Vital Records, Chenango County, NY, August 1872 (conlcuded)

 Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, August 28, 1872

Marriages

GRAY - COGSDELL:  At the American Hotel in this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], August 21st, by Wm. h. Gonn, Esq. C.B. Gray of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], and Della E. Cogsdell of Guilford [Chenango Co. NY].

Silver Wedding:  A very pleasant affair came off at the residence of Rev. Thomas Harroun, of this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], on the evening of Thursday, Aug. 22d, it being the twenty-fifth anniversary of the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Harroun some of their numerous friends met and surprised them with the presentation of a very beautiful silver tea set and castor.  They had heard that they had been married twenty-five years and thought that this would present a favorable opportunity for them to show the esteem in which they held them, both in their social and official position.  This was especially appropriate as Mr. Harroun is closing up his labors as P. Elder of the District, as this year is the last of the constitutional term.  He has now been a resident of this village nearly seven years, three as pastor of the Methodist Church, and four as P. Elder of the District.

The occasion was observed in a most befitting manner, and those who had charge of it deserve great credit.  When the proper time came, after a season of pleasant social conversation, the guests gathered in the parlor and sitting rooms, the honored couple were seated, by request, near the center, and their children standing behind them.  A table on which was placed the articles of silver was near.  The duty of making the presentation speech devolved upon Mr. Wheeler, who did it "in an appropriate manner."  Mr. Harroun, for himself and wife, replied in a few words expressing his unfeigned gratitude for this manifestation of interest and kindness, and in a very facetious manner reviewed the events of his twenty-five years of married life, the mutual interest, labor and happiness of himself and wife, attesting that neither had made a mistake in the selection of a life companion.

The evening was made pleasant by songs of gladness, prayer was offered, and refreshments were served.  The mother of Mr. Harroun, an aged widow, was present as an interested participant in the joys of the occasion.  Expressions of good will fell from the lips of many, and the guests left wishing the happy couple might live another quarter of a century and find double the number of friends to greet them on their golden wedding day.

Deaths

BROWN:  At Earlville [Madison Co. NY], on the 18th of August, Andrew Brown, aged about 60 years, formerly of Smyrna [Chenango Co. NY].

SABIN:  At Centre Village, Broome Co. N.Y., Aug. 4th, after an illness of three weeks, Harriet E. [Sabin], wife of J.E. Sabin, formerly of Plymouth [Chenango Co. NY], aged 38 years.

EVANS:  In Pharsalia [Chenango Co. NY], July 8th, Annie A. [Evans], daughter of Jerome and Mary Evans, aged 4 years 3 months and 21 days.

Gone from the hearts that loved her, / Gone from her home away, / Gone in her childish beauty, / Little Annie A.

Oh we dearly, fondly loved her, / But we laid her there to rest, / With her white hands calmly folded / On her quiet marbled breast.

Not the sobs of thy fond mother, / Nor the tears thy father wept, / Could disturb thee as thou slept, / But thou art where Jesus is, / Little Annie fare thee well.

The Buffalo Commercial Advertiser of a late date contains the proceedings of the employees of "The Howe Machine Company" upon the occasion of the death of one of their associates, Mr. Luther O. Berry, formerly of Pharsalia [Chenango Co. NY], where he has many relatives and friends.  The resolutions speak of the deceased as a valuable, efficient friend, and sincerely lament their loss.  Mr. Berry's death is also deeply lamented by his former associates in this county, and they will not soon forget him.

Oxford Times, Oxford, NY, August 28, 1872

Deaths

SHERWOOD:  In Oxford [Chenango Co. NY], Aug. 24th, Frances D. [Sherwood] daughter of Edwin and Almira Sherwood, aged 2 years.

MAYNARD:  In Deposit [Delaware Co. NY], on the 19th, Mr. Silas Maynard, aged 82 years, formerly of Oxford [Chenango Co. NY].

Chenango American, Greene, NY, August 29, 1872

Marriages

In this village [Greene, Chenango Co. NY], Aug. 20th, by the Rev. Dr. Rogers, Mr. Willard F. Pardee of New Haven, Ct., to Miss Ella T. [Holcomb] daughter of Mr. Weston Holcomb, of Greene.

At the M.E. Parsonage, in this village [Greene, Chenango Co. NY], Aug. 23d, by Rev. A.F. Brown, Mr. Francis L. Sprague, of McDonough [Chenango Co. NY], and Miss Emma Y. West, of Tioga Co. Pa.

At the same place and by the same, Aug. 27th, Mr. Eben H. Landers, of Marathon [Cortland Co. NY], and Miss Mary E. Hayes, of Triangle [Broome Co. NY].

Death

In East Pharsalia [Chenango Co. NY], July 16th, Adelbert Prince, aged 19 years.

Sherburne News, Sherburne, NY, August 31, 1872

Deaths

KERSHAW:  In Sherburne [Chenango Co. NY], August 27, Alvina [Kershaw], wife of John Kershaw, aged 65 years.

RICHARDSON:  In Poolville [Madison Co. NY], August 13, Mrs. Mary Richmond [Richardson], relict of the late David Richmond, aged 88 years.

 MAY:  At Rockford, Ill., after a short illness, August 15, Mrs. Lucretia May, relict of Franklin May, late of Manlius [Onondaga Co. NY], New York, aged 75 years.

Mrs. May was born in Vermont.  When quite young she removed to Sherburne, N.Y. [Chenango Co.], and at the age of eighteen gave her heart to the Saviour.  Soon after she married Samuel H. Williams, who died in 1838.  In 1841 she married Franklin May and removed to Manlius.  The last few years of her life have been spent with her daughter in Wisconsin (now dead) and her only son in Rockford, Ill, C.L. Williams.  Her illness was short, and the summons sudden, but found her prepared.  Most of the time she was unconscious from medicine and the effect of disease, but in her conscious moments she expressed herself as prepared and willing to die.  And peacefully she resigned her spirit to that Saviour, whom for fifty-seven years she had loved and followed.

Family Reunion, Jacob and Anna (Gillett) Rees descendants, Sherburne, NY August 1872

 Family Reunion and Picnic

Sherburne News, Sherburne, NY, August 31, 1872

The Second Annual Reunion Picnic of the descendants and kindred of Jacob Reed and Anna Gillett was held on the ground of Otto A. Rees, Esq., the old homestead, on Thursday, August 22, 1872.  The day had been looked forward to with bright anticipations by many, and as we drew near the ground our ears were greeted with familiar yet soul-stirring airs by the martial band, under the leadership of H.G.C. Rees, of Earlville [Madison Co. NY].  Happy, thrice happy, were the meetings and joyous indeed were the greetings of that eventful day.

Besides our own loved Empire State, Iowa, Illinois, Michigan, Massachusetts and Virginia were represented. The families of Isaac, Hannah, Mary, John, William and Abraham Rees (brother and sisters of Jacob Rees) were represented by their descendants, among them nine cousins, also Simon, Sarah and Dorcas Gillett (brothers and sisters of Anna Gillett) by their descendants, among them nine cousins, the youngest being 54 years of age;  also the descendant of Nicholas Reed (uncle of Jacob Rees) who changed his own name to Race, claiming that to be the English translation of the German named Rees.  Otto A. Rees was chosen President of the day; Simeon A. Benton, Jr. was Vice President; Willard L. Race, Miles Bresee and J. Nevins Benton, Secretaries, and LaFayette Young, Treasurer.  Mr. and Mrs. C.S. Rees, DeForest Parsons and annie Rees were appointed Committee of Introduction.

The names of all the relatives present were registered by families follows:

Otto A. Reed Leroy holmes Mattie Holmes Clarence Rees Holmes Jacob J. Rees N. Amanda Rees Mary A. Rees Hattie L. Rees Tush W. Carrier Lovisa L. Carrier	Charles L. Carrier A.G. Moses Carrie A. moses Willie J. Oaks Richard L. Buell Mary Ann Buell Flora l. Buell Eda Buell Frank Buell Otto A. Buell
Martha L. Young LaFayette Young Almira Young Almira Young 2d Benajah Wakely Emeline Wakely	William Atkins Lavantia Atkins Albert Atkins Clinton Galpin Amelia Galpin
Anna Bess Miller Warren S. Bush	Anna Bush Jennie Bush
John Kinney	Sarah Kinney
Mary Calkins Lovingstone Calkins Ellen Calkins	Willie Warner Calkins Omar H. Calkins Ann Calkins
Caroline D. Eastman Virgil S. Eastman Julia Eastman	Howard Eastman Addie Eastman Willie Eastman
Rebecca Rees Albert Cole Devillo W. Rees Alfred Parsons Marilla Parsons DeForest Parsons John R. Parsons Dewitt Rees Ellen Rees Clara Rees Chapel Rees Nora Rees Haschal G. Rees	Lovina Rees Anna Rees Frank Rees Jacob G. Rees Orselia Rees Miller Rees Mirtalo J. Rees Nettie Rees Sanford Chapel Helen M. Chapel Mary L. Chapel Walter Chapel Marshall D. Rees
Willard L. Race Matilda Race Fanny Race Lena Race	Charles H. Race Mary Ann Race Walter L. Race
William F. Rees	Francis E. Rees
Joseph Benedict Emily Benedict Mrs. A.L. Woodruff	Addie Woodruff Mrs. T.K. Church Mrs. Geo Westcott
Harvey Mosley Mary M. Mosley Addie M. Mosley Willie O. Mosley Mattie L. Mosley Harvey D. Mosley	Mortimer V. Willson Sarah E. Willson Frank L. Willson Eddie J. Willson Helen S. Willson
Mary Bresee Isaac M. Bresee Esther A. Bresee Emma L. Bresee Hattie M. Bresee Franklin M. Bresee Russell H. Bresee George Jaquins	Martha A. Jaquins Russell Harrington Rachel M. Harrington Darius A. Rees Lineus S. Bresee Waity Bresee Eva Bresee
W. Knapp Rees Fanny Rees	Carrie Rees
Morgan L. Boughton	Elizabeth M. Boughton
Alvin Jones Simeon G. Jones Edward G. Jones Eunice Jones	Martha Ann Bugbee Rufus Bugbee Clara Bugbee
Anna Mead	Edmund Brown
Dwight Curtiss Mary Ann Curtiss Lydia Curtiss Clara Curtiss	H. Braden Paul Adella C. Paul Melvin C. Paul Arthur B. Paul
Elnora Moffatt Simeon A. Benton Marilla Benton Simeon A. Benton, Jr. Sarah Ann Benton Hiram Lincoln Benton Frederick Benton	J. Nevins Benton Christine Benton Charles S. Benton John W. Benton Jason M. Benton Cornelia M. Benton Amelia R. Benton
Betsy Benton Stephen B. Benton Carlos S. Benton	Fanny Benton Russell H. Lee Sophronia Lee

While this was being done, beautiful songs were sung, and amusements of various kinds were introduced.  After this, dinner was announced, and just at that moment the celebrated Photographist, Marquis, of Norwich, came upon the grounds and wished to take the group and tables, of which some very fine pictures were made.

 As we seated ourselves at the table, which almost groaned aloud with their burden of good things, and which, by this time, all seemed well prepared to appreciate and enjoy, our eyes rested upon a large pyramid of flowers presented by Mrs. Jacob J. Rees, and also a beautiful bouquet presented by Dr. and Mrs. Owen of Sherburne, for which a vote of thanks was unanimously offered by the friends.  Grace was said by the Rev. M.V. Willson, pastor of the Baptist church of Pulaski, and one of the descendants of Dorcas Gillett, and the dinner was promptly served.  While partaking of this repast dark and portentous clouds gathered and hung heavily over our heads, loud thunders roared and lightnings flashed.  But these soon wore away and all was bright and beautiful as before.

In looking over the group a few faces were missed, but very many new ones were in their places, but a shade of sadness came over all our hearts when we remembered one Wells Richmond, of Woodstock, who was with us one short year ago, but who has just gone to his eternal rest, to return to us no more forever.  Truly, indeed, we missed him for he was esteemed by all.

Among the relics of ancient days was an old Dutch family bible published in 1758, and now in the possession of Mrs. Mary Bresee, also an old account book more than 100 years old, now owned by Simeon A. Benton, of Earlville, also a Dutch petticoat which had been made and worn 100 years ago, and now the property of Mrs. Anna Mead of Rochester.

In company were found, of Farmers, 30; Teachers, 13; Mechanics, 9; Merchants, 3; Butchers, 2; Ministers, 1; Lawyers, 1; Doctors, 1; Speculators, 1.

A short history of the ancestors of this numerous family was read by Otto A. Rees, as follows:

My parents' names were Jacob Rees and Anna Gillett.  My Grandparents names were John Rees and Mary Spoor.  My grandparents on my father's side were Jacob Spoor and Louisa Hollenbeck.  My great-grandparents names were John Spoor and Mary Singer.  John Spoor was born in Germany or Holland about 200 years ago.  Mary Singer was born in England about the same date.  John Spoor, at the age of manhood, came to America; was a captain in the early French war; Mary Singer came to this country in the time of the French war; she was said to be a lady of great beauty; they were married, and being my father's great-grandparents, consequently my father was 1/8 English to 7/8 German.

My mother was a Yankee girl, her name was Anna Gillett, her father's name was Simeon Gillett, her mother's name was Rebecca Andrews, her grandmother's name I had not yet learned.

My father came on to this spot of ground in an early day; thus, it is rightly named the "old Rees Homestead."  My grandfather owned the right of soil in 1798.  My father came in 1794; chopped off this acre and built a log house where yonder flag staff is erected.  The nearest house east was on the Unadilla River; the nearest on the north at Sangersfield; on the west, on Chenango River, which the Indians called "Beautiful River."  This location is on Handsome Brook, which the Indians called "Toto" and is near the center of the north half of Sherburne.

The first grist mill built in this town and county was on the Handsome Brook 1-1/2 miles north of here; one of the first sawmills on the same brook was about one-half of a mile below.

My father kept one of the first taverns kept in the town of Sherburne. He was the first harness maker in town; owned the first lumber wagon in town, and also the first pleasure sleigh.  He died here on this spot April 8th, 1830, aged 62 years.

My mother is still living in the town of Fabius, Onondaga county, at the advanced age of 99 years, she still retains her mental faculties perfectly; converses freely and intelligently upon all the issues of the day. She was one of the first members of the Baptist Church in this town, and, as was said of her on the picnic grounds one year ago, "was one of the best Christian ladies of her time, and one of the best singers God ever allowed in any choir."  At the conclusion of the above history, speeches were made, toasts were given, songs were sung and music by the band was given, and in just appreciation of the labors of Otto A Rees and son, in so beautifully fitting up the grounds for the occasion a unanimous vote of thanks was tendered them.  L.J. Calkins, LaFayette Young, H.G.C. Rees, Jason Benton, and Jacob J. Rees were chosen a committee for the ensuing year, after which all present who could sing united in one grand chorus in Coronation and the L.M. Doxology, and at 5 o'clock P.M., the company dispersed to meet again at the same place on Thursday, August 21st, 1873, at 10 o'clock A.M.

E.M.C.

 

                                   

Vital Records, Chenango County, NY, August 1872 (continued)

 Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, August 28, 1872

Marriage

WOODRUFF - HOLMES:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], August 20th, by Rev. D.E. Loveridge, Dr. George L. Woodruff of Unadilla [Otsego Co. NY] to Miss Emily Holmes, of Norwich.

Deaths

SLATER:  In McDonough [Chenango Co. NY], August 23d, Mr. Nelson M. Slater, aged 61 years.

PROSSER:  In New Berlin [Chenango Co. NY], August 7th, Alice [Prosser] wife of Henry Prosser, aged 21 years.

WATERS:  In New Berlin [Chenango Co. NY], August 12th, Mr. Albert F. Waters, aged 22 years.

JONES:  In Sherburne [Chenango Co. NY], August 9th, Nancy A. [Jones] wife of Fred M. Jones, aged 26 years.

JONES:  In Sherburne [Chenango Co. NY], August 15th, Mr. Fred H. Jones, aged 26 years.

RACKETT:  In East Marion, Long island, [Suffolk Co. NY] August 15th, of cholera infantum, Lydia Jemima [Rackett] daughter of A.C. and Caroline Rackett, aged 10 months and 15 days.

ALDRICH:  In Plymouth [Chenango Co. NY], august 15th, Calista [Aldrich] wife of Moses Aldrich, Esq., aged 38 years.

The death of Mrs. Aldrich has thrown a blade of deep gloom over the entire community where she lived and was known, and her immediate family, in her death, has suffered a loss that can never be replaced.  She has by her kindness of heart and her consistent piety, not only won the respect but the Christian affection of all with whom she was connected, either by family ties or religious fellowship.  Some years ago, she was led to a personal interest in Christ, but last winter, during a time of spiritual refreshing, she was much revived and manifested a great interest in the religious welfare of her family and the community, going herself to the altar and leading other members of her family with her to make a mutual consecration of themselves to God and his cause.  This reasonable and consistent course prepared her for the affliction and change that were impending.  During a long, lingering, and painful sickness, she was sustained by divine grace, and patiently awaited the messenger of death. When the summons came, it was not unlooked for, and death had lost its sting.  She conversed with her family, giving husband and children such counsel as a dying Christian wife and mother only could give, and while they wept, she exclaimed "I am going home to glory and to God."  Thus, in holy triumph, died one in the prime of life, surrounded by an affectionate husband and four lovely and dutiful children, showing the power of divine grace to enable us to say with Paul, "I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart and to be with Christ, which is far better.  For me to live is Christ and to die is gain."  Her remains were followed to the grave by her neighbors and friends in great numbers, who seemed to vie with each other in their manifestation of respect to the dead, and their sympathy for the bereaved.  The funeral sermon was preached in the South Plymouth Church, by Rev. H. Wheeler, of Norwich, N.Y., august 17th 1872.

But we will not complain since God hath bereft us, / Though words, of our anguish, the depth may not tell; / If love could have saved thee, thou wouldst not have left us, / But God and the angels have loved thee as well.

As we took the last look at the beautiful casket, / So placid and peaceful, so lovely in death, / We did not recall thee, our heart could not ask it, / If asking alone could have brought back thy breath.

We know thou art safe in the mansion of heaven, / That mansion that Jesus hath gone to prepare; / The victory is won, and thy crown hath been given, / We'll meet thee above, for we know thou are there.  M.S.W.

QUINN:  In Preston [Chenango Co. NY], July 11th, Kitty H. [Quinn], only daughter of Francis and Margaret Quinn, aged 9 months.

And in death, O, they tenderly laid thee to rest, / With flowers round thy brow, and the cross o'er thy breast, / In a lovely wild spot, in the valley of Oxford, / Thou most loved that e're filled a tomb.

There serenely and sweetly for aye to repose, / Thou pure as the lily and bright as the rose, /That now yield, blooming o'er thee, O, bright as can be, / All their tears to thy friends and their beauty to thee.

And now softly, O, softly the light wavelets lave, / Of the blue Chenango thy green, mossy grave, / And the lone weeping willow, and dark cypress bough, / O, they never yet shaded a dearer than thou

__________________

The Bainbridge Review [Chenango Co. NY] of last week, gives the following account of several noteworthy and unfortunate incidents attending the assembling of the friends of Wiley H. Scott, deceased, to participate in the funeral ceremonies:

"The burial services were postponed from the 14th to the 15th.  Mr. R. Clark, a brother-in-law, who came on the first appointed day, on his return to his home in Rockdale, Chenango County [NY], found his large and well filled dry goods store a heap of ashes, it having been burned with all its contents the night previous, during his absence.  Mr. Emmet Scott, of Saginaw, Mich, a son of the deceased, was so much hindered by delayed telegrams and failure to make connections on different railroads, that he was only able to reach Tunnel station at the appointed hour for the funeral. He hired Esquire Utter to get him to Nineveh as soon as possible but had only got a short distance when the horses took fright and one of them broke its leg."

In addition to the above, we learn that Mr. Scott, in springing from the wagon, was considerably bruised, but finally reached his destination.  On his return home, he was a passenger on the train that was wrecked at a culvert at Waterman's Cut, two miles east of Binghamton on the evening of the 16th inst.  Fortunately, none of the passengers were injured, and a telegram from Mr. Scott announced his safe arrival home after his perilous journey.

_________________________

Boy Drowned in Oxford

Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, August 28, 1872

The people of Oxford and vicinity were shocked, on Monday afternoon, the 19th inst. by the announcement that Charles Ayrault, eldest son of Rev. Dr. Ayrault, aged about fifteen years, had been drowned in the river, a short distance north of the village.  A friend has kindly furnished us with the particulars, which we publish:

Seldom has an event befallen any community, more deeply touching the tender sympathies of a people, than that which happened in Oxford on Monday the 19th inst.  About 5 o'clock P.M., a party of the Academy students, numbering ten or twelve, went above the village bridge, some eighty or one hundred rods, to bathe in the river. The recent storm had swollen the stream, and the current was quite rapid.  After bathing a while, all the others had returned to the bank and were dressing, except C.A. Smith and Charles Ayrault, they being near the bank in the water.  Young Ayrault began to wade out into the current.  The boys warned him of his danger; but he, not thinking the river so deep, went on and was soon beyond his depth.  He was not an expert swimmer.  The current caught him, when he became alarmed, and began to sink.  Young Smith swam for him at once, caught his hands, and struggled to secure him from the current.  He went down with him, but his efforts were vain.  Young Glover and Eggleston also at once plunged into the river and hastened to his aid.  They struggled nobly with the current but could not save him.  He seemed to have become helpless almost at once. The young men strove bravely and well, but they themselves became exhausted and could do no more.  The alarm had been quickly given in the village, but no assistance could reach them in time to do any good.

And thus, passed away one beloved of all.  Boats, seines, ropes, etc. were soon gathered and a large crowd assembled to recover the body. Their efforts were prolonged far into the night and early in the morning they were renewed.  His body was recovered about 11 o'clock A.M., Tuesday, some five or six rods from the place where he was last seen to sink.

The event was felt as a public calamity and sorrow.  The deceased was a young man of great promise, the pride of the Academy, a fine scholar, honored and beloved of all.  In his home, he was a loving and obedient son, a gentle and thoughtful brother.  The entire community mourns his loss.  The students of the Academy feel it deeply.  The funeral services were held in St. Paul's Church, on Thursday afternoon, Rev. Dr. Rogers, of Greene, officiating, assisted by Rev. D.E. Loveridge, of Norwich.  A large concourse were present and followed his remains to their last resting place.  Deeply sorrowful, their sorrow was somewhat mitigated by deep thankfulness for the good example of his youthful life.

The Death of Charles Ayrault

Oxford Times, Oxford, NY, August 28, 1872

The death by drowning, of Charles Ayrault, son of Rev. Dr. Ayrault, which there was only time to briefly announce in last week's issue of this paper, has caused a sorrow in this community, all pervading, and at the same time most tender and thoughtful.  The body was taken from the river Tuesday morning, at about 11 o'clock, near where last seen. The funeral was attended from St. Paul's Church, Thursday evening at 6 o'clock, by a very large concourse of citizens.

"In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye," a bright, young life, full of promise, has been extinguished, which breathed a sweet, pure influence upon his young associates.  In the School, in the innocent pleasures and sports of boyhood, in the family circle, and not least, in the public worship of God, he will be missed and regretted.

Will not more of our youth seek to be missed and regretted in the same places, should the river of death overtake them?  For it is one thing to be simply missed, quite another to be regretted, to be regretted here, to be welcomed beyond the river. The river, the unconscious but remorseless messenger of death, could not quench the bright, pure spirit that has gone, it has passed beyond the river, and beckons those on this side to the farther shore.

"Over the river they beckon to me / Loved ones who've crossed to the further side / The gleam of the snowy robes I see, / But their voices are drowned by the rushing tide.

We saw not the Angel that met him there; / The gate of the city we could not see; / Over the river, over the river / My brother stands waiting to welcome me!"

We clip the following notice written by Dr. Van ingen, from the Rochester Democrat:  

A Sad Bereavement:  Drowned while bathing in the Chenango at Oxford, with a younger brother and other companions, Aug. 19th, Charlie, eldest son of the Rev. Walter Ayrault, D.D., a lad of sixteen years.  Charlie could swim, but was not yet expert, and the river being somewhat swollen by rains, and turbid, he was betrayed and disabled by the eddies and under tow. Two brave boys ventured to his aid and seized him, but after being twice drawn under with him were put to the hard alternative of self-preservation or a bootless self-sacrifice, and sadly sought escape from the triple calamity.  With the beautiful manly form of Charlie Ayrault, the waters buried the brightest and best-grounded hopes of parents who had made their children their chief care and who have found in them, as such parents always do, their chief joy and solace.  He was a bright, manly, cheerful Christian boy, so everybody said, as they prosecuted the search for his body which on the second day proved successful.  Society has no ornament and the State no tower of strength, like the homes which give to both good boys, principled, intelligent, cheerful, diligent boys, and in the columns so dismally burdened daily with the record of what have been the products of ill ordered homes.  I know you will be glad to give place to a testimony which may lighten the darkness, even though the occasion be one that brings sadness to so many.

Vital Records, Chenango County, NY, August 1872 (Continued)

 Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, August 21, 1872

Marriages

GRANNIS - PHILLIPS:  At the Baptist Parsonage in this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], August 12th, by Rev. J.D. Pope, Mr. Charles B. Grannis to Miss Florence A. Phillips, all of Norwich.

HOGAN - LANE:  At the Baptist Parsonage in this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], August 17th, by Rev. J.D. Pope, Mr. Martin Hogan to Miss Ernestine M. Lane, both of Lebanon, N.Y. [Madison Co.].

CHRISTENSEN - LEVI:  At the M.E. Parsonage, in this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], August 17th, by Rev. H. Wheeler, Mr. Martin F. Christensen, of Utica [Oneida Co. NY] to Miss Jennie D. Levi, of Bouckville, Madison Co. N.Y.

Deaths

CORNWELL:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], August 13th, Jane Olive [Cornwell] wife of Charles S. Cornwell, and daughter of George W. and Julia M. Denslow, aged 26 years.

"Fluttering spread the snowy pinions, / Of bright Angels round her bed, / To hear her soul to God's dominions, / When her form was cold and dead.

"Death to her was life in Heaven, / Life of never-ending bliss, / Life where joy and peace are given, / Life where naught is found amiss.

"She has passed death's frosty portals, / To a bright, eternal spring, / There to share in joys immortal, / Where the glorious Angels sing."

Mrs. Cornwell was universally loved and esteemed for her many amiable qualities and social virtues. Her death creates an irreparable void among a large circle of relatives and friends who mourn the early loss of her agreeable society and companionship.  [Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, Aug. 21, 1872]

LAMB:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], August 16th, Gertie [Lamb], daughter of William H. lamb, aged 1 year and 6 months.

BURR:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], August 17th, Eddie [Burr], son of Lyman Burr, aged 1 year, 1 month and 19 days.

VAN VLEET:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], on the morning of August 15th of cholera infantum, Willie B. [Van Vleet] son of James and Mary Van Vleet, aged 1 year and 3 months.

ADAMS:  In the same house, on the same morning, of the same disease, Frankie L. [Adams] son of Charles W. Adams, aged 7 months.

EMONS:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], August 5th, of cholera infantum, Almon L. [Emons] son of O.W. and Nellie Emons, aged 7 months and 4 days.

BABCOCK:  In Laurens, Otsego Co. [NY], August 11th, Mary Isabel [Babcock], daughter of Linn and Lile Babcock, of this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], aged 2 months.

ALDRICH:  In Plymouth [Chenango Co. NY], August 16th, Calista [Aldrich], wife of Moses Aldrich, aged 38 years.

UTTER:  In Guilford [Chenango Co. NY], August 8th, Hattie Ophelia [Utter], daughter of Julius and Henrietta Utter, aged 2 years and 10 months.

BURTON:  In Yaleville [Chenango Co. NY], August 12th, Mr. John Burton, aged 70 years.

MEDBURY:  In Earlville, Madison Co. [NY], August 9th, Alfred Medbury, Esq., aged 66 years, formerly of New Berlin [Chenango Co. NY].

SCOTT:  In Nineveh, Broome Co. [NY], August 12th, Mr. Wiley H. Scott, aged 76 years, brother of Asher C. Scott, of this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY].

Wiley H. Scott, Esq., died at his residence in Nineveh, Broome Co. [NY] on Monday of last week, aged 76 years.  Mr. Scott had been for many years a prominent and respected citizen of that place and was well known throughout the central portion of the State, he having for a long time been the popular proprietor of a hotel at Nineveh.  During an active business life, he had acquired a competency and several years since retired to the quiet of his home.  He was a brother of Asher C. Scott, of this village.

Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, August 21, 1872

Deaths

BACKUS:  In Oxford, Chenango County, N.Y. on the 9th of August 1872, Mrs. Abigail Backus, widow of Captain John Backus, deceased, aged 82 years.  Mrs. Backus had been a resident of Oxford nearly seventy years.

BUCHANAN:  In New Berlin [Chenango Co. NY], on the 8th inst. Mahala H. Buchanan, aged 49 years.

MUNROE:  In Plymouth [Chenango Co. NY], August 2d, after a short illness, Lydia [Munroe], wife of Dyar Munroe, in her 74th year.

EVARTS:  At Little Falls [Herkimer Co. NY], August 15th, Harriet Mitchell Wait [Evarts] wife of Rev. N.R. Everts, and only daughter of the late John Wait, Esq. of this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], in the 34th year of her age.  Her remains were brought to this place for interment.

The many friends and acquaintances of Mrs. Evarts will be pained to learn of her decease, the announcement of which will be found in its appropriate place in today's Telegraph.  she was the daughter of the late col. John Wait and was born in this village where she resided until her marriage with the Rev. N.R. Evarts. At the time of her death, she was living at little Falls, where she was beloved by all who knew her.  In her womanhood she retained all those noble traits of character which endeared her to the friends of her youth. We remember her as the queenly girl, in school standing always at the head of her classes in social life the exemplar for all her young associates.  In the midst of her usefulness, she is taken away and leaves a fond husband and only daughter to mourn her loss.  Her remains were brought to this village for interment on Friday and were buried on Saturday.

Oxford Times, Oxford, NY, August 21, 1872

Death

DANIELS:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co. NY], on the 9th, Mrs. Betsey Daniels, aged 77 years.

A sad affair occurred in this village [Oxford, Chenango co. NY] Monday at about 5 o'clock, P.M., and one which has cast a gloom over our entire community.  Charles Ayrault, eldest son of Rev. Dr. Ayrault, went with two or three companions to the river to bathe.  He could swim but a few strokes, and getting beyond his depth apparently became frightened, and struggled for shore.  His companions made a desperate attempt to rescue him, but without success, and he sank suddenly. The place where the sad affair happened is just above the village and off Baldwin's flat, the water is very deep with a strong upper and under current.  Charles was a bright, interesting boy, and very much respected by all who shared his acquaintance.  His age was about 15 years.  His parents, brothers and sisters have the heartfelt sympathies of our community.  Up to the hour of our going to press the body had not been recovered.

Chenango American, Greene, NY, August 22, 1872

Deaths

In Oxford [Chenango Co. NY], Aug. 14th, Mr. Elisaph Hull aged 59 years.

In Brooklyn, Conn., Aug. 11th, Duane W. Slocum, of Oxford [Chenango Co. NY], aged 24 years.

Sherburne News, Sherburne, NY, August 24, 1872

Deaths

GIFFORD:  In Elgin [IL], August 5, 1872, Mrs. Laura [Gifford] widow of the late James T. Gifford, Esq., aged 71 years and 8 months.

Mrs. Gifford was born in Sherburne, Chenango Co N.Y. int he year 1800, a daughter of Newcombe Raymond, deceased, and resided in that State until the removal of her family to Illinois.  Her husband came to this State in 1834, and with that sagacity which characterized his life, selected the site for a town on the Fox river, in a line between Chicago and Galena.  Here he made a claim and returned east for his family.  With these he arrived at Elgin in the autumn of 1835 and built a log cabin at a point a few rods north of the present residence of G.B. Raymond, Esq.  Here they resided for several years.  Mrs. Gifford's hospitality and kindness made everyone welcome to her home, which is still remembered by not a few early settlers.  Her house, for several years, was Post Office, justices' Office, Hotel, school and meeting house.  Quite early in life, Mrs. G. was the subject of renewing grace and publicly professed Christ.  She was one of the original members of the Congregational Church of this city, which was organized at her house, May 12, 1836.  She had a deep interest in the prosperity not only of her own Church, but all others in the city, and her words of Christian counsel will long be remembered.  Her children and grandchildren rise up to bless her memory, and a large circle of neighbors stood around her coffin with tearful eyes, feeling that they had lost a friend.  Mrs. G. sought no place of public preferment, but a true woman, wife and mother, she graced her own home.  Humble, pure and Christ like, she has doubtless been called to a seat near the Jesus she has so long and faithfully served.  Elgin (Ill.) Gazette

WATERS: In Binghamton, N.Y. [Broome Co.], July 24, after a brief illness, Mr. Lewis J. Waters, aged 25 years.

Though the residence of Mr. Waters in our city has been short, less than three years, it was sufficient to secure for him a place in the confidence and love of many who mourn his early death.  Much of his early life was passed in the village of Sherburne, where a portion of the family still reside.  Here it was that, in early youth, he found Jesus precious to his soul, and put Him on in a public profession, by uniting with the Baptist churl.  After becoming a resident of this city, his membership was transferred to the Baptist church here, and when his wife, who had for some time indulged hope, came out publicly and took her stand by his side, his earthly happiness seemed complete, and his spiritual strength was greatly increased.  The several relations of life, as son, brother, husband and father, he not only filled, but adorned.  Mr. Waters was an active and highly esteemed member of a battery of artillery, belonging to the 28th brigade of the Sixth Division of National Guards of the State.  A detachment of the battery very thoughtfully and kindly accompanied his remains to North Norwich, where, after appropriate funeral services, conducted by his pastor from Binghamton, his remains were deposited in the beautiful and quiet little cemetery of that place.  Unexpected as was the coming of the messenger, until within a few hours of his death, he was found ready to depart, giving the necessary directions for his funeral and taking leave of his friends with the utmost Christian resignation and fortitude, Sad and severe as is this blow to his desolate widow and little son, his fond parents and loving brother and sister, they cannot mourn for him as those who mourn without hope.  His end was peace.

"He sleeps in Jesus and is blest, / How soft his slumbers are; / Where should the dying members rest, / But with their dying head."

Binghamton, Aug. 17, 1872

Vital Records, Chenango County, NY, August 1872 (continued)

 Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, August 14, 1872

Marriage

RACE - BROOKS:  At the residence of the bride's brother, Mr. C.C. Brooks, in this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], August 7th, by Rev. A.M. Totman, Mr. Augustus C. Race to Miss Nettie A. Brooks, all of Norwich.

Deaths

BUTTON:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], August 6th, of cholera infantum, Jesse L. [Button] son of Henry and Clara Button, aged 6 months.

WILLCOX:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], August 9th, Libbie M. [Willcox], daughter of John T. and Lillian Willcox, aged 1 year and 4 months and granddaughter of H.C. Willcox.

BEARDSLEY:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY] August 10th, Horace Adelbert Beardsley, aged 9 years and 8 months.

BROWN:  In Preston [Chenango Co. NY], August 7th, of consumption, Mr. Charles S. Brown, son of Dudley Brown, Esq., aged 22 years.

SELEY:  In Afton [Chenango Co. NY], July 27th, Julia [Seley] wife of T.B. Seley, aged 39 years.

Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, August 14, 18721

Deaths

GRAVES:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY] on the 10th, an infant child of George Graves.

SHERMAN:  In Holmesville [Chenango Co. NY], June 13, 1872, of Cancer, Lucinda Sherman, widow of the late George Sherman, in the 46th year of her age.  She had lived forty-six years in the house where she died, and where the duties of her life were discharged with zeal, and with all a mother's love and fidelity.  She has lived to see her children all comfortably and respectably settled in life.  In her last years she was an extreme sufferer, all of which she bore with Christian fortitude and grace, receiving the kindest care and all that sympathy and loving affection that fond children can render.  She was loved and respected by all who knew her, a worthy and consistent Christian member of the Baptist church in this place, in which she will be greatly missed, but our loss will be her eternal gain.

Oxford Times, Oxford, NY, August 14, 1872

Deaths

BACKUS:  At Oxford, Chenango Co. N.Y. on 9th August 1872, Mrs. Abigail Backus, widow of Captain John Backus, deceased, aged 82 years.  Mrs. Backus had been a resident of Oxford nearly seventy years.

CLINE:  In Oxford [Chenango Co. NY] on 6th, Mina [Cline], daughter of Edward and Emeline Cline, aged 2 months.

Chenango American, Greene, NY, August 15, 1872

Death

In Smithville Flats [Chenango Co. NY], Aug. 12th, Rev. S.G. Keim, aged 51 years.

Prof. George W. Eaton D.D., L.L.D. who was for forty years connected with Madison University, of which he was for twelve years the President, and a distinguished pulpit orator of the Baptist denomination, died at his residence, Woodland Height, Hamilton [Madison Co. NY], on Saturday the 3d inst.

Sherburne News, Sherburne, NY, August 17, 1872

Deaths

DEMBINSKI:  In this village [Sherburne, Chenango Co. NY], at the residence of the parents, August 11, Louis Augustus [Dembinski], son of Louis and Lillie Dembinski, aged four months and sixteen days.

SHAW:  In Morrisville [Madison Co. NY], July 26, Mrs. Sina Shaw, wife of Wm. Shaw, aged 81 years.

HILL:  In Sherburne [Chenango Co. NY], August 9, Mrs. Sarah Hill, wife of Daniel Hill, aged 44 years.

CORNELL:  In Norwich [Chenango Co. NY], August 13, Mrs. Jane Cornell, wife of Mr. Charles Cornell and daughter of Mr. George Denslow, aged 26 years.  Mrs. Cornell was universally loved and esteemed for her many amiable qualities and social virtues.  Her death creates an irreparable void among a large circle of relatives and friends who mourn the early loss of her agreeable society and companionship.

Vital Records, Chenango County, NY, August 1872

 Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, August 7, 1872

Marriages

HOOSE - HUBBARD:  At the residence of Hon. J.F. Hubbard, Jr. in this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], July 31st, 1872, by Rev. R.Z. Lewis, Miss Helen K. Hubbard, of Cortland [Cortland Co. NY], daughter of the late Harvey Hubbard, Esq., to Prof. James H. Hoose, Principal of the State Normal School at Cortland.

PAYNE - BEAL:  In Bainbridge [Chenango Co. NY], July 30th, by Rev. E.M. Blanchard, Mr. Henry F. Payne to Miss Stella A. Beal, all of Bainbridge.

Deaths

CLINE:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], August 1st, Mr. William B. Cline, aged 26 years.

GOODRICH:  In East Norwich [Chenango Co. NY], July 28th, Mr. Sylvester R. Goodrich, aged 41 years, 9 months and 17 days.

STREETER:  In Wilmington, Vermont, July 27, of quick consumption, Mary E. [Streeter], adopted daughter of Moses Streeter, formerly of this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY] aged 18 years.  Her remains were brought to White Store, in this town, and interred on Wednesday.

CONWAY:  In Passaic, N.J., July 28th, Lydia [Conway] wife of Hon. Thomas W. Conway, aged 34 years.  Her remains were taken to Tarrytown for interment.  Mrs. Conway was the wife of Hon. Thomas W. Conway, State Superintendent of Public Education, State of Louisiana, and brother of Michael, Cornelius and Denis Conway, of this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY].

BOSWORTH:  In Plymouth [Chenango Co. NY], July 31st, Mr. Jas. Bosworth, aged 83 years.

BELKNAP:  In Buckingham, Pa. July 27th, Mr. Ebenezer Belknap   aged 90 years, formerly a resident of Guilford [Chenango Co. NY].

Oxford Times, Oxford, NY, August 7, 1872

Death

KNAPP - In Grand Rapids, Mich., July 16th, Marina Sill [Knapp], youngest daughter of L.H. and Abigail B. Knapp, aged 16 years.

Chenango American, Greene, NY, August 8, 1872

Death

In Cincinnatus [Cortland Co. NY], July 23d, suddenly of heart disease, Esther E. [Fish], wife of John D. Fish, aged 46 years, 4 months 16 days.

Sherburne News, Sherburne, NY, August 10, 1872

Deaths

CHURCH:  In this village [Sherburne, Chenango Co. NY], on the 28th ult. Bertie [Church], son of George W. and Carrie Church.  Aged 3 years.

WATERS:  In Binghamton, N.Y., July 24th, Lewis J. Waters, aged 28.

Rev. Benjamin Rowland departed this life on Saturday, the 3d inst., at the advanced age of eighty-eight years.  The subject of this sketch was gathered in like the "shock of corn fully ripe," closing a long and eventful life in the triumphs of the Christian faith.  He was born in Lyme, Conn., on the 12th of January, 1784.  With his parents he came to Burlington, Otsego County, when eight years old, and remained with them growing up and laboring in clearing up the then wilderness until manhood.  Possessed of a strong constitution, a remarkably retentive memory and vigorous intellect, he early acquired an education that enabled him to engage during the winter months in teaching school, which he did for seven or eight winters.  In 1809 he was married to Miss Seraph Sweetser, who, with Gen. H. Rowland, Eli Rowland, Mrs. Clara Babcock and Mrs. Louisa Leet, his children, survives him after more than sixty years of wedded companionship.  About 1812 he became interested in his spiritual welfare and soon after united with the Open Communion Baptist church and almost immediately became a preacher and afterwards an ordained evangelist.  His extraordinary gifts and energy made him a pillar in the society.  His labors were always arduous, but always attended with bounteous success, so that for seven years at one period, he was in a continuous revival. The circuit of his travels embraced a large district, but every portion seemed to be alike blessed with spiritual awakening in his presence.  About the year 1821, he removed to this town [Sherburne, Chenango Co. NY] and, save ten years of the time at Binghamton, has made Sherburne his home and been identified with its interests.  During his ministry he baptized over 800 persons and attended nearly as many funerals.  For all the latter service rendered he never received but $3.  It is only about four years since he retired from active service in the church.  On the Sunday previous to his death, he attended the Freewill Baptist church on Sherburne Hill, where he listened to a discourse from Mr. Solomon Hoxie, in which he manifested great interest, and frequently spoke of it during the week.  In his last hour he made choice of Mr. Hoxie to preach his funeral sermon and selected for his text Rev. XIV, 13th verse:  "Blessed are the dead that die in the Lord."  This he named but a few minutes before his death and closed his last moments apparently addressing to his surrounding family the words:  "Trust in the Lord."  His funeral took place on Monday and was largely attended, all feeling that a faithful father and wise counsellor had passed from earth.

Bainbridge Republican, Bainbridge, NY, August 10, 1872

Death

GOODMAN:  Died suddenly of disease of the heart at Round Lake, Oceana County, Michigan, July 31st, Frances A. [Goodman] wife of Edward Goodman and daughter of Ezra P. Church, Esq., of Bainbridge [Chenango Co. NY], aged 34 years.

Freeman's Journal, Cooperstown, NY, August 8, 1872

Marriages

In Laurens [Otsego Co. NY], july 31st, 1872, by Rev. H.N. Van Deusen, Mr. John A. Patton, of Fly Creek [Otsego Co. NY], to Miss Alida A. Frink, of Laurens.

In Seward, July 31st by Rev. A. Griffin of Carbondale, Pa. George Wilber of the firm of D. Wilber & Son, Milford, N.Y. [Otsego Co. NY], to Miss Anna Diefendorf, only daughter of Sylvester Diefendorf, Esq. of Seward, Schoharie co. N.Y.

Deaths

At the Cooper House in this village [Cooperstown, Otsego Co. NY], on the 3d inst. Doct. A.H. Fish, of Philadelphia, in the 44th year of his age.

At Fly Creek [Otsego Co. NY], Aug. 1st Georgianna Drake [Chapman] wife of Geo. D. Chapman in the 22d year of her age.

In this village [Cooperstown, Otsego Co. NY], August 1, 1872, Mr. Daniel Lamb, aged 87 years.