Early Settlement of Sidney Plains, Delaware Co., NY

 Early Settlement of Sidney Plains

Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, June 16, 1869

The following interesting account of the early settlement of Sidney Plains [Delaware Co., NY] is taken from William S. Johnston's History of the Susquehanna Valley:

Sidney Plains is a beautiful village located in northwest corner of Sidney, in Delaware county, New York.

Rev. Wm. Johnston and family were the first settlers in that section of country in 1772.  they came from Schenectady, N.Y.  Mr. Johnston made a purchase of 500 acres of land of Goldsboro, Banyard and others, at one dollar per acre.  In June 1775, Brant the great Indian chief and warrior came with 110 Indians all painted ready for battle.  They told the Johnston's they would give them twenty-four hours to leave, or they would be all tomahawk'd and scalped.  Brant said he was fighting for King George the 3d, he should do his duty.

The Johnston's left their log houses and went to Cherry Valley, N.Y.  In 1784, after the war of the Revolution, they returned to their former place of residence.

Sidney derived its name from Sir Sidney Smith, a British Admiral, who had gained great notoriety for his victories in the English navy on the Atlantic Ocean.

On Sidney Plains was an ancient Fort of about two acres, made by the Indians in an ancient period of time.  It had been ditched on three sides, and stockaded.  Gen. Scott or President Grant could not have made a better location.

The first bridge was built on the Susquehanna, at Sidney Plains, in 1807 by John Avery, Phineas Bennett and Capt. Hugh Johnston, a toll bridge.  A Mr. Hunt was the architect.

The first church built at Sidney Plains was in 1808 (a Presbyterian church).  It was built by subscription.  Col. Witter Johnston was the main agent in building.  Henry Evans and Joseph I. Lord were the architects. 

The first rafting or lumbering on the East Branch, at Susquehanna, was in 1796, the lumber was pine shingles.  It was rafted in 12 feet long bunches.  Capt. David McMaster and Joseph Hannom were the first men that ever sailed the raft on the rapid old Susquehanna.   Harrisburg and Columbia, Pa., were then their market towns.  Their shingles brought them ten dollars a thousand by count, all in specie.

The first school taught at Sidney Plains was in 1790, by Miss Anna Dodge, at two dollars per week.  She was not to be excelled in teaching.  She kept grand order without flogging or punishment, by kindness, presents and argument.

The first sawmill built at Sidney Plains was in 1776 by McGinnis & Son's on what is now Car's creek; the old dam is to be seen at this day.

The first grist mill was built in Sidney, in 1777, by John Car on Car's creek; one of his mill stones is yet to be seen at Sidney Plains.

The old burying ground or graveyard at Sidney Plains is almost as sacred as the tomb of Mahomet.  There sleep in death the first settlers of Old Susquehanna. The Johnstons, the Averys, Bradleys, the Smiths, the Newtons.  peace to their shades!

The first man or corpse interred at Sidney Plains was in 1774, an Indian who committed suicide by eating the poison root of Musquash; he was disappointed in a love affair and preferred death to life.  If he could not have his choice of one of the fair daughters of old mother Eve.

Vital Records, Norwich, NY June 16 & 23, 1869

 Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, June 16, 1869

Marriages

MOORE - WICKS:  In Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], June 9th, by Rev. J.S. Pattengill, Mr. Charles S. Moore to Miss Julia Wicks, both of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY].

HURLBUT - HALL:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], May 18th, by David H. Knapp, Esq., Hiram Hurlbut M. D. to Mrs. Eliza Ann Hall, all of Norwich.

BENNETT - BACON:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], June 9th, by Rev. J.H. Chamberlain, Mr. F.F. Bennett of Pitcher [Chenango Co., NY], to Miss Flora Bacon of Norwich.

SAGE - ROBINSON:  In New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], June 8th, by Rev. Mr. Robinson Mr. E.A. Sage to Miss Mary Robinson, all of New Berlin.

WILLCOX - STRATTON:  In West Coventry, June 2d, by Rev. A. Crocker, Mr. Charles O. Willcox, of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss H. Vannetta Stratton of Coventry.

Deaths

GRAVES:  At the residence of H.C. Willcox in this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], June 14th, Hattie [Graves], daughter of Q.A. and Ella Graves, aged 3 months and 14 days.  Funeral on Wednesday at 10 o'clock A.M. at residence of Mr. Willcox, corner of Rexford and Silver Streets.

BOLSTER:  In Pitcher [Chenango Co., NY], May 28th, of hemorrhage of the lungs, Miss Eliza A. Bolster, aged 19 years.

BOYDEN: In Plymouth [Chenango Co. NY], June 13th, Mr. Bradford A. Boyden, aged 44 years 11 months and 3 days.

FISHER:  In Afton [Chenango Co., NY], June 5th, Mr. Eleazer Fisher, aged 83 years.

FERRIS:  In Smyrna [Chenango Co., NY], June 3d, Mr. John Ferris, aged 80 years.

BIRDSALL:  In Flint, Mich., May 10th, suddenly, Mrs. Rizpah Birdsall, aged 77 years, widow of Hon. James Birdsall, formerly of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY].

McKIM:  In Washington, D.C. June 6th, Mrs. Caroline L. Gibbs, wife of Dr. S.A. H. McKim, aged 42 years, formerly of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY].

WATSON:  In Mt. Upton [Chenango Co., NY], March 23d, '69, George [Watson], son of George M. and Sarah A. Watson, aged 2 years.

Hark! Death's angel passeth by us, / And his breath is cold and chill; / Tiny hands again he's folded, / And the busy feet are still.

To that tender flow'r, this earth-home / Was too cold, and chill, and dreary; / For it drooped as winds passed o'er it, / And the little feet grew weary.

One more household flow'r is gathered / From those desert grounds below, / And to Eden Bowers transplanted, / Where the crystal fountains flow.

Two there were that lately bloomed / Only one today you see; / Watched you sadly as that wee one / Was by angels borne away!

Why this sadness o'er you stealing? / One more angel joins the throng, / Taken ere the sin-stains gathered, / Or the little heart knew wrong.

Father, mother, wait with patience, / Soon your earth-toil will be o'er; / Then your angel waits to welcome, / As you reach the "Golden Shore."    Clara P.

Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, June 23, 1869

Marriages

CUDWORTH - MAIN:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], June 8th, by Rev. L.E. Spafford, Mr. John W. Cudworth, of Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], to Miss Elosia Main, of Oxford.

RANDALL - BOLT:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], June 10th, by Rev W. Burnside, Mr. Andrew J. Randall, to Miss Lydia A. Bolt all of Greene.

BURK - CARPENTER:  In Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], June 13th, by Rev. A.B. Jones, Mr. Robert Burk of Otsego [Otsego Co., NY], to Miss Arvilla J. Carpenter, of Smithville Flats.

RATHBONE -GARATT:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], June 13th, by Rev. L.E. Spafford, Mr. E.J. Rathbone, of Pharsalia [Chenango Co., NY], to Miss E.G. Garatt, of Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY].

Deaths

SNOW:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], on Tuesday morning, June 23d, after a lingering illness, Capt. William Snow, aged 80 years.

CARY:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], May 10th, Rowena [Cary], wife of Palmer C. Cary, aged 67 years.

KEELER:  In North Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], June 21st, Mrs. Betsey Keeler, aged 58 years and 10 months.

GRAVES:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], June 11th, Miss Celestia Graves, aged 19 years and 6 months.

WEED:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], June 13th, Mrs. Malinda Weed, aged 79 years.

ANGELL:  In New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], June 16th, Mr. H.H. Angell, aged 61 years.

BRIGHAM:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], June 13th, Mrs. Mary E. Brigham, aged 37 years and 8 months.

EVANS:  In Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], June 12th, of consumption, Mrs. Anna Evans, aged 72 years, 10 months and 28 days.

Vital Records, Norwich, NY, June 2 & 9, 1869

 Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, June 2, 1869

Marriages

In Waterville [Oneida Co., NY], May 11th, by Rev. W. Clarke, Mr. Francis M. Sanders, of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], to Miss Ellen A. Hubbard, of Poolville [Madison Co., NY].

In South New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], May 1st, by Ira P. Rich, Esq., Mr. George Bice, of Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], to Mrs. Lydia Wrench, of the former place.

In Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], May 25th, by Rev. J.L. Burrows, Mr. Frederick S. Gaylord, to Miss Harriet E. Upham.

In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], May 22d, by E. Ward Brown, Esq., Mr. George Doxey to Miss Adeline Springstien both of North Fenton [Broome Co., NY].

In Marshalltown, Iowa, May 27th, by Rev. J.K. Tuttle, Mr. S.H. Porter, to Miss Laura M. Orl, all of the above place.

Deaths

In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], May 31st, Mr. Davenport Parker, aged 58 years.

In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], May 29th, Anna S. [Bowers], daughter of Gurdon Bowers, aged 4 years and 5 months.

In North Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], May 21st, Benjamin H. Gorton, Esq., aged 61 years.

In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], May 23d, Mr. Abram Tillotson, aged 80 years.

In East Greene [Chenango Co., NY], May 20th, Mrs. Abigail Safford, aged 79 years.

In DeRuyter, May 14th, of consumption, Miss Celia E. Miner, only daughter of H.C. Miner, Esq., aged 17 years, 4 months and 5 days.

Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, June 9, 1869

Marriages

In Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], June 2d, by Rev. H.S. Jones, Mr. Henry C. Holmes, of New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], to Miss Annie E. Rose, of Smyrna [Chenango Co., NY].

In Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], May 12th, by Rev. J.L. Jones, Mr. John H. Brown, of Lewisburg, Ohio, to Miss Sarah Adaresta Johnson, of Guilford.

In East Pharsalia [Chenango Co., NY], May 30th, by Rev. C.W. Burt, Mr. Newton P. Wells, to Miss Desire Frink, all of Pharsalia.

In Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], May 30th, by Rev. LB. Yale, Caleb Batterson, Esq., of Unadilla [Otsego Co., NY] to Miss Lydia A. Hall of the former place.

In East Greene [Chenango Co., NY], May 27th, by Rev. R.H. Spafford, Mr. Hiram Leach to Mrs. Jane J. Sharp, both of Greene.

In Syracuse [Onondaga Co., NY], May 24th, by Rev. S.B. Shepherd, Mr. Daniel S.R. Buck, Jr., to Miss Emma L. Smith, all of Syracuse.

Deaths

In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], June 7th, after an illness of nearly five years, Doct. William C. Wait, in the 81st year of his age.  Funeral at his late residence on South Main Street, this (Wednesday) afternoon at 3 o'clock.

In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], June 3d, of consumption, Mr. J. Winslow Clarke, son of James W. Clarke, Esq., in the 21st year of his age.

In Smithville Flats [Chenango Co., NY], May 23d, Mr. Alexander Bailey, aged about 41 years.

In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], May 27th, Walter H. [Cunningham], son of George W. and Adelia Cunningham, aged 17 years.

In Franklinville, N.J., May 23d, Mr. George Davidson, formerly of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], aged 83 years.

At Bitter Creek, Wyoming Territory, May 29th, Mrs. Charlotte Cornelia Pond, formerly of Pitcher, N.Y. [Chenango Co.], aged 24 years.

Tombstone Inscription for Tabitha Agard (1750-1818)

Smithville Flats Cemetery

The following inscription was copied from a tombstone in the town of Smithville, in this County [Chenango Co., NY], and handed us for publication.

Tabitha Agard lies here. She was the wife of Joseph Agard Esquire who was one of the first settlers of this town A D 1798.  She died Sep 9 A D 1818 aged 68 years.  This woman, after many years of the greatest toil in this once howling wild in which she together with her family suffered much by hunger and nakedness, was taken with lingering illness which lasted several years.  She suffered much pain of body and depression of spirits, yet she knew in whom she had believed and waited with patience the coming of the Lord.  She was an obedient wife, a loving mother, chaste and a keeper at home.  She was a succorer of many in the settling of this county. Both Indians and white men have often received food from her hand.  She instructed her children to be always obedient to their father and to fear God every day. She was attentive to prayers bowing the knee to the Lord Jesus thus leaving a glorious example for all her sex to be obedient to their own husband's teachers of good things chaste keepers at home.  She had four sons that cleared the ground where she and all this great family of the dead lie."

Vital Records, Norwich, NY, May 12, 19, & 26 1869

 Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, May 12, 1869

Marriages

At the residence of the bride's father in this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], Wednesday evening, May 5th, by Rev. E.Z. Lewis, Mr. Julius E. Dean, of New Milford, Susquehanna Co., Pa., to Miss Emma J. [Bartle], daughter of J.H. Bartle, of this place.

In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], April 29th, by Rev. L.E. Spafford, Mr. J.R. Palmer, to Miss Helen Graham, all of Oxford.

Deaths

In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], May 7th, Mr. Abial Cook, aged 76 years.

In McDonough [Chenango Co., NY], April 29th, Mr. Harvey Curtis, aged 49 years.

In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], May 2d, Mr. Charles Atherton, aged 36 years.

In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], April 23d, Georgianna E. [Tillotson], daughter of George W. and Ann E. Tillotson, aged 14 years and 9 months.

In Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], April 25, Mr. Fred M. Robinson, aged 17 years.

Chenango Union, Norwich, NY May 19, 1869

Marriages

At the Baptist Church in this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], on Tuesday morning, May 18th, 1869, by Rev. J.D. Pope, Mr. William H. Longwell, of Petroleum Centre, Penn., to Miss Rebecca W. Avery of this village.  

Deaths

In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], May 11th, Mr. Truman Enos, aged 91 years.

Another of our pioneer fathers has gone to his rest. Dea. Truman Enos expired at the residence of his son-in-law, Dr. Harvey Harris, in this village, on Tuesday evening of last week, at the advanced age of ninety-one years.  Mr. Enos was born in Windsor, Hartford Co., Conn., in 1778, and moved to kingsborough, in this State in 1782.  In 1804 he removed to Oxford, and to Norwich in 1806, since which time he has resided in this place, a period of sixty-three years.  He was an active businessman, and has done much towards building up the village which was his adopted home.  A man of rare physical development he retained in a remarkable degree his vigor, even in his advanced years, and with the exception of partial blindness, he enjoyed excellent health until within ten days of his death.  An upright, courteous, Christian gentleman of the old school, his memory will be ever green in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. 

In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], May 5th, Henry VanDerLyn, Esq., aged 44 years.

In Smyrna [Chenango Co., NY], May 9th, Isabella [Barber], wife of Joshua Barber, aged 83 years.

In Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], April 29th, Mr. John Thackeray, a native of Ripon, England.

In Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], April 10th, the widow of Isaac Dutcher.

In McDonough [Chenango Co., NY] April 29th, Mr. James H. Curtis, aged 49 years.  He was a faithful member of the Baptist Church where he lived, has been Superintendent of the Sabbath School for a number of years, and was beloved by the church and the Sabbath School.  His soul and body were engaged in the work.  He died with his soul full of the promises of God, and faith in Christ.  He has left a beloved wife, an only son, a large circle of friends, and the church to mourn the loss of one who was faithful, and always at his post in trying to do good.

Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, May 26, 1869

Marriages

In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], May 18th, by Rev. J.D. Pope, Mr. Richard M. Sholes, to Miss Sarah Hall, all of Norwich.

In Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], May 12th, by Rev. Wm. NJ. Cobb, Rev. Leroy C. Hayes of the Wyoming M.E. Conference, to Lydia A. Bowen.

In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], May 18th, by Rev. Dr. Rogers Mr. Lester G. Thompson, to Miss Lena P. Marvin, all of Greene.

Deaths

In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], on Sunday morning, May 23d, suddenly, of congestion of the lungs, Mr. Eliab G. Ford, aged 56 years.   The funeral will be attended this, Tuesday, afternoon at 2 o'clock, at his late residence on Birdsall Street, by Canasawacta Lodge of Odd Fellows.

In this town [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], May 6th, Sophia [Field], wife of David Field, aged 43 years.

In Pitcher [Chenango Co., NY], April 13th, Samuel Merton [Babcock], only child of Edwin and Hannah Babcock, aged 1 year and 5 months.

In Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], May 18th, Mr. Francis F. Brown, aged 63 years.

In Afton [Chenango Co., NY], May 14th, Mr. Curtis Thompson, aged 66 years.

In Chenango Forks [Broome Co., NY], May 17th, Caroline [Hall], wife of Geo. W. Hall, aged 41 years.

In North Fenton [Broome Co., NY], May 17th, Mrs. Jemima Taylor, aged 75 years.

In Charleston, S.C. April 30th, Maud [Wagner], daughter of Dr. L.P. and Julia S. Wagner, aged 7 months.

Suddenly at Galesburg, Ill. April 12th, Mr. Harvey L.R. Harrington, aged 23 years.

He's gone from earth, while youth was bright and glowing, / And the young star of life was rising fair; / But death has come, the seeds of sorrow sowing, / And clothed the loving brow with sad despair, / And hopes, so fragrant once, are now dissolved in air.

Death of Abial Cook, Esq.

Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, May 12, 1869

Abial Cook, Esq., after an illness which confined him to his bed only about one week, expired at his residence in this village on Friday evening last, at the age of 76 years.  His disease, we understand, was what is known as Bright's disease of the kidneys.

Mr. Cook was born at Therman, Washington County (now Athol, Warren County), in this State, May 8, 1793, and in 1806, with his Father removed to Plymouth, in this County [Chenango Co., NY], where for a few years, like other pioneers, he devoted his energies to the clearing off and cultivating a farm, after which a desire to secure to himself a proper education, induced him to seek at Clinton the facilities which his own neighborhood was not yet prepared to furnish, where he pursued his studies, like many young men of that day, teaching school in the winter to provide means for supporting himself during the remainder of the year.  During this period, he became somewhat noted for his ready with, and as a fine speaker and effective debater, in the Societies organized for that purpose, and his friends advised him to select the law as his profession, as the best means of developing his talents in this respect. This advice he followed, and entering the office of Judge Birdsall, in Norwich, as a student at law, was admitted to practice in 1819.

He practiced for a time in partnership with -?- Clarke, and afterward, with Judge Purdy as his partner, did a very successful business, being employed upon one side or the other of almost every important case that came before our Court; while his reputation as an advocate, and his power with a Jury led to his employment for the defense, in most of the important criminal prosecutions.  [Particularly] one single case added so much to his reputation as an advocate, as his defense of G.C. Clarke who was tried for murder, to in -?- in 1832.  In this case his eloquent appeal to the jury was said to have excelled anything of its kind ever before heard in this section of the State.  He continued the practice of his profession until the new Constitution of 1846, and the Code of procedure which was adopted under it, made such radical changes in the practice, as to lay by as useless much of the science which the members of the profession had spent their lives in acquiring, when, as cases then on hand, one after another were terminated, he gradually withdrew, and has since lived a retired life, taking a deep interest in public affairs and always forming and freely expressing decided opinions upon public questions.

He never was a mere policy man, or what would have been termed a successful pleaser, who disguised those carefully drawn praises intended to disguise rather than expose opinion, and expressed his own freely, without much regard to whether they would be popular or not, so long as they were his honest convictions, and sustain what he believed to be the best interest of the people.  His love for the beautiful things of nature and natural objects was renown, and in his speeches, he was able from this source to draw illustrations with telling effect.

He was a man of integrity, and seldom left any man in doubt as to his own intentions; and for his later years, by his voluntary withdrawal from the active pursuits of life, he had become less an element in the business life of the community, he had become more and more the main element in domestic circles, devoted to each other, and especially to him and in which his sudden death will leave a void which cannot be filled and which time alone can make appear as the wise ruling of Him who doeth all things well.  

The funeral will be attended form his late residence this (Tuesday) afternoon at 2 o'clock.

Robert Corbin Murder Trial, February 1869, Conclusion

Sentence of Corbin

Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, March 3, 1869

(Continued from posting of January 25, 1869)

On Tuesday morning of last week, Robert Corbin was brought before the Court for sentence, and on being asked by the Court if he had anything to say why the sentence of the Court should not be pronounced upon him, spoke as follows:

"I don't know that I have anything to say that would affect his matter.  My conscience does not smite me, and I don't know as I could say anything that would alter the convictions of the community.  I did the deed to save a man's life.  When he was coming toward me, I could back up.  I didn't feel as I did when I saw him trying to kill the man who had just saved my life.  I couldn't let him so it; and I don't know but I should do the same today, under the same circumstances.  I suppose I must receive my sentence; and I find no fault with the Court.  I don't know but they have given me all the lenity I ought to have."

The Court then sentenced the prisoner to hard labor in the State Prison at Auburn, for the period of two years and two months.

Robert Corbin Pardoned

Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, September 28, 1870

Governor Hoffman has pardoned Robert Corbin, and he has returned to his home in Afton.  Corbin, it will be recollected, was sentenced to Auburn prison for two years, for killing Kidder, in the spring of 1868.  He has served more than half his time, and is now pardoned out in consequence of ill health, as will be seen by the following letter from Governor Hoffman to Henry R. Mygatt, Esq.:

Albany, Sept. 19, 1870

Hon. Henry R. Mygatt:

Dr. Dimon of Auburn Prison has written me in answer to my inquiries that the continued confinement of Robert Corbin will result in perfect and permanent dementia, and that if removed he might recover, or that at least the progress of his disease would be stayed.  I have concluded, therefore, to pardon him.

Very Respectfully, John T. Hoffman

Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, October 5, 1870

Bainbridge:  The Review relates the following incident connected with the pardon of Robert Corbin:

"It is a fact known to most of our citizens that the pardon of Robert Corbin was obtained through the instrumentality of Col. Samuel North.  There is a little incident connected with the liberation of Mr. Corbin which we cannot refrain from mentioning. The Colonel has been a good friend to Mr. Corbin since his confinement, and it seems has frequently called at the prison and purchased for him such articles of comfort as he might desire. The Colonel called on the day of his reprieve, and as usual Mr. Corbin presented him with a list for a marketing expedition. The Colonel had been for some time studying how he could best break the news to Mr. Corbin, and this afforded him an opportunity too good to be lost. After carefully scanning the memorandum, the Colonel in his peculiar style observed--"Mr. Corbin, I have examined this list, and have come to the conclusion that the very best place to fill the order is at Bainbridge; here is the Governor's permission for you to personally superintend the purchases." It is needless to add that Mr. Corbin was overjoyed at this intelligence, and utterly failed to suppress the emotions of gratitude which welled up from his heart at being once more free to join his family and friends around the old hearthstone.

Vital Records, Norwich, NY, April 28 & May 5, 1869

 Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, April 28, 1869

Marriages

At the Baptist Parsonage in this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], April 2d, by Rev. J.D. Pope, Mr. H.J. Sperry, to Miss E.A. Sharp, all of Norwich.

By the same, April 13th, Mr. Rufus C. Brooks of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], to Miss Nellie Streeter, of Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY].

In Binghamton [Broome Co., NY], April 5th, by Rev. E. Taylor, Mr. David B. Pierce of Norwich, to Miss Julia A. Boyle, of Greene [Chenango Co., NY].

In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], April 23d, by Rev. A.M. Totman, Mr. John S. Smith, to Miss Jennie Steere, both of McDonough [Chenango Co., NY].

In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], April 18th, by Rev. E.H. Payson, Mr. Chandler P. Hunt, to Miss Catharine Carpenter, both of Oxford.

Deaths

In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], April 23d, of consumption, Mr. Luzerne Winton, aged 59 years.  His funeral was attended on Sunday afternoon, by the Masons and Odd Fellows, of which organizations he was a member.

In Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], April 11th, Emma S. [Ives], wife of Henry D. Ives, aged 30 years.

In Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], March 5th, Mr. Asa Willey, aged 88 years and 7 months.

In Coventry [Chenango Co., NY], Page Brook, April 21st, Maria [Jones], wife of Hixon Jones, aged 76 years.

In Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], April 14th, Lucy [Barber], wife of Theodore Barber, aged 34 years.

In Afton [Chenango Co., NY], April 18th, Mary [Corbin], daughter of Robert Corbin, aged 16 years.

In Bennettsville [Chenango Co., NY], April 2d, Hileann [Bennett], wife of P.M. Bennett, aged 50 years.

In East Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], April 18th, Mr. George Morrison, aged 45 years.

In McDonough [Chenango Co., NY], April 5th, Miss Edith Twichell, aged 20 years.

In Woodhull, Steuben Co. [NY], at the residence of her son-in-law, D.H. Williams, Esq., Mrs. Lovina Warren, formerly of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], aged 91 years.

In Minneapolis, Minn. April 10th, Lizzie M. [Baldwin], only daughter of R.J. and Caroline Baldwin, formerly of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], aged 9 years, 9 mos.

In Houston, Texas, April 5th, Mr. James H. Perkins, aged 56 years.

In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], April 21st, Mr. George A. Cary, aged 76 years.

We are pained to learn that George A. Cary, one of our oldest and most esteemed citizens, died at his residence in Oxford, on Wednesday last, of disease of the heart.  Although he had been in feeble health for some months past, he was able on the day previous to his death to be about his house, and to oversee and advise in regard to his business; and his friends as well as himself indulged strong hopes that, with the opening spring, he would be so far restored as to aid his family by his counsel, and comfort them with his cheerful presence for a few more years.  But his disease (possibly accelerated by overexertion) had reached its climax, and he was stricken down, and expired on the following morning.

Mr. Cary was born May 8th, 1793, in Union, Broome County [NY], and the following year came with his father, Judge Cary, to Oxford, where (with the exception of a few years spent in Houston, Texas) he has since resided.  While discharging such public duties as were imposed upon him, with fidelity, his taste and inclinations led him to seek pleasure chiefly in the cultivation of his farm, and in the comforts of his home, where his family always found him a kind and indulgent husband and father, the community a good citizen, and his friends in intelligent and hospitable gentleman.

A residence of seventy-five years in Oxford made him a witness of the main events which constitute the history of the Chenango valley from its earliest settlement, and has left for him a record of intelligence, probity, and hospitality, well known to most of our readers.  His funeral was largely attended from his late residence on Friday afternoon.

Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, May 5, 1869

Marriages

In Oxford [Chenango Co. NY], April 24th, by Rev. T.P. Halstead, Mr. Orville J. Lyon, of Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], to Miss Alice Teachout, of Coventry [Chenango Co., NY].

In Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], April 22d, by Rev. J.A. Robinson, Mr. Stephen H. Seacord, of Afton [Chenango Co., NY], to Miss Emma Sands, eldest daughter of Jerome B. Sands, of Bainbridge.

Deaths

In this village, May 1st, Polly A. [Aylesworth], wife of Nelson W. Aylesworth, aged 44 years.  Her remains were taken to South New Berlin for interment.

In Hebron, Wis., March 30th, Mr. Ransel Mortoy, formerly of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY] aged 81 years.

In Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], April 19th, Mary T. [Fuller], daughter of Roderick D. and Fostina Fuller, aged 4 months and 25 days.

A frightful accident occurred between Homer and Truxton [Cortland Co., NY], on Tuesday.  A young man named Hezekiah Rounds had harnessed a young horse before a covered carriage, for the first time, to carry his mother and sister to Cortland [Cortland Co., NY].  Before they were ready to enter the carriage, young Rounds removed the bridle for the purpose of taking off the halter, when the horse, catching a sight of a carriage top, became frightened and reared, and ran, throwing Rounds upon the ground and trampling him until he was horribly mutilated.  He lingered in great agony until late in the afternoon, when he died. This is the fourth death in the family within a year, three of which were by violence.  Cortland co. Democrat.

Robert Corbin Murder Trial, February 1869, Part 4

 

Trial of Robert Corbin, for the Murder of Elliot J. Kidder, at Afton, Feb. 10, 1868

Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, February 24, 1869

(Continued from posting of January 24, 2022)

W. Mallory recalled:  This was the coat I wore up there that the button was cut off, (the coat was exhibited to the jury) I was examined before the Grand Jury.

Cross-Examined: This coat is two years old; I showed the coat that night to two or three, can't name anyone but Wildey.

By the Court:  Can't give any reason why I did not use both hands except to be ready for defense with one.

George Fox sworn:  Live east of the log house premises, in Afton; lived there 30 years; traveled through on this road 28 years ago; had not traveled it in several years till last winter; went over it 20 years ago two or three times; am the Fox spoken of as having purchased the premises of Corbin sometime since.

The evidence of this witness in relation to the homicide was nearly the same as that already given.  He had known Kidder 10 or 12 years and always heard he was a coward, though he acted ferocious.

William V. Caswell, the next witness in relation to the killing says: Kidder was swinging the ax as he came down; before Corbin got out he called to Kidder to go away; he then got out and passed near the head of the horses and told Kidder to go away as he wished to drive along; Kidder raised his ax at him and said, "I will split you down sir;" then saw Corbin's revolver the first time; it was in his hand; was pointed towards Kidder's breast; did not hear it snap; Kidder said, "Shoot will you?" and kept striking towards him; Corbin fell back in the snow; supposed the next blow might have caught his side; Kidder than drew again; Mallory jumped from the sleigh and caught the blow.  Nothing new elicited by the evidence as regards the encounter between Mallory and Kidder. Being informed by Wood that if he wanted to save his property, he must go up and take care of it, he further states: my son asked me if it was necessary to take any weapons; Corbin said if he had anything it would be well enough to take it along; and he went and got the pistol.

Cross Examined:  Wood and others were put in log house by me; this was Thursday previous to the homicide; Shaw went in under Kidder the Spring previous; had told the men to get guns; carried one there myself, to be used on Kidder or any other man who came there to disturb possession; the men could not get back except by going over land owned by Kidder; Corbin at the time of the affray was perfectly cool and collected both before and after the shooting.

Charles Corbin, son of defendant, aged 21 years next took the stand.  His narration of the homicide agrees substantially with that of other witnesses.  He heard the shot; did not hear anyone say "kill him;" did not hear anyone say "the damn thing won't go off;" Kidder acted perfectly wild.

Willard Landers next sworn; Know Kidder; Knows Corbin and Caswell; met last named coming across the street; Kidder came along and said Mr. Caswell you and Mr. Corbin will get shot on the hill; Caswell said them are pretty hard threats, who will do it; Kidder said I will do it, no one else; my family have had difficulty with Kidder; have feeling in the case.

The deposition of Eliza Corbin, daughter of defendant, was then heard, detailing conversation between Kidder and her father, and between Caswell and prisoner, and other incidents already recited.

H.C. Bosworth, a gunsmith of this village testified that none of the four remaining cartridges had been snapped; they would have shown it if they had gone off.

S.T. Donaghe testified that he informed Corbin as to the threats in Dec. 1867; he advised him to keep away from there without he was prepared for Kidder told him, after the house was torn down that he had possession and should keep it if his men had to shoot him.

Abijah Dean, an employee of Caswell, on the premises, testified as to the transactions of that day and the doings and sayings of Kidder and others previous to the affray.  He knew there was a dispute about the possession of the lot, and that there was a suit brought; had four guns in the house but did not suppose they were brought there to be used, but to frighten Kidder.

H.K. Caswell sworn:  Was present at the homicide and was under indictment for it.  He narrated the fact of his getting a pistol for Corbin at Pecso's on the day of the homicide, and what became of it afterwards, also spoke of a loaded revolver, with six barrels, he had to protect himself with.  He detailed the occurrence as given by other witnesses.

Leander Wildey, who was at the log house on the day of the killing, said:  Kidder told Shaw not to drive off the cattle nor cross his lands himself; after Wood had thrust Kidder from the door he jumped back and took a gun; Kidder threatened to split us down.

Wm. Mallory recalled, testified in regard to his evidence before the Grand Jury; don't recollect of saying a boy 15 years old could handle Kidder or that he was not under the influence of liquor.

Hial Landers, a resident of Afton for about 70 years, and who knew the place where Kidder was killed for 50 years testified that the road was nearly the same as it was 30 years ago.

A number of witnesses were called and recalled, who testified in regard to the procurement and condition of the pistol the location of the road upon the hill, and the position and surroundings of the body of Kidder before it was removed.  Witnesses also testified who visited the place sometime subsequent.  

Evidence was given by J.B. Cook, D.C. Bond, H. Sanders, S.T. Donaghe, and Nelson Parsons, tending to impeach Hiram J. Lake and by W.L. Partridge, E.P. Church, Edward L. Bradstreet, LeRoy Bennett, J.W. Bennet, and Byron French, to impeach Simeon Greek.

Evidence was also given by Rufus Chandler, James M. Banks, Philo Kirby, James B. Cook, Daniel A. Carpenter and E.P. Church, who all concurred as to the excellent character of Robert Corbin, defendant.

N.P. Hitchcock, foreman, and John Mitchell, a member of the Grand Jury that found the indictment, testified in regard to evidence given by Mallory on that occasion, contradictory somewhat to that given on the trial.

Evidence was also taken, going to show what Kidder said in relation to the Oxen, and what he told Shaw concerning them on the hill.

The cause was ably and eloquently summed up on Friday evening, by Hon. Amasa J. Parker on the part of the prisoner, and Hon. Lyman Tremain for the people.  We regret that our limits will not permit us giving at least a synopsis of the forcible and convincing arguments of the learned cousel on either side, and also the admirable charge of Judge Balcom, delivered on Saturday morning.

About 9 o'clock on Saturday evening, after once or twice coming in for instructions, or to report a non-agreement, the jury rendered a verdict of manslaughter in the third degree.

Exceptions were taken by the defendant's counsel, for the purpose of carrying the case to the General Term, and motion made for stay of proceedings, which was denied; and, on Tuesday morning, the prisoner was sentenced to Auburn prison for two years and two months.

To be concluded

Vital Records, Norwich, NY, April 14 & 21, 1869

 Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, April 14, 1869

Marriages

In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], March 30th, by Rev. Thos. Harroun, Mr. J.S. Gunton, of Kingston Pa., to Miss Emily Bennett of Dundaff, Pa.

In Guilford Center [Chenango C., NY], March 28th, by Rev. J.L. Jones, Mr. James L. Walker of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Julia Anderson, of Guilford.

In McDonough [Chenango Co., NY], April 6th, by Rev. Mr. Gilpin, Mr. James S. Lewis, of Pitcher Spa [Chenango Co., NY] to Mrs. H.A. Manwaring of McDonough.

In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], March 31st, by Rev. E.R. Clarke, Mr. George N. Carnary to Mrs. Abigail W. Humphrey, all of Oxford.

In East Greene [Chenango Co., NY], March 23d, by Rev. R.H. Spafford, Mr. Eli B. Stratton of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Annie A. Race, of Greene.

In East Greene [Chenango Co., NY], April 1st, by Rev. R.H. Spafford, Frederick L. Waterman, of Smithville [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Eleanor M. Skillin, of East Greene.

In Chenango Forks [Broome Co., NY], March 28th, by Jas. W. Tombs, ESq., Robert M. Reynolds to Miss Emma Shaler, both of Chenango Forks.

In Afton [Chenango Co., NY], March 30th, by Rev. E.T. Jacobs, Mr. William E. Hyde, to Miss Ella A. Landers, all of Afton.

Deaths

In this village, [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], April 10th, Mrs. Mary Brooks, widow of the late Zeyu Brooks, aged 66 years.

In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], April 4th, Lydia [Perry], widow of the late Dea. John Perry, aged 77 years and 8 months.

In East Pharsalia [Chenango Co., NY], March 18th, Dea. Jonas Herrick, aged 73 years.

In Rawlins, Wyoming Territory, March 28th, of pneumonia, Mr. Charles S. Plumb, formerly of the village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], aged 37 years.

Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, April 21, 1869

Marriages

In Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], April 8th, by Rev. I.B. Hyde, Mr. Wm. J. Brown of Hubbardsville [Madison Co., NY], to Mrs. Eliza Kelfies of Sherburne.

In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], April 8th, by Rev. James H. Sage, Mr. N.A. Barlow of Ripen, Wis. to Miss Estella R. [Walker], daughter of Simeon Walker, of Greene.

In New York City, April 5th, by Rev John B. Morgan, Mr. John Bagot Birch to Miss Mary Brower [Youlin], formerly of Greene [Chenango Co., NY], eldest daughter of Dr. J.J. Youlin, of Jersey City.

Deaths

In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], April 12th, of diptheria, Kitty [Redmond], only daughter of Mrs. Sally and the late Owen Redmond, aged 23 years.

In Preston [Chenango Co., NY], April 6th, Mr. Nathaniel Willcox, aged 86 years.

In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], April 13th, Dea. Hiram Jones, aged 77 years.

In Unadilla [Otsego Co., NY], March 27th, of scarlet fever, Fannie E. [Brainard], only child of Ogden and Mary L. Brainard, aged 5 years, 2 months and 7 days.

In Smyrna [Chenango Co., NY], April 9th, Mrs. Isabelle Barber, wife of Joshua Barber, aged 83 years.

In Columbus [Chenango Co., NY], March 31st, Mr. Milo Bailey, aged 38 years.

In Cortland [Cortland Co., NY], April 12th, of consumption, Mrs. Rachael Rogers, aged 86 years and 6 months. Deceased was the mother of D.C. and Thomas Rogers, of this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY].

Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], Mrs. O'Marr, keeper of a boarding house for the railroad hands at Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], was found dead on the floor on Tuesday morning last, she having laid down there the night previous in a state of intoxication.  A coroner's jury was summoned and returned a verdict that deceased came to her death by an apoplectic fit caused by intemperance.  The remains were brought to this place for interment.

Robert Corbin Murder Trial, February 1869 - Part 3

 

Trial of Robert Corbin, for the Murder of Elliot J. Kidder, at Afton, Feb. 10, 1868

Chenango Union, February 24, 1869

(Continued from posting of January 23, 2022)

The defense was opened by Isaac S. Newton, Esq., in a forcible and ingenious speech, in which he detailed the incidents of the affray, reciting the condition of the titles of a large quantity of lands in the vicinity where it occurred, marking out their boundaries, and the action of certain individuals connected with various transactions.  It was not denied that Corbin killed Kidder, but it was denied that he killed him with malice aforethought.

The first witness sworn for the defense was William Mallory who testifies as follows.  Live in Afton; know Corbin, knew Kidder; was present when Kidder was killed; went up in the load; did not know of anyone in the sleigh being armed; reached the place of affray about 5 P.M.  When I first saw Kidder he came running down the hill a few rods ahead of the team; he had an ax in his right hand; when most up to the horses he said, "whoa, you must go no further on my land;" he commenced striking at and between the horses; they stopped, Corbin urged the horses, they started and he called whoa again, and they stopped; Fox was not driving; Corbin, told him to get out of the way; he did not and Corbin got out, and went to the horses heads; Kidder followed him with his ax and said, "d...m you.  I'll split you down;" Corbin fell back; Kidder hit him with the ax on the side pocket of his coat on the left side; Kidder then said, "d...m you, take that will you;" Corbin fell partly on his left side; Kidder drew the ax again and I jumped out of the sleigh intending to grasp the ax; the ax fell on my arm, the helve and the blade cutting a button off my coat; Kidder drew the ax on me; I jumped and caught hold of him; he was about opposite the collar of the horses; he tried to strike me all he could; I had hold of the ax; I held my arm stiff, and he could not hit me; I moved about 18 feet distance up the road; he jerked me around and then off to the side; I was doing nothing else except to keep him off; can't say as I did any more that to resist the effort he was making; I did not see Corbin when Kidder was shot, nor from the time I grasped the ax until then.  Did not hear the snap of a pistol when Corbin got out of the sleigh; Kidder was a tall man, weighing 170 to 180 pounds; he appeared at this time to have liquor in him.

Cross Examination:  Did not see a pistol in Corbin's hand at any time. When Corbin fell Kidder struck at him with the side of the ax, when I seized him he had stepped back to the head of the horses some 4 or 5 feet; he continued to fall back after I took hold of him, he did not press me back; I swore I was not afraid of Kidder, before the Grand Jury, I was not afraid of him when I had hold of the ax, he hallooed twice, "where is my men?" he did not say "I have nothing to do with you," I did not reply, "I have with you." said nothing of the kind.

By the Court:  When I took hold of the ax with one hand I drew the other hand back, I calculated it was in a striking attitude the whole time.

George Teed, brother-in-law of prisoner, was next witness:  Live three-fourths of a mile from Corbin, Wood came over and said Corbin wanted me to go on the hill with him after his cattle; hitched up my horse and went up, when I first saw Kidder, he was coming down the hill, he had an ax in his hand, think he had it in one hand, head of it down, he came up and hallowed "Whoa, I forbid you driving any farther on this road."  When the attack was made on him. Corbin was driving; Corbin got out and went to the head of the horses.  Kidder struck at him, and Corbin backed up, Kidder followed him saying "take that you damn son-of-a-bitch, I'll cut you down." Corbin was laying on the ground and Kidder made a pass at him, when Mallory jumped out and caught him, and they commenced backing, Kidder trying to make motions with the ax; this continued until they passed the head of the horses; I was sitting in the cutter behind the sleigh, It was the edge of the ax that was coming down when I saw it, the whole thing did not exceed one minute, when Corbin was backing up he had a pistol; I did not hear it snap, I have been in the army, it could not have been snapped and not marked the other cartridge; did not hear Corbin remark that the pistol would not go off, I should say Kidder was trying to strike Mallory and Mallory was trying to proven it, it so continued until they went out of my sight.  I was there in May, the road had the appearance of a traveled road; I know Eliza Corbin, she is sick.

Charles Wood sworn:  Live in Afton, three-fourths of a mile from long house, Southwest, V. Caswell lives half a mile northwest from log house; from this place to the village there was no other road except this one, it was the traveled road to the river. the other one was so drifted as not to admit of passage, was present when Kidder was shot; could see part of the time; first saw Kidder running down the hill, 8 or 10 feet from the horses; he had an ax in his right hand, made motions at horses; Corbin told him to get out of the way; Corbin got out on left hand side and went up and told Kidder to get out of the way; Corbin held out his arm and Kidder says, "shoot will you," and made blows at him, until Corbin fell; can't say as he hit him; did not hear Kidder make any remark as he went down; Kidder then struck again towards defendant; Mallory jumped out and took the blow on his arm; Kidder drew up the ax and Mallory caught it; acted as if he would strike; Mallory caught it with left hand; they were mid-way of the horses; Kidder kept backing up, when Kidder was shot the ax was up over Mallory's head, or rather between the two; Corbin got up and went around the horse and soon the shot was fired; Corbin did not turn to the sleigh; heard no snapping of a pistol; did not know he had a pistol until I saw it in his hands when he was backing up, only knew Kidder by sight.

The further evidence of this witness relates principally to what occurred on the hill or at the log house during the day; of his going to Bainbridge to tell Caswell that if he wanted to save his house he must go up and take care of it, and to the guns that were in it.  Colton's boy brought one gun there, witness one, and Caswell or someone else the other two. Witness loaded two guns; loaded one to kill rabbits.  Kidder came there, knocked, and wanted to come in; he came up to deponent and said, "get out of the way or he would split me down and the law would uphold him in it;" he said, "he owned the house, it was his property," which was repeated.  

To be continued

Vital Records, Norwich, NY, March 31 & April 7, 1869

 Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, March 31, 1869

Marriages

At the residence of the bride's father, in Carlinville, Ill., March 7th, by Rev. C. Witte, Mr. Will N. Underwood, formerly of New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY] and a "type" of this office, to Miss Etta C. Wardgensted, all of Carlinville.

In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], Feb. 4th, by Rev. E.Z. Lewis, of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], Mr. Leonad G. Lindsley, to Miss Celia M. Ford, both of Oxford.

In Preston [Chenango Co., NY], March 20th, by Clark T. Rogers, Esq., Mr. William J. Whitford, of Brookfield, N.Y. [Madison Co.], to Miss Hattie E. Holmes, of Preston.

In Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], March 17th, by Rev. J.L. Burrows, Mr. Cyrus C. Cook, to Miss Minerva Merrill.

Deaths

In Preston [Chenango Co., NY], March 25th, Abigail [Packer], wife of William Packer, aged 79 years.

In North Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], March 28th, Mr. William W. Burrell, aged 63 years.

In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], March 20th, Mrs. Betsey Hallenleon, aged 82 years.

In Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], March 20th, Mrs. Ives, widow of Abram Ives, aged 90 years.  She was one of the first settlers of Guilford and was intimately connected with its early history.

In Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], March 23d, Ann [Bradley] wife of Uri Bradley.

Fatal Accident:  Robert Hinman, of Pitcher [Chenango Co., NY], while at work in a sugar on Monday of last week, cut his foot badly near the ankle, severing the artery, and losing much blood.  Those present finally succeed in checking the bleeding, and he was conveyed to his residence.  On the following day the wound commenced bleeding afresh, and lockjaw ensued, from which he died. Deceased was son-in-law of Eratus Lottridge, of this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY].

Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, April 7, 1869

Marriages

At the residence of James Brown, Esq., March 14th, by Rev. J. Storrs, Rev. Holland Turner, to Miss Polly Stephens, both of South Otselic [Chenango Co., NY].

In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], March 25th, by Rev. Dr. Rogers, Mr. George Loomis, to Miss Cele [Henry], daughter of Dr. Graham Henry, both of Smithville [Chenango Co., NY].

In Christ Church, Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], March 31st, by Rev. J.L. Burrows, Mr. H.R. Dart, to Miss Hallie Fowler, all of Sherburne.

Deaths

In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], April 2d, of consumption.  Mr. Geo. H. Bliven, aged 29 years.  His funeral was attended on Tuesday afternoon, by Canasawacta Lodge of Odd Fellows, of which he was a member.

Suddenly, in Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], March 29th, Mrs. Isabella Porter, widow of the late Dea. H. Porter, of Coventry [Chenango Co., NY], and mother of W.D. Porter of this village, aged 61 years.

In Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], Feb. 21st, of cancer in the mouth, Mr. Charles Foote, aged 56 years.

In Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], March 31st, Florence [White], only daughter of Henry L. and Victoria White, aged 3 years.

In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], March 26th, Martha Ophelia [Campbell], daughter of Rufus Campbell, aged 4 years and 11 months.

In Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], March 29th, Helen [Foster], wife of Elias Foster, aged 26 years and 10 months.

In Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], March 24th, Mrs. Sibyl Gager, aged 92 years.

In Mcdonough [Chenango Co., NY], March 12th, at the residence of Hezekiah Lewis, Mr. Abel Lewis, aged 69 years, formerly of Pharsalia [Chenango Co., NY].

Death of Dr. A.B. Kinney

We are pained to announce the death of Dr. A.B. Kinney, who expired at his residence in Sherburne village [Chenango Co., NY], on Monday, the 29th ult.

Dr. Kinney was a native of Sherburne, born in August 1842, and son of Stephen Kinney, Esq., an old resident of that town.  After acquiring a good common school and academic education, having been a pupil at both the Norwich and Oxford academies, he entered the office of Dr. Beecher as a student of medicine.  When the 114th Regiment left Norwich in the fall of 1862, he accompanied it with the Doctor, still prosecuting his studies, to Baltimore and Fortress Monroe, voluntarily discharging for some considerable time, and in a very satisfactory manner, the duties of Hospital Steward.

When the Banks' Expedition, of which the 114th formed a part, sailed for the Department of the Gulf, Dr. Kinney returned to complete his medical course, receiving with honors the degree of Doctor of Medicine from the Long Island Medical College in the spring of 1864.  He at once entered the service of his country and was located successively at Hampton or McClellan Hospital near Fortress Monroe, at Drummendstown and Easternville on the eastern shore of Virginia, at which last named places important Hospitals were placed in his charge, and officials his seniors by several years, made subordinate to him. The war over, in July 1865, he was transferred to the Medical Department of the Freedmen's Bureau, and stationed at Yorktown, where he remained nearly a year, longer by a number of months than any other officer of the Government was able or could be induced to stay throughout the entire war.  In the spring or early summer of 1866, his health failing, he offered his resignation and returned North.

Such value was placed upon his services that in a short time he was solicited to return, and as an inducement a position at Norfolk, Petersburg and Lynchburg was offered from which to make a selection.  Lynchburg, from the salubrity of the climate, was wisely chosen, where he remained two years and was off duty only two days.

In July 1868, overworked and worn down, carrying in his person the seeds of disease, he returned to his friends, consumption closing his career of usefulness and his bright promise of the future, at the early age of 27 years.  He leaves a wife, and child of fourteen months, and a large circle of friends to mourn their loss.  But their loss is his great gain, for as the Christian dieth, so died he.

Quiet and unassuming in his manners, without ostentation or parade, and gentle as a child, he did not attract by the glare of false lights or exhibit upon the surface the estimable qualities which he really possessed.  In his family, in the Hospital, or beside the sick bed his noble traits of character and his skill were most highly appreciated, because best known.

Intimately knowing the deceased as did the writer of this brief sketch, it affords a melancholy pleasure to recall and recount the many virtues of our dear departed friend.  We cannot, however, more truthfully or delicately give expression to our own sentiments and our estimation of his genuine worth than in the parting words of the Surgeon-in-Chief of the District of Virginia, with whom he was officially associated for nearly three years. The subjoined tribute is all the more significant when we reflect that the author as we have occasion to know, is a man of few words and means what he says:

Richmond, Va., June 25, 1868

To Dr. A.B. Kinney, U.S.A.

Dear Doctor:  It is with regret that I learn that your personal interests make it necessary for you to leave the service of the government. We have been so long and agreeably associated in the public service that I am very reluctant to part with you. In parting allow me to express to you my thanks for your able and efficient services as a medical officer since I have had charge of the medical department of the bureau in this State. Always true to your duties in all respects; always prompt and reliable, you have won, in a high degree, my respect and esteem.  As a highly scientific and skillful medical officer, faithful in every duty, and as a gentleman, you possess the qualities that will make you a valuable acquisition to any community to which you may locate as a physician and citizen.  I trust they will appreciate your worth, as I do.  If so, I am sure that you will have a promising field of future usefulness.  Allow me in parting, to wish you and yours, health, happiness and sucess in this life, and a happy hereafter.

I am, with much respect, Your Friend, J.J. Delmater, Brevit Lieut. Colonel. 

The funeral was largely attended form the Episcopal Church, in Sherburne, on Wednesday last.  Rev. Mr. Burrows officiating.

Robert Corbin Murder Trial, February 1869, Part 2

Trial of Robert Corbin, for the murder of Elliot J. Kidder, at Afton, Feb. 10, 1868

Chenango Union, February 24, 1869

(Continued from posting of January 22, 2022)

Hiram J. Lake was the next witness, who testified substantially as Delong, being perhaps a little more explicit in one or two particulars; saw Kidder come down the pitch, or hill, hallooing to the team coming up, to hold on; threw up his ax and stopped the team; as they started up the third time he hallooed whoa; hit the nigh horse on the nose; told them to drive no farther, he was going to protect his property and the law would protect him; Corbin got out of the sleigh, came round to Kidder and said go away from my horses, at the same time presenting a pistol held in his right hand; Kidder said "Going to shoot me, by Christ!"  Kidder pressed forward, and they were soon out of my sight; coming in the road again and getting in front of the horses Kidder said to Mallery "What are you here for, I have nothing to do with you;" They clinched and backed up; heard Kidder hallooing to Wheeler to come quick; heard someone, think it was Lattemore say, "Kill him, damn him;" a moment after, Mallory and Kidder being yet clinched, Corbin was putting his hand over Mallory's shoulder; saw Corbin shoot; said then, "he has done it, done that he can never do up again;" think Corbin was a foot and a half or two feet from Kidder when he shot; witness had a suit against Corbin at the time of the affray.

Re-direct:  Kidder was flourishing the side of the ax towards Corbin; he must have been four or six feet from Corbin when he went down; Corbin stepped towards the sleigh when he got up, and Kidder into the road; heard the pistol snap and Corbin say "the d....d thing wouldn't go;" had heard of threats by Corbin to the effect that if Kidder didn't keep off the hill he would be shot.

The third witness was the Colton boy, Riley, living at the time of the affray with his father, Ebenezer Colton at the White House, he notified Kidder that Corbin was coming; Kidder came down and halted the team; Corbin told him to get away; he said that he shouldn't, he was going to protect his property; Corbin had a pistol in his right hand; thought he snapped it; Kidder said, "you going to shoot me?" no reply by Corbin; Kidder followed him and Corbin fell down in the snow; Kidder retreated; Mallory walked up and took hold of Kidder and the ax with his left hand; Mallory tried to kick Kidder when he backed out into the snow; the shooting was six or eight feet ahead of the horses and out of the road; Corbin pointed the pistol at Kidder when he first came to the horses heads; then Kidder raised his ax; heard someone say "why don't you shoot him?"  Corbin replied, "the d....d thing wouldn't go."  This witness also testified in regard to an unloaded horse-pistol, in the hands of Kidder that was left at their house.

The next and last witness that saw the transaction was Uriah Lake, son of Hiram Lake aged 13 years:  First heard Riley Colton shout to Kidder "they are coming;" can't say where Riley was; Kidder held up his hands and shouted, "whoa, whoa!" Kidder fetched his hand up and hit the horses on the nose; Corbin came near Kidder; did not see the pistol; Kidder raised his ax at Corbin; he backed up till he fell down in the snow; Kidder struck at him with the side of the ax; don't know whether he hit him; Kidder went up the road and Mallory followed him; Kidder said, "I have nothing to do with you;" Mallory said, "I have with you;" Mallory backed Kidder out in the snow ten or fifteen feet and kicked at him; heard Kidder call for help; Riley Colton ran and told his father and Wheeler to come quick; didn't see the whole if it, there being a load of logs between them and me.

The evidence of Ebenezer Colton and Hezekiah R. Wheeler, the persons called by young Colton to aid Kidder, relates principally to the transactions of the day and the position of affairs when they reached the scene.  Both heard the report of the pistol, and one or both remarked "someone is shot."  Colton thinks Kidder was a little intoxicated, Wheeler thinks he was not; he was with him nearly all day and took dinner with him; saw no liquor.  He also testifies in relation to the horse pistol which he saw when they left in the morning.  Kidder told witness to go to Shaw's house and get a saw and horse pistol that was there belonging to him; it was not loaded; he put it in the sleigh; there was no ammunition there; Kidder put it into the log house to remain till called for.

The evidence of Lewis Delong, in the employ of Kidder on the fatal day, elicits nothing new and is immaterial.

Simeon Greek testifies to a conversation with Corbin something like a week before the homicide, in which he requested him to move into the log house. Witness told him Kidder would tear the house down when he returned; he said if he was there and he attempted to tear it down he would not do it again, or he would have to be carried off the hill.

Dr. Blinn S. Sill, of the party that went for Kidder's remains, related the position of the body when they reached the spot, detailed the situation of the surroundings and various measurements that were made. Body was about 18 feet from center of road; on the right side, the road being nearly at right angles with it; the beaten track of road where the affray took place was five or six feet wide, where it turned up the hill, something wider; distance from place where the body lay to the top of the hill sixty or eighty feet; a man standing 100 feet up the road from the body could have witnessed the transaction.

The medical evidence was given by Dr. W.H. Beardsley, who made an examination of the body. The ball entered just under the ear; it was lodged on the opposite side; this would have paralyzed the nerves of motion predicting death instantly.

Mrs. Adaline Kidder, widow of E.J. Kidder, testified as to the appearance of Mr. Kidder previous to and at the time of his leaving for the hill, between 9 and 10 in the morning.  He was not intoxicated; he did not say to me at any time if Corbin came there to get that land, one of them would go off dead; he spoke of going on the hill Sunday; I requested him not to go.

This, in the main, closes the evidence of the people.

To be continued

Vital Records, Norwich, NY, March 17 & 24, 1869

 Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, March 17, 1869

Marriage

In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], March 2d, by Rev. J.O. Ransom, Mr. Calvin H. Whitney, to Miss Nevada M. Seeley, both of Oxford.

Deaths

At the Spaulding house, in this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], March 10th, Capt. William Sage, aged 37 years, late of Company L., 20th, N.Y. Cavalry.

At the residence of E.B. Barnett, in this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], March 13th, Joanna [Chamberlain], Widow of Dea. Elijah Chamberlain aged 84 years.

In this town [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], March 7th, Sarah Washburn [Wade], wife of Henry L. Wade, and daughter of Dr. Wm. G. Sands, of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], aged 27 years.

In Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], March 10th, Mrs. Alice Cady, aged 75 years.

In Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], Feb. 22d, Asa Lamott [Tracy], son of William and Susan Tracy, aged 2 years and 7 months.

In South New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], Feb. 22d, Mary Louisa [Hunt], daughter of Daniel and Emma Hunt, aged 4 years.

In Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY], Feb. 28th, Mrs. Manetta Merrill, widow of Thomas Merrill, aged 63 years, 7 months.

In Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], March 5th, Mary [Seeley], youngest daughter of Abel and Adaline Seeley, aged 20 years.

In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], March 4th, Mr. Alonzo Covert, aged 43 years.

In Coventry [Chenango Co., NY], March 5th, Miss Mary S. Beals, formerly of Greene [Chenango Co., NY], aged 76 years.

In East Jeffrey, N.H., March 3d, Mrs. Frank M. Reynolds, wife of Rev. A.E. Reynolds, aged 26 years.  Deceased was a sister of C.J. Tucker, of this place [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY].

Death of Sherwood S. Merritt, Esq.

In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], on Tuesday morning, March 16th, of disease of the stomach, Sherwood S. Merritt, Esq., aged 52 years.

In the death of Sherwood S. Merritt, which occurred at his residence in this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], on Tuesday morning, March 16th, at 4 o'clock, our citizens have sustained a severe loss, which will be realized more and more, as they recover from the shock his sudden death has occasioned, and as time shall more fully develop the important relations he bore to the social and business interests of this community.

Mr. Merritt was born in North Norwich, about the year 1817, and while quite young selected the law as his profession, which he has practiced continuously, in this village, from the time of his admission as an attorney, about the year 1840, up to a few weeks previous to his death.  His disease was an organic affection of the stomach, which, until about two weeks since, was not considered as threatening his life.

One of the ablest lawyers of the State, he was always courteous and obliging, and relied upon sound argument rather than cunning for success in his profession.  His tastes inclined him rather to the hard work of an office, than to any attempts at display in the courts.  He was a truthful and matter-of-fact man; and whether as a lawyer or a man, was always honest and upright; and we follow his quiet, unobtrusive example, and express the feeling of our heart, when we say, " And he was a good man."

The irreparable loss which his family and relatives have sustained in his death, we do not feel competent adequately to express.  As there will hereafter doubtless, be written a more complete notice of his life and character, and as the few moments we have to pen this notice prevents our collecting the material facts, we shall not at this time attempt anything more than this brief and imperfect sketch.

The funeral will be held at the late residence of the deceased, on East Main Street, on Thursday at 2 o'clock, P.M.

Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, March 24, 1869

Marriages

In Preston [Chenango Co., NY], March 10th, by Rev. D.C. Shepard, Mr. Arva Hopkins of Carmel, Putnam Co. [NY] to Miss S. Adelaide Chace, of the former place.

In Preston [Chenango Co., NY], March 9th, by Rev. M.L. Bennett, Mr. T.J. Rogers, of Ohio, to Miss L.J. Lewis, Preston.

In Zion Church, Greene [Chenango Co., NY], March 16th, by Rev. Dr. Rogers, Mr. John S. Winter, to Miss Eliza E. Harrington, all of Greene.

In East Greene [Chenango Co., NY], March 14th, by Rev. R.H. Spafford, Mr. William D. Wheeler, to Mrs. Lucina A. Day, both of Greene.

In New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], March 16th, by Rev. G.E. Flint, Mr. Andrew Waterman, to Miss Isabelle Skinner, all of New Berlin.

In Clarence, Mo., March 2d, by Rev. S. Steed, Mr. Giles F. West, formerly of Pitcher [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Virginia S. Doyle, all of Clarence.

Deaths

In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], March 12th, of consumption, A. Leroy [Harrington], youngest son of William A. and Jane Harrington, aged 21 years.

In Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], March 1st, from injuries received in battle, Mr. John G. Norton, late of the 176th Regt. N.Y.S. Vols. aged 46 years.

In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], March 14th, Janet [Hotchkiss], wife of William Hotchkiss, aged 64 years.

In North Fenton [Broome Co., NY], March 5th, Mr. John F. Miller, formerly of Greene [Chenango Co., NY], aged 86 years and 11 months.

In Lawrenceville Pa., Feb. 24th, Rev. Octavius Fitch, formerly of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY].

Shooting in Cortland

Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, March 17, 1869

The Democrat gives an account of the shooting of one Luke Van Hoesen, a young man who for some months past has divided his time about equally between the inside and the outside of the county jail, by Peter Hitchcock, on Friday morning last, about one o'clock.  Van Hoesen was intoxicated, and desired admittance into Hitchcock's house, which Peter refused.  Van would come in; burst open the kitchen door, and was kicking away at the sitting room door, when H. ordered him to desist, or he would shoot him. The intruder paid no attention to this threat and Hitchcock discharged a pistol in the direction of the door, the ball taking effect in the left side of Van Hoesen, inflicting a mortal wound.  Hitchcock was in jail, and the wounded man near his end, on Friday last.

The Cortland Homicide

Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, March 24, 1869

Luther Van Hoesen, who was shot by Peter Hitchcock, on the morning of the 12th inst., while attempting to enter the house of the latter, brief mention of which we published last week, died on the afternoon of that day.  On Monday, the case was brought before the Grand Jury, who found a true bill against Hitchcock for murder, and he stands committed for trial at the June term of the Court of Oyer and Terminer.  A man name Clark who accompanied Van Hoesen to Hitchcock's house, a place of ill repute, testifies to what took place there, and his evidence is damaging to Hitchcock.

The Oldest Mason

Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, March 24, 1869

Mr. Samuel McMinn, of Pharsalia [Chenango Co., NY], called at our office one day last week, and from a conversation which we had with him we learn that he is, undoubtedly, the oldest Free Mason in this section of the State, if not the State.  Mr. McMinn emigrated to this country, from Ireland, in the year 1806.  Before he left Ireland, he took the Degrees in Masonry as far as and including those of Knight Templar. The Master's Lodge, of which he was a member, was named Coranary lodge, number 561, and was located in the manor of Coranary, Cavan County.  He does not remember distinctly the year when he first became a Mason, but from his statement of his age and the year in which he left Ireland, he must have been a member of the Craft for sixty-four years at least.  Mr. McMinn is a venerable looking man, eighty-five years old, still hale and hearty, and retains his faculties almost unimpaired, attributable, no doubt, to his having strictly adhered to the tenants of this ancient and honorable order.