Soldier's Letter, Civil War, January 1862

 Chenango American, Greene, NY, February 12, 1862

We find in the Cazenovia Republican of Feb. 5, a letter from the army bearing date at "Taylor's Tavern, Va., Jan. 25, '62." which speaks very highly of the skill of the Otselic boys in handling their "shooting irons." When the time comes they will use their sharp shooters as effectively upon the rebels as they did in the match. They are brave boys and will leave their marks upon any enemy that may oppose them.  We extract from the letter such portions as will be of interest to our readers.

The possession of good rifles has aroused a spirit of emulation among the men in regard to marksmanship, and target shoots are all the go.  A Regimental shooting match was gotten up by permission of the colonel, a few days since, for three prizes.  The first prize was a revolver, valued at $20; the second and third were money prizes, the exact amount of which I did not learn.  The competitors paid 25 cents, and had five shots, at a distance of eight rods. The match lasted three days, between one and two hundred names being entered.  Our company took their turn in the forenoon of the second day.  Sergeant Edwin G. Frink, of South Otselic, made the best shot on the board, and put in the whole five so close that it became evident to the getters up of the match (Co. B) that in order to retain the revolver in their company, as they were determined to do, the original plan of measuring the string of five shots must be abandoned.  So it was announced that the best shot of the five only was to count.  Not content with this, while our men were gone to dinner the paper patch on the board was changed so at to bring Frink's shot second best, as was evidenced by the measurement of at least twenty-five men.  Disgusted with such proceedings, and finally seeing that fair play could not be expected, Mr. Frink accepted an offer of $4 for his shot, as it stood, and left Jefferson county in possession of the field.  Yesterday the commissioned officers of our company made up a purse of $10, which was divided into three prizes of $5, $3, and $2 respectively, for which the members of the company shot, best shot in five, at forty rods.  Orderly Serg't Richardson took the first prize, Calvin P. Warner of South Otselic, the second and Corporal Seth M. Ackley, of Woodstock, took the third.  Another match, for a watch is on the tapis in our company to come off day after tomorrow.  Target shoots of smaller dimensions are constantly coming off, keeping up an incessant popping of guns and whizzing of bullets, which keeps pedestrians in constant terror.

I forgot to mention, last week, that Joseph West, of South Otselic has been detached as workman in the division blacksmith shop, at the railroad about a mile from here.

On behalf of the Chenango County boys, I would acknowledge the receipt of a tub of excellent butter from Mr. A.A. Stoddard and other citizens of Otselic, and return our thanks for the same.  It don't go very bad.  

Your, ever   [no name or initials]

Vital Records, Oxford, NY, November 1862

 Oxford Times, November 5, 1862    

Died:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 30th ult., from injuries received from falling from a tree, Wm. Henry Wescott, formerly of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], aged 40 years.

Died:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 21st, Hannah [Hurlbut], wife of Dr. H. Hurlbut, aged 61 years.

Died:  In Preston [Chenango Co., NY], on the 23d ult. of diptheria, Susan E. [Coville], aged 13 years.

Died:  In Frederick City, Md., Edward Porter, of Colesville, Broome Co. [NY], aged 20 years.

Died:  Killed at the battle of Bull Run, Aug. 30th, Andrew W. Miller, son of Philander Miller, of Afton [Chenango Co., NY], son of Philander Miller, of Afton [Chenango Co., NY], aged 22 years.

Died:  In the  hospital at Harper's Ferry, Va. on the 15th Sept., Edmund J. Beasly, of Co. H. 8th N.Y. Cavalry, son of J.H. Beasly of Pharsalia [Chenango Co., NY], aged 22 years.

Oxford Times, November 12, 1862

Married:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY] on the 5th inst., by Rev. D. Williams, Mr. James S. Edgerton of German [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Pheba J. Brown of Oxford.

Married:  In Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], on the 27th ult. by Esquire Furguson, Mr. Nathaniel Presho of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Cornelia Barnes of Smithville.

Married:  In McDonough [Chenango Co., NY], on the 21st ult. by Rev. R. Holroyd, Mr Addison W. Martin to Miss Azubah E. Button, both of McDonough.

Died:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 30th ult., of diptheria, Kneelon Howard [Barloo] only child of Jesse and Henrietta Barloo, aged 2 years, 5 months and 6 days.

There is darkness in the chamber, / There is gloom upon each face; / Empty stands the baby's cradle, / And a coffin in its place.

Fast the burning tears are falling, / On the face forever cold; / Oh, 'tis but a little coffin, / Yet a mother's heart doth hold.

There is wailing in the chamber, / Where sweet baby's voice was heard; / Baby's voice that came like singing, / of the earnest Spring time bird.

Oh, the great world justice onward, / But the mother's world is still, / Yet she murmurs mid her weeping, / 'Tis her Heavenly Father's will.

Oxford Times, November 19, 1862

Married:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 12th inst., by Rev. D.H. Macurdy, Mr. john F. Hopkins to Miss Jane E. Lobdell, all of Oxford.

Married:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 13th inst. by Rev. J.C. Ransom, Mr. Walter T. Ogden of Coventry [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Anna Waterman of South Oxford.

Married:  In Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], Nov. 11th, by Rev. W.G. Queal, Mr. Smith Lane to Miss Melissa E. Lyon, both of Bainbridge.

Died:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 11th inst., Pamelia [Osborn], wife of Lieut. E.M. Osborn, of the 114th, Reg. N.Y.V., aged 33 years.

Died:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 9th ins.t, Livonia [Forbes], wife of Mr. Willis Forbes, aged 51 years.

Died:  In McDonough [Chenango Co., NY] on the 10th inst., Mr. Levi Beardsley, aged 66 years.

Oxford Times, November 26, 1862

Married:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 19th inst., by Rev. J.C. Ransom, Mr. John M Fitch to Miss Louisa Knickerbocker, both of Smithville [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  In Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 18th? inst., by Rev. J.C. Ransom, Mr. Wm. K. Tracy of Guilford [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Helen J. Devall, of North Norwich [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 18th inst., by Rev. J.D. Webster, Mr. Wm. Storke of Coventry [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Kate Turk of Greene.

Married:  In Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 12th inst. by Rev. F.D. Thurston, Mr. Jesse Blincoe to Miss Susan M. Bennett, both of Guilford.

Died:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 9th ult. Lois [Walker], wife of D. Shapley Walker, aged 70 years.

Died:  In Franklin, Delaware Co., N.Y., Oct. 19th, after a lingering illness, Ichabod C. Foote, aged 71 years and 11 months.  The deceased was for more than forty years an honored and faithful member of the Church of Christ and a beloved and affectionate husband, kind and tender parent, an esteemed citizen and true friend.  He born his sufferings, which were severe, with great patience and true Christian spirit.  No murmur or complaint escaped his lips, but would often say "God will do all things right; I am willing to go when the summons shall come."  Though we mourn this sad bereavement, we feel that our loss is his eternal gain.  A large congregation assembled at the funeral, and listened to an excellent sermon by Elder Adams, from 1st Peter, 1-3,4,5.  Yes! the Christian's course is run; / Ended is the glorious strife; / Fought the fight - the crown is won. / Death is conquered; rest in life.  Now the loved one is released, / Lightened of his fleshy load, / Where the weary are at rest, / He is gathered onto God.     Kalamazoo Herald

Narrow Escape from being Buried Alive:  The following statement is made of the narrow escape of a wounded soldier from being buried alive:

"After the battle of Newbern, NC., Geo. W. Green, a volunteer from Cooperstown, Otsego county, N.Y., was sent out with others to bury the dead.  Among the bodies picked up by Green and his helpers was that of one Rufus Petty, from the same county.  The body was placed on the stretcher and carried to the grave, Green, who had been familiar with Petty, tho't he would search his pockets to see whether there was anything that might be sent to his friends.  In so doing he ran his hand up under his vest, and discovered that his heart was faintly beating.  He announced the fact to his comrade, who said it couldn't possibly be, as the surgeon had made a thorough investigation of all on the field, and pronounced Petty, among the others, dead.  he was told to place his hand over the heart, when he too became satisfied that there was life.  Petty was subsequently carried to the hospital, and recovered.  He returned home, as did Green, and both men were in Albany a few days ago."

Soldier's Letter, Civil War, January 1862

 Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, February 12, 1862

Letter from 61st NY Infantry

Camp California, Va., Jan. 20, 1862

Eds. of The Telegraph:  As I begin this letter, the band of the 81st Penn. begins to discourse music, and if you find this rather of a musical document, you must blame the band, not me.  It has just played the "Star Spangled Banner."  If the author of that song could know how much pleasure it affords the soldier every time it comes to his ear, I believe his heart would beat for joy.  But I'm not writing what was intended.

Your numerous readers would doubtless be happy to have a dish of "picket" served up.  Last Thursday, the 61st went out to Edsall's  Hill, a distance of three miles from camp, to relieve the Penn. boys who had been out four days, the time allotted for each regiment to do picket duty.  We carried our blankets slung across the left shoulder and tied under the right arm. The indispensable haversack and canteen were also our companions, with the far-carrying "Enfield" at a "right-shoulder shift."  Most of our "understandings" were thrust into long-legged, high-heeled army boots that would serve a man in 28 inch mud, but as fortune and Col. Cone would have it, we escaped our expected muddy march by filing down the Railroad. The first day we laid ourselves away in the bivouac made by other regiments, some of us cutting "secesh" second-growth timber sufficient to supply immediate wants.  On Friday morning we were drawn up in line--Company C, and two others, all prepared as before, with this exception, that our Enfields had to take a dose of "Crockett's Pills."  We marched about one and a half miles in a southerly direction, where our Captain stationed his reserve, and sent his Lieutenant, with the remainder of the men, forward about one-fourth of a mile, to a log hut situate in the edge of a wood--said hut being made "four-square," raftered with rails and shingled with evergreens of pine and cedar both on the sides and roof and about the entrance so that a rebel bullet need not have the light of a Yankee fire to see by to speed its way to some loyal heart.  Here we made ourselves quite comfortable when off post, by plying the fire with rebellious oak, taking out all extra gas and making it true charcoal.  We and five sentries posted the distance of half a mile by a wood running at right angles with the former.  We saw no rebels and I doubt very much if they saw us.  So, with the exception of a snow storm, we had nothing to trouble or dampen our mortal frames.  Saturday we rested, like the seven-day Baptists.

Sunday forenoon found us again at our old post, doing duty as before, and trying to feel as solemn as the circumstance would permit.  In the afternoon, a party composed of officers from our regiment, and cavalry from the 8th Illinois, went on a scout toward Fairfax. They came upon the rebel pickets when within five minutes ride of the town, were fired at without being challenged, but not being prepared for any special "doings," they about faced and made their retreat in good order. Before reaching the rebel lines they secured a citizen as prisoner and escorted him back with due ceremony, and of course, in good order. The party reached our pickets about two A.M., Monday morning.  Now let us return to the  hut.  'Tis the rule that all noise at night should be dispensed with while doing picket duty. But that night the forest echoed and re-echoed with the shouts of various members of Company C.  It's natural that a person should be sleepy after being on duty more or less for two successive nights, but some surrender more easily to the goal than others.  About nine o'clock the drama commenced.  A drama consisted of an act and three scenes.  The play continued from the time above stated, till broad daylight while the scenes had no definite length.  We had some pork of all kinds of strength, sent to us for rations, and as it was thought not to be safe to eat it and live together, we concluded to let it remain in statu quo i.e., in the kettles.

It was agreed by all that everyone who lost himself so far as not to be able to answer when challenged should be served to a ration of pork.  Here the first scene opens.  No one having thrown his head back at an angle of 23 degrees, and his under jaw having slightly dropped, is a proper subject for a ration; forthwith he is challenged, of course not very loudly, and his bearing having become obtuse, he must be helped to his ration, and into the aperture it goes.  Suddenly his ears come to him, as well as the sense of taste, he spits and spits, intermixing various emphatic words unmentionable, and showing a slight degree of temper.  Your imagination can picture to itself more vividly than I can paint, the effects of such a scene upon half a score of men all ripe for fun.  Thus the first scene continued, till the pork was "played out". Daylight however revealed many a shining face.  

Scene second now opens.  Everyone that goes to sleep, must have a split stick on his nose.  Here and there can be seen the nasal appendages pointing upward, downward horizontally, and when the wearer becomes uncomfortable he must awake only to find his facial member that he has twanged so in my times in the "stocks".  In the first scene I forgot to mention that we were entertained with a speech from our brevetted Lieutenant, full of powder and very flighty.  He sat down midst "deafening applause."

Scene third, the last and best, is opened, and the brevetted lieutenant plays an active part.  'Tis the hour when chanticleer tells farms to waken. The Lieutenant has laid himself back for a snooze and he gets to snoozing quite audibly.  It's time something should be done to stir the Lieut.  A rope and strap are provided, and tied together, one end to a rafter, the other to his ankle, and then, "-?- the guard" is repeated hastily, and a rush made for the door.  The Lieutenant, in the confusion, rises very quickly, and to his surprise finds himself hors du combat, but regaining "the position of a soldier," he in utter despair, jerks at the strap, severs it -?- and inquires most stoutly "where's the door?"  Presently he is convinced that it was a good trick and joins in the laugh.  Thus the scene was played in one way or another till daylight, when it was thought best, for those that wished, to take a short rock-a-by in Morpheus' arms. A certain Lieutenant in the 61st threatened to report us for our uproarious conduct, but the "various members of Co. C" say report, for they are not the kind to be scared even at a Lieut. Colonel.  We acknowledge it was risky, and yet we are well aware that a rebel could not be found within eight miles of us.  Thus much for one picketing. We were relieved about noon by the 52d N.Y. Reg't and Camp California saw us again at 4 P.M.  I.O.F.

______________________________________________

This letter was probably written by Israel Otis Foote of Company C, 61st NY Infantry.  The Adjutant Report for the 61st says this about him.

Foote, Israel Otis:  Age, 26 years.  Enlisted, September 2, 1861, at Hamilton [Madison Co., NY], to serve three years; mustered in as Corporal, Co. C, September 6, 1861; wounded in action, December 13, 1862, at Fredericksburg, Va.; supposed to have been taken prisoner; no further record.

Vital Records, Greene, NY, November 6, 1862

 Chenango American, Greene, NY, November 6, 1862

Married:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 28th ult. by Rev. A.N. Benedict, Mr. Burton Westover, of Preston [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Amelia F. Weeks, of the former place.

Married:  In Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 29th ult. by Rev. D. Ballou, Mr. Philo S. Shelton, to Miss Helen A. Sheldon, both of Guilford.

Married:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 28th u.t, by Rev. Edward Z. Lewis, Mr. Edwin L. French, to Miss Betsey Jane Ogden, both of Norwich.

Died:  At the residence of his parents, in McDonough [Chenango Co., NY]\, on the 30th ult. of typhoid fever, Mr. Maitland B. Hill, of this village [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], aged 19 years.

Died:  In this town [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], on the 31st ult., Thankfull [Harrington], wife of Mr. Joshua Harrington, aged 77 years.

Died:  In this town [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], on 1st inst., Miss Milly Thomas, aged 80 years.

Died:  In Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], on the 31st ult., Mr. Hiram F. Purdy, aged 26 years.

Died:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 30th ult., of diptheria, Kneelon Howard [Bartoo], only child of & Jesse and Henrietta Bartoo, aged 2 years, 5 months and 6 days.

Died:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 30th ult., Wm. Henry Wescott, formerly of Oxford, aged 40 years.

Died:  In Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 29th ult., Widow Mercy Lyon, aged 88 years.

Died:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 2d inst., of typhoid fever, Miss Harriet Lavina Gibbs, of Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], aged 24 years.

Died:  In East Pharsalia [Chenango Co., NY], on the 29th ult. Mrs. Cornelia E. Doing, aged 17 years and 5 months.

Died:  In Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], suddenly, on the 30th ult., Mr. James Rhodes, aged 74 years.

Died:  In Preston [Chenango Co., NY], on the 18th ult. Annie Marie C. [McCall], daughter of James A. and Ann Maria McCall, aged 18 years.

Chenango American, Greene, NY, November 13, 1862

Married:  In Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], on the 27th ult. by J. Ferguson, Esq., Mr. Nathaniel Preston, to Miss Cornelia Barnes, of Smithville.

Married:  In Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY], on the 9th inst. by Loren Doing, Esq., Mr. Henry Newton, of East Hamilton ]Madison Co., NY] to Mrs. Julian Benedict, of Plymouth.

Married:  In Unadilla [Otsego Co., NY], on the 6th ult. by Rev. L. Sperry, Mr. Colby K. Godfrey, to Miss H . Amelia Godfrey, both of Guilford [Chenango Co., NY].

Death of an Aged Citizen.  Mr. Jeduthan Hitchcock, an aged and respectable citizen of this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], died on Tuesday Nov. 4.  Mr. H. has been thoroughly identified with the early growth of this village and contributed to it in a great degree.  The immediate cause of his death was a fall received some three weeks since, which broke his thigh, though he has been in feeble health for some years.  His age was seventy-eight and he has resided in this village about 55 years.  Norwich Telegraph

Chenango American, Greene, NY, November 20, 1862

Died:  In Washington D.C., on the 13th inst., Dr. Francis R. Lyman, son of Dr. E.S. Lyman, of Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], aged 25 years.

Died:  In Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], on the 5th inst. Miss Fanny M. Coats, aged 83 years.

Died:  In Pharsalia [Chenango Co., NY], on the 8th inst., Mrs. Susan Moon, wife of George  H. Moon, aged 29 years.

Died:  In Utica [Oneida Co., NY], on the 19th ult., Mr. William W. Lee, of Otselic [Chenango Co., NY], aged 25 years and 7 months.

Died:  In Otselic [Chenango Co., NY], on the 22d ult. Mrs. Mary Lee, wife of Comfort Lee, aged 58 years 9 months and 5 days.

Died:  In the U.S. Naval Hospital, Mound City, Ill, on the 21st ult. of pleurisy and diarrhea, Louis D. [Haight], son of Delos W. Haight, formerly of the 17th N.Y.S.V., and previous to his sickness of the Gunboat St. Louis,  in the 22d year of his age.

Chenango American, Greene, NY, November 27, 1862

Died:  In Coventry [Chenango Co., NY], on the 17th inst., Harriet [Grant], daughter of John and Sarah Ann Grant, aged 5 years and 9 months.

Died:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 24th inst. Mr. James McNitt, aged 78 years.

Died:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 19th inst., Miss Mary L. Newton, aged 18 years and 6 months.

Died:  In Pharsalia [Chenango Co., NY], on the 28th ult. of diptheria, Helen [McMillen], third daughter of James and Harriet McMillen, aged 11 years, 9 months and 22 days;  on the 2d inst., Ursula [McMillen] youngest daughter, aged 7 years, 6 months and 21 days; and on the 9th inst., Lucinda [McMillen], second daughter, aged 15 years, 4 months and 25 days, all children of James and Harriet McMillen.

Soldier's Letter, Civil War, January 1862

 Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, February 12th, 1862

Letter from George H. Spry, 44th NY Infantry 

Camp Butterfield, Hall's Hill, Va., Wednesday, January 29, 1862

Eds. Chenango Telegraph:  It's a long time since I ventured to write to you and in the interim, we have shifted our quarters from Albany, to Hall's Hill, Virginia.  You have learned through communications from our camp and from Chenango friends who have visited us, that we are pleasantly quartered and are as comfortable as could be expected.  Frequent visitations in edible form have been a dessert to our rations, and there is a fair prospect of our wintering through.

The monotony of camp life, broken only by occasional picket duty and holiday festivities, drives a soldier to his wits' end for ideas with which to interest his friends at home.  Here we are, in perpetual uncertainty of expectation, waiting for some movement which shall bring us nearer Richmond and victory.  For some time we have expected to be sent down the coast and have not yet relinquished our hopes that such may be our fortune.

Our Christmas and New Years festivities have been described to you, and Frank Leslie's artist represented them no less ludicrous than they were.  Until New Years the winter here was extremely mild and pleasant, but since then the weather has been very changeable and unpleasant.

As to our regiment, it still flourishes, and from the compliments given us by Gen McClellan and Dr. Russell, you can judge whether or not there is any "rivalry" between this and any regiment in the brigade or division.  Our immediate neighbors, the 83d Penn. Reg't, are an honor to the Key Stone State.  The mutual attachment existing between the 83d Penn. and the 44th N.Y., is a source of gratification to us all and in camp or in field, we are brothers, and whoever offers an insult to one insults the others.

We are becoming somewhat acclimated to the weather of Virginia and consequently have less sickness, fewer pills and prescriptions.  The measles, at one time prevalent among us, are now eradicated and of 107 men in company D, 100 do duty; and should the "long roll" be beaten tonight, nearly every man in the regiment would be found in the ranks ready to march.  We have lost, in all, 15 men.  Most of the deceased have been sent home for interment, and all who died in camp, will be sent to their friends, where may be paid the parting tribute to the brave.

Last Monday eve we built a glowing bonfire on the parade ground in front of our camp and by its light raised a pole and hoisted a storm flag, which, we trust, will yet float in the interior of "Secesh."  Our band enlivened the hour with music, and short, animating speeches from our Colonel and Major, elicited deafening cheers from our boys.  Our Colonel is endeared to us by every day's acquaintance with him and his sociability and friendly association with his men distinguish him from most commanders.  He engages with us in our sports, has a word of friendly greeting whenever he meets us, and treats us more like equals than subordinates.

The weather is so inclement that we drill but little at present.  When at leisure we read the U.S. Tactics, write letters, or polish our guns to an unearthly brightness that they may pass inspection by our General.  General Butterfield, "Young Napoleon" as he is sometimes called is a fine officer and we trust much in his superior skill.

While the roads continue so unfavorable it will be almost impossible to make an advance.  We are kept in readiness, however to move on short notice.  If McCall's division is attacked, as it is expected to be, we shall be called into the fight if reinforcements are needed.

We have occasional visits from Chenango boys in different regiments hereabout and are frequently called on by "Dave" Bunnell, the "Union soldier" whose "thrilling adventures" you so recently published.  Hoping we may soon write from  a more Southern quarter, 

I remain. Yours, Geo. H. Spry

Vital Records, Oxford, NY, October 1862

 Oxford Times, October 1, 1862

Died:  In Smyrna [Chenango Co., NY], on the 19th ult., Mr. Philo Nearing, aged 77 years.

Killed or Wounded:  Among the lists of the heroic brave, who bore a gallant part in the late battles in Maryland, we regret to find the names of Adam Niedick, Nelson Bemiss and Samuel Manwarren from this town [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], among the wounded, and Reed Francisco reported as killed.  Messrs. Niedick, Manwarren and Francisco were attached to the Dickinson Guards, and Mr. Bemiss was in a Connecticut regiment.  The wounds of Bemiss and Manwarren were not very severe, and they are in a fair way to recover.  Mr Niedick suffered severe injuries.

Oxford Times, October 8, 1862

Married:  At Oriskany Falls, on the 1st inst., by Rev. G.W. Foster, Mr. Charles Brisee of East Pharsalia [Chenango Co., NY], to Mrs. Roxanna Odell, of the former place.

Died:  In Smyrna [Chenango Co., NY], on the 14th ult. Mr. Ira Slater, aged 20? years.

Died:  In North Haven, Conn. Sept 20th, Marcie? A. [Smith], wife of J. -?- Smith, aged 18 years and 3 months and daughter of -?- and Emily Hall.

Oxford Times, October 15, 1862

Married:  In Sheshequin, P., Oct. 8th, by Rev. S.J. Gibson, Mr. Elijah B. Gibbs of Onwell [Oswego Co., NY] to Miss Sarah Eliza Gibson, of the former place.

Died:  On Sunday, the 12th day of October, aged 71 years, Jane [VanDerLyn] daughter of the late Rev. Peter Lowe, of Flatbush, Long Island, and wife of Gerardus Van DerLyn, of this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY]  In the decease of Mrs. VanDerLyn, her family society, and especially the poor, have suffered an irreparable loss.  A faithful wife, a devoted mother, a kind, unselfish friend, a cheerful companion, a liberal almsgiver, an exemplary Christian; we trust, that the memory of her virtues will long survive her, and be still influential for good, though she has entered into her rest. The illness which preceded her death was long and painful, at times so much so, as to make her haste, if it were her Heavenly Father's will to depart. But throughout she was sustained by a clear, calm faith in Christ, and at length closed her eyes.  "Softly as to a night's repose, / Like flowers at set of sun." The funeral will be attended from St. Paul's Church on Thursday, Oct. 16, at 2 o'clock, P.M.

In Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], on 7th inst. Mr. Eber Dibble, aged 83 years. 

Oxford Times, October 22, 1862

Married:  In Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], on the 8th inst. by Rev. W. Peck, Mr. Theodore G. Adams to Miss Lucy M. Dow, all of Sherburne.

Died:  In Preston [Chenango Co., NY], on the 18th inst., of diptheria, Harlan A. [Coville] only son of Joseph A. Coville, aged 11 years.

Died:  In Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 16th inst. Miss Roxanna Wood, aged 21 years.

Oxford Times, October 29, 1862

Died:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 21st inst. Mrs. Lucy Potter, aged 84 years.

Died:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 14th inst. Eugene [Race], only son of Nicholas Race, aged 11 years.

Died:  In Earlville [Madison Co., NY], on the 11th inst., Mr. Edmund Hayward, aged 60 years.

Died:  In Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], Oct. 5th, Capt. Asahel Bixby, aged 93 years.  Capt. Bixby was one of the first pioneers of the Susquehanna Valley.

Died:  George Hotchkin of Lebanon [Madison Co., NY], a volunteer in the 114th Regiment, unfortunately cut off one of his toes with an ax while on a visit home, just before the Regiment left Norwich, and black erysipelas setting in, death occurred on Wednesday of last week.

Soldier's Letter, Civil War, January 1862

 Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, February 5, 1862

Letter from P. Frink, the Ellsworth Regiment

Camp Battlefield, Va., Jan. 21, 1862

Dear Friend, It is with much pleasure that I write the following lines to let you know the horrible scenes that the poor "South hill" boys have encountered within the last two days.  The Regiment went out on picket guard yesterday and came in today.  We were posted about ten miles from [-?-] towards the rebels, with [-?-].  Gideon Evans and I were on one post, and King and Thomas Crumb on another post next to ours and about ten rods distant.  Everything went well yesterday until it became dark.  [unreadable] After we had been there about -?- when we were suddenly surprised by the tramp of horses behind us.  There was a small cove of woods between us such that we did not see them until they got most on to us.  The reserve of our men was still back of us, the rebel cavalry being between us and the reserve.  I should think there was as many as thirty of them making their way toward us.  I halloed "Who comes there? Halt."  They kept advancing, when Gideon Evans fired on them.  I soon after fired as also did King, and Thomas Crumb, dismounting one of the devils. They then rushed on to and surrounded us when G. Evans drew a revolver and shot one of them dead on the spot.  The revolver was immediately taken from him, and the rest of us having our arms removed, we were taken prisoners.  They placed us on the horses ahead of them and rode away with us as a dog would lag off a woodchuck.  We dare not say a word for fear of what was to come.

We had not rode more than two miles before we found relief.  It happened that the 18th Michigan regiment had been out skirmishing through the day and had stopped for quarters in a piece of woods through which our new acquaintances had to go, and we were suddenly aroused by a few shots, which dismounted three of the rebels, one bullet whistling close by my head.  They took the most of our foes prisoners and us with them.  They were surprised to see four Union men among them.  We soon told them the story and our arms being restored to us, we were conducted back to our friends. Words cannot express the joy that was felt by us and the Regiment, especially the Chenango boys, when we came into camp today safe and sound and well.

Yours, &c, P. Frink.

Vital Records, Greene, NY - October 1862

 Chenango American, Greene, NY, October 2, 1862

Married:  In New York, on the 16th ult., by Rev. Dr. Tyng, Hon. Auburn Birdsall of Binghamton [Broome Co., NY] to Eliza R. Montgomery, daughter of A.G. Montgomery, Esq., of New York.

Married:  In Triangle [Broome Co., NY], Mr. Jerome Harvey, of Potter county, Pa., to Miss Cyntha  M. Green.

Married:  At the Exchange Hotel Binghamton [Broome Co., NY] on the 13th ult., by Rev. Arthur T. Pierson, Mr. Rufus J. Cornish, of Coventry [Chenango Co., NY] to Mrs. Mary J. Eastwood, of the same place.

Married:  At the Rogers House, Chenango Forks [Broome Co., NY], on the 22d ult. by Rev. Samuel Johnson, Mr. Charles B. Wylie to Miss Ellen Cornish, both of Coventry.

Died:  In this village [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], on the 1st inst. Lester Grosvenor, infant son of John C. and Catharine W. Reynolds, aged 7 months.

Died:  At the residence of S.S. Breed, in Norwich [Chenango Co., NY] on the 19th ult, suddenly, Miss Patty Randall, aged 91.

Died:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 24th ult., Thomas Francis [Milner], twin son of Thomas and Charlotte Milner, aged 10 months.

Died:  In Smyrna [Chenango Co., NY], on the 14th ult. by falling from a ladder, Mr. Job Slater, aged 72 years.

Died:  In Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY], on the 21st ult. Francis S. [Freeman], son of Simon and Phebe Freeman, aged 29 yrs.

Chenango American, Greene, NY, October 9, 1862

Married:  At the residence of the bride's father, on the evening of the 2d inst., by Rev. Jas. D. Webster, Mr. James A. Skillen, to Miss Lucinda Adams, all of this town [Greene, Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  Tuesday evening the 7th inst. by Rev. Ashbel Otis, of Smithville Flatts, Mr. Thos. Lane of Chenango Forks [Broome Co., NY] to Miss Martha J. Brown, of Greene [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 1st inst., by Rev. A.B. Harvey, Rev. Daniel Ballou, Pastor of the Universalist Church in Oxford, to Miss Betsey M. Webb, of the same place.

Married:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 2d inst., by Rev. J.C. Ransom, Mr. Eli Fredenburgh, to Miss Lucy A. Briggs, both of Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  In Pharsalia [Chenango Co., NY], on the 30th ult. by Rev. E.W. Allen, Mr. A.D. Harrington of Pitcher [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Emma A. [Waldron], eldest daughter of M.N. Waldron, of Pharsalia.

Married:  In Smyrna [Chenango Co., NY], on the 5th inst. by Rev. Mr. Williams, Mr. Eli Merrills, to Miss Mary Wails all of Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY].

Died:  In this town [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], on the 5th inst. Mary E. [Marvin], wife of Alonzo Marvin, aged 22 years.

Died:  In Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], on the 8th inst. Mary [Corbin], youngest daughter of John Corbin, aged about 14 years.

Died:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 2d inst. Mr. John M. Gurnsey, aged 57 years.

Died:  In McDonough [Chenango Co., NY], on the 1st inst., Geo. T. [Randall], son of Stephen and Sophia Randall, aged 13 months.

Died:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 1st inst., of paralysis, Sophia P. [Cox], wife of S.H. Cox, aged 57 years.

Died:  In Pitcher [Chenango Co., NY], Sept. 6th, Mrs. Clarissa [Hyde?] widow of Thomas Hyde?, aged 62 years.

Chenango American, Greene, NY, October 16, 1862

Married:  In New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], on the 7th inst. by Rev. N. Ripley, Mr. Chas. E. Brett, of Guilford [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Celia Lewis, of New Berlin.

Died:  In Smithville [Chenango Co., NY] on the 9th inst., Elizabeth E. [Corbin], daughter of John and Lavina Corbin, aged 20 years.

Died:  In Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY], on the 8th inst. Mr. T. Chapman Brown, aged 29 years.

Died:  In Pitcher Springs [Chenango Co., NY], on the 4th inst. Mr. Alonzo Griggs, of Co. I, 114th Reg., N.Y.S.V., aged 23 years.

Died:  In Pharsalia [Chenango Co., NY], Sept. 18th, Sarah [Beach], daughter of Wm. J. and Maria Beach, aged 12 years.

Chenango American, Greene, NY, October 30, 1862

Married:  In this town [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], on the 19th inst., by Rev. A.M. Bennett, Mr. Chester A. Bingham, to Miss Mary A. Gale, all of Greene.

Married:  In this town [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], on the 22d inst., by Rev. Jas. D. Webster, Mr. Orville T. Oliver, of Company F, 89th Regt., NY.S.V., to Miss Adelia B. Slighter, both of Lisle, Broome County [NY].

Married:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 22d inst., by Rev. J.C. Ransom, Mr. Irving J. Church, of Oxford, to Miss Anna Harrington, of McDonough [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  On the 13th inst. by Rev. W. Peck, Mr. Christopher Jones, of Columbus [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Augusta E. Wood of Afton [Chenango Co., NY].

Soldier's Letter, Civil War, February 1862

 Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, February 5, 1862

Letter from Gideon Evans

Friend W---:  Things are very quiet here in camp.  It has rained for two days, and the mud is about three inches deep.  We have just returned from picketing, wet to the skin, cold and hungry, having been out for two days and nights, and we had a very exciting time.  Probably Friend Frink has described it to you, but it won't spoil by telling again.  It was Jan. 20th that we started for our picket lines some ten miles from camp.  We were full of glee, and went along cracking jokes, not dreaming of the horrible scene that was about to be enacted, or that we Plymouth boys should be the principal actors. We arrived at headquarters about ten o'clock A.M., and were immediately stationed on our posts. Frink and I were on one post, and King and T. Crumb on the next post.  There were no signs of "secesh" through the day, and when night came over us, dark and dreary, nothing could be heard, save the moaning of the winds and the gentle meandering of the silvery brook that winds its way to the Potomac.  Frink seemed sterner than usual, not saying a word except in way of caution, but kept steadily pacing up and down  his beat, stopping now and then to peer into the darkness, or laying his ear close to the ground.  Then he would resume his walk shaking his head and saying that there would be trouble.  I sat quietly in our "pen" laughing at his uneasiness.  Things went on in this way until about one o'clock, when I was startled by Frink's stern voice, "Halt!". I sprang to my feet when I saw a body of horsemen close upon us.  I immediatly fired, and I saw the blaze of Frink's gun at the same time.  We heard one terrific yell, and a horse bounded by us without a rider.  I jumped behind our "pen," supposing that Frink would follow; but there I was mistaken, for he went on showing them his skill in the bayonet exercise, and by close examination we found that he gave them several ugly wounds.  But finally he made  a thrust, and his bayonet sticking through the saddle, he was unable to extricate it. Quick as lightning he was seized and bound.  I drew my revolver and fired; one of them fell and I took aim for another.  But one stroke of a secesh saber sent my revolver whirling to the ground.

Of course I was seized and put with Frink, who lay foaming and swearing to have revenge.  But they paid no attention to our threats, hurried us on to their horses and started off on a gallop for the rebel camp.  Crumb and King, had started to our assistance and had fired their piece when we were first attacked. They fought the rebels for ten minutes, but they were finally overpowered and placed with us.

You can imagine our feelings at this point, each of riding in front of a rebel horseman with our arms tied behind us jolting along at a rough gait. We were going along at a rapid pace, when we neared a piece of woods.  Lo! the woods seemed bound with a girdle of fire, and we were instantly surrounded.  Frink yelled three cheers for the Union.  We were all made to dismount and found to our joy that we were surrounded by Union soldiers.  We were immediately set free and the rebels were bound as we had been.

Your Friend,  Gideon Evans.

Vital Records, Oxford, NY, September 1862

 Oxford Times, September 3, 1862

Died:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 26th ult., Carra L. [Elder], youngest child of Lyman and Melinda Elder, aged 5 months.

Died:  At Hebron, Penn., on the 26th August, 1862, Lucy Widger, aged 97 years and 6 months, widow of the late Eli Widger.  She was a pensioner of the war of the Revolution, and resided in Preston in this County [Chenango Co., NY]\, for nearly fifty years, subsequent to 1802, and leaves her surviving numerous grandsons and great-grandsons, who are marching on in the present army of the Republic.

Oxford Times, September 10, 1862

Married:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 4th inst., by Rev. Mr. Scoville, Mr. George Sherman to Miss Rosannah Dolan, of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY].

Died:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], August 29th, Mr. John Adams, aged 72 years.  Mr. Adams served with honor in the war of 1812, and has left two sons in the army of the Republic.

Died:  Departed this life in the village of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], early in the morning of Tuesday, the 19th of August, in the 34th year of her age.  Elizabeth Hallam Bacon, daughter of Cyrus Bacon.

In the death of this estimable young lady, society loses an interesting companion, a lone father, the last bond of his little household, the Church, an accomplished musician, who in former years hath contributed in no small degree to render the praises of the Sanctuary a meet offering for Him who would be worshipped in the beauty of holiness.  For more than two years before her decease, she was so much of an invalid as to be confined with a few and very brief intervals, to the house, and for the most part to her bed.  Yet so patient and cheerful was she throughout her protracted illness, that friends who visited her, sometimes found it difficult to realize her actual condition, when they looked upon her bright countenance, and saw her pleasant smiles, and listened to her hopeless words.  Unable to go to God's house to partake of His goodness, she received in her sick chamber, along with a few valued friends, the Holy Supper of the Lord a few months before her removal to a better world, and found it a means of much heavenly refreshment.  During the earlier stages of her illness, she naturally wished for recovery, full as much we are persuaded for her bereaved father's sake as for her own.  Yet it was a wish entertained with submission to His will, who chooseth for us more wisely than we can do for ourselves. Gradually her reluctance to die was overcome and she was enabled by grace at length to welcome her summons hence, and in the midst of much bodily sufferings, to maintain her tranquility of mind, and with the comfort of a reasonable religious and holy life to fall asleep, we trust, in Jesus.  "Tis sweet, as year by year we lose / Friends out of sight, in faith to muse, / How grows in Paradise our store."

Oxford Times, September 17, 1862

Married:  At Ancram [Columbia Co., NY], on the 2d inst., by Rev. LB. Andrus, Mr. Edward Parms of Rockdale [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Anna E. Peck, of the former place.

Soldier's Letter, Civil War, February 1862

Oxford Times February 26, 1862 

Cape Hatteras, N. Carolina, February 4th, 1862

I have a few leisure moments, and have thought best to occupy them in writing a few lines for our friends, not because I have any particular news, or that we have had any great exploits to surprise them with, but because I thought a few lines would interest them; that we are right in the land of old secesh, wallowing through the sands of Pamlico Sound; the boys call it Dixey.  It is surely sandy bottom and a hard road to travel also.  

We have had rather a hard time for a few weeks. While on the vessel, we were not fed quite as well as we were accustomed to.  Hard crackers and coffee was all we had.  It was not all the time we could get water to make coffee.  At one time our water was used up.  A storm came up which lasted four days, the hardest storm that has been known here in a number of years.  Not being able to get to the shore, were without water three days, except a little rain water we caught which run down the mast and off the deck, which was all dirt and tobacco spit.  It didn't relish very well.  We were glad to get it however, as it was.  All these things brought on home sickness.  Sea sickness set in which left us in rather an unpleasant condition.  What a pitiful sight to stand on the forecastle and see the row of heads hung over the railing, to see them work with the ship.  When the ship heaves, they heave too.  Next comes a spray over the decks, which piles them all in a heap. Then go down into the midship.  What a spectacle is before you.  Half a dozen heads over one sub, as many over another, on their knees giving over their accounts.  In their faces can be seen and read very distinctly the old poem, "Be it ever so humble, there's no place like home," or in other words, "why did I ever roam, O shall I never see again those dear old folks at home."

Well, such is a soldier's career.  It is a combination of events, adventures, hardships, privations, of sorrow (thoughts of home) of fun and frolic and lately of hard work, which when taken together is rather romantic.

We left Washington, Jan. 5th, went to Annapolis to join Burnside's Expedition, arrived there at 9 P.M., slept on the cars that night, The next morning we marched to the Navy Yard where we stood in the snow all day waiting for the transports to take us on board our vessel.  It snowed the night before to the depth of two inches.  We suffered not a little with the cold.  The transports did not arrive that day as was expected, so at night we marched to a meeting house. Part of us took lodgings there, the remainder of the regiment slept in the college buildings. The next morning we were taken on board the transport, which took us on board the A--- Our quarters there were not very comfortable, we were stowed in like a lot of hogs, as tight as we could possibly be squeezed. We received our pay the day we went on board.  I think our regiment did well. For the first payment they sent home over $30,000, which was more than any other regiment has done,  I think.

We sailed with the fleet Jan. 9th, cast anchor 12 o'clock midnight in the bay, on account of the fog; set sail at 6 A.M., arrived at Fortress Monroe, at 12 o'clock, noon.  Cast anchor under the walls of the Fortress.

Weighed anchor Jan. 12th. Cast anchor off Cape Hatteras 2 P.M., Jan. 13th. Blew a hard gale all day and night.  Our position is considered dangerous.  The storm increased.  The next day a steamer is wrecked in attempting to pass the inlet, also one or two schooners.  The storm abates the next day.  We pass the inlet into the sound (Pamlico), all safe.  Our Captain and Lieut. Rooms think they will go on shore in a small boat, assisted by Mr. Wilbur and others.  The swell of the sea is rather rough and as they shove out from the shore to come back to the vessel, a wave comes and capsized them all handsomely in the briny deep. The next wave sets them on shore again, all right. They succeed in getting their boat to a point where it is less rough and reach the ship with no serious injury. As they came along side we gave three hearty cheers for Capt. Gurnsey's Expedition.  Don't know as they appreciated it much.  They looked rather sheepish as they climbed over the bulwarks of the ship and hunted their holes immediately, and were not seen much on deck till the next morning, when they came out brighter than ever, after their salt water bath.

Nothing of note has occurred since we have been on the sound.  Five contrabands made their escape from Plymouth, and came to us. They were fired at on their way by the Rebels. They are with us on the Island.

We were landed at Fort Hatteras Jan. 28th, marched 6 miles up the coast, pitched our tents at camp Windfield, and glad enough to get on terra firma once more.

The soil is sandy.  It is covered with small timber, scrub oak and other kinds which I cannot mention.  The inhabitants are mostly fishermen, once in a while, a farmer.  They raise corn, sweet potatoes, figs, &c.  We are living like kings.  Now we gather oysters and clams on the beach, buy potatoes, fish and eggs.  On the whole we are a happy crew.  The Regiment is in good spirits and good health generally. We received our first mail yesterday, which was received as a hungry man receivers his rations.  Gen. Williams is our commanding General, and puts us through eight hours each day. he tells us we shall soon meet the rebels.

The land here is very swampy, and the inhabitants tell us they have to shut up their cattle in hot weather to keep the mosquitoes from carrying them off.  The weather is now pleasant, the birds sing to us, and it is not unpleasant to hear the robins in the morning, which to us seems like spring.  I must close, as our [-?-] starts today. 

T.C. Dexter?

Vital Records, Greene, NY - September 1862

 Chenango American, Greene, NY, September 4, 1862

Married:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 31st ult., by Rev. W.T. Potter, Mr. Daniel Barber, of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Sarah M. Masten, of Otselic [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  In McDonough [Chenango Co., NY], on the 24th ult., by Rev. E. Holroyd, Mr. Morris C. Thompson, to Miss Janet Evans, both of Pharsalia [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  In Deansville, Oneida Co. [NY], on the 25th inst., by Rev. W.H. Moffett, Mr. J.H. Yale, Publisher of the Waterville Times, and Miss Cordelia J. Root, both of Marshall [Oneida Co., NY].

Married:  In Carmansville [New York County, NY), on the 23d ult. by Rev. W. V. Garner, William Marvin to Miss Adelia Holdrich, both of this village [Greene, Chenango Co., NY].  

Married:  In Willett [Cortland Co., NY], July 29th, by Rev. G.E. Flint, Marcus R. Horton, to Miss Elsie E. Marvin, both of this town [Greene, Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  In Ilyria, Ohio, on the 9th ult., by Rev. W.B. Disbro, Mr. A.A. McDonald, of Chenango Forks [Broome Co., NY] to Miss Ellen A. Lockwood, of Binghamton [Broome Co., NY].

Died:  In Binghamton [Broome Co., NY], on the 31st ult. Harriet Marvin Taylor [Lawyer], wife of William S. Lawyer, Publisher of the Binghamton [-?-], aged 29 years.  

Wounded:  We learn, says the Norwich Union of this week, that a private dispatch received in this village yesterday, from Washington, states that Capt. Martin, Lieut. Sanford and Sergeant Clancey of the Norwich company, in the 17th Reg. N.Y. Volunteers, were all slightly wounded in the recent battles near Manassas.  The 17th is attached to the corps of the Fitz John Porter.  No other casualties in the company are mentioned in the dispatch.

Died for His Country:  We learn by Clark Rorapaugh, of Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], a member of the 44th (Ellsworth) Regiment, who is home on a furlough, that Wm. Weaver, of this village [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], was killed by a shell at the late battle of Bull Run, while aiding in supporting a battery.  He was the first from this town to join the Ellsworth Regiment and was a brave and soldierly lad, from whom we have had good accounts since he entered the service of his country.  His heroic conduct won the praises of both officers and men, and was a source of pride to the town of which he was one of the gallant representatives. We have none of the particulars of his death, but have no doubt that he met it in the performance of his duty, and that he fell with "his face to the foe."

Chenango American, Greene, NY, September 1, 1862

Married:  At Parker's Hotel, in this village [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], on the 10th inst. by Rev. W.S. Adamson, Mr Charles Lockwood to Miss Jeanette Church, all of this place.

Married:  in Whitney's Point [Broome Co., NY], on the 3d inst., by Rev. Wm. Gates, Mr. Henry Johnson, to Miss Alice Sharp, both of this village [Greene, Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  In Brooklyn, on the 2d inst., by Rev. L.B. Mills, Mr. Mills B. Callender, to Miss Amelia M. Swain, both of New York City.

Married:  In Vernon Centre, Oneida Co. [NY], on the 4th, inst. by Rev. Mr. Hall, Samuel Williams, Esq., Associate Editor of the Albany Evening Journal, and Miss Lizzie F. Palmer, of Vernon Centre.

Married:  In Norwich [Chenango Co.., NY], on the 8th inst. by Rev. S. Scoville, Mr. Van B. Crain to Miss Phebe A. Ackley, both of Norwich.

Married:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 3d inst., by Rev. Wm. Searls, Mr. Abel Comstock to Miss Cynthia M. Thompson, both of Norwich.

Married:  At the Chenango House in Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 13th ult. by the same, Mr. Chester E. Steward, to Miss D. Newton, both of Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  By the same, at the M.E. Parsonage, in Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 24th ult., Mr. Milo B .Benedict, to Miss M.E. Phillips, both of Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  By the same, at the Chenango House, in Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 27th ult., Mr. George Teed, to Miss Olive Patridge, both of Afton [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  In New Orleans, on the 14th ult. by Rev. Dr. Woodbridge, Col. S.J.N. Smith to Mary M. [Arnold], daughter of Peleg Arnold of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  In Binghamton [Broome Co., NY], on the 23d ult. by Rev. W. V. Garner, Mr. John W. Shear, of Kirkwood [Broome Co., NY] to Miss Phronie Edson of Colesville [Broome Co., NY].

Died:  In Philadelphia, on the 10th ult. of typhoid fever, Oscar Phelps of Co. D, 27th Rev. N.Y.S.V. of this town, aged about 23 years.

Died:  In Willett, Cortland Co. [NY], on the 5th inst., Elizabeth M. [Dyer], aged 31 years.

Died:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 29th ult. Mr. John Adams, aged 72 years.

Died:  In McDonough [Chenango Co., NY], on the 4th inst., Mr. Elijah West, aged 27 years.

Died:  In Coventry, July 23d, of Diptheria, Addie [Odell] daughter of Robert C. and Sarah E. Odell, aged 2 years 9 months and 7 days.  Little Addie was a bud of much promise, but death loves a shining mark and she rests in his bosom, who said of such is the kingdom of Heaven.

Our Killed and Wounded:  Among the recent casualties to the volunteers from this section we notice the following:  Capt. Martin, of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], of the 17th Reg. shot in the face, the ball entering his cheek near his nose and coming out at the mouth.  A bad but not dangerous wound.  Lieut. Sanford was struck by a piece of shell near the shoulder.  He is getting along finely.  Byron Meritt of North Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], Co. H, 17th Reg., among the killed.  Lieut. Stanton of Norwich, acting Captain of a Company in Sickles' Brigade, was shot through the left hand, and loses the middle finger.  Phil Ray, of the 22d N.Y., formerly of Norwich, was shot in the head, not badly.  George H. Spry, of Norwich and L. Crain and P. Frink of Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY] and McKenzie Shaw of Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], of the 44th, were taken prisoners and released on parole.  Henry Williams, of Plymouth, Co. H, 17th is reported killed and -?- Webster, of Pharsalia [Chenango Co., NY] lost an arm.  Orderly Clancey of No. Norwich was hit three times, but would not give up.  Wm. Weaver, of this village, who we last week reported as killed, was wounded and taken prisoner.  He has been released on parole.  Rufus Combs, of the 17th, wounded.  Capt. Alcott of Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY] who was recently home on a furlough in consequence of a wound, returned to his regiment, the 1st Michigan, to meet his death, from a Minnie ball, on the 23d ult.

Chenango American, Greene, NY, September 18, 1862

Died:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 11th inst., Mr. Thomas Main, aged 89 years.

Died:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 6th inst., Susan E. [Myers], daughter of James G. and Sarah Ann Myers, aged 3 years.

Died:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 5th inst. of Cholera infantum, Fanny F. Hughson, only daughter of Orra M. and Fanny Hughson, aged 2 months and 28 days.

Died:  In Smyrna [Chenango Co., NY], on 13th inst., Polly [Wilber], wife of David Wilber, aged -?- years.

Died:  In North Pitcher [Chenango Co., NY], on the 3d inst. of Consumption, Gertrude Adelle Smith, daughter of David and Laura Smith, aged 18 years, 9 months and 27 days.

Died:  In Syracuse [Onondaga Co., NY], on the 28th ult of congestion of the lungs, Mr. John H. Morry? formerly of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], aged -?- years.

Died:  In Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], on the 6th inst., Mary Elizabeth [Pratt], eldest daughter of A.C. and Mary C. Pratt, aged 8? years and 1 month.

Died:  In Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], on the 7th inst., Mrs. David Bateman, aged 70 years.

Died:  In Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], on the 7th inst., a daughter of Mr. Ovid Lines, aged 11 years.

From a Key West Soldier:  Charles Atherton, formerly of this village [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], now with the 90th Reg. at Key West, Fla. writes requesting us to correct the story in circulation in relation to his decease.  He says he has had the yellow fever, but it alright now, except that in common with all the soldiers stationed there, he is anxious to be where the fighting is.  He says that disease has made terrible havoc among them, but they are not suffering so badly now.

Death of Harvey Hubbard, Esq.,:  Died at his residence in Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on Sunday last, Harvey Hubbard, Editor of the Chenango Union, aged 41 years.  This announcement, though not unexpected, falls with a painful weight upon a community among whom Mr. Hubbard has been such a prominent and useful member.  An illness of a year's duration had in a measure prepared his friends to meet this blow, but nevertheless when the solemn fact is announced that he is no more for earth, that his usefulness must hereafter depend upon the record he leaves behind, a sense of gloom pervades the breasts of all who knew him.  Inheriting a well balanced intellect, Mr. Hubbard early gave evidence of genius and capacity.  His familiar works both of prose and poetry, attracted much attention in former days, and but for his inclination for secluded habits and his modest aversion to seek the bubble fame, he would have ranked among the first literary characters of his day.  By profession a lawyer, he was for some years a leading member of the bar of this county, but latterly he has turned his attention to the editorial profession, and has taken a prominent part in the politics of the county and State.  Thoroughly educated, and possessing highly cultivated literary tastes, he has been an ornament to all spheres of life in which he has been engaged, and his death leaves a vacuum hard to be filled.  He leaves an interesting family, to whom no words of consolation would be appropriate, as words cannot alleviate the crushing weight of grief which bears them down.

Chenango American, Greene, NY, September 25, 1862

Married:  At Chenango Forks [Broome Co., NY], on the 17th inst. by Rev. Samuel Johnson, Doct. S.H. Harrington, to Miss Maggie Hagaman.

Married:  At the same time and place, by the same, Mr. Sidney Truesdell to Miss Ella Hagaman.

Married:  In Cortlandville, Cortland co., N.Y., on the 23d inst. by Rev. O.H. Seymour, D.L. Follett, Esq., of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Jennie P. [Randall], daughter of Hon. Henry S Randall.

Married:  In this town [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], on the evening of the 23d inst., by Rev. Jas. D. Webster, Mr. John L. Higginbotham, to Miss Harriet M. Jones, all of this town.

Married:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 10th inst. by Rev. W.T. Potter, Mr. Owen Winsor of Guilford [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Melinda Webb, of Smithville [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 10th inst., by Rev. D. Ballou, Mr. Ezra G. Rathbone, to Miss Rexa A. White, of East Pharsalia [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  In Georgetown, Madison Co. [NY], on the 14th inst. by Rev. Mr. Buell, Mr. Clark K. Holmes to Miss Martha A. Jackson, both of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  In Preston [Chenango Co., NY] on the 7th inst. by Rev. H. Garlick, Mr. Chas. B. Tuttle to Miss Amanda A. Dormon, both of Chenango Forks [Broome Co., NY].

Died:  In this village [Greene, Chenango Co., NYU], on the 24th inst., Charles C. Willard, M.D., aged 33 years.

Died:  In Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], on the 20th inst., Mr. Lambert Terrell, aged 59 years.

Died:  In Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY], on the 15th inst., of dysentery, Georgiana [Bushman], daughter of George P. and Fanny Bushman, aged 1 year and 3 months.

Died:  In Smyrna [Chenango Co., NY], on the 19th inst., Mr. Philo -earing?, aged about 73 years.

Died:  In Woodhull, Steuben Co., on the 26th ult., Mary [Gates], wife of Rathbone Gates, aged 78 years.

Died:  In Smyrna [Chenango Co., NY], on the 17th inst., Mr. Samuel --ckley?, aged 85 years and 7 days.

Died:  In Esperance, Schoharie Co. [NY], on the 15th inst., Mr. George Wooster, formerly of Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], aged 65 years.

Died:  In the State Hospital, New Haven, Conn., on the 20th ult., of wounds received in the battle of Fair Oaks, Va., Mr. George E. Church, a Private of Co. E. 61st Regiment, N.Y.S.V., and eldest son of Ezra P. and Laurilla Church, of Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], aged 21 years.

Died:  In North Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 14th inst., of chronic diarrhea, Mary Alida [Lyon], only daughter of Darius E. and mary A. Lyon, aged 1 year.

Death of a soldier:  A soldier named Richmond Snell in Company A, Captain Curtis, 114th Regiment, died in Baltimore on the 12th inst., of typhoid fever.  He was a native of Coventry [Chenango Co. NY].

Sudden Death:  Our village was startled last evening with the announcement that Doct. Chas. C. Willard was dead.  His health from childhood has been uniformly good.  For a few days only he complained of being unwell, yet was able to attend to his business as usual.  He left his office at 6 o'clock last evening, and at 8 was a corpse.  Only a few minutes elapsed from the time he was considered dangerous by his family before his death.  Doct. Willard was the son of Doct. Augustus Willard.  He graduated in 1852, since which time he has been in practice in this village.  He leaves a wife and one child, together with a large circle of mourning relatives to lament his death.  As a husband, a father, a neighbor and friend, as well as in his professional relations he will be greatly mourned and missed by this whole community.  Doct. Willard was 33 years of age. Thus has been cut down one of our most respected citizens in the prime of life, in the zenith of his prosperity and usefulness. Verily "in the midst of life we are in death."

Soldier's Letter, Civil War - January 1862

 Oxford Times, February 26, 1862

Letter from Theodore F. McNeil, U.S. Navy

Barque Arthur, Jan. 14, 1862

Dear Sister:  We are now in the Gulf of Mexico.  We sailed from the Bahama Islands on the 7th inst., with a fair wind for Pensacola.  We had a fine passage and more beautiful weather never was known in New York State. The sun was scorching hot.  Thermometer about 60 or 70 degrees above zero, and was splendid evenings, the moon being unclouded most of the time and to all appearances warmer in all respects. We arrived at our destination on the 12th at 10 o'clock P.M., within about half a mile of where Wilson's Zouaves are encamped, which is on Santa Rosa Island.  It is covered with white sand and looks for all the world like drifted snows in old Chenango and one can hardly tell the difference for half a mile distant.

From where we are now anchored, we can see Fort McKay and Pickens.  The former looks from here as if it could stand quite a bombarding, but we are some three miles from it and, of course, cannot see the condition in which it really is in.  Fort Pickens is about three miles from here and cannot be seen clear enough to distinguish anything, both on account of distance and fog which is hanging over the gulf. This is the first place I have seen since I left New York where the Secession flag waved.  [It] floats over Fort McRay and somewhere also on the shore, but cannot tell where.  Suppose however that it is the Navy Yard.  Would like to see it attacked and the rebels, who support its standard, driven from the face of the earth or made to own their allegiance to the Federal Government.  It is rumored on ship board that we are to sail for Lake Ponchitrain or for Ship Island situated in its mouth, the first fair wind, but how true the rumor is I am as yet unable to say.  In fact it matters but little with me where we go or how soon.  I know no fear and am not afraid to enter into any engagement which may be ordered and would show by my acts that I was ready to fight, and as long as anyone on the ship could stand it. We have had no engagement yet, nor have we seen any, but it is uncertain how soon we may be led into battle. The longer I stay on the ship the more I become weaned from the pleasures which are to me enjoyed on land, and the many luxuries which, of course, we are deprived of here.  This is quite a pleasant place, and we are enjoying ourselves very well. The steamer Mississippi is lying at anchor, but a short distance from us, and several other vessels are in sight of us whose names I do not know. The Niagara, which is the flagship of the squadron, is I understand at the mouth of the Mississippi, and we have not therefore seen our Flag Officer.  Our officers are green in the Naval service, and therefore old naval salts [who] grumble not a little at the management of things on board. But of course I am no judge.  I believe old salts will grumble anyhow.  I think our officers are all well meaning, kind, and desire to do right, and will be right and would now, only for their ignorance, would be as efficient, daring and kind as anyone on board could ask.  But more of the higher officers have been in the Navy before, and have like most other men many things to learn.  But to "trust in Providence and keep our powder dry" is our watchword, and when the enemy appears whip them if we can.

Ship Island is about one hundred miles from here, the way we shall have to go to get there.  Some difference here in the climate from Oxford.  Here men are bare foot about the deck and nothing but shirts, pants and caps on.  There you are all bundled up to the ears and your eyes scarcely out enough to see.  It seems like a long summer to me, and seems as if I had not been home in a year.

We have drilling with cannon almost everyday.  I have a musket to fight with in case of boarding or being bearded and will make good use of it should I have an occasion to use it. Do not believe we shall have much fight to do. Cannot see what they are doing at Washington with their great army.  Should think it was about time there was some movement made there. There is nothing new or curious to write about as I have not been on land anywhere, and all things have been seen from a distance.  I have seen the prickly pear tree or shrub, the orange groves and many things of this sort, which of course would not interest you materially and would exhaust many pages and much time which is not at my command. There has been some nice fish caught on board here weighing from five to twenty-five pounds.

I have not much time to myself except evenings, which I usually spend in reading some book or other.  Had I known what I wanted when I left home I should have brought many things which we look upon as of no consequence there, which would have done good service here.  I should prepay letters, but I have no stamps and cannot get them.  Would like to drop into Oxford some day unexpectedly and see what is going on. I have been making a shirt and have made it as well as could be expected, and should I have done more sewing, had I time.  I find I can mend clothes or make them quite well.  Shall try and not become attached to the sea, so that I will not want to come back again.  Do not mean ever to go after this time, although there are many things here which are beneficial to one.  Yet there are many things contrarywise.  But from them I do not pattern.

I have just been called for the first time to practice with muskets the target on the fore yard, and then from the quarter deck.  Out of 31 shots, 20 took effect which when you remember that I never shot one before and that the target is in motion, as well as the ship, is pretty good shooting.  Out of 16 [-?-] pistols, 2 only hit, and out of 6 [-?-], 6 [-?-] 17 took effect.  When [we receive] wages at Ship Island we will have to go on shore and practice.  

Theodore F. McNeil

Vital Records, Oxford, NY, August 1862

 Oxford Times, August 6, 1862

Married:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 27th ult., by Rev. G. White, Mr. Geo. W. Duntley to Miss Mary Cummings, all of Greene.

Married:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 28th ult., by Rev. W.S. Adamson, Mr. C.H. Chamberlin to Miss Hattie Huntley, both of Chenango Forks [Broome Co., NY].

Married:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 30th ult. by Rev. W.S. Adamson, Mr. Samuel A. Willard to Miss Amelia M. Johnson, daughter of Hon. Alonzo Johnson, all of Greene.

A Prisoner:  John Hicks of the 61st, son of Gurdon Hicks of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], and late of the firm of Balcom & Hicks of this village, was wounded in the thigh in the late engagement before Richmond, and at last accounts was a prisoner at Richmond.  He will probably soon be exchanged if he has not already been.

Among the number killed at the re-taking of Murfreesboro, Tennessee, by the Rebels on the 13th of July, was David N. Ingersoll, son of David H. Ingersoll, of Smithville Flatts, [Chenango Co., NY], and brother of Wm. W. Ingersoll of this village.  He was a member of the 4th Regiment Penn. Cavalry.

Oxford Times, August 13, 1862

Mr. Hiram Davis of West Edmeston, Otsego Co. [NY]\ was killed by lightning on the 5th inst.  He was working in the hayfield of Mr. Hiram Wright, and had, at the time, a pitchfork in his hand.  His clothes, with the exception of his shirt collar and wristbands were completely torn from him, and riddled in strands.  Even his boots were torn from his feet.  Other persons in the field were not injured.

Oxford Times, August 20, 18612

Married:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 14th inst. by Rev. E.H. Payson, Mr. Peter Brink of Owego [Tioga Co., NY], to Miss Hattie Hull, of this village.

Died:  In Camp Morgan Key West, on 9th June, Chas. J. Hall, of Co. E 90th Reg., N.Y.S.V., son of Otis Hall of Greene [Chenango Co., NY] aged 16 years.

Oxford Times,  August 27, 1862

Died:  In Desmoines, Iowa, on the 5th(?) inst. Chettie [Cole], infant son of C.C. and Amanda M. Cole, aged 3 years and 20 days.

Drowned:  On Monday afternoon of the 11th inst., a son of Elder Bronson, of Georgetown, Madison county [NY] was drowned in a pond in Smyrna [Chenango Co., NY]  He was a good swimmer, but it is supposed he struck a stream of very cold water, which paralyzed him to such a degree that he was unabled to swim ashore. The deceased was 21 years of age.