Vital Records, Norwich, NY- October 1860

 Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, October 3, 1860

Died:  CROZIER:  In Oneonta [Otsego Co., NY], on the 30th ultimo of Typhoid fever, Willard L. Crozier, of this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], aged about 32 years.

CHILDS:  At Cedar, Allen Co., Indiana, Sept 18th, Carlota C. Childs, aged 54 years.

TAYLOR:  In Pitcher [Chenango Co., NY], Sept 22, George Taylor, aged 95 years, 1 month and 11 days.  The deceased was born at East Hartford, Conn, in 1765; lived in revolutionary days, though not enrolled as a soldier, yet doing active service in carrying provisions to the army.  In 1813, he removed to New York, when the country was an almost unbroken wilderness, suffered all the toils, trials, and privations of the early settlers, lived a peaceable,  blameless and every day Christian life, and though suffering from blindness for the last eight years of his life, yet patient and uncomplaining.  His large circle of relatives even to the fourth generation, may well mourn a pattern of intelligence and Christian piety.  Christians, one that ever prayed for their prosperity.  His work was all done and well done.

ALDRICH:  In Preston [Chenango Co., NY], Sept. 24th, Elizabeth A. [Aldrich], wife of Augustus C. Aldrich in the 31st year of her age.  The deceased lived in the enjoyment and exemplification of the salvation of the gospel. Through a protracted sickness of nearly a year, she proved the power and sufficiency of divine grace to cheer and sustain the soul.  She anticipated the dying hour, and wss prepared for death.  She died well.  That her surviving relatives and friends may through faith in the Lord Jesus, obtain a like previous faith, is the earnest prayer of her surviving companion.

Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, October 10, 1860

Married:  SHAVER - YOUNG:  At the Eagle Hotel in this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], October 1st, by Rev. L. Wright, Frederick N. Shaver to E... kA. Young, both of Unadilla [Otsego Co., NY].

Married:  CRANE - HOUCK:  At the home of the bride's father, in Earlville [Madison Co., NY], October 2d?, by Rev. Mr. Burroughs, of the Episcopal Church, Sherburne, Dr. John Mortimer Crane of Watertown, N.Y. [Jefferson Co.] to Miss Mary R. Houck?, of the former place.  The printer was duly remembered with a taste of the good things provided for the occasion.

Married:  BUELL - WOOD:  In Smyrna [Chenango Co., NY] Oct 2 by Rev. A. Harrington, David L. Buell of Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Amelia Wood, daughter of Deacon Julius Wood of Smyrna.

Married:  TYLER - BELDEN:  In New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], Oct. 2d, by Rev. J.N. Chamberlin, Hiram Tyler to Jane Belden.

Married:  HOAG - FORD:  In Morris [Otsego Co., NY], Sept 29th?, by Rev. J.N. Chamberlin, Philo Hoag of  Norwich [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Ford of Morris.

Married:  LOCKE -HUTTLESON:  In Homer [Cortland Co., NY] on the 17th ult. by Rev. G.M. Bridgman, Burrel B Locke of Homer to Miss Julia K. Huttleson of Otselic [Chenango Co., NY].

Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, October 17, 1860

Died:  BROWN:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], October 24, Augustus S. Brown, son of Eleaser Brown, aged 3 years and 11 months.

Died:  MANWARRING:  In Gloucester, N.J., August 28th, 1860, E.L. Manwarring, of Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY] aged 35 years.

Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, October 24, 1860

Married:  RUDOLPH - BLIVEN:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], Aug. 28?, by Rev. James D. Webster, Benjamin Rudolph, of Greene, to Miss Lucinda Blivin of McDonough [Chenango Co., NY].

Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, October 31, 1860

Married:  HUGHSON - PORTER:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], Oct. 27th, by Rev. Lyman Wright, Hiram Hughson of this village to Miss Julia J. Porter of Chenango Forks [Broome Co., NY]

Married:  LEACH - SISSON:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], Oct. 3d, by Rev. W.H. Olin, Chauncey R. Leach to Miss Sarah P. Sisson, all of this village.

Married:  SMITH - SMITH:  In this town [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], on the 30th inst. by Rev. L. Wright, Benjamin A Smith of New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Emma Smith, daughter of Erasmus Smith, Esq. of Norwich.

Married:  WHITE -FRENCH:  In this town, Oct. 24, by Rev. l. Wright, Aaron J. White of New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY] to Adalaide French of Norwich.

Married:  PIKE - SWEETLAND:  In Pharsalia [Chenango Co., NY], Oct 28th, by Rev. L.N. Westcott, Cyrus A. Pike to Miss Pamely Sweetland, both of McDonough [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  RHODES - SUTTON:  In Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY], Oct. 14, by Orville Benedict, Esq. Nathan H. Rhodes to Miss Sarah Malvina Sutton, all of Pharsalia [Chenango Co., NY].

Married: BURROWS - HAND:  In Center Lisle [Broome Co., NY], Oct 3d, by Rev. Granville Gates, Alvin W. Burrows of McDonough [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Maria A. Hand of Lisle. 

Married:  BALSER - BEACH:  Oct. 21st, by Rev. M.B. Cleveland, Daniel Balser of Burlington [Otsego Co., NY] to Miss Ann M. Beach, of Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY].

Died:  In McDonough [Chenango Co., NY], Oct. 19, Mary L. [Reynolds], wife of Cyrus Reynolds aged 22 years.  

Vital Records, Greene, NY - October 1860

 Chenango American, Greene, NY, October 4, 1860

Married:  In Homer [Cortland Co., NY], on the 17th ult., by Rev. G.H. Bridgman, Mr. Burrel B. Locke, of Homer, to Miss Julia E. Huttleston, of Otselic [Chenango Co., NY].

Died:  In Chenango Forks [Broome Co., NY], on the 28th ult. Charles H. [Cormick], son of Henry O. and Caroline A. Cormick, aged 6 years and 1 month.

Died:  In Oneonta , Otsego Co. [NY], on the morning of the 1st inst.., of typhoid fever, Mr. Willard l. Crosier, of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], aged 30 years.

Died:  In Fultonville [Montgomery Co., NY], on the 9th ult. Adaline D. [Cromwell] wife of O.L. Cromwell, formerly of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY].

Chenango American, October 18, 1860

Marrieds:  In Utica [Oneida Co., NY], on the 1st inst., by Rev. S.P. Gray, Mr. Jesse I. Thompson, Jr., to Miss Mary E. Wing, all of Utica.

Chenango American, October 25, 1860

Married:  In this town [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], on the 24th inst., by Rev. H.W. Gilbert, Mr. Lowell G. Hotchkiss, of Coventry [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Elizabeth M. Van Ness, of the former place.

Married:  In this town [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], on the 10th inst., by Rev. A. B. jones, Mr. Joseph Baker, of Pharsalia to Mrs. Thirzah Ward, of the former place.

Married:  In South New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY] on the 18th inst. by Rev. J.H. Chamberlain, Mr. Asel Steere, to Miss Libbie Hall, both of the above place.

Married:  In South Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY], on the 16th inst. by Rev. T.P. Halsted, Sidney Janes, of North Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], to Mrs. Rhoda Terry, of Norwich.

Died:  Drowned, in this village [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], on the 22d inst., Alfred B. [Thomas], son of J.A. and J.G. Thomas, aged 2 years, 1 month and 9 days.

Drowned:  A little son of Mr. J.A. Thomas, Principal of the High School, in this village, was accidentally drowned, on Monday last.  The little one was playing in the rear of the dwelling when he fell into a cistern of water.  Being missed, a search was instituted and his body found.  He was a bright and interesting lad, about two years old.  His untimely fate has cast a gloom over the household of which he was one of the brightest jewels. 

Vital Records, Oxford, NY - October 1860

 Oxford Times, October 3, 1860

Married:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 26th ult., by Rev. James Orton, Mr. Alson Smith to Mrs. Sarah Holdrich, all of Greene.

Married:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 24th ult. by Rev. B. Shove, Mr. Henry H. Bowen to Miss Agnes Mitchell, both of Guilford [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  In Triangle [Broome Co., NY], on the 10th ult. by Rev. A. McGill, Mr. William Baldwin of Guilford, to Mrs. Carrie M. Blakeslee, only daughter of the late Dr. G.L. Spencer of Triangle.

Died:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 10th Sept. Mr. Joshua Emmes, aged 83 years.

Died:  In Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], on the 23d inst., Mrs. Catharine A. Bailey, aged 23 years.

Oxford Times, October 10, 1860

Married:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 3d inst., by Rev. J.W. Hills, Mr. Silas D. Wilkins of Coventry [Chenango Co., NY], to Miss Caroline A. Francisco of the former place.

Died:  In Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], on the 1st inst., Miss Eliza J. Boyd, aged 20 years.

Died:  In New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], on the 29th ult. Mary C. [Burrell], wife of Mr. William W. Burrell, aged 40 years.

Died:  In Pitcher [Chenango Co., NY], on 22d ult. Mr. George Taylor, aged 95 years.

Fatal Accident:  On Saturday last, a bright little lad, son of Dr. S.F. McFarland of this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], aged between four and five years, was found in the barn near the house of the Doctor, unable to rise.  On being lifted from the floor a wound apparently from a pitch fork tine was found near the right ear.  The little fellow was unable to speak, although in full possession of his reason until Sunday afternoon, when death intervened.  There is nothing certain as to the manner of the accident.  It is supposed he fell upon the fork while attempting to get upon a wagon.  No one was with him save a sister younger.  The occurrence has cast a deep gloom over the family and neighborhood.

Drowned at the Ferry:  On Friday last Mrs. John Stevinson, an old lady who lived on the Appalachian creek, was coming in a wagon with her husband to Owego [Tioga Co., NY].  They came to the ferry at A. LaMont's and found two wagons already had the boat, and drove in against the remonstrance of the Ferryman. The old man instead of coming out and taking the horse by the head sat still in his wagon.  In the wagon.  Immediately before him was a sheaf of oats, which his horse attacked. The owner sitting in the wagon before, struck back at the horse with his hand to drive him from the oats.  The horse backed, and one of the wheels went over the end, throwing the woman out into the river backwards. The old man got out at the other side, and for some time no effort was made to save the drowning woman.  The wind was blowing fiercely, and the boat with three wagons could not in the deep water, be brought near to where the woman sank.  There were some five men, as we learn, in the boat, and yet the woman sank to a watery grave!  The body was recovered on Sabbath last. The river is from eight to twelve feet at this ferry and runs very slowly.  At this time the wind was blowing up stream.  Owego Times.

Oxford Times, October 17, 1860

Married:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 22d Aug., by Rev. James D. Webster, Mr. Benjamin Rudolph of Greene, to Miss Lucinda Blivin, of McDonough [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  In Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], on the 10th inst. by Rev. J.D. Webster, Mr. Isaac H. Mosher to Miss Cerestia Ramsey, all of Greene [Chenango Co., NY].

Died:  in Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], on 9th inst., Mr. Zeri Yale, aged 77 years.

Died:  In Apponaug, R.I., 7th inst. Anna Ward [Clarke], daughter of Samuel W. Clarke, aged 2 years.

Died:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 3d inst., Mr. Augustus S. Brown, aged 32 years.

Died:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 10th inst., Mr. Thomas Johnson, late of Hartwick, Otsego Co [NY], aged 93 years.

Oxford Times, October 24, 1860

Married:  In the M.E. Church, in Afton [Chenango Co., NY], on 14th inst. by Rev. W.G. Queal, Mr. Arvine Searles, to Miss Sarahette Case, both of Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  In Smyrna [Chenango Co., NY], on the 2d inst., by Rev. A. Huntington, Mr. David L. Buel of Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], to Miss Amelia Wood of Smyrna.

Married:  In Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], on the 16th inst. by Rev Wm. Bixby, Mr. S.F. Burges of Hunter [Greene Co., NY], to Miss Leva Eggleston, of Bainbridge.

Oxford Times, October 31, 1860

Married:  In Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], on the 25th inst. by Rev. W.G. Queal, Mr. Francis T. Hall of McDonough [Chenango Co., NY], to Miss Sarah A. Benedict of Bainbridge.

Married:  In Preston [Chenango Co., NY], on the 23d inst., by Rev. H. Callahan, Mr. David P. Thurber to Miss Carrie Bailey, both of Walton, Delaware County [NY].

Married:  In Butternuts [Otsego Co., NY], on 27th inst. by the Rev. N. Ripley, Mr. A.G. Kaks to Miss Mary A. Musson, both of Butternuts.

Married:  Also, at the same place, by the same, on the 23d, Mr. T.G. Ingersoll, of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Mary A. Wallis of Butternuts [Otsego Co., NY].

Died:  In Preston [Chenango Co., NY], on the 27th inst., Mrs. Sally Rogers, relict of Elisha Rogers, aged 88 years.

Died:  In Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], on the 23d inst. Mrs. Lydia Baily, aged 82 years.

Died:  in this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on Monday evening, Oct. 29th, Mrs. Susan M. Clarke, wife of the late Dr. S.R. Clarke, and daughter of the late Wm. M. Cheever, of New Haven, Oswego Co., N.Y., aged 52  years.  Words are too poor to tell the desolation which has within a few months enshrouded the home from which the surviving parent is now taken.  First, the niece whose thread of life was so swiftly snapped asunder; then the husband and father, after months of pain and weariness, bids his loved ones adieu, and goes to his dreamless rest; now the wife and mother, after weeks of struggling with agony too great for her feeble strength, has been summoned to meet her loved and lost in the better land.  "In the shadow of this great affliction, The soul sits down."

Friends who have often shared the hospitalities of the once cheerful fireside will look through tears for "the light that ne'er can shine again."  The poor, the sick, and the sorrowing, will miss one to whose bounty and sympathy they never appealed in vain.  The church has lost a member whose love for its solemn rituals and devotion to the interests grew stronger as -?- were away, and the large circle of relatives both here and elsewhere have been called to mourn for one whose place no other can fill.  How can we comfort the bereaved children upon whom this great sorrow has fallen?

Vital Records, Norwich, NY - September 1860

 Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, September 5, 1860

Married:  COLE - BONNE:  At Clayville [Oneida Co., NY] Aug. 30, by Rev. M. Earl Dunham, Tunis M. Cole of New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Jerusha Bonne, of Clayville.

Died:  CHILDS:  In Bridgeport, Madison county [NY], George N. Childs, aged 61 years.

Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, September 12, 1860

Died:  WHITBY:  In South Otselic [Chenango Co., NY], on the 1st inst.., Oelln? W. [Whitby], infant son of Flexman M. and Sara A. Whitby, aged 5 months and 3 days.

Died:  EDMONDS:  In Afton [Chenango Co., NY], Aug. 28th, Nelson Edmunds, aged 30 years.

Died:  CHENEY:  In New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], on the 5th inst. after a severe and protracted illness, Mrs. Phila Cheney, wife of Russel Cheney, aged 59 years.

Died:  HARRIS:  In Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], on the morning of the 21st of Aug., Jennett [Harris], wife of Philip D. Harris, aged 19 years 4 months and 13 days.  Mrs. Harris was born in Sherburne and was beloved by all who knew her. About 18 months ago she was a bride.  So her life seemed full of promise but Death loves a shining mark. and a cheerful and happy home is soon by him converted into a scene of deepest sorrow.  In her death a young husband is suddenly bereft of an affectionate wife--a Father and Mother of an only daughter, and a brother of an only sister.  She was calm and self possessed and closed her eyes in death expressing her faith in Jesus, the Savior of sinners. This blessed hope seemed to rob Death of its sting and prepare the Spirit to ascend to God who gave it.  "Blessed are the dead who died in the Lord."

Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, September 19, 1860

Died:  MINER:  In Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], Sept. 11th, Ella S. Miner, only child of Henry and Hetty S. Miner, aged 4 years and nine days.

Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, September 26, 1860

Married:  PHETTEPLACE - KENYON:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], Sept 12th?, by Rev. L. Wright, D.A. Phetteplace of -?- to Miss D. Ann Kenyon of Fabius, Onondaga county [NY].

Died:  BERRY, In East Pharsalia [Chenango Co., NY], Aug. 20th?, John S. Berry, aged 71 years.

Died:  CROWELL:  In Fultonville, Sept. 9th, 1860, Adaline D. [Crowell] wife of O.L. Crowell.  Previous to last spring Mrs. Crowell resided in this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], and she will be long remembered here as a woman of the most admirable character.

Died:  ANGELL:  In South New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], Sept 23d 1860, Esther P. Angell, wife of Horatio E Angell, and daughter of J.R. Mathewson, aged twenty-one years and six months.  In the noon-day of life, the fair flower faded.  She was deeply loved by a large circle of friends who deeply mourn her loss.  Well may we exclaim "Death loves a shining mark"  for it has taken one of the fairest and best among us.  May God give strength to the afflicted husband and parents to bear this heavy stroke.  

Death of Geo. L. Baker:  This widely known citizen of the town of Pharsalia [Chenango Co., NY], died at Delavan, Wisconsin, on the 15th inst., from injuries received the previous day from a collision of two railroad trains.  The letter which we print below, gives a circumstantial account of the manner in which he was hurt and of his last moments:

Delevan, Wis. Sept. 16th, 1860

Mr. Joseph Baker:  Dear Sir:  I now find the first leisure time since your son was injured to write you the particulars of the sad affair. The collision which proved fatal to him, was caused by a freight train running into a passenger train while standing at our depot.  George had been attending the County Fair, which was held at Elkhorn.  They attached a platform car and a passenger car to the train at Elkhorn, placing the platform car between the car on which he was, and another passenger car.  It was just after dark that the train arrived at our place, and the brakeman had neglected to light his signal (a red lamp) and the cars were not yet lighted up. The freight train had not its "head light."  While the train was having the express packages and mail unloaded, the passengers were so far from the depot platform, that they were waiting for the train to move, so they could get out upon the platform.  The freight train came up just as your son was lighting the car, running the platform car into the car where he was, and as he occupied the front seat he was the first one injured. 

I arrived at the wreck just as they were taking him out of the window on a door.  I asked who it was.  He knew my voice and answered "Baker".  I took hold and four of us started for his boarding place, but he got tired and when opposite my house, he complained of lying badly, and preferred to stop with us.  I took him in and sent for Drs. Heminway and Devendorf to assist me.  It was evident form the first that there would not be any hope of saving the limb, and we greatly feared that he never would rally, which proved to be the case.  His principal hurt was his left knee, the leg was broken just above the knee, and the knee crushed, and the bones laid bare on the left side, and a large flesh wound on the right side of it.  There was also a wound over the eye, but it was so well dressed that it would not show badly.

The shock to the nervous system by crushing the leg, was what killed him; for no reaction took place, and stimulants had little or no effect upon him.  I did not leave him until he died and was laid out.  He wished his body and effects sent to you.  He gave us your address; but wished us not to write until morning, so as to see how he was; but before morning he was gone.  He had his senses to the last.  he complained of difficulty in breathing; knew his friends until a few minutes before he died.  his breath grew weaker and weaker; he sank gradually.  I never saw one bear suffering better. When he was taken from the car I heard some one say, "Take good care of him, for he bears it like a soldier."  No murmuring, he died like a hero.  His last words were in answer to my question.  "Do you wish to say anything or want anything?"  He said "I can't talk."  He afterwards made signs for water, which was freely give him.  He died fifteen minutes before five o'clock, Saturday morning (yesterday).  We started his body by first express train. We had prayers at our house, and my family and neighbors accompanied the remains to the cars.

A Mr. Glazier came before we had the arrangements completed, and telegraphed to you, and assisted in advising about the coffin. The rest was done by Dr. Heminway and myself.  Mr. H.J. Briggs and wife (friends of him and me) together with my wife and myself, did all we could have done for our own.  He had many friends here; all speak well of him. We found him an agreeable companion and friend. We have the consciousness of having done all we could for him, and now, although personally a stranger, May I sympathize with you, in your deep affliction, and point you to the Great Comfort in you distress.

And believe me yours, truly, C.T. Harris, M.D.

Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, September 12, 1860

Obituary, Editors Chenango Telegraph:  Our village has suffered a serious loss in the death of one of our esteemed citizens.  After an illness of about two weeks, Mr. Samuel S. Stebbens died at his residence on Wednesday, the 5th instant, aged 65.  Mr. S. was born in Hartland, Conn.  His father, Samuel Stebbens came to Sherburne when the son was but eight years old, leaving him with an uncle in Connecticut.  Mr. S., the elder built the first house on the site of the hotel now owned by U.T. Harvey.

The subject of this notice graduated at Yale College in 1816, soon after which he came to Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY] and taught school for one year, returning again to Connecticut.  He afterwards went to Montrose, Penn, where in 1833 he united with the Presbyterian Chruch, and has ever since proved a zealous Christian.  In 1834-5 he again taught the Academy in this village, when he removed to Onondaga County, where he remained nine years.  He afterwards taught in Alabama and in Illinois.  From Quincy, Ill. he returned with his wife to Sherburne about six years since, with the intention of giving up his profession, and passing the remainder of his days in ease and retirement, with his sister, widow of the late Hon. Bennett Bicknell of Madison County [NY]. His active habits of mind and body forbade this, and, to avoid ennui, he found himself compelled to resort to his old employment, more for recreation however, than profit.  Accordingly, he established a select school for a limited number of pupils, with a view to preparing them to enter college.

Since his return to Sherburne, the writer of this has been in friendly relation with him, and has had frequent occasion to admire the depth and clearness of his intellect, his purity of life, his natural kindness of heart, and his unbending integrity  His sympathies were active in all  matters of public interest, and whenever opportunities were presented, he cheerfully co-operated to promote the welfare of our village.

Like a "shock of corn fully ripe," he has gone down to his grave deeply mourned by surviving friends, and lamented by all who knew him.  The sympathies of our community are with his bereaved widow and sister, and with his children, who are too widely separated by distance to be present to look their last upon him and see him laid at rest.

Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, September 12, 1860

It was our good fortune, a few days since, to be present as an invited guest, on one of those happy occasions which occur in the history of few families and which, though private in their nature, have an interest beyond the circle of relatives assembled.  It was the celebration at Sherburne, Chenango county [NY] of the fiftieth anniversary of the marriage of William Newton and Lois Butler.

Mr. Newton came to Sherburne when 18 years of age from near Colchester, Ct.  This was in 1806, only thirteen years after the settlement of the town.  He bought a farm in Hamilton, built a log house, returned and brought on his father's family.  Mrs. Newton's father, Deacon Richard Butler, came from Wethersfield, Ct., in 1794, when she was only four years of age. The county was then almost an unbroken wilderness.

During the fifty years since their marriage, a large family  has grown up around them.  For thirty-eight years they have lived in their present home.  One child after another has left them, until now they are almost alone.  Twice they have mourned the loss of a daughter.  One of these who had gone to India, a missionary's wife, was taken ill the morning after she reached the place of her destination and died in a few weeks.  Rarely has there been occasion to mourn the death of one giving greater promise of usefulness.  

Nine children and thirteen grandchildren assembled in the old homestead at the Golden Wedding.  Eight of these were married, so that nine families and one unmarried son were seated around a table spread literally across the old hearthstone, about which they had so many times gathered in their childhood.  A truly happy group was that, with the old gentleman seated in his large easy chair, and his thirteen grandchildren surrounding and clinging to him in their fondest embraces of love and affection.  Few are the instances wherein parents are permitted thus long to share each others joys and sorrow, and alike behold their children prosperously settled in life. Two sons have already gained distinction at the bar, one is occupying a chair as Professor Mathematics at Yale college, one has selected the ministry as his calling, one remains at the old homestead, and is extensively engaged in agriculture.  The others are alike well established on farms, or in mechanical operations.  It was but just that this should be an occasion of regard from devoted and loving children, and that, perhaps for the last time together, they could again bow at the family altar and untie with parents in fervent praise and thanksgiving.

Before the festivities of the day closed, all, from the oldest to the youngest, joined in the delightful task of planting two oak and two elm trees before the old homestead as the most fitting memorial of the happy occasion.

We clipped the above account of a reunion that took palce at Sherburne, on the 22d of August last from The Albany Evening journal.  As two of the sons resided in our village (one engaged in the Bank of Norwich and the other as a lawyer) we are enabled to add some facts to the account above given.  Mr. Newton was 20 years of age when he first came to this county from Connecticut.  Most of the time since that, his residence has been in Sherburne, on his farm, although he was engaged about 14 years in building canals and railroads in this State and in Pennsylvania. The family consisted of seven sons and four daughters.  These eleven children and their parents were never together but once, on Thanksgiving Day in 1835.  In 1836, one daughter died at the age of 16.  In 1848, another, Mrs. Little, died in India.  She was a graduate of the Albany Female Academy. The other two, Mrs. Lathrup and Mrs. Buell, reside in Sherburne. The oldest son, Wm. B., 49 years of age, is a farmer of Parma, Monroe Co.  The next two sons, Warren and Isaac S., reside in Norwich, N.Y.  The next, Lucius is at the homestead as a farmer. The fifth, Hubert A. is at Yale College.  The sixth, Albro J. is one of the firm of Kinyon & Newton, at Binghamton, N.Y.  The last Homer S. is now with his parents at Sherburne.  Their parents have given to all of these children the privileges and advantages of a thorough academic education, and three of the sons are graduates of Yale College. As such gatherings of families so large, are unusual, we have felt at liberty to record this fully, as one having a local interest here. 

Vital Records, Greene, NY - September 1860

 Chenango American, Greene, NY, September 6, 1860

Died:  In McDonough [Chenango Co., NY], on the 25th ult. Floyd [Moore] only son of Ira and Lydia Moore, aged 8 years.

Died:  In McDonough [Chenango Co., NY], on the 26th ult., Martha C. [Randall], daughter of Willis A. and Clarissa Randall, aged 6 months.

Died:  In Hornby, Steuben Co., [NY], July 26th, Clarissa [Martin], wife of George W. Martin and daughter of Henry Williams, of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], aged 30 years.

Chenango American, Greene, NY, September 13, 1860

Married:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 6th ult. by Rev. W.H. Olin, Mr. O.M. Fisher to Miss Sue M. Leach, all of Norwich.

Chenango American, Greene, NY, September 20, 1860

Married: In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 6th inst. by Rev. L. Sperry, J.H. Garrett to Miss M.A. Mosher, both of Masonville [Delaware Co., NY].

Died:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 13th inst. of tetanus, Mr. James Van Vleet.

Chenango American, Greene, NY, September 27, 1860

Married:  In this village [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], on the 26th inst. by Rev. James Orton, Mr. Alson Smith to Mrs. Sarah Holdrich, all of this place.

Married:  In this village [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], at the M.E. Parsonage, on the 24th inst. by Rev. B. Strove, Mr. Henry H. Bowen to Miss Agnes Mitchell both of Guilford [Chenango Co., NY].

\Married:  In McDonough [Chenango Co., NY], on the 13th inst., by Rev. E. Holroyd, Mr. Clark S. Black to Miss Mary E. Gibson, all of McDonough.

Died:  In New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], on the 23d inst. Miss Electa Aylesworth, daughter of David Aylesworth, aged 44 years.

Died:  In South New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], on the 22d inst. Esther P. [Angel] wife of Horatio P. Angel, aged 21 years.

Died:  In Smithville [Chenango Co., NY] on the 23d inst, Mrs. Catharine A. Bailey, aged 28 years.

We extract the following notice of the death of Mr. J.M. Adams, one of the Editors and Publishers of the Binghamton Democrat who died on Monday morning last in the 30th year of his age.  from the Binghamton Daily Republican:

Mr. Adams was attacked with a violent fever before he had entirely completed the U.S. Census in this portion of the county, in which, by the appointment of U.S. Marshall, he had been for some time laboriously engaged.  He had sufficiently recovered to be pronounced hopefully convalescent, when he imprudently attended the Broome County Fair at Lisle on the last day.  He suffered a relapse, which after a prostration of a week, has terminated his life.  Mr. Adams was an amiable and worthy young man, and enjoyed the esteem of the community.  It is but a few weeks since he was called to follow to the grave his oldest child, an interesting little boy, whom he now, in the inscrutable dispensation of Providence, joins to part no more.  His death comes upon us all with a peculiar and startling solemnity. Death in any form is appalling.  It is sad to see the old man die, whose head is "silvered o'er with age."  But, then, he has fought his fight, finished his course, and reached the allotted age of the Psalmist.  It is sadder to see the middle-aged depart in the midst of their hopes and ambitions, their tolls and struggles, before they are ripe and ready for the harvest; but it is sadder still to see one, like the deceased, in the flower of his youth, and in the morning of his promise, sink prematurely to the returnless tomb.  But such is the irreversible decree.  The deceased leaves a young and interesting family to receive the sympathy of the community. His funeral was  announced to have taken place yesterday, and was to be participated in by the Fire Department and Masonic Fraternity of which Bodies he was a worthy member.

Vital Records, Oxford, NY - September 1860

 Oxford Times, September 5, 1860

Married:  In Coventry [Chenango Co., NY[, on 27th ult., by Rev. T.W. Williams, Mrs. Benjamin Pitsley to Miss A. Snell.

Died:  At Smithville Flatts [Chenango Co., NY], on 29th ult., James H. [Adair], son of John and Mary Ann Adair, aged 2 years.

Died:  At his residence in Poughkeepsie [Dutchess Co., NY], on 25th ult., Mr. William Wilson, aged 59 years.  In his death we have lost one of our most valuable citizens.  He had become too, one of the oldest of our business men having opened a bookstore in the year 1834, where he remained a few years alone, and then formed a copartnership with the late Patrician Potter.  When Mr. Potter left for the West, Mr. Wilson continued the business alone, and has done so until within a few months, when declining health caused him to resign the active supervision of it into the hands of his eldest son.  Mr. Wilson was a native of Perthshire, Scotland, and his thoughts and feelings were thoroughly imbued with the most noble associations of his native land, especially those which pertained to its literature of every kind.  He had already assumed an honorable position in the world of letters before he left Scotland, and was an acceptable contributor to Blackwood's magazine, The Edinburgh Journal, Chamber's Journal, and other periodicals.  After establishing himself in business here, he continued his contributions to Scottish periodicals, and wrote several exquisite poems for Tait's Magazine, over the signature of "Alpin,"  In a collection of Scottish poetry, published some 20 years ago, several from the pen of Mr. Wilson appeared which are remarkable for their great delicacy of sentiment, vigorous thought and artistic construction.  Over the signature of "Allen Grant" Mr. Wilson has contributed some meritorious poems to the Evening Post, The Albion, The Knickerbocker magazine, and more recently to the Chicago Record, published by his son.  Poughkeepsie News.

Oxford Times, September 12, 1860

Married:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 30th ult., by Rev. F. Rogers, Mr. Henry F. Whittenhall to Miss Araella J. Race, all of Greene.

Married:  In Ithaca [Tompkins Co., NY], on the 5th inst., by the Rev. A.S. Graves, of Cortland, Mr. Howard Williams to Miss Fannie H. Grant.

Married:  In Pharsalia [Chenango Co., NY], Aug. 28th, by Rev. S.N. Westcott, Squire James Gladding to Miss Sallie Maria Brown, all of Pharsalia.

Married:  In the Baptist Church, of East Pharsalia [Chenango Co., NY], Aug. 28th, by the Rev. S.N. Westcott, Charles W. Brooks, of Killawog, Broome Co. [NY], to Miss Elisa A. Green. of the former place.

Died:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 4th inst., Julia [Beach], wife of Mr. Lyman Beach, aged 59 years.

Died:  In Afton [Chenango Co., NY], on the 23d ult., Willard P. [Stowell], only son of Abel and Elizabeth Stowell, aged 11 years.

Died:  In Preston [Chenango Co., NY], on the 8th inst., Mrs. Hilpha A. Blivin, wife of William D. Blivin, aged 50 years.

Oxford Times, September 19, 1860

Married:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 11th inst., by Rev. L. Wright, Mr. Charles H. Miner, to Miss Martha V. Bradley, both of Guilford [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  In McDonough [Chenango Co., NY], on the 16th int. by Rev. O. Ellerson, Mr. Alonzo S. Cahoon of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Mary C. Watson of McDonough.

Died:  in Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 12th inst., George [Hagaman], son of John Hagaman, aged 7 years.

Died:  In Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY] on the 27th ult, Clara E. [Merritt], daughter of Emmet Merritt, aged 12 years.

Died:  In Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY] on the 5th inst. Samuel S. Stebbins, aged 65 years.

We learn that Henry R. Morehouse, aged 21 years, son of Squire R. Morehouse, formerly of this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], who met with an accident of which we noticed last week, died at Scranton [PA] on the 6th inst.  The particulars as we learn them, are that he was employed as a brakeman on the cars, and while in the act of applying the breaks on a downward grade near Scranton, he slipped off and the cars ran over both of his legs, taking them off just above the ankle. Both legs were amputated just below the knee, in hopes of saving his life, but in vain, after enduring much suffering, he lingered but a few days after the accident.

Oxford Times, September 26, 1860

Married:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY] on the 18th inst., by Rev. J.C. Ransom, Mr. Bradford C. Kinyon, Jr., of this village to Miss Jane A Stiles of Coventry [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 20th inst. by Rev. W.R. Cobb, Mr. Gilbert S. Rowley to Miss S. Amelia Millard, all of this village.

Married:  In Coventry [Chenango Co., NY], on the 15th inst. by Rev. T.M. Williams, William E. Durham of Peoria, Ill. to Miss Rebecca Minor of Coventry.

Died:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 22d inst. Mary Rogers, of Guilford [Chenango Co., NY] aged 10 years.

Died:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY] on the 24th inst., Miss Angeline E. Merrell, aged 23 years.

Died:  In Farmington, Mo. on the 30th ult., Mr. Henry W. Ballard, son of Horatio Ballard, Esq., of Cortland [Cortland Co., NY] in the 25th year of his age.  Mr Ballard was formerly a student of Oxford Academy.

Vital Records, Norwich, NY - March 1841 & August 1860

 Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, March 3, 1841

Died:  In Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY], on Wednesday the 17th ult. Mrs. Harriet Per Lee, wife of Walter Per Lee, Esq., aged 55 years.

Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, August 1, 1860

Married:  DANA - CLOSE:  In Christ Church at -?- Va., July 24? 1860 by the Right Rev. Bishop -?-, Charles H. Dana of that city to Miss Elvira R. Close, of  North Norwich [Chenango Co., NY].

Died:  HARRIS:  In Michigan City, Indiana, on Monday the 16th of July, George E. [Harris] aged 8 years and 9 months; Mary B. [Harris], aged 6 years; and on Wednesday the 18th, Charles G. [Harris] aged 3 years and 8 months--children of Truman T. and Melissa Harris.  A sadder affliction does not often befall man than the one we have just recorded.  The loss of a single link in a domestic chain, one vacant chair at the fireside, is a great loss, but when the stroke is repeated again and again, how heavy, how overwhelming the calamity.  But in the midst of darkness and sorrow, there is light.  He who blest little children when upon earth, has taken them home to heaven. The idea they so often expressed "I want to be an angel" as sung at the Sabbath school, they now realized.  Just before Charlie died he said, "Mother it is growing dark. Mamy let us go home."  And in a few hours his spirit followed hers to that far better land of glory and light. They were a most lovely group. But they are lovelier now in white robes and shining crowns. The sympathies of the whole community are most deeply moved for the bereaved parents and their prayer doubtless is that the Saviour will cheer and strengthen them in their affliction and sanctify their eternal welfare.

Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, August 8, 1860

Married:  SMITH - SACKETT:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], July 30th, by Warren Gray, Esq., Joseph Smith to Miss Phebe E. Sackett, all of Greene.

Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, August 22, 1860

Died:  DOYLE:  In Norwich village [Chenango Co., NY], August 20, 1860, Betsey [Doyle], Daughter of Patrick Doyle, aged 9 years.

Died:  PRESTON:  In Oxford village [Chenango Co., NY], August 4th, 1860, of consumption, Miss Betsey Preston, aged 54 years.

Died in Cherry Valley [Otsego Co., NY], on Monday, July 30th, Mrs. Esther Ripley, wife of the late Horace Ripley, Esq., aged 82 years.  She was the daughter of Col. Clyde, and her life is the history of Cherry Valley. She was nine months old when the place was sacked by the Indians.  Her mother dreamed for three successive nights that the Indians were upon them. The third morning she looked out and saw them at hand. She instantly took her child and dog, and hid herself with them in a hollow log.  Here she had great anxiety for fear either the child or the animal should make some noise to betray them, but they remained perfectly still, while the Indians prowled around and ransacked the house and premises at pleasure. When night came she left her retreat, and finding the Indians gone, returned to her house. The daughter lived to see the village rise again; to see the church twice reorganized; and having connected herself with that church, she lived to show through a long life of patient suffering, that power of Christian faith and fortitude which made her ancestors and ours both brave and strong.

Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, August 29, 1860

Married:  CAMPBELL - BEACH:  In Columbus [Chenango Co., NY], on the 11th inst., by the bride's father, Rev. Allen R. Beach, Prof. A.B. Campbell, of Hamilton [Madison Co., NY], to Miss Amy Emeline Beach, of Columbus.

Married:   BACON - MEAD:  In North Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], August 22, by Rev. B.R. Williams, Mr. Orange Bacon of Hamilton [Madison Co., NYT] to Miss Jane E. Mead of North Norwich.

Died:  INMAN:  In Norwich village [Chenango Co., NY], August 15th, 1860, Mrs. Mariette Inman, daughter of Jno. Phillips, aged 58 years.

Died:  STOWELL:  In the town of Afton [Chenango Co., NY], August 3, 1860, after a short illness, Willard P. [Stowell], only son of Abel and Elizabeth A. Stowell, aged 11 years and 10 months.  A promising flower suddenly cut down, leaving a void in the parents' heart which this earth can never fill.

Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, August 22, 1860

A Family Reunion:  It is possible that some of your readers may remember a meeting in the Autumn of 1836 at the Eagle Tavern in this village, of four brothers by the name of DeForest, all born under the same roof in Stratford, Ct., all soldiers in the Revolution, pensioners, and then, when the youngest was 70 years of age, coming all together for the first time after more than half a century. There has been a similar reunion of the eight children of the youngest of those brothers.  A notice of this may, perhaps, possess a share of the interest which that, so unusual an event, excited.

It was in the year 1795, when this region was literally a howling wilderness, that Mr. Gideon DeForest removed to Otsego County [NY], and settled in what is now Edmeston [Otseog Co., NY]--then a part of Burlington.  His road, at the last, was little more than the blazed trees, for but few had preceded him to contest their title to the land with the wolf and the panther.  His wife, Hannah Birdsey of Derby, Ct., with the spinning wheel, which still remains a memento and characteristic of those early days, was a meet companion of the hardy pioneer.  He was both farmer and tailor, and fruit trees and fields bear witness to his toil.  It was the day of deer skin breeches, of things substantial rather than elegant. The cow bell and stroke of the ax were heard without, within the loom beat time to the hum of the wheel.  Then, hands were strong for work and hearty in the grasp of friendship.  Then, there was a laying hold of the distaff.

On the farm thus redeemed from wildness, in days of privation, of work and of heroic virtue of a hardy stock which fleeing from France two centuries before for liberty of conscience, had in America helped fight the battles of Independence, were born five sons and three daughters, who came together at a family reunion, the first for forty-four years, on Tuesday, the 14th, at the house of Mr. Lee DeForest, of South Edmeston, who still holds a part of the "old farm."  They met and inaugurated a  monument which one of the sons, Mr. Chas. A. DeForest, of Albany, has reared to the memory of the parents.  Mr. Gideon DeForest died Dec. 9, 1840 in the 76th, and his wife, Hannah Birdsey DeForest, Sept 25, 1844, in the 72nd year of her age.

The family group, which has never been broken except by the death from accident of a son two years old, consists of Abel Birdsey DeForest born Dec. 30, 1795, living at Morrisville, Madison Co., [NY]; Lee, born Aug. 7, 1798, at South Edmeston; Sally, born March 9, 1800, who married Mr. Alozno S. Campbell, deceased of Columbus; Cyrus Hawley, born March 30, 1804, of Buffalo; Marian, born July 20, 1806, who married Rev. Henry Snyder, now of South Canaan, Ct., ; Charles Augustus, born Oct. 25, 1808, of Albany,; Tracy Robinson, born Feb. 2, 1811, of Cleveland, Ohio; and Harriet, born July 28, 1813, who married Mr. Thomas A. Fuller, of Sherburne.

Seldom is a family so large, after so many years, permitted to re-assemble at the place of birth and there live over again the joys and scenes of childhood and youth, with their number unbroken and with the appearance still of health and vigor.  Tall and robust in frame, manly and dignified in bearing, they at once show the worth of strictly temperate habits and that the true basis of character is readly and not the merely seeming. The parents died in faith leaving a legacy of prayer and example richer than perishable things. The children are all professing Christians, and of the five sons four are office bearers in the Christian Chruch.  The last day of the gathering was passed at the house of Mr. Fuller in Sherburne. As the time came for this family group to separate and for the circle formed after so many years to be broken, never more perhaps to be united here, voices were blended in praise which years ago had sung the rhymes of childhood together.  Years had not impaired their harmony.  Yet within was a sympathy of kindred spirits richer and deeper, which music can best, but only inadequately express. And as prayer was mingled with praise and affection subdued and chastened, was exalted to devotion, I felt how good a thing is Christian fellowship.  H.S.