Early History of Greene, Chenango Co., NY - Part 5

 

Recollections of the Early Settlement of the Town of Greene

Chenango American, Greene, NY, December 31, 1857

Part 5

The first permanent settler in this town so far as can be determined was Stephen Ketchum.  He settled within the bounds of the present village of Greene in 1792.  The was before the advent of the French settlers and before there was any road accessible to this section of the town by -?-.  Mr. Ketchum was originally from Ballston in this State [NY].  He was a man of great energy of character, admirably fitted as a pioneer into the then unbroken wilderness and well and faithfully did he perform his duties.  Although he did not keep a public house in the modern acceptation of the term, yet his home was made public by all the adventurers into the Chenango Country.

The French settlers on their first arrival were quartered on him until they could provide shelter for themselves and families.  On their arrival they employed Mr. Ketchum to cut a road through the wilderness from the French settlement to the "Chenango road," at or near the point where the east line of the now town of Greene intersects it.  The vestiges of this "French Road" are still visible [in 1857].  It seems never to have been used after the Colony was broken up.  For a number of years, Mr. Ketchum was the most noted man in the town.  He was its first magistrate, and held other important posts on its organization.  He died in 1810.  His children are yet with us [in 1857].  They, together with their descendants, are among the most respectable inhabitants of the town.

The settlers that succeeded Mr. Ketchum in the immediate vicinity of the present village, were Benjamin Robins, Daniel Brooks, Peter Perry, David Fitch and Eseck L. Hartshorn, who settled previous to 1800.  Elisha Smith, Thomas Wattles, Hial Wattles, Jacob Holt, Platt Brush, Sherman Boardman, John Boardman, Stephen Ketchum Jun., Daniel Ketchum, Chandler Cummings, Joseph Rundall, Elias Forbs, Reuben Wilder, and Jeduthun Gray, 2d, became residents at or near the same place as early as 1802.  

In 1793, Nathaniel Kellogg, Zopher Betts, Benajah Loomis, Cornelius Hill, and Daniel Tremain settled at what is now East Greene, on both sides of the river.  They were followed the following year by Amos Gray and Samuel Wheeler, who became their immediate neighbors. About the same time Conrod Sharp, Derrick Race, John Hallenbeck, Abraham Storm and Nathan Smith took up their residence a few miles below them on the west side of the river.

In 1796, Isaac Rosa, made a location on the east side of the Chenango on the farm now owned [in 1857] by David Baird.

The first road that was cut through any part of this town was called the "Chenango road."  It ran from the present village of Bainbridge to the mouth of Page Brook on the Chenango, a few miles below Chenango Forks.  It passed through the southern part of this town.  By whmo it was made or by what authority, it is difficult to determine at this date.  It was evidently cut through its whole length some twenty-five miles, before there were any inhabitants upon it.

The first settlers upon this road, within the then bounds of this town commencing at the western portion, were Nathan Bennett, Joshua Root, Eleazur Skinner, Thomas Elliott, Joab Elliott, Roswell Fitch, Adam Elliott, Philo Clemmons, Capt. Mandeville, Simeon Jones, Benjamin Jones, Hardin Bennett, Record Wilber and Deacon Richards, whose respective settlements were made from 1792 to 1795.

Burage Miles, Moses Miles, Perez Gilmore, Philip Paddleford, James Wiley, Jotham Parker and Malcomb Nevins, became settlers on or near this road as early as 1797. Edmond Harrington, Joel Winston and Jared Page located themselves on Page Brook north of this road in 1801.

The settlers who located in the southern section of the town on the west side of the river as early as 1796 were James Terwilliger, Herman Terwilliger, Elisha Gilbert, Noah Gilbert, Stephen Palmer, Joseph Messenger and Cornish Messenger.  At a later period and as early as 1802, they were joined by Solomon Harrington, Benjamin Harrington, Waters Hine, Asel Stockwell, Elihu Spencer, Samuel A. Shael?, James Burroughs, George Byram, Benjamin Townsend and Daniel Low.

The settlers on the Genegantslet in this town as early as 1801 were Lyman Noble, Daniel Boardman, Herman Carter, Joseph Anderson, David Bradley, Joseph Winchel, David Winchel, Zachariah Whitmarsh, Ezra Whitmarsh and William Driskall.  Levi Farr, Elisha Sadd, Jeduthan Gray and John Forbes became residents as early as 1807.

Further north at or near Smithville Flatts, Robert Lytle, an Irishman, settled in 1797, Joseph Agard, Epehras Sheldon and Joseph L. Robins in 1799.  Further east in the then town of Greene, William Knickerbocker, William Kirkland, Isaac Perry, Ichabod Marriam and Phineas Pond settled as early as 1801.

Isaac Sellick, William Whittenhall, Edward Loomis, Peter Rorapaugh, Squire Hamilton, Darius Towsley, Isaac Grant(?), John Perkins(?), Samuel Miller, [portion unreadable]   Jerediah Brown, Elisha Harris, Woodruff Harris, Edward Purple, Bela Cowles, Sylvester Cowles, Whiting Edgerton, John Starkey and Levi Benedict, as early as 1808, when this section of Greene was organized into a new town name Smithville.

The pioneer settlers of this town, at least for the first few years, were the subjects of great privations.  Their roads were little else than Indian paths along the streams. The canoe was the principle mode of conveyance. Their corn was pounded and converted into samp(?) by means of a mortar made in the end of a section of a log with a pestle suspended by a sweep, or taken to Tioga Point, a distance of sixty miles to a mill. These journeys were made in a canoe and occupied several days.

The road on the west side of the river was first traveled in 1794.  That on the east side was not used until some years later.  The road on the Genegantslet was made passable in 1802.  Edward Loomis in the employ of the Hornby estate cut the road from Oxford to Smithville Flatts in 1804. The road north from Conrod Sharp's was cut through the same year.

The Susquehanna and Bath turnpike which passed east and west through the town was made in 1807. The first bridge over the Chenango was built the same year.

As has already been stated this town was organized in March 1798.  This was a few days previous to the organization of the County of Chenango, which occurred the same month. The first town meeting was held at the house of Conrod Sharp on the First Tuesday in April 1798.  Nathaniel Kellogg was the moderator, Benajah Loomis was chosen Supervisor, John Hallenback, Town Clerk, James Wiley, Isaac Perry and Allen Button, were made Assessors.

In 1799, Isaac Rosa became Supervisor,, who was elected for four years in succession, when Elisha Smith, became his successor; Mr. Hallenbeck was Town Clerk for eight years.    

The first birth in this town among the settlers was Johnstone Rundall, son of Joseph Rundall, for which honor the mother subsequently received a deed of fifty acres of land from the Hornby estate. 

The first school was opened near Chenango Forks by a Mr. Cartwright, an Englishman, in 1794.  Two years after a school was started at East Greene by Enoch Gray, who taught some ten winters in succession.   

The first church organization in this town was the Baptist Society at East Greene.  It was organized by Elder Nathaniel Kellogg, in 1795, and was the first of that denomination in the county of Chenango. Elder Kellogg continued its pastor for some thirty years.  

The 2d Baptist Society of Greene, was formed on the Genegantslet, in 1807.  This society was organized under the auspices of Elder Jeduthan Gray, who continued its teacher for twenty-five years.

A Congregational Society was organized in 1811.  Its members met at the house of David Bradley on the 13th of June and elected Elisha Smith, David Finn, Silas Reed, J.L. Robins, R. Dewey, and Levi Farr, Trustees. Rev. John B. Hoyt, became their first pastor in 1820. Their church edifice was consecrated in 1821.  Mr. H. continued its teacher until 1833, when he was succeeded by Revs. Mr. Foot, Mr. Sullivan, Mr. Raymond, Mr. Kaercher, A.G. Orton and H.W. Gilbert, its present clergyman [in 1857].

There were a few families residing in this village at an early day who were attached to the Episcopal Church.  They occasionally enjoyed the services of the church, conducted by the Rev. W.B. Lacey and the Rev. L. Bush, successively Rectors of the church in Oxford.  The Rev. E.G. Gear, than residing at Binghamton, performed missionary services here. The church was organized by the name and style of "Zion Church, Green," in March 1833, The Rev. Francis Tremain being the minister.  Charles Cameron and Joseph Juliand were the first Wardens. Rev. J.V. Van Ingen became Rector in 1835. The Church edifice was consecrated June 5, 1836. The Rev. Mr. Van Ingen was succeeded for brief periods by the Rev. A. Lauderback and the Rev. W.E. Eigenbrodt, the last of whom was succeeded by the present Rector, the Rev. F. Rogers [in 1857].

It is proper here to remark that the Methodist organization early extended its influence over the pioneers settlers of this town and by their itinerating services with their local preachers and class leaders were eminently successful in moulding the moral sentiments of our sparse population.  Nor is their early exertions without its reward. Their present position and influence is equal to any of the Chruch organization in the town.

To be continued

Vital Records - Greene, NY - September 1858

 Chenango American, Greene, NY, September 2, 1858

Married:  In this village [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], on the evening of the 30th? ult, by Rev. Jas. D. Webster, Mr. Charles Gray to Miss Mary J. Ra..ey, all of the above named place.  

Married:  In this town [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], on the 30th ult. by Rev. D.C. Dutcher, Mr. Darius H. Allen to Miss Lydia Whitlock, all of this town.

Married:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 29th ult. by Rev. J.C. Ransom, Mr. Thos. J. Squires to Miss Aust... Holdridge, both of Smithville [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY]\, at the Baptist Parsonage on the 28th ult. by Rev. L. Wright, Mr. Jas. Savage, to Miss Mary A. Green, both of Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY].

Died:  In this village [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], on the 28th ult. John Hubbard.

Died:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 24th ult. Isabel [Brooks], wife of Mr. James Brooks, aged 22 years.

Died:  In Sherburne [Chenango C., NY], on the 19th ult. Mrs. Harriet K. Cushman, widow of the late Dr. Cushman, aged 59 years.

Chenango American, September 9, 1858

Married:  In this village [Greene, Chenango Co., NY] on the morning of the 7th inst. by Rev. F. Rogers, Dr. Charles S. Wood to Miss Mary T. Dederer, all of this village.

Married:  In Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY], on the 29th ult. by Rev. Allen Brancroft, Mr. Wm. M. Nicholson to Miss Rosilla C. Lamb, both of McDonough [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  In German [Chenango Co., NY], at a picnic on Wednesday, the 1st inst. by Eld A. Scofield, Mr. L.... Edgerton of German to Mrs. Sally Ann Mersalis, formerly of Binghamton [Broome Co., NY].

Died:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 3d inst. Mrs. Hannah Mary [Westcott], wife of Paul L. Westcott, Esq, aged 81 years.

In Afton [Chenango Co., NY], on the 16th ult. Mr. Amos Teed, aged 78 years.

In West Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], on hte 18th ult. Mrs. U. Ireland, aged 50 years.

Chenango American, Greene, NY, September 23, 1858

Married:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the ?th inst. by Rev. McCapen, Mr. George Mitchell to Miss Hattie [Pellet], daughter of John Pellet, all of Norwich.

Married:  In Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], on the 15th inst. by Rev. A. McDougall, Levi N. Smith to Miss Catharine Havely.

Married:  In Afton, on the 9th inst. by Rev. A.G. Lord, Mr. Geo. W. Butler to Miss Abby Williams, both of Nineveh [Broome Co., NY].

Married:  In Earlville [Madison Co., NY], on the 15th inst. by Rev. Dr. Eaton, E.F. Chapin to Mary [Mudge], daughter of W. Mudge, Esq, of Earlville.

Chenango American, Greene, NY, September 30, 1858

Married:  In this town [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], on the 23d inst. by Rev. H.W. Gilbert, Mr. Edward A. Holcomb of Troy, to Miss Julia [Bingham?], youngest daughter of Alanson Bingham, Esq. of this town.

Married:  In Oxford [Chenango Co. NY], on the 21st inst. by Rev. J.C. Ransom, Mr. Wm. H. Stratton of Smithville [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Jennie Waterman of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  In this village [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], on the 22d inst. by Rev. A. T .Matteson, Mr. Geo. Crandall of Madison [Madison Co., NY] to Miss Mary Ann Rider of Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  In Elkhorn, Wis. on the 12th inst. by Rev. H.D.L. Webster, Mr. Wilson D. Lyon, formerly of this village [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], to Miss Augusta Ba... all of Elkhorn.

Died:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 26th inst. Mrs. O.S. Weed, aged 85 years.

Died:  In Unadilla [Otsego Co., NY], on the 13th? inst. Mr. Elias Fo.. of Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], aged 28 years.

Vital Records - Oxford, NY - September 1858

 Oxford Times, September 1, 1858

Married:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 29th ult., by Rev. J.C. Ransom, Mr. Thomas J. Squires to Miss Austrese Holdridge, both of Smithville [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  In Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 21st ult. by Rev. Mr. Huntington, Mr. John A Newton of Unadilla [Otsego Co., NY], to Miss Caroline Miner of Guilford.

Married:  In Smyrna [Chenango Co., NY], on 19th ult. by Rev. H. Bowen, Mr. Ralph Pendleton of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Corintha O. Kelsey of Smyrna.

Died:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 24th ult., Isabel [Brooks] wife of Mr. James Brooks, aged 22 years.

Died:  In Afton [Chenango Co., NY], on the 16th ult., Mr. Amos Teed, aged 79 years.

Died:  In West Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], on the 13th ult. Mrs. U. Ireland, wife of Mr. John Ireland, aged 50 years.

Died:  in Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], on the 19th ult. Mrs. Cushman, wife of the late Dr. Cushman, aged 51 years.

Died:  In Belvidere, Ill, on 4th ult. Esther [Maynard], wife of Mr. Isiah Maynard, formerly of Greene [Chenango Co., NY].

Died:  In Triangle [Broome Co., NY], on the 21st ult. Rev. Leonard Johnson, aged 50 years.

Obituary of W.E.H. Waters:  A few weeks ago we saw how deep a hold the worth and virtues of W.E.H. Waters, had taken upon the public heart, and earnestly the whole people came to pay their last visible tribute of respect to his memory.  But now the excitement of public sympathy has passed away, and the more private circles and relations of life, in which the departed had a prominent place, and the beloved family in which he was a lively ornament, are just beginning to realize their loss. With all these we have mingled our sorrows and shed affection's tear.  And now while viewing the brief career of Willie, we find much worthy of imitation.  He was born in Coventry [Chenango Co., NY], Sept. 16, 1843.  From his childhood he was an obedient and dutiful son, a kind and affectionate brother.  Whatever his parents required him to do, he would promptly and cheerfully perform.  He was very much interested in the pursuit of agriculture and literature.  He was President of a literary circle and was one of its brightest ornaments.  He was remarkably fond of reading, much delighted in ancient and modern history, abhorring light and trifling reading, seeking that which was pure, elevating and substantial.  He, with his parents and sisters, was regular at Church, always with his class in the Sabbath school.  For truth and veracity he was a noble example, was never known to utter a profane expression, but looked upon profanity, Sabbath breaking, idleness and dishonesty with perfect disgust.  In the Scriptures he was much interested, was carefully and diligently reading it through by course. To young men who desire numerous friends and deserve them too, we commend the course pursued by this lovely youth, as worthy of study and regard.  He was kind hearted, generous in soul, and prompt to do his part in all matters of interest.  His views of life were on the bright side, and few had ever seen him otherwise than cheerful and happy.

"Peace to his dust!  for surely peace / His gentle spirit knows: / Around his narrow house on earth, / The night wind sadly blows, / But Heavenly airs that through the trees / Of life forever play, / Are breathing on his spirit's brow / To dry his tears away."  Coventryville, Aug. 28,  1858

Oxford Times, September 8, 1858

Married:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 30th ult., by Rev. D.C. Dutcher, Mr. Darius H. Allen to Miss Lydia Whitlock, all of Greene.

Married:  In Susquehanna, on 22d ult., by Rev. George R. Heir, Mr. Andrew J. Johnston of Afton, to Mrs. Mabel L. Freeman of Colesville [Broome Co., NY].

Married:  in Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 30th ult. by Rev. J.D. Webster, Mr. Charles Gray to Miss Mary J. Rairsey(?), all of Greene.

Oxford Times, September 15, 1858

Married:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 8th inst., by Rev. J.C. Ransom, Mr. James Rosa of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Ruba Ann Marvin of McDonough [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 7th inst., by Rev. F. Rogers, Dr. Charles S. Wood to Miss Mary T. Dederer all of Greene.

Died:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on 8th inst., Mrs. Almira Davis, aged 57 years.

Died:  In Norwich, on the 3d inst. Mrs. Hannah M. Wescott, aged 31 years.

Oxford Times, September 22 1858

Married:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 9th inst. by Rev. J.D. Webster, Mr. Seth C. Hamlin of Warren, Pa., to Miss Esther L. Merrell of Greene.

Married:  At Chenango Forks [Broome Co., NY], on the 8th inst. by Rev. F. Rogers, Mr. Noyas B. Eccleston of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], to Miss Mary E. Willson, of the former place.

Oxford Times, September 29, 1858

Married:  In Preston [Chenango Co., NY], on the 15th inst., by Rev. H. Callahan, Mr. William Haynes of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], to Miss Ursula G. Turner of Preston.

Married:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 21st int. by Rev. J.C. Ransom, Mr. William H. Stratton of Smithville [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Jennie Waterman of Oxford.

Married:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 22d inst. by Rev. A.T. Matteson, Mr. George Crandall of Madison [Madison Co., NY], to Miss Mary Ann Rider of Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY].

Vital Records - Greene, NY August 1858

 Chenango American, Greene, NY, August 5, 1858

Married:  In Afton [Chenango Co., NY], July 11th, by Pastor E. Baldwin, Phineas B. Scofield, of Bennettsville [Chenango Co., NY], to Miss Ellen D. Cornwall, of Afton.

Married:  In South New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], on the 4th inst. by Rev. M.S Wells, Mr. Tracy Whitman of Preston [Chenango Co., NY], to Miss Rovinna Cole of Morris [Otsego Co., NY].

Died:  In Wellsboro, Pa. on Sunday, July 11th, at the residence of A.B. Root, of inflammation of the lungs, Mrs. Abigail Boyden, formerly of Coventry [Chenango Co., NY], aged 77 years.

Died:  In South New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], on the 3d ult. Mr. Elisha F. Harrington, aged 55 years.

Died:  In Upper Lisle [Broome Co., NY], on the 4th of July, James Campbell, aged 93 years.  Mr. Campbell was one of the oldest settlers of that town and served in the war od 1812.

Chenango American, Greene, NY, August 12, 1858

Married:  In Lincklaen [Chenango Co., NY], July 4th, by Rev. Lewis Lawton, Mr. Hiram W. Beach to Miss Byanca V. Wolcott, all of Lincklaen.  

Married:  In North Pitcher [Chenango Co., NY], on the 7th inst. by Welch Crandall, Esq., Mr.  Henry T. Merritt, of Georgetown [Madison Co., NY], to Miss Bertha E. Dunbar of Lebanon [Madison Co., NY].

Died:  In this town [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], on the 11th inst., John Brockett, aged 23 years.

Died:  In Port Crain, Broome Co. [NY], on 8th inst., Caleb Ketchum, aged 78 years.

Died:  In Auburn [Cayuga Co., NY], July 29th, Mrs. Harriet Ann [Graves], wife of Rev. Albert S. Graves, former Pastor of the M.E. Church, Oxford [Chenango Co., NY].

Died:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the morning of the 5th inst., Jeremiah Dye, aged 81 years.

Died:  In Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY], on the 3d inst., Mrs. Esther Shoales, in her 82d year.

Chenango American, Greene, NY, August 19, 1858

Married:  At Alfred Paul's Hotel in North Norwich [Chenango Co., NY] on the 10th inst., by Lewis E. Carpenter, Esq., Mr. Anson Well, to Miss Adelia Davis, both of Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  At Fly Creek, N.Y. [Otsego Co.], on the 4th inst. by Rev. David L. Pendell, Mr. William H. Rounds to Miss Rosella R. Mudge, both of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 14th inst. by Rev. J.G. Bartholomew, Mr. William G. Scott to Miss Sophia M. Hadley, both of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY].

Died:  Suddenly at Bound Brook, N.J., on Friday morning, August 18th, John Kaslet [Youlin], infant son of Dr. J.J. and Maria Youlin, Jersey City, aged four months and twenty-six days.

Melancholy Casualty:  We have to record a most heart rending casualty, at Coventry [Chenango Co., NY], on Wednesday last, the 11th.  Wm. E.H. Waters, son of E.G. Waters, Esq. had gone into the woods with his father, and was engaged in felling trees, when he was struck by one while falling and survived but an hour.  He was a smart, active and intelligent lad of fifteen years, and his loss is most keenly felt by his family and neighborhood, whose love and esteem he had won by his lively parts and cheerful and generous disposition.  Oxford Times.

Drowned:  A young man named Robert Tilyou, in the employ of Nelson O. Wood, at North Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], was drowned in the river at that place, on Tuesday of last week, while bathing.

Chenango American, Greene, NY, August 26, 1858

Died:  In -?- Ill. on the 4th inst., from a painful illness of Dropsy, on the heart, Mrs. Esther Maynard, wife of Isiah Maynard, formerly a resident of this town [Greene, Chenango Co., NY].

Died:  In Triangle, Broome Co. [NY], on the 21st inst. Rev. Leonard Johnson, aged 60 years.

Vital Records - Oxford, NY - August 1858

 Oxford Times, August 4, 1858

Died:  In Albany, on 22d ult., of consumption, Miss Abby L. Ferry, formerly of Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY], aged 42 years.

Sudden Death of H.H. Haynes:  Hiram H. Haynes, Esq., a well known merchant and business man of this place [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], died suddenly about 12 o'clock yesterday (Tuesday).  He had been in his usual good health in the morning, and engaged in his garden until about 10 o'clock, when, with blood heated by exercise, he went to the house and drank copiously of feed milk and water, after which he started in a hot sun for his store.  On the way down he felt an oppression in the region of the lungs, and when he arrived at the store presented an appearance that at once alarmed his son and Mr. Latham, who immediately called Doctors Billings and Bellows, by whom every exertion was made to produce a reaction, but without avail, and he gradually sunk away, expiring at the hour named.  He was a man much respected as a citizen and business man, and his influence will be greatly missed in our community.  His age was 54 years.  Chenango Telegraph

Oxford Times, August 11, 1858

Married:  In Afton [Chenango Co., NY], July 11th, by Rev. E. Baldwin, Mr. Phineas R. Scofield of Bennettsville [Chenango Co., NY], to Miss Ellen D. Cornwall of Afton.

Died:  In Auburn [Cayuga Co., NY] on the 29th July, Mrs. Harriet Ann Graves, wife of Rev. A.S. Graves, aged 34 years, formerly of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY].

Oxford Times, August 18, 1858

Married:  At Fly Creek, N.Y. [Otsego Co.], on the 4th inst. by Rev. David L. Pendell, Mr. William H. Rounds to Miss Rosella R. Mudge, both of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 14th inst., by Rev. J.G. Bartholomew, Mr. William G. Scott to Miss Sophia M. Hadly, both of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY].

Died:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 11th inst., Mr. John Brocket, aged 23 years.

Died:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 10th ins.t, Mrs. Abigail Winsor, aged 82 years.

Died:  In Afton [Chenango Co., NY], on the 24th ult. Deborah [Burch], wife of Mr. Amasa Burch, aged 68 years.

Died:  In Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY], on the 3d inst., Mrs. Esther Shoals, aged 82 years.

Died:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 5th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Dye, aged 81 years.

Oxford Times, August 25, 1858

Died:  In Preston [Chenango Co., NY], on the 10th inst., Mrs. Lois Tracy, widow of John Tracy, aged 62 years.

Died:  In North Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on hte 15th inst., Mr. Benjamin Paul, aged 78 years.

Vital Records - Greene, NY - July 1858

 Chenango American, Greene, NY, July 1, 1858

Married:  In North Pitcher [Chenango Co., NY], on the 24th ult., by O. Ketchum, Mr. Willard Merrit, and Mrs. Sarah C Ray, both of Pharsalia [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  In Marathon [Cortland Co., NY], on the 23d ult. by Rev. John Peck, Col. E.W. Sratton, to Mrs. Mary P. Dodge, both of Marathon.

Married:  In Omaha, N.T., on the 6th ult., by Father Augustine, Mr. Charles W. Hamilton to Miss Fanny Murphy.

Married:  In Lisle [Broome Co., NY], on the 9th ult., by Rev. A.G. Orton, D.D., Mr. Alonzo Collins, of Whitney's Point [Broome Co., NY] to Miss Helen M. Northrup, of the former place.

Married:  In Lisle [Broome Co., NY], May 25th, by Rev. G. Gates, Mr. Geo. L.O. Pollard, to Miss Jane E. Morgan, of  Nanticoke [Broome Co., NY].

Married:  In Barker [Broome Co., NY], on the 16th ult. by Rev. Wm. Gates, Mr. Eugene Potter, to Miss Martha Jane Boughton, both of Barker.

Death by Drowning.  We learn by the Chenango Telegraph, that a young man named Wallace West was drowned in Steer's pond in McDonough [Chenango Co., NY], on Sunday morning last, while bathing in company with six others.  He was not a very good swimmer and venturing too far, found himself not able to reach the shore, and sank within twenty or thirty feet of the shore. The others stood on the shore, but were unable from excitement to render assistance. Deceased was about 19 years of age.

Chenango American, Greene, NY, July 8, 1858

Married:  In this village on the 24th ult. by Rev. J.D. Webster, Mr. M.M. Pike of McDonough [Chenango Co., NY], to Miss M.J. Jones of German [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  In Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY], on the 1st inst. by Orville Benedict, Esq., Robert B. Crandall(?) of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Sarah Ann Monroe of Plymouth. 

Died:  In Ellicottville [Cattaraugus Co. NY], on Saturday the 19th ult. Elizabeth Reed [Jerome], wife of Rev. Charles Jerome, pastor of the Presbyterian Chruch and formerly pastor of the Presbyterian Church of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], aged 83 years.

Died:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY] on the 24th ult. at the residence of her son-in-law, Geo. L. Rider, Mrs. Hannah Cushman, in the 87th year of her age.

Died:  in Coventry [Chenango Co., NY], on the 2d inst., Mrs. Mary L. [Porter], wife of Norman Porter, aged 88 years.

Chenango American, Greene, NY, July 15, 1858

Married:  At KIng's Settlement, on the 15th ult. by Rev. R.O. Beebe, Anson S. Gorman to Mary W. Bowdish, both of New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY].

Died:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the first inst., Laura C. [Welch], wife of Mr. Henry J. Welch, aged 29 years.

Died:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 11th inst. of consumption, Miss Calperna M. Smith, aged 40 years.

Died:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 6th inst., Mr. William Clark aged 82 years.

Died:  In Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], on the 7th inst. Maria [Race], wife of Mr.  Henry Race, aged 32 years.

Chenango American, Greene, NY, July 22, 1858

Married:  In South Otselic [Chenango Co., NY], July 10th, by Pastor OS. Crain, Mr. Lyman R. Eldredge, of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Charlotte Gray, of Lincklaen [Chenango Co., NY].

Died:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 18th inst. of consumption, Mr. Edwin Benedict, aged about 50 years.

Died:  In North Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 13th inst., Mr. joseph Force, aged 64 years.

Death by Drowning:  On Friday afternoon last, about 7 1-2 o'clock, a bright intelligent little boy, five years of age, the only child of Charles W. Dain, of Norwich [Chenango Co., nY], fell into the Canal, near his residence, and was drowned.  His body remained in the water half an hour or more, before it was rescued. All efforts were made for his resuscitation, but in vain.

Death by Drowning - Strange Affair:  O Tuesday last, about 5 o'clock, P.M., while some boys were bathing in the canal, opposite P. McQuone's hotel, in this village [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], one of them stepped upon a body, which upon being taken out, proved to be that of a child about five years of age, which came to the hotel that day, on the Packet from the south, in company with a woman. The child had been missed for a few minutes, and the woman was making search for it at the time it was found.  All efforts to resuscitate the boy were fruitless.  The strange appearance and representations of the woman, induced our citizens to call a Coroner's inquest and Jas. H. Curtis, Esq., of McDonough, was sent for.  As no one is known to have seen how the boy came into the water, the supposition is that its death was accidental, but the evidence of the woman before the coroner's Jury was of such a vague and contradictory nature that the affair is rendered quite mysterious.  She evidently wished to conceal from the jury who she was, and where she came from; giving three or four names as her own, and constantly crossing herself as to where she came from and what her business was. She mainly adhered, however, to the statement that she was a widow by the name of Donohue, and that the child was her deceased sister's, and was named Stephen Sheldon Story; that she came from Peru, Canada, and was in search of a half-brother named Wm. Story, who she said lived in this town.  None of this is, however, relied upon. as she was identified by various witnesses as a  Mrs. Sarah Ball, formerly from Binghamton, the widow of Mr. Ball, who was killed there some five or six years ago, by horses running away with him.  Deputy Sheriff Cowles has gone to Binghamton in search of evidence to show whether or not the child was abducted, and to find if possible, if there could be any motive for this woman's destroying it.  She is of Irish descent, of tolerably large frame, with strongly marked features, slightly pock marked.  She is apparently destitute of means. The boy was of fair complexion, brown hair, had a ring worm on the right cheek, a mole just above the stomach, pock marks on his left arm and left leg.  The Coroner's inquest stands adjourned till today at 1 P.M. to await the return of officer Cowles.

Chenango American, Greene, NY, July 29, 1858

The Drowning Case - The Verdict of the Coroner's Jury:  We gave an account in our last week's issue of a case of a child being drowned in this village [Greene, Chenango Co., NY] and of the peculiar circumstances connected therewith. An investigation into the previous history of the woman who brought the child here, proves her to be a vagrant, wandering woman; that she formerly lived in Binghamton, as  Mrs. Sarah Ball, that she has since married a Donohue, and ran away from him.  As near as could be learned, the child was in illegitimate offspring of her sister, and that she had taken charge of it from its infancy. There being no evidence of any motive for the death of the child, nor of the manner of its getting into the water, the Coroner's jury rendered a verdict of "Death by accidental drowning."

Married:  In Frankfort, Herkimer Co. [NY], on the 20th inst., by the Rev. Dr. Fowler, of Utica [Oneida Co. NY], Mr. Sidney L. Starr of Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], to Miss Jennie T. Harvey, daughter of Ebenezer C. Harvey, of the former place.

Married:  At South New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], at the residence of Gen'l Lovi Harirs, on the 25th inst., by Rev. M.S. Wells, Mr. Philip J. Burlingame to Miss Amy Barton all of that place.

Died:  At Albany, July 22d, of Consumption, Miss Abby L. Ferry, formerly of Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY] aged 42 years.  Her remains were brought to Plymouth for interment.

Died:  in San Francisco, May 22d, Laura E.S. Pardee, wife of Col. William J. Pardee, aged 49 years.

Death of Hiram H. Haynes:  We are called upon to record the sudden decease today (Tuesday) of one of our most respected citizens, Hiram H. Haynes, of congestion of the lungs.  It seems from the accounts we have heard, that about 12 o'clock, noon, today, Mr. Haynes called at the office of Dr. Billings, complaining of a sudden, oppressive sensation in the lungs, and was advised to go to his residence at once.  Just as he was entering his house, he fell, and died immediately.  Mr. Haynes was about 55 years of age, and had resided in this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY] for many years, having acquired an estimable reputation among his fellow citizens.  His loss, while it will fall heavily on the community, must press with crushing weight upon his family.  Chenango Union.

Early History of Greene, Chenango County, NY - Part 4

 

Recollections of the Early Settlement of the Town of Greene

Chenango American, Greene, NY, December 24, 1857

Part 4

"At a treaty held at Fort Herkimer on June 28, 1785, Governor George Clinton, of New York purchased from the Indians the land between the Unadilla, Chenango and Susquehanna Rivers.  This was the land of the Oneidas and Tuscarora's, for which was paid $11,500 in goods and money, and has since been called the Governor's Purchase"  [Mildred English Cochrane, From Raft to Railroad, A History of the Town of Greene, Chenango County, New York, 1792-1867 (Johnson City Publishing Co, Binghamton, NY, 1967), p4]

[portion unreadable]  of Gov. George Clinton, of the Oneida and Tuscarora Indians in the year 1785.  The treaty describes the boundaries of this purchase as follows:  "Beginning at the mouth of the Unadilla River, thence up said River ten miles, thence due west to the Chenango River, thence down said river to where it empties into the Susquehanna."  It was also bounded on the east by a former purchase, or a line established by a treaty made in 1768 so as to comprehend all the lands belonging to the Oneida and Tuscarora nation of Indians, lying south of the line running from the Unadilla to the Chenango River and the north line of the State of Penn.

The land obtained by the Indian treaty above referred to, was subsequently sold by the State to individual patentees.  It will be our object to refer briefly to such patents as were included in the original bounds of this town. At the same time we cannot avoid including such portions of the adjacent towns as may lie within the bounds of the several tracts or patents.  The western part of Coventry and the whole of Smithville, was formerly a part of this town. The Chenango Triangle includes a part of the towns of Triangle and Barker in the County of Broome. These circumstances are mentioned to avoid needless repetition, and at the same time is an apology for what might otherwise appear as an encroachment upon the rights of the neighboring towns.

A portion of the town lying east of the Chenango River, was included in the Treat and Morris tract, already referred to in connection with the account of the French settlement.  The patent was issued in 1789.  After the title had reverted to the original patentees, it was divided by a partition deed between the proprietors, each taking alternate lots.  Mr Treat's share was sold to sundry individuals in small parcels.  These persons chiefly resided in and near the city of Albany.  They held the land for a number of years, without the appointment of any local agent.  The part held by Mr. Morris, was kept entire, with the exception of single lots sold to actual settlers, until it passed into the hands of the late William James of Albany, about the year 1817.  After this the land was settled more rapidly.  The circumstances attending the original purchase and sale of this tract, the failure of the French title, and the subsequent changes of ownership, had a tendency to retard the settlement and improvements of this portion of the town.

Another part of the town lying east of the Chenango River, was embraced in a tract of land granted by letters patent from the people of the state to Walter Livingston in 1788.  This tract was described as being the north east quarter of the town of Greene containing sixteen thousand acres. After the decease of the patentee, the whole was purchased by John Juhel, a wealthy gentleman residing in New York, who had previously married Cornelia Livingston, one of the heirs to the estate.  He purchased the shares that fell to the other heirs, and thus became sole owner.  One of the sisters of Mrs. Juhel, who inherited a share of this estate was Mrs. Fulton, the wife of the celebrated inventor, Robert Fulton.  Another sister was the wife of William Curtiss, a lawyer of considerable eminence.  Mr. Juhel appointed Capt. Juliand his local agent, soon after he became the proprietor.  The settlement of this tract continued without interruption until the whole passed into the hands of  settlers.

The inhabitants who occupy this portion of the original town were mostly emigrants from Connecticut.   They brought with them the enterprise and industrious habits which are sure passports to success.  It is now [in 1857] one of the most independent and wealthy farming districts in the county.  The largest part of this tract is now embraced within the bounds of the town of Coventry.  

That part of the town lying west of the Chenango River is included in the tract of land known as the "Chenango Triangle."  This tract is bounded on the north by the south line of what had been known as the twenty Townships, by a tract called the Gore and a part of the Military tract.  On the south west it is bounded by the Onondaga River and on the south east by the Chenango River embracing a territory of about ninety thousand acres.  This tract was originally purchased from the State by Wm. Smith, a son-in-law of John Adams.

While the latter gentleman was minister from this Government to Great Britain in the early years of our national history, Mr. Smith was his Secretary.  While there he formed an acquaintance with William Hornby, a wealthy English gentleman from whom he obtained funds to invest in American lands.  Mr Smith purchased this land by deed in the name of his brother -?- B. Smith.  It is supposed that this course was rendered necessary by the fact that Mr. Hornby was a foreigner.  [portion unreadable]  ...of the Legislature could be obtained to legalize the transfer.  Be this as it may, it is certain that after a few years, Mr. Hornby, through his attorney William Walker, Esq. of Utica, succeeded in obtaining a title to the land. A few choice lands were selected and retained by -?- B. Smith  as compensation for his services in the matter.

William Hornby died soon after and the property descended to his son John Hornby, who appointed William Walker his agent to dispose of the lands.  After a few years, John Johnston was sent over from England by Mr. Hornby as general agent of the estate.  He resided in Utica. The first sales to actual settlers appear to have been made in 1802 by Elisha Smith who was appointed local agent in that year.  In 1806, John Grieg of Canandaigua was appointed general agent and lasted in that capacity until the lands were all sold.

Elisha Smith continued to act as local agent until 1811 when he was succeeded by Robert Monell, who resigned in 1819, when John D. Henry served temporarily in that capacity, until the appointment of Charles Cameron, who became the local agent in 1821 and continued to act in that capacity until all that remained of the tract, being about 5,000 acres was sold to Col. Joseph Juliand in 1848.  Mr. C. removed to this place from Canandaigua at the solicitation of his friend and countryman John Grieg, where he continued to reside until his death.

The first survey of the Treat and Morris tract was made by John Harris in 1792.  It was laid out into 150 lots including the village plot, which was the seat of the French settlement, It is supposed that it was the intention of the proprietors that the lots should contain 100 acres each and should be as nearly equal as possible.  Subsequent surveys have proved that this survey was very inaccurate.  In many instances the quantity of land would vary in the different lots, from ten to twenty acres, from the contents indicated by the map.  A re-survey was made by William McAlpin in 1807 and a new map made which has governed the subsequent sales and is considered authentic.  The discrepancies in these two surveys and the supposed changes of the order in considering the lots has led to considerable difficulty among the settlers and no small amount of litigation.

The Walter Livingston tract was surveyed and subdivided into lots of about 100 acres each in 1796 by Richitson Burlingame.  This survey was found to be unusually accurate and all subsequent conveyances have been predicated upon it.

The Chenango Triangle was laid out originally into four Townships, commencing with number one at the northwest corner of the tract, on the Onondaga River.  Number two occupies a central position on the north end of the tract.  Number three lies in the north east corner, having the Chenango River for its east bounds.  Number four has it north bounds about one mile north of the village of Greene, with the Chenango River for its east bounds, and running along the same to its junction with the Onondaga, embracing the southern and most acute angle of the tract.  

 The first survey and subdivision of the Chenango Triangle was made by Nathaniel Locke in 1792.  This appears to have been a very accurate and reliable survey.  The lots varied in size from 250 to 350 acres each.  The average contents of the lots were about 300 acres.  Townships number one and two had 74 lots each.  Number three had 78 and number four 10.  

As sales progressed, and smaller subdivisions were required, various surveyors were employed.  In 1806, Elisha Johnson was engaged in laying off such portions of the various lots as had been contracted to settlers.  

Mr. Johnson also surveyed and laid out the plot of the present village in that year.  In 1809, Orren O. Dow was extensively engaged as a surveyor upon this tract.  Notwithstanding the number and variety of the surveyors employed at different times, we are not aware that any serious conflicts have arisen in consequence. In the north west part of this tract and about three miles east of the Onondaga River are indications of salt.  A spring issuing from the ground in a small valley has the taste of a weak brine; this has led to the belief that a strata of salt might be reached by boring.  With this view, enterprising gentlemen have sunk a shaft to a depth of 800 feet and at an expense of several thousand dollars without materially increasing the strength of the water.  It is thought that the enterprise will be abandoned.  It was known to the first settlers that the Indians knew of the existence of a Salt spring in this vicinity.

To be continued 

Vital Records - Oxford, NY - July 1858

 Oxford Times, July 7, 1858

Married:  In South New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], June 29th, by Rev. N. Ripley, Mr. George W. Taylor to Miss Louisa A. Root, both of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  In North Pitcher [Chenango Co., NY], on the 24th, ult. by Rev. O. Ketchum, Mr. Willard Merrit to Mrs. Sarah C. Ray, both of Pharsalia [Chenango Co., NY].

Lost!  Lost!:  Left the residence of Stephen Race, in the Town of Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the evening of the 4th inst., Eliza Gray.  She is in a state of mental derangement.  She is about 40 years of age; her hair is somewhat sprinkled with grey, and she has no teeth.  She had on, when she left, a light purple striped calico dress and a light green gingham apron; she had no shawl or bonnet on.  Any person who will return her, or give information where she may be found, to the undersigned, her father, at the village of Greene, shall be liberally rewarded.  Warren Gray.  Greene, N.Y., July 6, 1858

Oxford Times, July 14, 1858

Body Found:  The body of Eliza Gray, whose late disappearance from the residence of Stephen Race in Greene, of whom we published a notice last week, has been found. The body was taken from the River on Friday last, about a mile above Greene village, under circumstances leaving little doubt that the unfortunate woman drowned herself while in a state of mental derangement.

Married:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 24th ult. by Rev. J.D. Webster, Mr. E.M. Pike of McDonough [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss M.J. Jones of German [Chenango Co., NY].

Died:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 6th inst., Mr. William Clark, aged 82 years.

Died:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 9th inst., Mr. Moses Warren, aged 82 years.

Died:  In Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], on the 7th inst., Maria [Race], wife of Mr. Henry Race, aged 32 years.

Died:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 24th ult. at the residence of her son-in-law, Geo. L. Rider, Mrs. Hannah Cushman, in the 87th year of her age.

Died:  In Coventry [Chenango Co., NY], on the 2d inst. Mrs. Mary L. [Porter], wife of Norman Porter, aged 33 years.

Oxford Times, July 21, 1858

Died:  In San Francisco, May 22d, Laura E.S. Pardee, wife of Col. William J. Pardee, aged 49 years.  Mrs. Pardee arrived here but a few weeks since, after a year's sojourn in the Atlantic States, and on the voyage from Panama to this port contracted the disease which has brought about this melancholy event.  The sad and painful task has befallen us of attempting of offer consolation to those upon whom this unlooked for affliction has been visited.  Sympathizing deeply and sincerely with them, we are unable to give utterance to words that will fittingly express that sympathy, and properly convey that consolation. An exemplary wife and mother endowed with those bright and shining qualities that adorn the home circle, ripe in the full faith of the Christian religion, and crowned with its pious virtues, the deceased passed away from earth, leaving mourning hearts behind, that while they cannot be comforted by any poor words of ours, yet feel that there is one dweller more in the mansions of the blest, though one seat in the home circle here on earth is forever made vacant.  In the fullness of that abiding trust in God which marked the radiant life of this estimable wife and mother, that reliance upon divine faith and goodness that so ennobled her existence among all who knew her, there will be found a holy consolation for those who have thus been struck down with the poignant arrows of affliction.  Let grief be poured out upon the altar of prayer, and sorrow be assuaged in the blessed belief that he who has thus visited them with His inscrutable dispensation, "doeth all things well." 

"Here bring your wounded hearts, / Here tell your anguish--- / Earth has no sorrow / That Heaven cannot heal." 

The funeral ceremonies took place at the Calvary Church, Rev. Dr. Eli Corwin of San Jose, preached the funeral sermon in an unusually impressive manner.  The hymn, "thou art gone to the grave," was sung by the choir, and subsequently the remains of the deceased were removed to their last resting place in Lone Mountain Cemetery.  Mrs. Pardee was formerly the Treasurer of the Ladies' Protestant Orphan Asylum, and has been a member of Calvary Church since its organization. There was a very large attendance at the funeral, and many a stout heart and weather beaten cheek blanched when the story of her Christian meekness and true womanly devotion was told from the pulpit.  None deserved eulogy more than she, none had warmer friends.  May her memory inspire their heats with deeds of the brightest hue and enable them to walk the way or righteousness according to her example.  San Francisco Times.

Oxford Times, July 28, 1858

Married:  At South New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], at the residence of Gen'l Levi Harris, on the 25th inst., by Rev., M.S. Wells, Mr. Philip J. Burlingame to Miss Amy Barton all of that place.

Married:  At South New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], on the 4th inst., by Rev. M.S. Wells, Mr. Tracy Whitman of Preston [Chenango Co., NY], to Miss Rovinna Cole of Morris [Otsego Co., NY].

Married:  In Frankfort, on the 20th inst. by Rev. Dr. Fowler, Mr. Sidney L. Starr of Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], to Miss Jenny T Harvey, of the former place.

Died:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 19th inst., Mr. Edwin Benedict, aged 50 years.

Died:  In North Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 13th inst. Mr. Joseph Force, aged 64 years.

Terrible Tragedy, Two Little Boys Murdered by their own Father

A most shocking affair occurred in Maine Village, in this County [Broome Co., NY] about 16 miles from Binghamton on Friday afternoon, 16th inst.  Oliver Howard, a man about 30 years old, murdered two of his children by cutting their throats with a razor.  The circumstances of this most lamentable occurrence, as near as we can learn, are as follows:  Oliver Howard, the murderer, lives in the village of Maine, has a wife and four children, two girls and two boys.  His wife's mother had been staying a few days at his house, and the day previous to the murder his wife and wife's mother went on a visit to the latter, taking with them the two youngest children, the girls, leaving the two boys, one aged six, the other four, at home. About 4 o'clock on Friday afternoon Howard left the Tannery of Mr. Sandford, where he worked, went to his house, and returned soon after to the Tannery.  Not long after it was discovered that the two little boys had been murdered, their throats being cut with a razor.  Howard was immediately arrested and taken before N.W. Eastman, Esq., a Justice of the Peace in that town, for examination. The prisoner admitted that he committed the double murder, and waived an examination. The murderer was brought to Binghamton last (Friday) night, and lodged in jail.  No reason was assigned by the prisoner, we are informed, for the act when he was arrested.  Now that he is in jail for the horrid crime, he says that he was in fear of the Lord, and thought that he was commanded by the Lord to kill his two boys.  We think that this is a mere dodge to escape punishment on the ground of insanity; and that, instead of having any communication from the Lord, he was instigated by the Devil and his own bad passions to commit this most devilish crime.

Howard formerly tended French's Mill on Castle Creek, and Spague's Mill near Port Crane.  He also worked at Col. Lewis' Mill in Binghamton, some seven years ago.

Further Particulars - Coroner's Inquest:  We have been furnished by John Congdon, Esq., Coroner, with the following particulars in regard to the murder of the two little boys by their father, Oliver Howard, as revealed by the evidence given at the inquest over the bodies on Saturday morning last:

Howard's wife, having been unwell for some time past, went to her father's house, near Kattelville, on Thursday, taking with her the two girls, the two boys being left at home with Howard's father.  About 3 o'clock Friday afternoon Howard went to the School House and took his boys from school, saying that he wanted to take them home; he stopped at a house on the way, the lady of which asked the boys if they would not like to have something to eat. They answered yes, and the woman went into another room to get something for them, but when she returned the boys and their father were gone.  A sister of Howard was at the School house when he took the children away, and fearing something wrong, followed to her brother's house, but could not get in. She then went and got a Mrs. Cummings and another woman, and they returned with her to the house.  They called to Howard and asked to be admitted; when he replied that he would kill them if they attempted to enter.  One of them then looked in at the window and saw one of the boys lying on the floor, dead.  The neighbors were then called, and Howard, soon after opening the door, was arrested.  After he was in custody, and had admitted his guilt he related to a physician present how he killed the boys.  He first took the oldest one between his knees, and holding him by the chin with one hand, he drew the razor across his throat with the other.  The boy at first fell to the floor, but afterwards got up and walked across the room before he died. The other boy was then Killed in the same manner.

This is the most horrible affair we have ever been called upon to record.  The verdict of the Coroner's Jury was in accordance with the facts as related above. The bodies of the murdered boys were taken on Saturday to Kattellville for interment, their mother being too sick to go to Maine. Their names are Royal and Alfred, the oldest seven years old and the youngest five.

\

Vital Records - Greene, NY - June 1858

 Chenango American, Greene, NY, June 3, 1858

Married:  In this village [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], on the 2d inst., by Rev. J.D. Webster, Mr. James Youngs to Miss Arminda S. Moffatt, all of this place.

Married:  In this village [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], on the 2d inst., by Rev. J. D Webster, Mr. Laman Pearsall to Miss Margaret Whitmarsh, all of this place.

Married:  In Binghamton [Broome Co., NY], on the 1st inst., by Rev. Jas. Harrigan, Mr. Thos. W. Clarke of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], to Miss Maria Dwyer.

Married:  In Utica [Oneida Co., NY], on the 23d ult., by Rev. Wm. H. Olen, Rev. Jas. E.N. Backus to Miss Mary A. Lovejoy, all of Utica.

Died:  In East Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 30th of April last, of consumption, Mrs. Sally Glazier, wife of Luin Glazier, aged 72 years.

Chenango Union, Greene, NY, June 10, 1858

Married:  In Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY], on the 2d inst., by Rev. S.N. Wescott, Mr. Aaron Blackman, of that place, to Mrs. Mary M. Wedge, of Otselic [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  On the 24th ult., by the Rev. Charles C. Brady, Mr. James Ronan, to Miss Alice Chafferty, both of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  At the Methodist Parsonage, in Marcellus Onondaga Co. [NY], on the 26th ult. by Rev. E. Hoag, Mr. Samuel H. Weeden to Miss Christiana A Foote, both of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  On the 31st ult. at the house of Mr. Sidney Skinner, by Rev. R.O. Beebe, Mr. Albert B. King, of North Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], to Miss Julia A. Skinner, of New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 6th inst., by Rev. W.T. Potter, Mr. Albert Ingraham, of McDonough [Chenango Co., NY], to Miss Charlotte A Webb, of Smithville [Chenango Co., NY].

Died:  In German [Chenango Co., NY], on the 3d inst., Harriet C. [Jacobson], daughter of Jacob and Rilla Jacobson, aged 16 years.

Died:  In Newark, Tioga Co. [NY], o the 24th ult., Wm. Copley, formerly of Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], aged 52 years.

Died:  In Norwich [Chenango co., NY], on the 2d inst., of consumption, Mrs. Huldah Thornton Wells, wife of Benjamin W. Wells, aged 43 years.

The Poisoning Case:  On Monday, of last week, says the Chenango Union, Albert Anderson, the hired man on the farm of Wm. Brooks, in New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], was arrested, charged with the crime of administering poison to Mr. Brooks. The examination took place at South New Berlin.  It lasted until Friday night, when Anderson was held for bail, and committed to the jail in Norwich.  The prisoner is a young man, only 19 years of age. We understand that the circumstances are strong against him.  Mr Brooks is still alive, though in a critical position.  

Chenango American, Greene, NY, June 17, 1858

Married:  In Cortland [Cortland Co., NY], on the 1st inst., Mr. S.E. Ensworth of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Emily L. Robinson, of the former place.

Died:  In this village [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], on the 12th inst., Mrs. Johanna Whitmore, aged 66 years.

Died:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 9th inst., Mr. Royal Coney, aged about 45 years.

Died:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 4th inst., Mr. Marshal Dodge, aged 70 years.

Died:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 9th inst., Polly [Smith], wife of Mr. Richard Smith, aged 70 years.

Died:  In Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], on the 10th inst., Polly [Loomis], wife of Mr. Edward Loomis, aged 76 years.

Died:  In Brookfield, Madison Co. [NY], on the 3d inst., Mr. Nathaniel Denison, aged 88 years.

Chenango American, Greene, NY, June 24, 1858

Married:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 16th inst., by Rev. H. Doane, Mr. Cyrus B. Martin, Editor of the Chenango Telegraph, to Miss Ann Vernette [Maydole], daughter of David Maydole, Esq. all of the above place.

Married:  At King's Settlement [Chenango Co., NY], on the 15th ult., by Rev. R.O. Beebe, Anson S. Gorham to Mary W. Bowdish, both of New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY].

Died:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 16th inst., Susan Hopkins, aged 78 years, relict of Frederick Hopkins, the last revolutionary pension of the town.

Died:  In Pitcher [Chenango Co., NY], on the 18th inst., Harriet B. [Burdick], daughter of Cary L. Beebe, and wife of Andrew H. Burdick, in the 45th year of her age.

Died:  In Poolville, Madison Co. [NY], on the 21st inst., Genevia A. [Colson], daughter of lyman Colson, aged 21 yrs. formerly a student of Oxford Academy.