Soldier's Letter, Civil War, 114th NY Regiment, February 1864

 Oxford Times, March 9, 1864

Letter from the 114th NY Infantry

Franklin, La., Feb. 12th, 1854

Editor Times:  Thinking that perhaps you would like to hear a few words from the 114th, and matters connected with the army of the Gulf, I now take my pen in hand to write as my thoughts may direct.

The army, now under the command of Major General Franklin, is pleasantly encamped on the banks of Bayou Teche, around Franklin.  Probably shall remain here some time yet, for we expect our tents will come on the boat by tomorrow.  The Teche country has the name of being the richest tract of land in the State of Louisiana, denoted for its heavy growth of sugar cane.  Some plantations yield from six to seven hundred hogsheads of sugar annually. The town of Franklin is situated about twenty-eight miles from Brashear City and is the parish seat of Parish St. Mary.  Here lies the ruins of the gunboat Diana, which was burnt by the rebels after the battle of Bisland, our first campaign through the country. Above the town three or four miles is a large plain called the "Indian Bend." Here we have had a number of skirmishes with the enemy which resulted in a defeat of the rebels.  Here the bayou Teche takes a curve and is lost from view amid the wide spreading branches of the live oak, whose brawny limbs are encircled by moss common to the Southern clime.  Off as far as the eye can reach appears the lofty chimney of the sugar mill, while more at the left, herds of cattle are seen quietly grazing the tender grass.  Above this place twenty miles is situated the pleasant town of New Iberia, it being the head of navigation.  Here the rebels once had a foundry where they cast their shot and shell and used them on us at the battle of Bisland, but they were not sufficient to check the determination of true patriots.  At New Iberia we were encamped some time, but it was not long before everything in the shape of forage had played out.  Orders then came for us to march.  It happened to be cold and wet when we started, and consequently the mud was knee deep.  Onward we moved at the rate of seven or eight miles per day.  Wagons were left standing in the roads sunk in over the hubs.  Soldiers were seen straggling hither and there, bound to make the best of it, for it is not every day that we are subject to such marches, but as good luck would have it, we reached Franklin in pretty good order.

Then came a time of general fixing up.  Soldiers were seen coming in from all quarters with a goodly supply of lumber on their backs, while the bayou was filled with numerous rafts floating down the bayou to camp, some loaded with brick that they had smuggled from "massa's" sugar mill.  Others had tables and chairs all for the comfort and amusement of the soldiers.

The regiment is now in good health and is under the command of Lieut. Col. Morse.  We go through the regular routine of camp life such as the drill in the manual, facings and bayonet exercise.  Co. H are now doing Provost duty at Brigade Hd. Qr's and are under command of Provost Marshal Capt. York.  There are a number of our boys strung along the bayou as safeguard for the different plantations, two left for home today on a furlough, such being granted to those that are unfit for duty. We are favored with the best of weather, but little rain has fallen since being here.  It reminds one of the month of May, when everything in nature seems to spring forth with life, and it is seldom that you see many lying idle. While not on duty some are writing, others pass away the time in reading, some in conversation in regard to political movements.  Who will be our next candidate for the Presidency is one of the important questions of the day.  Upon this subject I ask to be excused, but I do know if honest, Old Abe ever runs again, the 114th will give him a large majority.

Yours, Respectfully, H.D.M.

________________________________________

The author of this letter is possibly Henry D. Mason.  The Adjutant General report for the 114th gives the following information about him:

MASON, HENRY D.—Age, 20 years. Enlisted, August 13, 1862, at Oxford, to serve three years; mustered in as sergeant, Co. H, August 14,1862; killed in action, October 19,1864, at Gedar Greek, Va.  

Death of soldiers in the 114th Regiment:  A large circle of friends and our entire community were made sad last week by the tidings of the death in the late battle under Sheridan, of Joseph G. Washburn, Henry D. Mason, and Chas. F. Green of this village [Oxford, Chenango Co. NY].  They were young men of whom we were all justly proud, and it is hard to give them up.  But they died in the path of patriotic duty, and challenge at once our admiration and our tears.  They sleep in hero graves. They live in patriot hearts.  [Oxford Times, Nov. 2, 1864]

Vital Records, Norwich, NY, December 2 & 9, 1868

 Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, December 2, 1868

Marriages

In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], Nov. 17th, by Rev. S. Scoville, Mr. Aden Williams, to Mrs. Sarah Rogers, both of this village.

In Smyrna [Chenango Co., NY], Nov. 15th, by Rev. A.M. Colegrove, Mr. Joseph Vollmer to Miss Almira Reynolds, all of Smyrna.

In German [Chenango Co., NY], Oct. 30th, by Rev. E. Holroyd, Mr. L.E. Stanley, of German, and Miss Anna Cole, of West Monroe, Oswego Co. [NY].

In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], Nov. 23d, by Rev. F. Rogers, Mr. A.B. Bennett, of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], to Miss Maggie B. [Rouse], youngest daughter of the late Austin Rouse, of Oxford.

In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], Nov. 17th, by Rev. J.C. Ransom, Mr. John Cline, of East Smithville [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Caroline Brigham, of Mcdonough [Chenango Co., NY].

In Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], Nov. 25th, by Rev. A.M. Bennett, Mr. Lester W. Vail, of New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], to Miss Emma Tuttle, of Sherburne.

In Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], Nov. 22d, by Rev. D.B. Collins, Mr. A.S. Bennett of Fillmore, Allegany Co. [NY] to Miss Melissa Manning.

Also, by the same, Nov. 24th, Mr. Egbert Joralemon of Coeymans, Albany Co. [NY] to Miss Sarah E. Phinney, of Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY].

Also, by the same, Nov. 25th, Mr. George R. Searles to Miss Ruby C. Davis.

In Peru [Clinton Co., NY], Nov. 19th, by Rev. G.R. Davis, Eli H. Wilcox, Esq., of Brownville, Nebraska (formerly of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY]) to Annie E. Caldwell of Inland, Iowa.

Deaths

In Mt. Upton [Chenango Co., NY], Nov. 16th, Mr. Jared Mudge, aged 84 years.

In New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], Nov. 23d, Mr. Thomas L. Knap, in the 33d year of his age.

In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], Nov. 19th, Mrs. Urania Race, aged 62 years and 8 months.

Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, December 9, 1868

Marriages

In St. Anthony, Minn., Nov. 26th, at the residence of the bride's father, by Rev. Harvey Webb, Mr. E.W. Brooke, formerly of Norwich, N.Y. [Chenango Co.], to Miss Fannie H. Lovejoy, of St. Anthony, Minn.

In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], Nov. 24th, by Rev. R.C. Ransom, Mr. Willard Giles of Tioga, to Miss Frances Wells, of South New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY].

In Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], Nov. 25th, by Rev. E.H. Payson, Mr. Oscar H. Reeve, of Middletown [Orange Co., NY], to Miss Hannah M. Rorapaugh, of Smithville.

In Bergen, N.J., Nov. 24th, by Rev. Mr. Arndt, Mr. Everett E. Blossom of New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], to Miss Frank Martin of the former place, daughter of the late Crowel Martin, Esq., of New York.

In Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY], Nov. 24th, by S.S Anthony, Esq., Mr. Byron S. Ormsby, M.D., to Miss Mary L. Anthony.  

In Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY], Nov. 22d, by Rev. A. Brown, Mr. Daniel P. Law, of Pharsalia [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Frank Tinker, of Plymouth.

In Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY], Nov. 18th, by Rev. D.D> Brown, Mr. William D. Warner, to Miss Ezilda M. Dabin, both of Plymouth.

In Cortland [Cortland Co., NY], Nov. 26th, by Rev. A. Wilkins, Mr. Daniel Rogers, of Greene [Chenango Co., NY] to Mrs. L. Jane Brooks, of Cortland.

In Coventry [Chenango Co., NY], Nov. 4th, by Rev. G. Turnbul, Mr. John P. Ketchum of Colesville [Broome Co., NY] to Miss MA. McLain, of Coventry.

At the same time, by the same, Mr. Justus Shaw, to Miss Josephine E. Minor, both of Coventry [Chenango Co., NY].

Deaths

In South Otselic [Chenango Co., NY], Nov. 1st, Mr. Enos Johnson, aged 83 years, 7 months and 10 days.

In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], Nov. 26th, Miss Mary E. Bixby, daughter of Frederick Bixby, aged 17 years and 7 months.

In Wellsboro, Pa., Nov. 14th, Hon. Levi I. Nichols, formerly of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], aged 60 years.

Vital Records, Norwich, NY, November 25, 1868

 Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, November 25, 1868

Marriages

At Emanuel Church, in this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], on Wednesday evening, Nov. 18th, by Rev. E.Z. Lewis, Mr. Charles T. Marston, of Hartford, Conn., to Miss Mary P. Hayes, daughter of E.T. Hayes, Esq. of Norwich.

In New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], Nov. 16th, by Rev. G.E. Flint, Mr. Andrew Pudney, of Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], to Miss Emily Matteson, of Pittsfield [Otsego Co., NY].

In Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], Nov. 17th, by Rev. A.M. Bennett, Mr. T.B. Lyon, of Smyrna [Chenango Co., NY], to Miss Emma Holdridge.

In East Greene [Chenango Co., NY], Nov. 17th, by Rev. R.H. Spafford, Mr. James P. Smith, to Miss Katie W. Hollenbeck, both of East Greene.

In Smyrna Centre [Chenango Co., NY], Nov. 5th, by Rev. S.M. Keeler, Mr. Thomas Sprague to Miss Rachel Messenger, both of Smyrna.

In Cincinnatus [Cortland Co., NY], Oct. 24th, by Rev. R.H. Clark, Mr. A.C. Coats, to Miss O,M, Parker?, both of Pharsalia.

In Afton [Chenango Co., NY], Nov. 11th, by Rev. W.W. Andrews, Mr. Charles R. Hawkins of Sandford [Broome Co., NY] to Miss Maria H. Davidson, of Afton.

In Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], Nov. 19th, by Rev. J.A. Robinson, Mr. Frederick Vincent, to Miss Ellen Firney?, all of Bainbridge.

In Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY], Nov. 18th, at the bride's residence, by Rev. D.D> Brown, Mr. William D. Warner to Miss Ezilea? M. Sabin, both of Plymouth.

In Deposit [Delaware Co., NY], Nov. 19th, by Rev. C.H. DeLong, assisted by Rev. Thomas La Monte, Mr. Charles R. Smith to Miss Mary L. De Mandes,? all of Deposit.

At St. John's Church, Binghamton [Broome Co., NY], Nov. 6th, by Rev. Father Lynch, Mr. Clark J. White, formerly of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Margaret O'Brien, both of Binghamton.

Deaths

In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], Nov. 21st, of consumption, Mr. John Nelson, Jr., aged 24 years.

In McDonough [Chenango Co., NY], Nov. 17th, Mr. Luther Martin, aged 40 years.

Telegraph & Chronicle, Norwich, NY, November 11, 1868

WAIT:  At his residence in this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], on Monday afternoon, the 2d inst., Col. John Wait, aged 59 years.

Mr. Wait was born at Preston, in this County [Chenango Co., NY] in the year 1809, and was one of a large family.  In early life he gave indications of that energy and perseverance which commands success, with a desire for improvement that soon carried him so far as the common schools of the town could afford an opportunity.  With this he was not satisfied.  Desiring an academic education, but lacking the means to acquire it, he made an arrangement with his father who was carrying on a distillery, to chop wood for him, at two shillings per cord, the same price paid to others, and was in addition to be paid at the same rate for all he cut over an average days' work.  This privilege was so well improved that at the end of the winter he had earned $10 extra.  With this he brought two very fine sheep which he hired kept for $1.00 a year, having all the increase which was very large.  With this increase, as we are informed, he supported himself at Hamilton Academy, where he spent some time, acquiring a good education, and also while reading law in this village, the result being that after his admission to the bar, or about that time, he sold the remainder of his flock for about $100.

He commenced reading law in this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], about the year 1833, and, as we are informed, with C.A. Thorpe, Esq., being admitted to the bar about 1836, and then entering into practice with Abial Cook, Esq., and remaining with him for several years.  After this, he practiced alone for a long while, but later was successively the partner of Harvey Hubbard, Franklin Beebe, and B. Gage Berry, Esqrs., with the last of whom he dissolved partnership in the year 1861, since which he has remained alone, and doing a comparatively small business owing to his failing health.

From the first, Mr. Wait had a fair practice and a deservedly high reputation, as a high minded, talented lawyer, which his success before a jury was beyond the average.  He principally excelled as a sound, wise and sagacious counsellor, whose legal opinion was of great value, implicitly trusted and rarely overruled even by our highest Courts.  In this department of the profession, he has never had a superior in the popular estimate, in the whole history of our county.

He was never an aspirant for public or political honors.  Nevertheless, he has been President of our Village, in the preparation of the Charter of which he took great interest and was one of the candidates for Judge of the Supreme Court of this district at the first judiciary election under the present constitution.  He was also frequently sent, by his constituents to State and other conventions, where his opinions and counsel were influential, and was also, in other respects trusted by the leading men in the old Whig party, and later of the Republican party, of both of which he was an active, and conscientious member.

He has been, for several years, the victim of a wasting disease, which has finally removed him from us.  He passed away with the unfeigned regrets of his many friends, leaving no enemies behind him, and in the full assurance of the Christian faith.

Vital Records, Norwich, NY, November 11 & 18, 1868

 Telegraph & Chronicle, Norwich, NY, November 11, 1868

Marriages

FITZGERALD - BENNETT:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], November 1st, by Rev. Thomas Harroun, James E. Fitsgerald, of Unadilla [Otsego Co., NY] and Carrie A. Bennett, of Guilford [Chenango Co., NY].

SEARS - ACKERT:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], November 1st, by Rev. Thomas Harroun, Morrell B. Sears and Jane Ackert, all of Columbus [Chenango Co., NY].

DAVIS - DAVIS:  In Oxford, October 27th, by Rev. T.P. Hasted, Ebenezer Davis of Oxford, and Ada Davis of Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY].

VAN WOERT - GREEN:  At the Church, in Afton [Chenango Co., NY], by Rev Wm. W. Andrews, Deloss Van Woert and Ester P. Green, all of Afton.

McCOMBER - HART:  In Earlville [Madison Co., NY], November 5th, by Rev. A.C. Swift, Charles McComber, of Eaton [Madison Co., NY] and Minnie Hart, of Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY].

HALL - ANGELL:  In Cuyler [Cortland Co., NY], October 6th, by Rev. CW. Burt, James R. Hall of Lincklaen [Chenango Co., NY] and Sarah B. Angell of Cuyler.

WEBB - WOLCOTT:  In Pharsalia [Chenango Co., NY], Nov. 4th, by Rev. C.W. Burt, Anson Webb of Otselic [Chenango Co., NY] and Mrs. Mary Wolcott, of Pharsalia.

LAMB STANTON:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], October 19th, by Rev. R.H. Spafford, George W. Lamb and Lois Stanton, all of Oxford.

MONCRIEF - ENGLISH:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], October 24th? by Rev. John Cairns, William J. Moncrief and Carrie A. English, all of Greene.

WHEELER - WHEELER:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], October 26th by Rev. R.H. Spafford, George R. Wheeler and Maggie E. Wheeler, both of Greene.

BEACH - RHODES:  In Pharsalia [Chenango Co., NY], October 28th, by William Priest, Esq., Sumner W. Beach of Otselic [Chenango Co., NY] and Susan Rhodes, of Pharsalia.

Deaths

MEDBURY:  In this town [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], October 27th, Harris Medbury, Esq., aged 79 years 8 months and 20 days.

WAIT:  At the residence of D.D. W. Throop in Mt. Pleasant Iowa, November 5th, Mrs. Precilla Wait, widow of DeLane Wait, aged 62 years.

ROBERTS:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], October 21st? Mrs. Abigail Roberts.

Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, November 18, 1868

Marriages

At the American Hotel, in this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], Nov. 17th, by Wm. N. Mason, Esq., Mr. James Conley, to Miss Bridget Davit.

In East Pharsalia [Chenango Co., NY], Nov. 7th, by Horace L. Barns, Esq., Mr. William Neff to Miss Charity J. Burlison, both of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY].

In Pharsalia [Chenango Co., NY], Nov. 8th, by Rev. L. Lawton, Mr. Ransom B. Pike, of McDonough [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Mary R. Nogae, of Steuben Co. [NY].

In New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], Nov. 12th, by Rev. C.E. Flint, Mr. Tracy Cone, to Miss Ella Kingsberry, all of New Berlin.

Nov. 7th, by Rev. E. Puffer, Mr. James B. Puffer, to Miss Mellie Warren.

\In Afton [Chenango Co., NY], Nov. 5th, by Rev. E.T. Jacobs, Mr. Henry Carr, to Miss Mary A. Grover, all of Afton.

In Andes [Delaware Co., NY], Nov. 2d, b Rev. James Bence, Mr. Eri W. Lingee, of Hardenburgh, Ulster Co. [NY] to Miss Fidelia Landers, of Afton, Chenango Co., [NY].

In Norwich, Conn., Nov. 10th, by Rev. M.C. Dana, Mr. H.H. Beebe, of Brooklyn, NY. to Miss Frank M. Durand, of Norwich.

Deaths

Killed by a Horse:  Edson G. French, a young man some thirty years of age, son of Samuel French, of North Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], met with an accident on Thursday last, which resulted fatally.  He was in the employ of Seth Chapin, in the northeast part of this town; and while engaged in harnessing a horse, he received a kick, striking him in the bowels, from the effects of which he died on the following morning.

Crushed in a Lock:  Henry Rose, Captain of the boat "Forest Rose," was crushed to death in a lock near Chenango Forks [Broome Co., NY], on Sunday morning last, while the boat was on its downward trip.  It appears that the boat had entered the lock, when the deceased took the line, and in attempting to leap to the bank, for the purpose of "snubbing," he fell between the boat and the side of the lock and was so badly crushed that he died before he could be extricated, he being so wedged in that it required several minutes to remove him.  His wife was on board the boat at the time.

Hon. Addison M. Smith, of Morris, Otsego Co. [NY], died at Huntsville, Alabama, October 28th, aged 51 years.  Col. Smith at one time represented the Counties of Chenango and Otsego in the State Senate.  He was a gentleman of strict integrity and sterling worth, and was highly respected by all who knew him.

The Greene [Chenango Co., NY] American of last week says:  We regret to state that Wm. Lucas, of Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], who was injured by being thrown from a wagon while coming from a political meeting recently, died of the injuries he received, on Monday last.

Vital Records, Norwich, NY, October 28 & November 4, 1868

 Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, October 28, 1868

Marriages

In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], Oct. 14th, by Rev. S. Scoville, Mr. Isaac M. Mudge to Miss Sarah M. Brown, all of Norwich.

In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], Sept. 26th, by Rev. S. Scoville, Mr. William H.H. Van Tarber? of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Jane Case, of North Norwich.

In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY] Oct. 13th, by Rev. S. Scoville, Mr. W.S. Lewis, to Miss Celia Lewis, both of South New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY].

In South Otselic [Chenango Co., NY], Oct. 13th, by Rev. R.H. Clark, Mr. S.K. Bemiss, of Truxton, Cortland Co. [NY], to Miss E.Z. Hill, of South Otselic.

In Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], Oct. 13th, by Rev. N. Ripley, Mr. Frederick Carhart, to Miss Eliza M. Smith, both of Guilford.

In North Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], Oct. 24th, by Rev. A.M. Bennett, Mr. James Yarns, of Smithville [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Mary B. Slater, of North Norwich.

At the Pettis House, Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], Oct. 10th, by R.T. Davidson, Esq., Mr. John Stork, of Coventry, to Miss Sarah J. Judd, of Oxford.

In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], Oct. 13th, by Rev. T.D. Hammond, Mr. Charles Dodge, of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], to Miss Addie Betts of Greene.

In Preston [Chenango Co., NY], Oct. 13th, by Rev. L.E. Spafford, Mr. George S. Betts, of Greene [Chenango Co., NY], to Miss Nettie E. Willcox, of Preston.

In Coventry [Chenango Co., NY], Oct. 19th, Mr. Charles S. Briggs, of Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], to Miss Florence Cornish, of Coventry.

In Masonville [Delaware Co., NY], Oct. 22d, by Rev. N. Ripley, Mr. W.J. Place of Guilford [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Martha K. Vanoise, of Masonville.

In Morris [Otsego Co., NY], Oct. 21st, by Rev. N. Ripley, Mr. A.S. Kirkland, to Miss Hattie E. Benjamin of Morris.

In Hamilton [Madison Co., NY], Oct. 21st, by Rev. C. Barstow, Mr. Burdett J. Simons, to Miss Dette Cady, both of New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY].

In Norwalk, Ohio, Oct. 14th, Mr. Thos. Hagaman, of Norwalk, to Miss Mary E. Woodruff, formerly of New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY].

At Suspension Bridge, Oct. 12th, by Rev. H.W. Barnes, Mr. Charles J. Byle of Leavenworth, Kansas, to Miss Laura M. Eggleston, of the former place.

In Kalamazoo, Mich., June 29th, by Rev. Job Pierson, Mr. Erastus T. Wilson, of Mattawan to Miss Harriet Willard.

Deaths

In this town [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], Oct. 22d, at the residence of her son-in-law, John Fryer, Elizabeth Randall [Breed], widow of Elias Breed, aged 84 years.  Thus, comes to her final resting place the Christian, like a shock of corn fully ripe--one whose Christian virtues were a prominent trait in her character, and by which she became endeared to a large circle of relatives and friends.  Mrs. Breed was one of the pioneers to this town, having come here with her husband from New England in the early settlement of this county, when she became one of the constituent members of the Baptist Chruch of this village of which she has been a loved, consistent, and devoted member for more than half a century, and has now gone home to enjoy with her husband that rest which is reserved for the children of God.

In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], Oct. 26th, Mr. Levi Carruth, aged 82 years.  Funeral on Thursday morning at 9 o'clock, at the residence of his son-in-law, William Card.

In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], Oct. 20th, at the residence of her grandfather, Stephen Keyes, Mary V. [Olin], wife of H.P. Olin of Greene [Chenango Co., NY], aged 21 years.

In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], Oct. 10th, Mr. Erastus Keyes, aged 63 years.

In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], Oct. 14th, Margaret [Bearer], wife of Jacob Bearer, aged 45 years.

In McDonough [Chenango Co., NY], Oct. 16th, Mariam [Cole], wife of L.S. Cole, aged 67 years.

In Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], Oct. 20th, Miss Hettie E. Bennett, aged 23 years, 9 months and 22 days.

Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, November 4, 1868

Marriages

In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], October 20th, by Rev. S. Scoville, Mr. Edwin L. Braves, of New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Malona A. Thurston, of Norwich.

In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], Oct. 19th, by Rev. R.H. Spafford, Mr. George W. Lamb to Miss Lois Stanton, all of Oxford.

In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], Oct. 24th, by Rev. John Cairns, Mr. William J. Mongrief to Miss Carrie A. English, all of Greene.

In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], Oct. 26th, by Rev. R.H. Spafford, Mr. George R. Wheeler, to Miss Maggie E. Wheeler, both of Greene.

In Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], Oct. 14th, by Rev. D.B. Collins, Mr. Charles Petley, to Miss Harriet Johnson.

In Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], Oct. 22d, by the same, Mr. Lafayette Bixby, to Miss Frances Avery.

In Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], Oct. 26th, by Rev. L.V. Ismond, Mr. Albert Wilcox, to Miss H G. Sophia Pearsall.

At the Baptist Church in Unadilla [Otsego Co., NY], Nov. 1st, by Rev. D.F. Leach, Mr. Levi W. Skinner of Sidney [Delaware Co., NY] to Mrs. Catharine Van Valkenburg, of So. New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY].

In Pharsalia [Chenango Co., NY], Oct. 28th, by William T. Priest, Esq., Mr. Sumner W. Brace, of Otselic [Chenango Co., NY], to Miss Suan M. Rhoads, of Pharsalia. 

In Colesville [Broome Co., NY], Oct. 20th, by Rev. Mr. Wilson, Mr. Cornelius C. Nickerson of Afton [Chenango Co., NY], to Miss Adelia S. Merritt, of Colesville.

Deaths

In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], Nov. 2d, after a lingering illness, John Wait, Esq., aged 59 years.

In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], Nov. 2, Mr. Benjamin Barber, aged 73 years.

In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], Oct. 27th, Minnie F. [Tanner], daughter of Marvin and Frances Tanner, aged 1 year, 2 months and 18 days.

In this town [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], Oct. 31st, Harris Medbury, esq., aged 79 years, 8 months and 20 days.

In Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY], Nov. 2d, Mr. Samuel Hartwell, aged 70 years.

In North Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], Oct. 21st, Mr. John D. Guile, late a soldier in Co. I, 20th? N.Y. Cavalry, aged 20 years.

In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], Oct. 21st, Mrs. Abigail Roberts, widow of Wilmot Roberts, aged 65 years.

In Holmesville [Chenango Co., NY], Oct. 24th, Mary Estelle [Holmes], daughter of Ira Holmes, aged 1 year and 3 months.

In Coventry [Chenango Co., NY], Oct. 23d, Mrs. Mary Ann Manning, aged 80? years and 4 months.

In Girard, Pa., Oct. 14th, Rev. Elijah Baldwin, formerly of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], aged 63 years.

Death of an Old Resident:  One of the oldest of our residents, Thomas Little, Esq., departed this life on Wednesday, after an honorable and useful career of three score and ten years in Newburgh.  Mr. Little's occupation was that of a builder, and a number of our principal residences, among others those of Mrs. David Crawford and Harvey Weed, attest his skill in that line.  Newburgh Daily Journal, Oct. 15th.  The deceased was father of B.F. Little, of this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY].

Vital Records, Norwich, NY, October 14 & 21, 1868

 Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, October 14, 1868

Marriages

In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], Oct 7th, by Rev. D.J. Whiting, Mr. John Taylor to Miss Ida P. Rhodes, daughter of Col. L.A. Rhodes, all of Norwich.

In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], Sept. 29th, by Rev. S. Scoville, Mr. Girard S. Mead to North Norwich to Miss Julia C. Redington, daughter of John Redington, of Norwich.

In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], Sept. 29th, by Rev. J.C. Ransom, Mr. Abner Ogden of Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Mercy Pittsley of Oxford.

In Coventry [Chenango Co., NY], Sept. 29th, by Rev. T.P. Halsted, Mr. Benjamin F. Boyer of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], to Miss Sarah E. Brown, of Coventry.

In Exeter [Otsego Co., NY], Aug. 25th, by Rev. A.M. McMaster, Mr. Andrew P. Merchant of Guilford [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Hannah Phillips, of Exeter.

In Pharsalia [Chenango Co., NY], Oct. 11th, by Rev. A.M. Totman, Mr. Albert Law, to Miss Mary Brown, all of Pharsalia.

In Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], Oct. 7th, by Rev. Samuel Miller, Mr. J.E. Davies, of Utica [Oneida Co., NY] to Miss Vinnie Wright of Smyrna [Chenango Co., NY].

In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], Oct. 6th, by Rev. Dr. Rogers, Mr. John S. Halsey, of Canton, China, to Miss Ann Amelia Ripley, of Greene.

In Greene [Chenango Co., NY] Oct. 6th, by Rev. W. Burnside, Mr. Elverton Mead to Miss Jennie O. Burch, both of Guilford [Chenango Co., NY].

Deaths

In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], Oct. 19th, Mrs. Betsey M. Parker, widow of Nathan Parker, aged 70 years.

At the residence of her son-in-law, N.P. Wheeler, Esq., in this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], Oct. 11th, Mrs. Mary Long, aged 70 years.

In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], Oct. 9th, Pliny Augustus [Holbrook], son of G.F. and Eunice Holbrook, aged 2 months and 12 days.

In this town [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], Sept. 30th, Mr. Easton Phetteplace, aged 52 years.

At White Store (Norwich) [Chenango Co., NY], Sept. 9th, Mr. Joseph S. May, aged 42 years.

All alone in his lowly bed, / The husband and father is sleeping, / And he heeds not the sighs, nor the tears that are shed, / And he hears not the accents of weeping.

In the prime of his strength, he was smitten down, / And long were the hours of sorrow, / As the days went by in anguish and pain, / With no hope for the glad tomorrow 

No hope, till the angel of death came near, / And stilled the heart's wild beating, / And the sufferer gazed on his foe without fear, / And prayed for a joyful meeting 

With those he loved in a fairer clime / Where sorrow and sickness shall never / Be suffered to mar the peaceful rest / Of those who are saved forever.

In Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], Oct. 6th, Miss Amelia N. Buell, aged 18 years.

In Smyrna [Chenango Co., NY], Sept. 10th, Jennie L. [Brooks], only daughter of Horace and Charlotte E. Brooks, aged 8 years.

In Eaton, Madison Co. [NY], Oct. 9th, Miss Frankie E. Bennett, daughter of Rev. M.L. and Mary L. Bennett, aged 17 years, 7 months and 10 days.

In Marshalltown, Iowa, Sept. 24th, Mr. Leonard Porter, aged 66 years, formerly of Coventry [Chenango Co., NY].  Mr. Porter removed to Marhsall co., Iowa in 1858, and died as he had lived, a Jefferson democrat, and for the past few years a decided Christian.  He held the office of Justice some four years, and that of Assessor, besides other prominent positions.  He had expressed a strong desire to see Horatio Seymour fill the highest position in the gift of the people, but in this he was disappointed.  His labors are over, and his rest is in peace.  In his decease, his family have met with an irreparable loss, and community a thorough, energetic man, which all who knew him truly feel.

Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, October 21, 1868

Marriages

At the Free Baptist Parsonage, in this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], Oct. 18th, by Rev. D.J. Whiting, Mr. Frank Barr, of East Norwich to Miss Sarah E. Sharp, of Preston [Chenango Co., NY].

In Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], Oct. 12th, by Rev. J.L. Burrows, Mr. Charles Walker, to Miss Emma L. Dietz, all of Sherburne.

In Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], Oct. 15th, by Rev. A.M. Bennett, Mr. Adelbert A. Handy, to Miss Ellen White, of Columbus [Chenango Co., NY].

In Zion Church, Greene [Chenango Co., NY], Oct. 8th, by Rev. Dr. Rogers, Mr. Martin M. Stevens, of New York city, to Miss Anna C. [Roberts], daughter of Dr. George W. Roberts.

Deaths

In this village, Oct. 15th, Bessie Davis [Worman], daughter of James H. and Emma P. Worman, aged 6 months.

In Tioga, Pa., Oct. 8th, Hon. Levi Bigelow, formerly of Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], aged 84 years.

In Pharsalia [Chenango Co., NY], Sept. 20th, May [Gage], infant daughter of Leroy and Martha Gage, aged 2 months and 1 day.

In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], Oct 12th, Mr. John Nichols, aged 67 years.

In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], Oct. 11th, Miss Maggie Roome, aged 22 years.

In Smyrna [Chenango Co., NY], Oct. 11th, Mr. Warren Pease, aged 65 years.

Vital Records, Norwich, NY, September 30 & October 7, 1868

 Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, September 30, 1868

Marriages

At the house of the bride's father, Sept. 15th, by Rev. C.M. Nickerson, Mr. John M. Law, Esq., of New York City, to Miss Jane R. Houk, daughter of Josiah Houk, Esq., of Guilford [Chenango Co.., NY].

In South Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], Sept. 10th, by Rev. J.H. Robinson, Mr. John A. Place of Smithville [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Frankie M. [Robinson], daughter of Dea, H. Robinson, of South Oxford.

In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], Sept. 16th, by Rev. T.P. Halsted, Mr. Sylvester Smith of Unadilla [Otsego Co., NY] to Miss Susan Winsor, of Guilford [Chenango Co., NY].

In Grand Rapids, Mich, Sept. 8th, by Rev. Mr. Goodman, Mr. Arthur Webster to Miss Fannie R. [Knapp], daughter of L.H. Knapp, formerly of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY].

In Exeter [Otsego Co., NY], Aug. 25th, by Rev. A.M. McMaster, Mr. Andrew P. Merchant of Guilford [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Hannah Phillips of Exeter.

In Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], Aug. 10th, by Rev. J.L. Burrows, Mr. Henry C. Scott to Miss Lovica Hally, both of Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY]

Deaths

In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], Sept. 18th, William H. [Newton], son of Isaac S. Newton, Esq., aged 9 months and 2 days.

In Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY], Sept. 28th, Miss Sarah Jane Scott, aged 18 years.

In Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], Sept. 21st, Mr. Chas. Henry aged 27 years.

In Triangle, Broome Co. [NY], Sept. 15th, Mr. Peter Rockwell, formerly of German [Chenango Co., NY], aged 71 years, 1 month and 11 days.

Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, October 7, 1868

Marriages

At the Free Baptist Parsonage in this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], Oct. 1st, by Rev. D.J. Whiting, Mr. William Heady, of South Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Amanda Dorman, of Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY].

In Sidney [Delaware Co., NY], Sept. 26th, by Rev. W.R. Cochrane, Mr. Charles G. Newton, of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], to Miss Mary F. Queal, of Worcester, Otsego Co. [NY].

In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], Sept. 22d, by Rev. L.E. Spafford, Mr. James D. Smith of Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], to Miss Lucina Main, daughter of Aaron Main, of Oxford.

In Oxford, Sept. 17th, by Rev. E.H. Payson, Mr. George D. Cole to Miss Maria A. Sharp, both of Smithville [Chenango Co., NY].

In New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], Sept. 30th, by Rev. Mr. Whittlesey, Mr. Nelson O. Aylesworth, to Miss Mary A. Deming.

In Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], Sept. 29th, by Rev. Samuel Miller, Mr. T.W. Barner, to Miss L.R. Wilcox, both of Sherburne.

In Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], Sept. 29th, by Rev. I.B. Hyde, Mr. Harrison H. Pudney, of New York, to Miss Harriet M. Wickham, of Sherburne.

In Finchville [Orange Co.., NY], Sept. 29th, by Rev. L. Littell, Mr. James Baulf, of New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Sarah F. McBride, of Finchville.

At the residence of the bride's father, in Cortland [Cortland Co., NY], Sept. 29th, by Rev. S.F. Bacon, Mr. Will F. Burdick, to Miss Josie R. Sperry, daughter of Dan J. Sperry, Esq., all of Cortland.

Deaths

In this town [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], Sept. 28th, Mr. Kimball Wood, aged 72 years.

In this town [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], Sept. 30th, of chronic diarrhoea, Mr. Nathan Prentice, in the 54th year of his age.

In Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY], Oct. 2d, Mr. Bonaparte Evans, aged 38 years.

In New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], Sept. 17th, Carry May [Crosby], daughter of James H. and Adelia E. Crosby, aged 1 year and 5 days.

In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], Sept. 17th, Mr. Perry G. Johnson, aged 48 years.

In Coventry [Chenango Co., NY], Sept. 25th, Miss Jane Saunders, aged 35 years.

Telegraph & Chronicle, Norwich, NY, October 7, 1868

Death of Samuel Ten Eyck

We are pained to announce the death of Samuel Ten Eyck, of this village [Oneida, Madison Co., NY], which took place Wednesday forenoon.  Mr. Ten Eyck was taken sick with typhoid fever on Wednesday of last week.  Medical aid was immediately procured but failed to afford any relief.  His disease soon assumed a malignant type and terminated as above stated, just one week from the time he gave up work.  Deceased was 43 years of age.  He was a native of Chenango County, having been born at North Norwich.  He removed to this village a number of years since, where he has been engaged in business.  He leaves a wife and one son and a daughter of mourn his loss.  Oneida Dispatch

Telegraph & Chronicle, Norwich, NY, September 23, 1868

TEFFT:  In Edmeston, Otsego Co. [NY], September 16th, Stanton Tefft, aged 73 years.

Mr. Tefft was born at Stonington, Connecticut, June 12, 1795.  When a young man he came to Edmeston and settled upon a wild tract of land, which he cleared up with his own hands.  He was a man of sound judgment and noted for his strict integrity and fair d...ing among men.  In business or in politics he was always the friend of the poor and the oppressed and against the oppressor, and to the last rejoiced in the consciousness that he had never cast a vote against the helpless or downtrodden.  He raised a family of seven children, and faithfully instilled into their youthful minds the principles of true manliness and practical lessons of life. About a year before his death, he became aware that he could not live long, sold his farm and arranged his business accordingly.  He spent a part of last winter in this village with his sons, Henry M. and Calvin Tefft.  In his life he ever exemplified the principles of practical Christianity and died in the triumphs of faith.  His last words to his weeping children were, "Do not hold me here, let me go."  By his death his children have lost a kind parent, the church a faithful member, and those who knew him, an earnest friend.

Vital Records, Norwich, NY, September 16 & 23, 1868

 Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, September 15, 1868

Marriages

At the Congregational Church, in this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], on Thursday morning, Sept. 10th, by Rev. S. Scoville, Mr. William Breese, to Miss Augusta Hale, daughter of N.B. Hale, Esq., all of Norwich.

In St. Matthew's Church, Unadilla [Otsego Co., NY], Sept. 9th, by Rev. J.H. kidder, Mr. Charles Hopkins, to Miss Mahala Love, both of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY].

In Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], Sept. 9th, by Rev. J.L. Jones, Mr. Orlando Randall, of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY] to Mrs. Caroline M. Newton, of Guilford.

In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], Sept. 13th, by Rev. S. Scoville, Mr. Alanson Hull of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY] to Mrs. Betsy Tully, of Norwich.

In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], Sept. 1st, by Rev. S.S. Hayward, Mr. Isaac Ingraham, of Preston [Chenango Co., NY], to Mrs. Mary C. Adams, of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY].

In Pharsalia [Chenango Co., NY], Sept. 9th, by Rev. T.P. Way, Mr. Jerry Starkweather, of Rochester [Monroe Co., NY], to Miss Amelia [Brown], daughter of Dea. E.P. Brown, of Pharsalia.

In St. Paul's Church, Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], Sept. 8th, by Rev. Mr. Ayrault, Dr. George Jones, of New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], to Miss Sarah J. Knight, of the former place.

In East Greene [Chenango Co., NY], Sept. 6th, by Rev. R.H. Spafford, Mr. Addison Millke, Esq. of North Fenton [Broome Co., NY] to Miss Anna E. Lenderson of East Greene.

Deaths

In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], on the morning of September 15th, Maud [Baker], infant daughter of T. Spencer and Lucy H.  Baker aged 11 weeks.  Funeral at No. 32 Mill Street, this (Wednesday) afternoon at 2 o'clock.

In King Settlement [Chenango Co., NY], Sept. 13th, Little Fredie [Buell], infant son of William R. and Zilpha M. Buell.

In this town [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], August 24th, Lucy D. [Thurston], widow of Amos Thurston, aged 89 years and 7 months.

In Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], August 31st, Ella Fowler, aged 21 years.

In Port Byron, Deborah [Howard], wife of the late Randall Howard, formerly of Sherburne, N.Y., aged 77 years.

In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], Sept. 3d, Mrs. Nancy Northrup, aged 71 years.

In Kelso Cannon, kern Co., Cal., Aug. 11th, Mr. Rufus Bunnell, formerly of Greene [Chenango Co., NY], aged 48 years.

Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, September 23, 1868

Marriages

At the Free Baptist Parsonage in this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], Sept. 18th, by Rev. D.J. Whiting, Mr. Isaac Mower, of Norwich, to Mrs. Carrie Smith of Preston [Chenango Co., NY].

In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], Sept. 9th, by Rev. J.C. Ransom, Mr. David Coughlin to Miss Ellen G. Van Ostrand, all of Oxford.

In Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], Sept. 16th, by Rev, J.L. Burrows, Mr. A.C. Peck of Binghamton [Broome Co., NY], to Miss Mariette O. Rowland, of Sherburne.

In Smyrna [Chenango Co., NY], Sept. 15th, by Rev. S.MN. Keeler, Mr. Byron Southworth, of Earlville [Madison Co., NY], to Miss Julia Karr, of Smyrna.

Deaths

In this town [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], Sept. 7th, Mr. David Phettyplace, aged 95 years.  He had resided in the eastern part of this town upwards of seventy-one years.

In this town, [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], Sept. 11th, Mr. Reuben Wells, aged 56 years.

Telegraph & Chronicle, Norwich, NY, Sept. 16, 1868:  WELLS: In this town [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], September 11th, Reuben Wells, aged 56 years.  Thus, after an illness of only a few days, one of the old residents of this town is cut down in full vigor of life.  He was born in the town of Norwich in 1809 and has ever resided here.  His parents were among the very first settlers of the Chenango Valley.  As a citizen, he was honest, upright and manly, and was ever held in just esteem by those that knew him.  He was a kind, generous and sympathizing neighbor, a fond father, a loving companion.  In the fulness of time he sinks to rest, leaving a widow, children, and a large circle of relatives and friends to mourn his loss.

In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], Sept. 15th, Ernest? T. [Weed], son of Bradley T. and Anna Weed, aged 3 months.

In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], Sept. 12th, Charles D. [Finch], son of William Finch, aged 23 years.

In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], Sept. 12th, Miss Jane Robbins, aged 16 years.

Oxford Times, Sept. 23, 1868:  ROBBINS: In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 12th inst., Jane C. [Robbins], youngest daughter of Mrs. Maria and the late Myron Robbins, aged 16 years.  This young girl was a victim to the same fell disease, Consumption, which carries so many to untimely graves, but young as she was, her amiable deportment, and strict attention to all duties confided to her, won the respect and esteem of all who knew her, and many testified their regard by paying the last tribute at her funeral, and conveying her to her rest beside her father and brother.

In Afton [Chenango Co., NY], Sept. 1st, Mr. Sylvanus Cook, formerly and for many years a resident of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY] aged 81 y'rs.

In Afton {Chenango Co., NY], Sept 2d, Susan B. [Fairchilds], daughter of Khil? Fairchilds, aged 1 year.

In Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], August 30th, Elery A. [Grover], wife of De Witt C. Grover, in the 40th year of her age.

In New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], Sept. 3d, Sophronia B. [Gleason], wife of Samuel Gleason, aged 71 years and 11 months.

Also, Sept. 7th, Mr. Samuel Gleason, aged 74 years and 9 months.

At the General Hospital in Boston, August 2d, Dr. A.C. Messenger, formerly of Otselic [Chenango Co., NY], aged 48? years.

In Cincinnatus [Cortland Co., NY], Sept. 13th, Mrs. Rachel Kingsley, mother of Hon. Lewis Kingsley, of this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY] in the 79th year of her age.

Sudden Death of a Singular Person

Miss Mary Hurlburt, daughter of Elias Hurlbert, of Butternuts [Otsego Co., NY], was found dead in her bed on the morning of Sept. 12th.  This was the eccentric, perhaps monomaniacal Miss Hurlburt, from whose person Dr. Sumner, then at Gilbertsville, and now at Rochester, extracted, about ten years since, such an incredible number of needles and pins - more than 300 in number!  She would never give any account of the manner in which they were introduced; whether she swallowed them or thrust them directly into her flesh; nor did her friends by watching her ever find out.  They were found at different times, working out on the surface of almost every part of the body, but chiefly on the limbs. A lady who had refused to believe the stories about their removal states that she went to satisfy herself and saw Dr. Sumner extract nearly fifty from one arm.  The girl seemed to be very little affected by the operation.  Oneonta Independent.