Vital Records, Home Sentinel, Afton, NY 1876/7

 Home Sentinel, Afton, NY, April 8, 1876

Married:  TERRY - SAUNDERS:  By L.S. Russell, Esq., at his residence in Sanford [Chenango Co., NY], May 22d, Orrin W. Terry to Hattie K. Saunders, both of Colesville [Broome Co., NY].

Died:  Infant son of John and Sarah Skelly, on Sunday, the 23th ult. aged 19 months.

Card of Thanks:  Mr. and Mrs. J. Skelly desire to tender their sincere and heartfelt thanks and prayer for Divine favor through our columns to their friends for their kind assistance rendered in the sickness and burial of their deceased child.

Died:  In Afton [Chenango Co., NY], May 29th inst., Daniel Bond aged 55 years, 4 months and 27 days. He has gone to his rest, / His labor is done. / He now dwells with the blest  / Through the Father and Son. /   A Relative

A Sad Accident:  About 8 o'clock last Monday, train 12 going east, struck and fatally injured Daniel Bond, a workman on this section of the road.  It seems the men were repairing the track about 2-1/2  miles of this place [Afton, Chenango Co., NY], and as the train came near, they all stepped off the track.  Mr. Bond, seeing some tool left behind reached for it just as the engine came up to them, when the cross beam or cylinder struck him on the side of the head, crushing the skull.  He lived probably 60 minutes and expired.  Dr. Hayes was summoned, and was prompt to attend the call, but the poor man breathed only a few moments after he arrived.  He was about fifty-two years of age, and leaves a family to mourn his loss.

Home Sentinel, Afton, NY, November 4, 1876

Joel Crofut, of Colesville [Broome Co., NY], died on Sunday last.  He was thrown from his wagon about three months ago, and has been failing ever since, probably from internal injuries.

Home Sentinel, Afton, NY, January 20, 1877

Died:  LANE:  In Bainbridge, on the 14th of January, 1877, L.M. Lane, aged 30 years.

Chenango [Broome Co., NY]:  We hear of a number of cases of scarlet fever in our midst.  Samuel Wheeler lost a son last week by this dread disease, and has other children sick with it.

Otsego [Otsego Co. NY], Mrs. S.P. Butler, of Deposit [Delaware Co., NY], mother of Mrs. A.J. Barlow, died very suddenly of heart disease last Saturday.

Vital Records, Oxford, NY, October 1865

 Oxford Times, October 18, 1865

Marriages

In New Lisbon [Otsego Co., NY], on the 12th inst. by Rev. E.M. Blanchard, Mr. L. Augustus Knott of this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], to Miss Rosa Weeden, the adopted daughter of Samuel Weeden, Esq., formerly of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY].

In Afton [Chenango Co., NY], on the 1st inst by Edgar Garret, Esq., Mr. Watson L. Wilsey of Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], to Miss Mary E. Wilsey of Cooperstown [Otsego Co., NY].

In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], Sept. 26th, by Rev. E.Z. Lewis, Mr. William Crozier of Norwich, to Mrs. Rowena A. Waters of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY].

In Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 3d inst. by Rev. Mr. Queal, Mr. Dubois Bennett to Miss Olive P. Hicks, all of Guilford.

Deaths

In German [Chenango Co., NY], on 13th inst. Keturah J. [Banks], daughter of Walter O. and Angeline Banks, aged 5 years.

In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 9th inst. Edmund L. [Carter], son of Jeremiah Carter, aged 22 years.

In Coventry [Chenango Co., NY], on the 1st inst. Mr. Ira S. Beardsley, aged 77 years.

In Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], on 8th inst. Dea. Elihu Smith, aged 62 years.  On the 28th ult. Otis Smith, aged 60 years. On the 18th ult. Alva Alis [Smith], son of Otis Smith, aged 10 years.  On the 22d ult. Mary Bell [Smith], daughter of Otis Smith, aged 5 years.  On the 24th ult., Wm. Bradford [Smith], son of Otis Smith, aged 14 years;  all of typhoid dysentery.

In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on 2d inst. Mr. Michael Brennan, aged 34 years.

In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 21st ult. Mr. John P. Pendleton, aged 38 years.

Oxford Times, October 25, 1868

Marriages

In Mt. Upton [Chenango Co., NY], on the 12th inst. by Rev. W.W. Andrews, Mr. C.S. Graves to Mrs. A.C. Green.

In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 11th inst by Rev. R. Patterson, Mr. Anson? Mead of North Norwich to Mrs. Elmira Wait of Norwich.

In Coventry [Chenango Co., NY], on the 11th inst. by Rev. Mr. Turnbull, Mr. Edgar A. Pearsall to Miss Marietta Moon, both of Coventry.

In Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY], on the 17th inst. by Rev. B.H. Brown, Mr. Joseph Crandall to Miss Carrie Aldrich.

In Afton [Chenango Co., NY], on the 15th inst. by Rev. B.H. Brown, Mr. Charles David, of Bradford Co., Pa., to Mrs. Esther L. Hamlin of Afton.

Deaths

In Greene [Chenango Co., NY] on the 16th inst. Mary [Jamison], wife of Mr. Samuel Jamison, aged 62 years.

In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 17th inst. Charles H. [Hall], son of Henry Hall, aged 13 years.

In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY] on the 16th of Oct. Elisha [Breed], daughter of Abel Breed of Guilford, aged 17 years.

In McDonough [Chenango Co., NY], on the 1st inst. Caroline E. [Hill], wife of Hiram Hills, aged 22 years.

In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 13th inst. Eddie? B. [Burlingame], only son of Etas? and Harriet Burlingame, aged 6 -?-.

Vital Records, Norwich, NY, October 1865

 Oxford Times, October 4, 1865

Marriages

In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 24th ult., by Rev. W.C. Bowen, Mr. George B. Foote of Coventry [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Katie A. Ford of Greene [Chenango Co., NY].

In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 19th inst., by Rev. J.C. Foster, Mr. Palmer Rich of South New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss G.P. Osgood of Preston [Chenango Co., NY].

In Guilford Center [Chenango Co., NY], on the 19th inst. by Rev. S. Keeler, Mr. Lanson S. Ferris to Miss Matilda Carhart of Guilford.

In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 26th ult. by Rev. F. Rogers, Mr. Charles A. Winsor to Miss Frances E. Anderson, both of Guilford [Chenango Co., NY].

Deaths

In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 26th ult. Randolph B. Chamberlin, aged 56 years.

In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on 23d ult. Mr. Horace Bard, aged 50 years.

In East Pharsalia [Chenango Co., NY], on 21st ult. Abigail [Grant], widow of the late J.J. Grant, aged 42 years.

Strange Affair:  A bright little girl of about six years was left at the house of Charles Willcox in this town, last Wednesday evening.  The account which the little stranger gave of herself was not very satisfactory.  She represented that she came from Iowa, or some Western state, and that a man brought her in a wagon to the house of Mr. Willcox, and went away immediately after leaving her.  when Mr. Willcox first saw her, she was standing by the stove in the kitchen, and no clue has yet been obtained as to the person who left her or the circumstances.  She displayed no particular emotion at being left, but on the contrary seemed quite satisfied if not contented with her lot. We understand that Mr. Willcox has reported the case to the Overseers of the Poor of the town.  Altogether the affair is very strange.

Oxford Times, October 11, 1865

Marriages

In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on 21st Sept. by Rev. L.E. Spafford, Mr. Samuel Daily of Coventry [Chenango Co., NY] to Mrs. C. J. Benedict of Coventry.

In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 24th Sept. by the same, Mr. N.E. King of Hamilton [Madison Co., NY], to Miss A.E. Houghton of Oxford.

In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 9th inst. by the same, Mr. Madison Sayles of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Elcy C. Nicholson of Preston [Chenango Co., NY].

In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 1st inst. by Rev. J.C. Ransom, Mr. Francis M. Harrington to Miss Julia E Potter both of Greene [Chenango Co., NY].

In Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], on the 8th inst. by the same, Mr. Seymour S. Taft of Triangle [Broome Co., NY] to Miss Lottie A. Mallory? of Smithville.

In Unadilla [Otsego Co., NY], on the 17th ult. by Rev. S .Smith, Mr. John G. Wheeler to Miss Sarah M. Lamphere, both of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY].

In Pittsfield [Otsego Co., NY], on 24th ult. by Rev. E.D. Thurston, Mr. James R. Bartholomew of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Delila Persons of Pittsfield.

In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 25th? ult. by Rev. F. Rogers, Mr. John R. Juliand to Miss Cecelia L. Read, all of Greene.

In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 3d inst. by Rev. F. Rogers, Mr. Lewis St. John of Binghamton [Broome Co., NY] to Miss Augusta C. Palmer of Greene.

Deaths

In Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], on the 5th inst. Frances [Dimock], only daughter of Brown and Ursula Dimock, aged 20 years, late of this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY].  Again from our midst the dark angel has taken one whose rare qualities of mind and heart endeared her to all who knew her in the intimate relations of daughter, sister and friend.  Four weeks of painful agonizing illness at length terminated in death, leaving to those who loved her precious memories of the past, and of hopes of reunion in the land where sickness and sorrow are unknown.

"Oh heavy grief! whose palsying touch / Shatters the hopes that seemed so fair! / Oh hungry grave! that claims so much / Of love's best treasures, sweet and rare! / Look up sad hearts for lo! the child / So loved, so mourned, has found her rest, / A spirit pure and undefiled / safe sheltered in The Father's breast."

In Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], on the 21st ult. Miss Mary Tryon, aged 42 years.

Oxford Times, October 4, 1865

At his residence in this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 1st inst., Henry VanDerLyn, Esq., aged 81 years, 5 months and 9 days.

Mr. VanDerLyn was born at Kingston, Ulster co., N.Y. on the 21st day of April, 1784.  He graduated at Union College in May, 1802, and soon after commenced the study of the Law in his native place, where he remained for more than two years.  Thence he repaired to New York, and entering there upon the study of his profession with that zeal and energy characteristic of the man, he prepared himself for grappling with the vexed questions which were afterwards to demand his attention in a new country, away from kindred and friends, and in an untried field of labor.  Emigrating to the "far west" in 1806, in May or June of that year, he arrived at Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], then a wilderness, where was to be the scenes of his early life and labors as an Attorney at Law, and where in the Providence of God, after a life of activity and labor of more than fifty-nine years, he was amid scenes so changed, after beholding the growth of a prosperous village, and the country about him changed from a wilderness to bright fields, and the abodes of a happy husbandry, to close his days, as he had hoped gently, with malice towards no one, with a heart filled with kindness and love to all.

Mr. VanDerLyn was among the few who in the early history of this State, received a liberal education, and finding in the place of his settlement an institution of Learning, he gave early attention to its welfare, and was for many years its zealous friend, trustee and supporter.  Ever diligent and unwearied in the course which he had marked out for himself, he never wearied in doing well for that institution, and Oxford Academy owes to him and a few other early supporters, much of its present high standing and usefulness.

As a counsel he was studious and untiring, thorough in his examinations and uncompromising in his conviction of right.  As an advocate clear and concise in his statements of law and fact, and eloquent in the presentation of his views to the minds of a jury.

Mr. VanDerLyn's best eulogy however may be found in the later years of his life.  Retiring from the arduous and busy labor of his profession many years since, he devoted the remaining years of an already advanced age to the enjoyment of a competence early acquired, and to a desire and sincere effort to make all around him happy.

Early education and strictly correct habits had strengthened a naturally robust constitution to such a degree that while old in years, he was mentally and physically youthful, and brought to his declining years that cheerfulness of manner and temper, and that buoyant and hopeful disposition which robs age of all its terrors, and clothes it with the brightness and joyousness of the early spring of life.

At peace with the world, seeking forgiveness for the errors of the past, hopeful and confident of the future, with a youthfulness of feeling few have ever felt, he awaited the coming of death which comes once to all.

Thus, one by one of the landmarks of the past disappear, one after another of the living mementoes of a by-gone age pass away.  To those like Mr. VanDerlyn we may well look for examples of that indomitable energy and perseverance which makes the man, for that kindness of heart which makes the Christian, that cultivated cheerfulness of mind which robs death of its sting, and those rare qualities of the heart and mind which triumphing over the weakness of the body enable their possessor to pass away from earth with well assured hopes of an immortality bright and blissful. Setting his house completely in order he awaited with fortitude and complacency His summons, who gives and taketh away, and on the 1st instant calmly entered upon that rest which remaineth for the people of God.

Vital Records, Norwich, NY, April 1866

 Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, april 18, 1866

Marriages

In South New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], March 11th, by Elder Foster, Mr. L.B. Sherwood, of Salamanca, Cattaraugus Co. N.Y. to Miss Sybil E. Sage of New Berlin.

In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], April 11th, by Rev. L.E. Spafford, Mr. John A. Stratton, to Miss F.F. Cole, both of Smithville [Chenango Co., NY].

In Earlville [Madison Co., NY], April 9th, by Rev. W.N. Cobb, Rev. L.V. Ismond, of Oneida Conference, to Miss Annie E. Nash, daughter of A.B. Nash, of Earlville.

Deaths

In this town [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], April 15th, Miss Miriam E. Aldrich, daughter of S. Alton Aldrich, aged 18 years.

In North Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], April 16th, Mr. Charles C. Pike, aged 22 years.

In Smyrna [Chenango Co., NY], April 6th, of membranous croup, Mary Blanche [Shepard], only child of Willis and Hattie B. Shepard, aged 5 years and 11 months.

In German [Chenango Co., NY], Mrs. Arasctha Manwaring, wife of the late Giles Manwaring, of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], aged 69 years.

In Washington D.C., April 6, of consumption, Dr. H.G. Gibbs, formerly of Norwich, N.Y. [Chenango Co.].  Mr. Gibbs was of late years, we believe, a resident of Connecticut.  His boyhood and much of his early manhood were spent in this, his native place.  During the late civil war he was an Assistant Surgeon in the army.  He was an intelligent, upright, honorable gentleman, and his loss will be deplored by all who knew him.  His age was about 36.

Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, April 25, 1866

Marriages

In Pitcher [Chenango Co., NY], April 9th, by Rev. E.N. Ruddock, Mr. David Mathewson to Miss Maria E. Darling, all of Lincklaen [Chenango Co., NY].

In Etna, Tompkins Co. [NY], March 19th, by Rev. J.G. Brooks, Mr. Charles Darling, to Miss Martha F. Bennett, all of Lincklaen.

In East Pharsalia [Chenango Co., NY], March 24th, by Rev. L. church, Mr. Levi Sanford, of McDonough [Chenango Co., NY], to Miss Emily Grant, of the former place.

In East Pharsalia [Chenango Co., NY], April 15th, by Rev. L. Church, Mr. L.D. Van Talsell, to Miss  Mary Bradley, both of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY].

Deaths

In North Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], april 17th, Mr. Calvin C. Pike, son of the late Carlos K. Pike, aged 22 years, 5 months.

In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], suddenly, April 16th, Mr. William C. Parker, aged 43 years.

In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], April 12th, Ranslow [Westover], youngest child of Clarissa and the late Ranslow Westover, aged 7 years.

In Pharsalia [Chenango Co., NY], April 2d, Metta [Maxfield], daughter of Andrew and Laura D. Maxfield, aged 5 years and 5 months.

Murderous Outrage and Robbery, Norwich, NY, April 1866

 Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, April 25, 1866

Murderous Outrage and Robbery

Nearly Eight Thousand Dollars Stolen--Escape of the Villain, or Villains

On Wednesday afternoon of last week our citizens were startled by news of a murderous outrage and robbery, perpetuated almost within sight of the village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY]

Mr. David Pellett, an old and respected resident of the town, living about a mile and a half from this place, in the direction of Plymouth, this Spring sold his farm and converted it into money and securities, with a view of going to reside in his decling years with his children in Illinois.  He had also been selling off his hay, stock, &c, with the same purpose.  He had, in short, nearly completed his arrangements for moving, his furniture being boxed up and himself and wife ready to start on their journey, when the affair happened that we are now to relate.

A few weeks ago, one of Mr. Pellet's sons by a former wife, Wilson [Pellet], who is about thirty years of age, and resides in Illinois, arrived here with a view of helping the old man settle up his affairs and of accompanying his parents to their new home in the west.  He is recently from Philadelphia, where he has been through the winter attending a medical school, though last from Illinois.  He is comparatively a stranger here, having been home to his fathers only at long intervals, and then on brief visits, during the last twelve or fifteen years.

On Wednesday last, the 18th inst., about 11 o'clock, A.M. Mr. and Mrs. Pellet came to the village in a wagon, leaving Wilson at home.  The house, which is an old-fashioned two-story frame dwelling, fronting the longest way on the road is occupied by Mr. Walworth, the purchaser of the place, and his family, except the south end, which is still used by the Pellet family.  Soon after the old folks had left, Wilson observed, while standing outside near a window, some one on the knoll or hill back of the house beckoning him to come in that direction.  On this knoll, thirty or forty rods from the house, is a hay barn half filled with hay, the other half having been removed.  At first Wilson paid little attention to the motions made to him, but thinking the person might wish to purchase the remaining hay, he started to go to him.  This, he thinks, was about half-past 11 o'clock.  Mrs. Walworth things it was about 12 that he passed through the house to go out of doors.

On arriving on the knoll Wilson found the person had gone into the barn, which was a few rods beyond, where he followed him.  Here he found over in the empty half of the bay - the hay had been cut straight down through the middle of the mow crosswise with a knife leaving the half of the bay nearest to the house empty to the floor - a stranger, whom he describes as being a good-looking man, about six feet tall, with dark or swarthy complexion, white, regular teeth, black, snaky eyes, and dark "Burnside" whiskers and mustache, and well dressed in black or dark clothes.  He also wore on one hand a glove.  The stranger told Wilson he wished to purchase the hay, and under pretense of measuring or examining it induced him to step over into the bay.  A little conversation ensued in regard to the price, when the stranger remarked "your father and mother have gone to the village" and almost immediately continued, "see!  there they come."  At this, Wilson turned and placed his eye to a crack in the barn to look out for his father, when he was suddenly struck down by a blow from behind, with what is thought to have been a slung shot.  The blow was sufficient to break through his hat and render him insensible.  The villain then jammed his handkerchief into Wilson's mouth and searched his pockets for money, finding about $600, which he took.  He then applied hartshorn to his victims nose, and deliberately brought him to, at the same time presenting a pistol to his head and demanding to be told where his father's money was. Desperate as the circumstances were, Wilson insists that he did not tell, but refused, bidding the robber do his worst; yet from the robbery which followed it is inferred that the information might have unknowingly escaped him in his half unconscious condition.  But, as he alleges, on his refusal to tell he was again knocked insensible, this time the blow or blows being on the front part of the head, near the temple.  This is the last that he remembers until he was found, some hours afterwards, in the spot where the outrage took place, still unconscious.

Mr. Pellet and his wife returned home about 3 o'clock.  On entering their room they found one window open, and another with the curtain down.  Looking further, they discovered that a bureau or secretary had been broken open, from the pigeon-holes under the lid of which all of Mr. Pellet's money and government bonds, amounting to nearly $7,000, had been taken!  Wilson was also missing.  On enquiring for him of the family in the other part of the house, he was told that about noon he had gone towards the barn.  The old man followed in the same direction, and there in the barn, on the loose hay at the bottom of the bay, he found Wilson, in his unconscious state.  Nearby was Wilson's pocket book, open and empty; also a button or two that had been torn from his coat, and other signs of the rough work that had been done.  With the assistance of a neighbor, whose help was readily procured, Wilson was carried to the house, where sensibility was soon restored, accompanied, however, by a good deal of excitement, and some delirium.  Dr. C.M. Purdy, of this village, was immediately called in, who did all that it was possible to do to restore the patient and mitigate his sufferings. Friends staid with him through the night.  His mind wandered, but at lucid intervals he gave substantially the account of the outrage upon himself that is narrated above. Through Wednesday night and Thursday he was thought to be in a dangerous condition, but is now better, with every prospect of a full and speedy recovery, unless it be one eye, the optic nerve of which seems so much injured as for the present to destroy its sight.  On Thursday several persons who were thought to answer, at least in part, his description of the robber, were taken in to him, but he acquitted each without hesitation, and they were honorably discharged from arrest.

Whoever the villain was, unless there were more than one, he must have gone to the house and perpetrated the robbery there after committing the assault on Wilson at the barn, and he evidently entered and made his exit through the south window, which he left open.  The window, Mr. Walworth thinks was shut when he (W.) passed around that end of the house on his way to dinner, and consequently must have been raised and the robbery perpetrated about the time the Walworth family were at table in the extreme north-west portion of the building.  This may account for the fact that no noise was heard when the bureau was broken into, though Mrs. Walworth thinks if she had heard a noise in the Pellet part of the house, it would not have attracted her attention, as she should have though it Wilson at work.  But it is strange enough to excite astonishment, that with all those people about, a neighboring house and family within ten or twenty rods, and the public road directly in front, this bold robber should have been seen by no one, as he went in open view at mid-day from the barn to the house, a distance of thirty or forty rods, or as he made off with his ill-gotten plunder.  The whole transaction is surrounded with a seemingly impenetrable veil of mystery.

Whether there were more than one person engaged in the affair is also uncertain.  The man who beckoned to him, Wilson says, was dressed in soldier's blue.  The man whom he found at the barn was rather of a genteel villain, dressed in black.  If there were two, one must have kept himself hid while the other made the assault.

On the day of the robbery, a stranger who was thought in some respects to meet Wilson's description of the villain, was seen hereabout under what were considered suspicious circumstances.  On being followed to Oxford, he was ascertained to be a person well-known, and to be engaged in a perfectly legitimate business.  With this exception, and that of the persons here who were carried before Wilson for identification, suspicion has taken no particular direction  Mr. Carpenter, the sheriff, and officers Hoyt, Sturges and Gartser have been indefatigable in attempting to get a clue to the robber, but thus far without a shadow of success.  Officers and citizens are alike at a stand.

Wilson, we understand, expresses the opinion that he had seen the villain's face before, and thinks it may have been on the cars or in Chicago.  It is possible, as his business in coming here was well known, that he had been followed for the purpose of committing the robbery.  The loss of his father's money and bonds was not made known to him until a couple of days after the affair took place.

The property taken from Mr. Pellet was all in U.S. bonds, except a few hundred dollars in money.  Two of the bonds were payable to his own order; the others were payable to bearer.  The robbery does not leave Mr. Pellet in destitute circumstances, but it is a severe blow to him in his old age.  He has offered a reward of a thousand dollars for the arrest of the thief and recovery of the property.

The exciting question now is, who is the good-looking villain, tall, well proportioned and well dressed, who wears Burnside whiskers, and carries slung shot, pistols and hartshorn, for the purposes of his trade?  Is he a foreign villain or a domestic one?  Is he a Man or a myth?  We hope these questions may be answered in due time.

Vital Records, Norwich, NY, April 1866

 Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, April 4, 1866

Marriages

In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], March 22d, by Elder S.S. Hayward, William J. Leslee, Esq., of Kalamazoo, Mich. to Miss Emma D. [Hayward], only daughter of the officiating clergyman.

In Columbus [Chenango Co., NY], March 6th, by Hiram Gritman, Esq., Mr. George P. McDonald to Miss Antoinett Robinson, both of Smyrna [Chenango Co., NY].

In North Pitcher [Chenango Co., NY], March 25th, by Rev. R.O. Beebe, Mr. Adelbert Howe, to Miss Emeline Pierce, both of Otselic [Chenango Co., NY].

In Butternuts [Otsego Co., NY], March 21, by Rev. N. Ripley, E. McClintock, M.D. of Morris [Otsego Co., NY] to Miss H.E. Morse, of Butternuts.

Deaths

At the residence of her son-in-law, Joseph Collins, in Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], March 31st, Elizabeth [Wilcox], widow of Whitman Willcox, aged 74 years.

In East Greene [Chenango Co., NY]\, March 26th, Mr. Hiram Bartoo, aged 67 years, 11 months and 16 days

In Pharsalia [Chenango Co., NY], March 21st, of consumption, Mr. Caleb G. Breed, aged 60 years.

O, weep not for the friends that pass / Into the lonely grave, / As breezes sweep the withered grass / Along the restless wave. / For though thy pleasures may depart, / And mournful days be given, / And lonely though on earth thou art, / Yet bliss awaits the holy heart, / When friends rejoin in heaven.

At Concord Station, Erie County, Pa., March 11th, Alice May [Fredenburg], only child of DeWitt C. and Fanny M. Fredenburg, formerly of Plymouth, Chenango County, N.Y., aged 2 years, 10 months and 10 days.

Painful Death of a Child:  A child aged about two years, the son of Henry Mowry of this town [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], died suddenly last Wednesday, from strangulation caused by obstruction of the windpipe by a piece of chestnut shuck, some time during last fall, and which had since caused occasional severe fits of coughing and choking.  Oxford Times

Chenango Telegraph & Chronicle, Norwich, NY, April 11, 1866

Marriages

VAN BUREN - PEASLEE:  In Milford [Otsego Co., NY], March 25, by Rev. B.B. Carruth, Geo. C. Van Buren of Laurens [Otsego Co., NY], to Carrie O. Peaslee, of Maryland [Otsego Co., NY].

COOK - WOODBECK:  By the same, April 3d, in Laurens [Otsego Co., NY], E.H. Cook of Otego [Otsego Co., NY], to Maryette Woodbeck, of Oneonta [Otsego Co., NY].

BROWN - LUCKTON:  In Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY], on 25th ult. by Rev. D.D. Brown, Francis M. Brown to Flora M. Luckton, both of Otselic [Chenango Co., NY].

BAKER - KNOWLES:  In Smyrna [Chenango Co., NY], 27th ult. by Rev. D.D. Brown, Charles L. Baker to Jennie Knowles, both of Smyrna [Chenango Co., NY].

WHITE - HARVEY:  In Earlville [Madison Co., NY] on 12th ult. by L.E. Carpenter, Esq., John White to Hannah M. Harvey of Pharsalia [Chenango Co., NY].

HUMPHREY - FRAY:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], March 31, by Rev. L.E. Spafford, Carlton Humphrey to Fannie Fray, all of Oxford.

PLACE - HARRINGTON:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], March 28, by Rev. Wm. C. Bowen, Frank Place, Lieut, Col. of the 157th Reg. of N.Y. Vols to Sarah S. Harrington, of Kalamazoo, Mich.

WILLIAMS - BRIGGS:  At Coventryville [Chenango Co., NY], Feb. 27, by the Rev. G. P. Turnbull, Clement Williams to Laura Briggs, both of Coventryville.

HOWE - PIERCE:  In North Pitcher [Chenango Co., NY], March 25, by Rev. R.O. Beebe, Adelbert Howe to Emeline Pierce, both of Otselic [Chenango Co., NY].

REED - HOLT:  In New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], March 29, by Rev. John Jones, Mr. John Reed to Alice Holt, all of Sangersfield, N.Y. [Oneida Co.]

Deaths

FOOTE:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY] on the 7th inst. Mrs. Harriet H. Foote, relict of the late Isaac Foote, Esq., aged 82 years.

MOWRY:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], March 22d, George H. Mowry, aged nearly two years.

HENRICH:  In Pittsfield [Otsego Co., NY], on the 9th inst. Cynthia A. [Henrich], wife of Hiram F. Henrich, and daughter of Lewis Angell of New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], aged 41 years.

HOYT:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 3d inst., Deacon Chancey Hoyt, aged 68 years.

HOVEY:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 1st inst. John E. Hovey, aged 55 years.

COHOON:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], suddenly, on the 1st inst. Wm. R. Cohoon, aged 54 years.

LEACH:  In East Greene [Chenango Co., NY], April 3, Eliza Ann [Leach], wife of Hiram Leach, aged 63 years.

BARTOO:  In East Greene [Chenango Co., NY], March 26, Hiram Bartoo, aged 68 years.

BREED:  In Pharsalia [Chenango Co., NY], March 21, Caleb G. Breed, aged 66 years.

DIXON:  In Preston [Chenango Co., NY], March 29th, Milton Dixon, of Smyrna [Chenango Co., NY], aged about 65.

FINKS:  In Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], april 1, Jennie C. Finks, daughter of Wm. and Sarah A. Finks, aged 1 years, 2 months and 13 days.

Vital Records, Oxford, NY, September 1865

 Oxford Times, September 6, 1865

Marriages

In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 30th ult. by Rev. F. Rogers, Mr. Leroy Davis to Miss Martha L. Winter, both of Greene.

In Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], on the 15th ult., by Rev. M.G. Wadsworth, Mr. Charles Miles of Virgil to Miss Nettie C. Williams of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY].

In Sherburne [Chenango Co. NY], on the 17th ult. by the same, Mr. Charles D. Crowell to Miss M. Maria Carpenter, both of Sherburne.

In Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], on the 20th? ult. by the same, Mr. John Ames to Mrs. Susan C. Willey?

In Coventry [Chenango Co., NY], by Rev. Geo. Turnbull, Mr. William Seeley to Miss Anna Kelley, both of Coventry.

Deaths

In Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], on the 21st ult. Miss Mary Tryon, aged 42 years.

In Army Square Hospital, Washington, D.C., June 23d, Mr. Lewis H. Sweet, a member of Co. C 8th N.Y. Cavalry, and son of C.K. Sweet of Coventry, aged 25 years.

In Rockdale [Chenango Co., NY], on 20th ult. Mason [Clark], second son of John A. and Sarah Clark, aged 1 year 7 months.

In Pharsalia [Chenango Co., NY], on 27th ult. Chauncey [Brooks] son of John and Cynthia Brooks, aged 2 years.

In McDonough [Chenango Co., NY], on the 22d ult of diptheria, Mr. Almeron Blivin aged 27 years.

Oxford Times, September 13, 1865

Marriages

In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on 8th inst. by Rev. J.C. Ransom, Mr. George Thompson of Otselic [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Ann M. Rogers? of Preston [Chenango Co., NY].

In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 6th inst., by Rev. F.H. Payson, Mr. Albert C. Green of Canterbury, Conn. to Miss Mary E. Bemis of Oxford.

In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 5th? inst. by Rev. E.Z. Lewis, Mr. Wm. W. Gordon of Delhi [Delaware Co., NY] to Miss Gertrude M. Hill of Norwich, and daughter of the late John Hill, Esq., of McDonough [Chenango Co., NY].

In North Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 6th inst. by Rev. F.B. Peck, Mr. Nathan W. Rider of Norwich, to Miss Hattie L. Main of North Norwich.

Deaths

In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], Sept. 3d? of consumption, Mr. Avery Stratton, aged 22 years.  The deceased was a young man just coming up on the active duties of life, with bright prospects opening before him.  But ah, All Wise and Inscrutable Providence saw fit to cut short his earthly career, and thus fill the hearts of surviving friends with sadness and sorrow.  But they mourn not as those that have no hope.  He who has been thus stricken down in early manhood has left  him the comforting assurance that for him to die is gain.  "Blessed are the dead who died in the Lord."

In Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY], on 1st inst. Mr. Sidney S. Cox aged 50 years.

In Corning [Steuben Co. NY], on the 8th ult. Harriet A. [Brown] formerly of Norwich, aged 33 yrs., 

In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY] on 3d inst. Mr. Sheldon Bishop, aged 60 years.

In Mt. Upton [Chenango Co., NY], on 20th ult. Laura A. [Colburn], wife of Leonard N. Colburn, aged 38 years.

Oxford Times, September 20, 1865

Marriages

In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY] Sept. 13th, by the Rev. W.C> Bowen, Mr. Watson Smith to Miss Jennie Lenox, both of Greene [Chenango Co., NY].

In this village [Chenango Co., NY], on 12th inst. by Rev. J.C. Ransom, Mr. Samuel Sannick to Mrs. Lucy Franklin, both of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY].

In Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], on the 6th, by Rev. Mr. Keeler, Mr. Branch Morgan to Miss Patience Smith, both of Bainbridge.

In Lincklean [Chenango Co., NY], on the 6th, by Rev. F.N. Ruddock, Mr. Milah Hill of McDonough [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Caroline C. Carr of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY].

Deaths

In Smithville [Chenango Co., NY] on 17th inst. Alanson Pratt, Esq., aged 71 years.

In Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], Aug. 30, Mr. Myron Warner, aged 26 years.

Oxford Times, September 27, 1865

Marriages

In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY] on the 19th inst. by Rev. W. Ayrault, at the bride's residence, Dr. R.E, Miller to Miss Roxey M. Westover.

In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co. NY], Cyrus B. Steere to Miss Julia A. Scott, both of Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY].

In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], Sept. 20th, by the Rev. W. C. Bowen, Mr. William Huntley to Miss Dora T. Wells, both of Oxford.

In Zion Church, in Greene [Chenango Co., NY] on the 11th? inst. by Rev. F. Rogers, Col. W.G. Welch to Miss Susan E. Dederer, all of Greene.

In Guilford [Chenango Co., NY] on the 5th inst. by Rev. W.G. Queal, Mr. Joseph Thursten to Miss E.O. Nash, all of Guilford.

In Coventry [Chenango Co., NY] on 12th inst. by Rev. A.J. Buell, Mr. Oliver P. Judd of Coventry to Miss Fanny M. Di...matter of Afton [Chenangoi Co., NY].

In Fort Plain [Montgomery Co., NY] on the 13th? inst. by Rev. H. Baker, Stanford C. Gibson, M.D. of South New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Kate E. Failing? of Fort Plain.

Deaths

In Pharsalia [Chenango Co., NY], on the 16th inst. Mr. Wm. S. Nye, aged 54 years.

In Preston [Chenango Co., NY], on the 13th inst., Sally L. [Surdam], daughter of John M. and Polly C. Surdam, aged 15 years.

In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 10th inst. Thomas [Williamson], son of W. and Charlotte Williamson, aged 18 years.

In Coventry [Chenango Co., NY], on the 13th inst., Mr. Philo Yale, aged 90 years.

Vital Records, Norwich, NY, March 1866

 Death Notices from the Chenango Union for March 1866 have been previously posted and can be found by searching on March 7, 1866; March 14, 1866 and March 21, 1866.

Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, March 7, 1866

Marriages

Married:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], Feb. 21, by Rev. S. Scoville, Mr. Loren H. Janes, ot North Norwich, to Miss Alice Burrell, of Norwich.

Married:  In Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], Feb. 1, by Rev. C.S. Crain, Mr. Leroy Patchin to Miss Marion May, all of Guilford.

Married:  In Otego [Otsego Co.., NY], Feb. 14, by Rev. W.H. Birdsall, Mr. C.D. Brown, of Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], to Miss May J. Flint, of Otego.

Married:  In Afton [Chenango Co., NY], Jan. 27, by Rev. B.H. Brown, Mr. Amasa B. Waters to Miss Betsy Terry, both of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  At the Voorhees House, Syracuse [Onondaga Co., NY], Feb. 27, by Rev. Geo. M. Hills, Mr. Joseph M. Willcox, to Miss Laura Tucker, both of Syracuse.

Married:  At the residence of Charles Doran, Esq., in North Pitcher [Chenango Co., NY], Feb. 21, by Rev. R.O. Beebe, Mr. Wesson Newton of Pharsalia [Chenango Co., NY], to Mrs. Amelia M. Weeks, of North Pitcher.

Married:  In Albany [Albany Co., NY], Feb. 26, by Rev. E.L. Magoon, Mr. William H. Bishop to Miss Agnes Campbell.

Chenango Telegraph & Chronicle, Norwich, NY, March 7, 1866

Deaths

WATKINS:  In Otselic [Chenango Co., NY], Jan. 6th, Lucy Ann Watkins, aged 14 years and 9 months.

BOSWORTH:  In Pharsalia [Chenango Co., NY], Feb. 25, George Bosworth, aged 75 years.

Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, March 14, 1866

Marriages

Married:  At the Noyes House, in this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], March 7, by Rev. S. Scoville, Mr. George Tilson to Miss Angeline M. Beebe, both of Morris, Otsego Co. [NY].

Married:  In Pharsalia [Chenango Co., NY], March 6, by Rev. J.H. Barnard, Mr. Lyman P. Rogers, of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Emily Brown, of Pharsalia.

Married:  In Afton [Chenango Co., NY], Feb. 28, by Rev. B.H. Brown, Mr. Luman L. Lane to Miss Margaret Lyon, both of Bainbridge [Chenango C o., NY].

Married:  In Binghamton [Broome Co., NY], Feb. 28, by Rev. P.S. Worden, Mr. L. Adelbert Peck, formerly of Greene [Chenango Co., NY], to Miss T. Delphine Masten, of Binghamton.

Married:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], March 1, by Rev. J.C. Ransom, Mr. Albert Sanders, of Poolville [Madison Co., NY], to Miss Amanda C. Cooley, of Oxford.

Married:  At the Felt House, in Earlville [Madison Co., NY], March 10, by Rev. L.V. Ismond, Mr. Orville C. Wilkinson, Jr., to Miss Jeannette M. Lamb, all of Sherburne.

Married:  In East Pharsalia [Chenango Co., NY], March 12, by Horace L. Barnes, Esq., Mr. Morell Scranton, to Miss Mary E. Frink, both of Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY].

Chenango Telegraph & Chronicle, Norwich, NY, March 14, 1866

Died:  BROWN:  At her late residence in Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], Feb. 22d Mrs. Elizabeth Brown, aged 83 years.  She was born in Stonington, Connecticut, and in the year 1800 removed with her husband, Mr. Hezekiah Brown, to this place, and settled on the farm on which she lived at the time of her death. She had been a member of the Baptist Church over fifty years, and was a silent, but steadfast believer in the religion of Jesus Christ.

Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, March 21, 1866

Marriages

Married:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], March 13, by Rev. S. Scoville, Mr. Daniel H. Sumner, of Norwich to Miss Mary M. Smith of New Berlin.  [Chenango Co., NY]

Married:  In Pitcher [Chenango Co., NY], March 6, by Rev. C. Barstow, Mr. Robert Cooper, of Pitcher, to Miss Betsey Orcutt of Solon [Cortland Co., NY].

Married:  In Pitcher [Chenango Co., NY], March 13, by Rev. J.H. Barnard, Mr. Devillo Davis, of Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY], to Miss Eliza L. Kenton, of Pitcher.

Married:  In North Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], Feb. 22 by L.E. Carpenter, Esq., Mr. John White, to Miss Hannah Mary Harvey, both of Pharsalia [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  In McDonough [Chenango Co., NY], Feb. 6, by Rev. W. R. Cochrane, Samuel E. Newcomb, Esq., of Willet, Cortland co. [NY], to Mrs. Lucinda Sweetland, of McDonough.

Married:  In Union Broome Co. [NY], Feb. 25, by C. Newell, Esq., Mr. Jacob S. Stalker of Owego [Tioga Co., NY] to Miss Elizabeth Coffin of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], March 8, by Rev. J.C. Ransom, Mr. J.C. Lewis, of McDonough [Chenango Co., NY], to Mrs. Mary E. Gridley of Guilford [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  In Unadilla [Otsego Co., NY], March 3, by Rev. T.P. Halstead, Mr. Ira W. Hall, of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], to Miss Mary L. McPherson, of Otego [Otsego Co., NY].

Married:  In Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], March 13, by Rev. Wm. Russell, Mr. Porter E. Whitney, to Miss Loesa M. Youngs, both of Sherburne.

Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, March 28, 1866

Marriages

Married:  In this town [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], Feb. 28th, by Rev. J.H. Chamberlain, Mr. Horatio P. Angell of New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Lizzie [Curtis], only daughter of George Curtis, Esq., of Norwich.

Married:  In this town [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], March 22d, by Rev. R.A. Paterson, Mr. Abner R. Holcomb to Miss Julia E. Thompson, all of Norwich.

Married:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], March 19th, by the same, Mr. Albert Garrison, to Mrs. Fannie L. Brewster, all of this place.

Married:  In Cortland, Ill., March 11th, by Rev. B.S. Williams, Mr. George W. Churchill, to Miss Adakesya Williams, only daughter of the officiating clergyman.

Married:  In South Otselic [Chenango Co., NY], March 5th, by Rev. R.O. Beebe, Mr. Charles M. Barritt of North Pitcher [Chenango Co., NY], to Miss Malissa M. Hill of South Otselic.

Married:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], March 20th, by Rev. L.E. Spafford, Mr. George A. Mallory to Miss Lucy E. Bradley, all of Oxford.

Married:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], March 16th, by Rev. E.H. Payson, Mr. H.D. Landon, to Miss Satie Clark, both of Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], March 20th, by Rev. J.B. Hyde, Mr. Albert Whitmarsh, to Miss Malissa Driscale, all fo Greene.

Deaths

Died:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], Feb. 11th, Mary [Maxim], daughter of Mrs. Almond Maxim, aged 11 years.

Died:  In Butternuts [Otsego Co., NY], Miss Sarah A. Thompson, formerly of North Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], aged 37 years.

Died:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], March 18th, Clarissa [Race], wife of William Race, aged 64 years.

Died:  In Guilford [Chenango Co., NY]\, March 17th, Miss Hannah Sheldon aged 64 years.

Died:  In Pittsfield [Otsego Co., NY], March 9th, Cynthia A. [Henrick], wife of Hiram F. Henrick, and daughter of Lewis Angell of New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], aged 34 years.

Soldier's Letter, Civil War, 114th NY Regiment, July 1863

 Oxford Times, August 12, 1863

Letter from the 114th NY Infantry Regiment - Surrender of Port Hudson

Donaldsonville, La., July 15th, 1863

Mr. Editor:  Our success of Port Hudson, so soon after the fall of Vicksburg and the still glorious news of Lee's defeat, inspires the troops with new zeal. Their buoyant spirits know no bounds. We had an engagement here on the 13th with the troops of Dick Taylor. The object was to retreat and call the rebels out of their position; the battle lasted only a short time, but the loss is considerable on both sides, and we think equal. They lost the most men and took the most prisoners. The next morning our Cavalry started out to see the position of the enemy, but returned after a scout of 15 miles, finding nothing of the enemy.  Gunboats have retaken Brashear city, and the small force between here and there of the enemy is surrounded by our troops and will soon be gobbled. We see here nothing that can make us think the back bone of this rebellion is not broken, and we hope hostilities may soon cease. 

But it is sad to think how the rebel troops are deceived. the day before Port Hudson surrendered the paper that was printed there declared Gen. Banks to be the besieged party, stating that Johnson was in his rear, and his whole army must be taken.  On the next day, the 8th, Gen. Gardner surrendered the Port. We met the enemy half way between the breastworks, and many of them asked what the flag of truce was for, and on being told that the Port was to be surrendered they ridiculed the idea, often making the enquiry where Johnston with his forces were, and did not believe the Port was to be surrendered until we marched in and they stacked arms.  

One of the smart tricks of the rebels I must mention. there were many new made graves, and on opening some of them, some thousands of Springfield Rifles and several pieces of artillery were found to have been killed in action, or at least were buried with the dead.  

I will mention one little joke that took place before the surrender of Port Hudson. The pickets were so close together they could converse with ease, each behind a breast work, and both agreed not to fire, While each of the pickets were on the breastworks, and our men at a little distance planted a battery. After some hours one of the rebel pickets says "get down there."  Gen. Gardner says "fire, its only a d---d yankee trick," and amid a shout and a burst of laughter hostilities again commenced.

One question I wish to ask is who the copperheads are, and what they want.  They are not democrats for we have plenty of them here, and patriotic men.  They are not republicans because I claim that honorable name myself.  Who are they?  Are they peace men?  If so, let them make peace, but not by compromise with traitors in arms. The patriotism of the 114th is not gone, yet. Their numbers are now only 536 men for duty when we left Port Hudson.  Any man or company of men North can cry peace, but how are they going to obtain it by acknowledging the independence of the Southern Confederacy. Then the blood of the noble sons they have sent here to crush out this rebellion has flowed in vain, and been spilt for naught. The soldier is for peace, but on honorable terms. The Union we can't give up, for peace friends, nor home.  Our motto is, lay down arms, else the only argument is the cannon's mouth.  Home and friends we prize in times of peace above all things on earth.     B.

Vital Records, Norwich, NY, March 1866

A Remarkable Family

Many years ago a Mr. Davis migrated from the Eastern States and settled in Chenango County [NY], having a farm, and keeping a [inn] house, four miles east of Sherburne village, for years.  He drove the first wheeled carriage that distance from the east into the woods.  He raised ten children, eight boys and two girls, all of whom are still living.  Four of the sons still live in Chenango County, and the others are scattered in different parts of this State.  Mrs. H.C.Coon, of Syracuse [Onondaga co., NY] is a daughter of Reuben Davis, and the brothers arranged to meet at her home there, as the most central and easy point of access for a reunion, which took place some ten days ago.  The eight brothers had their photographs taken in a group at Marble's Gallery.  Their ages amount in the aggregate to the extraordinary sum of 576 years, being an average of 65 years and 9 months each.  Each of the boys remained with their father until 21 years old, and although all of them were brought up in a hotel, neither of them ever smoked or chewed tobacco or ever was intoxicated. They are all farmers and well off in worldly goods.  Such a family is seldom raised, and more seldom meet under such circumstances, after having been once scattered.  One of the sisters lives in the west part of the State, and the other in California.  The ten have had 36 children, 28 of whom are still living.

Telegraph & Chronical, Norwich, NY, January 17, 1866

Obituary of Francis M. Peck

Died:  In New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], Aug. 17th, 1865, Francis M. [Peck], son of Philip Peck and a member of Co. H, 17th Regiment N.Y.S.V., aged 21 yrs 2 months and 17 days.

A youth of ardent temperament and enthusiasm on the breaking out of the war, he enlisted April 27th, 1861 in the company raised by Capt. Tyrrel and went with his comrades as far as New York, where he was taken sick with typhoid fever. The disease settled in the spinal column, paralyzing the lower extremities, and reduced to a mere skeleton, he lay in the hospital seven weary months.  His friends finally succeeded in getting him home alive, and although by the sill of his physicians and care of relatives, he became better for a time, yet he never stood on his feet again, and by the tenacity with which disease clung to his system it was gainfully evident that he, too, must soon be added to the long list of those who have laid down their lives in defense of our country.

After more than four years of suffering, which he bore with a patience and fortitude that would have done honor to the veterans of many battlefields, this young soldier, knowing the efforts of physicians were baffled, and the kindness and prayers of friends of no avail, carefully arranged his affairs and bade his sorrowing parents and brothers a last farewell.  He died happy in the full assurance of a hope in the Saviour and a blessed immortality.

May that ever kind Providence who directs all things for the best, sustain the doubly afflicted parents and brothers (still mourning for the death of another son and brother, Wm. H. Peck, aged 23 years and 8 months, killed at the battle of Resaca while nobly volunteering to bring in a wounded comrade) in this distressing affliction.