Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, November 28, 1872
Marriages
WILLCOX - ADAMS: In Smithville [Chenango Co. NY], Nov. 19th, by Rev. A.G. Clark, Mr. William Willcox to Miss Cynthia M. Adams, both of Smithville.
MARBLE - PERRY: In DeRuyter [Madison Co. NY], Nov. 7th, Mr. William D. Marble of DeRuyter to Miss Sarah A. Perry, of Lincklaen [Chenango Co. NY].
Deaths
HOLCOMB: In Plymouth [Chenango Co. NY], Nov. 24th, of typhoid fever, John [Holcomb], son of Ira B. Holcomb, aged 16 years, 8 months and 24 days.
TUCKER: In Smyrna [Chenango Co. NY], Nov. 2d, Mr. Lorenzo D. Tucker, aged 66 years.
ALDRICH: In Smyrna [Chenango Co. NY], Nov. 14th, Mrs. Betsey Aldrich, of Plymouth [Chenango Co. NY] of Plymouth [Chenango Co. NY], aged 78 years.
ARNOLD: In McDonough [Chenango Co. NY], Nov. 18th, Willie T. [Arnold], son of William Arnold, aged 15 years.
RACE: In Greene [Chenango Co. NY], Nov. 18th, Cally [Race], wife of Buell Race, aged 58 years.
PORTER: In Coventry [Chenango Co. NY], Nov. 16th, Susan [Porter] wife of Mr. Timothy D. Porter, aged 64 years.
SMITH: In Oxford [Chenango Co. NY] Nov. 18th, Mrs. Rhoda Smith, formerly of Greene [Chenango Co. NY], aged 53 years.
TUCKEY: In Coventry [Chenango Co. NY], Nov. 7th, Phebe P. [Tuckey], wife of Amos Tuckey, aged 57 years.
HATCH: In Eureka, Cal., August 6th, Mr. Samuel Hatch, formerly of Oxford [Chenango Co. NY], aged 79 years.
WOOSTER: In Barker, Broome Co. [NY], Nov. 8th, Mr. John Wooster, aged 82 years, 10 months and 25 days.
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GRIFFING: In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], Nov. 24th, after a lingering illness, David Griffing, Esq., aged 75 years.
Mr. Griffing was one of the early settlers of Norwich, having come to this village to reside in 1819. Then a young man, he purchased the business of the well-known David G. Bright, who with his family was about removing West. As a businessman, Mr. Griffing early developed qualities of energy, intelligence and thrift, that insured his abundant success in life. Throughout his long and active career, it is not praise overmuch to say that he maintained a character for integrity and enterprise that was without a blemish. From the outset of his residence here, he was intimately and honorably identified with the growth and prosperity of the village; and it may with truth be said that he contributed far more to the advancement and welfare of the place by the number and importance of the structures he reared in our midst, and the good taste and public spirit displayed in their construction, than any other of our citizens.
But it is not alone as a man of business and wealth that Mr. Griffing is to be remembered and honored in the community in which he lived. Though scrupulously exact and just in his dealings with his fellow men, claiming rightfully what was his own, and religiously allowing to everyone else his honest due, he gave generously and at times largely of his means for charitable and Christian objects, both public and private. His subscription to the building fund of the Norwich Academy, considering his then comparatively limited circumstances, was a fine example of liberality and public spirit, as well as a fair illustration of his personal disposition and character. It is also known that Emmanuel Church, of which he was a member, during the many years that he was connected with it, and down to the day of his decease, leaned upon him financially and morally as a pillar of strength. One of his last acts, it may be mentioned, was the making of a bequest of fifteen hundred dollars to this Society, to aid in the erection of a new church edifice.
Mr. Griffing was not possessed of the advantages of early education, but business and social intercourse with the world, and much of travel and reflection, had given such culture to his mind and habits, that the later years of his life were characterized by a degree of intelligence and refinement befitting his position and the high estimation in which he was universally held.
His sickness was protracted and severe, extending over a period of a year or more in which his naturally strong constitution gradually and slowly succumbed to the unrelenting approaches of disease and age; but he bore his affliction with Christian fortitude and with abiding faith in the Redeemer's promise of everlasting life. His funeral took place on Wednesday of this week, at 2 PM, and was largely attended. He leaves a widow and four children to mourn their bereavement; the two eldest of the children being by his former wife. At the time of his death, Mr. Griffing was the Senior Warden of Emmanuel Church, and also a Director of the First National Bank of Norwich.
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SMITH: A horrible accident occurred on Monday evening of last week, in Pharsalia [Chenango Co. NY], a mile west of the Centre, resulting in the death of William Smith, an old and highly respected citizen and the destruction of his house and adjoining buildings by fire.
A quantity of hams were being cured in a smoke house adjoining the residence of the deceased. The smoke house took fire about 7 PM, on Monday, and the flames soon communicated to the sheds, and finally to the house. The old gentleman was in remarkably good health at the time of the fire. His companions in the house were his wife and a little grandchild. When the house commenced to burn, Mr. Smith used every effort to save his property, and succeeded in getting out a few articles of furniture. The last time he went into the building it was noticed that he remained unusually long. Immediately after the flames filled the doorway, and apparently cut off all chances of escape. Soon a crash was heard, and the old man burst through a window, and cried out, "I am burning to death!" His clothing was in flames, and in spite of the attempts of the neighbors to stop him, he ran for a great distance uttering piteous cries. Kind friends surrounded him, and he was taken to the house of Mrs. Barrows, where every possible attention was given him. There was no possible chance for his recovery, as his head and body were terribly burned. After suffering intensely, but not losing the possession of his faculties until the last, the old man died at five o'clock on the following day.
His son, Norman F. Smith, proprietor of the Railroad House, in Deerfield, and daughter, Mrs. D.C. Pomeroy, of Rome, were promptly notified of the sad occurrence, but did not reach his deathbed until it was too late. Three other children survive their father.
Deceased was 87 years of age and had resided in Pharsalia for the past six years. For fourteen years previous he had held the office of Justice of the Peace in the town of Otselic. There was no insurance on the property, which was entirely destroyed.
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HOTCHKISS: A frightful accident occurred to brakeman, Francis R. Hotchkiss, on the freight and accommodation train of the D.L.&W. Railroad, at Chenango Forks [Broome Co. NY], on Saturday forenoon last. White the unfortunate brakeman was detaching the locomotive, to allow it to follow a different track, the train still being in motion, he received a fall between the rails, the cars passing over his body. One leg was terribly crushed, and mangled, other severe injuries being sustained in different parts of the body, especially about the face and scalp.
The agent at this station, Mr. Rindge, upon receiving a telegram, dispatched a special with Dr. Beecher, who, upon consultation with Dr. Hand, of this place, and Drs. Harrington and Haynes, of Chenango Forks, and by whom he was assisted in the operation, removed the injured limb at the thigh, as the only possible chance of saving life. So great had been the shock, and so severe and extensive the injuries, the patient sank under them on Sunday, despite the utmost care and attention, and all the appliances that could be used.
Deceased was a son of Benjamin Hotchkiss, formerly of Coventry [Chenango Co. NY], and was well and favorably known among railroad employees and wherever his acquaintance extended. Residing at Chenango Forks, each day he ran into Norwich, where he spent a few hours. He leaves a dependent wife and three small children, the youngest but a few weeks old. Hs age was about 23 years.
Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, November 28, 1872
Marriages
DOYLE - DUNLEVY: At St. Patrick's church in this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY] on Monday, November 18th, by Rev. D. O'Connell, James Doyle and Mary Dunlevy of this village.
POWERS - DUNN: At St. Patrick's church in this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], on Tuesday November 19th, by Rev. D. O'Connell, Michael Powers and Margaret Dunn, of this village.
DOYLE - GRADY: At St. Patrick's church in this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], on Wednesday November 20th, by Rev. D. O'Connell, Thomas Doyle and Mary Ann Grady, of this village.
CRUMP - INGRAHAM: At the Baptist Parsonage in Cincinnatus [Cortland Co. NY], October 31, by Rev. Thomas Cole, Mr. Edwin Crump to Miss Francis E. Ingraham, all of Oxford [Chenango Co. NY].
Silver Wedding: Married, November 25th, 1847, Guy R. Wescott of Norwich, N.Y. [Chenango Co.] and Miss Labra? A. Lyons, of Great Bend, Pa.
The twenty-fifth anniversary of the above event was duly observed and celebrated on the 25th inst., at the residence of Mr. Wescott in this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY]. A very pleasant gathering of friends and acquaintances greeted the bride and groom, and exchanged congratulations, and enjoyed the festivities of the occasion. Many elegant presents were bestowed. Four generations were present, viz: Great grandfather, grandfather, parents and children. A fine collation was spread which was cheerfully partaken of by the gay company present, and of which we gratefully acknowledge the receipt of a generous sample. Though a quarter of a century has passed of wedded life, Mr. and Mrs. W. are still young and hearty, and respected by all who know them. May the fiftieth anniversary find them equally so is the wish of the Telegraph.
Deaths
RUTHERFORD: In Edmeston [Otsego Co. NY], November 2d, of consumption, William T. Rutherford, aged 22 years and 8 months.
RUTHERFORD: At the same place, of the same disease, on the 14th inst., Archibald G. Rutherford aged 25 years and 4 months. Sons of the late George Rutherford.
TYLER: We are pained to announce the sudden death of James Tyler, which occurred at his residence on the Great Brook on Thursday morning last. Mr. T. had been to New Berlin the day before to deliver his butter and had several severe sensations of fainting and dizziness. He however returned home at night apparently in his usual health. On the morning in question, he went out to milk his cows, which he accomplished, with the assistance of his brother, Morris, who was then on a visit, and went to breakfast. After breakfast both went out to fodder the cows and when Mr. Tyler got near the barn, he felt faint and fell upon the ground. His brother helped him up and he revived and sat down in the doorway of the barn, and Morris left him to do the foddering. Upon his return he saw his brother's head thrown back and his mouth open. He ran to hm and spoke, but no reply was given, and in a moment, he was dead. Mr. Tyler was about 63 years old and had lived for many years in New Berlin [Chenango Co. NY], He always bore the reputation of being an honest man, a kind neighbor and a good citizen. His trouble was heart disease from which one or two other members of the family have suddenly died.
Sherburne News, Sherburne, NY, November 30, 1872
Deaths
BARBER: In this town [Sherburne, Chenango Co. NY], on Friday, the 22d inst. of Erysipelas, Mr. Theodore W. Barber, aged 36 years.
SKINNER: In this town [Sherburne, Chenango Co. NY], on the 25th inst., Harriet [Skinner], wife of Mr. Benjamin Skinner aged 63 years.
ROBBINS: In Norwich [Chenango Co. NY], on the 27th inst. of consumption, Tamar Isabel [Robbins], wife of Mr. Charles Robbins, aged 22 years. She had recorded on life's page, / More of sorrow, pain and care / Than oft falls on age.
Bainbridge Republican, Bainbridge, NY, November 30, 1872
Marriage
At the house of the bride's father, Nov. 27th, by the Rev. E.M. Blanchard, Mr. George M. Dingman, to Miss Estella S. McPherson, all of Bainbridge [Chenango Co. NY].