Vital Records, Norwich, NY - October 1840 & March 1860

 Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, October 7, 1840

Married:  In Otselic [Chenango Co., NY] on the 4th inst., by Nathan Gray, Esq., Mr. Myron Prichard to Miss Mary Ward, both of the same town.

Married:  In Pitcher [Chenango Co., NY], on Tuesday the 30th ult., by Sam'l Plumb, Esq., Mr. James Bowen, Jr. of Solon [Cortland Co., NY], to Miss Martha M. Barker of the former place.

Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, October 21, 1840

Married:  In this town [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], on the 20th inst., by the Rev. J.S. Swan, Mr. James Smith to Miss Betsey E. Webb.

Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, October 28, 1840

Married:  In Fredonia, Chautauqua Co. [NY], on the -?- inst. by Rev. Mr. Hequembourg, Francis S. Edwards Esq., Attorney of law, Sherburne in this Co. [Chenango Co., NY] and Miss Julia M. [White], daughter of Doct. S White of the former place.

Married:  In this town [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], on the 27th inst. by Rev. L.A. Barrows, Mr. Charles R. Breed to Miss Emeline Van Emeergh.

Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, March 7, 1860

Died:  GREEN:  In New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], Feb. 14, George Green, aged 1 years and 7 months.

Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, March 21, 1860

Died:  BLAKESLEE:  In Fenner, Madison county [NY], on the 8th inst. Asa Blakeslee, father of Rev. Charles Blakeslee of this village, aged 77 years.

Chenango Telegraph, Norwich NY, March 28, 1860

Died:  McNITT:  On Saturday the 17th inst. George Byron [McNitt], son of George and Mary E. McNitt, aged 6 months and 15 days.

Painful Accident:  On Tuesday, Mar. 6th, a little girl of Harvey Gilbert, in Walton [Delaware Co., NY], was burned by her clothes taking fire. The accident occurred in the sugar bush where her father was boiling sap.  While asleep near the fire, and while her father was gathering sap, her clothes took fire, and before assistance could reach her she was was badly burned that she died in about twelve hours after.  The child was ten years old, and seemed not to suffer much after the first paroxysm was over.  Franklin Visitor.

Vital Records, Greene, NY - March 1860

 Chenango American, Greene, NY, March 1, 1860

Married:  In this village [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], on the 22d ult, by Rev. B. Shove, Mr. Madison Fitch to Miss Emily White, both of Smithville [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  In this town [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], on the 16th ult. by Rev. A.F. Harding, Mr. Alanson D. Bingham, to Miss Mary J. Merrell, all of this town.

Died:  In this town [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], on the 28th ult., William R. [Thomas], son of Samuel P. and Maria Thomas, aged 13 months and 21 days.

Died:  In this town [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], on the 29th ult., Mr. Rufus Tyler, aged 39 years.

Died:  In Columbus [Chenango Co., NY], on the 2d ult., of the Spotted Fever, Jay E. [Bailey], son of Nathan M. and Caroline M. Bailey, aged 1 year, 11 months and 8 days.  Death sought a lovely victim, / When he bore away our flower / To the realms of spotless glory, / To Heaven's eternal bower; / To blossom in the garden / of the ever living God, / While the frail, fair little casket / Lies beneath the dark damp sod!

Chenango American, Greene, NY, March 8, 1860

Died:  In this town [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], on the 27th ult., Miss Lodema Davis, aged 17 years.

Died:  In Port Crane [Broome Co., NY], on the 8th inst., Charles J. [Macomber] son of Thos. W. and Hannah Macomber, aged 10 years.

Died:  In Preston [Chenango Co., NY], on the 3d inst., Miss Almira Smith, aged 42 years.

Died:  In Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY] on the 27th ult. Mr. Edward P. Stoers, aged 26 years.

Died:  In Lisle, Broome Co. [NY], on the 14th ult. of Consumption, David F Edwards, aged 26 yrs.

Chenango American, Greene, NY, March 15, 1860

Married:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 7th inst. by Rev. L. Wright, Mr. George W. Brown of North Norwich, to Miss Hattie F. Marsh? of Norwich.

Married:  In Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY] on the 8th ult. by Rev. A. McDougall, Mr. John E. B.... to Miss Mary L. Paul, both of North Norwich.

Married:  In Columbus [Chenango Co., NY] on the 6th inst, by Rev. J.B. Gilman, Mr. F.J. Spurk? to Miss Alma M. Tuttle, both of Columbus.

Died:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 11th inst. Mrs. Hannah D. Latham, widow of John Latham, deceased, aged 69 years.

Died:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 9th inst. Mrs. Hannah Miner, wife of Luther Miner, aged 72 years.

Died:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 6th inst. of putrid sore throat, Mary Eliza [Shifter], aged 9 years and 6 months; and on the 12th inst. Alice [Shifter] aged 5 years and 11 months, and on the 16th inst. Sarah Catharine [Shifter], aged 8 years and 17 days, daughters of John M. and Mary Shifter.

Chenango American, Greene, NY, March 22, 1860

Married:  In King Settlement [Chenango Co., NY], on the 16th int. by Simon Buell, Esq., Mr. Andrew J. Tenbroeck of this town [Greene, Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Adaliza Heady of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  In North Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 19th inst. by Rev. L.M. Sackett, Mr. W.W. Sackett to Miss Mary J. Boyd, both of the above named place.

Married:  In Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY], on the 11th inst. by Rev. A. A. Lason, Mr. Seldon E. Morgan to Miss Harriet N. Becker.

Died:  In Hamilton [Madison Co., NY] on the 8th inst. after a lingering illness.  Mr. William H. Woodman, only son of John Woodman, aged 22 years.

Chenango American, Greene, NY, March 29, 1860

Died: In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 27th inst. Mary Ann Melissa Sturges, aged 20? years.

Vital Records, Oxford, NY - March 1860

 Oxford Times, March 14, 1860

Married:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY] on the 8th inst. by the Rev. J.C. Ransom, Mr. Lyman Church, Jr. of Greene [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Annette Richmond of Preston [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  In Milwaukie, Wis, on 29th ult. by Rev. J.M. Walker, Mr. Smith E. Judson, formerly of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Kate G. Stresser, of the former place.

Died: In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 3d inst., George H. [Race], son of Charles T. and M. Race, aged 9 years.

Died:  In Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 6th inst., of disease of the heart, Mary [Smith] wife of Erastus P. Smith, aged 52 years.

Died:  In Coventry [Chenango Co., NY] on 16th? ult. of putrid sore throat, Emogene Lovisa [Josslyn], aged 4 years and 7 months; and on 20th ult. of the same disease, Mattie Estelle [Josslyn] aged 2 years 4 months and 20 days, daughters of Charles and Lovisa Josslyn.

Oxford Times, March 21, 1860

Married:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 13th inst., by Rev. J.C. Ransom, Mr. B. Newton Norris to Miss O. Augusta Park, both of Preston [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 14th inst., by the Rev. W.T. Potter, Mr. John Dana Gibbs of Guilford [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Almira A. Root of Oxford.

Oxford Times, March 28, 1860

Married:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 28th inst. by Rev. J.C. Ransom, Mr. Charles B. Smith to Miss Jane E. Blivin, both of Preston [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY] on the 20th inst. by Rev. B.L. Bennett, Mr. E.J. Fisk to Mrs. Maggie Brown, all of Oxford.

Married:  In Norwich [Chenango Co.., NY], on the 14th inst. by Rev. L. Wright, Mr. Samuel Moore of Coventry [Chenango Co., NY], to Miss Laura J. Day of the former place.

Died:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 6th inst., Amy [Aldrich], wife of Mr. R. Aldrich, aged 62 years.

Died:  In Columbus [Chenango Co., NY] on the 2d inst., Maj. Walter Clark, in the 89th year of his age.

Vital Records, Norwich, NY - February 1860

 Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, February 1, 1860

Married:  FORD - GRISWOLD:  In German [Chenango Co., NY], Jan. 17, by Rev. E. Holroyd, Jesse Ford to Miss Lucy E. Griswold, both of German.

Married:  EICHLER - WILKS:  In Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY], Jan. 29, by Re.v W. Peck, Donald Eichler of North Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], to Miss Nancy S. Wilks of Plymouth.

Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, February 8, 1860

Married:  AVERY - GAZLAY:  In New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY] Jan. 19, by Rev. Mr. Whitingham, Zial A. Avery of Cross River, Westchester Co. [NY], to Miss Mary C. Gazlay of New Berlin.

Married:  MAIN - LEWIS:  In North Pitcher [Chenango Co., NY], Jan. 28, by Rev. O. Ketchum, D.E. Main of Walnut Grove, Ill, to Miss Chloe A. Lewis, of the former place.

Died:  CARPENTER:  In Pitcher [Chenango Co., NY] on the 27th ult. Nathan Carpenter, aged 69 years.

Died:  WARNER:  In Taylor, Cortland Co. [NY], on the 29th ult. Mrs. Lucy [Warner], wife of Dea. Sheldon Warner, aged 61 years.

Sudden Death:  We learn, that on Thursday the 31st ult. a boy name Geo. Couse, son of Fred Couse, who resides near Osterhoudt's Saw mill, on the Ouleont Creek in the town of Davenport [Delaware Co., NY], was crushed to death by a log rolling over him.  He was on the logs which were laying on a side hill, when the blocking gave way, and he fell between them, and they rolled over him, causing death immediately.  He was 15 years of age.  Oneonta Herald.

Died:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], on the 8th instant, Isaac Foote, in the 84th year of his age.  Mr. Foote was one of the early settlers of the town of Smyrna [Chenango Co., NY], where he continued to reside until his removal to this village a few years since.  He held the office of High Sheriff of this County in 1809 and 1811, and again from 1813 to 1815 preceding and being succeeded in each appointment by the late Col William Monroe.  He has also been the frequent Supervisor of that town and was the holder of other places of trust.  He acted as the Land Agent of the Lawrence Estate in the towns of Smyrna, Plymouth and Otselic up to his death.  In every position he was able, honest diligent, methodical and accurate and secured by these qualities the unusual confidence of the community.  In his intercourse with his fellow men he was courteous and gentlemanly.  He was withal a Christian in all his works and the consolation of which were his stay in his life and at his death.

Since the above was written, a friend has handed in the following:  The deceased has been so well known in this region for the past fifty years in all his official and private relations, that the first impulse on the announcement of his death is the strongly marked character of his life.  His father is well remembered by many older inhabitants as an early representative of Chenango in both branches of our Legislature and as a County Judge. The deceased was appointed one of the early Sheriffs of this County.  In addition to other official employments he has been entrusted with an extensive land agency and in every condition of life and as an officer of the Chruch has sustained the position of a high minded gentleman and Christian.  From a thorough knowledge of his character for nearly half a century we can say we never knew an act or motive of his not favorably called in question.  Possessing the means of liberality, they were generously employed in promoting every truly spirited moral and religious object.  It is proper to state that he appropriated annually certain sums for particular moral and religious purposes making his benevolence one of the fixed principles of his life.  The obituary notices of such men need not be long. Their lives may be written on their tomb stones just as they lived them.  His memory will be cherished by all who knew him, and be justly dear to a highly respectable circle of relatives in Chenango, Madison and Delaware [Counties].

Died:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], on the 9th instant, Joseph Henry Moore, in the 60th year of his age.  Mr. Moore was a native of Hillsboro County New Hampshire and had resided in this village for the last forty years.  He was many years since a magistrate of the town, and he possessed a mental capacity of much more than usual vigor and clearness.

Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, February 22, 1860

Married:  SEATON - CRUMB:  At Clark's Mills, Oneida Co. [NY], on the 16th and by Rev. S.R. Stone, John J. Seaton of Sauquoit [Oneida Co., NY] to Miss Jane A Crum of Clark's Mills.

Died:  BUELL"  In Windsor, Broome County [NY], Jan. 31, Mrs. Caroline [Buell], wife of Albert Buell, aged 41 years.

Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, February 29, 1860

Married:  BARRELL - FOWLER:  In Argyle, N.Y. [Washington Co.] on the 15th instant, by Rev. S.G Mathewson, Henry R. Barrell to Miss Rosanna Fowler, both of Hartford, Washington County, N.Y.

Died:  BROWN:  At Chenango Forks [Broome Co., NY], on the 18th inst. Eunice [Brown], wife of Maj. D.M. Brown, aged 45 years.

Died:  CROSBY:  In New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], on te 8th inst. B..u H, [Crosby], son of Jas. H. and Emeline Crosby, aged 8 months.

Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, February 8, 1860

To the Editors of The Chenango Telegraph:  The funeral exercises of Lathrop Rosbrook, Esq., deceased, a prominent citizen of this town [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], were held in this place, at the Baptist Church, on Tuesday of last week.  The church was filled to its utmost capacity; the services being conducted by Rev. B.S. Williams, Pastor, who preached an appropriate discourse for the occasion. At the conclusion of the religious exercises, Dr. Beecher made some appropriate remarks, a sketch of which, by request of friends and citizens, I herewith enclose for publication.

Dr. Beecher's Remarks:  I don't know but it is out of my place and improper for me to say a single word upon this solemn occasion, amid the solemnities of this hour, in which we have so truthful and mournful an illustration of the frailty of man.  But before we go from this house to that narrow house appointed for all the living, I cannot do justice to my own feelings or the memory of the dead, in refraining from adding a few words in connection with what has already been so well said from the -?- in reference to the deceased.

For over forty years, for nearly half a century, Mr. Rosbrook has been a resident of this town, and for a large portion of this time has been engaged in active business amongst us, and is known probably to most of you as well as myself.  Of many of you certainly this is true. But during my residence here I have had an opportunity of seeing much of him in his family--much of him aside from his family--much of him in the various relations of domestic, social and business life, and in all of these relations, I can bear willing testimony to the trust that he has acted the part of an honest and an honorable man , an affection husband, a tender and indulgent parent, a loving brother, a worthy citizen, a kind and obliging neighbor, a well tried and faithful friend.  I have seen him under reverses of fortune, I have seen him in prosperity and adversity.  I have seen him when bound down like a bulrush beneath the well nigh overwhelming load of affliction and sorrow.  I have seen him when death has entered his dwelling and suddenly, almost without a moment a warning, snatched from his embrace a darling child, and presently almost as unexpectedly taken from him a beloved companion and consigned them almost together to the silence of the tomb.  Yet not a murmur nor a repining word escaped from his lips.

His fortitude, his patience, and his forbearance, considering the severity of the stroke, was to me at the time and ever has been truly remarkable.  Such, I am sure, as are exemplified nowhere else except in the life of the real Christian--those who amid the trials and conflicts of earth are comforted and sustained by the Christian's promise and the Christian's hope.

Mr. Rosbrook, as you well know, was free to express his opinions and possessed prominent and well marked traits of character peculiar to himself, well marked and strong in life, strong in sickness and strong in death.  Yet notwithstanding his peculiarities, which, without doubt were many times prejudiced to his worldly interests and produced an unfavorable impression against him, he possessed many excellent qualities and commendable virtues as any man it was ever my good fortune to know. and his somewhat irritable turn of mind more noticeable in the latter part of his life was the result I am satisfied, not so much of an unhappy temperament naturally, as those who were acquainted with him in early life and in health, will bear me witness, but was of painful and protracted disease which was undermining his constitution wasting his strength, rendering his life at best a burden, and bearing him steadily yet surely down to the grave.

Of his sufferings for years none of us knew.  And for the last few weeks of his life especially, even his faithful and ever watchful attendants and even his physician, who to gratify his wishes and afford all the relief in his power, remained with him as much as possible, day and night, cannot realize or describe that anguish of body worse than death itself which more than once led him to exclaim "I want to die.  Oh, let me die.  Why can't I die."  That malignant, insidious and sooner or later usually fatal malady, cancer, had completely destroyed the action and functions of the stomach, changed its fine and delicate tissues into a mass of corruption, rendering it almost impossible for him to receive into it either food or medicine for the space of nearly four weeks.  The liver likewise to a considerable extent had taken on the same diseased action, its functions became impaired and extensive adhesions formed between it and the stomach and the side.  The wonder is not that he died, but how with so much disease, he lived so long.  It was hard, indeed for him to give up and it was not till some time after others had abandoned all hope of his recovery that he came to the conclusion that he could not long survive.  While sufficient strength lasted he conversed freely in relation to his disease and seemed anxious to know the opinions of others and the probable result.  After becoming especially weak with a strong determination he managed to sit up sometimes for hours till within a very few days of his death, for a good deal of time in fact was obliged to keep an erect position either in his chair or on his bed for his distresses were too great to lie down.

But his sufferings are ended, his sands of life are run, he has gone and the places that have known him here will know him no more forever.  He will be sadly missed in this community--he will be missed in his place of business, he will be missed in the social and private walks of life, he will be missed in the benefactions of charity, he will be missed in this house of worship, he will be missed from among his kindred and friends, and over all and above all he will be missed and mourned in that little family, that little household, now made forever desolate.  Now that he is gone, and can no more return unto us, let us, my friends, cherish his good qualities and his many virtues, copy his example in as much and as far as it is worthy of imitation and bury with him his errors, for such doubtless he had as all of us have and his faults and foibles in the grave in which he will presently be forever hid from our sight.

Vital Records, Greene, NY - February 2, 1860

 Chenango American, Greene, NY, February 2, 1860

Married:  In Smyrna [Chenango Co., NY], on the 25th ult., by Rev. M.C. Bronson, Mr. Griffen Powell, of Lowville, Lewis Co. [NY], to Miss Sarah A. Gavit, of Smyrna.

Married:  In New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], on the 25th ult., by Rev. John McLeish, Mr. Oliver Thurber, to Miss Mary Clark, both of that place.

Married:  In Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY], on the 25th ult., Mr. Wm. M. Sabin, to Miss Mary G. Young, all of the above place.

Married:  In Scott, Cortland Co. [NY], on the 17th ult. by Rev. R.C. Fox, Rev. A.J. Kenyon, to Miss D. Augusta Fox, of the former place.

Died:  In Chenango Forks [Broome Co., NY], on the 27th ult. Frederick Theodore [Rogers], child of Thos. S. and H.N. Rogers, aged 2 years 9 months and 16 days.

Died:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 28th ult. Mr. Joel Barber, aged 82 years.

Died:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 28th ult. Mrs. Sophia Barnes, wife of the late Asa Barnes, aged 72 years.

We are pained to record a sad and heart-rending calamity, which occurred near Oneonta, Otsego Co. [NY]\ on Friday night last.  While Luther Briggs, and his wife, who is a sister of B.F. Cowan, of this village, and well-known to many of our citizens, who resided at the above named place, were on a visit to a neighbors, leaving at home six children, of ages varying from 3 to 17 years, the house caught fire, in the evening, while the children were in bed, and horrible to relate, only one of them, the oldest boy, escaped.  He jumped from the second story window, and endeavored to get the other children to do the same, but in their fright they failed to do so, and perished in the flames.  The house was burned to the ground, and when the agonized parents returned they found nothing remaining of their late happy home but a heap of blackened ruins, covering the bones of five of their children. The mother had her youngest child with her.  She is frantic and wild with grief, and requires constant attention  Two hearts and a few charred bones was all that could be found of the remains. The fire is supposed to have caught from a coal snapping from the fire place into some shavings.  

Chenango American, Greene, NY, February 9, 1860

Married:  In this town [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], on the 5th inst. by Rev. A.B. Jones, Mr. Charles H. Long to Miss Hattie Meachum, both of Willett, Cortland Co. [NY].

Died:  In this town [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], on the 7th inst. Harriet M. [Chalker], daughter of Orlando and Adelia Chalker, aged 18 months and 20 days.

Died:  In New Ohio [Broome Co., NY], on the 26th ult. Mrs. Polly Scoughton, aged 80 years.

Died:  In Chenango Forks [Broome Co., NY], on the 4th inst., Mrs. Lovina Lowell, mother of Daniel Lowell, aged 86 years.

Died:  In Ketchum's Corners, on the 8th inst. Mr. Isaac Marshall, aged 80 years.

Died:  In this town [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], on the 1st inst., Sarah Jane [Tuttle], infant daughter of Moses and Jane Tuttle, aged 4 months.

Died:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 4th inst., Mr. John Noyes, son of Daniel Noyes, aged 29 years.

Chenango American, Greene, NY, February 16, 1860

Married:  In  Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 31s ult., by Rev. B.B. Bennett, Mr. Samuel F. May, of Guilford [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Angeline T. Phettyplace, of Norwich.

Married:  In the city of New York, on the 25th ult., by the Rev. A.A. Maple, of Wellsboro, Edwin R. Meade, Esq., of New York, to Miss Julia M. Baxter, of Tioga, Pa.

Died:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 9th inst., Mr. Isaac Foote, aged 84 years.

Died:  In Pitcher [Chenango Co., NY], on the 7th inst., Mr. Elizur Anderson, aged 28 years.

Chenango American, Greene, NY, February 23, 1860

Married:  In this town [Greene, Chenango Co. NY], on the 26th inst. by Rev. A.B. Jones, Mr. James Wilson, of Willet, Cortland Co. [NY], to Miss Julia Burger, of the former place.

Married:  In New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], on the 13th inst., by Rev. John McLeish, Mr Sidney Olin, of this village [Greene, Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Margaret Hubbard, of the former place.

Died:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 16th inst. Mr. Martin V.B. Noyes, aged 26 years.

Died:  At the residence of her father-in-law, Amasa Clark, in Great Bend, Pa., on the 30th ult. of Consumption, Caroline S. [Clark], wife of D.D. Clark, U.S.N. and daughter of Mr. Oliver of Rome, Oneida Co., N.Y., in the 26th year of her age.  Thus has a circle of loving hearts been entered and a priceless jewel taken.  And though we mourn, deeply mourn our loss, yet we feel assured that her great attainments in personal piety, her devotedness and untiring activity in the cause of Christ, her living and triumphant faith, afford ample evidence, that through the merits of our Saviour, she is now a white-robed ransomed one in glory.  It seemed that we could not part with "our Carrie" yet, for a few years at least.  Her gentle and unassuming manners, her generous regard for the happiness of others, her amiable self-sacrificing and uncomplaining disposition; won the affection and esteem of all who made her acquaintance.  She possessed superior mental powers, and a poetic nature, but her extreme delicacy forbade her submitting many of her thoughts to the public,  The following little poem, published in the Advocate and Family Guardian about a year since, is one of the sweet effusions of her pen:

The Loom of Life:  We're sitting at the loom of life, / Our final garments weaving; / And when before Heaven's bar we stand, / For one last, dread revealing, / Within His holy presence there, / We then, this self-wrought robe must wear.

Time's busy, never-tiring hand, / How swiftly flings the shuttle! / And what the fabric it shall weave / Our course of life must settle. / Oh! what shall then the garment be / That robe us in eternity!

Shall selfish pleasure sway our hearts, / And govern every passion? / And worldly pride and hoarded wealth / Our final garments fashion? / While suffering sorrow pleads in vain / From our full hand one single grain?

Or Shall a deep heart-sympathy / And sacrifice of pleasure, / Weave in our robes their golden threads, / A never-failing treasure? / That noble deeds of love and care, / May weave their beauteous traces there?

Help us, "Great Author" of our lives, / To use the "warp" thou'st given, / And weave us garments that may deck / The imperial courts of heaven; / That when we at thy bar appear, / The "wedding garment" we may wear.

She has woven her "garment for Eternity," and purified in the Saviour's blood, it is a shining one.  Although she was yet young, and looking forward with joyous expectations to the time when her husband would return from his service in the Navy, and they should again be united, to be no more separated except by death--yet, when she learned her Father's will to take her home; the stronger attractions of a Saviour's love, and the anticipated rapture and bliss of Heaven outrivaled all earthly charms, and she cheerfully responded, "I come, my Father!"  When the heart-rending and unexpected tidings shall reach her husband, " Oh! in that bitter hour may he exercise in all its strength, that Christian faith and confidence in the wisdom and mercy of an over-ruling Hand, which will sustain him, beneath this crushing weight of grief.

Lost Wife and Children:  James Hoffman wants information of the whereabouts of his wife and two children.  Last October, aided by his wife, he packed up his furniture and goods at Billy Wheeler's at the lower aqueduct on the Erie Canal, near Troy [Rensselear Co., NY], with the intention of going to Durhamville, Oneida county [NY], to keep boarding house.  Having business at Albany, he told his wife to ship the things and start for the place of destination promising to overtake them at Schenectady.  On returning to Wheeler's his family and goods had departed on a boat, but to this day he has not been able to find them or obtain any information concerning them.  Jane Hoffman, the wife, is a woman advanced in years, tall in stature, with sandy complexion and light blue eyes. the oldest child is six years old; the other seven months old, both girls,  Any information concerning the above described persons, sent to James Hoffman, at Rome, Oneida county, will be most thankfully received.  

Our Bachelor Member:  Hon. Joseph Bush, of Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], Member of Assembly from this District is unfortunately a pretty good looking bachelor, and as a matter of course, among the staid, demure fathers of families who make up our Legislature, is quite a rarity.  On Tuesday last several members of the House were arraigned for contempt in not appearing the day before.  Mr. Bush in offering his excuse said that "he had not the advantage enjoyed by most member of this House, that of having a wife; and having received a very pressing invitation to be present at a party in Kinderhook, where an unusual large number of beautiful ladies were invited, he could not resist the temptation to be present, and having arrived there he was unable to tear himself away from the fascinations thrown around him to return in season to attend the session on Monday."  Mr. Palmer said that he had been watching Bush for fear that the bewitching smiles of the fair ones of Kinderhook had turned his head, and that he might commit some desperate act if left alone with his shaving tools.  They were excused.  

Vital Records, Oxford, NY, February 1860

 Oxford Times, February 1, 1860

Married:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 25th ult. by Rev. H. Callahan, Mr. Charles Day to Miss Betsey Wheeler, both of Greene [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 16th ult., by Rev. Mr. Capen, Mr. Henry Pendleton of Olde city, Nebraska, to Miss Helen Cady of Norwich.

Died:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 21th ult. Charlotte [Monell], wife of Hon. Robert B. Monell, in the 59th year of her age.

Died:  In Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], on the 9th ult. Mr. Edmund Sanford, aged 79 years.

Died:  In Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY], on the 17th ult. Mrs. Siley [Evans], wife of Riley Evans, aged 51 years.

Died:  In Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 23d ult. Mr. Luke Wheeler, aged 41 years.

Died:  In East McDonough [Chenango Co., NY], on the 24th ult. Mary [Steere], wife of William Steere, aged 75 years.

Oxford Times, February 8, 1860

Married:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 31st ult. by Rev. R.L. Bennell, Mr. Samuel F. May of Guilford [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Angeline T. Phetteplace of Norwich.

Married:  In Guilford [Chenango Co., NY] on the 1st inst., by Rev. E. Cade, Mr. Henry L. White to Miss Victoria C. Sheldon, both of Guilford.

Died:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 23d of January, Ella L. [Clarke], daughter of Amos S. and Salome A. Clarke, and adopted daughter of Ichabod and Harriet E. Seeley, aged 10 years and 5 months.

Died:  At Middlebury, Tioga Co., Pa., on the 22d Jan. Mr. Eben Sherwood, formerly of this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], aged 63 years.

Died:  in Lincklaen [Chenango Co., NY], Jan. 9, suddenly, Mr. Ephraim P. Eldridge, aged 68 years.

We learn from the Hamilton Union, that a little son of Mr. Black, landlord of the hotel at South's Valley, in the town of Lebanon [Madison Co., ,NY], was so badly burned on Sunday, the 22d instant, that he died on the following morning.  It seems that the mother was absent at a neighbor's leaving the child in charge of the father, At the time of the accident, the little fellow, who was only two years old, was sitting in a chair at the table, looking at the pictures in a book.  The father went out for the purpose of getting a pail of water and while absent heard the screams of the child.  He immediately returned to the house, and found the child almost entirely engulfed in flames, but before he could be extinguished the child was fatally burned.

On Friday evening last the dwelling (a log house) of Mr. Alvah Briggs, situated near what is called Briar Street, in the town of Davenport [Delaware Co., NY], took fire and burned to the ground, five of Mr. Brigg's children, the oldest 17 and the youngest 3 years of age, being burned to death.  One boy, aged 15 years, escaped, but so narrow was his escape that is hair was badly singed  Mr. Briggs and his wife were absent on a visit at the time, and reached home just as the house and its previous contents had burned up.  It is supposed that the fire took from some shingle shavings.  It seems that the lad who had been shaving shingles, throwing the shavings into the fire in an open fireplace and the shingles under a flight of stairs close by; it is supposed that after the children had retired the shingles took fire from the shavings and spread with such velocity as to render the rescue of the five unfortunates impossible.  The calamity is indeed a terrible one.  Delhi Express

Oxford Times, February 15, 1860

Died:  In North Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 28th ult. Mr. Lathrop Rosebrook, aged 53 years.

Died:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 1st inst., Sarah Jane [Taylor], infant daughter of Moses and Jane Taylor, aged 4 months.

Died:  in Afton [Chenango Co., NY], Jan. 5th, Mrs. Delight Easton, aged 85 years.

Oxford Times, February 22, 1860

Married:  In Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], on the 15th inst. by Rev. W.M. Delong, Mr. Samuel Cline to Miss Betsey M. Loomis, both of Smithville.

Married:  At the same time and place, by the same, Mr. Uri Rorapaugh of Smithville [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Mary June of McDonough [Chenango Co., NY].

Died:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 15th inst. Hannah L. [Fish], wife of Mr. Seth H. Fish, aged 54 years.

Died:  In Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], on the 10th inst., David [Tillotson], son of Perry and Clarissa Tillotson, aged 2 years.

Died:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 10th inst., Emma J. [Badger], daughter of Chester and Sarah Badger, aged 9 years.

Died:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 15th inst. Stephen Elliott, aged 21 years.

Died:  In Coventry [Chenango Co., NY], on 12th inst. Mr. Gordon Johnson, aged 71 years.

Died:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 9th inst., Mr. Joseph H. Moore, aged 59 years.

Died:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 8th inst. Mrs. Barbary [Cook], wife of the late John Cook, aged 77 years.

Died:  In Pilot Mound, Minnesota, Mr. Otis French, formerly of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], aged 71 years.

Death Loves a Shining Mark:  It is with a feeling of sadness we learn that a useful and well known citizen of Windsor , Broome county [NY] has been suddenly removed from earth.  Gideon Hotchkiss, Esq., died at Goldsboro, Wyoming Co., Pa. on the 11th inst. of a short illness.  He was traveling on business, and from exposure in a cold room, took a violent cold, which so prostrated him that he sent for his wife and friends. The messenger found Mrs. H. too ill to leave home, even to close the eyes of a beloved and worthy consort.  A friend, Mr. Guernsey, went on, and arrive in time to witness his decease.  Mr. H. was widely known and esteemed as an inventor, and his usefulness will live long after his ashes shall have mingled with earth.  At one time he worthily represented his county in the legislature.  In all the relations of life, as a citizen, a Christian a husband and father, he was a man without reproach, and his loss will be deeply felt and lamented not only in the domestic circle where he was most loved and appreciated, because best known, but also by a wide circle of friends, and acquaintances extending throughout many States of the Union. We can only express our heartfelt sympathy and condolence with the bereaved widow, children, relatives and friends, and with the church to which he has belonged for many years. The funeral took place at Windsor on Thursday, the 16th inst.  Deposit Dem.

Oxford Times, February 29, 1860

Married:  In Kenosha, Wis., on the 21st Jan. by Rev. Mr. McNamara, Nathan G. Backus, formerly of Oxford [Chenango co., NY] to Mary E. Smith of the former place.

Died:  In West Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], on 23d inst. Mr. John K.S. Green, aged 70 years.

Oxford Times, February 8, 1860

A Mystery Unraveled - A Murder Not a Murder

Many of our readers will remember an excitement which prevailed in this vicinity, some fifteen years since, occasioned by a report that a man named Mix had been murdered, a short distance above Smithville Flatts [Chenango Co., NY].  The facts were that Mix had been to this village with a load of flour, which he sold, and started on his return home, which was in Locke, Cayuga Co.  Mix did not return home, but his wagon and horses were found in the road somewhere near Smithville Flatts.  Every circumstance conspired to convey the idea that he had been murdered for his money. The whole community turned out in a vain and fruitless search for the body of the supposed murdered man.  Woods and swamps were searched, ponds dragged, houses ransacked, but no trace could be found.  Several remarkable dreams were related, pretending to throw light upon the matter and suspicion pointed strongly at certain persons; suspicion which has not been removed from the minds of many to this day, and it has since been currently reported that one of the suspected parties made a confession of the murder on his death bed.  We have reliable and responsible information that Mix is now living in one of the interior towns of this State.  He has been to California, but has returned, and our informant knows his whereabouts. We will give the necessary information to any person desiring to investigate this matter for the purpose of clearing up character, or for any other legitimate purpose.  No doubt some of those people who spent days and weeks in the swamps of Smithville, endeavoring to find his body, would like to get a sight at it now.  Chenango American.

Vital Records, Norwich, NY - August 1840 & January 1860

 Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, August 12, 1840

Died:  In Columbus [Chenango Co., NY], on the 3d, Isaac Jones, a soldier of the Revolution, aged 84 years.

Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, August 19, 1840

Died:  In Painted Post, Steuben Co. [NY], on the 11th inst., Mrs. Mary T. [Gridley], wife of Mr. Ely Gridley, and daughter of D. Brigham of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], aged 28 years.

Died:  In Fort Plain [Montgomery Co., NY], Delos W. Gazley?, printer, formerly a workman in this office, aged 21 years.

Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, January 11, 1860

Married:  EASTMAN - SMITH:  On Thursday, the 28th ult. at the residence of the bride's father, by Rev. H. Doane, of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], Calvin J. Eastman to Mary A. [Smith], second daughter of Charles G. Smith, Esq., all of New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY].

Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, January 18, 1860

Married:  BEACH - ALLEN:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], Jan. 10, by Rev. B. Shove, Washington Beach to Elizabeth J. Allen, both of Barker, Broome Co. [NY].

Married:  FITCH - HAWS:  In Cazenovia [Madison Co., NY], Jan. 7, by Rev. Wm. Clarke, Derick H. Fitch, Jr., of this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Mary J. Haws, of Cazenovia.

Married:  THORP - FASSETT:  In Wellsville [Allegany Co., NY], Dec. 25, by Rev. Stewart Sheldon, S. Montgomery Thorp of Granger [Allegany Co., NY], to Miss Helen D. Fassett.

Died:  MASON:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], on the 13th inst., Dr. Wm. Mason, aged 78 years.

Died:  SETTON:  In Minnesota, Dec. 25, Stephen Setton, formerly of this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], and father of William Setton.

Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, January 25, 1860

Married:  GRIDLEY - BAKER:  In Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 30th ult., by Rev. E. Cops, Wesley Gridley to Miss Sarah L. Barker.

Married:  CAMPBELL - MITCHELL:  AT Edmeston [Otsego Co., NY], by Rev. M. Cleveland, L.M. Campbell to Columbus [Chenango Co., NY]\ to Miss J.M. Mitchell, of Edmeston. 

Married:  CONELEY - GALLUP:  On the 23d ult. by Rev. M.B. Cleveland, J.O. Coneley, of New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss E.M. Gallup, of Pittsfield [Otsego Co., NY].

Died:  SLOSSON:  In Pitcher [Chenango Co., NY], Dec. 30, Mrs. Huldah Slosson, aged -?- years.  Mrs. Slosson, became pious in early life, and has always manifested her warm attachment to God and His Cause at home and abroad.  Her place was always filled at the prayer meeting and on the Sabbath.  Those who met her in the prayer circle will long cherish her memory, and the special fervency of her prayers.  For the last two years of her life, she seemed to be ripening for Heaven.  Her whole conversation (and she wished to speak of nothing else) was the wonderful plan of God's Grace to fallen man, the divine efficacy of Christ's ...ing blood in rejuvenating and purifying the hearts of sinners, and preparing them for Heaven. As she lived, so she died in the full confidence of the merits of Him who died for all.

Died:  ELDRIDGE:  In Lincklaen [Chenango Co., NY], Jan. 9, very suddenly, Ephraim P. Eldridge, aged 68? years and 10 months.

Died:  HARRINGTON:  In New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], on the 10th inst., Byron Frink [Harrington], son of James S. and Frances M. Harrington, aged 1 year and 4 months.