Oxford Times, July 4, 1860
Married: In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 10th ult., by the Rev. B.L. Bennett, Mr. O.N. Snow to Miss H.L. Edmonds, both of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY].
Died: In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 2d inst., Nancy [Bartholomew], wife of Mr. Ira Bartholomew, aged 61 years.
Died: In Coventry [Chenango Co., NY], on the 6th ult. Francis P. [Bulkley], only son of George and Esther Bulkley, aged 9 years and six months.
Died: In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 23d ult., Mr. Daniel Rathbone, aged 83 years.
Drowned: A young lad about ten years of age, the son of Mr. Nelson Carpenter, of Earlville [Madison Co., NY], fell into the canal on the afternoon of Saturday, June 23d. It is supposed that he was stunned by hitting the beams in his descent, which rendered him incapable of saving himself, and he remained so long in the water before he was discovered that all attempts at resuscitation were fruitless.
Oxford Times, July 11, 1860
Married: In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], July 3d, by Rev. H. Callahan, Mr. John K. Gross of Edmeston [Otsego Co., NY] to Miss Ellen Hoag of Garrettsville [Otsego Co., NY].
Married: On the same day, by the same, Mr. Elijah Parker of New Lisbon [Otsego Co., NY], to Miss Marion Gross of Edmeston [Otsego Co., NY].
Married: In Nanticoke [Broome Co., NY], June 24th, by Rev. A.B. Woodworth, Mr. Wallace Theleman of Lisle [Broome Co., NY] to Miss Caroline Walter of Nanticoke.
Married: At the same place and time, by the same, Mr. George M. Swift of Lisle [Broome co., NY] to Miss Mary Bawder of Nanticoke [Broome Co., NY].
Married: Also, on July 1st, at same place, by the same, Mr. Hiram W. Theleman of Lisle [Broome Co., NY] to Miss Frances H. Copley of Maine [Broome Co., NY].
Died: In Preston [Chenango Co., NY], Loruhamah McCall, relict of the late John McCall, and daughter of Capt. Elijah Brewster and Elizabeth Fitch, his wife, formerly of Preston, Conn., and a lineal descendant of Elder Wm. Brewster, one of the Mayflower emigrants. Born at Preston, Ct., February 17th, 1762, during the period of the French and Indian wars, and lived during the bloody conflict of the Revolution, and among the many heart-rending scenes was made familiar with the horrid massacre at Fort Griswold, in the neighboring town of Groton, where many of her relatives and friends were inhumanly butchered while crying for quarters. After the close of the Revolution, or about 1787, with her husband removed to Lebanon, Ct., and in June 1807 emigrated with him and their family to her late residence in Preston, a country then but just emerging from a wilderness state, and endured the toils and privations incident upon a pioneer life, and remained to see the desert blossom as the rose, and may truly be said to have lived the affectionate parent, the kind neighbor, the upright and exemplary citizen, firmly attached to the creed and faith of the Puritan church, retaining her intellectual faculties in an astonishing degree to the very close of life, and died July 3d, 1860, in the 99th year of her age, in the full enjoyment of the esteem and regrets of all of her kindred, neighbors and acquaintances.
Drowned: Andrew Lathrop, a son of Mr. Lathrop of the firm of Lathrop, Ludington & Co., New York, was drowned at Cannonsville [Delaware Co., NY], Thursday last. He was bathing with a son of Mr. Benj. Cannon and a son of Rev'd S.J. white. He got beyond his depth and sank before the other boys could get assistance. He had just come up with a little sister to spend the summer, and was in perfect ecstasies at the idea of having a good time. His friends in the city will receive his body in the same train that brings them his first letter, saying that "he arrived safely, and was well and happy." His age was thirteen, and was a boy of much promise. Franklin Visitor.
Oxford Times, July 18, 1860
Married: In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY] on Wednesday morning, July 11th, at the residence of the bride's parents, by Rev. H. Callahan, James O. Clarke of New York, and Louise M. Rouse, second daughter of Dr. A. Rouse of Oxford.
Married: In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY] on the 10th inst. by Rev. W.R. Cobb, Mr. Jesse Murdock of Masonville [Delaware Co., NY] to Miss Theressa A Booth of Franklin [Delaware Co., NY].
Married: In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 12th inst., by the Rev. W. R. Cobb, Mr. Abram Smith of Coventry [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Loretta B. Johnson, of Sandford [Broome Co., NY].
Married: At East Pharsalia [Chenango Co., NY] on the 3d inst., by Horace L. Barnes, Esq., Mr. Clarke Widger to Miss Catharine C. White, both of Pharsalia.
Married: In McDonough [Chenango Co., NY], July 10th, by Rev. E. Holroyd, Mr. Seneca B. Harrington to Miss Corlista M. Scranton, both of Pitcher [Chenango Co., NY].
Married: In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 4th inst. by Elder Jones, Mr. Clark L. Pittsley to Miss Hannah M. Davis of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY].
Died: In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY] on Thursday, the 5th inst. Mr. Epaphras Miller, in the 83d year of his age. Mr. Miller was born in Glastonbury, Conn. June 2d 1779, came to Oxford and engaged in the mercantile business in the year 1800. He has since that period continued to reside here, and for nearly fifty years pursued the same employment. Arriving here at an early day, he was identified with many plans for the growth and prosperity of the place of his adoption, and among the earnest with active men of the village at that time, none were more zealous to advance the standard of education, to open public thoroughfares, and add to the beauty of the place. Thus one after another are gathered with those who have gone before, "the fathers" of our village, and within its corporate bounds there remains not one, it is believed, who was a resident here at the time Mr. Miller came. He will be held in remembrance as one ever ready to assist those around him, struggling with pecuniary embarrassments as an obliging and sympathizing neighbor, a kind and ever affectionate parent, unyielding in purpose and opinions he deemed right, an honest man.
Died: In Columbus [Chenango Co., NY], on the 20th ult. Dea. Benjamin Storrs, aged 77 years.
Died: In Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], on 1st inst. Mr. Joshua Pratt, aged 80 years.
Died: In German [Chenango Co., NY], on the 25th ult. Mr. Cyrus Harvey, aged 65 years.
Died: in Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], on the 15th inst. Mr. D.L. Davis, aged 58 years.
Drowned: A little daughter of Mr. Houver, who resides near Hamilton village [Madison Co., NY], was drowned in a small pond last Friday evening. The little girl was playing on the bank, and by some accident fell in and although the water was not over a foot in depth, she was dead when taken out.
The Recorder of Jersey City, on Thursday, Received a letter from Mr. Dunn, whose disappearance created some alarm a short time since. He is now at his residence in Rathbonville, quite ill from rough usage and exposure. He states that he left home on the 11th of June last, with about $1000 on his person, intending to transact business on the line of the Erie Railroad, also at New York and Newark. That immediately after dinner at Turner's Hotel, Owego [Tioga Co., NY], he felt very unwell, and was conscious of nothing more until he recollects being struck on the head, because he would not get into a small boat. When he recovered, he found himself at sea in a small coasting schooner, robbed of everything except his watch, which was concealed. He was allowed no conversation with the crew, and the only answer he could get from the captain was "Your fare is paid sir." He landed on the coast of Florida, and a planter gave hem shelter, and furnished him with funds to enable him to reach home. Mr. Dunn thinks he was drugged in the hotel at Owego, and that the men on the schooner knew nothing of him except as a passenger whom they were paid for carrying. He will endeavor to investigate the mystery as soon as his health will permit.
Oxford Times, July 25, 1860
Married: In Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], on the 12th inst., by Rev. A.S. Southworth, Mr. Harvey Wescott of Oneonta [Otsego Co., NY] to Miss Mary A. Norton of Bainbridge.
Died: In Cleveland, Ohio, on the 14th inst. of putrid sore throat, Helen Emma [Purdy], only daughter of Nelson and Charlotte R. Purdy, formerly of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], aged 6 years and 9 months. Many hearts were bound up in the life of this dear child, now no more. She was a child worthy of parents' fond love; one that bid fair by her intelligence and womanly graces, hereafter to adorn an honorable station in domestic and social life. What a void she had left in the parental home! How will her last sickness be remembered; her uncommon energy and sprightliness under the heavy hand of disease; that hymn learned in the Sunday School, that she sung two or three mornings ago, to the surprise of all; how fondly will all, with other recollections of her too brief life be cherished and treasured in the aching heart. Yet, in the most painful bereavements, we should acknowledge His fatherly hand, who is too wise to err. Nor let us forget the loving words of Jesus, who said concerning young children, "Of such is the kingdom of God." Yet again we hope to meet thee, / When the day of life is fled; / There in Heaven with joy to greet thee, / Where no farewell tear is shed. Herald
Died: In Clover, Clermont Co., Ohio on the 13th inst. Andrew Fitch McCall, M.D. in the 65th year of his age and formerly of Preston, in this county [Chenango Co., NY].
Samuel Miles Tracy was born in Oxford, Chenango county, N.Y. June 26, 1795. His father, Hon. Uri Tracy was a graduate of Yale College, the first Principal of the Oxford Academy, afterwards first judge of Chenango County Common Pleas and a member of Congress In this vein the blood of Thomas Tracy of Norwich, Con., was mingled with that of Governor Winston of Massachusetts. Mr. Tracy's class, of which George Bristol was valedictorian was the first that was graduated with commencement exercises. After the completion of his college course, Samuel M. Tracy pursued the study of law for three years with Henry Van Der Lynn, Esq. of Oxford and was then admitted to practice, in November 1818. Mr. Tracy left his father's house for the far west, as the territory of Illinois was then styled. Stopping at Portsmouth, O. he was pleased with the promise of things there, and decided to remain for life. With talents more solid and reliable than brilliant, he grew with the growth of the place, until he stood by common consent, at the head of the bar of Plymouth. He held the office of Prosecuting Attorney for Scioto county twenty-five years. This distinguished mark of public confidence came unsought. He was wholly unpracticed in the arts of the politician.
In the trial of criminal cases his vigilance, honesty and thorough knowledge of law, made his name terrible to rogues. Before a jury, his enthusiasm and lucid presentation of testimony and law took the place of ornamental rhetoric. As a "land lawyer," he was often retained in cases of great importance.
In private intercourse, Mr. Tracy had peculiarities. To strangers he was apt to be reserved and abrupt. With old friends and clients he was familiar and genial. Self reliance was a leading trait in his character. He rarely sought advice or aid and when offered in kindness he would sometimes show impatience. He was orderly and methodical in all his habits and kept a diary of personal experience and acts, from 1818 down to the week of his death.
Though not a professor of religion, Mr. Tracy aided in establishing the first Episcopal church in Portsmouth, and reverently attended its Sabbath services.
The sickness that ended his life commenced with a cancer on the upper lip. This was followed by a bronchial disorder that bid defiance to medical skill. During the summer of 1856, while gradually sinking with confirmed consumption, he arranged all his business matters, distributed his property to his heirs and cheerfully waited the will of providence. Christmas morning, December 25, 1856, found him sitting up as usual. He presented gifts to his little grandchildren, conversed pleasantly with the neighbors who called to ask after his health. Then taking each member of his family by the hand he said his last words, and without a struggle sank to his rest.
Mr. Tracy was twice married. His second wife survives him, with three daughters by the first wife. [Proceedings of the Alumni of Hamilton College]
Oxford Times, July 4, 1860
The Late Homicide in Oxford [Chenango Co., NY]
In accordance with the promise made in our last week's paper, we herein give the particulars of this sad affair, as far as are known to us We have not been able to get a copy of the minutes of the proceedings before the Coroner's jury, nor copy of the minutes of the examination before the Coroner, and therefore can only give a summary statement of the facts as disclosed by the evidence.
The deceased, Samuel Robinson, was a resident of the State of Wisconsin, where he has a mother and two sisters, left to mourn his untimely doom. Deceased came to this State a short time since, and at the time of the happening of his death, was working for John S. White, who keeps the old Bush stand about a mile east of this village. Deceased was a sober, industrious young man, of good habits, but like poor dog Tray, he got into bad company. The Coroner, Dr. B.S. Sill of Bainbridge, held an inquest on the body of the deceased on Tuesday, the 26th ult., and a number of witnesses were sworn in the matter. It appears from the evidence taken at the inquest by the coroner's jury, that John S. White, Orlando Utter, and Samuel Robinson, the deceased, in the night time on Monday, the 25th, ult. having previously blackened their faces and disguising themselves, went to the dwelling house occupied by Horace R. Burlison and his family, situated about a mile east of this village, near the old turnpike gate, and opening the door of the house, ascended to the chamber floor and commenced tearing the roof off from the house, working away with the evident intention of razing the house to the ground. White using an iron bar, prying and knocking off the roof boards, Robinson had an axe, and Utter held a lantern for them to work by. While they were at this work, the occupant of the house, Horace R. Burlison, shot deceased through the body killing him almost immediately. The gun used was loaded with a bullet and forty-two shot. It appeared to the examination before the coroner that John S. White had said the house of prisoner should come down. It further appeared that prisoner was asked, if he could see to take deliberate aim. He said no, I have shot the wrong man.
It is alleged that Burlison, who is a poor man with a large family, and lives from hand to mouth, kept a house of ill-fame, which was a nuisance and a pest to the neighborhood, that persons of bad character were in the habit of visiting there. The coroner's jury brought in their verdict that deceased was murdered by Horace R. Burlison. After rendition of the verdict by the jury the coroner issued a warrant against Burlison, who was brought before him by virtue thereof, and an examination of the prisoner was held before the coroner the 27th ult., and after hearing the evidence given in the matter and due deliberation thereupon, the coroner committed the prisoner to the common jail, there to wait the action of the Grand Jury. The prisoner did not call any witnesses, only cross examining the witnesses produced by the people.
On Friday last in the day time, the neighbors collected together to the number of about 14, and razed the house to the ground, destroyed the barn, filling up the well, leaving not a vestige to mark the place that once there was a dwelling. We understand that the 14 have been sued in the Supreme Court in action of trespass, and the end is not yet.