Death of Dr. C.C. Willard - 1863

 Chenango American, Greene, NY, October 9, 1862

Death of Dr. C.C. Willard

Dr. H.H. Beecher, Assistant Surgeon of the 114th Regiment, writes an interesting letter to the Chenango Union in alluding to his passage through Greene, on his way to join his Regiment, he uses the following remarks in regard to the death of Dr. C.C. Willard:

"I cannot refrain from alluding to a scene or event I witnessed in this place, the like of which I hope I may never see again.  While Dr. Augustus Willard and myself were examining a recruit at the Chenango House, a messenger came rushing up the stairs with the intelligence that his son, Dr. C.C. Willard, was worse, and they were afraid he was dying. We hurried to his dwelling, sad to relate, only in time to see him die.  He was cold and pulseless, a struggle or two and all was over.

"The Doctor had been complaining for a number of weeks, but up to and on the day of his death, he attended to his business, having rode a distance of several miles.  He left his office for his residence as late as six o'clock, and some time after this requested his father - which must have been about the last words he spoke - to visit his patients for the night, as he did not feel able to do so himself.  From the suddenness and manner of his decease, I suspect there was some lurking organic disease.

"Dr. Willard was one of the rising members of the profession, and possessed domestic and social qualities which greatly endeared him to his family and a large circle of friends.  How suddenly, in the fullness of manhood and in the pride of his strength, he has been stricken down!

"It is not necessary to go to the field of battle, and face the cannon's mouth, or be exposed to shot and shell, to learn of the frailty of man, or witness the sudden and eternal separation, by death, of the loved and cherished ones of earth.  No position or situation in life, at home or abroad, can afford an immunity or shield us from the attack of this bad destroyer. How strong so ever and confident we may be today, on the morrow of us it may be said that we too are gone.

"But I have not the heart to write the moral of this sad event.  Indeed, it teaches its own lesson.  Nor is this the time and place to eulogize the dead.  The records of the Society of which he was an honored member and an efficient officer, and the greatest I remember of the community in which he lived, and which loved him so well, will, I doubt not, do simple justice to his memory and his worth."

Soldier's Letter, Civil War - September 1862

 Chenango American, October 9, 1862

Letter from Norman P. Brown - 27th Regiment, N.Y.S.V.

Head Quarters Slocum's Division, Barkersville, Md, Sept. 29, 1862

Eds. American:  Thinking yourselves and our friends would like to hear from the 27th Regiment, I drop you a few lines.  After marching and fighting through Virginia, we embarked at Newport News on board the steamer John Brooks (about the 21st of August) bound for Aquia Creek, which place we reached on the morning of the 24th of Aug., where we were ordered to proceed to Alexandria, where we arrived at 3 P.M., same day.  After laying there a day or two we started for Centreville, and on the 30th arrived on the field of battle, a little too late for fighting, but in time to prevent stragglers from leaving the front, where they were very much needed; and on the 31st we took the front and remained there all day and night.  On the morning of Sept. 1st we fell back in good order to Centreville, and from there back to Fairfax Seminary, near Alexandria, where we remained for a few days, when we left for Poolsville, Maryland, where the enemy were said to be in large force.

After we started for Poolsville, the rebels had changed their position farther to the right, which of course changed our movements, which were to march to the right of Poolsville and follow up the enemy, which we did, until we engaged them on Sunday the 14th ult (at Crampton Gap near Burketsville) where one of the most severe battles of this war was fought. The enemy had a very strong position on the mountain with plenty of Artillery.  Our (Gen Slocum's) division charged up a very steep and craggy Mountainside, and after about three hours of severe fighting, succeeded in completely routing them from their position, and drove them over the Mountain, capturing a large number of prisoners and several pieces of artillery. This brilliant affair charging up such a hill, and fighting at such a disadvantage against superior numbers, without the assistance of Artillery or Cavalry, has made for Gen. Slocum's Division a name long to be remembered.  The portion of this Division which was in the heaviest part of the engagement was the 2d Brigade consisting of the 27th and 16th N.Y. Volunteers, 5th Maine and 96th Penn. Regiments.  This Brigade was commanded by Col. Joseph J. Bartlett, of the 27th N.Y., acting Brigadier General, whose brave and gallant conduct won him the highest esteem and praise of both officers and men. The gallant 27th was the first on the field, being deployed as skirmishers and supported by the balance of the Brigade, together with Gen. Newton's and the Jersey Brigades (who did nobly, and whose loss was considerable), and succeeded as I said before in routing and driving the enemy.  Night then set in and closed the scene of that day's bloody work. The 27th went into the fight in good order, and have added another to their many brave deeds, and old Broome may well be proud of the 27th, as no troops could have behaved better.  Many of them fell on the field, and many more are wounded.  I am not able to give you a correct list at this time of the killed and wounded of the several Regiments, as our wounded were taken to different Hospitals, and it is impossible to find them at present.  But I learn that the loss of the Division is 514, but what proportion to each Brigade I cannot say.

On Wednesday morning (17th) after a rest of two days at 7 o'clock, we formed in line, and marched on to the extreme right of the battle field, where we were held as a reserve and did not get into the fight. We remained in that position until Friday morning, when we started in pursuit of the retreating enemy, who was flying before us toward the river. They threw away their arms, spiked their guns and swam the river, and are now entirely out of Maryland.  In passing over the battle field of the 17th, a terrible sight met one's gaze.  Heaps upon heaps of dead rebels (though many had been buried) and men busy in carrying off the wounded.  Our loss at that battle was very  heavy, but the enemy's loss must have been much larger.  I have not heard any estimate made of their loss, but have heard that 14,000 would cover the loss of the Union Army.  All has been quiet for the past week. What we are to do, or where we are going when we again move, is yet unknown.  Rumor says we go to Hagerstown from here.  But all are willing to wait and trust "Little Mc" to make his arrangements for us.

Yours, &c., Norman P. Brown

Soldier's Letter, Civil War - September 1862

 Chenango American, Norwich, NY, October 9, 1862

Letter from 114th Regiment N.Y.S.A.

Headquarters 114th Reg. N.Y.S.V., Camp Belger, Sept. 28, 1862

Eds Chenango American:  Pursuant to agreement I now send you a few lines.  It is easy to promise to write, but very hard while in camp to fulfill. We are busy from morning to night.  At 5:30 A.M., the reveille; at 6:12 A.M., breakfast; surgeons call, 7:30 A.M.; guard mounting, 8:12 A.M.; forenoon drill from 9:12 to 11 A.M.; Dinner, 12 P.M.; drill again from 1:12 to 3 P.M.; dress parade, 4:12 P.M.; retreat 6 P.M.; tattoo, 8 P.M.; taper (extinguishing lights);, 9 P.M.. Thus you see we are kept busy.

You have seen photographs of Camp Belger.  It is a beautiful place.  Baltimore and the bay are in full view from  the camp.  the city cars run to within thirty rods of the camp. The camp is laid out with as much regard to angles, as the "city of Brotherly Love," and is kept as scrupulously clean. There are many fine old oaks on the ground that furnish a most desirable shade.  I have a tree close to my tent on the right and one directly in front. The latter is called the Post Office.  The camp at night presents a picturesque appearance.

There is not a better camp in the State. Our Regiment is in high repute here.  It is said by good military men that it is the finest looking Regiment in the service.

I have slept upon the floor ever since I have been here.  It comes rather hard, especially for the lean kind of men.  Our bread, pork and coffee is good, but the beef is tough.  The corned beef by the boys is called "Salt Horse."  We have potatoes once a day, beans twice a week and rice and hominy occasionally.  I have never had better bread.  No one that is well need go hungry.

The 116th New York is just back of us in camp, just across one lot.  It does not compare at all with ours.  Friday night last a man tried to run the guard, and for his temerity had a bayonet run through him, killing him instantly. The guardsman was yesterday promoted.  Lieut. Donnelly of Co. E, is the officer of the guard today, and about 4 P.M. although Sunday, a man of Co. K talked back and made some threats, upon which the lieutenant knocked him down and ordered a Corporal to bind him and put him in the guard house.

J.C.S. of Greene makes a bully Corporal.  A few nights ago he was Corporal of the guard when a Lieutenant of our Regiment being a little excited from frequent libations of Baltimore whiskey, put on airs.  The little Corporal promptly -?- him at the -?-.

A few days since, I was introduced to Sergt. Riley of the 8th Illinois Cavalry. He had just returned from the great battle of Harper's Ferry, wounded in the knee slightly. He goes by the name of the "infant."  He is tall, 6 feet 6 inches, not at all inclined to fat, and weighs 230.  Four of Uncle Sam's horses have yielded to his weight and have gone the way of all horses.  Last Wednesday he was standing upon the deck, witnessing the embarkation of some rebel prisoners for Fort Delaware, when a Baltimorean crowded up and cheered them.  The crowd cried "Put him in the river."  Man turned to flee, but the "infant" caught him and with one swing threw him ten feet from the deck into the drink, and then offered to deck the man that attempted to help him out.  No one tried it, and the disciple of Jeff Davis, departed this life in tears.  Baltimore is full of traitors.  Fear is all that keeps the city quiet.  A few days since I was at the Relay House, and while there about 300 rebel prisoners were brought in from the battle fields.

I have read the newspaper accounts, and have thought them highly colored, but I am forced to admit that they fulfill as badly as any representation I have seen.  Not a man had a full uniform, some were barefooted, some stocking footed, some had nothing but drawers.  They were dirty, ragged and lousy.  Such a God forsaken looking set of men you never set eyes upon.

We don't know as much here of the movements of the army as you do at Greene.

When we shall move from here no one knows, probably not soon.  Our Regiment may all be required for guard at different places.  Last Wednesday eleven men were taken from each company to guard a hospital in the city. The next day all of Co. I, were taken about 8 miles from the city to guard a bridge.  Today the 1st Lieut. of Co. H has been ordered to take 50 men several miles off to another hospital.  Co. F has been ordered to Prince, George county, Md., to assist the enrolling officer in the draft. Thus you see Gen. Wool is day by day detailing us for guard duty in different places.  When we shall be called together again as a Regiment, no one can tell.

There are many things whereof I might write pertaining to the Regiment and matters and things about here, but I have not the time.  Quite a number of Chenango men have visited us, and among others E.G. Kinney and L.R. Hitchcock, of Greene.  Hitchcock had quite a notion to stay.  Hoping to hear from you soon, I remain.

Very truly yours,  Steel Pen

Vital Records, Oxford, NY - April 1863

 Oxford Times, April 1, 1863

Married:  In Binghamton [Broome Co., NY], on the 4th ult., by Rev. M.N.C. Leighton, Mr. W.H. Wheeler to Miss Addie M. Allen, both of Greene [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  At Nanticoke Springs, Broome co. [NY], on the 11th ult. by Rev. P.S. Worden, Mr. Edward D. Hatch of McDonough [Chenango Co., NY], to Miss Diana E. Brooks of Maine, N.Y. [Broome Co.].

Married:  In Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY], on the 3d ult. by Rev. Mr. Williston, Mr. Smith Flowers to Miss Clara Baker, both of Plymouth.

Married:  At Windsor [Chenango Co., NY], on the 6th ult. by Rev. W. Roberts, Mr. A.C. Hyde, of Afton [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Delia L. Benton of Lanesboro, Pa.

Died:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 12th ult. Mrs. Sally Rathbone, wife of Jonathan Rathbone, aged 59 years.

Died:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 21st ult., Esther [Holmes], widow of John Holmes, aged 86 years.

Died: Near Hall's Landing, Acquia Creek, Va., of typhoid fever, William F. [Purdy], son of Charles and Orpha Purdy of McDonough [Chenango Co., NY], aged 19 years.

Died:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 18th ult. Elizabeth [Jones], wife of William Jones, aged 51 years.

Died:  In North Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 23d, ult. Lovena A. [Paul], wife of Alfred Paul, aged 47 years.

Died:  In Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], on the 7th ult., Mr. George Cannon of Co. H, 114th Reg. aged 23 years.

Died:  At New Orleans, La., on the 6th ult., of small pox, Otis G. Banks, only son of H.O. Banks, Esq., of Greene [Chenango Co., NY], aged 21 years.

Died:  At the General Hospital, Hilton Head, March 15th, after a protracted illness, of typhoid fever, Elijah [Osborn], oldest son of Lieut. Edward M. Osborn, of this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], aged 13 years.

Death of a Young Soldier: Another of the young soldiers of the 114th has been obliged to succumb to disease, an enemy far more dreaded and fatal than rebel bullets.  Oscar Nichols, son of Mr. J. Nichols of this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], died at the Regimental Hospital on the 11th inst., of brain fever, after an illness of but two days  Young Nichols at the early age of nineteen, has laid his life upon the altar of his country.  He belonged to Company "F," whose Captain, commanding, James T. Fitts, writes from Brashear city to his sorrowing friends as follows:  Oscar was a faithful soldier, and a good boy, and one who had not an enemy in the company or Regiment, all speak well of him, and deeply regret his sudden decease.  We buried him today, in a pleasant spot on the shore of the Bay, near the Camp.  To which Surgeon L.P. Wagner adds the following tribute:  Everything for his comfort was rendered him while he lived and his brother O. King took the utmost pains for him, and has prepared a grave in a beautiful spot on the bank of the bay, where rests the remains of as brave and dutiful a soldier as ever served in the cause of his country.  Oscar was the third son of Mr and Mrs. Nichols [who they] have given to the service of their country, and the sympathy of loyal souls is theirs in this sad bereavement.

"How sleeps the brave who sink to rest, / With all their country's wishes blessed. / When spring with dewy fingers cold, / Returns to deck their hallowed mould, / She there shall dress a sweeter sod / Than Fancy's feet have ever trod.

"By fairy hands their knell is rung, / By forms unseen their dirge is sung, / There honor comes, a pilgrim gray, / To bless the turf that wraps their clay, / And Freedom shall awhile repair / To dwell a weeping hermit there."

Oxford Times, April 8, 1863

Married:  In Coventryville [Chenango Co., NY], Feb. 18th, by Rev. Mr. Merrill, Mr. John J. Stoddard to Miss Lucelia Judd, both of Coventry.

Married:  In Sanford [Broome Co., NY], March 16, by Rev. Levi Peck, Mr. Hiram C. Partridge of Afton [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Laura A. Humphrey of Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY].

Died:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY] on the 26th ult., Catharine Lausinda, [Barnard], only daughter of Robert P. and Margaret H. Barnard, aged 4 years and 8 months.

Died:  in Greene [Chenango Co., NY] on the 27th ult. Martha Rosetta [Graham], daughter of Alexander J. Graham, aged 9 years.

Found Dead:  On Wednesday morning of last week, Zachariah Bradley, one of the first settlers of this town [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], was found dead near the residence of Philo Webb. A coroner's Jury was summoned and rendered a verdict, that the deceased came to his death from fatigue and exposure.  He was in his 84th year.  Chenango American

Oxford Times, April 15, 1863

Married:  In Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], on the 14th ult., by Rev. W. Peck, Mr. Charles Franklin of Preston [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Melissa G. Franklin of Pharsalia [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  In Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 17th ult., Mr. George Peck to Miss Amelia L. Arms, both of Guilford.

Married:  In Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], on the 2d inst., by Rev. Mr. Ketchum, Mr. George W. Williams of Norwich [Chenango co., NY] to Miss Eliza A. Davis of the former place.,

Died:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 3d inst., Florence A. [Davidson], only child of John W. and Elizabeth Davidson, aged 4 years.

Died:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 2d inst., Mr. Robert Dunlap, aged 76 years.

Died:  in Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 5th inst., Mr. Prentice Grant, aged 79 years.

Died:  In Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 31st ult. of diptheria, Lovina [Morgan], aged 9 years and 10 months; on the 2d inst. Nettie E. [Morgan] aged 4 years, children of N.T. and Antionette Morgan.

Died:  In Preston [Chenango Co., NY], Feb. 7th, Mr. Ethan Turner, aged 81 years.

Oxford Times,  April 22, 1863

Married:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 10th ult. by Rev. G.S. White, Mr. Lewis Seneare to Miss Mary E Randall, all of Greene.

Married:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 2d inst. by Rev Mr. Webster, Mr. Oliver B. Grant to Miss Hannah J. Gates both of Smithville [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  In Cincinnatus [Cortland Co., NY], on 19th ult. Prof Bolivar Bisbee of East Pharsalia [Chenango co., NY] to Miss Ellen Brooks of South Otselic [Chenango Co., NY].

Died:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 16th inst. Alice [Hill], daughter of Ransom Hill, aged 6 months.

Died:  In Smithvill4e [Chenango Co., NY], on the 15th inst., Sally [Tillotson], relict of David Tillotson, aged 76 years.

Died:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 13th inst., Mr. Abram G. Lewis, aged 42 years.

Died:  In South New  Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], on the 8th inst., of diptheria, Frank Hamilton [Griswold], aged 10 years and 6 mos.; and on the 9th inst. Sarah Lilian [Griswold], aged 18 years and 4 months, children of George W. and Sarah I. Griswold.

Died:  In Delhi, Michigan, on the 25th ult. Mr. Dexner Phillips, formerly of Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY], aged 59 years.

Oxford Times, April 29, 1863

Died:  In Minneapolis, Minnesota, on the 23d instant, Julia M. [Vanderburgh], wife of Hon. Charles E. Vanderburgh, and youngest daughter of William Mygatt, Esq. of this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY].

Died:  In South New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], on the 13th inst. of diptheria, Georgian I. [Griswold], daughter of George W. and Sarah I. Griswold, aged 15 years and 17 days.

Died:  In Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 19th, Harriet C. [Smith], daughter of -?- and Jane Smith, aged 30 years.

Died:  In South New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], on the 14th Miranda [Wood], wife of Ephraim Wood, Esq., aged 57 years.

Died:  At Quarantine Station, La, of typhoid fever, Daniel Nichols of Co C, 114th Reg from Bainbridge [Chenango co., NY], aged 23 years.

At Windsor, Broome Co. [NY], on the 15th inst., Mr. Theodore Bingham, formerly of Greene [Chenango Co., NY], aged 50 years.

Soldier's Letter, Civil War, September 1862

 Chenango American, Greene, NY, October 2, 1862

Letter from the 114th Regiment

On Special Duty, Baltimore, Sept. 27, 1862

Editors American:  Since writing to you on the 11th inst., there has been no material change in the Regiment, excepting the withdrawal of a detachment of ten men from each Company for special guard duty at the Depot for Hospital stores, and also of Company I as guard at the Camden St., Hospital.  Your humble servant was favored with the confidence of his officers, and together with other trusty men we are now guarding United States property in a semi-secession city, where every opportunity to aid rebellion is eagerly seized upon, and where all property belonging to Uncle Sam is readily "confiscated" unless a strict guard is kept over it. The disloyal feeling here has been manifested in various ways, since the last great battle, towards prisoners captured by our arms, and in one instance resulted in a miserable death to the sympathizer.  On the 25th a boat load of prisoners arrived here on their way to Fort Delaware, and on coming to the wharf, a man, well dressed and respectable looking, stepped aboard and entered into conversation with them. While there he was heard to make use of language encouraging the captives to revolt, or if paroled or exchanged, to again take up arms against federal authority.  He was at once ordered from the boat, and with a malediction upon all Union men and especially upon the soldiers, he left, remarking that he could and would whip the first soldier he met.  It so happened that a strapping fellow in the cavalry uniform, heard this, and laid hold of secesh's collar, and said, "I am your man!"  A few blows were exchanged when the Union boy thinking to cool off the fire of rebel blood, seized Mr. -- by the collar and launched him far out into the water.  He sank as if a stone, and after two hours search his body was recovered. At the Coroner's inquest the verdict was that 'deceased came to his death in some manner unknown to the jury," one of the soldiers of our Regiment testifying that when he touched water, there was no person within several feet of him. The death of this man created much ill blood among his friends who swore vengeance, and pistols and knives were handled very carelessly, until a guard ordered them away.

The appearance of the rebel prisoners beggars all description.  All the printed reports that your readers have ever read cannot convey to the mind the actuality.  The best picture, and one that comes nearer the truth than any I have ever seen, is given by a Surgeon who was captured at Harper's Ferry.  He had an opportunity of seeing the whole rebel army as they crossed the Potomac into Maryland.  He had heard the usual accounts of the costume, appearance and condition of the rebel army, and like most of us supposed them exaggerations.  But he now says that no description he has seen approaches the truth.  There never was beheld such a gang of ragged, rowdy looking men.  It was like an army of rag pickers.  There was no uniform or attempt at uniform. Officers and men were equally dirty and dingy. The hats were commonly old "Wide Awakes" stained by a long campaign, often with the tops gone and the hair streaming out. The trousers were of all colors and generally in tatters up to the knees. The coats, if they had any, were dirty and ragged, and often well greased by the pieces of bacon which each man carried on his bayonet. The shirts were black with long use. Their blankets were of all colors and materials, often bits of carpeting and old bed comforters.  Nearly one-half of the men were barefooted. They carried their crackers and bullets and caps all together in their pockets. Both officers and men were excessively lousy, and the stench from the passing columns was almost unbearable. The whole rebel army had, to the eye of this medical gentleman and his associates, a worn out, exhausted look. The physique was inferior to that of our men, and they evidently suffered from want of food and overwork.

The above compares perfectly with the appearance of prisoners that I have seen marching through this city.  The same gentleman, in another letter, gives reasons too plain and true to be contradicted, why and how it is that the rebel armies fight so persistently and furiously.  He says:  "The bodies of the rebels, within a few hours after death, became nearly black.  Decomposition begins at the moment pulsation ceases.  In the canteen of every dead rebel, tho' his knapsack was empty, remained a quantity of whiskey. At the bottom of each canteen, a precipitate that is nothing more or less than gunpowder. The men are stimulated to the ferocity of tigers, by whiskey in which gunpowder is dissolved.  It is served to them when forming line of battle, in sufficient quantity to craze but not intoxicate. Thus semi-demonized, they rush to the very mouth of the Union cannon, and fight like wolves raging for their prey. The hasty decomposition of their bodies is ascribed to this maddening drink, and partly to the absence of all salt in their food, except in the salted bacon that forms their only other luxury beside the whiskey.

There are many places of interest in and around Baltimore to one who takes an interest in Revolutionary memories and improvements of more modern days. the first point of interest to the patriot is the Washington Monument.  Its history is too familiar to your readers for me to enter into a rehearsal of it. The only wonder to me is how a people who live constantly under the benign countenance and outstretched hand of a Washington, can cherish treason in their hearts.  As I gazed at the pure white column that rose up so gracefully before me, I felt that if my hand or heart was set against the liberties that our country's Father gave to us, it would crumble and crush me in its fall.

The Forts, the Shot Tower, the Water Works, the Hospitals, the Camps and the Arsenals, all claim the attention of the soldier who is fortunate enough to be permitted to leave camping ground for an afternoon's recreation, and many a lad who had scarcely ever breathed the atmosphere outside his own town or county, is astonished at the sight of so many houses and people, and open their eyes with wonder at the creation of men's hands.

This afternoon, as I write, there are half surmised rumors in town that an expedition against Richmond has been successful. How true they may be, or how false, you will learn by telegraph before this reaches you.  Another rumor in town is that the rebels have sent Commissioners to Washington to negotiate for a peace. There is no reliance to be placed in the latter rumor, in my opinion.

With the assurance that our health and the health of our Regiment is good.

I am Yours, &c,   A.

Soldier's Letter, Civil War, September 1862

 Oxford Times, September 17, 1862

We have been permitted to make the following extract from a private letter from J.G. Thorp, Esq., formerly of this village [Oxford, Chenango Co. NY], who has been recently tendered a Colonel's Commission by the Governor of Wisconsin:

"But, I did not suppose I had much of a military or fighting reputation, until I was tendered by the governor last week, the colonel's Commission, for the new Regiment to be raised under the new call for troops in this part of the State.  Notwithstanding I am fifty years old, and never stood in the ranks an hour in my life, I should have accepted and gone in to crush out rebellion and slavery, had it not been for family and business. But feeling there were many others very desirous of the place, and who are better qualified to fill it, I thought it right to decline the honor.  Not being personally acquainted with the Governor, and bearing nothing of it till the tender was made, it was quite a surprise, and I may feel it quite an honor, inasmuch as there were many after it with strong recommendations.  But should "worst come to worst," and the rebels be victorious, so far as to call loudly for more help, rather than yield the cause, we must sacrifice all else, shoulder our muskets and charge bayonet, if necessary, to save our liberties, for what is property or  anything else without a government.

Vital Records, Greene, NY, July 1863

 Chenango American, Greene, NY, July 2, 1863

Married: In Eaton [Madison Co., NY] on the 9th ult. by Rev. H. Wheat, Mr. John J. Bennett of Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Ellen L. White, of the former place.

Married:  In Smyrna [Chenango Co., NY], on the 5th ult., by the Rev. T. Williams, Mr. James D. King, of Smyrna, to Julia Ann Ellsworth, of Pharsalia [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  In Smyrna [Chenango Co., NY], on the 17th ult. by the same.  Mr. P.D. Nearing, to Miss Clara E. Taylor, all of Smyrna.

Married:  In Columbus [Chenango Co., NY], on the 22d ult. by Rev. O. Button, Mr. Gilbert Manwarring to Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Jennie Utter, of New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  At the same time and place, by the same, Mr. George Church, of Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Nancy Boge, of New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY].

Died:  In New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], on the 22d ult. Mrs. Lucy [Putnam], widow of the late Eli Putnam, aged 64 years.

Died:  In Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY] on the 18th ult., Mrs. Eunice Balcom, in the 87th year of her age.

Died:  In Eaton, N.Y. [Madison Co., NY], on the 24th ult., Mrs. Ruth Payson, mother of Rev. E.H. Payson, of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], in the 88th year of her age.

Death of Col. Smith --Letter from Surgeon Beecher:  The Chenango Union has received the following letter from Assistant Surgeon Beecher, announcing the death of Col Smith. the letter is dated Marine Hospital, New Orleans, June 20th:

"Hoping, though almost against hope, that the report which came down a few days since, that Col. Smith was mortally wounded, might be incorrect, I have waited to the last possible moment before writing in confirmation of the fact.

"But alas!  the evidence is too painfully true.  He died at one o'clock Thursday morning last, apparently unconscious of suffering, having previously expressed his willingness to depart, being fully satisfied in his own mind that he could not recover.

"This morning, with a number of deceased officers, his remains were brought down from Port Hudson, and with the Chaplain of the Marine, the Rev. J.W. Williams, of the 131st N.Y. who spoke highly in his praise, and knew him well.  I have just returned from taking  a last view of all that is left of this brave officer and truly good man.

"The body has been placed in the hands of the celebrated undertaker, Bosthwick, on Lafayette Street, who has deposited it in a heavy leaden casing, enclosed in a black walnut coffin, with the expectation that it would be sent out on the next steamer, which in the morning sails for New York.

"But considerable change necessarily having taken place, from prudential reasons, it was thought best to retain it for a few days, when, in charge of Lieut. E. P. Pellett, who has a leave of absence of thirty days for that purpose, it will be taken to the quiet and peaceful resting place of his northern home."

Chenango American, Greene, NY, July 30, 1863

Died:  At Vicksburgh, Miss., on the 16th inst. of typhoid fever, Mr. Smith R. Wheeler, formerly of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], aged 22 years.

Died:  In Brashear City, La., May 1st, Mr. Isaac H. Brewster, of Co. H, 114th Reg., formerly of Smithville [Chenango Co. NY], aged 20 years.

Died:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 27th inst. Mrs. Lydia Graves, wife of David Graves, aged 52 years.

Died:  In Binghamton [Broome Co., NY], on the 25th inst., Mr. G. Eugene Overriser, eldest son of Rev. G.C. and D.B. Overriser, aged 21 years, 4 months and 9 days.  "Blessed is that servant who, when his Lord cometh, shall be found so doing."

Died:  In Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], on the 23d ult. of diptheria, Addie [Merritt], aged 7 years and 1 month; and on the 11th inst., of the same disease, Charlie [Merritt] aged 8 years, 8 months, only children of Mrs. Mary A. Merritt, widow of the late Emmet Merritt. 

Soldier's Letter, Civil War, August 1862

 Oxford Times, August 27, 1862

Point Lookout, Md. Aug. 18 [1862]

Dear Times:  Believing that whatever occurs in which any Chenango Co. soldiers are engaged will be of interest to some of the many readers of your valuable paper, I take the liberty of recounting the late adventures of myself and friend.

On the afternoon of the 1st inst., while enjoying the delicious flavor of some blackberries which we found at two or three miles distance from Camp, at Newport News, we were accosted by, we supposed, a Union soldier, and were informed that much better berries could be had near by.  We followed and found "nary" berry but two Guerrillas which we wished to bury, but we were prevented from the execution of our laudable desires by their warlike appearance, they being well armed, and we were forced to accompany them to near Gloucester Court House, passing on the way deserted barracks and crossing in the night the York river, one mile below Yorktown, hoping on our part to be taken by one of our gunboats stationed at Yorktown.

We arrived at our place of imprisonment at 2 or 3 o'clock, A.M., of Sunday.  I believe that at least this once in our lives we obeyed the scriptural command of "Remember the Sabbath day."

Having filled our minds with visions of Rebel cavalry and throngs of secesh citizens, who, owing to the grievous wrongs inflicted upon them by the "accursed Yankees," were bent on their utter extermination, they deemed us sufficiently impressed with the exceedingly great danger which would follow an escape from their hands, and consequently allowed us comparative freedom of which we were not slow in taking advantage by unceremoniously leaving them in the small hours of the following morning.  We take this opportunity of offering an apology for our sudden, unannounced departure.  We plead business and pray them to excuse us. As they had kindly relieved us of what personal property we had about our pockets (we had not been paid, and this was limited) our departure was thereby facilitated, as we were not called upon to make much preparation for the proposed journey. We were aware that to retrace our steps would be extremely hazardous, and we must go on to the Potomac to avoid being forced "On to Richmond."  We went stealthily along fortunately in nearly a northerly direction, going across fields and in the thick woods for four or five hours, when we ventured to enquire of a contraband concerning the safety of an attempt to procure food.  We found him a friend of what he termed "Linkum soldiers," and he informed us that almost daily he saw them going north, and that they had enough to eat and were well treated.  Then gleamed upon us a ray of hope. Then we became sanguine of success.  But that success must be based upon deception. We must pass as deserters, we must bring a stain upon the cause we had espoused!  We were heartily tired of the war, but we could not be deserters. We wished for peace, but we more earnestly desired a Union and no Compromise, and hoped to fight until such result was consummated.  But, forgive us, the people from the Peyanketank River to the Potomac who entertained us, believed us to be deserters. But the evidence was negative in that we did not say we were Union and I grieve to say that quite a number of actual deserters has made this negative evidence conclusive.  We had but to call at a house and ask for water and immediately a table was spread with at least a wholesome repast, occasionally with luxuries, and we were invited to partake, and we accepted such invitations with pleasure, and while we were dispatching the savory morsels we were always apprized of the fact that although traveling north was quite agreeable, yet it was absolutely certain that traveling in the opposite direction would be attended with embarrassing circumstances.  We must henceforth be like Magnetic needles pointing north. They all chuckled over their success, and spoke exultingly, and not without reason, of the united efforts they were making in opposition to us, and I am confident we conversed with none who believed it possible for us to conquer them.  The women and children, said they will, after every man is killed, fight until they all died martyrs to their glorious cause, a cause on which they really seemed to think Providence smiled, and in behalf of which he has interposed.  But this story of fighting seems to me about as truthful as the story of Thomas Cats that fought until there was but a tail left, a tale that is told is all that will remain of their assertions.  They told us that their boys of ten were such accurate marksmen that they could hit the size of a Yankee's heart (very diminutive in their estimation) at a distance of 250 years nearly every fire,  As we came near the Potomac we found several Union families, and do you wonder when I inform you that they were all Poor?  No broad acres were theirs, but I have reason to believe that some of them had great warm hearts. Every member of these families of sufficient age labored in the field, and the wealthy people would no more associate with these "poor white trash" than would the different casts of India together.  I feel that no man can travel where we have in Virginia without becoming convinced that the object of the South in waging this war is the oppression and eventual expulsion of all white people who are compelled to labor for their daily bread.

As the butterfly emerges from the unsightly chrysalis, a thing of light and loveliness, so we, when we arrived at the Potomac passed through as beautiful a metamorphosis. We were once more Union soldiers, but when we were waving a signal for a gunboat to meet us and had it pulled down by the secesh and our lives threatened, we didn't know, to carry out the figure of the butterfly still further and to use a very familiar expression, but we should have to caterpillar again. But Union men came to our relief, and on the night of the 7th inst., we landed on the opposite shore of the Potomac after which we walked twelve miles to this Point Lookout Hospital, hoping soon to rejoin our Regiment.  Trusting that the war will soon close, and that I shall see the gorilla of Barnum's Museum, instead of a southern guerilla.  I am yours.

G.F.K. 89th Regt. N.Y.S.V.

Vital Records, Norwich, NY, June 1863

 Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, June 4, 1863

Found in a Well:  On Thursday morning last, Dr. Balley, Coroner, was informed that one of the girls at the house of Burlison whose little daughter was burned to death on Monday night, had been delivered of a child on that night, and that the child had not since been seen.  Search was made about the premises, and the body of the child was found in the well.  A jury concluded that the child was stillborn, although the evidence elicited showed that the circumstances attending the birth were suspicious.  This family is evidently a "bad one."

Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, June 10, 1863

Married:  PHELPS - BIXBY:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], June 9,? 1863, by Rev. Jas. D. Webster, Mr. John H. Phelps of Owego [Tioga Co., NY] to Miss Huldah A. Bixby of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY].

Died:  SQUIRES:  In Binghamton [Broome Co., NY], May -?-, 1863, Mrs. Sally Squires, mother [of] Selah Squires, Esq. aged 77 years.

Died:  BUNT:  In Colesville [Broome Co., NY], May 2, 1863, John R. [Bunt}, aged 3 years, 6 months and 6 days.  On the 8th, Mary E. [Bunt], aged 1 year 2 months and 15 days.  On the 9th, James K. [Bunt] aged 6 years 4 months and 1 day./ only children of Simon T. and Sarah A. Bunt.

Died:  MARTINDALE, In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY] June 1, 1863, Mr. Sion Martindale, aged 70 years and 10 months.

Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, June 17, 1863

Married:  FORBES-BRYANT:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], June 4, 1863, by Rev. Jas. D. Webster, Mr. Willis Forbes to Mrs. Julia E. Bryant, all of this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  SHORT - COLE:  In Eaton, Madison Co. [NY], June 9, 1863, by Rev. Mr. Willison, Mr. N.H. Short of Greene [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Martha A. Cole of the former place.

Married:  STANLEY - DILENBACK:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], June 8?, 1863, by Rev. J.C. Ransom, Mr. Timothy C. Stanley, to Miss Amy Dillenback, both of German [Chenango Co., NY].

Return of Company H

What was left of the eighty men who left this County two years ago in Company H, 17th Regt. N.Y.S.V., returned home during the last week, having been honorably discharged.  Their names are as follows:

Norwich:  Thomas Allen, Samuel W. Williams, Lyman Graves

Sherburne:  Cyrus Cook, Thomas Tracy, Albert Cady, Charles Pettit

Oxford:  George Nichols, Frank Gomes, Stephen Henry

No. Norwich:  Burdett Fisher

Plymouth: Smith Blackman

Pitcher: Hiram Scranton

Smithville: M.A. Hotchkiss

Greene: Alfred Squires

Smyrna:  Henry E. Roper?, Lorenz Tefft, Delos Gazley

Preston:  Edwin S. Batton

Pharsalia: Isaac Hendrickson

Lieut. George Moore who enlisted in New York has also returned home to this place.  The boys look well and hearty, and seem to have enjoyed their "picnic" as some of them termed it, right well.  None of the original commissioned officers were with the Company at its discharge.

Nobly has the 17th done its duty, and Chenango may well be proud of the brave boys who have returned again to her borders after  having spent two long years in the country's service.  The battlefields of Yorktown, Hanover Court House, Gaines' Hill, Malvern Hill, 2nd Bull Run. Antietam, Shepardstown Ford, Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville attest their valor and bravery.  Their memory will be cherished by all lovers of liberty as the first who responded to the call of our country's honor.  

Soldier's Letter, Civil War, July 1862

 Chenango American, Greene, NY, July 24, 1862

Harrison Landing, July 8, 1862

My Dear ---: I write you a line this morning to inform you that I am safe and sound and so is Oscar Phelps and Charley Winter.  The last week has been one of the most exciting I ever experienced in my life.  I have been in one of the hardest fought battles of the war where the bullets flew like hail, and escaped without a scratch.  It seems almost a miracle that any of us are here when I think of the dangers that we have passed through.  There are about 175 killed, wounded and missing in our (the 27th) Regiment.

The weather is getting to be very hot here.  It is uncomfortable for us to be out.  We are not obliged to be out much during the day.  We have to work about two hours at a time on the entrenchments that are being built in front of us, and when we are not thus engaged we stay in the shade and make ourselves as comfortable as we can.

I suppose you had a great deal of anxiety about us when you heard that our regiment was in the battle.  I can tell you we had some very narrow escapes, and we thank God that we came out alive and well.  Our dangers had just commenced when we came out of that terrible battle, for we did not know that the army was going to the James river.  The people up North will never know what sufferings the soldiers have endured for the sake of the Union; but they did not murmur nor flinch in the face of danger.

Every day from Thursday till the next Tuesday there was terrible fighting going on all around. Sometimes there would be a continual roar of artillery.  At the time our regiment lay in front of one of our batteries and they fired over our heads, and as we were not more than five rods from them, you can imagine whether there was any noise or -?-.  There were about fifteen cannon which fired with great rapidity.  Our -?- and about the whole division of 12 regiments came so near being captured that we had to move in the night, and without speaking a loud word for fear the rebels would hear us and attack us in the night; but we are safely camped now and I hope we shall remove to where the weather is cooler than here at present.

Oscar and I had a good visit yesterday with your cousin, John Holcomb.  His regiment is about two miles from us.  He is a nurse in the hospital and had a hard time in getting his sick men to safety from  the Chickahoiny to this place.  He carried eight sick men through the "White Oak Swamp" -?- and did get them on baggage wagons, but the rebels were so near that they had to leave three of them behind.  He said if he ever saw thankful boys it was those that he carried out.

I have my blankets, overcoat and tent -?-. My health never was better than at the present time. On the whole, the life of a soldier  is good.

Affectionately yours, Albert

Vital Records, Greene, NY, June 1863

 Chenango American, Greene, NY, June 4, 1863

Married:  In this village [Greene, Chenango Co. NY], on the 2d inst., by Rev. Jas. D. Webster, Mr. John H. Phelps, of Owego [Tioga Co., NY], to Miss Huldah A. Bixby of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  In DeRuyter [Madison Co., NY], on the 10th ult., by Rev. L.C. Parley, Mr. Austin D. Sayles to Mrs. Sarah Dickinson, both of Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY].

Died:  In Binghamton [Broome Co., NY], on 25th ult. Mrs. Sally Squires, mother of Selah Squires, Esq., aged 77 years.

Died:  In Colesville [Broome Co., NY], on the 2d ult., John R. [Bunt], aged 8 years, 6 months and 6 days.  On the 8th ult., Mary E. [Bunt], aged 1 year 2 months and 16 days.  On the 9th ult. James K. [Bunt], aged 4 years 8 months and 1 day.  all of diptheria, only children of Simon t. and Sarah A. Bunt.

Died:  In Oxford [Chenango Co. NY], on the 1st inst., Sion Martindale, aged 70 years and 10 months.

Died:  At the 3d Division Cavalry Hospital, at Acquia Creek, Va., on the 26th ult. of typhoid fever, Mr. Adna Rosa, of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], aged 24 years, a member of Co. K, 10th N.Y. Cavalry.

Chenango American, Greene, NY, June 11, 1863

Married:  In this village [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], at "Parker's Place," on the evening of the 4th inst., by Rev. Jas. D. Webster, Mr. Willis For--- to Mrs. Julia E. Bryant, all of this village.

Married:  In Eaton, Madison County [NY] on Tuesday morning, the 9th inst. by Rev. Mr. Willson, Mr. N.H. Short, of this village [Greene, Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Martha A. Cole, of the former place.

Married:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 3d inst. by Rev. J.C. Ransom, Mr. Timothy C. Stanley, to Miss Amy E. Dillenback, both of German [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  In Columbus []Chenango Co., NY], on the 4th inst. by Rev. J.W. Brown, Mr. Timothy M. Mann of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Elvira F. Perkins of Columbus.

The maniac who shot Dr. William A. Smith some weeks since, has since died from delirium tremens.  Dr. S. still continues to recover, and is expected home in the course of a few weeks.

Chenango American, Greene, NY, June 18, 1863

Married:  In this village [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], on the 16th inst. by Rev. Wm. M. Robinson, Mr. John P. Davis, of Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], to Miss Almeda M. Buckley, of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 4th inst. by Rev. Mr. Scoville, Harvey R. Brown, Esq., of Lewisborough, Westchester Co. [NY], to Miss Phebe A. Hoyt, of Coventry [Chenango Co., NY].

Died:  In Binghamton [Broome Co., NY], on the 11th inst. Charlotte Hortense [Gilbert], youngest daughter of Rev. H.W. and C.E. Gilbert, aged 22 months and 7 days.

Died:  In Harpursville [Broome Co., NY], on the 25th ult. Mrs. Pamelia [Harpur], wife of Hon. Robert Harpur, and daughter of the late Judge Peter Betts, of Bainbridge, in the 66th year of her age.

Died:  In this town [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], on the 10th inst. Amanda [Horton], wife of Calvin Horton, aged 32 years.

Died:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 14th inst. Mrs. Mary Smith, wife of Hiram Smith, aged 56 years.

Drowned:  Wm. Ward [Pierce], aged 5 years, 3 months and 3 days, son of Hiram S. and Sarah Pierce, was drowned in the canal at the foot of the first lock south of this village [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], on the 11th inst.  The shock of the boat, Shady Side, upon which he was standing, as it entered the lock, probably caused him to fall into the canal where he was not found until too late to save his life.  His parents reside in Vestal, Broome county [NY] whither they returned with the body.  This little boy was unusually promising and intelligent, and had been a faithful attendant at Sabbath School during the past two years.  A short time previous to this fatal accident, he stood by his mother's side, looking toward the sky, when he remarked with earnestness that he would soon have wings and fly up there.  His childish fancy was too truly and quickly verified.

Chenango American, Greene, NY, June 25, 1863

Married:  In Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 11th inst. by Rev. Samuel Robinson, Mr. H.H. Vancott, to Miss Maryette Morse.

Married:  in Dryden, N.Y. [Tompkins Co., NY] on the 14th inst., by Rev. Benj. Shove, Joseph P. Davenport to Calpernia Soules, both of Otselic [Chenango Co.., NY].

Died:  In this town [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], on the 19th inst., Mrs. Betsey Slawson, aged 66 years.

Died:  In German [Chenango Co., NY], on the 19th inst. Mr. John Boylen, aged 80 years.

Died:  In Ketchum's Corners [Saratoga Co., NY], on the 20th inst., Lauria L. [Culver], daughter of Wilson Culver, aged 12 years.

Died:  In North Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 18th inst. Mr. Thomas Paul, aged 57 years.

Died:  In Syracuse [Onondaga Co., NY], on the 4th inst. Mr .Ellsworth Phelps, formerly of Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], aged 66 years.

Died:  In Baltimore, Md., March 19th, Mr. Ransom A. Bartholomew, of West Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY] aged 36 years, a member of the 114th Regiment.

Died:  In Pharsalia [Chenango Co., NY], on the 13th inst. of diptheria, Susan A. [Brown], daughter of Henry M. and Emily L. Brown, aged 4 years, 8 months and 2 days.

Died:  Also on the 20th inst. of the same disease, William H. [Brown] son of the above, aged 11 years, 1 month and 20 days.

Died:  In Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], on the 15th inst. James Laselle [Cole], youngest son of Merillo and Mary E Cole, aged 9 years, 4 months and 11 days.

No more his gentle voice, / Will bid our hearts rejoice, / But in another worlds he sings / And spreads his bright, his angle wings, / Where storms can never come, / Safe in his spirit home.

The reported death of Col. Wm. Irvine in a late cavalry engagement, which we published last week, fortunately proves unfounded.  He is wounded and a prisoner of the rebels.

Soldier's Letter, Civil War, May 1862

 Oxford Times, June 25, 1862

U.S. Gun Boat Kittatinny, Off Ft. Livingston, La., May 1, '62

Ed. of Times:  On the 27th April, Fort Livingston surrendered to the Gunboat Kittatinny, and the 2d Division of Captain Potter's Mortal Fleet.  The rebels spiked all the guns and threw the powder and shell into the well before leaving. They then hoisted the white flag of surrender.  Immediately upon the discovery of it, boats from the Kittatinny and the Mortal Fleet put off for the Fort.  Our boats reached the shore first, and soon over the parapets the stars and stripes floated to the breeze, while from the decks of our vessels arose three hearty cheers mingled with the stirring strains of the fife and drum, to the tune of the Star Spangled Banner.  The Fort is casemated, and armed as follows:  9 thirty-two pounders, one 30-pound rifle, three 12-pounders, and one 24-pounder, commanding the gateway.  We are now in possession of it, awaiting the arrival of troops from Ship Island, where we have sent for them. We then expect to leave for Mobile, Ala., which is the next place of attack, New Orleans being already in our possession. Some of us may never return, but we have the satisfaction of knowing that we lay down our lives upon the altar of our country's liberty.

The following is a list of our officers:  Master Commanding, C.W. Lamson; Master and Ex-Officer, S. Mattison; Master, E.E. Pendleton; Paymaster, D.D. Clarke (formerly of Smithville Flatts), Masters Mates, G.W. Riley, John Gregorian; Paymaster's Clerk, Henry Walleston, paymaster's Steward, Joseph Wallace.

Yours, D.D.C.

Vital Records, Oxford, NY, March 1863

 Oxford Times, March 4, 1863

Married:  At Charlotteville, Schoharie, Co. N.Y., on the 10th ult., by Rev. Mr. Killey, Mr. E.D. Ireland, formerly of Oxford, to Miss Ardell A. Merchant of the former place.

Died:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 26th ult., Eleanor B. Padget, aged 50 years.

Died:  At South Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], at the residence of her brother Dan H. Robinson, on the 1st inst., Faith Robinson, aged 80 years.

Died:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 19th ult., Mrs. Seru [Warner], wife of Charles Warner, aged 33 years.

Died:  In New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], on the 18th ult., Eleanor [Coates], wife of Thomas H. Coates, aged 45 years.

Oxford Times, March 11, 1863

Married:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the evening of Tuesday, Feb. 24th, by Rev. D. Williams, Lieut. Edward M. Osborn, of the 114th Reg. N.Y.S.V. to Miss Sarah B. Miles, formerly of Coventry [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 9th inst. by Rev. D. Ballou, Mr. Andrew J. Lawton of Franklin [Delaware Co., NY] to Miss Maria P. Vandervort of Sidney [Delaware Co., NY].

Married:  In the Universalist Church in Malone, Franklin Co. N.Y. on the 25th ult., by Rev. E. Fisher, D.D., Rev. A.B. Harvey, Pastor of the Universalist Society in Afton [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Sarah E. Andrew, of the former place.

Married:  At Elmira [Chemung Co., NY] on the 25th ult., by Rev. I. Berman, Seymour Scott, Esq. of Greene [Chenango Co., NY], to Miss Daisy S. Day of the former place.

Married:  In Pharsalia [Chenango Co., NY], on 26th ult. by Rev. G.J. Kaercher, Mr. Horace Rogers of Preston [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Adaline V. Cooley of Pharsalia.

Married:  In New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], Jan. 22d, by Rev. Mr. Andrews, Mr. William E. Adams of Pittsfield [Otsego Co., NY] to Miss Nettie Herrick of Oxford [Chenango co., NY].

Died:  At the Marine Hospital New Orleans, Feb. 14th, of typhoid fever, Corporal Frederick J. Church, of Co. A, 114th Reg. N.Y.S.V. aged 30 years.  Only 7 weeks after the death of his oldest child.  I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me.

Died:  in Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 2d inst. Mrs. Sarah Kane, aged 78 years.

Died:  In Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], on the 2d inst. Mr. James Harrison, aged 58 years.

Died:  Near Falmouth, Va. Jan. 23d, Mr. John T. Landers, son of Benajah Landers, of Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], aged 23? years.

Death of a Soldier:  We have to announce the death of another of the brave sons of the 114th Reg., Frederick James Church, who went from this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], and who was a Corporal in Co. A, died at the Marine Hospital in New Orleans, on the 14th Feb. another of the willing and patriotic hearts that beat true to the great cause of the Union has ceased its pulsations.

Oxford Times, March 18, 1863

Married:  In Barker [Broome Co., NY], on the 11th inst. by Rev. Scofield, Mr. Myron S. Root of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Jenny P. Westover, youngest daughter of Mrs. Ellen Westover of the former place.

Married:  In Binghamton [Broome Co., NY], on the 6th inst. by Rev. King Elwell, Mr. Levi Paddleford of Greene [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Lucy A. Case of Colesville [Broome Co., NY].

Died:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 5th inst. Mr. Asa D. McIntosh, aged 52 years.

Died:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 9th inst., Rev. Charles C. Brady, aged 35 years.

Died:  At Willoughby, Lake Co., Ohio, Dr. J.R. Brett of Mt. Upton [Chenango Co., NY], Surgeon of the 7th N.Y. State Vols, aged 28 years.

Died:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 8th inst. Mrs. Phoebe Monroe, wife of John Monroe, aged 85 years.

Died:  In Smithville Flatts [Chenango Co., NY], on the 6th inst. John L. Ketchum, Esq., aged 37 years.

Died:  At Quarantine Hospital, La. on the 12th ult. of small pox, David W. Place of Co. C, 114th Reg. N.Y.S.v., son of Foster C. Place of Mr. Upton [Chenango Co., NY] aged 21 years.

Oxford Times, March 25, 1863

Died:  In Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], on the 15th inst., Mary [Otis], wife of Rev. Ashbel Otis, aged 62 years.

Died:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 13th inst., Ann Eliza [Johnson], daughter of Henry Johnson, aged 9 years.

Died:  In Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], on the 12th inst., Mr. Avery B. Partridge, aged 47 years.

Died:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 10th inst., Mr. Theodore G. Tanner, aged 51 years.

Died:  In New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], on the 15th inst., Mrs. Sally Dyer, widow of Nehemiah Dyer, aged 87 years.

Soldier's Letter, Civil War, June 1862

 Oxford Times, June 25, 1862

Letter from P.A. Alken

Valley Home, June 6th, 1862

Dear Times:  Amid the stirring events, which are every day occurring, it is not possible to be much interested with matters about home, so by way of apology for intruding upon your notice I send you an extract from a letter from one of our brave soldier boys, P.A. Alken, who although scarcely eighteen, has seen more hard fighting than many a veteran.  

"I am enjoying good health, but very tired, as we marched last night till midnight, and done some of the fastest marching I have ever done.  I am writing this on my cartridge box, rested on the ground, so do not criticize. You, of course, have heard of the evacuation of Yorktown, and the battle of Williamsburg.  Well, we were the first Regiment to plant the "Stars and Stripes" on the rebel works at Yorktown.  We were on picket at the time and twenty minutes after they fired the last shell we were in their works.  Then came the pursuit.  At 8 o'clock A.M., our Cavalry and Artillery passed through Yorktown in pursuit, and at 2 P.M., we heard the thunder of our Artillery showing that we were up to their rear guard.  Our division commanded by Gen. Kearney (who by the way is one of the bravest men I ever saw. He left one of his arms in Mexico but none of his courage with it) encamped the first night 7 miles from Yorktown, and 10 o'clock A.M. we were again on the road in a pelting rain storm. The mud deep and growing deeper.  12 o'clock we could plainly hear firing ahead, probably near Williamsburg.  3 P.M., rain still falling, mud knee deep, we pile our knapsacks by the side of the road and establish a hospital. Seven miles farther double quick and we are at the rear of action.  We are drawn up in line of battle, and march to the front, the band playing Yankee Doodle, we all feeling as if mad, as we passed Rickett's battery, the same we supported at Bull Run.  The Captain sang out, "There goes the little 38th..."We are all right boys"  and they gave us three cheers as we passed up to the front of the woods. We were met by a most destructive fire of grape, canister, shell and musketry from the enemy's batteries beyond the clearing, and from the trees which were felled with their tops toward us, making an impossible barrier.  We tried repeatedly to charge through this, but finding it impossible, we sheltered ourselves as well as we could behind logs and stumps and commenced blazing away at every gray coat we could see.  I crawled as far as I could to the front, and just raised by head to see if I could see anything to fire at when a big secesh raised up from a stump a few rods from me and taking deliberate aim at me, fired.  The ball struck a log just before me, and bounding struck by my side.  I have it in my pocket now.  I determined to shoot him if possible.  I watched till he again showed his head above the stump, when I sent a ball through his head just above the eyes, and he fell dead.  He is the only man I ever shot that I am sure of.  I felt not the least fear while on the field, although our men were falling thick around me.  At dark the recall sounded and we left the field.  We lost about 100 in all, 10 officers, and this is a heavier loss when you consider that we took but 500 men on the field, thus losing one in five.  Our Lieut. Col. was shot.  He was leading our wing and cheering us on when he was shot in two places and fell.  We went back where we left our knapsacks and encamped for the night.  In the night the rebels retreated, and we are now encamped near Chickahominy Creek, 28 miles from Williamsburg.  We have had no tents since we left Alexandria.  Each man has one rubber blanket 4 by 6 feet square, one overcoat and one woolen blanket, and one change of clothes.  When night comes we lay down our rubber blanket, rolling our other blanket round us, we lay down on it. Gen Kearney and Heintzleman gave us the highest praise and I am really proud to belong to the little 38th, as the Gen. calls us.  He says if there was but two men and our Col. he would not have us disbanded."

 

Vital Records, Norwich, NY, May 1863

Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, May 6, 1863

Married:  McNEIL - MILLER:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], April 8, 1863, by Rev. E.L. Spafford, Mr. G.L. McNeil, to Miss L. Miller, both of Oxford. 

Died:  Johnson:  In Coventry [Chenango Co., NY], April 15, 1863, Mary E. [Johnson], wife of Henry E. Johnson, aged 23 years.

Died:  BRESSE:  In Afton [Chenango Co., NY], April 26, 1863, with diptheria, Charlie J. Bresse, aged 15 years and 8 months.

Died:  PER LEE:  in North Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], May 2, 1863, Helen M. [Per Lee], wife of Isaac B. Per Lee, aged29 years.

Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, May 13, 1863

Married:  TYLER - KING:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], May 2, 1863, by Rev. J.D. Webster, Mr. Calvin Tyler of Smithville [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Mary King of Barker, Broome Co. [NY].

Married:  UTTER - DINGY:  In Smithville Flatts [Chenango Co., NY], May 2, 1863, by Rev. Ashbel Otis, Mr. Freeman Utter to Mrs. Christianna Dingy, both of Triangle [Broome Co., NY].

TERWILLIGER - ROSE:  In Smithville [Chenango Co., NY] May 8?, 1863, by Rev. Ashbel Otis, Mr. Harmon D. Terwilliger to Miss May Ann Rose, both of Chenango Forks [Broome Co., NY].

GORDON - RUSSELL:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], April 30, 1863, by Rev. W. T. Potter, Mr. Charles Gordon to Miss Celestia Russell, all of Oxford.

CARR - BARNES:  In Lincklaen [Chenango Co., NY], April 15, 1863, by Rev. B. W. Ruddock, Mr. Charles F. Carr to Mrs. Julia E. Barnes, all of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY].

Died:  WEBB:  in Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], April 26, 1863, Mr. Leander Webb, aged 70? years.

Died:  BERRY:  in Preston [Chenango Co., NY], April 30?, 1863, Mr. Elisha Berry, aged 71? years.

Died:  GRANT:  In Stockton, Chautauqua County [NY], April 24, 1863, Mr. John Grant, formerly of Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], in the 78th year of his age.

Died:  SARLE:  In Portageville, Wyoming county [NY], April 14, 1863, Mr. Silas Sarle, formerly of New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], aged 40? years.

Dr. Smith:  We learn from W.N. Mason, Esq., that he received a letter form Dr. Squires of the 89th Regiment, dated Wednesday last, stating that Dr. Smith was improving and that he entertained hopes of his recovery.  The wound is a very bad one, but there are certain symptoms about it that give hope that it is not so bad as was at first feared.

Killed:  We regret to notice that our friend Sergeant Miner, of Company A. 157th Reg. N.Y.S.V., was killed in one of the battles near Fredericksburg.  Sergeant Miner was the only son of PE. Miner of the Wickwire House, Hamilton [Madison Co., NY], upon whom the blow will fall with almost crushing weight.  Sergt. M. enlisted under Capt. Smith promptly upon the call of the President, last year, and nobly died with his armor on fighting for liberty and his country.

Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, May 20, 1863

Married:  PHELPS - KEYS:  At the residence of the bride' father in this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], May 15, 1863 by Rev. A.N. Benedict, Hamilton Phelps, Esq. to Miss Anna M. Keys. all of Norwich.

Married:  WATKINS -STANTON:  At the house of the bride's father, May 14, 1863, by Rev. Wm. Scarla, Mr. N.R. Watkins to Miss Libbie I. Stanton, both of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  KEECH - BARR:  In Gowanda, Cattaraugus Co. [NY], April 30, 1863 by Rev. M.C. Rice, Mr. William H. Keech, of Preston [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Mary Jane Barr of Evans, Erie Co. [NY].

Married:  CUMMINS - BLOWERS:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], May 3, 1863, by Rev. M.S. Wells, Mr. Chandler Cummins of Greene to Mrs. Sarah Blowers of Bridgewater [Oneida Co., NY].

Married:  KING - ROGERS:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], April 6, 1863 by Rev. Jas. D. Webster, Mr. Charles F. King to Miss Amanda Rogers of Greene..

Died:  HAMMOND:  In Sperryville, Erie Co. [NY], April 17, 1863, Martha [Hammond], wife of Rev. B.T. Hammond, aged 54 years.

Died:  DONNELLY:  In Brashear City, La, from injuries received while in the discharge of duty, 1st Lieutenant Geo. G. Donnelly, of Co. E 114th Reg. N.Y.S.V. of Afton [Chenango Co., NY], aged 37 years.

Died:  YOUNG:  In Pekin, ill., April 24, 1863, Isabella A. [Young], daughter of Charles and Henrietta Young, aged 9 years, 7 months and 8 days.

Died:  WEED:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], May 10, 1863, Mr. Roselle Weed, aged about 45 years.

Died:  CARD:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], May 17, 1863, Mrs. Mira Card, aged 46 years.

Death of Dr. Lull:  Dr. Ansel Lull died suddenly at the residence of his step son-in-law, David Griffing, Esq., of this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], on Tuesday morning of this week.  He was in his usual health on Monday, and mingled with his family and friends with his accustomed cheerfulness.  He retired at his usual hour without any unusual symptoms, but about midnight his wife was awakened by his hard breathing and apparent suffocation.  Medical aid was immediately called in, but all efforts of the physician were unavailing and he died about half-past two.  His age was 72.

Dr. Lull studied medicine with the late Dr. Mason, at Preston, in this County.  Upon his license to practice he went to Manlius in Onondaga County, and after a few years he removed to Syracuse, where he had an extensive and lucrative practice, and enjoyed in a high degree the confidence and esteem of his fellow citizens.  He had for many years spent his summers in this village, and early this spring made this his permanent residence, and though a comparative stranger, he had won many friends in our midst.  He has lived a long life of purity and usefulness, and has suddenly passed away to reap the reward of a honest man and consistent Christian.

Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, May 27, 1863

Married:  PEASE - ANDRUS:  In East Pharsalia [Chenango Co., NY], May 17, 1863, by Horace L. Barnes, Esq., Mr. Peter Henry Pease, of Oneida Valley, Madison Co. [NY] to Miss Ellen Marinda Andrus of Cleveland, Oswego Co. [NY].

Died:  VANDERBURG:  In Minneapolis, Min., April 23, 1863, of consumption, Mrs. Julia Vanderburg, wife of Judge O.K. Vanderburg, of Minneapolis and daughter of Wm. Mygatt, Esq., of Oxford, N.Y. [Chenango Co.].

Died: SIMONDS:  In New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], May 14, 1863, Mary E. Simonds, aged 36 years.

Died:  DODGE:  In Brashear City, La, April 3, 1863, of typhoid fever, Mr. Harley M. Dodge, a volunteer from Brookfield [Madison Co., NY], Co. G 114th Reg. N.Y.S.V. aged 24 years and 9 months.

Died:  SLAWSON:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], Ma 16, 1863, Huldah [Slawson], wife of Mr. Caleb Slawson, aged 27 years and 1 month.

Died:  Francis R. Stack, formerly of this town [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], but lately of Captain Tillotson's Company, 101st Reg., died at Baton Rouge Hospital on the 1st inst.  He was represented as a good soldier and his early death is much lamented by his comrades and by all who knew him.

Soldier's Letter, Civil War - May 1862

 Oxford Times, June 4, 1862

Fort Foster, Roanoke island, May 19, 1862

Editor of Times:  I wish through your columns to say a word to the friends of the volunteers now serving here.  Hot weather, with its attendant diseases is now coming on and it is of the utmost importance that the soldiers should be kept cheerful and happy.  Nothing will effect this more than good long letters, often received from home.  Our company sends weekly about three hundred letters home, and receives in return about thirty!  This should not be.  I, with our friends, could see with what anxiety the mail steamer is watched for, days before it arrives; of anxious eyes in hopes that it may prove to be the long expected mail steamer.  when the letters are distributed you should see the eager expectant faces as the names are called off; the look of joy which beams over the countenances of a lucky one, as he presses forward to grasp the treasure; the shadow which creeps over some faces, growing deeper as the pile of letters grows smaller, and their names are not called, and finally, the deep settled look of disappointment as the last name is called and they turn away imagining themselves forgotten by their friends at home.  One of the soldier's greatest comforts is reading letters received from the loved ones at home, and these letters exert a greater influence than the writer dreams of.  As a rule, the worst men in the army are those who receive but few or no letters from home. A soldier's life tends to induce a roving spirit.  Mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, if you wish to counteract this, write oftener, and thus bind our hearts to the home of our youth.  Do not let two-thirds of us turn away disappointed when the next mail is distributed, and I will warrant you that we will feel better, fight better, and come home at the close of the war better men.

Yours,   R.

Vital Records, Greene, NY, May 1863

 Chenango American, Greene, NY, May 7, 1863

Married:  In this town [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], on the 2d inst. by Rev. J. D. Webster, Mr. Calvin Tyler, of Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], to Miss Mary King, of Barker, Broome Co. [NY].

Married:  In Smithville Flatts [Chenango Co., NY], on the 2d inst., by the Rev. Ashbel Otis, Mr. Freeman Utter, to Mrs. Christianna Dingy, both of Triangle [Broome Co., NY].

Married:  In Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], on the 3d inst. at the residence of Miss Eliza Rose, by the Rev. Ashbel Otis, Mr. Harmon S. Terwilliger, to Miss Mary Ann Rose, both of Chenango Forks [Broome Co., NY].

Married:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 30th ult., by the Rev. W. T. Potter, Mr. Charles Gordon, to Miss Celestia Russell, all of Oxford.

Died:  In Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], on the 26th ult., Mr. Leander Webb, aged 70 y6ears.

Died:  In Preston [Chenango Co., NY], on the 30th ult., Mr. Elisha Berry, aged 72 years.

Died:  In Stockton, Chautauqua County, on the 24th ult. Mr. John Grant, formerly of Smithville [Chenango Co.., NY], in the 78th year of his age.

Died:  In Afton [Chenango Co., NY], on the 26th ult. of diptheria, Charlie J. Bresee, aged 13 years and 8 months.

Died:  In North Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 3d inst., Helen M. [Per Lee], wife of Isaac B. Per Lee, aged 29 years.

Died:  In Portageville, Wyoming Co. [NY], on the 14th Mr. Silas Sarle, formerly of New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], aged 49 years.

Doct. Smith Dangerously Wounded:  A dispatch received on Monday last from Fortress Monroe, announces that Doctor William A. Smith of this place [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], formerly assistant Surgeon of the 89th, and since transferred as Surgeon to another Regiment, has been seriously, if not fatally, wounded in the hip.  No particulars are given of the painful occurrence, but it is supposed that the injury was received during some of the recent skirmishes or battles on the Nansemond.  His wife, upon receipt of the intelligence, at once started to join her husband.  Chenango Union

Heart-rending Accident:  Bennettsville [Chenango Co., NY], April   24, 1863:  A most heart-rending accident happened in this place last Tuesday morning, the 21st inst.  As Miss Harriet Van Horne was warming a cloth by a fireplace, to apply to her sick father (David Van Horne) her clothes took fire, and before sufficient assistance could be rendered, she was burned so bad that she died at half-past 10 o'clock the same night.  She was one of the most respectable young ladies in this town.  Her father died the next morning, the 22d, with congestion of the lungs.  Their funeral services were attended today and they were followed to the grave by a large concourse of people, who feel that the community has met with a great loss.  The age of Mr. Van Horne was 59.  Correspondent of Chenango Union

Wounded in the 114th:  We gather from the list of wounded in the late battles in Louisiana the following names of those belonging to the 114th Regiment who were injured:

George Ballou (Acting lieutenant of Company B) wounded in the knee.

Isaac Odell, Co. D, in thumb.  He belongs in Georgetown, Madison County [NY].

Wm. H. Roberts, Co. D, in the head, fatally

A.N. Wheelock, Co. H, neck, slightly. Belongs in Madison County [NY].

George S. Peck, Co. A, in the head, slightly.  Belongs in German [Chenango Co., NY]

Dwight F. Tayler, Co. H, head, slightly.  Belongs in Madison County [NY]

Wm. F. Weston, Co. B, chest and side.  Belongs in Otsego County [NY]

Colonel Tyler, Co. B, in side.  Belongs in Otsego County [NY]

Corporal Frank W. Fish, Co. B, in shoulder.

Chenango American, Greene, NY, May 14, 1863

Married:  In this town [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], on the 3d inst., by Rev. M.S. Wells, Mr. Chandley Cummins, of this town, to Mrs. Sarah Blowers, of Bridgewater, Pa.

Married:  In this town [Greene, Chenango Co., NY[, on the 6th inst. by Rev. Jas. D. Webster, Mr. Charles F. King, to Miss Amanda Rogers, all of Greene.

Died:  In Brashear City, La. from injuries received while in the discharge of duty, 1st Lieut. Geo. G. Donnelly, of Co. E, 114th Reg., NY.V., of Afton [Chenango Co., NY], aged 37 years.

Died:  In Pekin, Ill., on the 24th ult. Isabella A. [Young], aged 9 years, 7 months and 8 days.

Died:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 10th inst., Mr. Roselle Weed, aged about 45 years.

Shooting of Surgeon Smith:  The news in regard to Dr. W. A. Smith, of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], Surgeon of the 103d, Volunteers, is not very hopeful.  He was shot by a drunken Major in a fit of delirium tremons.  His recover is doubtful.

Chenango American, Greene, NY, May 21, 1863

Died:  In this town, on the 16th inst. Huldah [Slawson], wife of Mr. Caleb Slawson, aged 37 years and 1 month.

Died:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY] at the residence of David Griffin, Esq., suddenly, on the 19th inst., Ansel Lull, M.D. of Syracuse [Onondaga Co., NY] aged 72 years.

Died:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 17th inst., Mrs. Almina Card, aged 66 years.

Died:  In Coventryville [Chenango Co., NY], on the 12th inst. Frankie Leroy [Miles], son of LeRoy B. and H.. Miles, aged 2 weeks and 5 days.

Died:  In Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 6th inst. Elmer Ellsworth [Sherwood], only son of Lucien D. and Catharine L. Sherwood, aged 1 year and 10 months.

Died:  In Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], on the 18th inst. Charles E. [Knickerbocker], son of Charles and Mary Jane Knickerbocker, aged 6 years.

Chenango American, Greene, NY, May 28, 1863

Married:  In East Pharsalia [Chenango Co., NY], on the 17th inst. by Horace l. Barnes, Esq., Mr. Peter Henry Pease, of Oneida Valley, Madison Co. [NY], to Miss Ellen Marinda Andrus, of Cleveland, Oswego Co. [NY].

Died:  In this village [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], on the 22d inst., George C. [Wheeler], son of Mr. Charles A. and Permelia Wheeler, aged 5 years, 1 month and 17 days.

Died:  In Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], on the 25th inst., Harriet R. [Knickerbocker], daughter of Mr .Charles Knickerbocker, aged 10 years and 2 days.

Died: In Chenango Forks [Broome Co., NY], on the 23d inst., Mr. Clinton I. Babcock, of the 9th Reg. N.Y.V. {Hawkins Zouaves) aged 22 years.

Died:  In Triangle [Broome Co., NY], on the 10th inst. Verranus W. [Ticknor], son of Lewis and Marietta Ticknor, aged 18 years.

Died:  In German [Chenango Co., NY], March 30th, Caroline [Livermore], wife of Charles C. Livermore, and eldest daughter of Hon. Adam Storing, aged 39 years.

Died:  In Afton [Chenango Co., NY], on the 19th inst., at the residence of Merlin Jackson, of diptheria, Lizzie [White], only child of Mary D. and the late Justus White of La Crosse, Wisconsin, aged 2 years.

Died:  Suddenly, in Indiana, on the 14th inst. Mr. joseph Warren Baker, brother of Dr. A. Baker, of Norwich, aged 46 years.

Died:  In Minneapolis, Min., on the 23d ult, of consumption, Mrs. Julia Vanderburg, wife of Judge O.E. Vanderburg, of Minneapolis, and daughter of William Mygatt, Esq. of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY].

Died:  In New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], on the 14th inst. Mary E. Simonds, aged 36 years.

Died:  In McDonough [Chenango Co., NY], on the 2d ult., Mrs. Ellen B. Stanley, wife of Adams E. Stanley, and daughter of J.L. and Betsey Beebe, in the 87th year of her age.

Fatal Accident:  On Monday evening an accident occurred in the house of a man named Horace R. Burlison in this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], in this village, that caused the death of his daughter Ellen Jane [Burlison} aged about eight years.  The facts are as follows:  The family were gathered around a table watching one of their number pour a quantity of Kerosene Oil from one vessel into another.  The little girl was holding a small hand lamp for the purpose of lighting the work.  Suddenly the gas from Kerosene took fire from the small lamp, and four of the persons standing around the table were enveloped in flames, the fire being communicated at once to the oil.  The little girl was terribly burned about the head and shoulders.  On taking fire she ran out of doors and it was several minutes before she could be caught and her clothes stripped off. She presented an agonizing sight.  It was found that the fire had spread over nearly the whole of her body, and the flesh dropped form her arms if she was stirred. The little sufferer lingered until about eight o'clock on Tuesday morning, when death relieved her from pain.  The three other persons burned will recover.  Susan Burlison was badly burned about the head, her face being a complete bristle.  Mrs. Martha Cobb had one hand burned.  Mrs. Burlison, had both hands badly burned. The accident was one that might happen in any household and should be a warning to all to use care in handling kerosene oil.  Chenango Telegraph