Saturday, August 14, 2021

Soldier's Letter, Civil War, 44th NY Regiment at the Battle of Chancellorsville - May 1863

 Oxford Times, May 27, 1863

Letter from the 44th NY Infantry Regiment

Camp of the 44th Reg., Va., May 18th, 1863

Mr. Editor:  I promised you a letter after the battle, if I did not get my head pushed off on the occasion, so I fulfill, and I do so more willingly after reading the comments of the New York papers on this last great conflict.  Never before have I seen such misrepresentations of any movement we have made.  It seems to be a malicious attempt of reporters to vent their impotent rage upon Hooker, and Butterfield because they were kept from the usually cowardly enjoyment of seeing a terrific battle at a safe distance.

"You must keep this side the river Gentlemen, says Gen. Hooker, to the sneaks.  If you go over you must shoulder muskets.  I'll have nothing but fighting men over there."  This was a different business to any they had been accustomed to, yet they must send some report to the N.Y. papers, if they fabricated one, hence the infamous stories now afloat.  Not wishing to take for soldiers more credit than truth will allow I wish the people of Oxford to have a correct version from one who was in all, and through all. From the 1st to the 6th of May, the first Division on the ground was ours. The simple gaining of the position unopposed by the enemy, which we held to the last at Chancellorsville, the other side of the Rapidau, was a movement exhibiting more Generalship than has ever been displayed by any previous General for his army.  It perfectly astounded the rebels, we dropped down in their midst so suddenly, it left doubtful the direction we came from. The river where we crossed was so desirably fitted by nature for a strong defense, it was estimated by the best judges that had 5000 rebels opposed our crossing with thirty pieces of artillery, it would have been impossible for us to get over.

The old "44th" were in the lead that day, a mile ahead of the corps. We came to the river bank.  On the other stood 20 rebel pickets, apparently lost in amazement [at] our sudden appearance.  Gen. Griffin came to the river, took one look at the frowning hill on the other side.  Turning around in his saddle [he] said, "Forty-fourth, we must gain those hills with one division, within an hour, or this river will run with blood.  Every minute is worth the lives of 500 men.  Will you lead?"  "We Will, we will!" shouted 300 strong voices. Taking off our cartridge boxes and rations, holding them high above our head in the left hand, our gun in our right, we plunged in.  It was cold and muddy and rising fast from the rain of the day before, and wider than the Chenango at Oxford. We reached the opposite side safely, with our powder dry, taking a good position, stayed there that night.  The next morning moved forward three miles and found we were in the vicinity of the entire Rebel army.  Now came the maneuvering, but three corps of ours were then on the ground.  That night the 2d and 3d Corps joined us, via of U.S. Ford.  Friday in the forenoon our corps began to feel of the enemy.  He seemed rather shy.  In the afternoon, we had one short but severe collision. The 2d Division of our corps (Gen. Sykes) suffered the most, the enemy had a good charge at him.  With us, it was the other way, we lost few, and killed very many. Saturday we were assigned our position on the left centre, having time made a breast work behind which we expected to stand and if the rebels came, give them a warm reception.  About 4 P.M. were astonished by  discharge of musketry on our right, the like of which I never heard.  Those heavy discharges from long lines at Antietam and Malvern Hills, seemed but picket firing beside this.  Cannon opened immediately and with the musketry fairly shook the earth where we stood.  In a few moments [came the word] that the 11th corps had broke and back they came upon us in the utmost confusion.  Our boys felt this state of things keenly.  Knowing too well what an advantage it gave the enemy.  Conch's corps immediately filled the breach.  Being nearest we went on Conch's right leaving our place, since there was no probability of any fighting in the old quarter.  Collecting what they could of the scattered 11th it was nearly dark, but the real fighting of May 2d now began.  Jackson's whole force, the flower of the rebel army were moving up, flushed with momentary success.  Hooker rode down the lines, receive the enemy upon your bayonets, fire not a shot, they cannot see you. We got down.  In a moment they burst from the woods, line after line came steadily forward toward Berry's Division first to our left. They throught there was nothing in the way, and an easy victory before them, but instantly a long dark line extending across the fields arose, presenting a glistening.  They halted as quick as though shot in their track.  In vain did their commanders urge them forward. They could not drive them onto the bayonets.  They wavered for a moment, then the first line broke, at this we opened with musketry throughout the whole line.  At the same time some 30 brass Napoleon guns 20 lbs opened with canister.  At the discharge of these pieces, so close were the enemy, that legs, arms, and huge pieces of bodies filled the air.  They would totally demolish a line of battle at two or three discharges.  They fell back in the wood and formed again, and then came forward as before, only again to be demolished.  How many times this was done I cannot say, but as fast as the men could be got into line till midnight. the long sheets of fire from the infantry, the terrible flashes of the cannon, the bursting of shells, all together, made fireworks awfully grand, and cast Fourth of July operations into shade. When at last Jackson learned what he had to deal with, that it was impossible to break our lines, he withdrew for the night. We laid down on our arms. As day broke Sunday morning, the enemy came on. Deserters during the night, told us that Jackson had promised "to break our center if it cost his life, and the lives of his entire army." And when line after line came out of the woods early in the morning, advancing across the fields steadily to the attack, it would seen to an observer, unused to such scenes, that no human power could withstand the onset.  We were ready, and however determined Jackson might be, there was determination equally firm in our unwavering line, which stood with bayonets fixed for the foe.  The scene which now ensued was similar to that of the night before, only the slaughter of the enemy was greater, if that was possible, although they hurled their entire force against two divisions for six hours, they never moved an inch, not a solitary inch from where we had set our line after the retreat of the 11th corps.  At length they encumbered the ground, they could not move their lines over it.  We lost heavily in two Divisions, of course we must in such fighting, but by the side of the enemy's dead in front, piled up till nearly as high as the fences, our loss was but a cypher. As they went down almost by battalions, I could hardy refrain from swinging my hat and crying out "So much for Dec. 18th when they set us down so before Fredericksburg!" The enemy left us, and went back on Sedgwick with their whole force and drove him from the height.  What then should keep us there?  It would not do to drive Lee this side of the river, between us and Washington.  There was nothing but to retire.  As for being driven back by Lee's army, you may set this down that the whole population of the South, men, women, children, negroes and all, could not have driven us from that position.

The 17th N.Y. started from home today.  You remember Capt. Tyrrell enlisting men in Oxford for that regiment.  Their time is out. We have been to see them off, for they belonged to our brigade.

In kind regards, Yours, J.E.B.

Note:  The battle described was the Battle of Chancellorsville fought in Spotsylvania County, VA

Vital Records, Oxford, NY, April 1864

 Oxford Times, April 13, 1864

Married:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 22d ult. by Rev. L.E. Spafford, Mr. C.W. Loomis to Miss J.L. Manning, of Greene.

Married:  In Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], on the 4th inst. by Rev. L. Sperin, Mr. R. Porter Putnam of California, to Miss Mary J. Packard of Bainbridge.

Married:  In Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], on the 16th ult., by Rev. J.A. Robinson, Mr. Sylvester Arms of Unadilla [Otsego Co., NY] to Miss Agnes E. Burgess of Bainbridge.

Died:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 23d ult. at the residence of her son-in-law, Dan H. Robinson, Mrs. Sally Loomis, aged 78 years.

Died:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 3d inst. Sarah [Gray], wife of the late Enoch Gray, aged 73 years.

Died:  In Franklinville, Cattaraugus Co. [NY], on the 26th ult. Mr. Seth E. West, formerly of Greene [Chenango Co., NY], aged 77 years.

Died:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on 29th ult. Mr. John P. Smith, aged 67 years.

Died:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 4th inst. Mr. Paul W. Latham, aged 76? years.

Died:  In Preston [Chenango Co., NY], on the 3d inst. Mr. Marenus Gamet, aged 21 years.

Died:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on 25th ult. Mrs. Adoeha? Smith, mother of the late Col. E.B. Smith, aged 78 years.

Oxford Times, April 20, 1864

Married:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 17th inst., by Rev. J.C. Ransom, Mr. D.H. VanAntwerp of Afton, Wis., to Miss Adda Cooley of this village.

Died:  In Oxford []Chenango Co., NY], Feb. 19th, 1864, Mrs. Frances Adelia Walker, wife of Daniel Walker, aged 31 years.  Mrs. Walker became the subject of saving grace at 22 years of age.  She was at the time apparently near her end with consumption, yet so strong was her desire to follow the Savior, that she was carried to the water where she was baptized into the fellowship of the Baptist Church of this village.  Her health at once began to improve, and she lived for nine years to adorn her profession by a consistent and devoted Christian life.  Possessed of a quiet spirit, she was an example of Christian patience and fidelity, and beloved by all who knew her.  Her last sickness protracted with the certainty that it would prove fatal, was borne with resignation and composure.  Her death was peaceful and triumphant.

Died:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 6th inst., Jane [Harrison], wife of Mr. Andrew Harrison, aged 31 years.

Died:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 13th inst., Mr. Charles King, aged 22 years.

Died:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on 7th inst. of consumption, Mary [Pellet], wife of Hezekiah Pellet, aged 34 years.

Died:  At South Oxford [Chenango Co. NY], on 21st ult. Alvira [Robinson], wife of Mr. Dan H. Robinson, aged 60 years.  In the sudden and unexpected death of Mrs. R., the community loses one whose devotion to all good and noble enterprises, whose loyalty to her country, and continued interest in its defenders, can never be forgotten.  Faithful to her trust as neighbor and friend, she stood by the bedside of the sick and suffering, until she too was prostrated by illness. Conscious that her earthly mission was ended, she calmly made all preparation for the future and with unshaken confidence walked through the valley and shadow of death, leaving to her loved ones the memory of a life well spent, and the assurance that for her "to die was gain."

Died:  Hon. Alfred Nichols, died at his residence in Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], on Sunday the 10th inst.  At the time of his death Mr. Nichols was Special county Judge by election last fall and his death is greatly lamented by the entire community in which he lived, where he sustained the character of a good citizen and lawyer and an upright man.

Oxford Times, April 27, 1864

Married:  In Unadilla [Otsego Co., NY], on the 6th inst. by rev. S.S. Goodman, Mr. Lucius Cumber to Miss Louisa Gage, both of Greene [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  In Marathon [Cortland Co., NY], on the 12th inst. by Rev. S. Crane, Mr. Richard T. Husted of Marathon, to Miss Anolia P. Dodge of Cortland [Cortland Co., NY].

Died:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 21st inst., William H. [Daniels], son of Osmer and Philena Daniels, aged 2 years and 8 months.

Died:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 18th inst., Harriet Ann [Johnson], daughter of Homer Johnson, aged 15 years.

Died:  In Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 18th inst., Mr. Ezra Gibbs, aged 67 years.

Died:  In East Hamilton [Madison Co., NY], on the 2d March, Erwin [Rogers], son of Maxson and Adeline Rogers, aged 14 years.

Died:  Col. S.G. Hathaway, late of the 141st N.Y.S. Vol., died at the residence of his father in Solon, Cortland County [NY], on Saturday, the 16th last, in the 54th year of his age. The Colonel had been a resident of Elmira for over forty years, and has been a member of the bar of that city.  He was chosen Colonel of the 141st Regiment, raised in Chemung county, in the fall of 1861, and resigned on account of ill health, in the succeeding fall. The funeral of Col. H. was attended at the residence of his father on Thursday last, by a large concourse of citizens, including a large representation of the members of the bar from adjoining counties.

The unknown man recently killed in Cortland County, near Marathon [NY], by being thrown from a wagon, is supposed to be Robert C. Stuart. A woman calling herself his wife, has recently visited Marathon to look after his effects.  She states that she resides at Deposit [Delaware Co., NY] and that her husband was a roving, dissipated fellow, and a soldier, had probably followed the business of enlisting and then deserting.

Friday, August 13, 2021

Soldier's Letter, Civil War - 114th NY Infantry - May 1863

 Oxford Times, June 10, 1863

Letter from the 114th New York Infantry

Beecher's Hospital, Berwick City, a, May 18th, 1863

Mr. Editor:  Since the last battle on Bayou Teche, Berwick and Brashear cities have presented quite a lively appearance.  Several new hospitals have been established and most of the sick and wounded of General Banks army has been brought to these two places. Gunboats are arriving, and departing daily. Transports loaded with cotton and sugar land their precious cargoes upon the dock at Brashear city. From there it is taken by rail to New Orleans.  Large droves of horses, mules, cattle, sheep and goats, have bene brought here and pastured, many of them have bene butched for the troops stationed about this place.  Large numbers of contrabands have also been arriving since the fight and for a few days past our increase in population must be tremendous. Gen. Banks, has lately issued an order for raising 18 regiments of colored troops in this Department. The work has already been commenced in good earnest.  Not only in this place, but at Baton Rouge, New Orleans, and other places.  The negroes are enlisting rapidly, and filling up the Regiment. The regiment that is already organized, is well officered by men that have seen from twelve to eighteen months service.  I was informed by a captain, that the colonel was a native of this place. When the war broke out he remained true to the 'old flag,' and by so doing came near losing his life.  He was seized by the rebels, and a rope placed about his neck to hang him.  He, however, escaped, went to New York and enlisted in a N.Y. Regiment, and was commissioned as lieutenant, from that he was promoted to Captain, and now he is back home as Colonel of a colored Regiment.  Last Friday, a large number of recruits were brought in. They were collected about Newtown. The crowd was composed of all classes, male, and female, old, and young, such a sight I never before witnessed; some were mounted upon mules, others were carrying large bundles upon their heads.  Old carts were loaded down with worthless trash, mules bent beneath the combined weight of a wench and family of children. The procession halted in the center of the place.  Here friends met friends that had come before.  It was interesting to listen to their conversation. They all appeared to be feeling their best, and in high spirits.  How ye do Frank? says one.  Oh right smart!  Ye gwine ober de Bay? Yes!  hab ye seen Job?  Oh yes, Joe big man, he in de kumpany ober day, yah! ha! ha!

The men were soon formed in line, and with the aid of one or two colored sergeants, the ranks were opened, and the officers who had them in charge proceeded to pick out "the halt, the lame, and the blind."  These will be placed upon the plantations with the women and children to raise sugar and cotton. The strong able-bodied men, were then taken over to Brashear, and were regularly examined by an army surgeon. Those that passed were uniformed, armed, and equipped, and placed in the camp of instruction.  I was informed by an officer who was present at the medical examination, that many of their backs looked like a checkerboard, they were so cut up with scars.  Yesterday, another company of some five or six hundred, arrived and went through the proceedings as the other company. They have all been taken over the Bay, old, and young. They are fed at Uncle Sam's table, and I suppose are under his protection.

The soldiers make a very fine appearance, in their new uniforms.  They are mostly straight, large, well developed men.  I think that it is mostly owing to the custom of carrying things upon the head that gives them such a straight, high-headed appearance.

Gen. Banks forces are mostly stationed around Alexandria.  This Department is pretty well cleared of rebels at present.  Hardly one dare show his head this side of the Red river.  Many of the prisoners taken in the late battle, have taken the oath of allegiance, and many others would like to stay, and enjoy protection instead of fighting Confederate battles. They are in no hurry to get back, at least those that I have talked with are not.  Most of them seem to have quite a liking to our uniforms. The confederate sick and wounded in our hospitals are nearly half dressed in our clothes  Most of them think that they done fighting enough.  The main hope of the rebels now hangs on England and Northern copperheads.  They say that England will interfere, and that the north is already divided.  I trust that they are mistaken. words are inadequate to convey the disgust that the soldiers feel towards Northern copperheads.  I fear some of them would fare hard if our soldiers were at home. At least I have heard them say that they would knock down the first copperhead they met.  The sick and wounded are doing well and gaining rapidly.  Many of them will soon be able to rejoin their regiments.   W.E.

Vital Records, Norwich, NY, August 1864

 Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, August 3, 1864

Died:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], July 30th, 1864, Mrs. Sally Bowen [Gartsee], wife of John M. Gartsee, aged 51 years.

Died:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], on Sunday, July 24th, of diptheria, Mary Holson [Hackett], youngest child of Rev. Otis Hackett, late of Arkansas, aged 2 years and 6 months.

Died:  In this town [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], July 23d, Mr. Jonah Smith, aged 84 years and 10 months.

Died:  July 22d, Mr. Mason Johnson, aged 65 years.

Died:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], Mrs. Betsy Bartle, widow of the late Philip Bartle, aged 94 years.

Died:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], July 28th, Edward Payson, aged 14 years.

Died:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], July 20th, Eddie G. [Short], aged 7 years and 4 months.

Died:  In Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], July 4th, Mr. William H. Edgerton, of Co. E, 114th Reg. N.Y.S.V., aged 21 years.

Died:  In Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], July 25th, Mr. Joseph J. Reid, aged 79 years, 9 months and 12 days.

Died:  In New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], July 25th, Mr. Daniel Ross aged 48 years.

Died:  In Hampton Hospital, Va., July 15th, of a wound received before Petersburg, June 15th, Rev. James Garatt, of Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY], aged 32 years.

Died:  In Pharsalia [Chenango Co., NY], July 27th, Mr. William T. Wentworte, aged 30 years, 4 months and 8 days.

Died:  In Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 25th ult. Frances E. [Ogden], youngest daughter of Alvah and Emeline Ogden, aged 17 years.

Thomas Breed, of Co. A, 114th regiment, being sick and unable to keep along with his company, on their retreat from following the enemy over the Blue Ridge, on the 12th, fell out by the way, and is supposed to have been taken prisoner by Mosby's guerrillas, as they were hovering about and harrassing our rear at the time. Thomas is reported by his captain to have been as good a soldier as there was in the company.  Oxford Democrat

Chenango Union, August 10, 1864

Died:  In Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], on the morning of August 3d, 1864, Mr. Nelson N. Green, aged 45 years.

Died:  In Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], July 26th, of scarlet fever, Miss Ella Warner, aged 6 years, 3 months and 16 days.

Chenango Union, August 17, 1864

Died:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], August 9th, 1864, Mr. Coddington B. Brown, aged 60 years.

Died:  In Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], July 11th, Mr. Levi A. Thompson, aged 62 years.

Died:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], August 6th, Laura Isabel [Rogers], daughter of Daniel and Mary K. Rogers, aged 7 years and 2 mos.

Died:  In East Greene [Chenango Co., NY], August 3d, Orilla [Japhet], wife of Andrew Japhet, aged 40 years.

Died:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], August 6th, Elizabeth [Reynolds], widow of Thos. Reynolds, aged 72 years.

Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, August 24, 1864

WELLS - LEVEE:  At the M.E. Parsonage, in Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], Aug. 20, by Rev. L.O. Queal, Wm. H. Wells, of Norwich, to Miss Helen C. Levee, of Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY].

PARK - TRACY:  At the same place, by Rev. Mr. Queal, Aug. 21, Mr. Eri Park, of Binghamton [Broome Co., NY] to Miss Cloe Ann Tracy, of Preston [Chenango Co., NY].

CURLEY:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], on the 18th instant, Bridget [Curley], wife of Patrick Curley, aged 23 years.

PURDY:  in Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY], Aug. 14, Mr. Daniel Purdy, brother of Judge Purdy of this village in the 86th year of his age.

PRATT:  In Weedsport [Cayuga Co NY], Aug. 13th, 1864, John J. [Pratt], only son of John S. and Almira L. Pratt, aged 2 years 7 months 2 days, late of Earlville, Madison county [NY].

Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, August 31, 1864

Married:  GRANT - INGERSOL:  At East Pharsalia [Chenango Co., NY], Aug. 11, 1864, by Rev. O. Ketchum, Mr. Luther Grant, and Miss Marion E. Ingersol, all of Pharsalia.

Married:  WILLARD - WATSON:  In Whitney's Point, Broome Co. [NY], Aug. 24, 1864, by Rev. Wm. Gates, Mr. Robert F. Willard, to Mrs. Sarah Watson, both of Greene [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  MILLER - ROSS:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], Aug. 15, 1864, by Rev. J. C. Ransom, Mr. George W. Miller to Miss Mary Isabella Ross, both of New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  GALLAGHER - WELCH:  In this town [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], Aug. 12, 1864, by Rev. Jas. McDermott, Mr. John Gallagher, of Pennsylvania, to Miss Elizabeth Welch, of Preston [Chenango Co., NY].

Died:  KEITH:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], Aug. 20, 1864, Miss Lucy Keith, aged 77 years and 11 months.

Died:  CRAIN:  I Earlville [Madison Co., NY], August 12, 1864, Fanny [Crain], wife of Ebenezer Crain, aged 57 years.

Died:  RORAPAUGH:  In Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], Aug. 23, 1864, Mr. Isaac Rorapaugh, aged 31 years.

Died:  DAVIDSON:  In Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], Aug. 23?, 1864, Mr. John Davidson, aged 85 years.

Died:  LOCKE:  In Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], suddenly, Aug. 22, 1864, Mr. Collins Locke, aged 94 years.

Died:  REYNOLDS:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], Aug. 17, 1864, Jasper G. Reynolds, M.D., aged 25 years.

Died:  HIGLEY:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], Aug. 17, 1864, William [Higley], son of Silas and Mary Ann Higley, aged 12 years.

Died:  GOODRICH:  in Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], August 14, 1864, Everett R [Goodrich], eldest son of Rev. J.T. and Margaret Goodrich, aged 21 years and 8 months.

Died:  MOORE:  In Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], Aug. 8, 1864, Betsy Elizabeth [Moore], daughter of Julius and Isabella Moore, aged 1 year and 8 months.

Died:  BUNNELL:  In Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], Aug. 10, 1864, Mr. James  M. Bunnell, of the 10th N.Y. Cavalry, aged 37 years.

Died:  HOWARD:  In Columbus [Chenango Co., NY], Aug. 1, 1864, Mr. Jarvis Howard, on the 114th Reg. N.Y.S.V., aged 20 years.

Died:  BROWN:  In Pharsalia [Chenango Co., NY], August 21, 1864, Mr. Andrew Brown, aged 32 years.

Died:  BROOKS:  In New Orleans, La., Aug. 9, 1864, of consumption, Mr. John H. Brooks, formerly of Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], aged 31 years.

Thursday, August 12, 2021

Vital Records, Norwich, NY, July 1864

Chenango Union, July 6, 1864

Married:  At the residence of the bride's father, in Cazenovia [Madison Co., NY], July 1st, 1864, by Rev. W.H. Olin, Rev. L.C. Queal, Pastor of the Methodist Episcopal Church, Norwich, N.Y. [Chenango Co.] to Miss Sarah J.  Hall.

Married:  In Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY], July 4th, by Rev. A. Bancroft, Mr. George W. Aldrich, to Miss Amelia Aldrich, all of Plymouth.

Married:  In Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], May 26th, 1864, by Rev. E. Curtis, Mr. Albert Davis, to Miss Martha Gibbs, both of North Guilford, N.Y. [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  In Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], June 30th, by the same, Mr. Samuel Sexton, of Columbus [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Almira E. Ryder, of North Norwich [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], June 22d, by Rev. F. Rogers, Mr. Chas. W. Knickerbocker of Smithville [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Mary E. Beach, of Greene.

Married:  In Montrose, Pa., June 15th, by Rev. S.G. Specs, D. D., Mr. Henry C. Tyler to Miss Frances K. [Willcox], only daughter of E.P. Willcox, Esq., all of Montrose.

Chenango Union, July 13, 1864

Married:  In Oxford, [Chenango Co., NY], by Rev. E.H. Payson, Mr. Daniel Fisher, of Preston [Chenango Co., NY], to Miss Augusta DeForest of Guilford [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  In Rockdale [Chenango Co., NY], June 27th, by Rev. W.G. Queal, Rev. W.K. Haight of Oregon, Ill., to Miss Mary L. Wilde of Rockdale.

Died:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], July 6th, Mr. George W. Harkins, aged 21 years.

Died:  At the Chenango House, in this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], July 11th, Mr. Peter Quackenbush, of Otego [Otsego Co., NY], aged 32 years.

Died:  In Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], July 1st, Miss Mary Dewey, aged 36 years.

Died:  Killed in battle, May 6th, Mr. Samuel Lenon, of Greene [Chenango Co., NY]; and May 13th, Mr. Edmund S. Burgess of Greene, members of the 8th N.Y. Cavalry.

Died:  Killed by sunstroke, Mr. Bradley N. Moore, of Co. L, 22d N.Y. Cavalry, formerly employed in the office of the Chenango Telegraph.

Died:  Killed in the battle of Resaca, in Georgia, May 15th, Corp. William H. Peck, of the 9th Indiana Vols., formerly of New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], aged 33 years.

Died:  At Morganzia, La., June 24th, of fever, Mr. Edward E. Crandall, of Co. C, 114th N.Y.S.V., formerly of Plymouth, Chenango Co., N.Y., aged 22 years.  He was a soldier ever prompt and obedient in the execution of his duty; a friend always affable and obliging; and a man against whom the finger of reproach could not be lifted.  We gave him all a soldier has to give, a grave hallowed by the last offerings of his sorrowing comrades.  C.J.B.

Died:  Passed to the summer land, in the town of Caledonia, Ill. on the 28th of June, of typhoid pneumonia, Mr. Monroe Graves, in the 45th year of his age.  He was formerly a resident of norwich, N.Y. [Chenango Co.].  He is the first of a large family that has passed over the river to the land of the blessed. His spirit is free, his form laid to rest.

Died:  In San Francisco, June 3d, Mr. Jeremiah P. Wilber, a native of Mystic, Connecticut, aged 45 years.

Died:  In McDonough [Chenango Co., NY], May 5th, 1864, of consumption, Mrs. Harriet A. Bantam, aged 32 years.  The following beautiful lines were occasioned by the death of a dear sister, who departed this earthly tabernacle, May 5th, 1864. She died of that fell disease, consumption.  In her quiet slumbers she saw her father, who had his "passport signed and was dismissed," some time since, standing on the other shore, who beckoned unto her to come unto him which she endeavored to do, and while in the act of going, she awoke from her dreams.

Our sister

She has left this earth of coldness, / And has severed every tie; / She has gone (but not forgotten) / To the land of pure delight, / To reign with her Redeemer, / Through the endless rounds of time.

Yet, we miss thee, dearest sister, / And we see thy vacant chair, / Which fills our hearts with sadness, / To think that thou art not here / But we remember our duty, unto God we owe, / And be resigned unto His will, / "For He gave, and He taketh, / Yet He doeth all things well."

In her dreams she saw her father, / On the long-wished shore. / Saying to her, "Come my daughter, / For I would embrace thee once more. / Thou, too, must leave that earth of sorrow, / to a land that's free from sin. / Where we are free from care and toil,  / Through the endless ages of time.

"They Redeemer is now waiting, / With His outstretched arms, / Saying, 'Come to me, loved one, / And receive thy great reward, / For thou hast gained the crown of victory, / And hast triumphed over death. / Come to me, child of heaven, / And be forever blessed.' "

Chenango Union, July 20, 1864

Married:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], July 9th, by Warren Gray, Esq., Mr. D.S.H. Buck, to Miss Elida Benedict, all of Greene.

Died:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], July 14th, Mr. Hascall Ransford, aged 64 years.

Died:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], June 30th, Eloise [Miller], youngest child of Mrs. Lucy Miller, aged 2 years and 7 months.

Died:  In King Settlement [Chenango Co., NY], June 28th, from the effects of choking with a bean lodged in the throat, Willie H. [Tiffany], son of Lewis and Maranda M. Tiffany, aged 4 years.

Died:  In Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], July 13th, Mrs. Amie M. [Brooks], aged 32 years.

Died:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], July 9th, of diptheria, Mary [Schaurte], only child of Col. Frederick and Mary Schaurte, aged 3 years.

Died:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], July 9th, of diptheria, Henry [Grobert], only son of Andrew Brobert, aged 2 years.

Died:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], July 6th, Mrs. Betsy Peck, in her 85th years.

Died:  In Liberty Township, Iowa, May 4th, Mr. George Manwarring, formelry of Chenango Co. [NY], aged 53 years.

Died:  At the Regimental hospital manning's Plantation, La., June 22d, Mr. Niles E. Edwards, of Co G, 11th N.Y. Cavalry.

Death of Hascall Ransford

The death of Mr. Hascall Ransford, late U.S. Assessor for this Congressional district, occurred on Thursday, the 14th instant, at his residence in this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY].  It was an event long looked for both by himself and his friends.  Soon after his appointment as Assessor, in the fall of 1862, he became feeble through a cancerous disease of the intestines, and early in the winter thereafter was confined to his house.  From that time he was a great sufferer up to the day of his death, never having left the cover of his roof except on a few occasions for a brief ride in the open air.  During this long illness, which he, not less than those around him, knew could have but one termination, he bore himself with a patience, fortitude and resignation, that displayed the highest qualities of a moral and Christian character.

Mr. Ransford was well known to the people of this town and county, having always lived among them, and was universally regarded with respect and esteem. Throughout his active career, he was much devoted to politics, having been an ardent and zealous Whig and afterwards Republican, and always gave to his party his best and most disinterested efforts.  For this, and the necessary fitness otherwise, he was appointed the first Assessor for this Congressional District under the U.S. Internal Revenue law.  After it became evident to him that his sickness was to terminate fatally, he resigned his office as Assessor in favor of his son, Hascall Ransford, Jr., who, with the concurrence of political friends, was appointed by the President in his place.  It was a graceful and appropriate recognition on the part of all concerned of the long and faithful service of Mr. Ransford, senior, to his party, and of the influential position that he occupied and enabled him to pass the remainder of his days in the consciousness that political parties are not always ungrateful.  His age was 64, and he leaves to lament his loss a widow and three children.

Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, July 27, 1864

Died:  In this town [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], July 25th, Abigail [Ives], wife of Dwight Ives, aged 59 years.

Died:  In Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], July 19th, Irving T. [Harris], son of the late John C. Harris, aged 17 years, 6 months and 10 days.

Died:  In New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], July 16th, Della [Terry], daughter of R.A. and Mary A. Terry, aged 3 years, 4 months, 5 days.

Killed or a Prisoner

The many friends of Lieut. James E. Spry, of the 26th Regiment of colored volunteers, will be pained to learn that in one of the recent battles or skirmishes on Johnson's Island, near Charleston, he was either killed or taken prisoner.  He was seen to fall, and was reported killed, but subsequent information leads to the hope that he may, though wounded, be only a prisoner in the hands of the enemy.  Lieut, Spry was a young gentleman of fine social feelings, of a good degree of literary acquirement, a soldier who took pride in the profession of arms, and one who, having won his way from the ranks, the path of distinction seemed open. Tho' the young men of the country who have gone to the war are falling like autumn leaves, few have been carried down in the fray who are more worthy than him of long and honorable remembrance. We shall watch with interest for any information decisive of his fate.

Chenango Union, June 12, 1872

Lieut. James E. Spry, son of James and Mary E. Spry, was born in Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], April 23d, 1843.  Learned the printer's trade in the office of the Chenango Union.  About the first of September, 1859, Lieut. Spry, in connection with his brother, George H. and E.P. Pellet, started a small but spicy and ably conducted weekly, called "The Literary Independent." After a few numbers, the Spry boys became the sole editors and proprietors, and in an enlarged form continued the paper into the second volume.  Lieut. Spry had decided literary ability and taste, and his letters home, published during the progress of the war, were sought for and read with interest.  He enlisted as private in Company D, 44th N.Y.V., on the 5th of September, 1861.  Served with the Regiment some two years and four months, during which time upwards of half the original number had been killed and wounded in battle, to say nothing of the losses by disease. Discharged by reason of special order for promotion, January 14th, 1864.  The same month commissioned First lieutenant of Company H, 26th Regiment, U.S. Colored troops, Col. Wm. Guernsey commanding. Wounded and taken prisoner at the battle of John's island, South Carolina, July 7th, 1864, and supposed to have died in the hands of the enemy the day after.  His brother, George H., also in the 44th, was twice struck with balls in battle before Richmond.

Oxford Times, March 23, 1864 

Died:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on 15th inst., Julia M. [Clarke], widow of the late William H. Clarke, and the younger daughter of the late Henry C. McMahon of New Milford, Conn., aged 23? years, 6 months and 10 days.  Our friend is no more!  Death has been busy in our midst, [putting] his chill hand heavily here and there, till we have come to feel that his dark wing shadows us all.  On Friday, March 11th, the only child of the deceased after a short illness of about two days, closed his blue eyes and crossed over the dark river, leaving desolate the mother, who was herself lying upon a bed of suffering, too ill even to look upon the dead face which for two weary years had been the sole light of her widowed breast.  It was then she felt that the last link was broken in the chain which bound her to earth, and as she heard the loved ones calling her to come up higher, she rejoiced that the shackles which fettered the spirit were so rapidly giving way. She longed to lay aside the -?- and be clothed eternally in the shining garments of the Redeemed.  More bitter grew her sufferings, but she bore them all with the sweet patience and resignation which had characterized her daily life.  She was so near to the confines which separate us from the infinite, that she seemed to hear as she [unreadable] of the golden harps, and to catch glimpses of the loved ones who were standing by the pearly gates.  In her intense pain which at times seemed too great to bear, she would murmur "Dear Father, take your suffering child to Heaven," but she strove to wait patiently the Lord's time, and when he came for her, she joyfully stepped into the cold dark waters, and leaning on His arm, passed through the foaming waves and the blinding spray up into the City with the Jasper walls and the Golden streets, "where the Lamb, which is in the midst of the Throne, shall feed her, and shall lead her unto living fountains of water and God shall wipe away all tears from her eyes."  By her early decease, the Church has lost a true beautiful friend, [unreadable] and the sick and needy a friend whose loss will not be easily weighed.  Possessed of a warm, affectionate heart, best of all tender sympathies and generous [-?-], it was her greatest delight to minister to the happiness of all with whom she came in contact and with the [unreadable]. She has passed from earth, but the memories of her winning ways, her gentle words, and kindly deeds will remain embalmed in the breasts of her friends, when the frail casket shall have moldered to ashes.

Wednesday, August 11, 2021

Vital Records, Oxford, NY, March 1864

 Oxford Times, March 2, 1864

Married:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 23d ult. by Rev. D. Ballou, Mr. Albert Willcox of Oxford, to Miss Frances K. Sanders of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 24th inst. by Rev. D. Ballou, Mr. Hendrick Houghton to Miss Minnie E. Ingham.

Married:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 1st inst. by Rev. E.H. Payson, Henry C. Roome, Captain Co. #, 89th Reg't, to Mary Jane [Roose], eldest daughter of Austin Rouse, M.D.

Died:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 23d ult. Mr. George Winsor, aged 54 years.

Died:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 21st ult. Mr.  Harvey Sherman, aged 58 years.

Died:  In Camp Grace, Texas, about 1st Dec. last, Mr. Dwight Parce, Sutler of the 114th Regiment.

Death of Jake Robinson

Another aged citizen has been gathered to his fathers.  Another landmark of early days and of primitive simplicity has been removed.  This melancholy event took place at his late residence in this town [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY] after a brief and painful illness, on Thursday the 25th ult.  Mr. Robinson was born at Lebanon, New London County, Connecticut on the 19th of April, 1783.

Born of Revolutionary ancestors, and in the same year in which was consummated the independence of his country and which saw her take her place among the nations of the earth, a recognized power, bred in the stern school of economy which the great struggle had necessitated, imbibing the lesson of integrity, characteristic of early New England, and his youthful mind filled with those sterling tales of patriotism which fell from the lips of the heroes, who had so lately offered their all upon the altar of their country, he was well prepared for the subsequent scene and trials of life, as a pioneer in a new and sparsely settled country.

He removed from his native place to this county, in the year 1808, and settled in Oxford, on the west side of the Chenango river, where, or near the place where his brother Dan H. Robinson, Esq., now resides.

In the second great struggle of this then infant country to preserve and perpetuate the liberties won in the Revolution, he entered the service of his country in the forces raised by his adopted State, and remained therein until the close of the war.

When the arrogance of Britain had been again rebuked, her pride humbled, and the rights claimed by us had been forced from her unwilling rulers, he returned to his home and immediately thereafter removed across the river to the homestead where for so many year she lived, and where he has so recently fallen, another victim to the insatiable decree, "dust thou art and unto dust shalt thou return."

Mr. Robinson never forgot, and was never recreant to the teachings of his childhood and early years.  Integrity marked and controlled his every dealing with his fellow men.  Rectitude and honesty were a part of the religion in which he believed, and which in all things he ever practiced. A generous hospitality of the New England type, ever gave not only to friends and acquaintances a cheerful and hearty welcome to his home, and his fireside, but was also extended to the wayfarer and pilgrim tossed and buffeted on life's varying sea.

He was often in early years the recipient of the favor and confidence of his fellow townsmen in the selection to fill various public trusts, and in November 1834, was elected Sheriff of the county for the three years commencing January 1st, 1835.  In all the various stations which he was called upon to fill from time to time, he was faithful, deserving and fully adhering to the tenets of his early education.

His patriotism was bounded and defined by no party ties or prejudices engendered by party discipline.  It was wide and  long as his country extended in length and breadth, and when a few years since the autocratic claims of an institution, hostile in the form of our government began to be pressed, he sternly and defiantly took his position on the side of his country, where death found him breathing out in his last illness aspirations for the success of his government, and the preservation of the fabric which the year of his birth had seen established.

A devoted and warm hearted friend, a kind husband and father, a good neighbor, an honest man, he has filled the measure of his days, and now sleeps full of years, honored and lamented.

Oxford Times, March 9, 1864

Married:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 28th ult. by Rev. W.T. Potter, Mr. Peter A. Ockerman to Miss Almira Eldridge, both of Chenango Forks [Broome Co., NY].

Married:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 18th ult. by Rev. M.S. Wells, Mr. Joseph W. Burgess of LaPrairie, Wis., to Miss Mary M. Miller of Greene.

Married:  In Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 27th ult. by H.J. Locke, Esq., Mr. Warren Stockwell of Butternuts [Otsego Co., NY] to Miss Sarah N. Beardsley of Coventry [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  At Chenango Forks [Broome Co., NY], on 14th ult by Rev. S. Johnson, Mr. Edward Youngs to Miss Mary E. Ingraham, both of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY].

Died:  In Coventry [Chenango Co., NY], on 14th ult. Mr. Daniel Hayes, aged 54 years.

Died:  In Brooklyn, N.Y. on Thursday, Feb. 18th, of consumption, Reuben F. Perry, aged 40 years, son of the late Dea. John Perry of this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY].

Died:  In McDonough [Chenango Co., NY], on the 3d inst. Martha [Simpson], daughter of John C. and Harriet A. Simpson, aged 2 years and 3 months.  

Oxford Times, March 16, 1864

Married:  In McDonough [Chenango Co., NY], on the 7th inst. by Rev. E. Holroyd, Mr. Lewis Huntly to Miss Harriet E. Elwood, all of McDonough.

Died:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], March 8th, 1864, Mrs. Ada E. Douglas, wife of George Douglas, M.D., aged 31 years of Uremia, or Consumption of the Blood.  Affectionate and devoted to her friends, her rare powers of entertaining gave a charm to her presence, as well as rendered her deeply beloved by those who associated with her.  To the bird gift of song, she united the bird spirit of joyousness.  Her kindness of heart led her to seek the happiness of those around her, and they are many who loved her, and mourn her loss.  She left a daughter, eight weeks old, at the time of her decease.  Altho' the circumstances of her death, so peculiarly afflictive, dying in the very dawn of her womanhood, with the breath of her first born warm on her cheek, and in her ear the feeble wail of infancy so touchingly imploring that gentle and fostering care which none but a mother's patient love can give, cast a passing shadow of sadness over her soul, when the inevitableness of her approaching end was made known to her.  Yet faith in Him who doeth all things well, calmed to resignation her spirit, and the experience of the preciousness of Christ's sustaining love, gave peace and tranquility to her last moments.

Died:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 11th inst., Henry M. [Clarke], only child of Mrs. Julia M. [Clarke], and the late William H. Clarke, aged 3 years, 10 months and 6 days.

"Pure as the snow flake ere it falls and takes the stain of earth, / With not a taint of mortal life except thy mortal birth / God bade thee early taste the spring for which so many thirst, / Bliss, eternal bliss is thine, my fairest and my first!"

Died:  At Little Rock, Ark. on 26th Dec. 1863, Sergt. James S. Noble of the 1st Illinois Cavalry, aged 21 years, and son of Rev. James H. Noble, formerly of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY].

Died:  In Coventry [Chenango Co., NY], on the 6th inst., Mr. Andrew Coroon?, aged 55 years.

Died:  In German [Chenango Co.., NY], on the 4th inst. Mrs. Susannah Bonesteel, aged 100 years.

Oxford Times, March 23, 1864

Married:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 9th inst. by Rev. Mr. Searles, Mr. Morgan Pellett of Illinois, to Miss -?- Morse of Norwich.

Married:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 7th inst. by Warren Gray, Esq., Joseph Verill of the 89th reg. to Lucy Widger of Greene.

Oxford Times, March 30, 1864

Died:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 21st inst. of consumption, Melvin S. [Morse], son of Hezekiah B. and Clarissa Morse aged 17 years and 10 months.

Died: In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], Ja. 7th, 1864, Mr. George Lamphere, aged 36 years, a member of the 10th N.Y. Cavalry.

Died:  In East Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 18th inst. of whooping cough, Menzo Deforest Touslee], son of H.L. and Louisa E. Touslee, aged 5 months and 14 days.

Died:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 21st int. George [Buck], son of D.S.H. Buck, aged 7 years.

Died:  In South Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 21st inst. Alvira [Robinson], wife of Dan H. Robinson, aged 60 years.

Died:  In Rochester [Monroe Co., NY], March 14th, Sergt. Charles R. Foote a member of Captain Vaughn's Co. and son of Col. Charles Foote of Guilford [Chenango Co., NY] aged 21 years.

Died:  In Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], on the 21st inst. Mrs. Amy Dibble, aged 84 years.

Died:  In Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], on the 24th inst. Mr. Charles Willcox, aged 39 years.

Died:  In Butternuts, Otsego co [NY], Feb. 18th, Mr. Lemuel Merchant, aged 94 years.

Died:  in Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 24th inst., Samuel A. Smith, Esq., aged 83 years.  Mr. Smith was born in Salem, Conn. but removed to Guilford (then Oxford) in April of 1805, more than half a century since, and lived upon the farm he then purchased until the time of his death.  He was therefore, one of the first settlers, and oldest inhabitants of Guilford, and fully identified with its early growth and history.  He took a prominent part in the erection of the town of Guilford, which was taken from Oxford in 1813, and was, it is believed, its first Supervisor. During his public life he was Justice of the Peace 19 years; Supervisor 11 years, in 1817 and 1820, a member of the Legislature; was elected Sheriff in 1825, and appointed a Commissioner in connection with Hezekiah Read to loan the U.S. Deposit Fund. For the last few years he withdrew himself from the cares of active life, devoting his time to resting and social intercourse, and enjoying that competence which his early care and industry had gained.  It is believed he had the confidence of the people of his town, and of the county, as the above record will evidence, and an instance is not known when that confidence was misplaced or betrayed.  Possessed of strong native sense, coupled with honesty of intention and inflexibility of purpose, he seldom erred in arriving at just conclusions or was swayed from  his determination to do and pursue the right, remembering his accountability to his country and his God. But his work is done.  He has been gathered to his fathers, "like a shock of corn fully ripe," leaving behind him the sweet remembrance and the bright example of his life.

Tuesday, August 10, 2021

Vital Records, Norwich, NY, June 1864

 Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, June 1, 1864

Married:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], on Wednesday morning, May 25th, by Rev. Wm. Searls, of Ithaca, Mr. H.D. Mallory, to Miss Sophia S. Nash, both of Norwich.

Married:  On the same morning, by the same, Mr. Charles H. Church to Miss Hattie Ready, both of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  In Springfield, Ill., may 12th, by Rev. Mr. Rutledge, Mr. Charles P. Willcutt, of Hiram, Ohio, to Miss Amelia B. Mason, of Norwich, N.Y. [Chenango Co.].

Died:  In this town [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], May 26th, Deliaette C. [Willcox], wife of Whitman Willcox, aged 30 years.

Died:  At Spring Brook, Erie Co., N.Y., April 24th, suddenly, of disease of the heart, Sarah C. Wood [Davis], wife of William H. Davis, aged 28 years, formerly of this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY]

Died:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], May 26th, 1864, Anice Juelina [Merrill], only child of Daniel and Mary E. Merrill, aged 1 year and 6 months.

Died:  In Preston [Chenango Co., NY], May 18th, Florence E. [Hall], only child of Lucius A. and Mary L. Hall, aged 4 years and 3 mos.

Died:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], May 16th, Mary Adelaide [Herrick], daughter of Eliphalet and Susan Herrick, aged 3 years, 2 months.

Died:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], May 11th, Mr. Jeremiah Wheeler, aged 58 years.

Died:  In McDonough [Chenango Co., NY], May 7th, Gertrude A. [Gale], daughter of Osmore and Lucy Gale, aged 2 years and 2 months.

Died:  In Judiciary Square hospital, May 26th, Daniel A. Sanders, a private in Co. K, 147th Reg. N.Y.S.V., aged 20 years.

Died:  In St. James Hospital, New Orleans, May 6th, from a wound received in the battle of Pleasant Hill, Mr. Joseph S. Smith, of Co. E, 114th Reg. N.Y.S.V., of Greene [Chenango Co., NY].

Died:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], May 29th, Frank Etgene [Shaw], son of Thomas and Amelia M. Shaw, aged 3 years and 4 months.

Died from eating almonds:  In the case of a little child of Mr. Thomas Shaw, of this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], that died on 29th of May, after a lingering illness of several weeks, a post mortem examination disclosed the fact that it died from eating an almond meat, a piece of which lodged in some part of the intestines, causing an abscess. The little sufferer was between three and four years old.

Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, June 8, 1864

Married:  At the residence of H. Lockwood, in Brooklyn, May 25th, 1864, by Rev. Theodore L. Cuyler, Mr. O.M. Hughson, of Norwich, N.Y. [Chenango Co.], to Miss Fannie A. Knapp of Franklin, N.Y. [Delaware Co., NY].

Married:  In Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], June 6th, by Rev. E. Curtis, Mr. George W. Sanders, to Miss Ellen B. King, both of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  In Guilford Centre [Chenango Co., NY], May 12th, by Rev. S.M. Lee, Mr. Legrand Cassell, of Afton [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Alice Young, of Guilford Centre.

Married:  In East Pharsalia [Chenango Co., NY], May 29th, by Rev. O. Ketchum, Mr. Rodolphus Brown, to Miss Adell Huddleston, all of Pharsalia.

Died:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], June 2d, Rebecca H. [Rockwell], widow of the late Ashbel R. Rockwell, aged 55 years.

Died:  In King Settlement [Chenango Co., NY], April 13th, Mr. Thomas Griffin, aged 53 years.

Died:  In Pharsalia [Chenango Co., NY], June 4th, Eliza D. [Grant], wife of Halbert Grant, aged 37 years.

Died:  In Smyrna [Chenango Co., NY], April 30th, Mr. Nathaniel Close, aged 81 years, one of the earliest settlers in the town.

Died:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], May 29th, Minerva [Willoughby], aged 63 years and 5 months.

Died:  In Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], May 27th, Mr. Joel Yale, aged 73 years.

Died:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], June 1st, Mr. Willard White, aged 34 years.

Died:  In Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], May 27th, Lydia [Young], wife of Henry Young, aged about 64 years.

Died:  In the Hospital at Fort Marshal, April 3d, Charles Henry Hunt of Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], aged 22 years.

Died:  On board a Hospital boat, between Alexandria and New Orleans, May 14th, of fever and diarrhoea, Robert C. Hall, of Co. B, 114th N.Y.S.V., and son of Murray Hall, of Preston [Chenango Co., NY], aged 16 years and 9 months.

Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, June 15, 1864

Married:  At the Parsonage, in Smyrna [Chenango Co., NY], June 9th, 1864, by Rev. w. Burnside, Mr. Edwin W. Butts, to Miss Delia Ett Tyler, both of New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  In Columbus [Chenango Co., NY], June 2d, by Rev. M. Williams, Mr. Lewis White of Willowvale [Oneida Co., NY], to Miss Mary Richer, of Columbus.

Married:  By the same, May 1st, Mr. DeForest Devol of Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Harriet Pendleton of New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY].

Died:  In Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], June 6th, Mr. John C. Harris, aged 55 years.

Died:  In Columbus [Chenango Co., NY], May 15th, Mrs. Adaline Brooks, aged 50 years.

Died:  In New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], May 31st, Mrs. Phebe Phillips, aged 72 years.

Died:  In Hospital, at Washington, recently, of a wound received in battle, Corp. Joseph Weiler, of Co. K, 40th N.Y.S.V., from this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY].

Died:  In Hospital at Fredericksburgh, May 20th, from a wound received in the battle of the Wilderness, Mr. Gideon Evans, of the 44th N.Y. Reg., from Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY]

Died:  Killed by lightning, recently, in camp, Mr. Sheldon Bolles, of Co K, 10th N.Y. Cavalry, from Oxford [Chenango Co., NY].

Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, June 22, 1864

Married:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 7th inst., by Rev. H. Garlick, Mr. George F. Wight, of McDonough [Chenango Co., NY] and Miss Julia A. Morse, of Greene.

Died:  In East Pharsalia, on the 13th inst., Mr. Gersham W. Wolcott, aged 65 years, after a long illness.

Died:  In South New Berlin [Chenango Co. NY], on the 14th inst., Jonathan II [Mathewson], son of the late Jonathan S. and of Olive Mathewson, aged 17 years.

Died:  In Afton [Chenango Co., NY], on the 11th inst. Mary [Stowell], widow of the late Ebenezer Stowell, aged 72 years.

Died:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 10th inst., of Diptheria, Albert [Weeks] only son of Stephen and Julia A. Weeks, aged 18 years.

Died:  In Pitcher [Chenango Co., NY], June 18th, Solomon Ensign, senior, aged 93 years, 8 months and 10 days.

Died:  In Pitcher [Chenango Co., NY], on the 6th inst. Violette B. [Hitchcock], wife of Norman P. Hitchcock, aged 52 years and 9 months.

Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, June 29, 1864

Married:  In Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY], June 19th, by Rev. Mr. Cochrane, Mr. Foster Sayles to Miss Mary Monroe, all of Plymouth.

Married:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], June 16th, by Rev. H. Garlick, Mr. Harry D. Wheeler, of Cedar Run, Pa., to Miss Ruth E. Horton, of East Greene.

Married:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], June 13th, by Rev. L.E. Spafford, Mr. Lewis D. Rogers, to Mrs. Matilda M. Dobison, all of Oxford.

Married:  In Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], June 16th, by Rev. M. Wadsworth Mr. Frederick H. Jones to Miss Mary A. Wilkinson, all of Sherburne.

Married:  At the residence of the bride's father, in Honesdale, Pa., June 14th, by Rev. Mr. Gray, Hon. William H. Shankland, of Syracuse [Onondaga Co., NY] to Mrs. Lucy Leal, daughter of Dr. C. King.

Died:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], June 25th, of typhoid fever, Libbie [Duryea], daughter of Joseph and Sarah Duryea, aged 25 years.

Died:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], June 3d, Mr. Abram L. Beedle, aged 65 years.

Died:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], June 16th, Mr. William A. Bolt, aged 35 years.

Died:  In Coventry [Chenango Co., NY], June 12th, Polly [Spencer], wife of Wm. Spencer, aged 68 years.

Died:  In Afton [Chenango Co., NY], May 28th, Mr. Ebenezer Chaffee, formerly of Hartwick, Otsego Co. [NY], aged 66 years.

Died:  In Brashear City, La., Feb. 16th, Mr. Henry Morgan, of Co. B, 114th N.Y.S.V., aged 21 years, son of D.B Morgan, of German [Chenango Co., NY], in this county.

Capt. Tillson:  This young and gallant officer, whose right arm was shot away at the late battle of Sabine Cross Roads, in Louisiana, is now on a visit to his friends in this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY].  It is his intention as soon as his wound is thoroughly healed, to rejoin his regiment, the 161st, which still remains in Louisiana.  the pluck which he manifests, and has displayed on all occasions in face of this enemy, is deserving of the highest praise.

Taken Prisoner: We regret to learn, as we do through a letter received by Gen. Levi Harris from Capt. Vaughan, that Lieut. W.H. Conover, of Capt. Vaughan's Company, 22d Cavalry, has been taken prisoner by the rebels.  he was ordered, about the 10th of this month, to take a small force and make a reconnaissance towards (we believe) James river. The party were attacked by the rebels in doing so, and Lieut, Conover's horse shot from under him. The horse fell upon the Lieutenant's leg, holding him to the ground. The rest of the boys escaped, but Conover was left behind.  His comrades first thought him killed, but information subsequently obtained from rebel officers showed that he was uninjured, except by the fall of his horse, which bruised him slightly. The rebel officers said that he would be well treated while a prisoner. We regret the young lieutenant's mishap exceedingly, and wish him a speedy and safe deliverance.  Capt. Vaughan speaks of him in high terms as an officer.

Monday, August 9, 2021

Vital Records, Oxford, NY, February 1864

 Oxford Times, February 3, 1864

Married:  In McDonough [Chenango Co., NY], on the 17th ult., by Rev. Mr. Holroyd, Mr. Lewis W. Lamb to Miss Frances L. Wales, all of McDonough.

Bennett Aylesworth living in Church Hollow, in this county [Chenango Co., NY], started from Ninevah for his home on Monday evening 4th inst., and was found the next morning, within half a mile of home, frozen to death.  This is the only instance of death from freezing we have heard of in this county during the recent cold term.  Chenango American.

Death by Poison:  A most shocking and heart-rending incident occurred at the Daguerrean Rooms of S.H. Farnham, in this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY] on Thursday afternoon last, at about 5 o'clock.  A bright and beautiful little daughter of William and Sarah Stimpson, of Coventry [Chenango Co., NY], aged about two and one-half years, had accompanied her aunt to the rooms of Mr. Farnham to sit for her picture. After the picture had been taken, and while the child was running about in a playful mood, she darted into the chemical room unobserved by anyone, and seized a cup containing Cyanide of Potassium and swallowed its contents.  A single shriek from the little victim was the only warning that the agonized witnesses had, before she had passed from time into eternity. The poison took immediate and deadly effect, and all efforts to restore the little sufferer were useless and unavailing. The aunt, Mrs. Shaw, was so shocked by the sudden and unexpected accident as to occasion fears that she might not long survive the event, but we are informed she is gradually recovering. the bereaved mother arrived about midnight, and evinced a womanly fortitude and resignation which under the circumstances was most desirable but hardly to have been expected.  Keen anguish and deep grief strove against a high resolve to bear the heavy burden with becoming resignation, but did not overpower the mother's heart. The sympathies of our community moved promptly to do all that could be done under the circumstances, for the stricken parents and friends of the deceased child.

Oxford Times, February 10, 1864

Married:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 4th inst. by Rev. W.T. Potter, Mr. Edward Tucker to Miss Mary E. Hemenway, al of Oxford.

Married:  In Preston [Chenango Co., NY], on the 19th ult. by Rev. A. Lewis, Mr. Bruce A. Borden to Miss Olive L. Button.

Died: In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], suddenly on the 30th of Jan'y, Hattie Louisa [Simpson], only child of Warren and Alma Simpson, aged 2 years and 17 days.

Died:  in McDonough [Chenango Co., NY] on the 29th ult. Widow Warren, aged 86 years.

Died:  In Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], on the 1st inst. Mr. Marshall Newton aged 69 years.

Died:  At White Store, in Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 1st inst. Mr. Wilmarth Peters, aged 80 years.

Died:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY] on the 1st inst. Blin Harris, M.D., aged 54 years.

Died:  In Preston [Chenango Co., NY], on the 4th inst., Sarah M. [Edwards], wife of Mr. William Edwards, aged 37 years.

Died:  In Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], on the 3d inst. of scarlet fever, Hiram Eugene [Stratton], only child of Thomas J. and Ruth Stratton, aged 3 years, 4 months and 24 days.

Oxford Times, February 17, 1864

Married:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 5th inst. by Rev. Mr. Searles, Mr. H.H. Pike of North Norwich, to Miss A.R. Trumble of Norwich.

Married:  In Smyrna [Chenango Co., NY], on the 4th inst. by Rev. T.M. Williams, First lieut. Eugene H. Corey of the 5th Conn. Vol. to Miss Sylvia A. Lawson, daughter of S.C. Lawson, Esq., of Smyrna.

Died:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 3 inst., Susan Hyde [Tracy], wife of the Hon. John Tracy, aged 76 years.  Those who witnessed the sweet repose, with which death sealed the features of the lamented dead, realized the truth and beauty of "A smile upon the lips, / Unquenched by life's last agony."  There is that in such a death which mitigates the sorrow of friends, while it intensifies and strengthens Christian confidence and hope.  No long weary hours of watching and waiting and pain, no alternations of struggling doubt and hope, but the Death Angel gently touched the departed mother, wife and friend, and beckoned her to her rest.  So the toil worn reaper in the yellow autumn rests from  his labors amid the garnered sheaves.  Such is the repose of the mariner returned from his ocean voyage, as he catches a glimpse of his haven and his home.  "So He giveth his beloved sleep."  It is now more than fifty years since the deceased with her honored husband, who survives her, came to our village a bride.  Those years are their own best eulogy.  It would be a needless task to praise the trees which have grown up around the family dwelling, and so the excellency and beauty of the social and domestic graces, and Christian virtues, which have sprung up and borne fruit under the fostering care and influence of that mother's life and example, like the trees of the old homestead bear their own testimony to three generations, and like them, have spread their branches and went deeper their roots with years. A new generation came upon the scene of action were refreshed by the vision of the beauty and completeness of the social and Christian excellence before them, and when the scene was closed by death, thanked God for the good example that had been given them, while they dropped tears of real sorrow for him, who must travel alone the remaining space of his life journey.

"The stream is calmest when it nears the tide, / And flowers are sweetest at the eventide, / And birds most musical at close of day, / And Saints divinest when they pass away."

"Oh! when our sun is setting may we glide, / Like Summer evening, dawn the golden tide; / And leave behind us as we pass away, / Sweet, starry twilight round our sleeping clay!

Died:  In this village on the 10th inst., Henry N. [Miller], aged 18 years, third son of Henry L. and Elizabeth Mygatt Miller.  The sad and sudden event briefly recorded above, has brought unspeakable sorrow to a large family circle, and touched a responsive chord of sympathy throughout the community in which he lived.  Sunday found young Miller at his accustomed place at Church and the Sabbath School. Monday at his usual pursuits. The following day he complained of pain in the heard, not at the time however, considered alarming. Wednesday morning a violent congestion of the brain became manifest, baffling medical skill and science, and resulting in death before the setting of the sun.  "What so unguessed as death!"  Had any among the large circle of his acquaintance been asked whom death had marked for his victim, the deceased would certainly have been little apt to have been suggested for the sudden change. Before him above all others, life seemed to open up to all the fascination which buoyant hope, elastic spirits, a cheerful disposition, and sound health lent to existence. A large brain and a generous heart made him a favorite with a wide circle of personal friends of his own age, and caused those linked to him by family ties, to already cast for him the horoscope of a future opening into a vigorous active and useful manhood.  How soon the scene is changed, the horoscope of that earthly future sealed immutably by death.  Man proposes, but the All-Wise father disposes as to him seemeth best "Death! thou art infinite; it is life is little."

Died:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 12th inst. William Henry [Wade], only child of Henry L. and Sarah W. Wade, aged 1 year and 11 days.

"Oh, it was the lamp of our life, / Blown out in a night of gloom; / A leaf from our flower of love / Nipped in its fresh spring bloom. / But the lamp will shine again, / And the leaf again shall grow, / Where there are no bitter winds, / And no dreary, dreary snow"

Died:  In this town [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 16th ult. Mr. Charles E. Hopkins, aged 62 years.

 Died:  In Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY], suddenly, on the 7th inst. at the residence of her son, Asa Pellet, Mrs. Abigail Pellet, of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], aged 52 years.

Died:  In Smyrna [Chenango Co., NY] on the 5th? inst., Mrs. Lucy Ackley, widow of Samuel Ackley, aged 85 years.

Died:  In Butternuts, Otsego Co. [NY], on 26th? Jan., Rev'd Thomas S. Judd, Pastor of Christ Church.

Oxford Times, February 24, 1864

Married:  In Butternuts [Otsego Co., NY], on the 11th? inst. by Rev. E. Cope, Mr. Nelson D. Davis of Cato [Cayuga Co., NY] to Miss Julia E. Baker of Guilford [Chenango Co., NY]. 

Married:  In Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 2d inst. by Rev. W.G. Queal, Rev. A.J. Lindsey of the conference of the M.E. Church, stationed at -?- Chautauqua Co. [NY] to Miss Jennie Brooks of Guilford.

Died:  In this town [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 18th? inst. Frances A. [Waters], wife of Mr. Daniel Waters, aged 31 years.

Died:  in Greene [Chenango Co., NY] on the 17th inst., Loretta [Hayes], wife of Elias Hayes, aged 63 years.

Died:  In Coventry [Chenango Co., NY], on the 3d inst. Wm. Tallman, aged 62 years.

Died:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 3d inst., Arthur T. King, aged 21 years.

Died:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 5th inst. Mr. Jonas Leach, aged 84 years.

Died:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 6th inst. Susannah [Hayes], wife of Henry Hayes, aged 52 years.

Sunday, August 8, 2021

Soldier's Letter, Civil War, 161st NY Regiment, May 1863

 Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, May 27, 1863

Letter from the 161st NY Regiment

Messers. Editors:  The monotony of our camp life was suddenly broken on Saturday last by the announcement that a heavy cavalry force had cut their way through from Tennessee, and were now waiting for orders to enter our outside picket lines.  The news soon spread through the different camps like wild fire and men and officers thronged the highway leading into town along which the expected cavalry were to advance.  A long line of dust stretching for a mile or two towards the country marked the approach.  Soon their leading squadrons emerged from the cloud of dust and as they came in sight they were welcomed with cheer upon cheer by the 5,000 soldiers gathered to witness their triumphant entrance into town.  They proved to be the 6th and 7th Illinois cavalry under Col. Grierman, about 800 men.  they started from La Grange, Tennessee, upon an expedition to destroy all the railroads and Confederate property they could find, with orders to report back to La Grange or any other place in the federal line they could in safety reach.  They were sixteen days in the saddle, marched a distance of 800 miles, averaging fifty miles a day, destroying over $2,000,000 worth of Confederate property,  took and paroled 780 prisoners, fought several successful battles, lost but five or six men, all told brought into Baton Rouge an immense quantity of Rebel property besides 300 or 400 horses, 200 or 300 contrabands and 150 prisoners.  A more daring exploit was never performed by an equal number of men in any age.  Compared with it the raids of Stuart or Morgan sink into insignificance.  It shows what daring courage and activity can do when directed by a bold and fearless leader.  the expedition travelled nearly the entire length of the State of Mississippi between the lines of the Rebel armies, passing through the most populous portion of the State seeing and avoiding the largest and most populous towns, their arrival expected and announced beforehand in many instances by the public press, and large bodies of troops  were used to cut off their escape, and yet, though it seems miraculous, they passed through, by and over all the traps laid for their destruction in safety. When we contemplate their daring deeds we are carried back in imagination to the days of Chivalry, and think of the gallant illinoisians in connection with Richard The Lion Hearted and his Knight Templars charging through the countless hoards of Saladin, and that beautiful description of the charge of the Light Horse Cavalry at Redskins by Tennyson, slightly changed in words is brought to others mind.

"Armies on the right of them, / Armies on the left, / Armies in the front of them / Right into the jaws of death / Rode the gallant 800"

The advance guard of Col. Grierson's command were dressed in Rebel uniform, and often rode into the enemy's lines unsuspected.  Many an interesting story is told by these cavalry men of relieving Rebel pickets and ordering them to fall in, which they cheerfully obeyed, thinking they were really relieved by their own pickets and never ascertaining their mistake until they formed themselves in the midst of the blue uniforms of the Federals.  My informant stated to me that one morning he formed part of the advance guard and just as day was breaking they met two rebel officers and commanded them to halt, a command which they unwillingly obeyed.

"By what authority do you stop us!" demanded one of the Rebels.  "I, sir, am a Chaplain to the 37th Mississippi Regiment and my friend here is a Captain in the same Regiment.  We are on our way home with a leave of absence from Vicksburg and we both hold commissions signed by Jeff Davis, and don't like to be interfered with in this manner."

"And I," replied the officer in command, "am a Lieutenant in the 5th Illinois Cavalry and hold a commission from Old Dick Yates and you are both my prisoners."

Captain Forbes, of the 7th was dispatched eastward after the destruction of the Railroad at Newton with a force of about 100 cavalrymen.  He proceeded as far as Enterprise where he suddenly came upon a large Rebel force consisting of between three and four thousand men, a large proportion cavalry.  Nothing daunted at the unexpected discovery, he boldly sent into the town a flag of truce demanding its surrender, stating that his force consisted of 10,000 men and resistance would be useless.  The Rebel commander requested two hours to consider upon the proposition, which was granted, but before the expiration of the time, Capt. Forbes had placed a score of miles between him and his enemies. About five miles from this place the advance guard came suddenly upon the encampment of Stuart's Cavalry while they were at breakfast.  Suddenly charging upon them they captured the whole party, consisting of two officers and seventy-five men. This company was composed of citizens from this place, and it was pleasing to witness the chagrin and mortification of their friends when they saw them prisoners in the hands of the Yankees.  Many a dame who had passed herself off for a widow had -?- pointed out to her by her unsophisticated offspring to the great amusement of the soldiers.  Several of the soldiers are said to have passes in their packets signed by Gen. Augur, the commandant here.

The Illinoisians were completely encased in mud and dust and one could not distinguish the Captain or Col. from the subaltern or private.  They started with three days rations of cooked provision, and when that was exhausted lived off from the enemy.  They exchanged horses with which they left La Grange.  The Contrabands brought in by them have nearly all enlisted into Ullmann's Native Brigade.  I was informed by them that they could have brought in 5,000 of them had they dared so to do, but they found they would embarrass and hinder their movements, as they doubtless would.

You have no doubt long before this received the news of the successful advance of General Banks up from Berwick's Bay a movement predicted by me in my last. They are now about fifty miles west of us as I learn by New Orleans papers. The country between us is completely inundated and no communication can now be had with them except by the way of New Orleans and Berwick's Bay, a distance of 300 or 400 miles.  The river is falling fast and in a week or so communication can be opened with Gen. Banks directly west from here.  There is an old railroad running from the west bank of the river opposite here to Opelousas which as soon as the river falls sufficiently it is contemplated to repair.  This will put us in direct communication with the richest portion of the State. The recent movement of Gen. Banks has placed the greater portion of the State under the Federal rule. and if as we are now led to believe, the Ironclad fleet is to reinforce us, the south west will be speedily cleared of rebels.

Sickness prevails to a considerable extent among the troops here.  We have lost three of our company by death since I wrote you last.  Reynold M. Harvey of McDonough, died April 11th, Charles Fisk of Guilford, died April 27th, and Francis R. Slack of Norwich, died May 1st; all of them at the Regimental hospital.  The last two died very suddenly and unexpectedly.  They were about camp in the forenoon of the day of their decease, apparently gaining in health, and before the next morning were sleeping in death.  In marked contrast with the health of the army here is the sanitary inspection of the recent arrived Cavalry Sergeant from the north. An inspection by the Medical Director of the privates found all but 8 out of 800 unfit for duty, which seems conclusive evidence that there is much more danger from disease in a life of inactivity in camp and garrison, than there is in one of activity in the field.  Hoping we may soon change our condition from the former to the latter.

I am yours, &c.  S.E.W.




Vital Records, Greene, NY, October 1864

 Chenango American, Greene, NY, October 6, 1864

Died:  In this village [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], on the 5th inst. Mr.  Hiram G. Dunn, aged 42 years.

Died:  In Coventry [Chenango Co., NY], on the 3ds inst. Mr. Levi Parker, aged 68 years.

Died:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 29th ult. of diptheria, Mr. George L. Hopkins, aged 40 years.

Died:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 25th ult., Mr. Jeduthan Newton, aged 86 years.

Died:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 25th ult., Kitty [Smith], daughter, of Willard Smith, Jr., aged 6 years.

Died:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 3d ult., Cora [Haight], daughter of Horace and Harriet Haight, aged 9 years.

Died:  Killed in battle, near Winchester, Va., on the 19th ult. Lieut, Edward E. Breed, of Co. H, 114th Regiment N.Y.S.V., son of William R. Breed, of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY].

Died:  Also, on the same day, Hezekiah Newton, of Co. B, 114th reg. formerly of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY].

Died:  Also, Leonard R. Brown, of Co. B, 114th Reg., son of Russell Brown of Pharsalia [Chenango Co., NY].

Died:  Also, Isaac Weaver of Co. F, 114th Regt., and William Cashdollar, of the 5th, N.Y. Heavy Artillery, both from Smyrna [Chenango Co., NY].

Died:  At the U.S. General Hospital, at Glasysville, Md., Eugene [Blanchard], son of George and Susan Blanchard, of Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY],. aged 17 years.

Died:  At Copper Falls Mine, Lake Superior, on the 3d inst., Samuel j. Redfield, M.D., aged 31 years.  He was an only son of the late Chester Redfield of Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY].

Chenango American, Greene, NY, October 18, 1864

Died:  At Castle Creek, Broome County [NY] on the 11th inst., Judson V. [Boardman], son of Eli Boardman, of this town [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], aged 14 years, 10 months and 23 days.

Died:  In Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], on the 3d inst. at the residence of E. Shaw.  Mrs. Ruth Ray, aged 83 years, 3 months and 17 days.

Died:  In Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], on the 29th ult. Mr. Asa W. Rhodes, late of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], aged 59 years.

Died:  In Coventry [Chenango Co., NY], on the 8th inst., Mr. Clark Smith aged 82 years.

Died:  In Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], on the 11th inst., Miss Nancy Gilland, aged 17 years.

Died:  In Coventry [Chenango Co., NY], on the 12th inst., Alfred B. Handy, aged 3 years and 7 months.

Chenango American, Greene, NY, October 20, 1864

Died:  In Preston [Chenango Co., NY], on the 24th ult., Louisa E. [Crumb], daughter of Sylvester and Lucinda Crumb, aged 15 years.

Died:  In McDonough [Chenango Co., NY], on the 7th inst., Clara I. [Mathewson], daughter of Jefferson and Mary Mathewson, aged 9 years.

Died:  In Preston [Chenango Co., NY], on the 13th ult., Mr. Consider Brown, aged 69 years.

Died:  In the Hospital at Winchester, Va., on the 3d inst., Lieut. O.J. Aylesworth, of Co. H, 114th Regiment.