the children of her husband, and smoothing the downward pathway of her aged parents.  Her frame, always feeble, since her return, has shown the progress of insidious consumption, and her friends have been constantly watching the flickering lamp of life. A true woman devoted to her race, to truth and to her God, to her death was a happy change.  Utica Gazette.

Married:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 31st ult., by Rev. Wm. Reddy, Mr. Theodore Waters of  North Norwich [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss P Augusta Carey of Oxford.

Married:  On the same day, by the same, Mr. Woodbridge G. Barker of South Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY], to Miss Esther M. Wells of Leyden, Mass.

Married:  In New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], on the 27th ult., by Geo. W. Somer, Esq., Mr. Friend Jewell to Miss Charlotte Arnold, both of Mt. Upton [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  In Albany [Albany Co., NY], on the 1st inst., by Rev. Dr. Campbell, Benjamin C. Butler, Esq., of Luzerne Warren Co., N.Y. to Miss Mary A. [Skinner], daughter of Elisha W. Skinner, Esq., of Albany.

Died:  In New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], on the 21st ult., Amy S. [Peck], daughter of Philip Peck, Jr., aged 16 years.

Died:  At Galena City, Illinois, on the 22d ult., of Asiatic cholera, Mr. Pellatian McCall, in the 55th years of his age, formerly of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY].

Died:  In Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], on the 23d of April last, Mr. Richard Hazelton aged 60 years.

.Oxford Times, June 14, 1854

Married:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 11th inst., by Rev. Nath'l Ripley, Mrs. Isaac S. Marden to Miss Betsey Jane Martindale both of Oxford.

Married:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 7th inst., by Rev. J.C. Ransom, Mr. Freeman Sweetland of Triangle [Broome Co., NY] to Miss Calphurnia D. Holcomb, of Norwich.

Married:  On the 5th inst., at the Free Church, in Andover, mass., by Rev. Wm. B. Brown, Mr. A.G. Beebe of Guilford, N.Y. [Chenango Co.] to Miss Sarah J. Wardweld of the former place.  Mr. B. is under appointment by the American Board as Missionary to Armenia, and expects to sail soon.

Died:  In this town [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 7th inst., Mrs. Martha Turner, aged 78 years.

Died:  In New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], Mrs. Rachael Arnold, relict of Capt. Jabez Arnold, aged 90 years.

Died:  In Mt. Upton, on the 5th inst., Mr.  Hamblin Gregory, aged 67 years.

Died:  In the village of Lyons, Wayne Co., N.Y., on the 18th ult., Emma [Richmond], wife of V.R. Richmond, and daughter of Daniel Dennison, formerly a resident of this village [Oxford, Chenango Co. NY], aged 38 years. She was a member of the Methodist church.  Few hearts ever beat with more benevolence and good will to mankind than beat in the bosom of this lamented woman, whose life and last illness exhibited a faithful pattern of the most sincere affection, patience and Christian fortitude.

Died:  In Coventry [Chenango Co., NY], on the 3d inst., Laura [Hayes], wife of Daniel Hayes, Esq., aged 39 years.  The deceased was well known in this community as an amiable, affectionate and spiritual Christian. She was a meek and patient sufferer for many years. She ever felt the liveliest interest in the welfare of her family, particularly for their spiritual welfare, and also for the interests of the cause of Christ and the Church of her choice. A few moments before she died, she aroused from a dull lethargic state, occasioned by disease, and weakness, and shouted "Glory, Hallelujah, " and desired her daughter to sing, but exclaimed "I am going," and the weary wheels of life stood still.

"O may i triumph so, / When all my warfare's past, / And dying find my latest foe / Under my feet at last.

Died:  In Pitcher [Chenango Co., NY], on the 4th inst., Sarah J. [Hyde], wife of Mr. Charles P. Hyde, aged 35 years.

Died:  In Preston [Chenango Co., NY], on the 12th inst., Mrs. Electa [Norton], wife of Mr. G.L. Norton, aged 47 years.

Oxford Times, June 21, 1854

Married:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 13th inst., by Rev.  H.W. Gilbert, Mr. Samuel Crosby, of Fenner, Madison Co., to Miss Jane L. Farr of Greene.

Married:  In Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], on the 14th inst., by Rev. H. Gee, Mr. Harry A. Smith of Binghamton [Broome Co., NY] to Miss Betsey Hotchkiss of the former place.

Married:  In Coventry [Chenango Co., NY], on the 1st inst., by Rev. A. Parker, Mr. N.H. Short of Greene [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Sarah A. Parker of the former place.

Died:  In Preston [Chenango Co., NY], on the 19th inst., Mrs. Thankful C. Coville, aged 65 years.

Fatal Accident:  Mr. Robert Stewart, an aged resident of the town of Fenner, in this county {Madison Co., NY], was deprived of life on Saturday, the 10th inst., under the following circumstances:  He had been to Clockville for a load of plaster which was placed in barrels; on his return a boy wanted to ride with him and to accommodate him.  Mr. S. laid a board across the barrels on which they were seated.  When they came to where the boy wanted to get off, the latter jumped to the ground, apparently without waiting for the team to stop, which caused the boards to tilt and precipitated Mr. Steward from the wagon, the wheels of which passed over him.  He was conveyed to Mr. Rowley's near the first gate south of Clockville, where he expired in a short time.  He was 73 years of age.  Madison Observer.

Oxford Times, June 28, 1854

Melancholy Accident at Coventry [Chenango Co., NY]:  As Mr. Arba Gilmore of Coventry was on his way home from Bainbridge accompanied by his son, son's wife, and two children, on the 19th inst., when near West Coventry Corners, the tongue of the wagon dropped down and frightened the horses. The old gentleman jumped from the wagon and fell upon his head, just forward of the fore wheel, and the wheels running over him.  The young man held the horses in check, when his wife and children jumped from the wagon.  The wagon sped [away] and threw out the young man, but he succeeded in stopping the horses. When he returned, he found his father dead, having broken his neck in the fall.

Married:  In St. Philip's Church, Atlanta, Ga., on the 1st inst., by Rev., J.A. Shanklin, Mr. E.A. Bradley of Macon, to Miss Harriet M. Cary of this village [Oxford, Chenango co., NY].

Married:  in New York on the 15th inst., by Rev. R.B. Doane, Mr. Samuel R. Symms of New York to Miss Mary Jane Williams, formerly of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY].

Died:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 20th inst., Mr. Philo Hoag, aged 68 years.

Died:  In Jackson Miss., on the 2d inst., Mr. P.P. Robinson, a native of Oxford, Chenango Co., N.Y. in the 22d year of his age.  It is with unfeigned regret that we make the above announcement.  Young Robinson came to reside among us in the fall of 1850, and by his amiable disposition, correct and manly deportment, he had won for himself the confidence and esteem of all who made his acquaintance. but in the spring time of life, when prospects of honor and usefulness were opening before him he has been removed from the busy scenes of earth, and now sleeps the sleep which knows no waking this side of eternity.  This dispensation carries sorrow to many hearts; but none will feel the anguish so keenly as she who nursed his infancy and guided his tottering steps.  May she be supported under affliction by the assurance that the Lord loveth his children, whom he chasteneth, and that to such his promises are sure and steadfast.   Jackson (Miss.) Flag.

Civil War Soldiers - William J. Martindale & Charles E. Curtis, April 1865

 Oxford Times, April 5, 1865

Death of a Soldier:  Wm. J. Martindale who went from this place into the service and was a member of the 5th N.Y. Heavy Artillery, died in prison at Salisbury, N.C. on the 12th of January last.  George Gardner a member of the same regiment and who was a prisoner with Mr. Martindale, reported to his family here the shocking details of his death and brought some small keepsakes found upon his person.  Mr. Gardner reports that Mr. Martindale died of starvation in the open prison yard.

Oxford Times, April 12, 1865

In Salisbury Prison, N.C., Feb. 8, Mr. Charles E. Curtis, of Co. B 90th N.Y., late of McDonough [Chenango Co., NY], aged 34 years.  Feeling it his solemn duty to respond in person to his country's call for help in her hour of sternest trial, with a brave heart and holy purpose, went forth in Sept. 1864, to join the noble Sheridan.  But not long did he follow the promptings of his patriot heart.  Meeting the enemy at the battle of Cedar Creek, Oct. 19th, he fell captive into their hands.  He was taken to Libby Prison for a few days, then removed to Salisbury, where, after more than three months of utmost suffering, such as rebel ingenuity only can devise, kindly death came and set the prisoner free.  During this time, his loved wife and children in their pleasant home were constantly before his mind, from whom he had heard nothing since he left, and who he desired so much to see.  His Bible was his constant and well tried friend; his solace and comforter, whose teachings he loved and precepts obeyed. Through his illness his sufferings were made much more endurable by the self sacrificing exertions of his brother-in-law, Jacob Gibson, who gave him every possible care--even sacrificing his own liberty for over three long months--that he might cheer by his presence and soften his dying pillow. To him the friends of the deceased will ever owe a debt of gratitude and they sincerely pray that the angel that seems waiting to bear him over the river of death, may stay its wayward flight, and leave the brave soldier a little longer with his friends.

Vital Records - May 1854

 Oxford Times, May 3, 1854

Married:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 27th ult./, by Rev. J.C. Ransom, Mr. Ranslear Coe of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], to Mrs. Ruth Webb of Norwich.

Died:  In Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], on the 24th ult., Eliza Jane [Miller], eldest daughter of Charles B. and Mary Miller, aged 21 years.

Died:  In Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 25th ult., Mr. Archibald Haynes, aged 65 years.

Died:  In Preston [Chenango Co., NY],, on the 27th ult., Mrs. Harriet Brewer, wife of Mr. H.W. Brewer, aged 26 years.

Oxford Times, May 10, 1854

Married:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 4th inst., by Rev. H. Callahan, Mr. George L. Duran to Miss Frances Monroe, both of Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  In McDonough [Chenango Co., NY], on the 7th, by Rev. J.C. Ransom, Mr. Thomas L. Moore to Miss Maria Randall, all of  McDonough.

Died:  At Houston, Texas, April 10th, Ann Vernett [Baily], wife of James Baily, and granddaughter of the late Mr. Erastus Perkins of Norwich, Conn.

Died:  In Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 6th inst., Mr. Aaron Atwater, aged 61 years.

Died:  In Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], on the 6th inst., Mrs. Sarah Simonds, aged 58 years.

Oxford Times, May 17, 1854

Married:  In Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], on 9th, by Rev. F. Rogers, Mr. Charles P. Kirby to Miss Morgiana Craig.

Married:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 9th inst., by Rev. B.W. Bush, Mr. James Hughston of Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], to Miss Mary Ann Hinkley of Norwich.

Married:  In North Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 8th inst., by Rev. Mr. Wilder, Mr. George A. Cary of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Adaline E. Crandall of Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY].

Oxford Times, May 17, 1854

A Melancholy Occurrence:  We regret to be under the painful necessity of recording the following heart rending story.  Two industrious families, residing on the east side of the Susquehanna river, about half a mile above the village of Windsor, in this county [Broome Co., NY], met with an accident yesterday (Sunday) which can never be forgotten in the neighborhood of that village.  Deacon Josh Hathaway and wife, Charles Hathaway and wife, G. Hathaway and his two sisters, and two grandchildren of Samuel Hathaway, entered a skiff and proceeded as usual on their way to church across the river.  Having reached the opposite side, the bow of the skiff struck against some bushes which overhung the bank; a strong north wind, and a violent current carried round the stern of the skiff which struck against a log, upsetting it and throwing the whole party, except G. Hathaway, who jumped ashore, into the river.  The latter saved Deacon Hathaway and wife and his own sister.  Charles Hathaway and his wife were seated in the stern of the boat when the accident occurred.  He would have effected the escape of himself and wife, but for the children, who clung to Mrs. Hathaway.  But notwithstanding the efforts of G. Hathaway, Charles and his wife, and the two children above mentioned, as well as a sister of G. Hathaway, were all drowned,.  Binghamton Republican

Oxford Times, May 24, 1854

 Died:  In Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY], on the 9th inst., Mrs. Alvira M. [Frink], wife of Mr. Coddington Frink, aged 36 years.

Died:  In Baltimore, Md., on the 7th inst., Mr. Jotham Ives Atwater, son of Mr. Edwin Atwater of Coventry [Chenango Co., NY].

Died:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 10th inst., Mrs. Mary A. [Joyner], wife of Mr. Newton Joyner, aged 43 years.

Died:  [In Greene, Chenango Co., NY], on the 15th inst., Mr. Martin Whitmarsh, aged 49 years.

Died:  In Cincinnatus [Cortland Co., NY], the 13th inst., Dea. Glover Short, aged 56 years.

Died:  In Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 17th inst., Mr. Charles Miner, aged 25 years.

Oxford Times, May 31, 1854

Died:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY] on the 25th inst., Addeliza [Locke], wife of Mr. Charles F. T. Locke, in the 57th year of her age.  Mrs. Locke possessed in an eminent degree those estimable qualities of mind and heart which elicited from all who knew her the kindest regard and most friendly sympathies. She had been a sufferer for years, and bore her afflictions with Christian patience and resignation.  For the last year a fatal decline became more evident, gradually depriving her of a consciousness of her suffering and of pressing events, a circumstance which may, perhaps in this instance, be regarded as special boon of Providence.  She had, within a few years, been called to  mourn the death of an amiable daughter and an enterprising son, each at the head of an interesting family, and with whom, it is hoped, her spirit now associates in another and a better state of being.  Professing the faith of a Christian, she had lived a worthy and blameless life, and as far as her condition permitted, an expression of an interance, she died in the hope of a blessed immortality.   M.

Civil War - Death of James W. Eaton, Salisbury Prison - 1864

 Oxford Times, March 15, 1865

James W. Eaton, son of Mr Warren Eaton of this place [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], died in the Prison Hospital at Salisbury, N.C., January 3d last.  Mr. Eaton was a member of the 5th N.Y. Heavy Artillery, and had more than once bravely and gallantly faced the enemy upon many a well fought field, doomed at last to suffer death by the cruelty and inhumanity of rebel captivity.  He was a young man of exemplary life, blameless character and pure patriotism.  The following extract from a letter to his afflicted family, by a friend who was with him in his last hours tells the sad story of his sufferings and his death.

He had frozen his feet, I think on or about the 21st of Nov., it being very cold there at that time.  Sometime in Dec., perhaps near the middle of the month, learning his situation, I sent for him to come to the Hospital where I was nursing, and succeeded in getting him admitted, hoping thereby to save his life, even if I could not his feet, which when I came to dress, presented a horrible picture.  He told me that he had frequently tried to get in the Hospital but like many others with frozen feet had been unsuccessful, the Doctors either having a dread of frost bites or what was worse little or no feeling for our sick, suffering and dying prisoners.

At the time he was admitted his feet were swollen twice their usual size, the flesh on his toes had already become putrid, and it was not long before they dropped off, and he was minus toes.  Amputation became necessary, consequently on the 29th of Dec. he had to submit to that painful operation. The right foot was taken off mid way between the toes and ankle; the left leg four inches perhaps below the knee.  He had borne his afflictions up to this time with so much fortitude and cheerfulness that I had entertained strong hopes of his recovery  But the shock was too much for his system, not having proper diet or stimulants to keep him up, the diarrhea setting in he ran down very fast.  During the last hours of his life, he lay stupid, apparently unconscious of anything that was transpiring, in that state he dropped off.  He left his testament and diary with me to take care of for him, little thinking perhaps at the time that he would so soon be called from his trials, afflictions and imprisonment there to a brighter world above.

In conclusion, let me assure you that after he was admitted in the Hospital, he had so far as our limited means would permit, every care and want attended to.  Being his nurse I watched over him night and day, and did all in my power to make him comfortable and restore him to health.

Most respectfully, &c.  Luther T. Dodson

It is only occasionally when we have brought home to us the death of our young patriot martyrs, like the lamented Eaton, and the veil is lifted which concealed the long suffering and agony of their rebel prison houses, that we can even attain in a remote degree to a proper realization of the duty imposed upon us as a people, to prosecute the rebellion to a speedy and successful issue, and bring if possible its inhuman and bloody leaders and agents to merited punishment.  If we admire the dauntless bravery and the unflinching courage of the fiery battle trial, how can we fully appreciate the superadded martyrdom of the hero soldier, who thus patiently and without a murmur suffers the slow torture of living death in the worse than a slave pen of a rebel prison.  Heaven grant that we may lay it to heart, and be able to vindicate national justice and the memory the Republic's heroic martyrs, by holding to strict account the crimes which are being committed in the name of Southern independence inaugurated by a rebellion founded upon crime, and prosecuted with an inhumanity and cruelty unknown to civilized warfare.

Vital Records - April 1854

 Oxford Times, April 5, 1854

Married:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 22d ult., by Rev. J.C. Ransom, Mr. Isaac Cowles to Miss Lavina Loomis, both of Greene [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  In this town [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 30th ult., by Rev. J.C. Ransom, Mr. John W. Lyon to Miss Sarah J. Preston, all of Oxford.

Married:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 2d inst., by Rev. A.S. Graves, Mr. Samuel A. Rogers of Preston [Chenango Co., NY] to Mrs. Susan Lake of Oxford.

Married:  in Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 29th ult., by Rev. A.S. Graves, Mr. Charles F. Bunnell to Miss Sally M. Newton, both of Guilford.

Died:  In this town [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 29th ult., Mr. John Holliday, aged 64 years.

Died:  In Pharsalia [Chenango Co., NY], on the 5th ult., Widow Nancy Gladding, aged 72 years.

Died:  In Smyrna [Chenango Co., NY], on the 20th ult., Mr. Wyram Bartlett, aged 77 years.

Died:  At Syracuse [Onondaga Co., NY], on the 24th of March, Mr. Alfred Hovey, Esq., in the 76th year of his age, formerly a resident of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], and was a son of Gen. Hovey, the original settler of this village.  Mr. Alfred Hovey was one of the original Erie Canal contractors, and a man of indomitable energy.  He assisted in making the aqueduct at Rochester, and in blasting through the mountain ridge at Lockport.

Oxford Times, April 12, 1864

Died:  In Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], on the 9th inst., Mr. Chauncey Hill, aged 67.

Died:  In North Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 27th ult., Martha Giles, aged 57 years.

Oxford Times, April 19, 1854

Married:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY] on the 12th inst., by Rev. Wm. Reddy, Mr. P. Jerome White (son of Rev. P.G. White of Earlville) to Miss Lora A. M. Ferris of Guilford [Chenango Co., NY]

Married:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY] on the 13th inst. by Rev. J.C. Ransom, Mr. John N. Blossom to Miss Rhoda M. Cook, both of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY]

Married:  In Deposit [Delaware Co., NY], on the 10th inst., by Rev. A. P. Allen, Mr. Wm. P. Everson to Miss Mary A. Hathaway, both of Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY].

Oxford Times, April 26, 1854

Trial of Gilmore for the Murder of Benjamin Twitchell:  We have received a report of the trial of Samuel Gilmore in the Court of Sessions at San Francisco, California, for the murder of Benjamin Twitchell.  The trial occupied four days, and resulted in the conviction of the accused of manslaughter, and a recommendation by the jury to the mercy of the court.  The version of the facts of the melancholy occurrence related by the witnesses for the prosecution and defense was somewhat conflicting.  Alfred Higgins, the principal witness for the prosecution, testified that Mr. Twitchell was with a party surveying a tract of land on which Mr. T. resided in the Potrero in the neighborhood of San Francisco.  Gilmore was with another party building a fence on what he claimed to be the line between the two tracts of land. After an exciting conversation between Higgins and Gilmore, Mr. Twitchell came up.  He said to Gilmore.  "Young man!  what are you going to do with that gun?  You are not going to shoot me?"  Gilmore replies "I will shoot you if you cross that line."  Mr. Twitchell then crossed the line about three paces; Gilmore told him to stop or he would shoot him; Mr. Twitchell replied "don't you shoot that gun!"  Gilmore was then taking sight; he snapped the cap; he then told Mr. Twitchell to go back over the line or he would shoot him.  Twitchell said "if there was going to be any shooting he would have the shooters out of the house." and hallowed to his men to that effect; Gilmore then shot; I took hold of Twitchell.  He took out his pocket book, and said, "I am a dead man--God receive my spirit."  these were his last words.  He was carried into the house and lived 20 minutes breathing heavily.  He received the discharge, some 25 or 30 shot in his left groin, and along the upper part of his thigh.  Joseph Story, one of the fence building party was the principal witness on the part of the defense. He put quite a different complexion on the matter from the statement of Higgins.  Gilmore had been out shooting geese in the morning, and had stopped with the gun on his return where the party were at work.  Before Twitchell came up Gilmore had an irritating and harsh conversation with one Hatch of the surveying party; when Twitchell came up Gilmore retreated and Twitchell advanced on him, addressing him in a tone of bravado.  After the fatal discharge Gilmore enquired "if the man was dead?"  and added "I am afraid I shot higher than I intended' I did not intend to kill him, but to shoot him in the legs; if the first barrel had gone off I should have done so," and immediately sent for a surgeon.  With such a conflicting testimony, and in a community where great crimes often meet with impunity, it is not strange that a jury should put a construction upon the testimony inclining towards mercy. The punishment of manslaughter is imprisonment, but the length of the term is not given in the report of the trail.

Died:  In this village [Chenango Co., NY], on the 21st inst. at the residence of her son-in-law (E.B. McCall) after a severe and protracted illness of several months, Mrs. Submit D. Smith, formerly of Hadley, Mass.

Civil War Soldiers - 1864

 Oxford Times,  October 10, 1864

Soldiers at Home:  Samuel Balcom, Ransom Church, Robert Nichols, John Figary and Whitman Stratton are at home again safe and sound, having completed their term of enlistment in the 89th Regiment and been honorably discharged. The boys have done their part well and nobly, and although young in years, are veterans in the service of the Republic, and have made for themselves a record, of which their friends, neighbors and townsmen are justly pround.

Oxford Times, January 4, 1865

Death of Wilber Young:  We are requested to publish the following letter from a visitor of the Jarvis hospital at Baltimore.

Baltimore, Nov. 28, 1864

Mr. Wm. Young, Dear Sir:  I am a frequent visitor at the Jarvis Hospital, and among other patients there, I became interested in your son Wilber. My attention was called to him by one of the nurses as a man who had no appetite and had not eaten for two or three days, but had expressed a wish for some oysters.  They were immediately procured for him, but he did not relish them much.  I saw him the next day, and sat by him a good while talking, and got from the ladies' room some little thing that I thought he could eat.  But his appetite was very poor, and he seemed low in spirits. The nurse said he could not get him to take as much stimulant as they wanted him to.  I took him some wine and some little things to eat from time to time, and the dear boy as I sat feeding him with a spoon, looked at me so bright and loving, and said "you put me so in mind of mother."  I did not think he was a going to die.  But I asked him if there was any of his family could come and see him.  He said there was not, and that his mother was fifty-eight years of age.  (I am sixty)  From this time I took him as my own as far as I could.  I saw him always once, and often twice a day, and sat by him trying to cheer him.  But his leg had several bleedings. The doctor did not think them dangerous, but he told me that he could not stand it; he was losing more blood than he had strength for. I saw him on the evening of the 26th and his leg was bleeding then, but the nurse assured me that he did not apprehend any danger from it, but that Young gave up so.  He did not seem to have any spirit. The poor darling was so weak and so discouraged.

On the 27th, I did not go up until about 2 o'clock.  I went to his place, and he was not there, and I thought that I had got in the wrong ward, but when I asked for him, they told me he was dead.  I was shocked.  He had died at 11 o'clock on the night of the 26th.  He told me that I put him in mind of his mother, and this morning, I went as his mother to follow him from the house where the dead lie to the Chapel where the funeral services are performed. The coffin covered with the stars and stripes are taken on the bier and placed in the Chapel. There is a guard through which they pass, and a muffled drum beating. This continues through the movement, then this guard follows in, and after the services, escort the remains to the graveyard, which is a beautiful spot a short distance from the city.  In the Chapel, first was a prayer, then singing, five first verses of the hymn beginning "Whilst there I seek," then reading a part of the 18th Psalm, and the Chaplain made many wholesome observations on it, showing us how if God protected David in his time of peril from a personal enemy, how near he would be to protect and care for our brave and good men, who put their trust in Him, and go out to fight their country's battles.  If they do get bodily wounds, and have to die. He is merciful to care for and receive the spirits of those who put their trust in Him. Then was sung the hymn "Nearer my God to Thee, Nearer to Thee."  The chaplain then read the names of those to be buried and said that Young had expressed himself in a calm and trusting manner of his assurance of a Divine favor, and of his full confidence of meeting and living with his Savior, that was not joyful and exulting, but clam, and firm, and gave to him satisfactory evidence that he was a child of God, and that from this world of pain and sorrow he has gone to one of glory.

My friends, father and mother, accept my sympathy, and believe that as far as could be, your son had good doctors, good care, kind nurses, and kind ladies to look after hmi.  My words to you are, not from a heart which has not mourned, for one of my noble sons, dear to me as yours to you, was wounded and died last June in Hospital at Washington.  another has been twice wounded, and is again at the front. And still another in the Navy, on account of ill health, which was brought on by his exposure.  So you see that one who has had some bitter drops herself, would fain comfort you.  But you know a true source of comfort, and in my sympathy, I can only say what I have said, and that I should be pleased if you would let me know where your other sons are, and subscribe myself your friend.

Mrs. S. R., West Lombard Street

Civil War - Army Correspondence - April 1865

 Oxford Times, May 3, 1865

Alexandria, Va., April 21st 1865

One week ago today this city was the theater of one of the grandest and most joyful demonstrations in the memory of its oldest inhabitants; never before had it witnessed such an imposing military pageant and civic procession uniting together, as then took place to celebrate the Restoration of our Flag on the torn and battered embattlements of historic Sumter.  It was one of those loveliest of days, known only to a Southern clime in its balmy month of April.  "Old sol" shone out with more than wonted splendor, while the citizens and soldiery vied each other, to claim the palm in their joyous glorying. The music of several Bands playing national and favorite airs, the rolling of the drums, the joyous booming of cannons from the surrounding Forts, mingling with the steady tramp of the cavalry threatened to drown the ear in a sea of melodious joy.  white the long lines of infantry advancing in measured tread with burnished muskets and bright bayonets glittering in the silver light of a cloudless sky, presented to the eye a pleasing appearance, better realized in beholding than old in writing.  In the evening the Public Buildings and many private residences were quite splendidly illuminated, and again the streets were literally thronged with the old and the young, the sage, and the gay, making glad the scene and all retiring in hopeful anticipation that the nation was almost redeemed, and soon not only should our flag wave in full glory over the ruins of Sumter, but that its steaming stripes and glittering stars, should float in full triumph over all our land.  But scarcely had the notes of rejoicing died away and lost themselves in starry light of heaven's blue, ere a shock came that has startled and horrified the Nation.  Startling in its perfect unexpectedness.  Horrifying in the depth of its iniquity, our beloved President had fallen a prey to the unholy hate generated and inculcated by the abettors of treason. At first we could not believe it, so utterly fiendish and inhuman did it seem; but it proved only too true. The daylight of Saturday was ushered in mournfully and sadly, the elements seemed to keep in harmony, and shed their dreamy misty tears as if to seep o'er the fallen and the slain.  All the long dreary day the bells, that but yesterday rang out in such joyful peals, tolled in mournful knells that echoed and died away to sullen silence in the humid atmosphere; and the sun hid behind the leaden clouds away as if in good keeping with the fears, and the tears of a Nation's sorrow which alternately swayed in the bosoms of loyal citizens of the New Republic, and many who were hitherto disloyal mourned for him as at the loss of one whom they felt would strongly plead for them on the side of mercy, at the Tribunal of a nation's justice.  But he is gone.  Who shall entreat half so powerfully for leniency and forgiveness?  Well may they tremble, for now stern justice stands alone and unmoved to deal unrelentless Law.  Many southern sympathizers who have cursed Abraham Lincoln while living, we have heard speak of his good heart and have evidently honest purposes now that he is lost in the cold embraces of death, and while speaking, tremble for the future of the South.  the voices of some of their Generals and the testimony of the 22,000 prisoners at Point Lookout I cite as an evidence of the generosity of the beings among them.  

[Rest unreadable]

Vital Records - March 1854

Oxford Times, March 1, 1854

A melancholy and fatal accident occurred near Margaretville [Delaware Co., NY] on town meeting day.  Hiram B. Kelly, with a number of others, were on their way to town election with a team and wagon, when within fifty rods of Margaretville, where the election was held, they came to a dugway very icy; eight or ten rods long.  A part of the men got out of the wagon when they came to the ice, Kelly, Perry Sanford, and Clark Sanford remained in the wagon, and when about half way across the ice, the wagon, horses, Kelly and Perry Sanford went off the precipice ten feet high.  Clark Sanford, the father of Perry, saved himself by leaping from the wagon just before it went off.  One of the horses fell upon Perry Sanford; he was taken up insensible, and died two or three hours after.  He leaves a wife and four or five children to mourn his untimely end.  Kelly's right cheek bone was broken in and he was otherwise injured; he seems to be doing well, and is likely to recover.  This accident occurred on the road running from Margaretville to Roxbury.  Delhi Express.

Married:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], in St. Paul's Church, on Sunday evening, 26th ult., by Rev. M. Van Rensselaer, Mr. Merit S. Pierpont to Miss Eliza Ann Brigham, both of this place.

Married:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 27th ult., by Rev. J.C. Ransom, Mr. Lewis L. Phelps of Unadilla [Otsego Co., NY] to Miss Eliza J. M. Burrows of Guilford [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  In this town [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 23d(?) ult. by Rev. A. Gibson, Mr. James H. Padgett to Miss Lucy Ann Ingraham, both of Oxford.

Married:  In this town [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 25th ult. by Alanson Holl, Esq. Mr. Albert Japhet to Miss Susan Carr,  all of this place.

Died:  In this town [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 28th(?) ult. Mr. Moses Warren, Jr. aged 33(?) years.

Oxford Times, March 8, 1854

Married:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 1st inst., by Rev. H. Callahan, Mr. Daniel H. McCall to Miss Mahala E. Seaman, both of Preston [Chenango Co., NY].

Died:  In this town on the 4th inst., Mr. John R. Rounds, aged 79 years.

Oxford Times,  March 15, 1854

Sudden Death:  A young lady named Ann Warn, formerly a resident of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY] died at the house of Nathaniel Eccleston, Jr., in Norwich, on the night of the 5th inst.  She had attended church during the day, and went to bed without any indications of her approaching illness, but in the morning she was found a corpse.  An inquest was held, and the jury rendered a verdict of "death by a disease of the heart."

Oxford Times, March 22, 1854

Married:  In Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], on the 11th inst. by Rev. Mr. Southworth, Mr. Charles W. Gage of Greene [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Abigail Pearsall of Bainbridge.

Married:  In Poolville on the 6th inst., by Rev. Perry G. White, Mr. Robert T. Gibson of Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Ellen L. Smith of Smyrna [Chenango Co., NY]

Died:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 10th inst., Mary Ann Evans, daughter of the late Rev. George Evans, aged 19 years.

Oxford Times, March 29, 1854

Married:  In this town [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 25th inst., by Rev. A.S. Graves, Mr. Webster Graves of Preston [Chenango Co., NY], to Miss Betsey Marsh of Pharsalia [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  In this town [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY] on the 23d inst., by the Rev. N. Ripley, Mr. John B. Root to Miss Martha C. Shapley, all of Oxford.

Died:  In this town [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 25th inst., Mr. David D. Holmes, aged 43 years.

Died:  In this town [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 25th inst., Miss Polly Tucker, aged 53 years.

Died:  In McDonough [Chenango Co., NY], on the 12th inst., Pheba A. [Carruth], wife of C. Carruth, aged 27 years.

Died:  At Sacramento City, California, on the 11th ult. Mr. Marcus P. Harrington of Pitcher [Chenango Co., NY] aged 23 years.

Civil War - Death of William A. Newton - November 1864

 Oxford Times, December 7, 1864

Death of Wm. A. Newton:  The following letter to his father, conveys the mournful details of the death of Wm. A. Newton, one of the honored dead of the 114th Regiment.  

His surviving companions in arms, will bear willing testimony to every word in praise of this young soldier, one of whom lately remarked to us, that in all his hardships trials, fatigue and suffering, in which he was long associated with Mr. Newton, a complaint never escaped his lips; he was ever cheerful, faithful, obedient, and trusty, beloved by officers, and respected by all his comrades.

Satterlee U.S. Gen. Hospital, West Philadelphia, Pa, Nov. 20th, 1864

To Wm S. Newton, Oxford [Chenango Co., NY]:  Sir:  At your request, I make the following statement concerning William A. Newton, of Co. A 114th N.Y. Vols.  By the testimony of a man of his own company, William enjoyed the confidence and approbation of his companions.  He did not swear; he was not intemperate; he was not passionate; he was kind and obliging.  He was always ready to do his duty. At the battle of Cedar Creek, on the 19th of October, 1864, under Gen. Sheridan, he was wounded in the right knee.

When brought to this hospital the time for safe amputation had passed.  His wound grew worse and ultimately caused the poisoning of his blood from which he died.

During the greater part of his illness he retained his faculties, his mind was clear just before his death.  During this time I visited him daily; sometimes twice each day.  My great desire and effort was to lead him to Christ the Savior; to lead him to centre all his hope and trust in Christ. This hope and trust he exercised.  Awaking to a sense of his condition, he looked to Jesus, who alone was able to save him.  His evidence brightened each day. After seeing him on Sabbath afternoon, the 18th inst., I was sent for in the evening as he desired to be baptized.  I visited him, learned from himself his wish, and, deeming the way open, I administered baptism to him.

Each visit I made to him, each conversation I held with him, convinced me that his faith was centered upon the Lord Jesus Christ, and that Christ Jesus was preparing him for his great change.  That change I believe has been a happy one.  He who was a faithful soldier of his country, became a faithful soldier of Jesus Christ, and, through Christ, obtained the victory. The blessed fruits of that victory he is now enjoying.  He now basks in the eternal sunshine of the throne of God and of the Lamb.  His great desire for his parents and all his relatives and friends was that they should prepare to meet him in the skies.  I am, with respect,  Yours in Christian Bonds,

Jas. G. Shinn, Chaplain U.S.A.

A Voice from Salisbury - March 1865

 Oxford Times, March 22, 1865

A Voice from Salisbury:  Mr B.F. Strickland, a soldier in Company B of the 8th Maine Regiment, who has been confined in the Salisbury, N.C., prison four months, has given us many statements of great interest relative to the brutal treatment of our brave men in that hideous place of captivity.  Mr. Strickland left Salisbury Feb. 22, in company with a very large number of other prisoners (he thinks 3,000), the party being literally turned out of the stockade by the General in charge, in view of the prevailing fear that Sherman was coming.  They were furnished with a guide to Goldsborough, and a sort of mock parole oath was administered to all that they would not attempt to escape while on the passage.  The party reached Goldsborough Feb. 27th, remained there long enough to be paroled, went to Rocky Point, N.C., and entered the Union lines.  The men were furnished with sustenance by the farmers and other people along the route, who were generally loyal, the rations provided by the Rebels being both extremely scant and poor.  The horrors of Salisbury prison are stated by Mr. Strickland to be beyond the power of human description, and no published account has yet done justice to the theme.   Robbery, starvation, cruelty of every description, and, in fact, the violation of every law and sentiment cherished by civilized human beings, made the continual and inevitable order of things.  The 8th Maine Regiment was captured Oct. 27 at Fair Oaks, and of the 71 men who were sent to Salisbury, all are now dead except twelve, and our informant is of opinion that starvation was the primary cause of this fearful mortality.  N.Y. Tribune

Vital Records - February 1854

 Oxford Times, February 1, 1854

Married:  In Coventry [Chenango Co., NY], Jan. 18, by Rev. W.H. Lockwood, Mr. Ira Scott of this town [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], to Miss Laura A. Lewis of the former place.

Married:  On the 26th ult., at Grace Chruch, Brooklyn, by the Rev. Dr. Vinton, Mr. B.W. Bean of N. York, to Mrs. George H. Noble, daughter of the late Hon. Sherman Page, of Unadilla [Otsego Co., NY].

Oxford Times, February 8, a854

An Ill-Fated Party.  One year this March, Messrs. Benj. B. Twitchell, John S. Bradbury, Caleb Winsor, and Cook D. Sill, sailed from New York for San Francisco.  About two weeks after their arrival they took passage on the unfortunate Steamer Jenny Lind, up the San Francisco Bay, with the view of selecting a location for business.  Among the killed by the explosion of the boiler of the Jenny Lind, were Winsor and Bradbury.  It is now but a few weeks since the startling intelligence has been received of the death of Mr. Twitchell by a murderer's hand.

The past week the friends of Cook D. Sill, have had the melancholy news of his death on the 23d of Dec. of Typhoid fever, after a sickness of six months at the age of 25 years.  The deceased had been a student of the Oxford Academy, and formerly resided in Burlington, Otsego County [NY], but for the last few years in Ohio.  Stopping with friends in this place, when on his way to New York, joined the company of the other persons mentioned of Guilford, and with them met an untimely death on the Pacific shore.

Married:  In Preston [Chenango Co., NY], on the 1st inst., by Rev. A.S. Graves, Mr. Edwin Douglas of Chautauqua Co. [NY], to Miss Mary J. Lewis of Preston.

Married:  In McDonough [Chenango Co., NY], on the 5th inst., by Rev. J.C. Ransom, Mr. Milo Webb of Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], to Mrs. Eliza Perry of McDonough.

Married:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], Feb. 1st, by Rev. C. Darby, Mr. Horace Wiswell to Mrs. Frances T. Pierpont.

Died:  In Preston, on the 29th ult., Mrs. Abigail Smith aged 90 years.

Oxford Times, February 15, 1854

Married:  In Hamilton [Madison Co. NY, on the 9th inst., by Rev. G.W. Eaton, Mr. Cole... S. S.... to Miss Lennie J. Benton.

Died:  In Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], on the 5th(?) inst., Almira Parker, wife of Mr. Hymen Parker, aged 68 years.

Oxford Times, February 22, 1854

Married:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 24th inst., by the Rev. N. Ripley, Mr. Willard Walker to Miss Hannah M. Main, all of Oxford.

Died:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 17th inst., Angenette M. [Ingraham], daughter of Joel and Clarinda Ingraham, aged 2-1/2(?) years.

Died:  At her brother's residence in Binghamton [Broome Co., NY], on the 25th Jan. of dropsy, Miss Calista Park, eldest daughter of Ebenezer and Philena Park, of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY].

Civil War Letter from the NY 114th Regiment - February 1865

 Oxford Times,  February 22, 1865

Camp Sheridan, Va., Feb. 8th, 1865

Well, another  night is gone, another break of day appears, and I am permitted to sit not on mother earth by the side of an old pail for a writing desk, but in a good snug warm log cabin, with a good piece of pine board for a writing desk, to answer an article published by your cotemporary on Jan. 26th last, and to express my few collected thoughts, to the dear ones at home, and look forward with the happy thought of meeting them all on earth once more.  But I have only about another year more to be looked upon (nor far below the negro) as one of Uncle Sam's noble boys, struggling for my country, and my country's rights, and treated as as such by Uncle Sam's noble officers, who are struggling by my side, for the same noble cause.

I do not think I should be ashamed to be seen walking the streets with the officers at home (as a certain fellow says he should) for it matters not how poor or how low their position at home was, if they live reformed and put forth their manly courage like true and noble men, and gained the confidence of their country, and can trust the cause in their hands.  I also put trust and confidence in them and shall feel honored in their society at home.  Such things look pleasing to the eye of a true soldier, and makes his heart swell with emotions of gratitude to a government that does not place any barrier before the poor man to prevent him from attaining as high a position as he justly merits.  Perhaps it would e a good thing if the poor fellow who feels so bad about the officers, had some friends or relations to dig his knowing faculty out of the ditches and grogshops, and endeavor to place him on a level with a majority of the true soldiers, who treat their officers as a true soldier only knows how to treat them.  It is true I enlisted to crush the rebellion; and to strike from our noble country that corrupt of all corruptible institutions, Slavery.  Oh, how the soldier's heart fills with indignation and contempt towards those things in the south who have dared to call themselves men and masters, when in fact they are demons in human form, when listening to the damnable impositions they have heaped upon the slave. There is no people on earth that feel more thankful to have the yoke of slavery taken off their necks than the negro, and it is truly pleasing and interesting to sit and listen to their future calculations; how they will show their old massa that they can be rich planters as well as they, when Lincoln gives them their freedom. There is nothing in the character of a man that look so mean and low as the continual slang of a copperhead against his government, and its officers.  In my estimation, he is 100 degrees below the meanest rebel in the Southern Confederacy, and that is the editor of the Charleston Mercury, who confesses our President to be a man of a clear head, and an eye single to his purpose, with a strong determination to carry out his plans.  Will not the northern copperheads endeavor to come up to the level with those people in that heaven forsaken and hell forgotten hole called Charleston.    G.

Vital Records - December 1853 & January 1854

 Oxford Times, December 7, 1853

Married:  In Hamilton [Madison Co., NY], on the 1st inst., by Rev. Mr. Bridge, Mr. H.T. Willcox to Miss Helen M. Wilcox, all of that place.

Married:  In Hamilton [Madison Co., NY], on the 1st inst., by Rev. Mr. Perkins, Mr. W.H. Coulter of Hamilton, to Miss Jennie Hanley of Waterville [Oneida Co., NY].

Died:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 4th inst., Mr. Joseph Allen, aged 65 years.

Oxford Times, December 14, 1853

Married:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 9th inst., by Rev. J.C. Ransom, Mr. James E. Drown of Bristol, Ontario Co. [NY], to Miss Betsey E. Potter of Oxford.

Died:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 8th inst., Mrs. Lydia [Bennett], wife of Mr. John M. Bennett, aged 73 years.

Died:  In Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 3d inst., Mr. Lyman Ives aged 82 years.

Oxford Times, December 28, 1853

Married:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 17th inst., by Rev. J.C. Ransom, Mr. William L. Daniels to Miss Jane E. Gillman, all of this village.

Married:  On the 22d by the same, Mr. Marshall F. Berry to Miss Aruba F. Olds, all of Oxford.

Died:  At Waterville, Oneida County, [NY], on 14th instant, Eva [Tucker], infant daughter of James B. and Mary E. Tucker, formerly of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], aged 1 month and 14 days.

Oxford Times, January 4, 1854

Married:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 1st inst. by Rev. C.E. Hewes, Mr. Charles Rounds of New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Sarah M. Jones of Greene [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on New Year's Evening, by Rev. Wm. Reddy, Mr. John Ingraham to Miss Lucy D. Huntly, all of Oxford.

Married:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 26th ult. by Rev. Geo. J. Kiercher, Mr. Edward A. Belcher of Binghamton [Broome Co., NY] to Miss Emujean Hotchkiss of Greene.

Died:  In Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], on the 12th Dec., Franklin E. Towslee, son of Gideon and Catharine Towslee, in the 25th year of his age.

Died:  In Binghamton [Broome Co., NY], on the 21st Dec., of consumption, Elizabeth [Burroughs], wife of Mr. Benjamin Burroughs, of Greene [Chenango Co., NY], aged 69 years.

Oxford Times, January 11, 1854

Death of James Clapp, Esq.:  It is with no ordinary emotions that we announce this sad event.  Mr. Clapp died on Sunday morning of the present week.  Having come to our village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY] at an early day, his life was strongly identified with its history.  He came here in the pioneer days of the county, with a character peculiarly adapted to these early times, an independence at once marked and admirable, an ambition high and noble, and an ardor kindled by a conscious necessity of self dependence for whatever he should obtain of worldly fame and fortune.  Mr. Clapp was a lawyer by profession, and by sterling integrity, ability and independence, achieved in its exercise a fame worthy of emulation, and which deservedly placed him among its most influential and honored members.  He many years since withdrew from the active duties of his profession.  He ever declined public honors and offices.  Educated in the chivalrous period of American history, and mingling with the representatives of another generation, his views of strict accountability and integrity in places of public trust, and his contempt for the mean artifice and machinery of mere party strife would have rendered him unpopular in an age when success is everything.  Its proper use of little consequence.  Few men in private life were more extensively known.  Rare conversational powers united with a wide range and versatility of knowledge, rendered him ever attractive and entertaining in the social circle.  Most of the companions of his early life had already fallen, "weary with the march of life."  How appropriately and earnestly does the successive departure from our midst of each representative of another generation, admonish us of that beautiful exhortation of Cicero, to the friends of his old age, that they ought so to regard the world as the traveler the inn by the wayside, making it a place of sojourn only in the pilgrimage to a fairer country, gilded by an enduring sunlight.

Death of Benjamin S. Twitchell:  The truth of this appalling and tragic event comes to us confirmed by the testimony of the witnesses at the Coroner's Inquest.  It was but a few months since that Mr. T. left his family in Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], and sailed for California.  Letters had been received but recently from him, expressing the determination to return and spent the remainder of his life among his friends in Chenango. The testimony fully explains the tragic end of his life ad his hopes.  It shows conclusively that he was the object of a heartless and cold blooded murder, of which he was an innocent victim, and every incident connected with which proves it to have been in no manner the result of his own wrong.  Mr. Twitchell was with a surveying party, and passing a disputed line was shot down by Samuel Gilmore who professed to have some interest in the disputed premises.  He survived by 30 minutes after receiving the shot.  Mr. T. was long and favorably known among us as a good citizen and a man of noble and generous impulses.  He leaves a widow to mourn this sad bereavement.

Married:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY] on the 4th inst., by Rev. C.E. Hewes, Mr. Warren Loomis of Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], to Miss Huldah Ann Bartle of Oxford. 

Married:  Also, by the same, on the 5th inst., Mr. Henry L. Bartle of Greene [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Mary Jane Church of Smithville [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  At Coventryville [Chenango Co., NY], on the evening of the 5th inst., by Rev. W.H. Lockwood, Mr. Edward A. Bundy to Miss Esther F. Shapley, both of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  In Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 5th inst., by Rev. Wm. Reddy, Mr. J.B. Tinker to Miss Adaline Starr, youngest daughter of Rev. C. Starr.

Died:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the morning of the 8th inst., suddenly, James Clapp, Esq., aged 68 years.  The funeral will be attended from his late residence at 1 o'clock, P.M. on Thursday, the 12th inst.

Died:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 29th, Dec. Mrs. Elizabeth Smith, wife of Mr. Ambrose Smith, aged 40 years.

Oxford Times, January 18, 1854

Married:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 12th inst., by Rev. J.C. Ransom, Mr. John R. Root to Miss Sarah Ann Wilbur, all of Oxford.

Married, in Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 15th ult. by Rev. C.E. Hewes, Mr. William D Stratton to Miss Almira Willcox, both of Smithville [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  At East Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 11th inst., by Rev. A. Gibson, Mr. James Lee of Chenango, Broome Co [NY], to Miss Martha Holmes(?) of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY]

Married:  In South Otselic [Chenango Co., NY], on the 2d(?) inst., by Rev. Zetto Barnes, John L. Whitmore, M.D. of Columbus [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Sylvia Hill(?) of South Otselic.

Died:  At East Greene [Chenango Co., NY] on the -?-, Mr. Samuel Peck, aged 47(?) years.

Oxford Times, January 25, 1854

Married:  At Castle Creek [Broome Co., NY], on the 1st inst., by Rev. David Leach, Mr. Francis S. Fry of Butternuts [Otsego Co., NY] to Miss Marinda E. Thurstin of Whitney's Point [Broome Co., NY].

Married:  In Coventry [Chenango Co., NY] on the 20th inst., by Daniel Hayes, Esq., Mr. Israel A. Hall to Mrs. Susan Stimpson.

Married:  In Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY] on the 1st inst., by Rev. R.S. Southworth, Mr. Wm. H. Ireland to Mrs. Lavina M. Green. 

Married:  [In Bainbridge] on the 2d, [by Rev. R.S. Southworth], Mr. Wm. R. Gould to Mrs. Mary Estabrooks.

Married:  At Preston [Chenango Co., NY], on the 17th inst., by Rev. H. Callahan, Rev. George J. Kercher(?) of Greene [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Cornelia Packer of Preston.

Died:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY] on the 10th inst. after a lingering illness, Maj. Chauncey Brown, aged 59 years.

News of Civil War Soldiers - 1863 & 1864

 Oxford Times, July 6, 1864

10th N.Y. Cavalry:  Harris Daniels of this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], of the 10th N.Y. Cavalry, was wounded in the late engagement.  We also learn that Patrick Ganley and four others of the same Regiment, recently ventured too far from our lines in watering their horses, and were surrounded, and captured by the rebels.  They were put under guard, but succeeded in escaping within our lines, with the loss of their horses.  The rebels stripped them of all their valuables, but Patrick Ganley kept his watch by suspending it down the leg of his pantaloons, and also secured his purse by the exercise of a little ready Irish wit.

Oxford Times, July 13, 1863

Death of Lieut. Col. T.L. England:  This gallant officer of the 89th  regiment, formerly a citizen of Delhi [Delaware Co., NY], and who was promoted from the rank of captain to that of lieutenant colonel fell in the front at the assault upon Petersburg on June 18th, being instantly killed by a ball through the head.  His body was embalmed and forwarded to his friends in Delhi. The funeral ceremonies were conducted with military honors, the fire department acting as an escort.

Oxford Times, October 19, 1864

In the Hospital At Winchester, Va., on the night of the 3d of Oct., Lieut. O.J. Aylesworth, of Co. H, 114th Reg. from the effects of a wound in the head, received in the battle of Sept. 19th.  The hopes which buoyed up the soldier when he wrote home to his wife, "that he should be in the field again in a few days," were delusive, and he is at rest.  He had, like Lieut. Breed, given his life to his country, and to the last he was watched with more than brotherly tenderness and devotion by Serg't Hemingway, whose valor in the deadly contest, is only equaled by his care for the wounded and suffering.  Lieut. A. leaves a bright record as a soldier, and we are confident, that his widow and fatherless children will receive the earnest sympathy they deserve in this hour of affliction and sorrow.

Oxford Times, October 26, 1864

Mr. Samuel Manworing, of Co. E, 89th N.Y. Vols.  Just as his term of service was completed, and he was looking forward to his reunion with family and friends, this brave soldier was taken to the better home.  Sad indeed are such partings, but if there is one thing more, than another, which can console the bereaved wife, it is the remembrance that such men have not died in vain.  May "He who tempers the wind to the shorn lamb," comfort the widow, and her fatherless flock.

Oxford Times, November 2, 1864

Death of soldiers in the 114th Regiment

A large circle of friends and our entire community were made sad last week by the tidings of the death in the late battle under Sheridan, of joseph G. Washburn, Henry D. Mason, and Chas. F. Green of this village [Oxford, Chenango Co. NY]  They were young men of whom we were all justly proud, and it is hard to give them up.  but they died in the path of patriotic duty, and challenge at once our admiration and our tears.  They sleep in hero grave, they live in patriot hearts.  We find the following killed and wounded in the list:

Co. A:  Killed, Geo. A. Decker, Orlando Smith, Fred Skinner,  Wounded:  John Rhodes, in thigh, William A. Newton in Knee.

Co. C:  Killed, W.H. Chamberlain, A.D. West, J.E. Woodmanser.

Co. D:  Killed, Capt. Daniel Knowlton

Co. E:  Killed:  Sergt. Wm. W. Johnson, Wounded, Henry Andrews

Co. F:  Killed:  Killed, Sergt, W.W. Wakeley, Corp E. Tew, Isaac Burch, Wounded, A. Ellis, James T. Avery, Wm. H. Avery, W.D. Thurber.

Co. G:  Wallace Elphiet, severely wounded in right hip.

Co. H:  Killed: August S. Archold

Co. K:  Killed:  Charles R. Combs, Wounded, Enos Cook

Oxford Times, November 9, 1864

Death of Sergeant Boulls:  Among the killed in the late battle of the Shenandoah, we notice the name of Sergeant W. E. Boulls, son of Wm. Boulls of this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY].  Mr. Boulls was formerly employed in this office, afterwards in the P...d office in Rochester, where he enlisted.  He was a worthy young man, and his loss deplored by all who knew him.

Oxford Times,  November 9, 1864

Death of John T. Adams:  A correspondent give us in the following letter the sad tidings of the death of John T. Adams, of this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], a worthy member of Co. K, 10th N.Y. Cavalry.

Dear Times:  I have the painful duty to report that John T Adams, of Co. K, 10th N.Y. Cavalry, was killed in the engagement of Oct. 27th near Stony Creek, Va.  He was shot through the breast, while the enemy were making a charge, killing him instantly.  But by the courage and manly efforts of H.O. Daniels, he was removed form the field and his remains respectfully interred.  he was a brave and good soldier, and our country has lost one of her noblest sons; our cause one of its most devoted defenders.  We as a company tender our sympathy to the family and friends of the deceased, and with them we do deeply mourn our loss.,

Vital Records - November 1853

 Oxford Times, November 2, 1853

Died:  In Preston [Chenango Co., NY], on the 27th October, Mr. Clark Lewis, aged 75 years.

Died:  At Kingston, Marquette County, Wisconsin, on the 10th of October, William M. Patterson, Esq., formerly of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], aged 49 years.

Died:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 27th ult., Patience [Rathbone], wife of Mr. Daniel Rathbone, aged 80 years, 

Died:  [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY] Same day, (found dead in a field) Mrs. Esther Blossom, aged 83 years.

Oxford Times, November 9, 1853

Married:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 6th inst., by Rev. C.E. Hewes, Mr. Luther Hurlbut to Miss Jane E. Olds, all of Oxford.

Married:  In South Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], on the 30th ult., by Rev. C.E. Hewes, Mr. Byron A. Teed of Port Washington, Wisconsin, to Miss Clara D. Bartlett of Bainbridge.

Oxford Times, November 16, 1853

Married:  In Butternuts [Otsego Co., NY], on the 9th inst., by Rev. J.N. Adams, Mr. Olney Braley, Post Master at Maple Grove, Otsego Co., to Miss Helen M. Clinton of the former place.

Died:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 2d inst., Mrs. Electa A. York, wife of Henry L. York and daughter of Dea. Jeremiah York of Oxford, aged 25 years.

Died:  In Preston [Chenango Co., NY], on the 2d inst., Mrs. Lydia Mason, wife of Dr. William Mason, aged 58 years.

Another Victim of Intemperance:  An awful deed was done on Saturday night, the 5th inst., in the town of Vestal [Broome Co., NY], about eight miles from this village [Binghamton, Broome Co., NY].  the hearts, not only of men, but of women, seem to have grown harder and more callous.  It appears that a Mrs. Winans, an old resident of Vestal after a widowhood of some years, married a man by the name of Stephen Crane.  Soon after their marriage, a disagreement occurred and up to the fatal hour of Crane's death, they continued to quarrel.  It is rumored that at one time Mr. Crane "was bought off" by his generous wife, and then told that he might depart forever.  Mrs. Winans had a daughter, who lately got married also to a young man whose name we could not ascertain.  To this daughter, Mrs. Winans (alias Crane) assigned her interest in the house in which they reside.  Mr. Crane after a absence of some time from home returned on Saturday, and attempted to enter what he considered his own house; but was warned off by the new son-in-law.  On persisting to enter, he was told that if he did he would be certainly shot.  He then left, but returned again, in a state of intoxication, it is said, attempted to enter the house and was again repulsed.  He pertinaciously insisted in his design; when the wife took, primed and charged a pistol, and told the young man to do his duty!  In another moment, poor Crane was numbered among the dead!  The ball passed through his head entering the forehead, and lodging behind the ear.  At first it was thought that this was the only wound inflicted; but after examining the body, the head was found to contain several severe gashes, indeed horribly mutilated.  The murderer is now in custody.  We refrain from comment, until we hear from the Coroner's Jury.  The fate of Crane was indeed a dreadful one; in one moment, launched from a state of intemperance into eternity to confront his creator and Judge.  Broome Republican [Binghamton, NY]

Oxford Times, November 23, 1853

Married:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY] on the 22d inst., by Rev. M. Van Rensselaer, Mr. William D Knap of New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Ann Vernet Clover of this village.

Married:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 10th inst., by Rev. H.A. Smith, Mr. Henry Minor of Guilford [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss E. S. Bedford, daughter of D.E.S. Bedford, of Norwich.

Oxford Times, November 30, 1853

Died:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 27th, Mrs. Betsey Wells, aged 63 years.