Vital Records - Oxford, NY - August 1857

 Oxford Times, August 5, 1857

Married:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 30th ult., by Rev. J.C. Ransom, Mr. Charles E. Carmer of Oxford to  Miss Catharine Harvey, of Cortland [Cortland Co., NY].

Married:  In McDonough [Chenango Co., NY], on the 29th ult., by Rev. Wm. Bixby, Rev. Robert Townsend, of Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], to Miss Abbey Jones, of the former place.

Married:  In Greene, Chenango Co., N.Y. on Tuesday, 28th July, by the Rev. Ferdinand Rogers, at the residence of Frederick Juliand, Esq., William H. Clarke of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], to Miss Julia McMahon.

Died:  In this town [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 30th ult., Mr. Israel Jacobs, aged 66 years.

Died:  In South Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], on the 27th ult., Doct. H.D. Spencer, aged 34 years.

Died:  In Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], on the 17th ult., Mr. Jarvis Rogers, aged 52 years.

Died:  In Smyrna [Chenango Co., NY], on the 23d ult., Waity [Boss], wife of Mr. Benjamin Boss, aged 74 years.

Died:  At Rathboneville, Steuben Co., N.Y., on the 27th July, Mrs. Catharine Rathbone, wife of Gen. Ransom Rathbone, in the 67th year of her age.  She was the daughter of Capt. John Fisher, an Englishman, and when an infant, removed with her parents to the city of New York.  Miss Catharine Fisher was thoroughly educated to excel in all the departments of female life. And when a fair and graceful maiden, she visited in 1807 a female friend in Oxford.  Gen. Rathbone, a young and enterprising merchant of Oxford, had the good sense to discover and the good fortune to marry this inestimable treasure of love and goodness.  They commenced their married life in the beautiful valley, of the Chenango.  The graceful manners and varied accomplishments of Mrs. Rathbone, aided by a munificent husband, tendered her home the resort of the most refined society, where wit, genius and learning loved to assemble. She was the morning star of light and life and joy. The love of God was the pervading beauty of her life, and gave to her presence the charm that ever distinguished her.  At Oxford she passed her happiest days.  She was then in the bloom of youth, when Nature lays upon the lap of life her sweetest flowers.  With a husband, who never ceased to love and honor her, and surrounded by sons and daughters of beauty, this accomplished lady passed her long virtuous career, through the varied joys and sorrows of earth.  One of her earliest friends, who knew her well, and appreciated her surpassing goodness as a wife and as a mother, pays to her memory this sad tribute of affection and esteem.  The word of her Heavenly Father was the guide of her early life, and she has received the reward of immortality in the Paradise of God.

Oxford Times, August 12, 1857

Died:  At Preston Corners [Chenango Co., NY], on the 31st July, Capt. Joseph Slater, aged 80 years.

Oxford Times, August 19, 1857

Died:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 12th inst., Mr. George W. Godfrey, aged 44 years.

Died:  In this town [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 11th inst., Diantha [Warn], wife of Mr. Charles Warn, aged 43 years.

Died:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 5th inst., Mr. Thomas Potter, aged 84 years.  

Died:  Also, on the 9th inst., Mr. Lyman Dudley, aged 71 years.

Died:  In Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], on the 28th ult., Mrs. Rodney Phelps, aged 70 years.

Died:  Also, on the 8th inst., Mrs. Rachel Gilliland, aged 63 years.

Oxford Times, August 26, 1857

Married:  In Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], on the 17th inst., by Rev. Wm. Bixby, Mr. N.S. Browning of Larron, Wis., to Miss Mary J. Ames of the former place.

Died:  In Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], on the 12th inst., Mrs. Phebe Evans, aged 30 years.

Died:  In New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY] on the 4th inst. Mr. Sabin Warner, aged 54 years

Died:  Also, on the 13th, Mr. Barnabas Brown, aged 53 years.

Civil War Letter - October 1861

 Oxford Times, October 30, 1861

Camp Holt / Near Washington, Oct. 10th, 1861

I have not written to anyone before as I had no conveniences for writing, and for eight or ten days I have been quite unwell.  I am now a good deal better.  Most of our company have been more or less unwell.  We arrived in Binghamton about 10 o'clock at night, and started for New York about midnight, but were delayed at Deposit by an accident to the engine until daylight.  On board the train was a company of Sharpshooters from Wisconsin, also a company of over one hundred of the Lincoln Cavalry of Cayuga Co.  People cheered the train as it passed every village and hamlet. At a large iron foundry in Orange co. the workmen ranged themselves in line and as they saw the troops on board the train cheered them most briskly.  With their soot covered faces; they looked like the denizens of a lower region. They did not feel like peace and it was gratifying to see so much enthusiasm in the people. We started from New York on Monday morning, saw no appearance of military until we reached Perryville on the Chesapeake near the mouth of the Susquehanna.  A picket guard was stationed at the landings on both sides of the river.  There was also a guard on the boat.  At every bridge crossing, soldiers were stationed all the way from Haver de Grace, opposite Perryville, to Baltimore. As we entered Baltimore, on the right we could see Federal Hill in the northern part of the city.  It is now fortified and occupied by our troops. We could see the cannon on its ramparts ready, should it become necessary, to belch forth fire and destruction upon the rebel city.  On our left in the harbor, nearly two miles off was Fort McHenry, with its big guns ready to cooperate with our troops on Federal hill. 

After a fatiguing march thro' the city from one depot to the other, on the route of the Massachusetts 6th, when it was attacked by the mob, we started for Washington; we reached the Relay House about dusk. A regiment is stationed here in the immediate vicinity.  On a hillside we saw the first encampment. The road from Baltimore to Washington is now under government control, pickets are stationed all along the road between the two cities. We reached Washington about nine o'clock, and started for the camp of our regiment about two miles distant.  We reached the camp about ten o'clock a tired and jaded set.  We were quartered in a building occupied by our officers; the room none of the neatest, was spread with mattresses in the same state, and tired and hungry we went to bed, that is, we each laid down on the floor and slept better than could be expected without anything to cover us, and but little under our bodies.  Here was a sudden transition from comforts of Chenango to the hardships of military life. We arose next morning, our bones aching somewhat, and each with his towel and soap went to the wash room.  Soon after we had breakfast; black coffee, with plenty of sugar, but no milk, very good white bread without butter, plenty of boiled meat, any quantity of salt, but no potatoes. We were so hungry that we made a very good meal. We now by a little management, by buying sweet potatoes &c., get up very good meals.  The government furnishes more than we can eat.  Our rations are the same as the soldiers.  

After breakfast, I went out to view our situation. The building is a large three story structure formerly owned by John Quincy Adams, as a summer residence, and occupied by some of the other Presidents for the same purpose.  The grounds with winding walks and shade trees are most beautiful when not occupied by military, but now are quite filthy.  From the front portico we had a fine view of Washington City, the Capitol and monument, towering above the rest.  South beyond the city lay the east branch of the Potomac, with its hills beyond, occupied by the five regiments of Sickles' brigade. To the right and far down as the eye could reach ran the Potomac.  On the west side of the Potomac, about twelve miles off we could see the point where Alexandria lay, and could just see a few of its steeples. The hills on the west of the Potomac are occupied by our troops from the Chain Bridge a few miles above Washington to Alexandria 12 miles below. They are called Arlington Heights. The encampments of our troops overlooked in the distance like patches of snow.  We could just distinguish Fort Corcoran opposite Georgetown.  Our troops appeared to be clearing the hills in many places and burning over the ground  Opposite our quarters to the west, four regiments were quartered; in the field near our regiment is the Pennsylvania 13th Regiment and the 55th Regiment New York Volunteers; beyond is a regiment of twelve hundred Cavalry; between here and Washington several regiments are stationed.  I ascended the dome of the Capitol a few says since and could canotier twenty encampments on this side of the river, and could see for a part as they are scattered all over the country for miles around.  One thing is certain, a large army of our troops are in the immediate vicinity of Washington.  

We are now about five miles from Washington. Our encampment near Washington we left a few days since.  We are surrounded by woods and know but little what is going on.  Last evening our regiment, upon very short notice, left for [..?..] towards the Chain Bridge. We expect to arrive tomorrow and suppose we shall soon go over to Virginia.  S.H.F.

Vital Records - Greene, NY - July 1857

 Chenango American, Greene, NY, July 9, 1857

Married:  In this town [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], on the 2d inst. by Mr. Jeremiah Tillotson, Esq., Mr. Nathan Gross to Miss Mercy A. Alexander, both of this town.

Married:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 4th inst. by Rev. L. Wright, Mr. Noah Wightman, of Preston [Chenango Co., NY], to Miss Minerva A. Scott of Plymouth [Chenango  Co., NY].

Married:  In Coventry [Chenango Co., NY], on the 4th inst. by Rev. Wm. H. Lockwood, Mr. Schuyler D. Mudge, of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], to Miss Phebe A. Hancox, of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  In Preston [Chenango Co., NY], June 16th, by Rev. Geo. J. Kaercher, Charles T. Preston of Willet [Cortland Co., NY] to Miss Lydia M. Foster, of Smithville [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  In South Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], June 16th, by Rev. Edwin Clement, Thomas G. Smith, of Oswego, Potter Co., Pa. to Miss Sophia A. Chase, of South Bainbridge.

Married:  In Eaton [Madison Co., NY], June 30th, at the residence of Alpheus Morse, Esq., by the Rev. M.S. Platt, Hon. Henry C. Goodwin, of Hamilton [Madison So., NY] member elect to Congress, and Miss Josephine Parker, of Eaton.

Married:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 23d ult., by Rev. E. Hoag, Doct. John Yale, of Mt. Upton [Chenango Co., NY], and Miss Emilie Hoag of Norwich.

Died:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 6th inst., Mr. Thomas Hall, aged 75 years.

Died:  At Quincy, ill., on the 12th ult., of consumption, Mr. I. LaFayette Cushman, formerly of Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], aged 34 years.

Died:  In New Lisbon, Otsego Co. [NY], on the 21st ult., Mrs. Lydia D. [Sergeant], a wife of George M. Sergeant and sister of Wm. A. Raymond, of Norwich, aged 24 years.

Chenango American, Greene, NY, July 16, 1857

Married:  In Pitcher [Chenango Co., NY], on the 30th ult. by Rev. M. Th..., Mr. L.T. Birdlebrough to Miss Hattie A.... All of Pitcher.

Married:  In Pitcher [Chenango Co., NY], on the 8d inst. by E. Fenton, Esq., Mr. Frank Sweet to Miss Ellen Bliss, both of Triangle, Broome Co. [NY].

Married:  In Newark, Broome co. [NY], on the 9th inst. by Rev. Willard M. Hoyt, Mr. Herman G. Burlingame, to Miss Ellen W. Wicks, both of Norwich.

Married:  In Grace Church, Sacramento, California, June 1st, by Rev. Wm. H. Hill, James W. Mandeville, Senator from  Tuolumn Co., formerly of this town [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], to Helen P. Snell, of Sacramento, California, formerly of Saratoga.

Died:  In Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], on the 13th inst., Sarah Ann [Rooney], infant daughter of Samuel and Jane Rooney.

Chenango American, Greene, NY, July 30, 1857

Died:  July 12th, 1857, of Onaemia, Mrs. H.E. Hitchcock, wife of Alonzo Hitchcock, Esq., of Chicago, aged 34 years and 10 months.

Mrs. H., born Miss Hannah E. Hallenbeck, was a native of Chenango Co., New York, and a graduate of the Oneida Conference Seminary, of the class of 1847.  Her superior natural abilities cultivated by a thorough and systematic course of education, fitted her for a prominent position in society, which by her rare talents and taste she might have won distinction as an artist. To a mind refined by culture, she added a heart warmed with every sentiment, and keenly alive to the joys and sorrows of those around her.  In her own family she had suffered much. the victim of disease herself she has twined the cypress and planted the rose bud on the graves of three of her children whose young days in the beautiful language of the poet,  "Have set as sets the morning star, / That goes not down behind the darkened / West, But fades away in the clear light of Heaven / Her own sun has set at noon.  Chicago Daily Press.

The above concise and beautiful tribute to one who a few years since was a resident of this village [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], brings back vividly to the memory of the writer of these lines, the person and character of the lamented deceased. The tidings contained in this notice have spread a cloud of sadness over the circle of friendship, in this place, who have been called to mourn the departure of one so gifted and accomplished.

It seems but a brief period since, that she stood at the altar of wedded vows, and now death has dissolved the countless ties which bound together the clustering inmates of a happy home.  It is indeed difficult to realize that she is gone, separated as she was by distance from the many associations and friends of her youth, in the West.  Yet loving hearts gathered at her dying couch and a crushed and bereaved husband surveys a home, whose light is quenched in the darkness of the sepulcher.  

"She that with smiles lit up the hall, / And cheered with songs the hearth / Alas! for love, if thou wert all, / And naught beyond, oh earth!"

Civil War Letter - Oxford Band - September 1861

 Oxford Times, October 9, 1861

The following letter from one of the members of the Oxford Band, now at the seat of war, received by a gentleman of this village, will be read with interest by our citizens.

Camp Holt, Washington, Sept. 28th, 1861

Dear Sir:  Having just perused a copy of the Oxford Times of 25th inst., a package of which came from you to the members of Oxford Band here encamped, I feel like acknowledging the receipt of it with gratitude and, in behalf of our company, return you our hearty thanks.  Could you have seen the eagerness with which they were received by us, you would feel repaid for sending them.  It was very much as a hungry soldier receives his rations, which can better be imagined than described.  I can assure you the Times looked more beautiful than ever before.  Some of our company would not refrain from tears as they perused the article in relation to ourselves.  Doubtless you will be interested in learning a little of our travels, camp life &c, and I will give abstract portions.

We left New York Monday last, at 7 A.M., and arrived at Camp Lincoln, Meridian Hill, Washington (2 miles from the city) about 10 P.M.  the cars were mostly filled with soldiers, and as we passed stations and villages cheer after cheer reached my ears from the citizens, thus showing their attachment to the Union. Everything was quiet in Baltimore so far as I could observe, and I saw many little "contrabands" clap their hands and shout as they saw the soldiers pass. When we came to the Relay House, I saw the soldiers and their numerous encampments, and as I heard their tramps and saw the glistening of their arms, my soul was filled with patriotism. But I must pass hastily on, suffice it to say, we came safely to camp, beginning to feel we were soldiers.  It came a little tough for us who have been used to Spring Beds and feathers, to lay ourselves away on a few straws, but there comes the thought we are part of the Grand Army to sustain the Union and we are satisfied. We fare as well as could be expected, and perhaps even better.  Our rations are abundant, and health prevails in camp.  Our Regiment is composed of a hardy set of men.  They are anxious for a fight, at least such is their language.

Meridian Hill is a magnificent place for an encampment, and as far as the eye can reach in every direction, the fields are white with tents.  It is a beautiful sight, and not only is the vision gratified, but there comes borne upon the breeze the enlivening strains of harmony from the Brass Bands.  One cannot but feel patriotic while a participant in these scenes. Orders came Thursday night for Gen. Peck's Brigade composed of five regiments, one of which is Anderson's Zouaves, to march the following morning five and half miles from Camp Lincoln near the Maryland line.  Camp Holt is a broken uneven surface of country, but an important position.  We are at a fort unfinished which is the business of this Brigade to complete. We are six miles from Chain Bridge, and I am informed the way is lined with forts to prevent the enemy's approach in case they cross the Potomac.  Our pickets are extended four miles, but here beats the tattoo and I will finish in the morning.  

Sunday, Sept. 29th:  It is a beautiful autumnal morning, but had I lost my reckoning, should not conceive it to be the Sabbath, hearing the roll of the drums and report of infantry, &c. nothing calculated to make one feel devotional.  There is but little regard paid to Sabbath or morals.  There appears to be a lack on the part of superior officers.  They do not set an example that might be expected from their position. While writing, I hear the voice of singing at the place of public worship, and will away.  More anon.

Sunday Evening:  I attended Divine worship and strange to say, there was but one officer of the Regiment present, and he a Lieutenant.  Our old chaplain is a very fine man but labors to great disadvantage.

The Regiment had served out today three days rations, and to hold themselves in readiness at any moment to march. The report is to Chain Bridge, but my authority is not entirely reliable. The Band will remain, as we have no instruments yet.  Mr. Griswold, Band Master, starts tomorrow for New York, after them.  There has been some confusion in relation to their purchase, as they are furnished by the Regiment and not by Government, as supposed. When our pieces come the monotony will be somewhat destroyed, and new life will be infused not only in ourselves, but through the whole Regiment.

Respectfully Yours,  D.C.B.

Vital Records - Oxford, NY - July 1857

 Oxford Times, July 1, 1857

Married:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 25th ult., by the Rev. J. G. Bartholomew, Mr. Prentice Evans, to Miss Lydia M. Clark, both of Preston [Chenango Co., NY].

Died:  At the residence of his father, near the village of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 25th inst., DeLoss H . Owen, aged 24 years.  In the early Summer of his life, in the beautiful month of June, the spirit of our friend, has passed from the alternating lights and shadows of earth, to the changeless realities of eternity. Seemingly strange to us, kind to him, in the order of Providence, were the successive vicissitudes of his earthly pilgrimage.  Not all at once, but one by one, through days of suffering and nights of sorrow, were the sources of human enjoyment cut off, and the objects that make life desirable removed from view in the progress of his spiritual development. Thus step by step, upon the ruins of the material, was built up the beautiful fabric of the spiritual.  He was endowed with a refined taste, a keen discernment of beauty, and harmony in art and nature, a heart moved by kind and generous impulse. As rested the cloud, shadow upon his native hills, he learned confidingly, hopefully to rest in God, when the objects and the pleasures which made the future radiant with hope, and vanished from his horizon.  He has left behind him a name that will awaken kindly recollections in them who knew him.

Oxford Times, July 8, 1857

Fatal Accident:  On Monday evening, as Capt. Alson Upham and his wife, father and mother of the Upham brothers lately doing business in this village [Sherburne, Chenango Co., NY], while riding from Earlville to their home in the North part of this town, were, by some cause to us unknown, thrown from their  wagon, and striking the ground with such force as to fracture the skull of the old lady, who died Tuesday morning at six o'clock, and cutting a severe gash in the head of Mr. Upham.  Mrs. Upham was 71 years old. She was enjoying good health, and it was her usual custom to drive the horse to this village every two weeks, alone. This she had done for a long time.  At the time this happened, the wife and brother of A.G. Upham had just received a letter from the physicians of St. Joseph, Mo., stating that he was lying dangerously ill of the cholera, in that city, and on the morning the old lady died the wife and brother of A.G. Upham started West to see him.  From the tone of the letter they received, they expected to find him a corpse, which we sincerely hope they will not.  Sherburne Trans.I

Married:  In Coventry [Chenango Co., NY], on the 1st inst., by Rev. Wm. H. Lockwood, Mr. James O. Stratton of this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Hannah F. Stork of Coventry.

Died:  In Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], on the 24th ult., Matilda [Parker], wife of Mr. Erastus Parker, aged 54 years.

Fatal Accident in Lisle [Broome Co., NY]:  On the 18th inst., Mr. Alfred Orton, a well known citizen of Lisle, while engaged in falling timber and pealing bark, in company with a number of hands, was crushed by the fall of a tree and instantly killed.  The tree was felled by a boy, and not discovered by Mr. Orton until it had got under such motion that it rendered all effort to rescue himself unavailing. The tree struck him on the head, smashing in the skull, and driving a knot, which passed in just above the eye, through his head  The deceased was 40 years of age, and leaves a wife and four children to mourn his ill fated and untimely end.   Bing. Repub.

Oxford Times, July 15, 1857

Died:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 5th inst., Mr. Benjamin Perkins, aged 35 years.

Died:  In Smithville [Chenango Co., NY] on the 5th inst., Elizabeth [Kinnier], wife of Mr. John Kinnier, aged 50 years.

Died:  In Clinton, North Carolina, on the evening of the 27th of June, Mrs. Cornelia M. Micks, wife of Dr. W.G. Micks, and daughter of General Ransom Rathbone of Rathboneville, N.Y., aged 37 years.  In the death of Mrs. Micks, a burning and shining light has been taken from the Protestant Episcopal Church; a highly esteemed member has been taken from the community, and a most affectionate mother, and devoted wife has been torn from the family circle. the spirit of kindness was the ruling principle of her life.  Her death was a peaceful resignation into the hands of God.  Just anterior to her departure she expressed a desire to see her children,.  They were brought into the room when with calm, mild and Christian philosophy, she addressed them as follows:  "Be kind to one another, be kind to papa, deal tenderly with the little ones." After which she turned her eyes in the direction of her husband and said, "oh my dear mother!"  and sank away to breathe no more.  Oh evil men, to die like this / Ten thousand worlds would give / The only way to reach that bliss / Will be like her to live.   Clinton, NC. Independent.

Oxford Times, July 22, 1857

Married:  In Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 16th inst., by Rev. J.C. Ransom, Mr. Hiram Gordon of Redwood, Jefferson Co., to Miss Anna Arnold of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  In Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], on the 12th inst., by Rev. H.W. Gilbert, Mr. john C. Bailey to Miss Lavinia Whitmarsh.

Married:  In South New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], on the 12th inst., by Rev. N. Ripley, Mr. Sidney R. Wightman to Miss Lucretia Lewis.

Oxford Times, July 29, 1857

Died:  In Curtisville, Steuben Co. [NY], June 2d, Mrs. Mehitable [Smith], wife of Oliver A. Smith, formerly of McDonough [Chenango Co., NY], aged 22 years.  Also, at the same place, May 13th, Eva Ann [Smith], daughter of Oliver and Mehitable Smith, aged 2 years.

Civil War Letter - August 1861

 Oxford Times, September 11, 1861

Ceredo, Va., Aug. 29th, 1861

Editor Times:  Dear Sir:  Perhaps some of your readers will immediately recognize the name of the place at which this communication is dated, while others would inquire of its whereabouts, &c.  This town is that laid out by Hon. Eli Thayer as the principal one of his settlements, which he projected in this part of Western Virginia, and affords in its large and commodious Hotel, stores, &c. ample evidence of the enthusiasm which characterized the projectors of great enterprises in this unfortunate section of country and which the deserted Foundries, Hotels, stores and warehouses which everywhere meet the gaze in the voyage of the "Ohio," abundantly attest.  This town is situated on the banks of the Ohio, about two miles above the mouth of "Big Sandy" which is the dividing line between Virginia and Kentucky. The number of its inhabitants at present is uncertain.  There are about thirty buildings here including a fine four story brick Hotel, stores &c, sufficient for a town of a dozen times its size, and which were undoubtedly built before there were any dwelling houses projected and which unfortunately for the capital already invested, never were built to any great extent.  It is laid out on the high bottom lands, with which this vicinity abounds, and is now about entirely deserted of its inhabitants.  The 7th Va. Regiment, Col. Leigler now forming here, occupies its spacious buildings.  As we approached from the Ohio side, the booming of cannon and the inspiring music of the drum and fife greeted our ears, betokening something of an usual interest in the camp. As we came into town we met several ununiformed companies, coming in an opposite direction who were, we were informed, just returning from the occupation of Wayne Court house about 25 miles out. A more unsoldierly appearance could hardly be made in this latter day than that exhibited by these raw recruits, but if enthusiasm in the good cause and strength of muscle and limb prevail, then will these when uniformed and equipped, be troops worthy of southern steel. As we entered camp Pierpont (so called from their new Governor), everything betokened life and activity.  The Regiment returned from a twenty mile march , many of them without shoes and all but poorly clad, were eagerly devouring their rations, the like of which they had not tasted for twelve hours at least.  Hearing that they had brought with them some prisoners of note, we were, through the kindness of Major Olmstead conducted past sentinel and guard, to their quarters.  There were nine of them. The leader, Col. Spurlock of the 167th Va. State Militia, U.S.A., a tall six footer of youthful appearance, his father, a silver haired, Methodist preacher and a member of the Richmond convention, and several privates.  They were immediately put on board a Government boat and sent to Wheeling, where they will be furnished quarters at the expense of the Government against which they have rebelled.

Having obtained a pass to go out of the State (it is under martial law here) we are about to leave that portion of the "sacred soil" which is soon to become the State of Kanawha.  Business, in southern Ohio is very much depressed, while over the border in Kentucky, everything is dead, dead,---Collections cannot be made except in Pig Iron, which is legal tender here, and then one is no better off, for if he gets rid of that he has to take pig iron for pay.  There is scarcely any money in circulation. The crops are looking finely.  On the river bottoms for miles each way nothing meets the gaze but one extensive cornfield.  Fruit of all kinds is abundant. We have just returned from a visit to a coal mine, into which we penetrated for nearly a mile, the passage in places so low that we were forced to go on "all fours."  In one place where the rock had settled and was propped up, I was prompted to ask the question "What if that should fall on us"?  My companion immediately remarked that it would be a "big thing" on us, which was doubtless meant for a joke, but I was so thoroughly impressed with the seriousness of the matter that "I didn't see it." The business of mining is reduced of course, in proportion to the inactivity of the manufacturing interests, so that there was not so much activity in the mines as usual.  The only lively things which I have seen here are the Hogs.  Someone has said that "out west" every third man was a hog, but in Kentucky the hogs are the real and not the exception.

You meet with regiments of them parading up and down with officers and privates complete, each one seeming to consider himself "Principal musician." in the "Regimental Band" and all pitching their notes on a terrible high key.  But this subject, as well as this letter must be getting to be a bore. As Artemas Ward would say, this is not intended for a "goal."   V.W.

Vital Records - Greene, NY - June 4, 1857

 Chenango American, Greene, NY, June 4, 1857

Shooting Affair:  We learn that a fatal shooting affair occurred last Saturday night, in the town of Nanticoke, Broome Co. [NY].  It appears that a low negro, name Tom, went to the house of an Irish woman, who was living with a man named Dyer, and claimed admittance.  She ordered him off, but he persisted in entering, and to effect that purpose, he broke the door in.  As he entered the house, the woman snapped a shot gun at him, but it did not go off.  This was in the dark.  The man then lighted a match, whereupon she fired the gun, the charge entering his heart, killing him instantly.  The woman is under arrest, and undergoing examination.

Died:  In Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], on the 13th ult., Mrs. Polly Tinker, aged 84 years.

Chenango American, Greene, NY, June 11, 1857

Married:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 1st inst., by Rev. L. Wright, Dr. D.B. Manderville of LaPorte, Indiana, to Miss Almira Tallmadge, of Norwich.

Married:  In Lincklaen [Chenango Co., NY], on the 3d inst., by Rev. L. Lawton, Mr. Austin D. Sayles of Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY], to Miss Celia A. Scott, of Preston [Chenango Co., NY].

Died:  In St. Louis, Mo. on the 3d inst., Doct. John Penticost, of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], aged 27 years.

Chenango American, Greene, NY, June 18, 1857

Married:  In Grace Church, Utica [Oneida Co., NY], on the 9th inst., by the Rev. Dr. Brandigee, Dr E.R. Barden, of Janesville, Wis. and Miss Jenny Freeburn, of Utica.

Married:  In North Pitcher [Chenango Co., NY], on the 9th inst. by Rev. O. Ketchum, Mr. Lucian B. Blackman to Miss Mary E. Eldridge.

Died:  In St. Paul, Minnesota Territory, May 27, Oscar F. Ketchum, late of Coventry [Chenango Co., NY], aged 29 years.

Died:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 3d day of February last, Mrs. Sarah Hammond, wife of Benj. Hammond.

Chenango American, Greene, NY, June 25, 1857

Married:  In this town [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], on the morning of the 24th  inst.  by Rev. H.W. Gilbert, Mr. Lucius Lumbard to Miss Jane E. Wheeler, both of this place.

Married:  In New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], on the 11th inst. by Rev. Mr. Whittingham, Mr. Charles Hall and Miss Celia Smith, all of that place.

Married:  In Smyrna [Chenango Co., NY], on the 18th inst.,according to the order of Friends, George C. Carpenter, of Utica [Oneida Co., NY] to Letitia S. Knowles of Smyrna.

Married:  In North Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 16th inst., by Rev. L. Wright, Mr. Joseph Y. Parce, of Norwich, to Miss Lucy Mead of the former place.

Died:  In this village [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], on the 17th inst., Mr. Alfred Bronson, aged 80 years.

Died:  In this town [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], on the 17th inst., Mr. Derrick Race, aged 87 years.

Died:  In Whitney's Point [Broome Co., NY], on the 19th inst., Dr. George L. Reid, aged 37 years.

Civil War Letter - 27th NY Regiment - August 1861

 Union News, Broome County, NY, August 22, 1861

Headquarters, 27th Regiment, Near Alexandria, Aug. 15, '61

Friend Benedict:  In my note of the 13th, I wrote you we were to leave at one o'clock of that day, but on account of rain we did not get away until the next morning (yesterday) at nine o'clock, when we again took up the line of march for the Long Bridge, which we were to cross for the third time with thoughts and feelings slightly different from those which were uppermost in our minds when we last crossed it, on our beautiful retreat from Bull Run.  After crossing the Bridge, the end on the Virginia side is protected by a fortification commanding the river, with eight or ten heavy guns. After passing through about one mile, our road led through Fort Runion.  When we were inside the Fort, we stacked arms and devoted a half hour in extending the fortification.  It is surrounded by an almost perpendicular embankment, twenty feet in height and a deep ditch fourteen feet wide, part full of water. The parapet is surmounted with heavy guns of various calibre, (about fifty in all) some carrying shells of 160 lbs weight. At every corner guns are placed so as to rake the ditches their whole length with grape shot.  The works are built in the best manner, and 'tis considered impregnable.  The Buffalo boys, that were barracked at Elmira, are now quartered in this fort.  There are 20,000 men encamped round about within 2-1/2 miles from here that would rush in, in case of an attack of the rebels in full force. This Fort is the key to Washington from the south west.  

At the sound of the bugle, we again took our position in rank and departing by the southern entrance soon left the Fort and its occupants behind us.  Nothing of interest occurred during our march to Alexandria, more than is usual in every employment of troops. Some of the men had got their canteens filled with the "ardent" and as a necessary result, they were pretty "chunked," and were more vehement in their words and gestures than usual.  But I saw no blood spilt in the many brushes they had, in several of which I assisted to separate the combatants.

We arrived in Alexandria about 1 o'clock and maneuvered a little in the streets.  To show our proficiency, I suppose, was the object of our officers, and then marched to the field where we are now encamped.  It is just in the suburb of the South end of the city, a point of land--a sort of cape--made by the waters of the Potomac setting back for two miles at the mouth of a small stream known as Hunting Creek, forming a bay two miles in length and one mile in width.  There is a good harbor for small vessels and [...] is a capital place to plant a battery to command the bay, river and heights opposite.  There is a regiment encamped on the opposite side of the bay from us, Col. Jackson's the 18th N.Y. from Albany Barracks.  [..portion unreadable...] Jackson has orders to go to Fort Ellsworth about one mile West of this in plain sight, and where it was said we were going yesterday, and they leave today.  They have been serving as a picket guard, traveling about nine miles and coming into collision frequently with the rebel pickets.  There is a rumor of an attack upon this point, but I don't fear it much, as Ellsworth guns command all this section. The sheet is full.  But more anon.  Blockhead.    

Vital Records - Oxford, NY - June 1857

 Oxford Times, June 3, 1857

Died:  In Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 25th ult., at the residence of his son, Mr. Thomas Barnes, aged 64 years.

Oxford Times, June 10, 1857

A Double Murder:  A shocking tragedy occurred in Broome county [NY] last Thursday.  Charles Latourette, an insane man, stepped into a store in Union [Broome Co., NY] that afternoon, took from a show case a dagger, passed out, and plunged it into the heart of a young man named Jared Barton, aged 18 years.  Latourette was arrested, and gave as his reason for killing the man that he "didn't like his looks."  He was taken to Binghamton and lodged in jail, and about 8 o'clock, was found dead in his cell, having cut his throat from ear to ear and ripped up his abdomen with a razor he had found in the overcoat pocket of the late occupant of the cell, which had been left there by mistake.

Murder:  A murder was committed in Nanticoke in this county [Broome Co., NY], on Saturday evening, May 30th, by a woman named Mary Shannon shooting a man named Thomas Vrooman.  It seems from the testimony taken before the Coroner, that Vrooman went to the house of Dexter Dyer on the above evening and demanded to be admitted which was refused, when some words passed between him and Mary Shannon, who was Dyer's housekeeper, when Vrooman burst the door in. The woman Shannon then spoke a few words to Dyer and immediately took a gun and shot him.  Mr. William W. Davenport, of Vestal, one of the Coroners of this county, held an inquest on the body on Tuesday, June 2d, 1857, and the Jury rendered a verdict "That the deceased came to his death on the evening of Saturday, the 30th of May last, at the house of Dexter Dyer, in the town of Nanticoke county of Broome, State of N.Y., by a gun shot inflicted upon him by Mary Shannon, with the consent of the said Dexter Dyer."   Union News

Married:  At Philadelphia, on the 3d inst., by Right Rev. Alonzo Potter, D.D., Herbert R. Clarke of New York city, to Mary W. [Bailey], daughter of E.W. Bailey of Philadelphia.

Married:  In Syracuse [Onondaga Co., NY], on the 25th ult., by Rev. Wm. N. Pearne, Mr. James G. Thompson of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], to Miss J. Frances Foot, daughter of Dr. D.Y. Foot of Syracuse.

Died:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 3d inst., Mr. John Perry, aged 76 years.

Died:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 5th inst., Caroline A. [Pettis], daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth Pettis, aged 2 years.

Died:  In Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY], on the 2d inst., suddenly, of Cholera Morbus, Mr. Melzar W. Harrington, aged 46 years. 

 We learn by telegraph, that John Penticost, a dentist of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], formerly of Smyrna [Chenango Co., NY], died very suddenly one day this week at St. Louis Mo.  Sherburne Times

Oxford Times, June 17, 1857

Married:  In South Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 14th inst., by S.M. Robinson, Esq., Mr. Nicholas Sharpe to Miss Clara Ingraham, both of Oxford.

Married:  In Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 29th ult. by Laman Ingersol, Esq., Joseph E. Daniels, of Franklin, Delaware Co. [NY], to Miss Sarah Ann Brazee, of Guilford.

Died:  In this town [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 14th inst., only daughter of Andrew and Orrilla Jafet, aged 5 months.

Died:  In Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 25th ult. at the residence of his son, Thomas Bicknell, aged 64 years.

Died:  In Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], on 19th of May, Mrs. Elizabeth Simmons, aged 74 years.

Oxford Times, June 24, 1857

On the morning of Saturday last, an only son of Benjamin F. Lounsberry, a bright little fellow of about four years, fell into the canal near the Sash and Blind factory, and before he could be rescued, life was extinct.  Every effort was made to restore him to consciousness, but without avail.  He wandered away unnoticed by anyone, and was not found until after considerable search, when he had been in the water so long that he was beyond the power of any skill to restore him to life.

Died:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 5th inst., Mrs. Maria Matson, aged 59 years.

Died:  In this town [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 21st inst., Mr. Enoch Smith, aged 76 years.

Died:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on 17th inst., Mr. Alfred Brownson, aged 80 years.

Gen. Jacob Morris:  The Binghamton Republican chronicles the death of this well known citizen of Broome county [NY].  His age was 83 years.  He occupied many places of honor and trust, and filled them all with unquestioned zeal and ability.  He was a man universally esteemed and his loss will be seriously felt in the village of Binghamton.

Civil War Letter - 27th NY Regiment - August 1861

 Union News, Broome County, New York

Camp Anderson, Washington, Aug. 15, 1861

Mr. Editor:  After a thousand rumors which have been going the rounds of camp speculations in regard to our term of service, and every other camp "yarn" which is in the scope of the [-?-] brain to invent, one of the most reasonable was that our regiment from its crippled state was to be manufactured into "Bologna Sausage" to feed the three year regiments, on the west side of the river. We have just received positive orders to march this afternoon at one o'clock, and take our position at Ft. Ellsworth, near Alexandria.

About twenty minutes ago, we were all called to headquarters to hear some remarks from our Col. that was.  After thanking us for our respectful bearing toward him, and praising our gallant conduct on the field, he said he could not leave the Regt. without the consent of the men.  Still he did not like to reject the position which has been tendered him and would not do so, unless the company requested it.  (He did not know of his appointment until he read it in the papers.)  He said that he felt he owed the appointment to the gallant action of the 27th Regt. as they were the men who by their acts had placed the position at his disposal.

We are to be connected for the present with Col. Hinxleman's Brigade, until Col. (now Brigadier General) Slocum is able to take the field, when he will use his influence to have us placed under his command.

Letters to be directed as heretofore.  Hib is all right and his fighting weight exceeds the "actual" by 300 lbs at least.  Everybody is packing up and I must I suppose   You will hear from me again soon.  For the present, I remain your friend, who has so justly earned his title of Blockhead.

Vital Records - Greene, NY - May 1857

 Chenango American, Greene, NY, May 7, 1857

Married:  In Otselic [Chenango Co., NY], on the 19th ult., by Rev. J.M. Crandall, Mr. Gilbert Stanton, of Otselic, to Miss Cyrene M. Ferris, of Smyrna [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  In New Lisbon, Otsego Co. [NY], on the 20th ult., by Rev. M. Alger, Mr. Daniel E. Teel, of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], to Miss Hannah Thurston, of the former place.

Died:  In Binghamton [Broome Co., NY], on hte 27th ult., at the residence of her son-in-law, C.H. Cook, Mrs. Ann Bradly, formerly of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], aged 62 years.

Died:  On the morning of the 3d inst.  John S. Parslow, Esq.., Post Master at Lincklaen [Chenango Co., NY], aged 55 years.

Chenango American, Greene, NY, May 14, 1857

Married:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 11th ult., by Rev. L. Wright, Mr. Thomas L. Cowan to Miss Sophronia Sherwood, both of this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY].

Died:  In Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 8th inst., Erastus P. Whiting, aged 57 years.

Died:  In Norwich [Chenango C., NY], on the 8th inst., after an illness of two weeks, of inflammation in the head, Willie Horatio [Walter], adopted son of H.N. and Mary A. Walter, aged 6 years.

Chenango American, Greene, NY, May 21, 1857

Died:  In Dooly County, Georgia, on the 27th of April, 1857, Silas Dewitt Read, aged 37 years, son of Silas and Malinda Read.

Died:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 8th inst., Lavirne, [Crandall], wife of Aaron Crandall, aged 82 years.

Died:  In Binghamton [Broome Co., NY], on the evening of Saturday, the 2d inst., W.C. Hopkins, aged 50 years.

Chenango American, Greene, NY, May 28, 1861

Death of Charles F.T. Locke, Esq., Mr. Locke who went from here a few weeks since, to visit the West, reached St. Louis on his return from Omaha City, and died in the Hospital of the Sisters of Charity.  Oxford Times.

Married:  In this village [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], on the morning of the 26th inst., John G. Brown, of Utica [Oneida Co., NY] and Sarah J. Thurber [Whittenhall], daughter of U. Whittenhall, of this village.

Married:  In the Baptist Church in North Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 24th inst., by the same, Rev. Barzilla B. Gibbs, pastor of the Baptist Church in Geneva [Ontario Co., NY], to Miss Minerva C. Hartwell, of Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  At New Berlin Centre [Chenango Co., NY], on the 13th inst., by Rev. Benj. Shove, Mr. Franklin Curtis, of Norwich, to Miss Betsey Medbury, of the former place.

Died:  In Coventry [Chenango Co., NY], on the 23d inst., John Cornish, aged 45 years.

Died:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 29th inst., Mr. Ephraim D....(?), aged 71 years.

Civil War Letter - 8th NY Regiment - July 1861 - 1st Battle of Bull Run

Following is a letter from a soldier who participated in the First Battle of Bull Run, fought July 21, 1861.  This was the first major battle of the Civil War, a Confederate Victory that rallied the Confederacy to their cause.

Oxford Times, August 14, 1861

8th Regiment, Arlington Heights, Va., July 25th

Receiving orders on Saturday, July 20th, to prepare for marching on the following morning, we filled our haversacks with biscuit and pork, for three days rations, and got everything in readiness to move forward at two o'clock A.M.  As the day wore away, I noticed that other Regiments in our vicinity, were making the same preparations, and rumor was busy, as to where our next halting place would be. It was expected that we should have a brush with the enemy, but we did not expect it to turn out as it did.  

As night came on, our boys threw themselves on the ground to get a little rest before the march began; it was rather a cold windy night, and laying on the ground in Virginia (where dews are heavy, is not very pleasant) I endeavored to sleep, but being so cold, I arose, and building a fire, some dozen of us laid around till one o'clock, when we commenced to get things ready to fall in. Rolling our blankets, filling our canteens with water, with our muskets bright, ammunition all right, we formed company and fell into line.  It is a singular sight to see Regiment after Regiment fall into its allotted place. Not a drum was heard, nothing could be seen but the Camp Fires of the different camps, and the forests of flashing muskets of our men.  

Taking the road through the village of Centreville, and passing several Regiments of reserve, the advance column came to a small wooden bridge, a short distance from which the Rebels were supposed to have erected a Battery.  The plan of the attack seems to have been to have attacked them on two points at the same time. The advanced column consisting of about 9,000 men, under General Tyler, was to take the mountain road and attack the enemy in front, while Col. Hunter's division of 13,000 men were to take a circuit through the woods to the right, and attack them in the rear.  In the flanking division was the 8th and 27th, also the 14th and 71st New York, 2d Regiment of Regulars, and battery of artillery.  Halting for a short time, to give the first division time to advance to the top of the hill, which we could see from the Bridge, we for the first time, heard the report of artillery, which was the 32 pounder our advance column had with them, trying its range on a force of the Rebels, which they could see at a distance.  

Our division now crossed the bridge, and leaving the central column, struck to the right, through the woods. After marching four or five miles we came to an open field, and expected the enemy would open fire, but there were none to be seen, everything was as quiet on that Saturday night as if there were not a Rebel within miles around, but they were drawing us on (as in our retreat over the same ground, they opened fire from concealed batteries).  Crossing the open space, we again took to the woods, and after a fatiguing march of some eight miles, again came to the open country, it was now between 9 and 10 o'clock and we were beginning to get tired out, and wanted some refreshments, as our last meal was 6 o'clock the day before. The sun now began to tell upon us, and at every halt our boys would run to trees, or any shady place to shelter from its scorching rays.  Constant reports of artillery could now be heard, and as we came to an eminence we could see the smoke rise from the batteries of the opposing forces, while still farther to our left could be seen clouds of dust, as of large bodies of men moving along the road, we were anticipating it was "Patterson's Division" instead of which, it turned out to be Johnson's.  

We were now halted down in a meadow and laid our muskets down, expecting we had out flanked the enemy, and they would retreat that way, when we should be able to capture them (pleasant delusion, but of short duration).  We had just commenced to open our haversacks to get a bite, when the order was given to fall in, and off we started on the double quick, for the battle field, through the creek, up to our knees in mud and water, and down the road we ran.  As the sound of artillery now became louder, and more frequent, we passed on still faster, throwing our blankets and haversacks by the road side and grasping our muskets tighter, we still pressed on.  A United States officer now rode by and made the remark not to be too hasty, as we should have enough before night.  

We now came upon the scene of action, a large open space, surrounded by woods, in which were concealed the enemies infantry, while in front were their batteries. Charging over the field, we came upon the Rebels in a clump of woods.  After leaving some of our men, we drove them out and back into their entrenchments; meanwhile the rebels had got the range of us with their guns, and poured in heavy charges of grape and canister, killing and wounding our boys in a frightful manner. We now fell back and took a position on the hill, facing the Rebel earthworks, a brisk fire of musketry was now kept up on both sides, fortunately the aim of the enemy was bad, most of their balls going over our heads. The enemy still kept up a sharp fire, and seemed to have double the number of guns in play we had, but their fire was not so effectual as ours, we could see our shot and shell fall into their batteries, and towards the afternoon an explosion took place, which blew some of them into the air.  

Our Brigade was now ordered again to endeavor to capture the battery on our left. With others, we marched over the brow of the hill, and charged up towards the Rebels, when they opened with heavy discharges of musketry which we returned with interest.  Several of my comrades now fell.  On we went till within a short range of the Rebel guns, when they opened a terrific fire upon us.  The round shot and shell ploughed through our ranks.  Our Brigade was now badly cut up. The dead and wounded were lying around in all directions, dreadfully mutilated.  It was a disheartening prospect before us, 40 miles to our camp at Arlington, with no refreshments, nothing but dirty water to drink and not enough of that, with a sanguine and merciless foe upon us.  

As we retreated, I found the Regiments all mixed up, and every man making the best of his way back. Few officers were to be seen, most of them having left their men to get back as best they could.  There were exceptions, such as G... Sprague.  If the officers kept with the men, they could have retired in good order, [....portion unreadable....]  orderly retreats.  The road was narrow and partly blocked up with wagons and ambulance for the wounded.  Some of the men (to their disgrace) threw away their muskets and ammunition, some of which I picked up, and placed on gun carriages.  After marching some 7 miles, some of the poor fellows began to give out, and crawled into the woods, where they were probably taken by the enemy.  I could now hear the report of Rifled Artillery, and began to think the Rebels had cut off our retreat.  Still onward, was the road to Centreville.  Crossing the open space; which I mentioned before, I found the enemy playing upon our retreating forces.  Those that could, took to the woods on the left.  While the long line of ambulances and wagons kept straight on the road. 

As night came I reached the open road, where we had left the center column in the morning, with such exultation. What a change now. As we went to battle in all the pomp of war, we looked in fact invincible, but were now returning a disorganized mass of humanity. We had brought nearly all our cannon from the battle field, but as we came toward the bridge, had to leave some behind.  The enemy allowed us to pass in the morning without any interruption, but were now hitting the bridge most accurately with shot and shell, while another battery was playing with grape and canister on our poor fellows. Passing down the road towards the bridge, the dead and wounded teamsters were laying by, just as they fell from their horses, while some of the ambulances were upset, and the wounded thrown out to be left at the mercy of the enemy. Arriving at the bridge, I found it blocked up with broken wagons, dead men, and horses, so that we could not possibly pass.  Most of the men made their way through the water, while over their heads rattled the cannon balls.  Crossing the river we got into the woods, but were not safe from the enemy's artillery. Their shot and shell came down amongst us, and fell and exploded not a yard from me, but fortunately did not hit me.  

Feet sore and exhausted, I at last arrived at our camping grounds of the previous night, a little rest, and onward again.  From Centreville to Arlington, is 22 miles, as the night wore on some of our boys gave out, some took off their shoes and stockings and limped along as best they could.  I got into camp about 10 o'clock next morning, and was right glad to get a cup of coffee once more. We had marched from Centreville on Sunday night from 2 till 11 A.M., had fought 6 hours on the battle field, and retreated forty miles in thirty-six hours.   W.D.

Vital Records - Oxford, NY - May 1861

 Oxford Times, May 6, 1857

Married:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 30th ult., by Rev. J.C. Ransom, Mr. John McNitt to Miss Eveline L. Crandall, both of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY].

A man name Marcenus, a mason by trade, was walking on the track of the Erie RR, near Binghamton [Broome Co., NY], Friday morning, when the train approached and he stepped off.  He was instantly seized with a fit, however, fell upon the track again, and was killed.

Oxford Times, May 13, 1857

Married:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 5th inst., by Rev. A. Parker, Mr. Edwin V. Green to Miss Maria P. Carpenter, both of Oxford.

Died:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on Sunday, the 3d inst., Mrs. Persis Tracy, widow of the late Uri Tracy, deceased, aged 51 years.  Since early womanhood, Mrs. Tracy had been marked as the sure victim of that prevalent and unerring destroyer of human life, consumption.  With an energy and a buoyancy of spirit unsurpassed, she wrestled with her malady, maintaining an equanimity of temper rarely met with.  The grumbler, the fault finder, the rebel against the decrees of Providence under difficulties less trying, under sufferings less poignant, under trials much less burdensome, beheld or might have beheld in her and her life, an example of what native cheerfulness, energy, and a fixed purpose to discharge the whole duty of life, chastened and directed by the influences of religion, may accomplish under the severest trials.  For more than 20 years in appearance to the eye of her friends, and the world, she has travelled life's pathway upon the very verge of the tomb, yet she faltered not, nor did she repine, but combating disease, waring against adverse circumstances, she met boldly the duties of life, discharged them faithfully in all relations, as daughter, sister, wife and mother, and ready prepared for the last great change, put off the burden of the flesh, to be clothed in celestial garments.

Died:  In Binghamton [Broome Co., NY], on the 29th ult., Mrs. Ann Bradley, formerly of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], aged 62 years.

Died:  In Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], on the 3d inst., Frances Jane [Redfield], daughter of Mr. Chester Redfield, aged 21 years.

Oxford Times, May 20, 1857

Married:  In Harford, Cortland Co. [NY], on the 9th inst., by Rev. W.G. Hubbard, Mr. Harry J. Wattles of Lisle [Broome Co., NY] to Miss Augusta P. Dodge, formerly of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY].

Died:  At Maple Grove, Otsego Co. [NY], on 27th ult. Zenas Washburn, Esq., father of the Rev. Daniel Washburn.

\Oxford Times, May 27, 1857

Married:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY] on the 14th inst., by Rev. J.G. Bartholomew, Mr. Augustus June to Miss Margaret A. Fitch, both of Smithville [Chenango Co., NY].

Died:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 22d inst., Mrs. Susan Tracy, relict of Hial Tracy, Esq., aged 86 years.

Died:  In Dooly County, Georgia, on the 27th April, Mr. Silas Dewitt Read, aged 37 years, son of Silas and Malinda Read of Smithville [Chenango Co., NY].