Vital Records, Oxford, NY - January 1861

 Oxford Times, January 2, 1861

Married:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 26th ult. by Rev. James D Webster, Mr. George A. Aylesworth of Afton [Chenango Co., NY^], to Miss Rubie A. Fosbury of Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 24th ult. by Rev. A.B. Jones, Mr. Heman Huntley to Miss Mary E. Slater, all of Greene.  

Died:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 20th ult., Mary L. [Hagerman], wife of John Hagerman, aged 29 years.

Died:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 22d ult., Billy Fairchild, aged 82 years.

Oxford Times, January 9, 1861

Married:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY] on the 1st inst., by the Rev. W.T. Potter, Mr. James M. Keyes to Miss Delia R. Searles, both of Coventry [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  In this town [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 1st inst., by Rev. H. Callahan, Mr Abner M. Gilbert of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Ellen P. Brown of Coventry [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 31st ult. by Rev. James Orton, Mr. Curtis Winston, to Miss Maria A. Upham.

Married:  At Page Brook [Chenango Co., NY], on the 26th ult., by Rev. E. Puffer, Mr. Charles H. Packard of Coventry [Chenango Co., NY], to Miss Sarah A. Carnegie of Broome.

Died:  In Oswego [Oswego Co., NY], on Dec. 27th, 1860, Mrs. Nancy Wheeler, of this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], aged 71 years.  

Died:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 25th ult. Rebecca [Bennett], wife of Mr. Isaac Bennett, aged 52 years.

Died:  In Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 22d ult. Abby J. [Davis], wife of Mr. Charles B Davis, aged 23 years.

Oxford Times, January 16, 1861

Married:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 1st inst. by Rev. W.R. Cobb, Mr. Daniel Marshman of Oxford to Miss Emma L. Knickerbocker, of Smithville [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  In Cincinnatus [Cortland Co., NY], on 2d inst. by Rev. W. Kingsley, Mr. Isaac Rorapaugh to Miss Mary E. Towsley, both of Smithville [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  In McDonough [Chenango Co., NY], on the 3d inst., by Rev. E. Holroyd, Mr. Alexander Daniels, Jr. to Miss Jane A. Kinyon, all of McDonough.

Married:  In Preston [Chenango Co., NY], on the 1st inst., by Rev. Mr. Andrews, Mr. George J. Coville, to Miss Ellen D. Peabody, both of Preston.

Died:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 7th inst., Mrs. Hannah Race, wife of Derrick Race, deceased, aged 90? years.

Died:  In Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], on 6th inst., Mrs. Polly Brown, aged 73 years.

Died:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 9th inst. Mrs. George VanNess, aged about 60? years.

Died:  In Oswego [Oswego Co., NY], on Dec. 27th, 1860, Mrs. Nancy Wheeler, of this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], aged 71 years.  Mrs. Wheeler's death has removed from our midst except the few who still linger among us, and in their persons blend the hallowed memories of the past with the realities of the present.  Fitted to occupy any position which Providence might assign her, and always anxious to excel, she has through a long course of years adorned every relation in life which she has held among us. The sacred duties of wife and mother, will wear a new luster from her having borne them for so many years.  Friendships will ever be more precious to those who have known her faithfulness and ever ready sympathy.  [rest unreadable]

Oxford Times, January 23, 1861

Married:  In Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], on 8th inst. by Rev. J.L. Burrows, Mr. Peter B. Padget of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], to Miss Sarah C. Anderson, of Guilford [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  In New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], on the 7th inst. by Rev. Mr. McLeish, Mr. Wm. E. Smith to Miss Frances M. Prosser, all of New Berlin.

Died:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 15th inst., Mr. George A. Cary, 2d, aged 21 years.

Died:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 19th inst., Rachel [Stratton], wife of Mr. Isaac J. Stratton, aged 74 years.

Died:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on 12th inst., Mrs. Augusta Smith, aged 46 years.

Oxford Times, January 30, 1861

Married:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 22d inst., by Rev. J.C. Ransom, Mr. Anson Whipple, Jr., of McDonough [Chenango Co., NY], to Miss Nancy M. Stewart of Oxford.

Married:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 23d inst., by Rev. A.L. Harding, Mr. Eldridge W. Lewis to Miss Sarah Tracy, all of Greene.

Died:  In this town [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 28th inst., Sarah [Lobdell], widow of the late Abijah Lobdell, deceased, aged nearly 69 years.  Mrs. Lobdell was the daughter of Peter Burgot, one of the very early settlers of what is now the town of Oxford.  She was born in great Barrington, Massachusetts, whither her father emigrated to this town in 1792, when the subject of this notice was an infant.  One by one, as time moves on, the number of the early settlers and comers diminishes, and now but here and there one remains monuments of the past, temporarily dwelling in the present, and soon with their departed friend to take their places in the boundless future.  She has passed through life's fitful blaze unharmed, unalloyed, fulfilling in all respects the duties assigned her and for which she seemed well designed of child, wife, mother, friend and Christian woman, and has now, just ere the allotted three score and ten years had been reached, been called to her reward.  "It is appointed unto all men once to die."

Died:  In this town [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 27th inst. Sally M. [Beardsley], wife of Mr. Asa Beardsley, aged 33 years.

Died:  In Coventry [Chenango Co., NY], on the 3d inst., of Diptheria, Willie H. [Porter], son of W.D. and Mary J. Porter, aged 2 years and 6 months.

Died:  In McDonough [Chenango Co., NY], on the 8th inst., Mr. William Stanley, aged 76 years.

Happenings of the times - Oxford Times, January 2, 1861

From the South

A company of eighty men arrived at Columbia, S.C. on Sunday, from Savannah, and tendered to the South Carolina Governor their services.

Senator Johnson of Tennessee, for his manly speech against secession, was burned in effigy at Memphis Saturday night.

At Norfolk, Va., disunion feelings is said to be on the increase. Ashland Hall was crowded with citizens Saturday night.  Disunion speeches were delivered by Col. V.D. Grover and Gen. John Tyler and were enthusiastically applauded. Gen Tyler concluded with the expression: "Let the Union go to Hell," which was received with loud and repeated cheers.

The latest advices form Texas state that Gov. Houston will convene an extra session of the Texas legislature on the 21st of January to consider the present crisis.  The Convention of the people will be held on the 28th of January. The secession feeling is in the ascendant.

Oxford Times, January 23, 1861

We have positive intelligence that it is the intention of the rebel leaders of South Carolina to attack Ft. Sumter with all their forces as soon as their envoy, Col. Hayne, returns from Washington. Notwithstanding all that has been said about the impregnability of the position of the fortress, it is almost a physical impossibility from a garrison of fifty or sixty men to maintain a long defense against such odds. Their numbers are barely sufficient to work nine guns, without any allowance for rest of relays or casualties.  Without prompt relief Maj. Anderson and his command will be destroyed, and the key of Charleston Harbor taken by the rebels.  Reinforcements and ships of war should be at once sent to Ft. Sumter. The administration will bear a terrible responsibility by any unnecessary delay.  Tribune, 18th. 

Vital Records, Norwich, NY - December 1860

 Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, December 5, 1860

Married:  STILES - CONEY:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], on the 16th? ultimo by Rev. Mr. -?-, Otis? B. Stiles to Miss Louisa A. Coney, all of this village.

Married:  MEAD - WATERMAN:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], Nov. 1st by Rev. J.W. -?-, -?- Mead to Miss Catharine Waterman, all of Oxford.

Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, December 12, 1860

Married:  GIBSON - BOYNTON::  At the residence of the bride's father, December 4th, by Rev. J.M. Crandall, Robert T. Gibson, of Plymouth to Miss Emily C. Boynton, of Smyrna [Chenango Co., NY].

Died:  KENYON:  In Ira, Cayuga Co. [NY], Dec. 1st, of congestion, Mrs. Betsy Kenyon, widow of Rev. B.B. Kenyon and daughter of Hezekiah Brown, Esq., of Norwich, N.Y., aged 67 years.

Sudden Death: We learn that Enos Shranger of Delhi [Delaware Co., NY] died suddenly at Cannonsville [Delaware Co., NY] at which place he was working on the 22d of November, under circumstances that awakened suspicions that he had been poisoned.  His body was removed to his father's house in Delhi, and an inquest and postmortem examination were held on Tuesday of last week. We have not learned the result.

Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, December 19, 1860

Died:  COATS:  Died at the residence of his father, Harris Coats, Esq., in Pharsalia [Chenango Co., NY], on the 7th Nov. ult., Mr. David F. Coats, aged 32 years.  We miss thee dear David, we miss thee, / The home of thy childhood is drear, / Since the star that has left us, / To illume a holier sphere.  / We long! O, we long for thy presence / Our homes, once so cherished and bright, / Bereft of the dear one we cherished, / Is shrouded in darkness and night.

We do indeed mourn that we must be deprived thus early of the society of our friend David.  Fondly we loved him as one of those bright beings whose presence ever sheds the light of love and consolation over all that chance to come within their sphere.  He was ever gentle, ever kind, and could by his uniform cheerfulness and kindness make home a paradise.  Yes, we may well mourn that David has left our earthly homes.  Yet could we wish him back to endure the cares and anxieties of life? Ah, methinks not one of us that loved him would say come back.  He hath passed from death into life, and we should rejoice that his immortal spirit is in the land of the blest. But while his gentle spirit still lingered with earthly friends, he bid them an affectionate adieu, with a request that they would meet him in heaven. Dearest David, we do not wish thee back, but may thy gentle influence like the dew of heaven descend upon us, that we may, like thee, lead a life of purity and when our earthly pilgrimage shall cease, be able to realize thy last fond request, to meet thee "Where the wicked cease from troubling and the weary are at rest."  Pharsalia, Nov. 13, 1860 A.W.

Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, December 26, 1`860

Married:  BROOKS - BAIRD:  On the 2d inst. at Johnstown Pennsylvania, by Rev. John Williams, George Brooks, formerly of this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Mary L. Baird, both of Salem, Ohio.

Happenings of the Times - Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, December 19, 1860

An Interview with Mr. and Mrs. Lincoln

Rev. T.L. Cuyler writes to the Evangelist concerning an interview with the President elect and his wife, at Chicago.  He says:  After seeing how freely the people gathered at Mr. Lincoln's parlor door, and how familiarly they knocked thereat, I took the liberty of sending my card, and was invited very promptly to his apartments.  As soon as I entered, the "man with the patriarch's name" stood before me, not quite so thin as Barnum's live skeleton--but certainly quite tall and lank enough for gracefulness.  he does not look like the melancholy prints in the shop windows.  Homely as he is (that is the very word, homely, a plain, homespun, home-loving, unpretending character) his face is not unattractive.  His eye is good.  His hair glossy. His voice has a clean cut distinctness that must make him a pleasant public speaker.  His manner is exceedingly genial.  He grasped my  hand warmly, put me at ease by a cordial recognition, and led me at once to the other side of the room, where sat a refined and not unhandsome lady, whom I soon found was "the little woman down the street" to whom he first made known the news of his nomination last spring.  "Here, my dear, is ---," was his homely introduction; and I was domesticated at once.  She will do the honors of the White House, I doubt not, gracefully. They seemed a whose souled, unpretending couple, chatted cordially about churches, pastors, &c, &c., and did not betray the slightest sense of having lost their balance by sudden promotion.  Of Mr. Lincoln, the politician I say nothing.  But Lincoln, the man, I was delighted with.

Vital Records, Greene, NY - December 1860

 Chenango American, Greene, NY, December 6, 1860

Married:  In this town [Greene, Chenango Co. NY], on the 1st inst., by Rev. Jas. D. Webster, Mr. Melvin A. Macomber, to Miss Ruth E. Gilmore, all of the above palce.

Married:  In Tunkhannock, Pa., on the 28th ult. at the residence of D.A. Bardwell, Esq., by Rev. Benj. Shove, Mr. F.M. Terwilliger, of this town [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], to Miss Ann Maria Bardwell, of the former place.

Married:  in Madison, Madison Co. [NY], on the 28th ult., by Rev. C. Swift, Alvin Sturdevant, Editor of the Delaware Republican,  Delhi, N.Y. [Delaware Co.], and Miss Adaline L. Curtis, of the former place.

Married:  In Afton [Chenango Co., NY] on the 27th ult. by Rev. W.G. Queal, Mr Wm. L. Landers to Miss Anna M. Chafee, all of Afton.

Died:  In Barker, Broome Co. [NY] on the 1st inst., Mrs. Roxanna Johnson, aged 77 years.

Died:  In Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], on the 1st inst., Mr. James D. Harris.

Died:  In San Francisco, Cal. Oct. 31st, 1860, Mr. Merrick Read, of this village [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], aged 59 years.  Crushing and most unexpected is the blow to the bereaved family, communicated by the intelligence of the death of a husband and father, passing away in a distant land, with none of the family connections around him to close his eyes in death. The deceased left this place in the middle of last summer to attend to matters of business in the city where he died. The tidings of his departure came with no previous information of his illness.  The fearful stroke of this dark dispensation has its soothing features.  Though away from home and without the devoted attentions of a good wife and children, he yet received every comfort and attention which kind friends could bestow.  He passed away in calmness and peace, in the spirit of humble resignation to the Divine Will, and in the hope of a blessed immortality. Sincere, simple, frank, honest, devoted in his attachments, he will be missed by a large array of friends who knew and loved him in life and would honor him [in] death.  May the God of the fatherless and the widow support the hearts of this bereaved family through these dark trials.  

Chenango American, Greene, NY, December 13, 1860

Married:  In this town [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], on the 9th inst. by Rev. Jas. D. Webster, Mr. William Lucus of Smithville [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Lucinda Harrison, of the above named place.

Died:  In McDonough [Chenango Co., NY], on the 8th inst., Walter H. [Randall], son of Alonzo and Harriet Randall, aged 8 years and 7 months.

Chenango American, Greene, NY, December 29, 1860

Died:  In this town [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], on the 17th inst., Mr. Seth Hallenbeck, aged 44 years.

Chenango American, Greene, NY, December 27, 1860

Married:  In this village [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], on the 26th inst. by Rev. Jas. D. Webster, Mr. Geo. A. Aylsworth of Afton [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Rubie A. Fosbury, of Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  At the M.E. Parsonage, in this village [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], on the 26th inst. by Rev. B. Shove, Mr. John N. Yauger, to Miss Caroline Pratt, both of Colesville, Broome Co. [NY].

Married:  In this town [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], on the 24th inst. by Rev. A.B. Jones, Helam Huntley, to Miss Mary Elizabeth Slater, all of Greene.

Married:  In Mt. Upton [Chenango Co., NY], on the 19th inst. by Rev.  Henry Peck, Mr. Julien A. Goodrich, to Miss Amelia A. Potter, both of South New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY].

Died:  In this town [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], on the 29th inst. Mary L. [Hagerman], wife of John Hagerman, aged 29 years.

Died:  In this town [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], on 21st inst. Cora E. [Peck], youngest daughter of Daniel Peck, aged 4 years.

Died:  In this town [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], on the 22d inst., Billy Fairchild, aged 82 years.

Died:  in Triangle [Broome Co., NY], on the 21st inst. Electa A. [Saxton], wife of Henry Saxton, aged 25 years.

Died:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 19th inst. Mrs. Fanny Ransford, aged 85 years.

Happenings of the Times - Chenango American, Greene, NY, December 27, 1860

South Carolina out of the union!

The long anticipated secession of South Carolina has been completed.  On Thursday last in a Convention called by the legislature, she formally passed an ordinance proclaiming herself an independent Sovereignty, and owing no allegiance to the United States.

The experiment of self-government must now stand the test, and the question whether this Union can be preserved must now be solved.  South Carolina has declared herself out of the union--the question now is how can she get out.  She has sent Commissioners to treat with the powers at Washington.  They will probably not be recognized.  The Custom Houses must be kept up, The Post Routes sustained, and the operations of the federal government in all particulars kept up, just as much in South Carolina as in any other State, and the fact that she has declared secession does not by any means prove disunion.  It is hard to see how Carolina can maintain her sovereignty and independence unless she fight for it.  It needs no prophet to foretell the result of a civil war. These rebellious Southern States would be humbled in the dust. What they hope for is that they will be allowed to peaceably form a Southern Confederacy of the Cotton States. The signs of the times are that they will not be allowed to do this, but the end is not yet.  A few days may determine the result of this attempt to overthrow this glorious Republic.  What the course of the Administration will be is as yet problematical.  We have but little hopes from that quarter. The indications are that Buchanan will endeavor to shift the responsibility and leave this troublesome question to be adjusted by his successor. Events may however prevent this.

Vital Records, Oxford, NY - December 1860

 Oxford Times, December 5, 1860

Married:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 3d inst., by Rev. W.R. Cobb, Mr. Calvin S. Edwards to Miss Irene A. Pope, both of Guilford [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 27th ult., by Rev. F. Rogers, Mr. T.D. Baldwin of Elmira [Chemung Co., NY], to Miss Anna E. Read of Greene.

Died:  In East McDonough [Chenango Co., NY], on the 29th ult., Mr. Wm. Steere, aged 78 years.

Died:  In California, in October last, Mr. Merrick Read, aged 60 years, formerly of Greene [Chenango Co., NY].

Enos Shrauger, of Delhi [Delaware Co., NY], died suddenly at Cannonsville [Delaware Co., NY], where he was temporarily working on the 22d of Nov. under circumstances that lead to suspicions of his having been poisoned.  His body was taken to the house of his father, near Fitch's Bridge, in Delhi, where an inquest and post mortem examination were held last Tuesday.

Oxford Times, December 12, 1860

Married:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 9th inst., by Rev. JC. Ransom, Mr. Francis T. Willcox to Miss Matilda Salisbury, both of Willet [Cortland Co., NY].

Married:  In Afton [Chenango Co., NY], on the 5th inst., by Rev. W.G. Queal, Mr. Aaron E. Loomis to Miss Mary Jane Burditt, all of Afton.

Married:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 4th inst., by Rev. F. Rogers, Mr. Joseph D. Josslyn of East Boston, Mass. to Miss Helen Gray, granddaughter of Warren Gray, Esq. of the former place.

Married:  In Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], on the 29th ult., by Rev. A.B. Jones, Mr. Hermon Hoag to Miss Caroline T. Fitch, both of Smithville.

Died:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 5th inst., Mr. Bradford C. Kinyon, aged 48 years.

Died:  in Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 29th ult., Hon. Robert Monell, aged 73 years.

Died:  In East Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], on the 10th, Mr. Thurston Willcox, aged 64 years.

Oxford Times, December 19, 1860

Married:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 29th ult. by Rev. H.C.E. Costell, Mr. Orrin L. Rich to Miss Kate Maguire.

Married:  In East Pharsalia [Chenango Co., NY], on the 28th ult., Mr. Allen Sharpe to Miss E. Jennie Wescott, both of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 9th inst. by Rev. James D. Webster, Mr. William Lucas of Smithville [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Lucinda Harrison, of the former place.

Died:  In East Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], on the 13th inst., Huldah A. [Loomis] wife of Mr. Warren Loomis, aged 29 years.

Died:  In Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], Dec. 9th, Mr. Amasa Colburn, aged 85 years.

Oxford Times, December 26, 1860

Married:  In Henry, Marshall Co., Ill, Dec. 3d, by Rev. N.C. Lewis, Prof. John T. Dickinson, A.M., Principal of Hedding Seminary, at Abingdon, and late Prof in Oxford Academy [Chenango Co., NY], to Miss Helen L. Hutchins, of the former place.

Married:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 12th inst., by Rev. E. Puffer, Mr. John J. McIntosh to Miss Cloe E. Watrous, both of Greene.

Married:  In Afton [Chenango Co., NY], on the 29th inst., by Rev. W.Q. Queal, Mr. Orris Tubbs to Miss Ann Augusta Leach, both of Coventry [Chenango Co., NY].

Died:  In Preston [Chenango Co., NY], on the 29th inst., Demis [Westover], daughter of Calvin and Urena Westover, aged 14 years.

Died:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 17th inst., Mr. Seth Hollenbeck, aged 44 years.

Died:  In German [Chenango Co., NY], on 5th inst. Mr. George H. Livermore, aged 35 years.

Died:  In Afton [Chenango Co., NY], on the 12th inst., Emily J. [Vinton], daughter of John H. and Liza Vinton, aged 23 years.

Died:  In Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], on the 16th inst., Mrs. Prudence Knickerbocker, aged 56 years.

Died:  At Waterville, Lucas Co., Ohio, Dec. 1, 1860, of Diptheria, Charlie Northop Lenderson, only son of E.W. and L.A. Lenderson, aged 6 years and 9 months.

Oxford Times, December 12, 1860

Death of Hon. Robert  Monell

We are seldom called upon to chronicle the loss on one who, through a long life, was so universally beloved and respected, who had so many and warm friends and so few enemies, as the Hon. Robert Monell.  His death, although it did not take place until the end of a long and well spent life and in the fullness of years, has yet left a void in this community which time only can fill.

The Hon. Robert Monell was a native of Columbia county in this State [NY]. He was bred to the profession of the Law, and in 1808 established an office in Binghamton [Broome Co., NY], where he remained till 1811, when he became a resident of the village of Greene [Chenango Co., NY], and was soon appointed successor to Elisha Smith, as the local agent of the Hornby estate.  He discharged its duties in connection with those of an advocate until 1819, when he resigned it to other hands.

Judge Monell made himself eminently useful to his fellow men in the early settlement of the county.  He was elected to the Legislature in 1813, the first of his townsmen that received that honor.  In that body in the dark hours of 1814, he faithfully performed his duty in sustaining the efforts of Gov. Tompkins in upholding the arms of the national administration in its conflict with Great Britain.  In 1818, Mr. M. was elected to Congress from the District composed of Otsego and Chenango.  Such was the character of his personal popularity at tat time, that not withstanding a strong party organization was opposed to him, there was but one vote against him in his own town.  In 1825, 27, and 28 he represented the county in the legislature of the State.  In 1828 he was returned to Congress by his district, and at the termination of its duties in 1831, was appointed by the Governor and Senate, Circuit Judge for the 6th Judicial District of  this State. This arduous and responsible post he held for fourteen years.  1845 he accepted the appointment of Clerk of the Supreme Court, and was located at Geneva until the adoption of the new Constitution on 1847, when he returned to his home in Greene. Here he continued to reside until the period of his death.  Chenango American.

Happening of the Times - Oxford Times, December 6, 1860

South Carolina Seceded

The South Carolina State Convention met at Columbia on Monday.  Mr. Jamison was elected President, and then the body adjourned to Charleston, because of the prevalence of small pox in Columbia.  The State Legislature immediately followed the example of the Convention, by adjourning to Charleston  Mr Jamison, on taking the chair, said we are engaged on a great subject, and a most important matter.  God knows what the result may be. That it may turn out for the glory of South Carolina is my fervent wish and last prayer.  May God help the State....We give the following summary of its proceedings:

Mr. Memminger introduced a resolution for the appointment of a Committee of seven members to draft a summary statement of the causes justifying South Carolina in withdrawing from the Union....

Mr. Inglis report the following ordinances:  We, the people of Carolina, in Convention assembled, do declare and ordain that the Ordinance adopted by us in Convention, May 23, 1778, whereby the Constitution of the United States was ratified, and all sets and parts of acts of the General Assembly of the State ratifying amendments to said Constitution, are hereby repealed, and The Union now subsisting between South Carolina and other States under the name of the united States of America is hereby dissolved.  The Ordinance was passed unanimously, by 165 members.  The news spread rapidly, and a crowd collected and cheered immensely.

Vital Records, Norwich, NY - April 1841 & November 1860

 Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, April 7, 1841

Died:  In Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY], on the 30th ult., Henry Cook, son of Almon Cook, aged 4 years.

Casualty:  A man named Conrad Crook, was killed in this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY] on Monday afternoon.  He was engaged with other laborers in pulling down the leaser portion of a dwelling house, owned by Judge York, when a part of the roof fell, striking his head and breast, and crushing him literally to pieces.  He was taken up senseless, and lived but a few moments after the accident occurred.  He was confined here on the limits, and had a family living in Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY].  We were not personally acquainted with Mr. Crook, but understand that he was a man of good character and industrious habits.

Body Found:  Last winter, we copied an article from the Owego Advertiser, [Tioga Co., NY] announcing the sudden disappearance of a young girl, during the night, from the house of an inhabitant of that village.  It would appear from that statement that she professed the Roman Catholic religion, but living with a protestant family, and receiving instruction in the scriptures, she abjured her former faith--a circumstance that displeased the Irish in the neighborhood.  It was thought by the Advertiser, or stated as a possibility, that the Catholics were instrumental in her removal, whether with cause or not, we are unable to say.  At the time, we imagined the strictures upon this class of citizens, and ultra comment upon their faith, entirely too harsh and uncalled for--for to hold a sect accountable for an individual deed, conceding that she was forcibly removed by one of her countrymen, is neither politic nor just; rather by persuasion and argument, convince them of the fallacy of their creed, and by kind advice--by enlightening their minds, induce them to discard their own erroneous doctrine, and embrace the principles of true Christianity.  We have not seen it stated that any information has been received at Owego of her since she disappeared.  The last Susquehanna (Pa.) Register publishes on the information of a correspondent, residing at Skinner's Eddy, Luzerne Co., a paragraph, stating that the body of a female, apparently between 18 and 20 years of age, had been found floating in the river at that place. A description of her dress is given and her features described; so if they correspond with those of the girl that left Owego, the identity of the person will be established.  It was supposed by the Jury of Inquest that she was murdered and thrown into the river for concealment.

Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, April 14, 1860

Died:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], on Wednesday, the 7th inst., after a short, but severe illness, Mrs. Anor Pellet, wife of Mr. John Pellet, aged 42 years.

Died:  On the 8th inst. of the Scarlet Fever, Caroline Vernette [Bread], only child of Wm. R. Bread, aged 1 year and 5 days.

Last week we gave an account of a body found floating in the Susquehanna river, and stated it as a probability that it was the corpse of Jane McAllister, who disappeared from Owego [Tioga Co., NY] last November.  That statement is confirmed. She was bro't to Owego and an inquest was held.  It is the opinion that she was murdered.

The President's Death:  The most painful apprehensions of yesterday are realized.  President Harrison is no more. The shadow of death has passed over the glory and gladness of the Nation. The hopes of an exulting People are crushed by the inexorable decree of an overruling Providence.  the hand of the Almighty Chastener has been made visible to all eyes.  Human Pride stands rebuked in the presence of this dark Messenger--Death. We shall attempt no eulogy upon the departed. The virtues and services of his life praise him. The sympathies of a grateful people that joyously thronged around his inauguration attend him to the Tomb.  Ambition may envy such a death.  Without a stain upon the purity of his public or private fame, he passes to an immortality where temptation, sin and error cannot reach him.  Our regrets at this National bereavement are all for the living. To them we dedicate our sympathy.  With them we mourn this irreparable loss.

[Note:  William Henry Harrison died 4 April 1841, only 31 days after his inauguration as the 9th president of the United States.  He was the first president to die in office and the shortest service U.S. president in history.] 

Chenango American, Norwich, NY, April 21, 1841

Grave Robbed:  A man named Jackson, died in this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY] on Monday last week, and on the succeeding day was interred in the village yard.  During the night his remains were removed, by whom it is not known. A reward of $50 has been offered by a citizen for the detection of the robbers.  It is a States' Prison offence, and it is hoped that the soulless perpetrator or perpetrators may be brought to punishment.  There is something in a deed like this, that bears brutality on its face, and he who is so lost to moral accountability as to disturb the repose of the dead, is unfit to associate with his kind.

Chenango American, Norwich, NY, November 7, 1860

Married:  WARNER - CLARK:  In the city of Lyons, Iowa at the residence of the bride's father on Tuesday morning Oct. 16th by Rev. Daniel Clark, Charles W. Warner of the firm of "Collins & Warner," to Miss Mary P. Clark, eldest daughter of the officiating clergyman, all of Lyon.

Died: ELDREDGE:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY] on Wednesday Oct. 7, Charles H. Eldredge, aged 5 years and five months, youngest son of Mrs. E.M. Eldredge.

Our Sarah - by Anna Nevins:  Yes, we once had a Sarah, a fair, gentle creature--too fair, too fragile, to brave earth's rude storms.  Yet she was so young, only sixteen short summers had passed over her head ere she laid down the burden of life and went home. We loved her much, yet that could not save her. She was a poetess of rare talent for one so young and oh how proud we were of her and with what pleasure we looked forward to the time when she would take her place amid the poets of our land--But God had other plans than ours, and ours be nipped in the bud. While we, looking with such pride upon her, were making her our idol, consumption, that fell destroyer, fastened its deadly fangs upon her. We saw it in the hacking cough, the hectic flush on her usually pale cheek and the strange light in her eye.  Yet still we cherished the fond hope that she was recovering--that she would soon be with us again--until conviction fastened itself upon us and we knew that she must die.  Yet it was so hard to give her up. We saw her failing day by day never complaining although slowly, but surely passing from us.  At times one of those deceitful lulls came on and then we thought that she was recovering, and hope whispered bright dreams for the future. But alas!  It was but a brief respite, and ere long she was called away.  It was a calm, still evening, the setting sun threw its golden rays upon the coach where she was lying and formed a halo of light over her head. We gathered around her to receive the farewell kiss, her low, melodious voice whispered us, "Good bye dear friends, do not weep for me for I am only going home."  And must she pass through the dark valley alone!  No, not alone for she leaned confidingly upon the arm of her Saviour and sweetly sank to rest. While we weep for her we know that our loss is her gain, for she has left a world of care and sorrow and is at rest where we hope to meet her again, never more to part.

Vital Records, Greene, NY - November 1860

 Chenango American, Greene, NY, November 8, 1860

Married:  In this town [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], at the residence of Benaiah Webb, on the 8th inst. by Rev. B. Shove, Mr. George M. Webb to Miss Harriett M. Ketchum, both of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  At Chenango Forks [Broome Co., NY], on the 24th ult. by Rev. Samuel Johnson, Mr. Lewis P. Northrup, of Whitney's Point [Broome Co., NY], to Miss Nettie Parsons, daughter of Alvah Parsons, of the former place.

Married:  In Sidney [Delaware Co., NY], on the 30th ult. by Rev. D.A. Whedon, Rev. Thomas M. Williams of Coventry [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Emma C. Bartlett of Sidney.

Married:  In Binghamton [Broome Co., NY], on the 25th ult. by Rev. W.V. Garner, Mr. Wilson D. Race of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY] to Frances N. Bowman, of Waverly [Tioga Co., NY].

Died:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 1st inst. of putrid sore throat, Lee [Phetteplace], son of Easton and Mahala Phetteplace, aged 2 years 2 months and 15 days.

The Homer, Cortland County [NY], Republican says Mr. Charles McKnight, an old resident of Truxton [Cortland Co., NY], was buried a few days since.  Several months since Mr. McKnight bought of a peddler some salve for corns.  He applied it and it caused a sore which continued to spread and cause intense pain until he was relieved by death.

Chenango American, Norwich, NY, November 15, 1860

Married:  In Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY], on the 8th inst. by Rev. B.S. Williams, Mr. Russel G. Smith to Miss Mary E. Monroe, daughter of Dyer Monroe, Esq., both of Plymouth.

Married:  In Masonville, Delaware Co. [NY], Sept. 24th, by Rev. E.Z. Jacobs, Mr. Henry F. Wells to Miss Janette Cleghorn, all of Masonville.

Married:  Also, by the same, Oct. 24th, Mr. James B. Baumes, to Miss Sarah Bolt all of Masonville.

Married:  In Candor, N.Y. [Tioga Co.], on the 4th inst. by Rev. C.V. Arnold, Mr. Joel Cogswell, of Jessup, Pa., to Miss Mary Judson, of the former place.

Died:  At Chenango Forks [Broome Co., NY], on the 18th inst., Mrs. Spencer, aged 79 years.

Died:  At Smithville Flats [Chenango Co., NY], on the 26th ult. at the residence of her daughter, Mrs. Hannah Roos, aged 88 years.  Her daughter takes this opportunity to acknowledge her heart-felt gratitude to her friends. Their kindness in health, sickness and death, has dried the cheek of the widow and made glad the heart of the orphan.

Chenango American, Greene, NY, November 22, 1860

Married:  In Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 15th inst. by Rev. S.N. Robinson, Mr. John A. Clark, of Chicago, Ill., to Miss Sarah H. Knapp of Guilford.

Married:  In Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY] on the 14th inst. by Rev. T. P. Halstead, Mr. Henry B. Tyler, to Miss Oliva J. Brown, both of Otselic [Chenango Co., NY].

Died:  In Salem, Ohio, on the 16th inst., of dropsy, Laura [Brooks], wife of Lyman Brooks, formerly of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], aged 64 years.

Died:  In King Settlement [Chenango Co., NY], on the 17th ult. Rev. Lester M. Sackett of the Oneida Annual Conference, in the 38th year of his age.

Died:  In Smyrna [Chenango Co., NY], on the 12th ult. Seymour Isbell, aged 80 years.

Died:  In Pharsalia [Chenango Co., NY], on the 8th inst., David F. Coates, aged 82 years.

Died:  In Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], on the 18th inst. Mrs. Lois Fenton, mother of Erastus Brown, aged 82 years.

Chenango American, Greene, NY, November 29, 1860

Married:  At Zion Church, in this village [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], on the 27th inst. by Rev. F. Rogers, Mr. T.D. Baldwin, of Elmira [Chemung Co., NY], to Miss Anna E. Read, of this village.

Married:  At Madison, Madison Co. [NY], on the 15th inst., in the Presbyterian Church, by Rev. J. Copeland Lee Jones, John T. Montross, Esq., of New York, and Miss Phoebe E. Putnam of Madison village.

Died:  In this town [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], on the 23d inst. son of Cyrus Wheeler, aged 6 years.

Died:  In Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY], on the 19th inst. of consumption, Mr. Charles Skinner, aged 58 years.

Died:  At Chatham's Runn, Pa., on the 13th inst. Mr. Charles A. Arms, of Guilford [Chenango Co., NY]\, aged 21 years.

Died:  in Pharsalia [Chenango Co., NY], on the 19th inst. of consumption, Mrs. Martha Steale, aged 24 years.

Happenings of the Times - Chenango American, Nov. 15, 1860

The 1860 Election of Abraham Lincoln

Election passed off quietly, remarkably so, considering the amount of bluster expended on both sides, and the vital importance of this contest engaged in.  No disturbances of any kind are recorded, and but very few cases of illegal voting are reported; so far as illegal voting is concerned, provided the Registers and inspectors of Election half understood their duty, such frauds are almost impossible.  The Metropolitan Police are entitled to much credit for the manner in which they conducted themselves at the polls, being perfectly orderly and reserved, thereby not rendering themselves obnoxious to our citizens and provoking a display of muscle.  It appeared to your correspondent that everyone went to the polls with the determination of voting, and when I state that in many of the Election districts it took four or five hours to get a vote in, you can judge that the patience of many was tried in that respect, and that no time was left for fighting.

The result of election, I think surprises no one.  Many, very many, Union men went to the polls, and at the last moment voted for Abraham Lincoln.  The reason is easily told; the threats of secession indulged in so freely at the South in the campaign of 1856, and reiterated so forcibly in the present contest, could only be met by the success of the Republican party, and thousands were of the opinion that the issue should be met now, rather than have the bugbear of disunion thundering at our doors for years to come. Whether the course was a wise one I cannot tell; already the muttering of the storm at the South is heard, and the telegraph tells us that the hot heads of the South are in council, determined to resist imaginary wrongs, not yet inflicted, but which they in their frenzy have conjured up.  For my part I have no fears but what our glorious country will outride the storm. Wise counsels will prevail, cool headed veterans will stand between the fanatics of the North and the fire eaters of the South, and ere long the troubled waters will be calmed or subside to repose in quietness until stirred up by another Presidential gale.

From what I can learn of the character of the President elect, there is no question but what he is a cool headed and judicious man, and probably as well, if not better qualified, to act in the present emergency, than any of the great men of the Republican party. That he will act a conservative part I have doubt, and provided he finds the Union as it now is, united, I think he will give satisfaction to the whole people; and may we, all of us, for our country sing with the poet:  "Thou, too, sail on O ship of State! / Sail on, O Union, strong and great! / Humanity with all its fears, / With all the hopes of future years, / Is hanging breathless on they fate."

Chenango American, Greene, NY, November 15, 1860

The Cry of Secession

The papers of the day are filled with reports of the doings of the south. We have not space to give an extended account of the proceedings, but content ourselves with giving a few facts.

The Governor of the State of South Carolina has issued a Proclamation setting forth that in consequence of the election of Lincoln, and in view of the humiliations to which they will thereby be subjected, it is the duty of the State to secede from the Union. The Senate and Assembly of the State have unanimously concurred in those sentiments, and the wildest excitement reigns, not only in South Carolina, but throughout nearly all the Southern States. The federal officers in South Carolina are resigning their positions. Both of the U.S. Senators from that State have also resigned and thus far every step tends towards secession. The legislature had passed appropriations to raise arms for the people, and to increase the military strength.  A convention has been called to consult upon the steps to be taken. 

While this is going on in South Carolina, other States are also in a state of fermentation.  Georgia is exercised and Alabama and Mississippi are also feeling bad, and exhibit unhealthy symptoms.  Senator Toombs has resigned and recommends secession. The Fire Eaters are in their element, and they are doing their best to arouse the people to take active measures for disunion. As no overt act has been committed, the Federal Government has not yet taken notice of this treason, but we have no doubt that these fanatics will be compelled to take a dose of obedience to the Constitution which will be good for their bilious disorder, as soon as they venture to attempt to block the wheels of government.

Vital Records, Oxford, NY - November 1860

 Oxford Times, November 7, 1860

Died:  In McDonough [Chenango Co., NY], on the 19th ult. Mary D. [Reynolds], wife of Cyrus Reynolds, aged 22 years.

Oxford Times,  November 14, 1860

Died:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 10th inst., Corlestia [Parker], daughter of Jonas Parker, aged 10 years.

Died:  in McDonough [Chenango Co., NY], on the 1st inst., Lorenzo M. Barrows, aged 42 years.

Died:  In Fentonville, Mich., on the 6th ult., Dr. Thos. Steere, formerly of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY].

Oxford Times, November 28, 1860

Married:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 15th inst., by Rev. H. Callahan, Mr. George W. Haight to  Miss Joanna Sweet, both of Greene [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 13th inst. by Rev. James Orton, Mr. Charles G. Roberts to Miss Almina Wheeler.

Married:  In Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], on the 14th inst., by Rev. J.C. Ransom, Mr. John D. Livingston of Solon [Cortland Co., NY], to Miss Ruth E. Cline of Smithville.

Died:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 8th inst., Mr. Hiram Hotchkiss, aged 61 years.

Died:  In German [Chenango Co., NY], on 7th inst., Mrs. Abigail Smith, aged 86 years.

Died:  At Smithville Flats, [Chenango Co., NY] on 26th ult., Mrs. Hannah Roos, aged 83 years.

Diptheria, or putrid sore throat, is prevailing to an alarming extent in Madison county []NY], chiefly among children.  Prof. Spear, of Madison University at Hamilton [Madison Co., NY], has buried two children, and has four very ill.  A man named Morgan, who resides in Lebanon [Madison Co., NY] has lost two children by the same disease within a few days; and a gentleman, whose name we did not learn, at DeRuyter [Madison Co., NY], has buried four children within a few days of each other, with this complaint.  Other cases are also reported.

Oxford Times, November 21, 1860

Samuel H. Barnes, Esq. Canal Commissioner elect, died at  his residence in Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on Wednesday the 14th inst.  His disease was Erysipelas, which assuming a malignant form, hurried him from time to eternity, after but a week's illness.  Mr. Barnes was no ordinary man.  Left at an early age to rely upon his own resources and to contend unaided in life's great battle, he fulfilled most nobly the mission allotted him.  Possessed of buoyant and cheerful disposition of unfailing energy and perseverance and of unbending integrity, an integrity never swerving, he gained for himself not only a competence, but an independence pecuniarily, and a place in and hold upon the affections of all; not alone his intimate and immediate friends, but also all those who were so fortunate as to make his acquaintance.  "In the midst of life we are in death."  Just as the well placed confidence of the great State had elevated him by the suffrages of her free people to one of the most important offices in her gift, and his native county had for him testified their confidence and affection by an immense majority, the thread of life was sundered.  In the removal of such a man by death one may well exclaim what a loss to his family, in the community in which he resided, to the party of which he was an ardent and honored member, and to the State.  The places of business in Norwich were all closed during the funeral services, which took place form his late residence on Friday last, attended by a large concourse of people from Norwich, and the neighboring towns, Truly, it may be said of him, he was the "noblest work of God, an honest man."  

It is with no common emotions of sorrow that we announce the death, at his residence at Hamilton [Madison Co., NY], on Monday night, of Hon. Henry C. Goodwin, ex-member of Congress from the Madison and Oswego district.  He had been very ill for some days with a fever, but was supposed to be mending up to within a few hours of his decease.  Just as his friends were flattering themselves that the danger was past, and some of them had left his bedside in the assurance of his speedy convalescence, the golden cord was snapped, and the pitcher broken at the fountain!  His political career, had been eminently successful. At the age of twenty-seven he was elected to Congress to fill the vacancy occasioned by the resignation of Gerrit Smith.  So acceptably did he serve his constituents that he was re-elected by an unprecedented majority.  As a representative he was laborious, pains-taking and prompt, in his attention to the interest of his district. As member of the Committee on Pensions, he enjoyed the confidence of his associates and the respect of the House.  His speeches, never delivered unless he had something to say, were fine specimens of graceful, elocution and convincing argument.  Utica Herald.

Happening of the Times - Oxford Times, November 21, 1860

Mrs. Lincoln, The future Lady of the White house

A correspondent to the New York World, writing from Springfield (Ill.) the home of  Mr. Lincoln says:  "The future lady of the White house is perforce, a personage to whom just now the liveliest interest attaches. That she will adorn and grace even the exalted position to which she bids fair to succeed, none who have had the fortune to see her can doubt.  She is yet apparently upon the advantageous side of forty, with a face upon which dignity and sweetness are blended, and an air of cultivation and refinement to which familiarity with the courtly drawing rooms of London, or the aristocratic saloons of Paris, would hardly lend an added grace.  She is admirably calculated to preside over our Republican court.  If one were permitted so far to describe her personal appearance as to meet half way the respectful curiosity which is generally felt upon the subject, the description would be, that she is slightly above the medium stature, with brown eyes, clearly cut features, delicate, mobile, expressive; rather distinguished in appearance than beautiful, conveying to the mind generally an expression of self possession, stateliness and elegance.  I distrust my own opinion upon subjects of the kind, but I concur in the belief prevalent hereabouts that she will made as admirable a leader of the stately homes and lovely demoiselles of the national capital as the most fastidious social martinet could desire.