Civil War Letter - September 1861

 The Union News, Broome County, NY, September 12, 1861

Camp Ellsworth, Alexandria, Va. Sept. 1, 1861

Mr. Benedict:  We marched to our parade ground this afternoon and after drilling for some time, there rode into the field the Colonel and staff of the 17th Regiment, who communicated to our Colonel the following piece of [news] viz:  The forces under Gen. Butler assisted by Commodore Stringham had captured two batteries of forts near Cape Hatteras, 71 pieces of Cannon, 1,200 stand of arms and over 1,000 prisoners, among which is one commander, two generals, three colonels and thirty-four officers of line, Captains, Lieutenants, &c.  The loss on either side is not reported.  The news is almost too good to be believed.  Twas the perception of this news that aroused so much commotion in camp this afternoon.  Three guns were fired from the Fort and Regiment after Regiment gave three cheers and it seemed as if the whole country was alive.  We returned to camp and forming into a square, sat down upon the ground and listened to a brief address and prayer from our Chaplain, when we broke ranks and took to our quarters.  

Our men are throwing up a Fort about three miles from here, within two miles of the enemy's fortifications.  Twas commenced three days ago, and I was astonished at the amount of work done.  There has been, for the past three days 1,800 men constantly occupied night and day, and tomorrow there will be 2,000 men at work upon it.  Our officers in charge say, they expect the rebels will shell them every moment, as they have two howitzers mounted directly in range, but one and a half miles from them.  No shots have been fired up to this hour, 8 o'clock in the evening.  Our Company, with three others form this Regiment, go on pickets tomorrow.  I will close for the present, giving you to understand that we are prepared for anything that sees fit to give us a call.

Yours as ever,    Blockhead

Vital Records - January 1855

 Oxford Times,  January 3, 1855

Married:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 31st ult., by Rev. N. Ripley, Mr. William H. Seaman to Miss Abby F. Wells both of Preston [Chenango Co., NY].

Died:  In German [Chenango Co., NY], on the 19th ult., Mr. Alexander Gilliland, aged 50 years.

Died:  In New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], on 25th Dec., William D. Knap, Esq., aged 44 years.  The subject of this notice, died at his residence in this village, after a short but severe illness.  Perhaps the death of no individual in this community, could be more deeply felt, or more generally lamented, than that of Mr. Knap.  His business connections and extensive acquaintance, together with a pleasant, kind and accommodating disposition, had endeared him to a wide circle of friends.  To his own family, his loss is irreparable, and the bereavement most severe; as from nature and disposition he was peculiarly fitted to be the head.  New Berlin Visitor

Oxford Times, January 10, 1855

Married:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 9th inst., by Rev. H. Callahan, Mr. Dwight Byington of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Emily Jane Eggleston, eldest daughter of Levi Eggleston, Esq., of this village.

Married:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 3d inst., by Rev. J.T. Wright, Mr. Lorrin Bates of Greene [Chenango Co., NY], to Miss Jane Gault, of McDonough [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 1st inst. by Rev. C. Dearby, Mr. James M. Pearsons to Miss Louisa M. Shapley, all of Greene.

Married:  Near Vallonia Springs [Broome Co., NY], Jan. 2d, 1855, Mr. Devillo Dutton to Miss Chloe Bu...s, by George Balcom, Evangelist.

Died:  In Coventry [Chenango Co., NY], Dec. 27, Susan C. [Beecher], wife of Daniel Beecher, aged 30 years.

Died:  In Greene, on the 1st inst., Martha [Newton] daughter of Dea. Allen and Martha Newton, aged 23 years.

Died:  In Varrick, Seneca Co., Dec. 24th, Mrs. Polly Lansing, widow of the late Peter Landsing of Greene [Chenango Co., NY] aged about 70 years.

Died:  In Minnesota Ter. Dec. 13th, suddenly, Mr. James Hamilton, aged 67 years, for many years a resident of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY].

Oxford Times, January 17, 1855

Married:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], Jan. 10th, by Rev. Nath'l Ripley, Mr. James H. Root to Miss Martha U. Miles, both of Oxford.

Married:  At Earlville [Madison Co., NY], on the 2d inst. by Rev. P.G. White, Mr. Thomas O. Stoddard ot Chenango Forks [Broome Co., NY] to Mrs. Elizabeth A. Thomas of Earlville.

Died:  In Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 7th inst., Hannah [Smith], wife of S.A. Smith, Esq., aged 73 years.

Died:  In Columbus [Chenango Co., NY], on the 4th, Mr. Oliver Myers, aged 75 years.

Oxford Times, January 24, 1855

Married:  At Smithville Flatts [Chenango Co., NY], on the 15th inst., by Rev. O. Ketchum of East Pharsalia, Mr. Harvey B. Beech of Barker [Broome Co., NY] and Miss Flora A. Tarrel, of Upper Lisle [Broome Co., NY].

Oxford Times, January 31, 1855

Married:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 24th inst., by the Rev.  H. Callahan, Mr. Robert N. Hewlett of Rockaway, long Island, to Miss Arvilla E. [Bartle], daughter of Wm. H. Bartle, Esq. of Oxford.

Married:  In Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 24th, by the Rev. W. Bixby, Mr. George Bush to Miss Mary Jane Piper, both of Guilford.

Married:  In this town [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 24th inst., by Rev. A. Parker, Mr. Franklin Knickerbocker of Cincinnatus [Cortland Co., NY] to Miss Mary Conover of Oxford.

Died:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the morning of the 26th inst., Maria [York], daughter of Doct. Edward and Lydia York, in the 15th year of her age.  Rarely are parents called upon to mourn the loss of a child of greater loveliness, or community one of equal promise, of superior personal beauty and attraction, amiable and interesting in all the relations of life in which she was known, and giving abundant earnest of those higher and better qualities of heart and mind which so much adorn the woman.  While we stop to wipe away the sympathetic tear, our sorrows are assuaged with the sweet assurance that this lovely flower is but taken from earth to bloom more beautiful in the radiant halls of a blessed immortality.  "She was a lock of Heaven, which Heaven gave Earth and took again, because unworthy of her."  

Civil War Letter - February 1864

 Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, March 9, 1864

U.S. Army Marine Hospital, New Orleans, La., Feb. 18 [1864]

As I write, the air is filled with fleecy snow flakes, which, at this season of the year, or any other in New Orleans, has rarely been witnessed by the "oldest inhabitant."  For many years, at least, I am informed, the like has not been seen.  Many people here had formed the idea that snow was black, as all negroes are called "Snowball;"  but being assured by persons from northern latitudes that it really was snow, soon ceased to cavil at the reality or dispute the fact.  Others judged that the clerk of the weather had filled his pepper box with salt, and hence this unseasonable and unusual visitation. At any rate, it came so plentifully, that by dint of lively scraping considerable sized snow balls were gathered form the steps and from the floors of the galleries about the buildings, with with sundry patients and individuals made ineffectual attempts to pelt each other in the face and eyes.

A lady in the institution, who had evidently seen one of the great elements of nature in like form before, and knew at least something of the uses to which it might be applied, gave the visage of your humble servant, as a reminder, I suppose, an effectual rubbing, which made the cheeks tingle, and brought the blush, but whether the glowing effect was from the application of the "snowy flakes," or the blush of modesty and bashfulness, from near proximity to the "tender sex," which is an occurrence equally rare, deponent saith not.

As I am simply producing, on the spur of the moment, a weather item rather than a newsletter of special interest and importance, I cannot do better perhaps than quote or reproduce a paragraph or two from an article on "Winter, North and South," which appeared a few weeks since in a Southern print, and which you can reprint or not, as suits you best. As winter, at the north, will not be entirely over ere this reaches its destination, the representation may not be entirely out of time or place.

After describing or alluding to the effect and appearance of a northern  winter, "bristling with icicles and white with frost," and picturing snow banks which lie, "like a silence deep and white," in fields, in the highway, in city and in town, placing an embargo alike upon car and sleigh travel destroying the irregularity of the mails, &c, an "the snow still fluttering down."

The 29th and 30th Maine infantry (veterans) with other infantry recruits, have recently arrived in this department; also the 1st Delaware, the 2d Connecticut, and the 7th Massachusetts Batteries. Active operations are on foot.  A portion of the Federal troops have been withdrawn from Texas, and Mobile, probably, will be the next place of attack.  An expedition, it is believed, is likewise being fitted out for the Red River country.

Gentlemen brim full of patriotism, from Northern and Eastern cities, with their pockets well lined with greenbacks, as is necessary and highly proper for the purposes of doing good, are rapidly pouring into the "Crescent City."  These men surely are not the fomenters or abettors of this bloody strife for the attainment of political ends, nor are they here for the purpose of conquest or cotton.  Of course, they do not come to speculate, and certainly, persons so highly respectable in character, will not steal. or join hands with that terrible King Cotton or raise Cane!

If they cultivate at all the acquaintance of this formidable King, it will be with the laudable object of despoiling him of his locks and appeasing his wrath.  Like most other good people, they do not like the smell of powder, else their love of country, which is great, would irresistibly impel them, in all advances, to lead the van.  Sometimes, even in the face of imminent danger, they send their emissaries, or rather missionaries, to posts of peril, as advance guards, carefully to remove or protect all valuable property, of whatever kind, that might possibly afford "aid or comfort" to the enemy, or by any means fall into the hands of desperate Federal soldiers, or irresponsible Union men. Discretion being the better art of valor, and that their valuable services and disinterested lives may be spared to the country and the cause they love so well, they generally deem it prudent to keep their precious persons well to the rear.

The Free State party, or parties, as there are two of them, upon the supposition, I suppose, that there cannot be too much or too many of a good thing, hold an election for State officers within a few days.  The Conservative Union party also have a ticket.  The "iron-clad" oath, as it is termed, prescribed in the Presidents proclamation, in addition to the oath of allegiance, as a test of the qualification of a voter, being distasteful to a considerable number, will have the effect, it is feared, of keeping many really Union men from the polls.  Of the result you will in due time be informed.

As to the trip into the country which I was on the point of making in my last, I will add it was highly satisfactory, most delightful!  We made a drive of some 30 miles up the coast, visited several plantations containing from 500 to one and two thousand slaves.

In regard to the operations of the "free Labor" system, some thought it would prove a complete success, all that could be desired, while others, particularly old planters, appeared to think it could not be made to work, especially in their hands.

This in many respects is indeed a beautiful section of country.  The sun never shone upon a richer soil, and fruits and flowers more exuberant and of superior richness and beauty, rarely grow.  How foolish, even to madness, to leave such homes surrounded by all the comforts, luxuries and elegancies conducive to a happy and prosperous life, to be occupied by foreigners, and their lands overrun by the feet of strangers, to follow the fortunes of war, either to dissolve, the Union, or try to make it better than it was.

Much to my surprise, but none the less gratifying, I have received a call from D. Homer Newton, of Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], lately appointed Asst. Surgeon of the 131st N.Y.  He recently joined the Regiment of Brashear, and came down to the city to be mustered into service.

I read with pain of the death of Dr. Blin Harris, as I did of my esteemed friend Dr. Baker.  Two worthy citizens and distinguished members of the profession, at home, with but a brief interval intervening, have passed away.   Whether at home or abroad, whether enjoying the pursuits of peace in the midst of families and friends, or where the battle most does rage, thus we go!  Such is life.

Surgeon, Harrison Beecher of the 114th NY.

__________________________________________

[Weather item from Southern print]

"Southern readers will not see much comfort or poetry in this state of things.  Their thin blood recoils from the surface at such wintry suggestions.  Not so with the men of the North who are here.  At home it may be they will sigh their dread of the coming winter, and their longings for the 'more congenial' clime of the South.  They come down here and discover even in the winter breezes of the South, 'an eager and a nipping air,' calling for fires, overcoats and gloves.  Surprised to find some of the essential concomitants of winter, they miss that grand redeeming feature, the sleighing, which renders the season at the north the gayest and happiest of the year.  Their longings are reversed.  They sign for frost, pictures on the windows, for sleigh bells, for snowballs, for a swift gliding cutter--in short, for a full-blooded winter, such as only the north produces in its completeness. Evan a snow blockade is not without its redeeming qualities.  There is much exhilaration in the recollections of the 'breaking out' teams, which every morning after a storm, used to plow through the highway and byways of 'our district' so that the children could get to school, and the farmers to the mill and store.  Nothing prettier, in its way, than snow shoveling, or the feathery waves thrown up on either side of the road as the cross-bar plows the snow in front of the sled, freighted with noisy, rosy faced children, in hoods, and mittens, and cloaks.  The cattle are turned loose from their warm 'tie ups' to take their breakfast of hay, strewn upon the pure snow which covers the yard, and then to go on their winding way among the drifts to the spring, down in the cedar swale, where they drink and delectate themselves with eating tender twigs and rubbing their sides against the titalating points of stumps and upturned roots.

"Suggestions of well-remembered winter pictures crowd upon us as we regale ourselves with the weather paragraphs of the Northern papers.  How can a candy party attain the highest success unless they have a snow drift whereupon to pour the bubbling syrup, thereby giving it the coolness and waxiness of perfection?  What like a moonlight sleigh ride and fur robes can stimulate young hearts to the unspeakable joy of love?  Not the magnolia, or the orange grove, not the mimic snow of the cotton, the rich plantations of the rustling cane, nor the golden robes of the rice field."

Vital Records - December 1854

 Oxford Times, December 6, 1854

Married:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 29th ult., by the Rev. J.W. Starkwether, Mr. Edwin A. Hull to Miss Martha B. Merrell both of Oxford.

Married:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 30th ult. by Rev. J.C. Ransom, Mr. Willard Wells to Miss Betsey Ann Leach, all of Oxford.

Oxford Times, December 13, 1854

Married:  At the Methodist church in this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 10th inst. by the Rev. Dr. Paddock, Mr. Z. Paddock, Jr., Merchant of Waverly, Tioga Co., to Miss Rachel S. York, daughter of Dr. Edward York, of this village.

Died:  In Preston [Chenango Co., NY], on the 5th inst., of typhoid fever, Mr. Clark Hough, aged 63 years.

Oxford Times, December 20, 1854

Married:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 13th inst., by the Rev. N. Ripley, Mr. Joseph C. Willcox of Sanford, Broome county, to Miss Sarah A. Gibson, of Gilbertsville, Otsego Co.

Married:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 14th inst., by the Rev. W. Bixby, Mr. Chandler Preston to Mrs. Melinda Ensworth, all of Oxford.

Died:  At South Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], Nov. 30th, Emma R. Thomas, daughter of Stephen C. and Elvira Thomas, aged 5 years, with a most distressing sickness, that terminated in the croup, yet was never heard to groan or complain.  A discourse was preached by George Balcom (Evangelist) from the Saviour's words "Blessed are they that mourn for they shall be comforted."

Also died Dec. 5th, in the same house, Lewis S. [Thomas] son of Dea. S. and C. Thomas, with the same disease, aged 11 years, uncle of the above.  His sickness was most distressing, yet he bore it with Christian patience, trusting in his Saviour, that he found last winter, under the following peculiar circumstances; During a meeting held in this place last winter, it was announced by Geo. Balcom that he would preach the funeral sermon of the first one that should die out of the congregation present, from the words "Prepare to meet thy God."  When this youth with others was convicted and converted, and this one desired to move forward and be baptized, but his parents (like many others) rather he would wait a little; but when on his death dead, he said "Mother, I am sorry I was not baptized."  By request the same preacher named the same text with improved arguments to a crowded house, as a warning to the next to be numbered among the dead, not doubting the happiness of the young brother deceased, but feeling there would be the same lack of brightness in Glory, as of obedience here on earth.

"Yes he has gone to realms above, / To dwell forever with his God; / To sing the great Redeemer's song, / In glorious anthems around the throne. / But oh! for him we should not weep, / In Jesus arms he fell asleep; / The Savior bade his spirit rise, / To find a home in paradise."

Oxford Times, December 27, 1854

Married:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 20th inst., by Rev. Wm. Bixby, Mr. Edwin Davidson to Miss Jane Driscall, both of Greene [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 22d inst., by Rev. J.C. Ranson, Mr. Charles Medbury of Gloucester, R.I., to Miss Cinda U. Aldrich, of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 24th inst., by Rev. J.C. Ransom, Mr. Wm. Marvin of Greene [Chenango Co., NY], to Miss Polly Payne, of Smithville [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 14th ins.t, by the Rev. A.B. Jones, Mr. Rufus Bennett of Greene to Miss Lucinda Adkins of Coventry [Chenango Co., NY].

We learn that news has been received here of the death of Benjamin H. King, of North Norwich [Chenango Co., NY] in New York City, of typhoid fever.  Mr. King left his residence for New York about two weeks since on business.  This intelligence will fall sadly on his numerous friends and relatives as Mr. King was universally respected for his good business qualities and high integrity of character, His age was about 50 years.  Chenango Union

Vital Records - November 1854

 Oxford Times, November 1, 1854

Married:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 26th Oct. by Rev. N. Ripley, Mr. James Dennis to Miss Mary Jane Shaw, both of Oxford.

Died:  In McDonough [Chenango Co., NY], on the 23d ult., Cynthia [Coville], wife of Micah Coville, Esq., aged 72 years.

Died:  In New York City, on the 19th inst., after a short illness, George Harrison, Esq., of Smithville Flats [Chenango Co., NY].

Died:  In Triangle [Broome Co., NY], on the 19th ult., Mr. Andrew Williams, aged 22 years.  

Died:  At Sycamore, Illinois, on the 22d October, John Abbott.  He had been ill for several weeks with a fever, but finally expired in a fit of apoplexy.  The citizens of Oxford, and particularly those who have within the last twenty years been students in the Academy, will need no obituary record to recall the history or personal manners or characteristics of the deceased.  He came to Oxford about the year 1836, a young man fresh from collegiate studies which he had acquired means of pursuing by his unaided exertions.  For many years he was Teacher of ancient languages in the Academy, where by his thorough instruction, and encouraging conversation, he attached his scholars warmly to himself.  On the retirement of Mr. McKoon he succeeded him as Principal of the Academy and continued to superintend it, while still actively engaged in giving instructions in ancient literature until he left Oxford in 1852.  He then established himself at Sycamore, Illinois, where with the savings of an industrious life, he was rapidly accumulating a fortune and surrounding himself with the conveniences of an elegant home.  A numerous colony had followed him and gathered about Sycamore, which had become almost a "new Chenango."  But there his anticipations were thwarted by a Providence, which in a striking manner, affords another illustration of the vanity of human expectations.

Oxford Times, November 8, 1854

Married:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 26th ult., by the Rev. J.C. P.....  Mr. Frederick R. Brockett to Miss Harriet L. Rhodes.

Married:  At West Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], Oct. 25th, by George Balcom, Minister of Christ, Mr. Allen Brewer of .?. to Miss Clarissa -?- of the former place.

Died:  In Pharsalia [Chenango Co., NY], on the 7th inst., Mrs. Lois Newton, wife of Mr. Miles Newton, aged 32 years.

Oxford Times, November 15, 1854

The following particulars of a shocking accident which occurred in the town of Otselic in this County [Chenango Co., NY], on the 9th of August last, were sent to us for publication at the time, but were overlooked and have therefore never been published:  Mr. James Miles(?), of that town, while engaged in cutting timber, in company with Mr. Newman Crandell, was instantly killed by a falling limb, which struck him on the head.  Mr. Crandell escaped, the limb striking his arm.  Mr. Miles was about 45 years of age and leaves a wife and eight children to mourn his untimely fate.  Chenango Union.

Died:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 12th inst., Miss Adeline Van Tassel, aged 13 years.  

Oxford Times, November 22, 1854

Died:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 16th inst., of typhoid fever, Cyrus Tuttle, aged 19 years, son of William L. Tuttle.

Died:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 14th, Henrietta E. [Holladay], wife of Mr. John Holladay, aged 20 years.

Died:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 16th, Mrs. Polly Betts, aged 82 years.

Died:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 18th inst., Mr. Daniel Loomis, aged 72 years.

Died:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 16th, Mr. Stephen Merritt, aged 69 years.

Died:  At Elmira, Chemung Co., on Friday, the 17th inst., Peter G. VanDerLyn, Esq., son of Mr. Gerardus VanDerLyn of this village [Oxford, Chenango co., NY], aged 27 years.

Mr VanDerlYn was a native of this village, educated at Oxford Academy, pursued his legal studies in the office and under the instruction of his uncle, Henry VanDerLyn, Esq., a distinguished and successful lawyer of this county, and was admitted an Attorney of the Supreme Court in June 1849.  He was no ordinary man.  Nature sometimes apparently niggard of her gifts seems in this instance to have been lavish in her bestowment of the power and faculties which constitute and make the man.  She stamped him not only outwardly but inwardly with the impress of nobility.  To her work thus formed, education added its energies, its training, its discipline, and thus prepared at the early age of 22, he left the paternal mansion and his native village to enter upon the battlefield of life, to act a part in the stirring and arduous scenes of a professional career.  Locating himself in the Fall of 1849, in the active and thriving village of Elmira, he at once commenced his professional labors. How those labors and his efforts were prospered, and the estimation in which his intellectual and professional capacity was held by the public in the county of his residence, is attested by the success attending them.  During the brief period of five years he obtained an extensive and lucrative practice, and among the very many lawyers resident at Elmira, no young man occupied a higher position, few if any as high, and it may perhaps with equal truthfulness be said that whether old or young, few there were, whose opinions were more eagerly sought after, more implicitly relied upon, or which oftener proved correct in the sequel.

His head and intellect were not however the only attributes which rendered him attractive.  Joy and delight marked his path in the home and social circle; not to him alone however, so much as to those around him.  In him and his life were constantly displayed all those traits of heart which render character lovely and make its possessor not only esteemed, but beloved. His heart harbored no selfishness, insincerity and hypocrisy could not dwell there, narrow view and illiberal thoughts and sentiments would have been lost within its capacious proportions had they dared to enter or wander there. At once the pride and ornament of his family, as well as the cherished object of their affections ,he was the true sincere and faithful friend and always a favorite of every one and all.

It is the shining mark which attracts the notice of death.  It is the large distinctly seen target at which it aims (and oh how often successfully) its poisoned, destroying darts.  In this young man it saw that shining mark, beheld that target clearly among the millions who might have been its victims, and with remorseless energy and haste, transfixed him with its arrow.  Surely to us, it would seem that earth needed just such intellects and hearts, to make life profitable as well as pleasant.  He however who "doeth all things well," hath thought and otherwise ordered and directed.  A jewel upon earth, we trust its beauty and brightness have not been destroyed or lessened by death, but that removed from contact with the baser materials of this world.  It has been set for eternity in a casket imperishable and immortal.  

Oxford Times, November 22, 1854

Married:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 15th inst., by the Rev. H. Callahan, Mr. Charles F. Willcox to Miss Lavinia Miller all of Oxford.

Oxford Times, November 29, 1854

Married:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co. NY], on the 23d inst., by Rev. J.C. Ransom, Mr. William Loop to Miss Altana Nevin, both of Guilford [Chenango Co., NY]. 

Married:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 26th inst., by Rev. H. Callahan, Capt. James Tyrrel of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], to Miss Martha Matson of this village.

Married:  In Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], on the 16th inst., by the Rev. Wm. Spaulding, Mr. Andrew Root of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Euphraemia King of the former place.

Married:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY] on the 21st inst. by rev. H.W. Gilbert, Mr. Henry N. Lewis of Wellsville, Allegany Co. to Miss Juliet S. Hoyt of the former place.

Died:  In Galena, Illinois, on the 16th Sept. of dysentery, Edward Gates [Rathbone], son of Simon G. and Rose J. Rathbone, formerly of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], aged 1 year and 8 months.

Civil War - More info on execution of Charles Turner of NY 114th Regt. -January 1864

 Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, January 20, 1864

U.S. Marine Hospital, New Orleans, January 1, 1864

On Monday morning last, Charles Turner, private of Company C, 114th N.Y., paid the death penalty for desertion, in being shot, near the Vicksburg Cotton Press of this city.

I was aware that he had been tried and had received his death sentence, but understood it was to be put in execution in the division to which he belonged, now at the front or near New Iberia, some time this month.

During the day of Monday it was rumored in the Hospital that a soldier of the 114th had been shot for desertion, but unable to learn the truth, I could not credit the report till I read in the Times and Era of the following morning the account which I herewith enclose.  Had I known that he had been transferred to this city, some days before, and was so soon to meet his fate, most gladly should I have availed myself of the privilege of visiting him in his cell, and bestowing all the comfort, encouragement and consolation in my power.

Such an occurrence at any time or place, or under any circumstances, is a melancholy event' but when the unfortunate victim is one of our own number, it is bringing the matter very near to our own doors.  The verdict of death passed upon him by the Court, and approved by the commanding General, at least a month ago, he firmly avowed he was entirely ignorant of till the morning before it was to be executed. To me, this, if it be true, and I am without evidence at present to the contrary, seems very strange; for I hold upon every principle of right, of justice, and religion, both as concerns the affairs of this world and the world to come, that when an offender is sentenced or doomed to die, whether by a civil or military tribunal, he should immediately know the worst, and have time and space given to prepare for it.

The terrible shock at the intelligence, and the condition of his mind, can better be conceived than described.  During the day he made written application to the Commanding General, which was taken by the Provost marshal in person, for a respite, reprieve, or commutation of the sentence.

The General, who, I believe, is a kind-hearted man, as well as a brave and gallant commander, replied that he had carefully considered the matter, and he could not change the result.  Having received the reply, and finding that his last and only hope was gone, he immediately set himself to work to prepare for the awful change.  He desired Christian sympathy and consolation, a spiritual adviser, when Rev. C. B Thomas, Chaplain of the University and St. James Hospitals (a classmate of our townsman and minister, Rev. Mr. Scoville) was soon provided.

With Chaplain Thomas I have the pleasure of an acquaintance, and am happy to know and state that the doomed man had the ministrations and counsels of so faithful a minister in his last trying hours.  He visited him in the evening, talked with him and prayed with him, remaining some three or four hours. Early in the morning he visited him again, fervently commending him in prayer and conversation to the goodness and mercy of the Savior, remaining with him till he was taken from his prison, and then rode with him upon his coffin to the place of execution, still keeping by his side till within a moment or two of the time the fatal bullets sent him to his God.

The soldiers detailed to execute the terrible sentence were ten in number, each man furnished with arms, eight of which were fully and properly loaded. The unfortunate man was placed standing to face, ten paces in front, in his ordinary dress, his eyes uncovered and his hands unpinioned, and must both have heard the command and seen its execution,  make ready"  "take aim" and with the deadly weapons pointed at his breast, heard the terribly fatal word--FIRE!

At one time, while standing upon the canvass, the Chaplain thought he trembled and faltered somewhat, and turned a little pale, but a few words of encouragement brought him right again, and he died like a hero, while there is reason to hope and believe he died a real Christian, a true penitent as well.  And I am happy to be able to correct the statement which appeared in the Times, that he "exhibited his horror and fear in a manner quite overcoming, previous to his leaving the prison," and also that he was "A Catholic in religion," all of which is untrue.

To the Chaplain he several times expressed himself on the way to his execution, as feeling perfectly happy, in the immediate prospect of death, and his utmost confidence that his sins had been pardoned, and that as regarded his future, all was well.  He related to him everything concerning himself, his family, and matters of business, even to the minutest detail, giving explicit directions how he wanted this and that disposed of, this thing and the other done.  He expressed the bitter sorrow of his heart and his deep sympathy for his dear wife and child in their sore affliction, saying that he wished his little boy might be brought up to lead a good life, that he might have a happy end.  he spoke likewise freely and kindly of his half brothers and others, also of Col. Frink, and said if they knew or had known of his fate, they would have done all in their power to have obtained his reprieve.  He appeared to blame no one, confessed he had done wrong and was sorry for it, but said he had not committed murder or stolen, and he thought the "articles of war" too severe.

While it is unpleasant to think that the odium attached to so flagrant a crime should fall upon one of our own men, and be reflected back to "old Chenango," which has sent forth so many of her brave and patriotic sons, there is some mitigation in the thought that the untimely end of this unfortunate man will prove a salutary lesson, and that he had done, perhaps more for his country in his death than he could have done by his life.  In expressing my own sympathy, I express I am confident the deep sympathy of the entire regiment, and of the public, for the severely stricken family of the deceased.

A generous and confiding community, I am sure, will promptly and amply provide, if need be, for all their temporal wants, while Christian words of comfort and good cheer will soothe the otherwise inconsolable sorrows and loneliness of the widow's heart; and the gentle teachings of some pious friend and the "still small voice" of a higher than parental love, lead the little one, the child of orphanage, in the path of rectitude, in the ways for virtue, whose "ways are ways of pleasantness and all her paths are peace."

Having said thus much - too much perhaps for publicity, of which you must be the judge - more at least than I at first intended, I drop the unpleasant subject. And I do so the more willingly as Chaplain Thomas has written a long litter to his wife containing, doubtless, a fuller account, more fittingly expressed, than I can possibly communicate, and which letter, I understand is proper for the public.

Should I say more under the circumstances, in these times of straightened thought, when men's tongues and pens are tied in the emergency of our National calamity, I might say too much; and especially, opposed as I am to "capital punishment," unless it might say too much; unless it might be in case of well proven, deliberate, and willful MURDER!  If God spared the life of Cain for the blood of his brother Abel, the law makers and the executioners of the law, would do well to ponder and take heed!

Well, this is New Year's day, and I wish you and all my friends a "Happy New Year;" hoping that the new may savor less of blood, and war, and carnage, and desolation, than the old, which has been added to the cycles of the past, tinging with its crimson current the stream of time.  Of pain and anguish of desolated homes, of sorrow and death, what, "old year," has been thy record?  Of great joy and comfort to all afflicted people, what have been thy tidings?  Departed year; year of mixed good and evil; year of sanguinary strife, of disappointed hopes, of wrecked happiness in many lands.  We sigh not, we sorrow not that thy record is closed and thy race is run, but we shall  never forget thee, painful as the remembrance will ever be, because the sad events that occurred in our own dear land during thy existence!

A "New Year"  Whatever of hopes or fears, of joyous anticipations or evil forebodings may be awakened by thy advent, we gladly turn from the bitter recollections of the past, to hail thy appearance and joyfully greet thy coming!  As in the midst of civil war and strife we entered upon the last, so enter we upon this, while it is the fervent prayer of every patriot's heart, that as Victory [appears] upon our banner the swelling acclaim of "Liberty and Union, now and forever, one and inseparable," may be raised from one end of the land to the other, and from all tongues, and before the end is nearly reached, a joyous and substantial peace, a peace founded upon the triumph of justice and right, be obtained.

This morning was a "nipper", the thermometer at 22 degrees, or 10 degrees below freezing, yesterday morning it stood at 66 degrees.  Quite a "change in the weather."  So you see that even in the more "congenial clime" of the sunny South the poet's words prove true:  "On frosty wings the demon fled, / Howling as o'er the wall he sped. / Another year is gone!" 

A rousing fire is very comfortable, and overcoats, mittens and mufflers indispensable just now, when facing the bleak winds of the North.

With today the holidays are over, which in this city, proverbial for its gayety and hospitality are usually regarded with more than ordinary observance.  Spent Christmas mostly in the Hospital, discussing among other things, with the officers of the Institution and a few invited guests, a Christmas dinner worthy of Yankee land.  The bill of fare, of course, was complete. The soldiers likewise had extra rations and a little good old cider from the north, which made their eyes snap.  It doubtless carried them back to the long winter evenings of "cider and apples" to the rolicsome times of snowballing, skating and "sliding down hill."

Passed today much the same as "Merry Christmas."  Made a few "New Year's calls" with a friend, but the popping of corks and the flow of sparkling champagne, with such a variety of eatables and drinkables, was too much for my weak stomach, and we were obliged soon to retire.

Surgeon, Harrison Beecher

Vital Records - October 1854

 Oxford Times, October 4, 1854

On Monday at about 11 o'clock, as the Construction Train upon the Syracuse & Binghamton Railroad was passing Whitney's Point on their way to Binghamton, a Mr. George C. Graves, in attempting to jump upon the train, fell between the cars upon the track and three of the cars passed over him.  He lived only about fifteen minutes.  The deceased was about 45 years of age.  Mr. Graves had been in the employ of Messrs. Northrop & Ruggles  near that place, and was on his way to his family who lived in Sanford in this county [Broome Co., NY], where he leaves a wife and six children to mourn his untimely fate.  Coroner Charles A. Seymour summoned a jury and held an inquest over the body, who rendered a verdict in accordance with the above facts, and exonerated those having charge of the train from all censure and blame.  Binghamton Republican.

Married:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 27th ult., by Rev. J.C. Ransom, Mr. Zalmon Haight to Mrs. Melissa Cline, both of Smithville [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  In Pharsalia [Chenango Co., NY], on the 24th ult., by Rev. O. Ketchum, Mr. James S. Herrington of North Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], to Miss Frances M. Frink of Pharsalia.

Married:  In Smyrna [Chenango Co., NY], on the 15th ult., by Rev. L. Hartsough, Mr. Amos Franklin of Preston [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Mary Madoline of Pharsalia [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  In Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 23d inst., by Rev. J.L. Janes, Mr. Cornelius O. King to Miss Mary Nichols, both of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY].

Died:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 19th ult., Mr. Ephraim Winchell, aged 40 years.

Died:  In Earlville [Madison Co., NY] on the 23d inst., Mr. David Simmons aged 77 years.

Died:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY] on the 19th inst., Mr. Jerrydiar D. Brown, aged 31 years.

Oxford Times, October 11, 1854

On Thursday afternoon, the 5th inst., a bloody and most appalling tragedy occurred partly in the town of Greene, and partly in the town of Coventry  in this county [Chenango Co., NY].  A man by the name of David D. Davis, without any immediate provocation, shot his brother-in-law, Mr. Buell Hotchkiss, and his own wife, with a revolver, and after discharging two shots at Mrs. Hotchkiss without effect, discharged the pistol at his own breast, and fell dead upon the spot.  Davis has always lived in the neighborhood, except during a period of absence in California.  A difficulty had occurred between him and his wife in relation to some money, about $500, which she held in her own right.  A suit had been commenced by the wife to obtain a limited divorce on the ground of harsh treatment, and to obtain a decree for the money which was to have been tried at the Circuit this week.  Davis' wife lived with her sister Mrs. Hotchkiss.  On the afternoon of the murder, Mr. Hotchkiss returning from a funeral in the neighborhood, stopped at Dea. Gillmore's, his nearest neighbor, where he found Davis with Dea. G. and his son.  After conversation of no unusual character, and in which no peculiar appearance was discovered in Davis, he went up to the barn and put on an overcoat containing his pistols.  As he came back, Hotchkiss started to go round the corner of the house, when Davis discharged his pistol, the ball taking effect in the back, and Hotchkiss fell on his face dead.  The younger Gillmore seeing the act ran up towards Davis, who told him to stop, or he would shoot him. Davis then started up the hill towards Hotchkiss' house, at a rapid pace, followed by the elder Gillmore, who called to him to stop. As he came up to the house Mrs. Davis came to the door, when her husband fired upon her and she fell mortally wounded, and survived only a few hours.  Mrs.  Hotchkiss attempted to bolt the door against him, when he fired two shots at her, which missed their aim, she being concealed by the door.  Davis then went a few rods from the house and shot himself, falling upon his face, and when Gillmore reached him he was dead.  One barrel of the pistol only remained undischarged.  Another six shooting pistol, and a dirk knife were found on his person. The dead seems to have been premeditated, and prompted only by malevolence and desperate revenge. The deceased parties were respectable persons.  Mr. H. being a farmer and Mrs. Davis living in his family with her sister, Mrs. H.  The tragedy created the greatest excitement in the community, and a mention of its atrocity chills and almost curdles the blood. The funeral of the victims was attended at Coventry on Sunday by a large concourse of people. The body of Davis was taken by his friends, after the Coroner's inquest, and quietly buried in an obscure place.

Married:  In St. Paul's Church in this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 5th inst., by the Rev. Samuel. Norton, Clark T. Hayes, Esq. of Unadilla [Otsego Co., NY] and Minerva  H. [Hyde], second daughter of the late Austin Hyde.

Married:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 6th inst., Mr. Robert Clark of East Marion, L.I., to Mrs. Naomi Seaman of Preston [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 4th inst., by Rev. H. Gee, Mr. John Bunnel of Tunkhannock, Pa., to Miss Armenia Evans of Greene.

Died:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 4th inst., Erastus Perkins [Glover], son of James W. and Sarah A. Glover, aged 7 months and 12 days.

Died:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 2d inst., Ada M. [Westover], eldest daughter of the late Orlin Westover, aged 18 years.

Died:  At Canterbury, Ct. on the 20th August, of Dysentery, Frank Barstow [Backus], aged 2 years, only child of John and Mary Frances Barstow Backus of Norwich, Conn.  "Another flower hath left the earth, / Another Star hath gemmed the sky."

Oxford Times, October 18, 1854

A melancholy accident occurred in Virgil [Cortland Co. NY] on the 16th ult., which resulted in the death of a highly esteemed citizen.  A well had been dug on the premises of Abraham Veeder, and was being walled up by Judson Elwell, and for the purpose of conveying the stone into the well a large heavy bucket, hoisted up and down by a windlass, was used.  Mr. Elwell was standing on a platform, about sixteen feet from the bottom of the well, in a stooping posture, as the bucket was being drawn up, when nearly to the surface of the ground, from some cause, the hook by which the bucket was attached to the windlass gave out.  The bucket in its fall, knocked Mr. E. from the platform to the bottom of the well, where he struck head foremost upon a rock.  Assistance was immediately at hand, and upon being taken from the well he was found to be fatally injured.  He lived about two hours.  He was about fifty-five years of age, and leaves a large family to mourn his loss.  Cortland Democrat

Married:  In New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], on the 11th by Rev. R. Whittingham, Mr. Dan B. Skinner of Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss jennet Horton of Columbus [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  In Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], Oct. 7th, by Rev. W.G. Queal, Mr. Duane F. Wood, to Miss Clarrissa Campbell, both of Smyrna [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  In McDonough [Chenango Co., NY] on the 1st inst. by Rev. J.F. Stark, Mr. John C. Skillman of Smithville [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Mary B. Philley of McDonough.

Married:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 12th inst. by Rev. C. Darby, Mr. Adoniram Winston to Miss Nancy S. Merrill.

Oxford Times, October 25, 1854

Married:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 16th inst. by Rev. J.C. Ransom, Mr. George J. Allen to Miss Charlotte A. Beardsley.

Married:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 19th by Rev. D. Cobb, Mr. W. Wallace Brown of North Norwich, to Miss S. Delight Harrington of South New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY].

Died:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY] on the 10th, Mrs. Eunice Rhodes, aged 77 years.

Died:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 12th inst., Mr. Hezekiah Sherwood, aged 83 years.

Died:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 20th inst., Mary [Tew], wife of Mr. James Tew, aged 33 years.

Civil War Letter - Second Rebuttal of Soldier's Complaints - February 1864

 Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, March 2, 1864

Camp of 89th Reg., N.Y. Vols., Folly Island, Feb. 11, '64

Sir:  In your issue of January 27th, we find an article written by B. Hunter, in which he accuses the officers of our Regiment of all manner of meanness towards their men, such as clothing their "darkies" from soldier's dues, embezzling "back rations," and getting the soldiers' money by the black arts of gambling, &c.  As our (Co E) is the only one in the Regiment from Chenango (in which County your paper is published and has a large circulation) the opinion there would naturally be, with those not acquainted with the facts, that our Company commander is one of those cruel, thievish, and gambling officers, which he (Hunter) chooses to call them. To refute his slanderous lies is our object is writing this.

1st.  There is no such person in the Regiment as B. Hunter; therefore it was written by some villain who chooses darkness rather than light, to give vent to his unjust falsehoods.

2d. In regard to officers clothing their "darkies" and charging it to the soldiers is a complaint that none, but an idiot would think of uttering, for at the end of each month we receipt for all clothing drawn by us in that time, on rolls in which each article is set opposite our names in print, thereby leaving no chance for an officer to cheat us, even if he felt so inclined.

3d. "Back Rations"  He says you can give no better idea of back rations to a soldier, than to say "ghost."  With Company E the idea of comparing back rations with a ghost would be simply ridiculous for we are now using from three to twelve dollars worth every week; thus what we buy with money accrued from back rations, together with what we draw every ten days, makes our fare such that none would think of complaining, but some miserable cur who was half starved at home.

4th. He accuses the officers of getting the money from the men by gambling.  Now this is a crime which cannot be substantiated against our officers; if one could, he need not wait until he wore a citizens dress to have revenge, for an officer guilty of such a crime would be dismissed from the service in disgrace, the moment it could be brought to light.

Lastly.  He says how quick a private will find himself court martialed if he offends an officer. We of course cannot call our officers liars or knaves, nor tell them we will do this or that, or won't do this or that; but any soldier who conducts himself in a soldier-like manner, need have no fears of a court martial or abuse from his officers. I don't think your correspondent (Hunter) is such a soldier; he is probably one of those filthy, slovenish, lazy and miserable curs, which are to be found in every regiment, but we are thankful we have but few in ours.  He may think he is doing us a favor by writing such falsehoods, but he is not.  The members of Company E resent an insult offered to our brave, honorable, and gentlemanly Captain, as soon as if directed to themselves.

Yours, &c. A.L. Sackett, In behalf of the members of Co. E.

Vital Records - September 1864

 Oxford Times, September 6, 1854

Married:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 24th ult., by Rev. J.T. Wright, Mr. Joseph S. May of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Sarah A. Soules of Smithville [Chenango Co., NY].

Died:  In the village of Oxford, Chenango County [NY], on Friday, the 25th ult., Rachel [Clarke], wife of Ethan Clarke, in the 61st year of her age.  The death of this admirable and exemplary woman deserves more than a passing notice.  Devoted with constant diligence to every domestic duty, she was still unceasing in every work of charity around her, and the stream of her bounty was unfailing.  The widow, orphan and stranger ever found in her a sympathizing friend, and the poor a constant benefactor.  She possessed in an eminent degree "the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit," which won the love of all who knew her.  The faith and hope which had enabled her to keep the even tenor of her way through life, sustained her in the hour of death, and carried her safely through the terrors.  Strengthened with the grace of her Savior's body and blood in the Holy Communion; trusting in the merits of his most precious sacrifice, and meekly relying on his promises, she calmly sank to rest, leaving behind her that good example, which is her children' best comfort and most treasured legacy.

Died:  in Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 3d inst., Ernest Devillo [Westcott] son of Wm. II, and Clarissa Westcott, aged nine months and two days.

Died:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY] on the 2d inst., Rebecca Allis [Padget], daughter of Richard and Maria Padget, aged 18 months.

Died:  In Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], on 31st ult., Lucy M. [Loomis], daughter of Daniel Loomis, 2d, aged 21 years.

Died:  In Detroit, Michigan, on the 22d Aug., Mr. Hamilton Squires, of New York city, aged 30 years, son of Charles Squires of Greene [Chenango Co., NY].

Distressing Accident:  A most distressing accident, resulting from the premature discharge of a gun, occurred in the town of Warren, near Richfield Springs [Otsego Co., NY], a few days since.  The Vernon Transcript relates the particulars as follows:  David C Bloomfield, who resides in Chicago, was spending several weeks with his mother and brother at the family homestead, in Warren.  On the day mentioned he took a double barreled shot gun and started to find some game.  While standing in the edge of a piece of woods near where his uncle and a boy were at work, the gun was discharged, and they heard the exclamation "Oh, I'm Shot!"  On rushing to the spot they found him weltering in his blood, and upon raising him from the ground he gasped, and instantly expired.  On examination, one of the barrels was found loaded, and the ramrod returned to its place.  The probability is, that he was standing with the breach of his gun on a small stub that stood near by and it accidentally slipped off, striking the ground sufficiently hard to cause the explosion of the cap.  The whole charge went into the lower part of the body.  Mr. B. was a young man of sterling worth and integrity, and had been in the business of engineering for some time past at Chicago and vicinity, where he had amassed a considerable fortune.  He was engaged and was to have been married in two weeks from the time of his death, to a young lady, a resident of Chicago, and an orphan.  A part of his business cost was to purchase furniture &c. in preparation for house keeping.  He had been gone several weeks during which time the cholera was raging at Chicago to such an extent that he returned and took his betrothed a hundred miles into the interior, that she might not become a prey to the pestilence.  Mr. B. was about 30 years of age. We understand that while sick a short time since, he made a will to favor of his betrothed giving her his property as long as she remains unmarried.  Thus at one moment was a fond mother's heart crushed and a doting brother grief stricken.  And who can paint the agony of the losing heart of the betrothed when she reads the letter breaking to her as gently and softly as loving hearts can, the sad and terrible news of his death?

Oxford Times, September 13, 1854

Married:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 5th inst., by Rev. H. Callahan, Mr. Ira Holmes to Miss Caroline E. Griswold, both of New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  In South New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], on the 30th ult., by Rev. H.C. Reddy, Mr. Erastus M. Parsons of East Guilford [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Julia E. Sherwood of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY].

Died:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 6th inst., Frank E. [Holdredge], son of Dyer and Cordelia Holdredge, aged 1 years and 9 mos.

Died:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 8th inst., Mr. Hezekiah Brocket, aged 61 years.

Died:  In Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 24th ult., Mr. Peter Van Dusen, aged 75 years.

Died:  In Smyrna [Chenango Co., NY], on the 16th ult., Mr. Watts M. Talcott, aged 33 years.

Died:  [In Smyrna, Chenango Co., NY], on the 26th, Mr. Dwight W. Weaver, aged 21 years.

Died:  In Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], on the 9th inst., George [Dibble], son of John and Melicnt Dibble, aged 4 years.

Died:  In Deposit [Delaware Co., NY], on the 5th inst., Hannah Maria [Morehouse], daughter of Squire and Eliza Morehouse, aged 15 months, formerly of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY]. 

Oxford Times, September 20, 1854

Married:  On the 11th inst., at the Harris House, in South New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], by Rev. J.H. Chamberlin, Mr. Grove Babcock to Miss Lucy [Harris], daughter of Gen. Levi Harris, all of the above place.

Married:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 5th inst., by Rev. G. Darby, Mr. L.M. Hoyt to Miss Caroline L. Newton.

Married:  [In Greene, Chenango Co., NY], on the 12th by the same, Mr. Edwin Smith to Miss Laura A. Barto, both of East Greene.

Married:  [In Greene, Chenango Co., NY], on the 14th, by the same, Mr. Warren B. Race to Miss Cornelia j. Webb.

Died:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 16th inst., Mrs. Margaret Keyes, aged 84 years.

Died:  In Preston [Chenango Co., NY], on the 5th, Mr. Ephraim Wells, aged 94 years.

Oxford Times, September 27, 1854

Serious Accident:  A melancholy accident happened in the town of Colchester, in Delaware County [NY], on the night of the 12th inst.,  Mr. Hiram Hitt, innkeeper, started about dusk in company with his hired man for a load of straw.  Having to go some three miles for it, he allowed his children, a boy and two girls to go along for the ride. The night became very dark and while passing along a dugway on their return, the wagon upset, precipitating Mr. Hitt, the children and straw down the almost perpendicular bank, a distance of about ten feet. The hired man escaping, and immediately commenced extricating Mr. Hitt and children from their situation. For this purpose nearly the whole load of straw had to be removed.  Mr. Hitt was badly bruised beside having two or three ribs broken.  One of the girls had her skull fractured, and of course was insensible.  The other girl had a terrible gash cut in the back of her head; and the boy, his only son was dead.  The little fellow had rolled or been thrown into a small stream of water that run at the foot of the dugway and before the body of straw with which he was covered could be removed, he was drowned.  The boy was about 4 years old, and the girls 7 and 9.  The father and one of the girls are in a fair way of recovery, but no hopes are entertained of the recovery of the girl whose skull was fractured.  Bloonville Mirror.

Married:  In Nineveh, Broome Co., on the 25th inst., by the Rev. J. Hoyt, Mr. Stephen Balcom of Vicksburg, Miss. to Miss Margaret Healy, daughter of Mr. Thomas G. Healy.

Married:  On Wednesday, Sept. 20th, at the residence of Dr. Parmelee, in the village of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], by Rev. J.C. Ransom, of Oxford, Miss Mary More to Mr. Julius Meeker, both of McDonough [Chenango Co., NY].

In connection with the above, it may not be inappropriate to add, that the bride was brought to the house of Dr. P. some three months since, one of an interesting class of invalids, who according to established usage might with all professional propriety and dignity be pronounced "incurable"; adding not her undisputable testimony to the quiet and impressive skill of Dr. P. and lady, who are heralded  and unknown even, save to those whose misfortune have brought them within the magic sphere of their influence.  There, they gradually find themselves disburdened of the incubus that his (for long years perhaps) paralyzed every source of physical and mental effort and are once more (a wonder to themselves and friends) buoyant with health and hope.  "Honor to where honor is due." The bride, altho with heightened charms, is Meeker than before.  The smiling groom wonders "that bachelors don't Marry More."

Died:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 12th inst., Jerry S. [Butler] son of Jerry W. and Laura(?) Butler, aged 4 years and 9 mos.

Civil War Letter, Death of Dwight Parce - February 10, 1864

 Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, February 24, 1864

U.S. Army Marine Hospital, New Orleans, La., Feb. 10 [1864]

I was highly gratified to read in the Union of the 13th ult., the welcome intelligence that Dwight Parce, [Soldier] of the 114th, "so long a prisoner among the rebels," had been exchanged and was "either at New Orleans or on his way there," as it gave encouragement and hope that he might soon be in this city; though that he was here at the time mentioned I was sure, was incorrect.

Sorrowful and unpleasant as it may be to record the melancholy fact and heavily as the sad news must fall upon the ears and hearts of his family and friends, and upon the community in which he so long and so honorably lived, and in which he was so highly esteemed, it appears that the fears which with reluctance, were expressed in my letter of December 18th, were but too well founded.  He died at Camp Groce, Texas, of dysentery about the first of December.

I have taken great pains to learn all the facts possible in his case, and to this end yesterday made the acquaintance of Mr. Edward Stratton, who, together with his family, has returned, and is now stopping at the St. Charles Hotel.  Mr Stratton's name was mentioned in connection with Mr. Parce's among the citizens taken and held as prionsers, in the account which you have already received.  From him, who was taken prisoner at the same time and place with  Mr. Parce, who was with him in all their confinement, in their wearisome marches, and in all their trials and hardships, and who even held our deceased friend in his arms in his last moments, I have learned several interest particulars; but not gaining as much information at a single brief interview as I desired, and besides having been promised a relation of facts in writing, I am constrained to withhold comments and full details till another time.  I cannot however, refrain from commingling my deep sympathy, with private grief and public expression of sorrow at the great loss which his stricken family and the community have sustained in the death of this truly good man.

It may too, be of immediate consolation to his numerous friends to add that he won by his agreeable manners, his accommodating disposition, his congenial temperament, and the happy faculty which he possessed of looking upon the bright instead of the dark side of the picture, and of striving to bring good out of seeming evil, the friendship and esteem of all with whom he came in contact.  Confederate as well as fellow prisoners, officers and men, all rebel surgeons even alike vying with our own, to render all the assistance, under the circumstances, in their power, and contribute, as far as possible to his comfort and recovery.

For want of time rather than material for a fuller letter, I send you an account of the great carnival which was observed in this city yesterday called Mardi-Gras, and also some remarks in relation to it, which appeared in this morning's Era. Such a day of fun and frolic, of masks and masked batteries, I never witnessed before and never expect to again.

Surgeon Wagner, Captains Fitts and Longwell, and Lt. Allen, about a week since, on leave of absence, sailed for the North, and by this time are snuffing the cold winds of New York.

I am glad that some of the 114th are in luck to have been enabled to obtain a respite from the duties of the camp, the fight and the field, and permitted to visit their families and friends, which they have long left behind.  I trust the good report they bring of us will induce others, by scores to enlist.

Corporal F.W. Fish has received his discharge from the service, on account of ill health, and sails for home in a day or two.  Frank possessed in a remarkable degree the qualities of a true soldier, and seldom do we meet with more commanding gifts of intellect or a kinder heart.  Faults he had, as all of us have, but enemies none. Several others have lately been discharged on account of sickness, and quite a number put in the Invalid Corps.

I had the pleasure lately of shaking the hand of my old friend, Lieut. M.B. Ludington, of Capt. Tillson's Company, 161st N.Y., for the first time since in the Department.  Although I have not met him in eighteen months, I have often heard of him, and am assured that his record is good.  To his credit as well as Chenango's it may be set down that he is a good soldier, brave and true.  He likewise has gone North.

The 12th Conn. and the 75th N.Y., of our old brigade, have enlisted as veterans, and are homeward bound, as regiments, to recruit. The 12th sailed some days since, and the 75th embark on the Continental today.  It is hoped they may each return a thousand strong.

I have a leave of absence for a day or two to drive some 25 or 30 miles up the country with a friend from N.Y., and to be in time for the next steamer, have been obliged to dispatch this before breakfast, or not al all.

In haste, H.

Civil War - Rebuttal of a Soldier's Complaints - February 7, 1864

 Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, February 24, 1864

"A Private Soldier's Complaints."

Head Quarters, 89th Reg. N.Y.V., Folly Island, S.C., Feb. 7 [1864]

Editor of Chenango Union:  Sir:  I have this day seen your issue of Jan. 27th, containing a letter purporting to be written by a member of this regiment, and sighed B. Hunter (a fictitious name) containing statements that are wholly false.

1st. No soldier is charged with clothing, but what he signs the receipt roll, as evidence that he has received the same.

2d. I do not believe one dollar of Company savings has ever been appropriated by an officer of this regiment to his own personal use; and as for officers gambling with the men, it is too ridiculous to need comment, for the facts are, that gambling is not tolerated under any circumstances.

The young man's brain is too fruitful of imaginary wrongs to be a truthful correspondent, therefore his communications should be discarded.

I would most respectfully request you to inform me of the author of said communication or forward to these Headquarters the original.

I am, very respectfully, your ob't serv't, T.L. England, Lt. Col.

Lt. Col. England is respectfully informed that the letter referred to was published just as we received it; that we have no personal knowledge of the author, not even whether his signature was fictitious or otherwise; and that the letter itself has long since, with other waste matter, been given to the flames.  It is therefore, impossible for us to comply with his request.  Editor of Union.

Vital Records - August 1854

 Oxford Times, August 2, 1854

Died:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 23d ult., after a lingering illness, Mrs. Eunice P. Atwater, wife of Mr. John S. Atwater, aged 27 years.

Died:  In Newark, Wisconsin, on the 19th of June, Eber D. Williams, grandson of Eber Williams of Oxford, aged 17 years.

Died:  In Smyrna [Chenango Co., NY], on the 8th ult., Mr. Isaac Bell, aged 42 years.  

Died:  [In Smyrna, Chenango Co., NY], also on the 17th, Mrs. Ellon Smith, wife of Mr. Robert Gibson, aged 20 years.

Oxford Times, August 9, 1854

Died:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 1st inst., Walter J. [Sweet], son of Mr. Charles W. and Mary A. Sweet, aged 4 years.

Died:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 6th, Charlotte S. Allen, daughter of the late Joseph Allen, aged 17 years.

Died:  In Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 7th inst., Mrs. Sophronia Burtch, wife of Mr. Ezbond Burtch, aged 47 years.

Died:  In West Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], on the 31st July, Mrs. James Lane, aged 77 years.

Oxford Times, August 16, 1854

Married:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 13th inst., by Rev. J.T. Wright, Mr. Ezra Foote to Miss Harriet Cohoon, both of Coventry [Chenango Co., NY].

Died:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 6th inst., Mr. James E. Thurber, aged 26 years.

Died:  In Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], on 19th ult., Mr. Azor Moody, aged 74 years.

Oxford Times, August 23, 1854

Died:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY] on the 21st inst., Mr. Zalmon S. Cary, aged 54 years.

Died:  In McDonough [Chenango Co., NY], on the 21st inst., Mrs. Ruth Corbin, wife of Mr. Daniel Corbin, aged 50 years.

Died:  At his residence in Oswego [Oswego Co., NY], on the 13th inst., of cholera, Dr. Alfred H. Coe, in the 37th year of his age.  The deceased was a son-in-law of Mr. William Mygatt of this village [Oxford]; a wife and three children survive to mourn their sudden bereavement and irreparable loss.  Dr. Coe had been a resident of Oswego for ten years, during which time he had been engaged in the practice of Medicine and Surgery, and had attained a  high professional position, as well as the confidence and warm personal attachment of his fellow citizens.  He had also devoted himself with disinterested zeal to various objects of public interest, discharging the duties of President of the Board of Education of his city, a gratuitous service, and also as a member of the city government.  He fell, a victim to the terrible scourge of the season, while in the assiduous discharge of his professional duties, and in the midst of his patrons, a number of whom were suffering from attacks of the cholera.

On receiving the announcement of his death, the Board of Education of the city of Oswego adopted the following resolution:

Resolved:  That the Board of Education of the city of Oswego have heard with sorrow of the death of Alfred B. Coe, a member of this Board, and its first President.  His loss is a public loss, and to this Board, and the public schools of this city, a serious calamity; and that to his family in this their most sad bereavement, we tender our heartfelt sympathy.

Resolved:  That this board will manifest its respect for the memory of the deceased by attending in a body the funeral.

The Oswego Palladium in announcing the event gives expression to the prevailing sentiment of that community:  "The death of Dr. Coe," it says, "will startle this community, and be very deeply regretted.   He was a most valuable citizen, stood in the front rank of his profession, and was a kind and amiable father and husband.  His family have been absent in the country for several weeks, and the shock to them will be overwhelming. They will meet with the warm sympathy and condolence of a wide circle of intimate friends, and the community at large."

Oxford Times, August 30, 1854

Sickness at New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY]:  Quite a large amount of illness has prevailed at New Berlin, and a number of deaths have taken place, as will be seen from the following article from the New Berlin Visitor of the 19th inst.

Dexter Angell, died at his residence in this village [New Berlin, Chenango Co. NY], on the 13th inst., of a lingering illness, aged 60 years.  Mr Angell was a son of Asa Angell, who was one of the first pioneers of this valley, long and favorably known among the first settlers of this town.  The subject of this notice was a resident of this town for more than half a century; was a member of the Congregational church of this village; lived a life of honesty and piety, and died in the hope of a blessed immortality.  He had also for seven years been a member of Buna Vista Tent of Rechabites.  A good man has gone.

Also in this village [New Berlin, Chenango Co., NY] on the 27th ult, Maria [Robinson], daughter of George Robinson, having been taken on Wednesday the 26th, aged 4 years and 2 months.

Also, in this village [New Berlin, Chenango Co., NY], on the 8th inst., Fredrick [Robinson], son of Mr. and Mrs. George Robinson, having been sick 14 days, aged 6 years and 9 months.

Thus half of Mr. and Mrs. Robinson's large family of children, have been suddenly called away by death within two weeks.

In this village [New Berlin, Chenango Co., NY], on the 11th inst., the wife of Wm. Kidney, age not known.

In this village [New Berlin, Chenango Co., NY] on the 12th, a young child of Clark Ellis, aged and name unknown.

On the 16th inst., Mr. George Tillinghist, aged 58 years.

On Friday, the 18th inst., Smith Bancroft, aged 53 years.

Died:  In Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 22d inst., Mrs. Betsey E. Humphrey, aged 27 years, wife of Mr. Hiram R. Humphrey.

Civil War Letter - A Soldier complains - December 22 1863

 Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, January 27, 1864

Folly Island, Camp of 89th N.Y.S. Vol., Charleston Harbor, Dec. 22d [1863]

Your welcome paper has once more been received, and brings with it pleasing recollections of home and its pleasures so often and dearly remembered.  The sight of your paper, like that of an old friend from home, makes us feel cheerful and communicative too.  If we meet an old friend way down here in the barren wastes of South Carolina we feel like talking over with him the difference in our former positions and associations, and those in which we are now placed.  So too with your paper.  I am going to have a chat with it.  If I say anything to it that others do not like, I don't wish them to take me to task, for I am not talking to them.  I am conversing only with the paper.

Now that my position and object are fully defined, I will begin.  We are not clothed in broad cloth, or fine linen, but in simple blue, Uncle Sam's blue.  We are allowed 42 dollars worth in a year; if we do not draw the full allowance, when payday comes the residue is given us in cash.  I mean so the book reads; but is it so in all cases?  The officers' darkies are pretty well clothed, and some of the officers have several of them in the course of a few months.  Now, to my certain knowledge, these darkies' clothes have, in many instances, been deducted from what lawfully belongs to the soldiers.

2d.  Back Rations:  Why, you cannot give a better definition of "back rations" to a soldier than to say "Ghost;" for one is like the other, a spiritual being which is much talked of, but seldom seen or felt.  I have known of several hundred dollars in back rations being collected and going into the pockets of Company officers.  In some cases the men would receive half a dozen boxes of blacking, a few papers of tobacco and a clay pipe apiece; but in most cases nothing at all.  Now, my Dear Paper, I do not want you to imagine that I mean all Company officers act so meanly.  Oh no; we have many officers who are men, and honest men at that; but in too many instances we have brainless; conceited simpletons over us, or drunken, worthless knaves.  Murder will out, some day. What do you think of an officer who will collect money to defray express expenses on which members of his company have entrusted to him to send home for them, and puts the money in his pocket, leaving the charges to be paid by friends at home?  So of an officer who makes it his regular business every payday to rob his men of their money by the black arts of gambling?  There seems to be a sort of "Masonry" or some other kind of cement, between officers in certain regiments to shield each other from any just retribution which might, if they stood alone, follow their misdeeds. But the day of retribution will come surely. There are men in the ranks who are every way worthier than their so called "superiors," who are snubbed and abused like dogs; they must put up with it or for the sake of "good order and military, discipline" (how quick a private will find himself fined or court martialed if he offends an officer, and all for the sake of discipline, when they for worse offences escape unpunished).  But a day is coming, when, dressed in a peaceable citizen's dress, and about their own business, they can look with scorn and contempt on these whelps, and tell them too what they are before people; and the rascally dogs will be able to find no better satisfaction than grinding their teeth in silence; and if they have any pride, leaving for parts where they are unknown.

Well, my dear paper, i have talked to you till you are black and white in the face, and I will therefore stop short by bidding you an affectionate good bye till next time.

B. Hunter

Vital Records - July 1854

 Oxford Times, July 5, 1854

On Saturday of last week a boatman while passing along the Chenango Canal about a mile south of Earlville [Madison Co NY], discovered in the east branch of the Chenango River, articles which had the appearance of being part of the dress of a female.  He immediately announced the fact to two persons who were fishing nearby, and thereupon one of them waded into the river for the purpose of ascertaining particularly what it was.  Upon approaching it, he discovered to his horror and amazement the dead body of a young lady almost entirely submerged in the water.  shortly after, the body was taken out and recognized by several persons as the body of Ellen Wells, who had some time previous been engaged in doing house work in various families in and about Earlville, but whose parentage was but little known.  A coroner was sent for, and a jury summoned who on Sunday rendered a verdict that the cause of her death was to them unknown.  It was however, we are informed, the opinion of nearly all the jurors that it was an act of suicide, although some circumstances attending the matter which seemed to oust a slight shade of doubt as to its being an act of self destruction  She was last seem on the preceding Wednesday evening when she started to go to the residence o the family with whom she was then living.  Hamilton Reflector.

Another survivor of the Revolution:  We have been favored by a friend with the information that there resides in Pleasant Mount Borough, this county, a Mrs. Benjamin, at the very advanced age of one hundred and ten years, with prospects of living many years longer equally fair before her.  She occasionally spins stocking yarn of the finest quality, not excelled by that of her younger neighbors.  She is quite intelligent and to retain her memory remarkably well, and evinces a clearness of judgment of the present and a mind yet distinctly impressed with the scenes of the past.  She has been married three times; her first two husbands were killed in the Revolution, and the last one, named Benjamin, died about 30 years ago.  At one time she was employed at West Point cooking for the army, and was present at one of the battles with Burgoyne, and assisted in distribution ammunition to those of the soldiers who were [under attack].  She was also with the army when it was disbanded at Newburgh by General Washington' and at which occasion the General asked her if she was not afraid of the bullets?--when she replied:  "Oh, the sword never robs the halter."  Honesdale (Pa.) Herald.

Died:  In Wellsborough, Pa., on the 19th ult., Mr. Robert W. Sherwood, aged 27 years.

We learn that on the 22nd inst., a son of Andrew Myers of South New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], aged about ten years, was drowned in the Unadilla river about a mile and a half above South New Berlin village.  He is supposed to have been taken with a cramp.  He was found about a half of an hour after, but an attempts to restore animation were ineffectual.  Chenango Union.

Oxford Times, July 1, 1854

Married:  In Coventry [Chenango Co., NY], on the 27th ult., by Rev. J.B. Hoyt, Mr. Elbridge Beecher to Miss Maria Whittington

Married:  Also by the same on the 28th, Mr. John B. Hoyt to Miss Jane Beecher.

Married:  In Binghamton [Broome Co., NY], on the 6th inst., by Rev. J.W. Davidson, Mr. Richard A. Thompson of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Martha A. Bell of Binghamton.

Married:  In Danville, Ky, on the 9th June, by Rev. Mr. Young, Rev. John H. Moore of Clinton, Illinois, to Miss Sarah F. Franklin of the former place, and formerly of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY]\.

Died:  In Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 5th inst., Mr. Abner Gridley, aged 44 years.

Died:  In Nineveh [Broome Co., NY], on the 17th ult., Mr. Hiel Edgerton, aged 53 years.

Oxford Times, July 19, 1854

On the 1st inst., the wife of Mr. Issac Gilbert, living near Guilford Centre [Chenango Co. NY], committed suicide by cutting her throat with a shoe knife.  She leaves a family consisting of her husband and four children, the youngest  an infant. She had been suffering for some time previous to the sad event, from depression of spirits, and had exhibited so much aberration of mind as to excite the suspicion of her household.  But in an unguarded moment she escaped observation, and committed the fatal act.

Married:  In North Stonington, Ct., on the 29th ult., by Rev. Stephen Hubbell, B. Gage Berry, Esq., of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Ada M. Wheeler of the former place.

Married:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY] on the 4th inst., by Rev. L. Wright, Mr. James A. Henry of New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], to Miss Elinor O. Fryover of Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY].

Oxford Times, July 26, 1854

A son of Mr. Orlando Robinson of this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], was drowned in the river on Monday morning.  He had gone to bathe with some other lads of about the same age, and while swimming got into deep water, and went down. The other boys soon gave the alarm, and the body was taken out after about fifteen minutes, but life was extinct, and all efforts at resuscitation failed. 

Married:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co NY], on the 24th, by Rev. Mr. Van Rensselaer, Mr. Theodore Baker to Miss Abigail E. Padgett, both of this village. 

Married:  In Poolville, Madison Co., on the 17th inst., by Rev. A.W. Bruce, Mr. James Coley, Teacher of Mathematics in the Owego Academy, and formerly of this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., nY], to Miss Rosalie M. Willoughby of this village.

Married:  In Grand Rapids, Mich., June 30th, by Rev. Mr. Hammond, Mr. Edward W. Cheseboro, Principal of the Union School, to Miss Sarah M. Wright of that place.