Vital Records, Oxford, NY - January 1859

 Oxford Times, January 5, 1859

Married:  In the M.E. Church, in this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 30th ult. by Rev. A.T. Matteson, Benjamin F. Smith, M.D. of Mt. Upton [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Ellen L. Ives of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 4th inst., by Rev. A.T. Matteson, Mr. Seth W. Freeman of Brimfield, Ill. to Miss Amanda S. Dudley of this village.

Married:  At Portsmouth, Ohio, Dec. 20, 1858, by the Rev. E.P. Pratt, Mr. C.P. Tracy, formerly of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], to Miss Isabella McClain of Portsmouth.

Married:  In Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 3d inst., by the Rev. A. Huntington, Mr. G.A. Dodge, of the Broome Gazette, to Miss Carrie Rogers of Upper lisle, N.Y. [Broome Co.].

Oxford Times, January 12, 1858

Married:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango co., NY], on the 6th inst., by Rev. J.C. Ransom, Mr. Augustus B. Baxter to Miss Amanda S. Cole, both of Smithville [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  In Afton [Chenango Co., NY], Dec. 22, by Rev. E. Baldwin, Mr. Wilson Landers to Miss Almira E. Hunt.

Married:  also, by the same, Mr. Leroy Haynes to Miss Amy C. Hyer, both of Guilford [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  In Afton [Chenango Co., NY], on the 30th ult. by Rev. J.W. Mitchell, Mr. Hiram Fuller of Greene [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Julia M. MacDonald, of the former place.

Married:  In New York, on the 4th inst., by Rev. Mr. Hall, Mr. Lawrence Hooper to Miss Gertrude Hassert.

Died:  In West Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], Dec. 28, Ellen A. [Post], daughter of mr. Marin Post, aged 10 years.

Oxford Times, January 19, 1859

Married:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 6th inst. by Rev. A.T. Matteson, Mr. Thurston Green to Mrs. Nancy Foot, all of Oxford.

Married:  At Ketchumville, Tioga Co. [NY], Jan. 1st, by Rev. A. Woodworth, Mr. Samuel Perry of West Richford, Tioga Co. [NY] to Miss Eliza Gates of Maine, Broome Co. [NY].

Married:  In Morrisville [Madison Co., NY], on the 18th ult. by W.F. Bonny, Esq., Mr. Frederick D. Hollenbeck, of Georgetown [Madison Co., NY] to Miss Maria R. Holmes, of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY].

Died:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], the 13th inst., Miss Evelina Medrill?, aged 22 years.

Died:  In Cincinnatus [Cortland Co., NY] on the 7th inst. Betsey S. [Rose], wife of N.P. Rose, aged 49 years.

Oxford Times, January 26, 1859

Married:  In Harlem, Winnebago Co., Illinois, on Thursday Dec. 2d, by Rev. C. Anderson, Mr. Charles W. Hurlbut to Miss Hannah S. [Thompson], youngest daughter of Uriah Thompson, formerly of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY].

Died:  In Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], on 22d inst. Mr. John Skillen, aged 37 years.

Vital Records - Greene, NY - December 1858

 Chenango American, Greene, NY, December 2, 1858

Married:  In Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], on the 1st inst., by Rev. J.D. Webster, Mr. Wm. T. Tanner of Otego, Otsego Co., to Miss Lida A. Towns....? of the former place.

Married: In this village [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], on the 1st ult. by Rev. J.D. Webster, John M. Currier to Miss Catharine F. S...per?, all of Warren, Bradford Co., Pa.

Died:  In Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], on the 26th ult., Mr. William Knickerbacker, aged 80 years.

Died:  In this village [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], on the 20th ult., Mr. John Smith at the advanced age of 94 years.  The deceased was born in Cheshire, Conn.  About the commencement of this century, he left his native region, to endure the privations and trials incident to pioneer life.  He had early cultivated habits of industry, activity and enterprise, and enjoyed an unusual degree of health and vigor.  For nearly 40 years he resided in Smithville and during the last 17 years he was a citizen of this town, and at his decease was its oldest inhabitant.

Melancholy Accident:  On Saturday afternoon, 18th inst. John Cunningham, aged six years, son of John Cunningham, an Irishman residing near the Gas House, in this village [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], was playing on Water street with other boys as a lumber wagon, laden with heavy timber was going by, and John with three others climbed upon the load. The driver told the boys to get off.  They all complied, but John in jumping off stumbled and fell before one of the wheels, which passed over his head, killing him almost instantly.

A Fraud:  We published last week, says the Chenango Union [Norwich, NY], a notice of the marriage of Jas. O'Connell of Colesville [Broome Co., NY], to Miss Emily Neurse.  We have a letter signed by James O'Connell stating that the notice was a fraud, as he has not been married at all.  The letter containing the notice is signed with the name of the clergyman who is said to have officiated at the pretended ceremony.  Such frauds are becoming quite common. We will pay liberally for the name of a perpetrator of one of these outrages on us.

Drowned in Lock No. 68:  The body of an unknown man was found in lock sixty-eight of the Chenango Canal, in the town of Madison, Madison Co. [NY]. The man was apparently about 55 years of age; had on a dark brown overcoat, a light brown undercoat, black pants, black vest, double breasted with gilt buttons.  He had on a pair of boots nearly new; on the inside of one of them was "N. Coswell."  In his pockets was a purse and port monnale(?), but no money.  In the left overcoat pocket was found a stone of about 4 lbs weight, the other pocket was torn off. There were no marks of violence on the body.  A person answering his description stayed in Hamilton, Friday night, paid his bill, and it was observed that he had quite a sum of money, and also a carpet bag in his possession.  From the fact that neither the money or carpet bag was found with him, the inference is that a terrible crime has been committed. The Coroner commenced an investigation, but adjourned one week in the hope of gathering further particulars.  There would seem to be little doubt from the facts already obtained, that the man was robbed and thrown into the canal.

Chenango American, Greene, NY, December 9, 1858

Married:  In McDonough [Chenango Co., NY], on the 3d ult. by Rev. E. Holroyd, Mr. Henry A. Button, of Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Harriet M. Wilcox, of the former place.

Married:  On the 22d ult., by D. Livermore, Esq., Mr. Benjamin F. Baker, of Smyrna [Chenango Co., NY], to Miss Eunice A. Root, of Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY].

Died:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 3d inst., Sally B. [Havens], wife of Mr. John Havens, aged 70 years.

Died:  In Coventry [Chenango Co., NY], on the 26th ult. Mr. William Bush, aged 73 years and 8 months, and for many years a resident of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY].

Died:  At Leonardsville, Madison Co. [NY], Dec. 1st, of a short but painful illness, William Henry Brown, son of Daniel Brown, aged 31 years.

Chenango Union, Greene, NY, December 23, 1858

Married:  In Chenango Forks [Broome Co., NY], on Sunday Eve., the 19th inst., by Rev. P. Lockwood, Mr. M.M. Babcock, late of this village [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], to Miss Carrie C. Rogers, daughter of John H. Rogers, Esq., of the former place.

Married:  In Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 16th inst. by Rev. Mr. Johnson, Mr. Joseph C Hare Jr. of Great Barrington, Mass. to Miss Alice Hall, daughter of John P. Hall, Esq. of the former place.

Married:  In this town [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], on the 18th inst. by Warren Gray, Esq., Russell Cady, to Mrs. Alvira Lawton, all of this town.

Married:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 15th inst. by Rev. J.C. Ransom, Mr. Dorus Holmes to Miss Mary M. Preston, both of Oxford.

Married:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 18th inst. by Rev. J.O. Ransom, Mr. Edmund S. Burgess of this village [Greene, Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Amelia L. Knickerbocker, of Smithville [Chenango Co., NY].

Died:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 15th inst. Mr. Ranslow Westover, aged 49 years.

Died:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 12th inst. Mr. Jas. Willoughby, aged 48 years.

Died:  In McDonough [Chenango Co., NY], on the 19th ult. Mr. Nelson Coville, aged 47 years.

Died:  In Pharsalia [Chenango Co., NY], suddenly on the 30th ult., Mr. F.M. Wardell, aged 81 years.

Died:  In Wellsboro, Pa. on the 10th inst. Sophia Jeannette Hoyt, wife of Mr. Joseph Hoyt, formerly of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], aged 27 years and 8 months.

Died:  In Hamilton, N.Y. [Madison Co.], on the 11th ult. Mr. Adelma? Bardeen aged 29 years.

Departed this life in Greene, Chenango Co. N.Y. Dec. 10th, 1858, David Lowell, aged 79 years and 7 months.  After suffering two years with a cancer, in much pain, the last three months of his life, he suffered beyond measure.  He bore it with much fortitude of mind, till death.  His wife has lost a faithful companion, his children a kind and affectionate father, and [the] community has lost a good inhabitant.  He has gone to his rest and left a good name which is rather to be chosen than riches. The writer addressed a large and an attentive congregation on Job. 14 chap. 1 verse.  

Chenango American, December 30, 1858

Married:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on Thursday morning, Dec. 23d, by Rev. H. Doane, Mr. Thomas Milner to Miss Charlotte C. Talcott, all of Norwich.

Married:  In Columbus [Chenango Co., NY], on the 15th inst. by Rev. S.S. Cady, Mr. Charles A. Crego to Ann Eliza Nichols, all of Columbus.

Married:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 22d inst., by Rev. J.C. Ransom, Mr. George C. Miller of Butternuts [Otsego co., NY] to Miss Maria E. Alcott of Guilford [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 26th inst. by Rev. W.T. Potter, Mr. A.J. Northrup, of Woodhull, Steuben Co. [NY] to Miss Sallie M. Norris, of Oxford.

Married:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 22d inst. by Rev. D.H. Macurdy, Mr. Hiram D. Walworth to Miss Elizabeth Smith, all of the above place.

Married:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 16th inst. by Rev., W.T. Potter, Mr. Lyman Hall to Miss Lucetia M. Wade, both of Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY].

Died:  In this town [Greene, Chenango co., NY], on the 29th inst., Mrs. Charity Low, relict of Daniel Low, deceased, aged 84 years.

Died:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 28th inst., Mary [Ransom], wife of Rev. J.C. Ransom, aged 52 years.

Died:  In Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], Dec. 21st, Elizabeth [Poultney], wife of Mr. Henry Poultney, aged 56 years.

Drowned:  We learn that a widow lady, named Polly Gritmon, aged fifty-two years, was drowned in crossing Castle Creek [Broome Co., NY], about two miles below the village on Wednesday last (22d inst.)

It appears that she was living with her son, Sylvanus Gritmon, and left his residence on Tuesday, to visit her son-in-law, Joseph Shephard, who lives about two miles distant, across the creek, on Oak Hill, where she arrived in safety.  She left her son-in-law's, to return home, on Wednesday, and proceeded as far as the creek, which was very much swollen by the recent heavy rains, when, on attempting to cross a foot bridge, composed of two logs covered with plank, she lost her balance and was plunged into the rapid current.  She was not missed until Friday morning, when she was found about half a mile below the foot bridge, where she had washed ashore.  Persons were near enough to have rendered assistance, had not her clothes been thrown over her head in such a manner as to prevent her from making any signal of distress.  One of her sons, upon hearing the sad fate of his mother, became, insane, and has remained in a deranged state of mind ever since the melancholy occurrence.  Broome Gazette

Died:  Thomas B. Curran, formerly a resident of Oneida County [NY], died at the residence of H.B. Stetson, Cherry Valley, Winnebago County, Ill. on the 11th inst. Mr. Stetson requests publication of this fact for the information of the friends of the deceased; and also that those friends may learn something of importance to them by corresponding with him at the above address.  The deceased had a brother, a Methodist preacher, supposed to be living in Pennsylvania, and has, probably, other friends in this vicinity.

Vital Records - Oxford, NY, December 1858

 Oxford Times, December 1, 1858

Married:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 24th Nov., by Rev. J.C. Ransom, Mr. George Godfrey to Miss Jane E. Burlisson, both of Guilford [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  In McDonough [Chenango Co., NY], on 23d Nov. by Rev. J.C. Ransom, Mr. James G. Smith to Miss Lydia Whipple, both of McDonough.

Married:  In North McDonough [Chenango Co., NY], Nov. 24th, by Rev. S.N. Wescott, Mr. Henry Miller of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], to Miss Emma J. Lamb of the former place.

Died:  In Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], Nov. 20, Catharine E. [Baldwin], wife of Mr William Baldwin, aged 48 years.

Died:  In Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], on the 26th Nov., Mr. William Knickerbacker, aged 80 years.

Died:  in Coventry [Chenango Co., NY], on the 15th of Nov. Mr. William Bush, aged 73 years and 8 months, formerly and for many years a resident of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY].

Sad Casualty:  An old inhabitant, Mr. James Bennett, of this town [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], was found on the floor of his barn, on Thursday afternoon last, in a state in insensibility, from wounds received by a fall.  The circumstances were such as to leave no doubt that in attempting to ascend a ladder he lost his hold, and was precipitated to the floor and was found in the exact position in which he fell.  Medical aid was obtained immediately upon his discovery, but his collar bone was found fractured, the skull much injured, and he did not survive the night.  Mr. Bennett was 84 years of age at the time of his death, and one of the first adventurers who came to this then unbroken forest.  He had lived in this town 65 years, having come hither with his father in 1792, when but 19 years of age.  He was one of a family of thirteen children, all of whom attained their majority and were settled in life.  Mr. Bennett had a remarkably retentive memory, and his rehearsal of early incident and adventure was frequently quite interesting.  He came with his father from Great Bend, on the Susquehanna, up the river by canoe, ascended the Chenango in like manner, there being else no roads or means of conveyance, and saw but one house between this place and Binghamton, at Chenango Forks. When he reached here there was but one house in town.  There had, then, been no mills erected, and the family were obliged to break up their grain in a mortar, until the father had contrived a small hand mill which supplied not only the wants of his own family, but was frequently resorted to by the early settlers upon the Unadilla.  Mr. Bennett delighted to tell of the days when marked trees were the only means of tracing the pathways of the forest, and he visited Norwich when it was houseless to find the trees swaying with pigeon nests, the remnant of the feathered encampment of the previous year, upon the present site of that now flourishing village.  Mr. Bennett had resided fifty-nine years upon the same farm upon which he died.  Thus has passed from us one of our oldest, most respected, and useful citizens, the hardy adventurer, the kind neighbor, the industrious husbandman, the venerable ancestor of a numerous, thrifty and intelligent posterity.

Oxford Times, December 8, 1858

Died:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 5th inst., Sally B. [Havens], wife of Mr. John Havens, aged 70 years.

Died:  In Freetown, Cortland Co. [NY], on 28th ult., Mr. Jason Smith, aged 71 years.

Died:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 20th ult., Mr. John Smith, at the advanced aged of 94 years.

Oxford Times, December 15, 1858

Died:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 12th inst., Mr. James Willoughby, aged 48 years.

Died:  In McDonough [Chenango Co., NY], 19th Nov., Mr. Nelson Coville, aged 47 years.

Oxford Times, December 22, 1858

Married:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 15th inst., by Rev. JC. Ransom, Mr. Dorus Holmes to Miss Mary M. Preston, both of Oxford.

Married:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 18th int., by Rev. J.C. Ransom, Mr. Edmund S. Burgess of Greene [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Amelia L. Knickerbacker of Smithville [Chenango Co., NY].

Died:  In Wellsboro, Pa., on the 10th inst., Sophia Jeannette Hoyt, wife of Mr. Joseph Hoyt, and daughter, of Col. Levi Chubbuck, aged 27 years and 8 months, formerly of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY].

A murder case is reported at Cazenovia [Madison Co., NY].  A man named Preston Farnham was found dead in the shed of a hotel in that village, on Tuesday night, with marks of violence upon his throat, indicating that he had been strangled.  It appears that Farnham had that day sold a load of pork with the proceeds of which he went on a spree.  He was known to have some $85 in his pocket, and a German who has suddenly disappeared is suspected of committing the murder.

Oxford Times, December 29, 1858

Married:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 22d inst., by Rev. J.C Ransom, Mr. George C. Miller of Butternuts [Otsego Co., NY] to Miss Maria E Alcott of Guilford [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 26th inst., by Rev. W.T. Potter, Mr. A.J. Northrup of Woodhull, Steuben Co. [NY], to Miss Sally M. Norris of Oxford.

Married:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 22d inst. by Rev. D.H. Macurdy, Mr. Hiram D. Walworth to Miss Elizabeth Smith, all of this village.

Married:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 16th inst., by Rev. W.T. Potter, Mr. Lyman Hall to Miss Lucetta M. Wade, both of Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 14th inst., by Rev. W.T. Potter, Mr. James H. Day of Guilford [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Rosina Barber of Norwich..

Married:  At Chenango Forks [Broome Co., NY], on 19th inst., by Rev. Mr. Lockwood, Mr. M.M. Babcock, late of Greene [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Carrie C. Rogers.

Married:  In Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 16th inst., by Rev. Mr. Johnson, , Mr. Joseph C. Hare, Jr., of Great Barrington, Mass. to Miss Alice Hall, daughter of John P. Hall, Esq.

Died:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 29th inst., Mary [Ransom], wife of Rev. J.C. Ransom, aged 52 years.

Died:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on 10th inst., Mr. David Lowell, aged 79 years.

Vital Records - Greene, NY - November 1858

 Chenango American, Greene, NY, November 4, 1858

Married:  In this town [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], on the 22th ult., by Rev. Jas. D. Webster, Mr. H.N. Furlow, to Miss Julia Springsten, all of the above place.

Married:  In Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], on the 3d inst., by Rev. D.C. Dutcher, Mr. Wesley Warren, of this town [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], to Miss Mary A. Coles, of the former place.

Died:  In Preston [Chenango Co., NY], on the 27th ult., of Consumption, Miss Eliza A. Brown, daughter of Dudley Brown, aged 24 years.

Died:  In McDonough [Chenango Co., NY], on the 26th ult., Miss Sarah D. Nichols, aged 19 years.

Died:  In Columbus [Chenango Co., NY], on the 10th ult., Mrs. Minewell [Storrs], wife of Dea. Benj. Storrs, aged 80 years.

Died:  Suddenly, in consequence of an accident on the cars of the Buffalo, New York and Erie Rail Road, Oct. 28th, 1858, Silas M. [Read], son of Merick and Loly Read, of this village [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], of this village, aged 18 years.  The death of this youth has crushed parental hearts and elicited the deepest sympathy throughout this community.  He had just left home for the West to begin, in a measure, life for himself, when the tidings of his sudden and shocking death, by the cars being thrown from the track, came back to bow the hearts of the family circle in sorrow to the earth.  Under this terrible calamity the voice of Divine chastisement seems to proclaim, "Be still and know that I am God."  Surely His ways are not as our ways, nor His thoughts as our thoughts.  It is indeed difficult for the heart of yearning parental affection to say "Thy will be done."  It is in events of clouded character, like these, so unfathomable by human penetration that we are compelled to look beyond this world, to the light of a higher state of knowledge and vision, to learn their full interpretation and significance. The funeral services were attended on Sunday last from the Episcopal Church, when a sermon was preached by the Pastor in connection with this thrilling dispensation of mystery and sorrow.  The church was crowded to its utmost capacity, and the services participated in by the concourse of friends and neighbors, with evidences on their part of the deepest sympathy. The young especially in large numbers, sought in all possible ways to attest their sympathetic feelings, and their sense of personal grief for the loss of a companion whom they had known and loved.  Fourteen of their number of about the age of the deceased, his former school fellows and mates, attended as pall-bearers, and dropped their twigs of evergreen, symbols of enduring affection and hope for the future, into his opened grave.

"On now, his requiem is done, / The Last deep prayer is said, / On to his burial, comrades, on. / With a friend and brother dead! / Slow, for it presses heavily / A manly form ye bear! / Slow, for our thoughts dwell wearily / On the youthful sleeper there.

"Rest now! his journeying is done / Your feet are on his sod / Death's blow has fell'd a noble one / He waiteth here his God. / Ah, turn and weep, tis  manliness / To be heart broken here / For the grave of one, the best of us, / Is water's by the tear."

Death of Silas M. Read

It is with emotions of no ordinary character that we chronicle the sudden decease of Silas M. Read, of this village [Greene, Chenango Co., NY].  The funeral knell often summons us to mourn departed friends, often reminds us that we are all traveling the great highway which leads to the portals of the tomb, yet rarely does it fall with such a heavy shock upon the ear, and seldom does it reveal so vividly and with such terrible distinctness the frail tenure of our hold upon this life, as it does when it warns us of the violent death of one who but a few hours previous we had known in the full enjoyment of perfect health, with a bright promise of many years of usefulness and happiness.

The youth whose sudden departure we are called upon to record, was a young man of rare qualities.  All who knew him remember well his kind and amiable disposition, his modest and unassuming deportment.  Friendly to all, unkind to none, his manly bearing won the respect and esteem of each of his associates.  Possessed of a fair education, he had made business arrangements in the West, in which he was to commence the active duties of life.  On Wednesday, the 27th ult. he left his parental roof on his journey thither  In a few brief hours he had started upon that long, long voyage from which no traveler returns, and all that remained on this earth of Silas Read, was returned to his sorrowful, stricken family and friends, to be deposited in the cold grave.  He who "Reaps the bearded grain at a breath, / And the flowers that grow between!"  saw fit, in His mysterious Providence, to remove him from the scenes of earth, by a sudden and afflicting dispensation. The  manner of his death may be learned from the painful particulars of the accident on the Buffalo, New York and Erie Railroad, which we publish. 

His funeral, on Sabbath last, was largely attended, especially by the young, who were his companions and associates.  The kindred of the deceased desire us to return their grateful thanks to the citizens and friends, for their kind and generous sympathy in this overwhelming bereavement, and for their efforts to pour the oil of consolation upon wounded and lacerated hearts.  May it be long ere we are called upon to record a similar calamity. 

Chenango American, Greene, NY, November 11, 1858

Married:  In this village [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], on the 9th inst. by Rev. Jas. D. Webster, Mr. John C. Marcy, of Coventry [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Eliza J. Carter, of the former place.

Married:  In Oneonta [Otsego Co., NY], on the 28th ult., by Rev. Mr. Early, Mr. A.S. Gaskin, of Utica [Oneida Co., NY], to Miss M. Louise Phelps, of the former place.

Married:  In Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY], September 29th, by Rev. C. Bennett, Mr. John Doing, to Miss Emily J. Taylor, both of Plymouth.

Married:  In Pharsalia [Chenango Co., NY], on the 17th ult., by Rev. F.H. Hill, Mr. William Perry White of Pharsalia, to Miss Julia A. Bartlett, of Bethany, Genesee Co. [NY].

Married:  At the Lewis House in Binghamton [Broome Co., NY], by Rev. T. Dwight Walker, Mr. J. Bailey Richardson of Lowell, Mass., to Miss Elizabeth J. Moulter of the former place, daughter of Michael Moulter, Esq.

Died:  At Steamboat Rock, Iowa, October 25th, Mr. William H. Bennett, son of Hon. Harmon Bennett, of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], aged 22 years.

Died:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 6th inst., Ella Jane [Lownsberry], daughter of Benj. F. and Charlotte Lownsberry, aged 4 months.

Died:  In Preston [Chenango Co., NY], on the 5th inst., Orlin [Beardsley], son of Mr. Orlando Beardsley, aged 8 years.

Chenango American, Greene, NY, November 18, 1858

Married:  In Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], on the 4th inst., by Rev. A. McDougal, Mr. Dwight I. Boyce, to Miss Betsy Ann Adams, both of Sherburne.

Married:  At the same time and place, and by the same, Albert Aldrich, of Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Sarah Ann Dimmick, formerly of Plymouth.

Married:  In Homer [Cortland Co., NY], on the 11th inst., by Rev. Albert Bigelow, Mr. Nathan Randall, of Syracuse [Onondaga Co., NY] to Mrs. Emily Miller, of Homer.

Died:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 28th of Oct. Esther Kelso, in the 46th year of her age.

Chenango American, Greene, NY, November 25, 1858

Married:  In McDonough [Chenango Co., NY], on the 31st ult. by Rev. Mr. Holroyd, Mr. Hiram Hotchkiss of this town [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], to Miss Harriet M. Perkins, of Smithville [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  In Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], on the 17th inst., by Rev. A. McDougall, Mr. J.C. Harrington, of Fulton [Oswego Co., NY], Miss Mary E Whitney, of Sherburne.

Died:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 10th inst., Mrs. Polly Davis, aged 94 years.

Frozen to Death:  On Friday last, the body of a man named Eugene Riley, an Irishman, about 55 years of age, who for some time past has led a vagabond life, was found in the shed adjoining the school house, on the east side of the river, two miles above this village, frozen to death  He had a jug by his side, partially filled with whiskey.  He had been missing for nearly a week, and had undoubtedly lain there that length of time.  The verdict of the Coroner's jury was death by intoxication and exposure.

Died, in Coventry, Chenango County [NY], on Monday the 15th inst., William Bush, aged 73 years and 8 months.  Mr. Bush was born in Sheffield, Berkshire County, Mass., April 15th, 1785, and in the same Fall, came to what is now Chenango County, where he has ever since resided.  He was the first white boy brought into Chenango County.  He may well have been called the oldest inhabitant.  He lived to a good and honorable old age, and died respected and lamented by a large circle of relatives and friends.  Broome Rep.

Chenango American, Greene, NY, November 4, 1858

Death of Hon. Alvah Hunt:  We have to record this week the death, suddenly, by apoplexy, of Hon. Alvah Hunt, on the 28th ultimo, aged about 60 years.  Mr. H. was formerly for many years a resident of this village, having come here when quite a youth  He was engaged through a long period, in mercantile pursuits, in which he became successful.  He was at various times honored by offices of trust and prominence in the State.  He was twice sent to the State Senate from this District, and twice consecutively was he elected as Treasurer of the State.  Possessed as he was of decided executive ability, with a ready and extended knowledge of men and of the means of political advancement, he exerted at times large influence in the political organization with which he acted.  During the few later years of his life he had withdrawn from the arena of politics, and residing in the city of New York, until the time of his death, was connected with the Desmoines Navigation and Improvement Company, as Treasurer.  Mr. H. was a self made man, having arisen to the position he occupied, from a condition of poverty, by native force of talent and character.

Nor was he willing as too many men who have attained to competency of means, to settle down with indifference to the resources of knowledge which lay open around him in life.  He was a diligent and careful reader, lingering often over his books till beyond the midnight hour. Thus was much of the leisure from the claims of business spent.  In this way he gathered from the recorded thoughts of other minds a large stock of varied information and his sagacious and ready talent brought this knowledge to bear in the social interchanges of life.  From these intellectual tastes and aptitudes he was an interesting talker; apt and copious in fact and anecdote, clear in his conception of a point under discussion, and vigorous in the expression of his thoughts in the play of conversational intercourse.

These very brief notices of one who sleeps in our midst, have been hastily thrown together by one who knew him as a neighbor, who had never aught but kindly intercourse with him, and who would breathe over his new made grave that sentiment which the kind heart will feel even towards an enemy gone,  much more a friend, Requiescat in pace,  "May he rest in peace."

Fatal Railroad Accident on the Buffalo, New York & Erie Railroad - October 1858

Fatal Railroad Accident on the Buffalo, New York and Erie Railroad 

Chenango American, Greene, NY, November 4, 1855

A frightful and fatal accident occurred on the Buffalo, New York and Erie Railroad, Thursday morning, the 28th ult., about one and a half miles above Conesus station, and about 55 miles west of Corning.

Owing to the fact that one of the killed, and two of those injured were residents of this village [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], the particulars and incidents connected therewith possess a melancholy interest to our readers.  Hence, we have been to some pains to glean from the many reports in circulation, the real nature of the disaster and its results.  For a large portion of our information, we are indebted to Mr. Mesick Read, the father of the young man killed, and to Mr. Lyman Beach, father of Mrs. Terwilliger, who was injured, both gentlemen having visited the scene of the accident, the latter remaining there some days.

The cause of the accident is generally attributed to a too high rate of speed consistent with the state of the road, and the curve which they were turning.  The train was behind time, and was running so rapidly as to cause the remark by people who witnessed the smash up, that it was unsafe, and so it most fearfully proved. The direct cause of the accident was the spreading of the rails, under the tender, leaving the baggage car and the two passenger cars, of which the train consisted, to run upon the ties, while the locomotive and tender were upon the track. The whole train moved in this manner about twenty rods, when the passenger cars became detached from the baggage car and left the track and ran on the embankment by its side, the forward one running into and partially demolishing an Irish shanty. The shanty, no doubt, save it from the fate which the last car met; as it was, the passengers in it received some abrasions, but no one was severely hurt.  It was left in the shanty, with the floor at angle of forty-five degrees. The occupants of the shanty, a woman and three children, saved themselves by sudden flight when the work of mischief began.

The engine did not leave the track at all, but ran some distance, leaving the tender and baggage car at a cattle guard.

The scene of horror was at the wreck of the last car, and this is described by those who witnessed it as a painful one indeed.  This car ran into an embankment and was thrown upon its side, the forward part being considerably the lowest. The car was pretty much smashed into pieces.  Not a seat was left in its place, and scarcely enough of the wreck to indicate the form of the body. The unfortunate passengers, some thirty or forty in number, suffered severely.  All of those who were seated upon the right side of the car were thrown to the left side, and towards the forward part of the car, which was the lowest.

The passengers who were uninjured at once ran to the assistance of those who were, and helped them from the rooms.  Two men were instantly killed, and an infant so much injured that it died soon after.

Mr. O. Hurd, an elderly gentleman of Newark, Wayne Co. was instantly killed.  His chief injuries were about the head.  Mr. H. was an extensive stock broker, spending much of his time in New York and the West.

Mr. and Mrs. Monroe, of Dansville, were on board, and Mrs. M. had an infant in her arms, eight months old.  All were severely injured, and the babe so that it died in about an hour.  The parents will probably survive.

The other one who was killed, was Silas M. Read, of this village [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], who was on his way to the West. When taken from the wreck he was barely alive, and immediately thereafter expired.

Mr. and Mrs. David Terwilliger, formerly of this town [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], now residents of Sparta, Wis., who had been here on a visit, and were on their return West, were badly hurt.  Mr. Terwilliger, had one eye injured and it was feared that he was internally injured.  Mrs. Terwilliger, was seriously damaged. They were both removed to a house near by, where they now are, and, as we are informed by their friends who have visited them, are in an improving condition, and quite likely to recover.  Mrs. T.'s ribs were not broken as was reported.

Mr. Case, mother and daughter, residence not stated, were all injured.

Mathias Fox, of Avoca, Steuben Co. [NY], was dangerously injured.  He had a nephew and a friend with him, both injured, the latter considerably.

Elias Khun, a German, of New York, was badly hurt.

H.M. Valentine, of New York, said to be a drover, was much injured, but insisted upon being taken home, and was removed on the next train.

J.R. Paddock, of Terre Haute, Ind., is seriously injured and is in a dangerous condition, and unable to be moved.

Mr. Nellis or Willis and his nephew, from St. Johnsville, Montgomery Co., [NY], were also badly hurt, but they went on their journey.

Miss Rozencrante, of Hammondsport had a severe cut over an eye, but went to Buffalo on her way to Wisconsin.

Jas. McDonald, and another brakeman on the train were considerably injured.

Wm. McEwen, of Ashtabula, Ohio, was considerably injured, but went on his journey.

The above list, we believe, comprises all who were enough injured to cause them any detention.

Henry Burrows, formerly of this village [Greene, Chenango Co., NY] and lately of Coventry, was in company with Mr. Read and Mr. Terwilliger, traveling westward. he was sitting in the same seat with Mr. Read (who was killed), and miraculously escaped without any injury.  He remained with Mr. and Mrs. Terwilliger, until their friends, who were immediately telegraphed to, had come.

The passengers speak in the highest praise of the people residing near the scene of the accident, as well as of the superintendent and physicians of Livonia, and other places.  

The wounded are having the best of care, and nothing that can be done to relieve the sufferings of the unfortunate ones is left undone.

The Coroner's jury found a mild verdict, exonerating the company from all blame, but at the same time expressing an opinion that they were at too great a speed to run upon curves.

This is the first instance in a long series of years that our community has been startled by news of this nature, wherein our own neighbors were so deeply interested.  Of course much excitement prevailed upon receipt of the fatal intelligence, and a lively interest is felt for the recovery of those who survive d the dreadful calamity. 

Vital Records - Oxford, NY - 1858

 Oxford Times, November 3, 1858

Married:  In this village [Bainbridge, Chenango Co., NY], on the 1st inst., by Rev. J.C. Ransom, Mr. Benjamin Rowe to Miss Sarah E. Severn, both of Butternuts [Otsego Co., NY].

Death of Hon. Alvah Hunt:  This former citizen of Chenango [County, NY], died in New York on Thursday last, of paralysis.  Mr. Hunt was formerly a prominent citizen of Greene [Chenango Co., NY], and esteemed by a large circle of acquaintance and friends.  He is remembered by those who had the opportunity to know him, as a man of warm heart and generous social qualities, and always most happy when surrounded by his friends at his own fireside.  Mr. Hunt occupied a seat in the Senate of this State from this district from 1839 to 1843, and subsequently was elected State Treasurer.  For a few years past he had made his residences at New York, as Treasurer of the Desxcines(?) Railroad and Navigation Company.  His death will be a great shock to many remaining friends, but to his wife, herself a hopeless invalid, and the subject of great care and concern to Mr. Hunt, his loss is an irreparable bereavement.

Oxford Times, November 10, 1858

Married:  In Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], on the 3d inst., by Rev. D.C. Dutcher, Mr. Wesley Warren of Greene [Chenango Co., NY], to Miss Mary A Coles of the former place.

Died:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 6th inst., Ella Jane [Lownsberry], daughter of Benj. F. and Charlotte Lownsberry, aged 4 months.

Died:  In Preston [Chenango Co., NY] on the 5th inst., Orlin [Beardsley], son of Mr. Orlando Beardsley, aged 3 years.

Oxford Times, November 17, 1858

Married:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 9th inst., by Rev. J.D. Webster, Mr. John C. Marcy of Coventry [Chenango Co., NY], to Miss Eliza J. Carter of Greene.  

Extraordinary Longevity:  Died at the residence of her son, Peter Arthur, in Vernon, Oneida Co. [NY], near Bennett's Corners, Oct. 16th, Mrs. Elizabeth Arthur, at the advanced age of one hundred and seven years four months and two days!  Her health was remarkably good up to the hour of her death.  She ate her dinner at about half past twelve o'clock, and died at five, like one going to sleep.  Hamilton Rep.

Oxford Times, November 24, 1858

Married:  In Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], on the 4th inst., by Rev. A. McDougal, Mr Dwight I. Boyce, to Miss Betsy A. Adams, both of Sherburne.

Vital Records - Greene, NY - October 1858

 Chenango American, Greene, NY, October 7, 1858

Married:  In this village, on the 3d inst.., by Rev. Jas. D. Webster Mr. J.R. Moore to Miss Mary A. Morse, both of McDonough [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  At the Baptist Church, in Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 30th ult. by Rev. W.T. Potter, Mr. Luke M. Robinson of South Oxford, to Miss Maria L. Fish, of Oxford.

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

Married:  In Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY], on the 16th ult., by Rev. E. D. Thurston, Mr. Austin F. Cox, to Miss Fanny M. Shoales, all of Plymouth.

Died:  In Earlville [Madison Co., NY], on the 29th ult., Mr. Henry Waters, aged 70 years.

Died:  In Preston [Chenango Co., NY], on the 2d inst., after a very short illness, Miss Emma [Brown], daughter of Dudley Brown, aged 18 years.

Died:  In New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], on 23d ult. Mrs. Mary E. Aynsworth, wife of Albert Aynsworth, aged 21 years and 10 months.

Chenango American, Greene, NY, October 14, 1858

Married:  In Coventry [Chenango Co., NY], on Thursday morning, the 14th inst. by Rev. M.M. Everts, Mr. Corydon D. Ross of Cincinnatus, Cortland Co. [NY], to Miss Jennie E Jones, of the former place.

Married:  In this town [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], on the 10th inst., by Rev. D.C. Dutcher, Mr. Freeman Wedge, to Miss Mary Salisbury, all of the above place.

Married:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 5th inst., by Rev. J.C. Ransom, Mr. Harris R. Rowlinson, of Smithville [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Mary Ann Tillotson, of Oxford.

Married:  in Binghamton [Broome Co., NY], on the 28th ult. by Rev. S.N. Stimpson, Mr. Bruce Read, of Smithville [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Mary J. Hill, of McDonough [Chenango Co., NY].

Died:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 6th inst. Miss Hattie E Haynes of Fayette [Chenango Co., NY] aged 17 years.

Died: In Norwich [Chenango, Co., NY] on the 3d inst., Mrs. Nancy Scherer, aged 19 years.

A Contemptible Scoundrel:  Somebody sent us from Nineveh, Broome Co [NY] enclosed in an envelope, a notice of the marriage of Mr. George W. Butler to Miss Abby Williams, of Nineveh, which was published in our issue of Sept. 22d.  The appearance of the letter and notice were such as to disarm all suspicion, the letter being signed with the name of the Clergyman who was represented to have officiated at the pretended ceremony.  This is the second time we have been thus imposed upon. We will pay a liberal reward for the name of the perpetrator of the dastardly outrage upon the young lady whom it was doubtless intended, thro' us, to insult.  Chenango Union  Any person who would commit such an infamous and cowardly act as the above, should be tarred and feathered and treated to a free ride, on a three cornered chestnut rail, accompanied by a generous cow-hiding.  We hope the wretch may be found out.

The Murder Case in Broome Co.:  In the case of Oliver Howard, who killed his two little boys, in Maine, Broome Co. [NY], it was decided that he was insane, and the Court ordered him sent to the Lunatic Asylum.

Chenango American, Greene, NY, October 21, 1858

Married:  In this town [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], on the 20th inst., by Rev. Jas. D. Webster, Mr. A.P. Peck, to Miss Rhoda A. Wagner, all of the above place.

Married:  In this town [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], on the 20th inst., by Rev. Jas. D. Webster, Mr. G.R. Jacobson, of German [Chenango Co., NY], to Miss M.J. Tyler, of the former place.

Married:  In this village [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], on the 21st inst. by Rev. Jas. D. Webster, Mr. M.S. Hotchkiss, of Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], to Miss A.A. Hotchkiss, daughter of Stephen Hotchkiss of Cairo, Greene, Co., N.Y.

Married:  In Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], on the 17th inst. by William Pendleton, Esq., Mr. Alexander Leach, to Miss Orrilla McClure, all of East Greene [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 14th inst. by Rev. W.T. Potter, James Ferguson, Esq., of Smithville, to Miss Frances M. Pendleton, of Norwich.

Married:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 14th inst., by Rev. W.T. Potter, Mr. Geo. Anderson, to Miss Cornelia Morse, all of Guilford [Chenango Co., NY].

Died:  In Mt. Upton [Chenango Co., NY], on the 8th inst. of consumption, Phebe [Graves], wife of J.D .Graves, aged 38 years.

Died:  In this town [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], on the 18th inst., Willie [Bingham], infant son of Frederick M., and Mariett E. Bingham.

Chenango American, Greene, NY, October 28, 1858

Married:  At the bride's father's in East Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 21st inst., by Rev. D.C. Dutcher, Mr. E. Ward Brown, of New Haven [Oswego Co., NY], to  Miss Caroline King, of the former place.

Married:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 20th inst. by Rev. H. Doane, Mr. John Arnold, of Binghamton [Broome Co., NY], to Miss Bridget Crayton of the former place.

Vital Records - Oxford, NY - October 1858

 Oxford Times, October 6, 1858

Married:  At the Baptist Church in this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY] on the 30th ult., by Rev. W.T. Potter, Mr. Luke M. Robinson of South Oxford, to Miss Maria L. Fish of Oxford.

Married:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on 29th ult., by Rev. J.D. Webster, Mr. J.E. Tenbroeck of Troupsburgh, Steuben Co. [NY], to Miss Mary A. Miller of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 29th ult. by Rev. J.D. Webster, Mr. Jesse Bartoo to Miss Henrietta Bixby, both of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY].

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

Died:  In New York, on 27th ult. Gerrit H. Van Wagenen, Esq., in the 58th year of his age.

Died:  In Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], on the 10th Sept. Almira Delphene [Landers], only child of Avery D. and Harriet Landers, aged 5 years.  "Sleep on sweet Della, take thy rest, / Thy sufferings all are o'er; / Now sweetly on thy Savior's breast / Thou wilt repose for evermore."

Oxford Times, October 13, 1858

Married:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 5th inst. by Rev. J.C. Ransom, Mr. Harris R. Rowlinson of Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], to Miss Mary Ann Tillotson of Oxford.

Married:  In Troy [Rensselaer Co., NY], on the 5th inst., by the Rev. J.N. Parker, Mr. John C. Cole to Miss Lydia M. Tomlinson, all of Troy.

Married:  In Binghamton [Broome Co., NY], on the 28th ult. by Rev. S.M. Stimpson, Mr. Bruce Read of Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], to Miss Mary J. Hill of McDonough [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 3d inst., by Rev. J.D. Webster, Mr. J.R Moore to Miss Mary A. Morse, both of McDonough [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  In Coventry [Chenango Co., NY], Sept. 21st, by Rev. I.B. Hoyt, Mr. Sylvester C. Packard to Miss Emeline S. Kies, both of Coventry.

Married:  by the same, Oct. 6th, Mr. Whitmore Dusenbery of Windsor [Broome Co., NY], to Miss Lucinda Jane Talman of Coventry [Chenango Co., NY], 

Married:  By the same, Oct. 7, Mr. Lucius O. Whitmore of Guilford [Chenango Co. NY] to Miss Rebecca M. Benedict of Coventry [Chenango Co., NY].

Died:  In Earlville [Madison Co., NY], on the 29th ult. Mr.  Henry Waters, aged 70 years.

Died:  In Preston [Chenango Co., NY], on the 2d inst. Emma [Brown], daughter of Dudley Brown, aged 18 years.

Oxford Times, October 20, 1858

Married:  In Preston [Chenango Co., NY], Oct. 6th, by Rev. W.T. Potter, Mr. J.N. Weller of Minden, Otsego Co. [NY], to Miss Clarissa Norton of Preston.

Married:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], Oct. 14, by Rev. W.T. Potter, Mr. George Anderson of Guilford [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Cornelia Morse of Guilford.

Married:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 14th, by Rev. W.T. Potter, Mr. James Ferguson, Esq., of Smithville [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Frances M. Pendleton of Norwich.

Married:  In Afton [Chenango Co., NY], on the 4th inst. by Rev. D. Cotter, Justus White, Esq. of Lacross City, Wis. to Miss Mary D. Jackson, of Afton.

Married:  In Preston [Chenango Co., NY], on the 5th inst., by Rev. H. Doane, Mr. John Noyes to Miss Lydia Ross.

Died:  In Cherry Valley, Illinois, William F. Allen in the 30th year of his age, formerly of Whitney's Point, Broome Co. [NY].

Oxford Times, October 27, 1858

Died:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 13th inst., Miss Lany Tenbroeck, aged 54 years.

Died:  In Mt. Upton [Chenango Co., NY], on the 8th inst. of consumption, Phebe [Graves], wife of J.D. Graves, aged 38 years.