Vital Records, Norwich, NY, May 1865

 Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, May 3, 1865

Married:  In North Pitcher [Chenango Co., NY], April 12th, 1865, by Rev. E.. Ruddock, Mr. William Dickinson to Miss Evelyn Smith, all of Pitcher.

Married:  In Baltimore, Md., April 2d, by Rev. J.T. McCartney, Mr. Charles E. Merritt of Eaton Rapids, Mich., to Miss Addie C. Story, of the former place.

Died:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], April 29th, 1865, of typhoid fever, Mr. Jeremiah Tuttle, aged 49 years.

Died:  At the National hotel, in this village [Chenango Co., NY], April 27th, Mr. Charles Henthorne, of Lawrence, Mass., a soldier belonging to the 3d Veteran Reserves.

Died:  In Lansing, Mich., April 9th, Helen E. [Wood], only daughter of Abner and Cornelia A. Wood, formerly of this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], aged 13 years, 9 months and 15 days.

Died:  In Smyrna [Chenango Co., NY], March 27th, Mrs. Rhoda Rogers, aged 84 years and 8 months.

Died:  In Newbern, N.C., Jan. 3d, Augustus St. Amand, Jr., of Battery I, 3d N.Y. Light Artillery, formerly of this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY].

Died:  In Preston [Chenango Co., NY], April 18th, Mrs. Mary Osgood, wife of the late luther Osgood, aged 53 years.  

Died:  In Elmira [Chemung Co., NY], April 19th, of lung fever, Mr. Henry Tuetga of Co. A, Veteran Reserve corps.  He enlisted in Co. I, 114th N.Y.S.V. from Otselic [Chenango Co., NY], upon the organization of the Regiment.  

Died:  In Hospital, at Wilmington, Del. April 17th, Mr. Clarke Widger, of Co. F, 7th N.Y. Artillery, aged 33 years.

Died:  In Hospital at New Orleans, Sept. 5th, William P. Derrick, son of Marvin and Mary Derrick, of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], aged 23 years, 10 months and 15 days.

Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, May 10, 1865

Married:  KINNEY - ROWLEY:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], 24th April, by Rev. L.R. Spafford, Henry Kinney and Miss Frances M. Rowley, all of Oxford.

Married:  DAVIDSON - FRENCH:  In North Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], April 2d, by Rev. M.G. Wadsworth, Hiram Davidson and Miss Mary L. French of North Norwich.

Died:  WESTFALL:  In Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], May 1st, Geo. W. Westfall, aged 15 years.

Died:  FERRIS:  In Smyrna [Chenango Co., NY], April 14, Joseph L. Ferris, aged 41 years and 3 months.

Died:  RICHMOND:  In Hamilton [Madison Co., NY], May 1st, of typhoid fever, Frank J. [Richmond], daughter of joseph S and Mar B. Richmond, aged 22 years and 10 months.

Died:  James M. Heady, of this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], was killed in the engagement before Petersburg.  He was a member of the 4th N.Y. Heavy Artillery and was a good soldier, and faithful to the cause he had espoused.  We regret his early decease.

Died:  BUELL:  At the house of his son-in-law, Dr S.M. Hand, in Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on Sunday evening, may 7th, after an illness of two days, the Hon. Grover Buell, in the 80th year of his age.  The deceased had been for many years a judge of the Broome County Courts, and was esteemed for his integrity intelligence and prudence.  He was a brother of Mr. Elijah Buell of King's Settlement.  His remains were sent to Windsor, in Broome county, [NY] his late residence, for interment.

Died:  Burned to Death:  David English, an old man about 84 years of age, living in what is called the Sap Bush, in this town [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], was burned up with his house and all it contained, on the 24th ult.  He had been living alone for some time, and was quite infirm.  Friends were in the habit of going in and helping him at times.  It is supposed that the house caught fire while he was asleep, and thus he lost his life.  Greene American

Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, May 17, 1865

Married:  In Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], April 30th, 1865, by Rev. R.L. Warriner, Mr. Edwin R. Warriner, Principal of the New Berlin Academy, to Miss Mary Jannette Dargavel, of the former place.

Married:  In North Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], April 26th, by Rev. M.G. Wadsworth, Mr. Hiram Davidson, to Miss Mary L. French, of North Norwich.

Married:  In Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], May 4th, by Rev. M.G. Wadsworth, Mr. Joan S. Smith, to Miss Ellen M. Lowe.

Married:  In Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], May 4th, by Rev. M.G. Wadsworth, Mr. Marvin E. Milliken to Miss Freelove A. Palmer.

Married:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], may 9th, by Rev. E.H. Payson, Prof. John W. Thorpe, to Miss Charlotte M. Brown, daughter of C.M. Brown, Esq.

Married:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], April 27th, Mr. John T. Hanford, to Miss Ann Eliza Kellum, all of Greene.

Married:  May 1st, by Rev. E. Holroyd, Mr. George H. Orr, of Addison, Steuben Co. [NY], to Miss Ellen S. Eddy, of Smithville [Chenango Co., NY].

Died:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], on Friday, May 12th, 1865, Mrs. Ruby Randall, widow of Perez Randall, deceased, aged 69 years.

Deid:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], May 11th, John T. [Holmes], son of the late John T. Holmes, aged 16 years and 10 months.

Died:  In this town [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], May 9th, Mr. John Skinner, aged 74 years.

Died:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], April 29th, Mr. Andrew Miller, aged 83 years.

Died:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], May 5th, Martha A. [Short], wife of N.H. Short, aged 32 years.

Died:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], May 4th, Miss Sarah R. Wheeler, aged 17 years.

Died:  In Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], May 7th, Mr. John W. Bolles, aged 29 years.

Died:  In Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], May 8th, by drowning in a tub of water, Minnie [Conley], daughter of James Conley, aged 3 y'rs.

Died:  In Smyrna [Chenango Co., NY], May 2d, Fredie L. Mathewson, aged 5 years, 11 months and 11 days.

Died:  In Smyrna [Chenango Co., NY], April 14th, Mr. Joseph L. Ferris, aged 41 years and 7 months.

Died:  In New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], May 11th, Genevieve [Williams], daughter of the late George M. Williams, aged 16 years.

Died:  In Mt. Upton [Chenango Co., NY], March 4th, Mr. Darius Hyer, aged 55 years.  A man of few words, of strong faith and unswerving fidelity; an honored citizen, a pillar of the church, and abiding friend of his pastor, and an affectionate husband and father.

Died:  In New York, while on his way home from the army, Mr. Daniel Watts of Wellsboro Pa., formerly of this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY].

Incident of Mr. Lincoln's Last Days

Chenango Union, May 3, 1865

At the last Cabinet meeting which Mr. Lincoln attended on Friday, at which Lieut. Gen. Grant was present, he turned to the General and asked him if he had heard from General Sherman.  General Grant replied that he had not, but was hourly in expectation of receiving dispatches form him, announcing the surrender of Johnston.

"Well," said the President, "you will hear very soon, now, and the news will be important."

"Why do you think so?" said the General.

"Because, " said Mr. Lincoln, "I had a dream last night, and ever since the war began I have invariably had the same dream before any important military event has occurred."  He then instanced Bull Run, Antietam, Gettysburg, &c., and said that before each of those events he had had the same dream, and, turning to secretary Welles, said:  " It is in your line too, Mr. Welles. The dream is that I saw a ship sailing very rapidly, and I am sure that it portends some important national event."

Vital Records, Oxford, NY, Deember 1864

 Oxford Times, December 7, 1864

Died:  In Jarvis Hospital, Baltimore, on the 20th ult. of wounds received in battle on the 19th Oct. at Cedar Creek, Va., Wilbur Youngs of Co. A, 114th Reg. aged 26 years, late of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY].

Died:  In U.S. Hospital at Nashville, Tenn. of disease of the heart, Mr. Oscar F. Bradley, aged 33 years, a member of Co. C, 107th Reg. N.Y.S.V. formerly of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY].

Oxford Times, December 14, 1864

Died:  In this town [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], of consumption, on the 25th Nov. Mrs. Sophia Kinney, wife of Samuel W. Kinney and daughter of Dea. John Symonds, aged 44 years.  Mrs. K. leaves a husband and four interesting children to mourn the loss of a devoted companion and a fond, indulgent and watchful mother.  Her warm friendship and genial and Christian character, won the love of friends and neighbors, and the highest esteem of all who knew her.  During her protracted and painful illness, she at no time forged to exemplify the support that religion gives to the pain stricken Christian, but al all times, calmly resigned to the will of Him "who doeth all things well," until the feeble link of life that binds to earth was about to break, she seemed to say of her Saviour "How sweet His bidding, come to me."

Died:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 26th of Nov. of diptheria, George H. [Hallett], son of Devillo and Maria Hallett, aged 2 years.  George has gone to Heaven above, / Death plucked him from our care, / He now rests in Jesus' love, / And waits to welcome us there.

Died:  At Winchester, Va., of wounds received at the battle of Cedar Creek, Rial Thompson, aged 26 years, a member of the 114th Rev. and son of Rial and Olive Thompson of Preston [Chenango Co., NY]  He died with a blessed hope of entering into that rest which remains for those that love God.  Our loss is his gain.

Died:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 8th inst. Jane C.D. [Newton], wife of Isaac S. Newton, Esq.

Died:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 5th inst. Mr. Dewitt C. Northrup, aged 24 years.

Died:  Near Petersburg, Va., on the 2d inst. Benjamin Haxton, of the 10th N.Y. Cavalry, aged 29 years.  While on picket duty he was sent to headquarters with the renewing report, and while passing through a piece of woods was met by a party of Guerrillas and shot.  He lived but a short time.

Died:  In this village [Chenango Co., NY], on the 8th inst. Mr. William L. Tuttle, aged 62 years.  William L. Tuttle of this village, while engaged about his business at the Hoe Factory on Thursday last, was struck with palsy of which he died before evening of that day.  Mr. Tuttle was an industrious and exemplary citizen and leaves a family to which his loss seems almost irreparable.  His funeral will be attended from St. Paul's Church this (Tuesday) afternoon at 3 o'clock.

Died:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on Tuesday Morning, Dec. 6th, William Van Wagenen, Esq., in the 63d year of his age.

In the death of William VanWagenen, which occurred on the 6th inst., our community have again lost a most worthy and valuable citizen.  Col. VanWagenen was the last survivor of five sons of the late Gerrit H VanWagenen, and from boyhood had been a resident of this village.  Just and upright in all his dealings, with a heart and a hand that responded freely to generous and benevolent impulses, kind and liberal in all the relations of a neighbor and a citizen, cheerful and frank in his intercourse with his fellows, and earnestly enlisted in the educational and religious welfare of the community, his death has left a void which will be severely felt in the village where he lived, and in whose interests he was so intimately identified.  At the time of his death, Col. VanWagenen was a Trustee of the Oxford Academy, to whose interests he gave liberally of his time, care and money.  Although never actively engaged in politics, nor an aspirant for political preferment, and unobtrusive in the expression of his opinions, as he was unostentatious in the exercise of his charities, the deceased was unqualified in his condemnation of the rebellion which threatens the life of the Republic, and a firm and consistent supporter of all measures for its suppression, thus honoring the memory of his father, a patriot of the War of the Revolution.  Instinctively pure in his intentions, and just and honest in his business relations, Col. VanWagenen despised dishonesty and duplicity in every form.  His disease, although chronic, did not until quite recently keep him at home, and he met his friends and neighbors with his accustomed cheerfulness, and showed a kindly interest n the distress of others, while patiently and silently bearing his own.  A large family circle, to whom he was endeared by great excellence of character, mourn his loss, and the community lament the death of an upright and liberal citizen.

Oxford Times, December 21, 1864

Married:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 11th inst. by Rev. L.E. Spafford, Mr. N.D. Root to Miss R.E. Ingraham all of Oxford.

Married:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 7th inst. by Rev. A. Parker, Mr. Lorenzo Hayes to Miss Lucy Beadly, all of Greene.

Died:  At Baton Rouge Hospital, La., Nov. 16th, after a long and painful illness, Mr. Nehemiah Wheeler, Jr., of Co. A 11th? N.Y. Cavalry, aged 30 years, 5 months and 16 days, of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY].

Died:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 12th inst. Betsey [Hubbell], aged 65 years.

Died:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 9th inst., Chas. Elmer [Barber], son of Charles Barber, aged 5-1/2 years.

Died:  At North Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 6th inst. Mr. James Benedict, aged 84 years.

Died:  In Buffalo [Erie Co., NY], of typhoid fever, on the 8th of Nov. Jessie Percival [Clarke], youngest daughter of Rev. Ethan Ray and Mary E. Clarke, aged 15 years.

Oxford Times, December 28, 1864

Married:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 22d inst. by Rev. J.C. Ransom, Mr. James H. Crosby of McDonough [Chenango Co., NY] to Mrs. Delia E. Rogers, of Guilford [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  In this town [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 21st inst. by Rev. E.H Payson, Mr. Charles L. Turner of Preston [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Julia Alice Bennett, youngest daughter of James C. Bennett, Esq. of Oxford.

Married:  In Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 18th, by Rev. W.G. Queal, Mr. Ray Isbell, of Guilford [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Mary A. Bradley of Morris [Otsego Co., NY].

Married:  In Coventry [Chenango Co., NY], on the 4th inst. by Rev. J.P. Turnbull, Mr. Addison King, of Sandford [Broome co., NY] to Miss Sylva Jane Andrews of Coventry.

Died:  Near Brushell, McDonough Co., Nov. 15, Mary C. [Green], wife of Wm. Henry Green.

Died:  In Preston [Chenango Co., NY], on the 23d inst., Miss Alida M. Rogers, aged 18 years.

Died:  In Sidney [Delaware co., NY], on 30th ult. Mr. Abram Mills?, an early settler of the town of Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], aged 87 years.

Vital Records, Norwich, NY, April 1865

 Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, April 19, 1865

Married:  In Columbus [Chenango Co., NY], April 3d, 1865, by Hiram Gritman, Esq., Mr. John Lowe, Jr., of New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Emma Spicer of Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  On board steamer Adriatic enroute from Morganzia to New Orleans, Feb. 25th, by Rev. Samuel Gardner, Capt. H.M. Ceydenwisp, 73d U.S.C.I. to Miss Sarah W. Hickox, of Bainbridge, N.Y. [Chenango Co.].

Died:  In Savannah, Ga., March 25th, Henry M. Hyde, Esq., of New York city, formerly of this village, in the 42d year of his age.

Died:  In Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], April 3d, 1865, Mr. Zebedee Yale, aged 73 years.

Died:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], April 7th, Mr. Noah Judd, aged 82 years.

Died:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], March 31st, Betsey [Dent], wife of Joseph Dent, aged 68 years, 11 months and 3 days.

Died:  At the Naval School Hospital, Annapolis, Md., March 23d, Mr. Joseph Down, of Co. E, 5th N.Y. Heavy Artillery, aged 25 years, son of Timothy Dowd, of Greene [Chenango Co., NY].

Died:  In Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], April 3d, Mr. Nelson Ireland, aged 48 years.

Died:  In Buffalo [Erie Co., NY], March 28th, Mr. Ansel H. Norton, of Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY].

Died:  In this town [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], March 5th, of diptheria, Theron [Smith], son of Alpheus and Ruth M. Smith, aged 1 year, 6 months.

The sweetest flowers must fade, / The brightest eyes grow dim; / That on which the heart is fondest laid, / Is soonest called to Him.

Thou art gone, our precious one! / Yes, darling Theron left our side, / To join his angel brothers and sister, / Among God's glorified.

They dwell with God forever and forever, / In gardens where celestial roses bloom. / Parents' hearts be strong!  Not lost your missing ones / Not lost, but gone before.

Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, April 26, 1865

Married:  DICKINSON - SMITH:  At North Pitcher [Chenango Co., NY], on the 12th inst., by Rev. E.N. Ruddock, Mr. William Dickinson and Miss Evelyn Smith, all of Pitcher.

Married:  WATROES - PARKER:  In Coventry [Chenango Co., NY], April 11, by Rev. Geo. P. Turnbel, Mr. S.B. Watroes, of Port Crane [Broome Co., NY] and Miss Eunice C. Parker, of Coventry.

Married:  KINNEY - LYON:  In McLean, N.Y. [Tompkins Co., NY] on the 2nd inst. by Rev. S. Crane, A.B. Kinney, M.D. of Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY] and  Miss Julia A. Lyon of Cortland [Cortland Co., NY].

Died:  ST. AMAND:  At Newbern, N.C., 3d of Jan. last of typhoid fever, Augustus St. Amand Jr., of Battery I, 3d N.Y.S.V. Light Artillery.  The deceased formerly resided in this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], and will be remembered by many of our citizens as a youth of excellent moral character and correct habits.  He found the Saviour as he himself trusted, while here, and united with the Congregational Church in this place when he was 17 years of age.

Died:  ROGERS:  In Smyrna [Chenango Co., NY] March 27, Mrs. Rhoda Rogers, aged 84 years and 3 months. She died in the full assurance that it would be well with her in the Spirit world.

Died:  WOOD:  In Lansing, Mich. April 9, Helen E. [Wood], only daughter of Abner and Cornelia A. Wood, aged 13 years, 9 months and 15 days, formerly of this place [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY]. The deceased was one of the brightest of Lansing's fair ones, foremost in everything among her associates, intelligent, accomplished, an idol in the family, and beloved by all who knew her.  Her early demise is felt throughout the entire community.  She was ill about two weeks.  May God in his infinite wisdom and mercy comfort the afflicted ones.

Died:  WOOD:  In Sacramento, Cal. 20th ult. Mary T. Wood, aged 31 years, formerly of Greene [Chenango Co., NY].

Died:  THOMAS:  In Mt. Morris, Livingston Co. [NY], 9th inst. Prof. J.A. Thomas, formerly of Greene [Chenango Co., NY], aged 38 years.

Happenings of the Times

Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, April 19, 1865

Death of the President

On receiving intelligence Saturday morning of the accumulated horrors that transpired at Washington on Friday night last, nearly all the places of business, all the public buildings, and many of the private dwellings in this village, were immediately draped in mourning; the bells were tolled at intervals throughout the day, and everywhere was evinced for the dead President the most profound respect, the deepest sorrow.  our citizens, or at least many of them, gathered in groups during day and discussed the terrible tragedy, or waited at the telegraph office for further news.  The event was regarded by all as a great public calamity, not less than the gross, horrible, sickening atrocity that it is, whether viewed apart from or in connection with the deep, far-reaching consequences that must inevitably follow from the act.  All felt that the nation was stricken, scourged, humiliated by the shocking crime.  All felt that we had lost a chief magistrate whose policy, if not acceptable in some respects, was at least understood, and promised in some way the ultimate restoration of the Union and the return of peace.  What is before us now none were bold enough to undertake to tell!

At the Churches on Sunday appropriate allusions were made to the sad event.  At the Episcopal Church, the Rector, Rev. E.Z. Lewis, delivered a most able, eloquent and touching extemporaneous address, coupling the death of the President with that of the beloved Bishop of the diocese, for whom the chancel had already been draped with emblems of mourning, and showing what these providences of God required of the Church and the nation.

At the Baptist Church, in the evening, short addresses were delivered by Rev. W.H. Olin and Rev. L.C. Queal, and by E.R. Prindle, Lewis Kingsley and Isaac Newton, Esqrs.  Some of these we are sorry to say, if our information is correct, were little better than partisan harangues, unsuited to the occasion and the place, the object being to turn the grief of the community into political channels for the benefit of the Republican party.  We have, however no heart for comment.  Such errors of taste and propriety can safely be left to the good sense and judgment of the community for correction.

The Assassin of the President

A gentleman familiar with the history of the Booth family has handed us the following in regard to the supposed assassin of the President:

Junius Wilkes Booth, the reputed assassin of the late President Lincoln, is the youngest son of Junius Brutus Booth, the celebrated tragedien.  The father was a native of Great Britain, and was by some believed to be the best actor of his day.  He was at time eccentric, if not insane.  Once, in the performance of a tragedy in the city of Mobile, he stabbed a brother actor, after which others of his profession refused to appear on the stage with him. The man Junius Wilkes Booth is a young brother of Edwin Booth and Junius Brutus Booth, both celebrated in the theatrical world, more especially Edwin Booth.  Junius Brutus Booth, the father, died somewhere on the Mississippi river about ten years ago, soon after his return from California, whither he had been to visit his sons, Junius Brutus and Edwin, who commended their theatrical career in the city of San Francisco, where they resided for ten or twelve years. The Booth charged with the assassination of the late president was never in California.  It is stated that he is a resident of Baltimore or Washington. 

Vital Records, Norwich, NY, April 1865

 Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, April 5, 1865

Married:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], March 22d, 1865, by Rev. S. Scoville, Mr. William H. Stewart to Miss Helen M. Huntley, both of Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  In Afton [Chenango Co., NY], March 19th, by Rev. W.G. Queal, Mr. George Bently, of Guilford [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Maryette Miller of Afton.

Married:  In Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], march 16th, by Rev. E. Curtis, Mr. Andrew Lowe, to Miss Huldah E. Balcom.

Died:  In this town [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], April 2d, 1865, Mrs. Mary L. Wicks, wife of Milton Wicks, and daughter of Joseph Skinner, aged 22 years.

Died:  In New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], March 25th, Mr. Francis E. Root, aged 30 years and 10 months.

Died:  In Pharsalia [Chenango Co., NY], March 19th, Mr. Almon M. Franklin, aged 21 years.

Died:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], March 23th, Mr. Whiting Edgerton aged 80 years.

Died:  At Lone Rock, Wis., March 17th, Lavina Jennette [Craig], wife of William Craig, and daughter of Monmouth and Lydia Purdy, formerly of Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY] aged 31 yrs.

Died:  In Salisbury Rebel Prison, Jan. 17th, Mr. Frederick Per Lee, son of Cuyler Per Lee Esq., of North Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], aged 21 years, of the 5th Heavy Artillery.

Died:  At the Army Square Hospital, Dec. 14th, of chronic diarrhea, Mr. Clark H. Woods, of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], a member of Co. K, 10th N.Y. Cavalry.

Died:  In Salisbury Prison, N.C., Feb. 8th, Mr. Charles E. Curtis of Co. B, 90th N.Y.V., late of McDonough [Chenango Co., NY], aged about 34 years.

Died:  At South Hadley, Mass., March 19th, 1865, Miss Catharine Hopkins, Principal of the Mt. Holyoke Female Seminary and sister of Charles Hopkins of this place [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], aged 30 years.

Died:  In Sherburne, Feb. 8th, Nettie P. [Rogers], wife of Charles E. Rogers, aged 21 years.  For months previous to her death her bodily sufferings were intense and severe, but she bore all with Christian patience. She leaves an affectionate husband and a large circle of friends who deeply mourn their loss. But they do not mourn without hope for their loss, we trust, is her infinite gain.

Died:  At White Store [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], March 15th, Grace [Brown], aged 4 years, only daughter of Louis and Harriet Brown, of Corning, N.Y. [Steuben Co.]

The icy hand of death / Was laid on cheek and brown. / And Grace, the cherished idol, lay / Beneath his shadow now. / "Oh Gracie, darling, leave me not!" / The anguished mother sighed; / "Hush mama! mama, please be still!" / The little sufferer cried.

"Dear brother Gracie's going home; / Be good, my darling one. / And give this kiss to dear papa, / Whenever he comes home." / "Now I will go to sleep, and soft / The blue eyes closed, the breath / Fluttered more faintly, then was still; / Sweet Gracie slept in death.

Blest sleep! to open those blue eyes / Where death can never come / To gaze with wonder and surprise / Upon her Heavenly home, / And looking back to the sad world, / To her darkened earthly home, / Is she not calling, brother dear, / Papa, mama, come home?

Died:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], March 21st, Mr. Myron Robbins, aged 55 years.  He lived respected and died regretted by all who knew him.  He lived in peace with his family, in peace with his neighbors, and in peace with his God for he was an exemplary Christian. This is the last tribute of respect than can be paid to him.  

Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, April 12, 1865

Married:  At the Rectory of Emmanuel Church, Norwich [Chenango Co.], on Tuesday April 4th, 1865, by Rev. E.Z. Lewis, Mr. Charles Henry Graves, of Norwich, to Miss Laura Lavinia Brown of New Berlin [Chenango Co. NY].

Married:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], March 29th, by Rev. L.E. Spafford, Mr. James A. Hopkins to Miss Mary Jane Walker, all of Oxford.

Married:  In McLean, N.Y., April 2d, by Rev. S. Crane, A.B. Kinney, M.D., of Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], to Miss Julia A. Lyon, of Cortland [Cortland Co., NY].

Died:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], April 10th, 1865, Eliza A. [Williams], wife of George W. Williams, of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], aged 24 years.

Died:  In North Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], April 6th, Mrs. Gertrude Titus, aged 68 years.

Died:  In North Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], March 31t, Thannie [Waters], only child of D.W. and Anna Waters, aged 1 year, 11 months.

Died:  In Afton [Chenango Co., NY], April 7th, Mr. Thomas M. Seward, formerly of North Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], aged 49 years.

Died:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], March 21st, Sally M. [Bunnell], aged 29 years.

Died:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 6th ult. Mr. Stephen A. Race, aged 69 years.

Died:  At the Naval School Hospital, Annapolis, Md., on the 22d ult. George Taft of Co B, 114th N.Y.S.V., aged 18 years, 4 months and 21 days, son of Stephen Taft of Greene.

Died:  In Charles City, Iowa, Feb. 10th, Charles Gorton [Holcomb], son of George and Sarah Holcomb, aged 6 weeks.  

Died:  At Falls Church, Va., Feb. 20th, Mr. Wells Hatch, formerly of Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], aged 70 years.

Died:  In Prison Hospital, at Salisbury, N.C., Feb. 8th, Mr. Charles E. Curtis, of McDonough [Chenango Co., NY], a member of the 90th Reg. N.Y.S.V., aged 31 years.  Feeling it his solemn duty to respond in person to his country's call for help, in her hour of sternest trial, with a brave heart and holy purpose he went forth, in September 1864 to join the noble Sheridan But not long did he follow the promptings of his patriotic heart.  Meeting the enemy at the battle of Cedar Creek, October 19th, he fell captive into their hands.  He was then taken to "Libby" for a few days, then removed to Salisbury, where, after more than three months of utmost sufferings, such as rebel ingenuity only can devise, kindly death came and set the prisoner free.  During this time, his loved wife and children in their pleasant home were constantly before his mind, from whom he had heard nothing since he left, and whom he desired so much to see.  His Bible was his constant and well tried friend, his solace and comforter, whose teachings he loved, and precepts obeyed.  through his illness, his sufferings were made much more endurable by the self sacrificing exertions of his brother-in-law, Jacob Gibson, who gave him every possible care, even sacrificing his own liberty for over three long months, that he might cheer by his presence, and soften his dying pillow. To him the friends of the deceased will ever owe a debt of gratitude, and they sincerely pray that the angel that seems waiting to bear him over the river of death, may stay its wayward fight, and leave the brave soldier a little longer with his friends.

Died:  At Gayaso Hospital, Memphis, Tenn. March 24th, of wounds received in battle, Mr. Delos W. Gazley, of the 11th N.Y. Cavalry, formerly of this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], aged 24 years.

Mr. Gazley was one among the first to volunteer for the War, and enlisted in the 17th N.Y.V., serving faithfully for the full term, with honorable mention for bravery at the battle of Chancellorsville, and was honorably discharged.  Again re-enlisting in the 11th N.Y. Cavalry, or Scott's 900, serving till the time of his death which was occasioned by a wound received in a recent skirmish, near Memphis, Tenn.  Mr G. was one of the first employees in this office, and left pleasant memories with his associates and companions, who strongly sympathize with his relatives in their sore bereavement.  He leaves a wife, but no children.  Oxford Democrat

Mr. Gazley served a part of his time as an apprentice in this office, and his death we believe, makes the fifth one of our former employees who have ended their career in the war.  He was a brave and impulsive soldier, and discharged every duty with fidelity and zeal. We sincerely deplore his loss, as do all who knew him.

Vital Records, Oxford, NY, November 1864

 Oxford Times, November 2, 1864

Married:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 21st ult., by Rev. J.C. Ransom, Mr. Chauncey Hubbard to Miss Alice A. Edgerton, both of Smithville [Chenango Co., NY].

Married: In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], Oct. 25th, by Rev. W.A. Smith, Mr. A. Simeon Parker of Coventry [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Kate A. Wheeler of Greene.

Married:  In Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], Oct. 25th, by Rev. W. G. Queal, Mr. Alanson Booth of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], to Miss Sarah Rhodes of Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  In Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 10th inst. by Rev. Wm. W. Andrews, Mr. Francis Bowen of Norwich [Chenango Co. NY], to Miss Emma J. Merrithew of Guilford.

Oxford Times, November 9, 1864

Married:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 5th inst., by Rev. W. C. Bowen, Mr. Daniel Campbell to Miss Hattie Ingraham, both of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  In Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], Oct. 23d, by Rev. Mr. Wadsworth, Mr. John H. Hebbard of Sherburne, to Miss Nettie H. Bentley, of Preston [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  In Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], on Oct. 11th, by Rev. I. Sperry, Mr. Gideon Lobdell of Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Olive Y. Cooley of Guilford.

Died:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 5th inst., Charles [Washburn], son of Mr. John Y. Washburn, aged 11 years.

Died:  In McDonough [Chenango Co., NY], on the 2d inst., Lucy F. [Lewis], wife of Mr. Clark Lewis, aged 29 years.

Died:  In Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], Oct. 26th, Mr. Byron Terry, aged 22 years and 7 months.

Died:  In Hospital at Winchester, Va. on the 13th Oct. of a wound received in battle at the above place, Corp. Calvin B Weld, of Co. E, 114th Reg., son of Luther Weld of Coventry [Chenango Co., NY], aged 23? years.

Died:  In Unadilla [Otsego Co., NY], on the 3d inst. Jerome A. Sands, Esq., aged 3-? years.

Elkanah Vinton, son of John Vinton, a farmer living just west of Afton village, Chenango county [NY], was accidentally shot from a gun in the hands of his brother, John, on Saturday last.  He was just leaving the house to go out hunting when the gun exploded, the ball passing through his left arm and quite through his body, causing death within a few moments.

Oxford Times, November 16, 1864

Death of Thomas D. Wright

The Binghamton Republican of Nov. 8th says:  Our community was painfully startled yesterday with the intelligence that Thomas D. Wright, Esq., of this village, was found dead in his bed in the morning, at Deposit [Delaware Co., NY].  Mr. Wright had addressed a McClellan meeting on Saturday evening and spent Sunday at the residence of the Catholic priest in that place, where he died.  Dr. Orton and Basset of this village were present at the Coroner's inquest.  Mr. Wright had been very actively engaged for weeks in stumping for McClellan and Seymour, and the excitements and exposures incident to such a service have proved too much for his excitable and delicate constitution.

Mr. Wright was a  native of Ireland, and came to this village [Binghamton, Broome Co., NY] many years ago in obscure and humble circumstances, from which by the force of his superior talents and energy he rapidly rose to high position and distinction.  He was for many years and until recently the partner of Hon. D.S Dickinson in the practice of the law, and sustained himself with distinguished credit in the extensive business of that firm.  He had also been a Director of the Erie Railroad.  He was a young man of much intellectual cultivation, acute and ready perceptions, superior critical powers, warm social qualities and ardent, generous -?-.  He leaves a wife, a daughter of Hon. John A. Collier, and three children, the youngest only a few weeks old.

Oxford Times, November 23, 1864

Died:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 5th inst., Charles [Washburn], son of John Y. and Sarah A. Washburn, aged 11 years.  This is the third son removed from this family by death within the short space of thirteen months.  the eldest John B. [Washburn] died of yellow fever, and was buried at Pensacola, Florida in Oct. 1863.  Joseph G. [Washburn] fell on the 19th of Oct. last at Cedar Creek, and sleeps with his brave comrades.  And now the boy whose lameness made him the object of tendered care, and whose amiable disposition rendered him an especial favorite, has gone to rejoin  e brothers and sisters in the better land.  "Leaves have their time to fall, and flowers to wither at the North wind's breath. but thou, thou hast all seasons for thine own, O death!"

Died:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], Nov. 16th, Mary Jane Carhart, of consumption, aged 35 years.  She gave her heart at the early age of ten years to the Savior, and soon after joined the Baptist Church, in whose communion she died.  As a Christian, her path was that of the just, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day. We prayed that the cup might pass by for a season, and Mary be spared to her friends, but in vain.  It was her destiny to descend the declivity to the tomb, but when she neared the eternal shores, she did not shrink back to life, though loved ones were to be left behind, but longed to depart and be where "Sickness, sorrow, pain and death, Are felt, and tested no more."  Mary was one of those even tempered, consistent Christian characters, whose piety commended itself to all.  Peacefully and quietly she passed over on the other side, to meet her Saviour and loved ones gone before her.  She leaves a companion, who never wearied of doing for her comfort. [rest unreadable]

Sergeant Fred Skinner

Among all those who have fallen a victim to the "Slaveholders" Rebellion, none have entered the war with a more loyal zeal or from more patriotic motives than Sergeant Fred Skinner, of the 114th N.Y.V.  Enlisting as a private, without any bounty, he served two years, without asking a furlough or shirking a single duty.  He fought at Port Hudson, suffered the toils and dangers of the Red River Expedition, passed unscathed through all of Sheridan's battles, till that of the 19th of October when he fell a martyr to the cause of Human freedom in the bloody carnage of Cedar Creek.

No father mourns him now, no mother weeps for her murdered son.  The orphan soldier boy has joined the loved ones gone before to the shadowy land.  A far separated sister and brother alone suffer their sad bereavement. But there are others who remember his virtues, and would mingle their tears with theirs.  He lived a patriot, he died for his country.  Sherburne News.

Oxford Times, November 30, 1864

Married:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 9th inst. by Rev. H. Garlick, Mr. Walter Riddell to Miss Annis F. Herrington.

Married:  In Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 6th inst., Mr. Perry Hood of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], to Miss Zidana E. Green of Guilford.

Died:  In South New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], on 5th inst., Mr. Chauncey Gibson, aged 48 years.

Died:  Killed in battle, near the Weldon Railroad, Va., Oct. 1st, Mr. Wm. A. Miles of McDonough [Chenango Co., NY], member of Co. K, 10th Cavalry, aged 21 years.

Died:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on 12th inst., Mr. Joseph Brown, aged 82 years.

Died:  In Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], on the 27th inst. Mr. Vinson Loomis, aged 65 years.

Died:  Killed on the 19th Oct. last, at the battle of Cedar Creek, Leroy N. Havens, of Co. A, 114th Reg. only son of Bradford H. Havens, of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], aged 24 years.

Happenings of the Times

Oxford Times, November 16, 1864

Abraham Lincoln & Andrew Johnson Elected president 

& Vice-President of the United States

Reuben E Fenton Elected Governor!

The thunder tones of victory have rent the clouds and the light of a new and joyful morning dawns upon the nation. The grand chorus of the States swells into harmony declaring the triumphant election of Lincoln and Johnson  The people decide that the government shall last, that the national standard shall not be lowered at the command of rebels and traitors, that in peace or in war the American, Republic can take care of her own affairs, and that she will resist the efforts of every nation on the face of the earth to intermeddle with the future of the United States of America.

The Empire State elects Fenton and Alvord, and the entire State ticket, a majority in the State legislature: 22 Union to 9 Democratic members of Congress.  She repudiates Seymour, and commends him to retirement, repentance, and a better mind.

Vital Records, Norwich, NY, March 1865

 Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, March 8, 1865

Married:  At Mystic Bridge, Conn., Feb. 15th, 1865, by Rev. Mr. Boyd, Mr. W.W. Noyes, of Mystic Bridge to Miss Prudence H. Palmer, formerly of Norwich, N.Y. [Chenango Co.].

Married:  In North Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], March 1st, by Rev. Mr. Hobbs, of Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], Mr. Isaac B. Per Lee, to Miss Laura A. Pellet, both of North Norwich.

Married:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], March 1st, by Rev. E.H. Payson, Mr. Charles Stratton to Miss Mary Kinney, all of Oxford.

Married:  At Little Falls [Herkimer Co. NY], Feb. 18th, by Rev. B.F. McGlanglin, Mr. William D. Adams, formerly of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Julia Farrell, all of Frankfort [Herkimer Co. NY].

Married:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], Feb. 21st, by Rev. H. Garlick, Mr. Leroy Rogers to Miss Fannie A. Salisbury, all of Greene.

Married:  In Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], Feb. 22d, by Rev. T.S. Compton, Lieut. George H. Baldwin to Miss Lucia A. Merchant, all of Guilford.

Died:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], March 5th, Mrs. Deborah Fairchild, wife of Nathaniel Eggleston, Jr., aged 51 years.

Died:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], March 5th, Mary [Curley], daughter of John Curley, aged 11 years.

Died:  In this town [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], Feb. 15th, of chronic diarrhea, Mr. Jasper B. Cheney, aged 26 years.

Died:  In this town [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], Feb. 25th, Eli [Gilbert], only son of George M. Gilbert, aged 9 months.

Died:  In Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], Feb. 1st, Erma L. [McAlley], daughter of Edwin and Clarissa McAlley, aged 1 year, 3 months, 27 days.

Died:  In Clinton [Dutchess Co., NY], Feb. 23d, Mrs. Phila Gridley, relict of the late George Gridley, in the 71st year of her age.

Died:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], Feb. 19th, Mr. Richard Smith, aged 87 years.

Died:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], Feb. 23d, Abigail [Hackett], wife of Daniel Hackett, aged 73 years.

Died:  In East Greene [Chenango Co., NY], Feb. 25, Mr. Elijah Fenton, aged 80? years.

Released:  The friends of Capt. Chas. Underhill, 114th Regiment N.Y. Vols. will be glad to learn that his name occurs in the list of officers lately released from Richmond.  Capt. Underhill graduated from Madison University, in 1862, and having a few days previously accepted a lieutenant's position in the 114th regiment, his friends on commencement day, presented him with a sword on which occasion Hon. Aldrick Hubbell made the presentation speech.  At the time of his capture, he was Judge Advocate of the 19th army corps.

Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, March 15, 1865

Married:  At the home of the bride, in Edmeston, Otsego co. [NY], March 8th, 1865, by Rev. B.B. Carruth, Mr. Hiram S. Wait, formerly of Norwich, to Miss Mary  M. Hopkins.

Married:  In New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], March 5th, by Rev. J.H. Chamberlin, Mr. H.G. Stevens to Miss Lestina St. John, both of Guilford [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  In South New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], March 8th, by the same, Mr. Michael V. Shippey of New Berlin to Miss Sarah A. Palmerton, of Tompkins, Delaware Co. [NY].

Married:  In Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], Feb. 2d, by Rev. E. Curtis, Mr. Isaac W. French to Miss Isadora A Geer.

Married:  In Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY], FEb. 19th, by Rev. C.T. Moss, Mr. Charles Havens, to Miss Emma Johnson.

Married:  In Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], March 1st, by Rev. W.G. Queal, Mr. Hiram P. Hovey, of Guilford, to Miss Lydia S. Ireland of Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  In Columbus [Chenango Co., NY], Feb. 21st, by Rev. T.M. Williams, Mr. Calvin Lee of Greene [Chenango Co., NY], to Miss Samantha Jones of Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY].

Died:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY] March 10th, 1865, suddenly, of an affection of the lungs, Loria [Burrows], wife of Henry Burrows, and daughter of the late Jabez W. Throop, of Schoharie, aged 60 years, 2 months and 10 days.

Died:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], March 12th, of inflammation of the lungs, Mr. Harry Pellet, aged 55 years.

Died:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], March 11th of diptheria, Frankie [Eldredge], son of Frederick D. and Amanda Eldredge, aged 3 years and 11 months.

Died:  At the residence of John W. Aylesworth, in this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], March 8th, Marshal Seymour [Isbell], only child of Seymour and Anice Isbell, aged 7 months and 21 days.  "God calls the choicest flowers away, / To bloom with him in endless day."

Died:  On Hart's Island, New York Harbor, march 2d, Mr. Merrit C. Shaver, of the 9th N.Y. Heavy Artillery, formerly of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], aged 23 years, 4 months 10 days.

Died:  In Montrose, Pa., Feb. 20th, Susan M. [Hatch], formerly of this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], aged 45 years.

Died:  At Cahoes Falls [Albany Co., NY], Feb. 8th, Sarah J. [Fisher], wife of Burdett Fisher, of North Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], aged 19 years.

Died:  In Smyrna [Chenango Co., NY], Feb. 24th,  Mr. Isaac Bill, aged 88 years, 11 months and 7 days.

Died:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], March 5th, Flora Augusta [Russell], adopted daughter of Rev. Bishop A. Russell, aged 3 years and 7 months.

Died:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], Feb. 25th, Mr. Robert Fenton, aged 85 years.

Died:  In Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], Eunice [Alcott], wife of Joseph Alcott, aged 60 years.

Burned to Death

On the 27th ult., Mrs. Van Etten, wife of P.H. Van Etten, of Portlandville, Otsego county [NY], was boiling pitch in a tin can for the purpose of making chewing gum.  She seized the can with her apron to remove it from the house, which she had no sooner done than her person became enveloped in flames. She ran through the hall to another part of the house, crying for help; then back and out in the open air, then back into the house, and finally out again into a wood room adjoining, and threw herself into a wood box.  Here others came to her help, threw a blanket over her, and water upon her, but too late.  The accident occurred a little past 12 o'clock M., and she died before eight in the evening. She was entirely conscious up to the moment of her death, and contrary to what might be supposed suffered but little pain.

Poisoning

George Tracy, of North Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], the young recruit who was recently poisoned at the Castle Garden Barracks, New York, by eating poisoned food, we regret to say, is dead.  His age was only 16.  It is stated that after his arrival in the city he bought of a woman who was peddling just outside the gate of the barracks half a dozen cakes.  Five of these he ate himself and one he gave to one of the guards that went with him from here.  Shortly after eating the cakes, Tracy and the guard were taken sick, the symptoms showing that they had been poisoned.  They were taken to the hospital, and Tracy died on Thursday last.  The guard, whose name is Smith, has been very low, but will probably recover. We hear that there have been fourteen cases of this kind, and from the same cause, at the Castle Garden Barracks.

Soldier's Letter, Civil War, July 1863

 Chenango American, Greene, NY, July 30, 1863

Letter from John C. Stoughton - 114th NY Infantry Regiment

We are glad to learn that John C. Stoughton was not killed in the battle at Port Hudson on the 14th ult, as we noticed last week.  He was taken a prisoner.  We are permitted to publish the following letter from him.

Donaldsonville, La., July 11, 1863

Dear Sister:  I received yours of May 3d, while encamped in the woods near Port Hudson and begin to think it about time to answer it.  You will excuse me this time I guess, when you hear what tedious times I have had for the last three weeks.

We were called up about one o'clock on the morning of June 14th, and marched around to the left.  Just as we got there the fight commenced.  The 4th Wis., 28th Conn., and 91st N.Y., deployed as skirmishers and charged on the fort.  Payne's Brigade and our Brigade were to support them, but it was an awful place to charge, logs, ravines, pitfalls slightly covered with brush, and the steady and terrible storm of bullets and buckshot made it slow work, and by the time the 114th charged up the slope, the ground was covered with the dead and wounded.  Col. Smith was mortally wounded, Capt. Tucker killed, and when Lieut. Searls, being in command of the Regiment, rallied us for the last charge I thought the chances rather against me, but determined to reach the parapet of the fort unless ordered to halt by a bullet.  Of all that started I believe I was the only one that jumped into the moat unhurt, but as it appeared I jumped out of the frying pan into the fire, for the works were so constructed that the rebels could rake the moat from several directions.  After jumping into the moat I was completely at the mercy of the enemy as they could put bullets at me from several directions,  I ran up into a corner where I thought to be tolerably safe, and calculated to wait until a sufficient force came on, and then charge over the parapet with them , but they did not appear.  Here I found a dozen men and a Lieut, who being badly wounded and at the mercy of forty rebels, had surrendered.  They ordered me to sit down and keep still or they would all be shot.  I thought under the circumstances "discretion the better part of valor," and therefore laid down and went to sleep.  About 11 A.M. our forces had withdrawn and the Rebels leveled a sufficient number of rifles at our heads and bade us walk in, which we did with the best possible grace.  After relieving us (about forty) of our extra side arms and accoutrements, they marched us up to the Provost Marshal's Office, took our decriptive list and marched us into a six sided enclosure built of spiles, some twenty feet high.  Here we found about thirty prisoners taken previous to this fight.  They welcomed us very cordially and gave us corn to eat, that being all the provision present at the time. We were reinforced in the course of the day by ten or twelve more, but there was not a man from the 114th in the whole crowd except your humble servant, and therefore I had the responsibility of representing that glorious regiment, and of course I did it to the best of my ability.

After a few days they took us uptown near the headquarters of Gen. Gardner, and put us in a room not a quarter large enough; the windows were barred up sufficient to keep out the fresh air, and we had nothing to lie upon but the bare brick floor.  If it had not been for our faith in Banks, and our spunk, the time would have passed rather slowly.  As there was nothing to sit upon, the officers in charge of us very considerately gave us permission to get a couple of benches form the church, and I made up my bed after that on one of them.  Being destitute of dishes, having left my things in camp, I had to borrow of the more fortunate. After a while I bought a plate, made a wooden spoon, and happening to have some Confederate treasury notes, I bought a rebel blanket, price $5, and then considered myself fixed. We were divided into 4 squads of 21 each and a cook appointed from each. They were allowed to go outdoors under guard to cook.  Our regular rations now consisted of sour meal made into what we called mush, or hasty pudding, and molasses for breakfast, beans or stock peas (I believe they are raised only for mules and cattle) and a little salt junk for dinner, and mush for supper. We also made corn coffee and parched corn whenever the commissary would condescend to give us any corn to parch.  You may think this rather light rations, but we had no exercise at all and we kept our health to a man, but came out looking not quite so dark colored as when we were marching up and down the Teche last spring.

After a few days, the rations began to decrease, and from 28 pounds of meal a day, we were reduced to 15, and the beef disappeared altogether.  We expected Gen. Banks in on the 4th, sure, but were disappointed, but we knew they could not hold out much longer. The rebel officers offered to parole us, but we concluded we would stay with them and help them eat their scanty fodder.  The sick, wounded and missing now averaged 100 per day, the beef and bacon had failed, and the news of the capture of Vicksburg, all combined, induced Gen. Gardner on the 8th to send out a flag of truce and negotiate a surrender.  We were set at liberty at 5 A.M. July 9th and I immediately found myself on one of the transports that had come down from their anchorage a few miles above, putting down the beef steak, cold ham, bread, coffee, &c. at a rate not to be beat in this department.  After satisfying the terrible cravings of my stomach, I with considerable difficulty got up the bluff to witness the surrender of 4,000 rebels and then began to look for Weitzel's old brigade and the 114th, which I soon found.  Many were the exclamations of surprise at seeing me alive as I afterwards found the report had been circulated that I was dead and buried. I found all the boys in our company alive, but some 15 wounded.

At 5 P.M. Weitzel's Division, consisting of our brigade and 4 others, embarked on steamers and landed here yesterday morning at 8 o'clock.  Gen Taylor, taking advantage of the absence of our troops had got reinforcements and captured Brashaer City (knapsacks and all) and the country from there up Bayou Lafourche, and tried to take the fort at this place, but was repulsed by the brave little garrison consisting of only 2 companies and a few convalescents of the 26th Maine. The rebels are only a few miles down the Bayou, said to be fortifying.  I don't anticipate much of a fight but think Weitzel will bag the whole of them. We will probably go down to Thibodaux and Brashear and retake those places.

Since landing here we have pitched into the green corn, tomatoes and other vegetables at a rate that would probably astonish the natives if there were any around.  We are having jolly good times now, and I think fasting 3 or 4 weeks has done me good.  My appetite is rather hard to satisfy, but I shall get down onto my feed after a while, I think.  We are having nice cool weather now, and are enjoying life hugely.

I almost forgot to say the rebels killed a few mules to eat for a few days before the surrender, and of course I ate a little, just to be in fashion.  It was first rate, a great deal better than poor Texas beef.

Well, I am getting short of paper and must close. Give my respects to all inquiring friends.  Hoping the downfall of Vicksburg and Port Hudson will have a crushing effect on this miserable war, I remain your affectionate brother,  John C. Stoughton.

Vital Records, Oxford, NY, October 1864

 Oxford Times, October 12, 1864

Married:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], n the 4th inst., by Rev. J.C. Ransom, Mr. Thaddeus R. Ranney to Miss Hattie D. Mills, both of Guilford [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 4th inst. by Rev. W.C. Bowen, Mr. Nelson J. Turner of Oxford to Miss  Helen B. Ives of Guilford [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 3d inst. by Rev. Mr. Robinson, Mr. Ezra B. Wheeler to Miss Mary A. Delamater, all of Greene.

Married:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 3d inst. by Rev. M.S. Wells, Mr. Elias Hayes of Greene to Miss Elizabeth Lawrence of Lewisborough, N.Y. [Westchester Co.]

Married:  In Coventry [Chenango Co., NY], on the 20th ult. by Rev. Wm. A. Smith, Mr. T.D. Parker to Miss Addie E. Smith, all of Coventry.

Died:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], Sept. 23d, of consumption, Martha B. [Hull], wife of Edwin A. Hull, aged 31 years.

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

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

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

Levi Parker, an old and greatly esteemed citizen of Coventry, died at his residence in that town on the 3d inst., under very aggravating circumstances.  Mr. Parker supposing that he was taking paregoric from a small vial, through mistake swallowed a portion of aconite from a vial quite similar in appearance, which caused his death in little more than two hours.  He was immediately aware of his mistake, and retained his consciousness to the last, dictating his will and calmly disposing of his affairs, he firmly met his fate.  He leaves a large circle of friends and neighbors to mourn his sad and sudden death.

Oxford Times, October 19, 1864

Married:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 14th inst. by Rev. W.C. Bowen, Mr. Henry A. Bradley to Miss Emily Beebe both of Guilford [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 12th inst., by Rev. J.C. Ransom, Mr. David W. Bartle to Miss Marcia S. Willoughby, all of Oxford.

Married:  In Solsville, Madison Co., N.Y. on the 11th inst. by Rev. A.H. Marshall, Mr. M.V.N. Brown of Oxford, N.Y. [Chenango Co.] to Miss Sue E. Edgarton of the former place.

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], Sept. 13th, Mr. Consider Brown, aged 69 years, leaving a wife and only daughter to mourn their irreparable loss.  Mr Brown was a man universally respected, and beloved by all who knew him in the intimate relations of father, husband, brother and friend.  Faithfully, and tenderly he cared for his own household, until he was disabled by disease, and his every act, and thought was for the good of those around him.  He leaves to those he loved the best legacy, a name unstained, and the assurance "that for him to die was gain."

Oxford Times, October 26, 1864

Married:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 27th Sept. by the Rev. S. Scoville, Mr. Merrit N. Thompson of Oxford, to Miss Ella Brushell of  Norwich.

Died:  In Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 17th inst. Susan C. [Hovey], wife of Mr. Hiram P. Hovey, aged 27 years.

Died:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY],. on the 21st inst., Mary White, relict of Jeremiah White, aged 59 years.