Vital Records, Chenango County, NY, January 1873 (continued)

 Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, January 9, 1873

Marriages

MEDBURY - BROWNING:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], Jan. 2d, by Rev. S. Scoville, Mr. Angell Medbury, of New Berlin, to Mrs. A.C Browning, of Norwich.

HAZZARD - BRIGGS:  At the residence of C.W. Dain, in this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], Jan. 8th, by Rev. S. Scoville, Dr. Alvin C. Hazzard of New Berlin [Chenango Co. NY] to Miss Addie H. Briggs, of Norwich.

KELSEY - HARRINGTON:  At the residence of Workman Totman, in this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], Dec. 31st, by Rev. J.D. Pope, Mr. George D. Kelsey to Miss Ella C. Harrington, both of Pharsalia [Chenango Co. NY].

BLANCHARD - SHAPLEY:  In Oxford [Chenango Co. NY], Jan. 1st, by Rev. S.F. Brown, Mr. Homer Blanchard, of Laurens, Otsego Co. [NY], to Miss Ellen M. Shapley, of Oxford.

TEW - TEW:  In Oxford [Chenango Co. NY], Jan. 1st, by Rev. S.F. Brown, Mr. Harry Tew to Miss Sarah A. Tew, both of Oxford.

PORTER - BRIZSE:  in Oxford [Chenango Co. NY], Jan. 1st, by Rev. C.F. Janes, Mr. Walker Porter, to Miss Alcie Brizse, all of Oxford.

HILL - JONES:  In South New Berlin, Dec. 25th, by Rev. H.O. Rowlands, Mr. Orin J. Hill to Miss Mary A. Jones, all of New Berlin.

MOFFET - MERRIMAN:  At the residence of the bride's parents, Dec. 24th, by Rev. H.O. Rowlands, Mr. Francis E. Moffet to Miss Kate Merriman, all of Morris, Otsego Co. [NY].

BARBER - SWIFT:  At the residence of the bride's mother, in Hamilton [Madison Co. NY], Jan. 1st, by Rev. Mr. Byne, Mr. Charles A. Barber to Miss Mary Swift, formerly of Norwich, Chenango Co. NY, all of Hamilton.

HALL - MOFFATT:  In Greene [Chenango Co. NY], Jan. 1st, by Rev. J.H. Sage, Mr. George B. Hall to Miss Sarah A. Moffatt, all of Greene.

WALLEY - UPHAM:  In Greene [Chenango Co. NY], Jan. 2d, by Rev. Geo. Porter, Mr. Thomas Walley of Vinton, Iowa, to Miss Margaret Upham, of Greene.

CHURCH - TILLOTSON:  In Greene [Chenango Co. NY], Dec. 24th, by Rev. J.H. Sage, Mr. Edgar T. Church of Smithville [Chenango Co. NY] to Miss Mary A. Tillotson, of Greene.

JOHNSON - BERRY:  At Chenango Forks [Broome Co. NY], Dec. 28th, by Rev. Mr. Elcy, Mr. Henry Johnson of Greene [Chenango Co. NY] to Mrs. Artimisia Berry, of the former place.

McINTOSH - SIMMONS:  In Greene [Chenango Co. NY], Dec. 30th, by Rev. A.F. Brown, Mr. Henry McIntosh of Greene, to Miss Ruth Simmons, of Smithville [Chenango Co. NY].

BRADT - BURNS:  In Oneonta [Otsego Co. NY], Dec. 25th, by Rev. I.N. Pardee, Mr. Gurdon C. Bradt of Greene [Chenango Co. NY] to Miss Emma Burns, of Cobleskill, N.Y, [Schoharie Co.]

WATKINS - YALE:  At the residence of the bride's father in Yaleville [Chenango Co. NY], by Rev. W.B. Thomas, Mr. Foster W. Watkins, of Newark, N.Y. [Wayne Co.] to Miss Joanna A. Yale, of Guilford [Chenango Co. NY].

CARVER - VAN HORNE:  At the Baptist Church, in Bainbridge [Chenango Co. NY], on Wednesday evening, Jan. 1st, by Rev. H. Robertson, Mr. George H. Carver to Miss Mary Van Horne, daughter of B.P. Van Horne, all of Bainbridge.

WINNIE - SLATER:  In Bennettsville [Chenango Co. NY], Jan. 1st, by Rev. J.S. Pettengill, Mr. Adelbert Winnie to Miss Frances Ophelia Slater, both of Bennettsville.

DIMOCK - MEDBURY:  In Pittsfield, Otsego Co. [NY], Dec. 24th, by Rev. J.L. Ray, Mr. G.C. Dimock of New Berlin [Chenango Co. NY], to Miss Minerva Medbury, of Pittsfield.

HOLMES - ARNOLD:  In New Berlin [Chenango Co. NY], Dec. 25th, by Rev. J.L. Ray, Mr. Frank Holmes of Marcellus, N.Y. [Onondaga Co], to Miss Mary L. Arnold, of New Berlin.

BURDICK - PETERSON:  In DeRuyter [Madison Co. NY], Dec. 24th, by Rev. J. Clarke, Mr. Frank H. Burdick, of DeRuyter, to Miss Ella Peterson, of Lincklaen.

LANE - HUNTLEY:  In Afton [Chenango Co. NY], Dec. 19th, by Rev. H.S. Lloyd, Dea. W.A. Lane, of Waverly, N.Y. [Tioga Co.] to Mrs. Adelia Huntley, of Afton.

GREEN - LEONARD:  In Butternuts, Otsego Co. [NY], Dec. 17th, by Rev. W.H. Hiller, Mr. Charles L. Green, of Morris [Otsego Co. NY] to Miss Anna J. Leonard, of Butternuts.

TAYLOR - LOFTUS:  In Eaton, Madison Co. [NY], Dec. 25th, by Rev. Judson Davis, Mr Ambrose Taylor, of Lebanon [Madison Co. NY] to Miss Mary Loftus, of West Eaton [Madison Co. NY].

Deaths

HADLOCK:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], Jan. 6th, Mr. John Hadlock, aged 65 years.

DOYLE:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], Jan. 2d, Willie [Doyle], son of Thomas Doyle, aged 2 years 3 months and 15 days.

KING:  In Plymouth [Chenango Co. NY], Jan. 7th, Mr. Jeremiah King, aged 76 years.

MORSE:  In Oxford [Chenango Co. NY], Dec. 27th, Clara S. [Morse] only daughter of H.B. and Clarissa Morse, aged 22 years 4 months and 21 days.

MITCHELL:  In Smithville [Chenango Co. NY], Jan. 3d, Martha [Mitchell] daughter of Martin Mitchell, aged 4 years.

CONANT:  In Greene [Chenango Co. NY], Jan. 6th, infant child of Rufus Conant.

KETCHUM:  In Greene [Chenango Co. NY], Jan. 2d, Miss Mary L. Ketchum aged 18 years and 8 months.

BRIGHAM:  In Greene [Chenango Co. NY], Dec. 21st, Mr. Eli Brigham, aged 80 years.

ROOT:  In Coventry [Chenango Co. NY], Dec. 25th, Mr. Ansel B. Root, aged 30 years.

SMITH:  In Lincklaen [Chenango Co. NY] of consumption, Norman R. [Smith], son of Isaac H. and Anna M. Smith, aged 20 years.

RAY:  In Smyrna [Chenango Co. NY], Dec. 20th, Mrs. Lucretia Ray, aged 80 years.

KENYON:  In Smyrna [Chenango Co. NY], Dec. 19th, James D. Kenyon, aged 19 years.

PARK:  In Union, Broome Co. [NY], Nov. 29th, Chloe Ann Tracy, wife of Eri Park, aged 43 years.

OSGOOD:  In Cincinnatus [Cortland Co. NY], Nov. 28th, Olive Grosvenor [Osgood], wife of John Osgood, aged 83 years.  

OSGOOD:  Also, Dec. 19th, Mr. John Osgood aged 90 years.  Both formerly residents of Sherburne [Chenango Co. NY].

HALL:  In Blendon, Ill., Dec. 24th, Mr. Samuel Hall, formerly of McDonough [Chenango Co. NY], aged 83 years.

FIELD:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], Dec. 29th, Mary A. [Field], wife of Orville L. Field, aged 33 years.

This event is a most afflictive dispensation and has cast a gloom of sadness over the entire circle of the acquaintance of the deceased and has fallen with crushing weight upon the immediate family.  She was cut down in the midst of life, while as yet, the apparent plans and purposes of life were not accomplished.  But life is not to be measured by the number of years we live.  "That life is long which answers life's great end."

Mrs. Field was the only daughter of Mr. Charles M. Hall, of North Norwich.  In her 18th year she professed faith in Christ, and united with the Baptist church.  She remained a faithful and worthy member of that Church until her marriage three years ago, when she went with her husband and united with the M.E. Church, with which she remained until her death.  In her Chruch relations she was highly prized and had the esteem and affection of all who knew her.  On account of her health, she did not mingle much in the social meetings of the Chruch, but in the home circle her religious character was marked. Affectionate, gentle, confiding, walking in the light of God's favor, always ready for communion with the Lord and Savior.

Faithful in her relations as daughter, sister, wife, in these connections her death is sadly felt.  The blow was sudden, and yet it had been feared.  Saturday morning dawned upon the household full of hope, and she herself was both hopeful and cheerful.  But how transient are the fondest earthly expectations!  Before another morning dawned, the object of hope had become the source of death, and our lamented sister at once became a mother and a corpse.  A double bereavement, the mother and her infant were buried in the same grave.

The nature of her sickness precluded the possibility of parting words, but we look to a firm faith and consistent life as the criterion of Christian hope, and of God's approval.  Surviving friends need not sorrow as those having no hope, for although religion cannot exempt us from the stern decree of death, it can and does destroy its power. The mother and child are laid aside in their last resting place, but our loss is their eternal gain.

"Pain no more that bosom lashes, / Death's grim work is over now; / Earth enclasps the dear one's ashes, / Angels wreathe the spirit's brow."

Vital Records, Chenango Co. NY, January 1873 (continued)

 Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, January 2, 1873

Marriages

BUCHER - CHAPMAN:  In Argos, Ind., November 16th?, at hte residence of the bride's father M. Chapman, Esq. by the Rev. F.J. Stafford, Mr. Francis M. Bucher to Miss Lucy J. Chapman all of Argos.

VANWOERT - TOBY:  In Guilford [Chenango Co. NY], December 24th, at the residence of the bride's parents, by Rev. J.L. Jones, Mr. James S. VanWoert, of Oneonta [Otsego Co. NY], and Miss Nancy S. Toby, of Guilford.

Death

The many friends of Mrs. Orville Fields were deeply saddened by the news of her death at four o'clock A.M. on Sunday morning.  The occurrence is a very afflicting one, she having died in convulsions during childbirth.  Mrs. Fields was the daughter of Mr. Charles M. Hall of Norwich [Chenango Co. NY],  She was a lady of many amiable qualities and belonged to the Baptist church in this village.  She was 33 years of age.

Oxford Times, Oxford, NY, January 1, 1873

Marriages

ECCLESTON - NICHOLS:  In McDonough [Chenango Co. NY] on 25th Dec., by Rev. McK. Shaw, Mr. Leville Eccleston to Miss Ellen O. Fernald.

THOMSON - FERNALD:  In Mcdonough [Chenango Co. NY], Dec. 25th, by Rev. Mr. Johnson, Mr. Elijah Thomson to Miss Ellen O. Fernald.

Christ Church in Binghamton [Broome Co. NY], was well filled with fashionably attired ladies and gentlemen on Thursday evening, December 26th, 1872, who had gathered to witness the ceremony of marriage between John R. VanWagenen, of this village [Oxford, Chenango Co. NY], and Miss Clara Lester, of Binghamton.  The Church was very handsomely decorated, being in holiday dress, the music was most excellent, and the ceremony was impressive.  After the ceremony a brilliant reception was given at the residence of the bride's father, at which there were many invited guests present from this place. a large number of invitations were also issued to witness the ceremony. The bridegroom procured a special train of the D.L.&W.E. Co., for the accommodation of those invited, which left this station at 3:15 P.M. having started from Norwich with a few invited guests. A large number of relatives (representing three generations we believe) and friends went down on the train, returning after the reception. The trip and occasion was very much enjoyed by all.  We extend our congratulations to our distinguished fellow townsman and wish him and his a long, happy and prosperous life.  

Deaths

MORSE:  In this village, Dec. 27th, Clara S. [Morse] only daughter of H.B. and Clarissa Morse, aged 22 years 4 months and 21 days.

LOBDELL:  In Oxford [Chenango Co. NY], on Sunday morning, the 22d Dec., Miss Mary Ann Lobdell, aged 60 yrs.

HOUGH:  In Smithville [Chenango Co. NY], on the 21st Dec., Mr. Daniel Hough, aged 32 years.  "His toils are past, his work is done, / And he is fully blest; / He fought the fight, the victory won, / And entered into rest."

Silas Seeley:  died in Oxford [Chenango Co. NY], Sept. 27, 1872.  Br. Seeley was born May 12, 1822 in Oxford, a few miles from where he died. He was converted in 1854, under the labors of Elder Spencer, and united with the Baptist Church where he continued an acceptable member until 1865, when he united with the M.E. Church, and remained an active and efficient member and officer of the same till his death, holding at that time the office of trustee, steward, and S.S. Superintendent.  Always punctual, earnest, and faithful; acting from principle, he secured the confidence of the church and the people. A Christian man, he enjoyed religion, and exemplified its principles by an upright, consistent life, and died as he lived, at peace with God and his fellow man; living up to the command "to owe no man anything, but to love one another."  His temporal, spiritual and eternal interests were all wisely settled long before sickness prostrated his body and weakened his mind.  In his last sickness, he trusted and rested in his Redeemer and said "I leave all with Jesus," and died in hope after an illness of a few weeks.  Br. Seeley possessed in an eminent degree such characteristics that cannot be too highly commended; a willingness to work in any way and anywhere, under favorable or unfavorable circumstances, for the cause of Christ, striving to make his ability the -?- of his usefulness.  He married Abigail Nickerson May 9th, 1849, who is now left a childless widow to mourn his loss, but not as those without hope. The lord comfort and sustain her.  Northern Advocate

Chenango American, Greene, NY, January 2, 1873

Marriages

At Richfield Springs [Otsego Co. NY], Nov. 25th, by Rev. A.G. Markham, Mr. Edmund T. Tucker, of Norwich [Chenango Co. NY], to Miss Emma A. Luce, of the former place.

At the M.E. Parsonage, in Norwich [Chenango Co. NY], Nov. 22d, by Rev. S.F. Brown, Mr. Emmet C. Main to Miss Hattie E. Hinman, both of Norwich.

Deaths

In Smithville [Chenango Co. NY], Nov. 29th, Mr. Stephen O. Hoag, aged 75 years.

In Smithville [Chenango Co. NY], Nov. 29th, Mrs. Horehead, mother of Mrs. Samuel Boyd.

In Coventry [Chenango Co. NY], Nov. 17th, Mr. G.W. Montgomery, aged 36 years.

In Norwich [Chenango Co. NY], Nov. 21st, Esther Randall York, aged 78 years, widow of the late Hon. Charles York.

Sherburne News, Sherburne, NY, January 4, 1873

Marriages

CRANDALL - WILBUR:  In Smyrna [Chenango Co. NY], Dec. 31, 1872, at the M.E. Church, by Rev. S. Moore, Mr. James Crandall and Miss Arminda Wilbur, both of Smyrna.

FISKE - JONES:  In Smyrna [Chenango Co. NY], Dec. 24, 1872, by Rev. S. Moore, Horace Fiske, of Oxford [Chenango Co. NY], and Miss Emma M. Jones of Smyrna.

BELLINGER - CLEAVELAND:  In Smyrna [Chenango Co. NY], Dec. 25, 1872, by Rev. H. Carpenter, John H. Bellinger, of Sherburne [Chenango Co. NY], and Miss Addie Cleaveland, of Smyrna.

Bainbridge Republican, Bainbridge, NY, January 4, 1873

Marriage

At East Guilford [Chenango Co. NY], Jan. 2d, Mr. B.C. Bedford, of Masonville [Delaware Co. NY] to Miss Mary Ette Fletcher, of East Guilford [Chenango Co. NY].

Under the appropriate head in another column will be found one of those agreeable announcements of which people of all classes and ages never tire of reading.  It is the marriage of George H. Carver and Miss Mary VanHorne, both of this village [Bainbridge, Chenango Co. NY].  The bride is the amiable and accomplished daughter of B.P. VanHorne, Esq., and hosts of friends, here and elsewhere will heartily unite with us in wishing the happy couple a long life of unalloyed pleasure.  They go to Philadelphia on a visit to friends.

Vital Records, Chenango Co. NY, January 1873

 Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, January 2, 1873

Marriages

VAN WAGENEN - LESTER:  In Christ's Church, Binghamton [Broome Co. NY], on Thursday evening, Dec. 26th, Mr. John R. Van Wagenen, of Oxford [Chenango Co. NY] to Miss Clara Lester, of Binghamton.

CLARK - FRANKLIN:  At the Baptist Parsonage, in this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], Dec. 25th, by Rev. J.D. Pope, Mr. Nelson D. Clark to Miss Addie M. Franklin, both of Preston [Chenango Co. NY].

SUMNER - JOHNSTON:  In Amenia, N.Y., Dec. 19th, by Rev. S.R. Johnson, Mr. Charles B. Sumner, of Bainbridge [Chenango Co. NY] to Miss Alice Johnston, of the former place.

THORP - CLARK:  In Masonville [Delaware Co. NY], Dec. 19th, by the Rev. N. Ripley, Mr. Henry M. Thorp of Masonville, to Miss Susan C. Clark of Norwich [Chenango Co. NY].

GREY - HALLENBECK:  In Greene [Chenango Co. NY], Dec. 22d, by Rev. J.H. Sage, Mr. Charles D. Gray, of Brisbin [Chenango Co. NY] to Miss Annice R. Hallenbeck, of Greene.

VAN WOERT - TOBEY:  In Guilford [Chenango Co. NY], Dec. 24th, by Rev. J.L. Jones, Mr. James S. Van Woert, of Oneonta [Otsego Co. NY] to Miss Nancy S. Tobey, of Guilford.

SMITH - NORTHROP:  At West Hill, Sherburne [Chenango Co. NY], Dec. 24th, Mr. Henry Smith to Miss Hattie Northrop.

JOHNSON - MARTIN:  In Otselic [Chenango Co. NY], Dec. 24th, by Rev. J.W Barr, Mr. Emmet Johnson to Miss Amy Martin, both of Otselic.

TRUESDELL - CHAMBERLAIN:  At Mt. Upton [Chenango Co. NY] Dec. 18th, by Rev. S.W. Weiss, Mr. Harvey A. Truesdell to Miss Ruby Chamberlain, all of Mt. Upton.

Mt. Upton, December 23, 1872:  Editor Union:  Wednesday, December 18th, was a day of unusual interest to the people of this village, notwithstanding the fast falling and drifting snow, and the fierce howling winds of winter, as the fires on hymen's altar were kept burning all the day and far into the hours of the night; and young men and maidens, and gray headed fathers and mothers seemed equally delighted and happy in witnessing the union of hearts and hands in the bonds of matrimony.  At eleven o'clock in the morning, the writer, together with thirty or forty other guests, assembled at the residence of C. Chamberlain, Esq. to witness the marriage of Miss Ruby Chamberlain and Mr. Harvey A. Truesdell, of the firm of Truesdell & Brown.  It was a fine gathering of the elite of the place and the affair passed off very pleasantly and satisfactorily to all concerned. The parties were from the best class of young people of the town, and the presents of the bride were numerous and valuable, amounting to nearly a thousand dollars.  After being supplied with all the good things usual on such occasions, and receiving the congratulations of numerous friends, the parties left on the two o'clock train for New York and the East, to spend some two weeks on a wedding tour.  Long life and happiness to them both.

At the same time, at the residence of Jacob Stowell, Esq., Miss A. Stowell, an only daughter, and Mr. Truman R. Ford, son of Postmaster of the village, were united in holy wedlock, and joined the parties first named at the depot, and accompanied them on their pleasant journey.

By a preconcerted action, some thirty or forty ladies and gentlemen, relatives and friends, gathered in the evening at the residence of Mr. Albert Day, on the occasion of the fifth anniversary of his wedding.  The gathering was a complete surprise to the family, and as each one entered bearing some curious and useful article of wooden ware, Mr. and Mrs. Day seemed utterly astonished and lost for words to express their surprise.  After a very pleasant chat of an hour or more, the company were invited into the dining room, where a rich repast, provided by the ladies, was in waiting, and all sat down to the loaded tables with cheerful smiles to enjoy the abundance of good things.  Two very fine cakes, called the "bride's cakes," graced the center of the table one of which was real, but the other not so, as the sequel will show.  Near the close of the feast, the imitation cake was presented to the bride to be served up, and Mrs. Day arose with solemn and serious mein to discharge her duty; but after repeated efforts to sever it in twain, she concluded, amid blushes and hearty laughter, that wooden cakes are not easily severed, and not good for digestion and therefore very wisely laid it by to improve by age. The whole affair was enjoyable in a high degree and at a reasonable hour each one departed for home, feeling well pleased with the evening's entertainment.   Willis

Deaths

FIELD:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], Dec. 29th, Mary A. [Field] wife of Orville Field and daughter of Charless Hall, of North Norwich, aged 33 years.

GEER:  In Corry, Pa. Nov. 27th, Maria L. [Geer] wife of Silas H. Geer, aged 41 years and 8 months, formerly of this County [Chenango Co. NY].

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CONKEY:  Suddenly, in this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], on Sunday evening, Dec. 29th, Walter M. Conkey, Esq., aged 67 years.  Funeral on Thursday, at 2 o'clock P.M.

Walter M. Conkey, Esq., an old and highly esteemed resident of this place, well and favorably known as a businessman and Banker, and Treasurer of the New York and Oswego Midland Railroad, suddenly expired about half past 10 o'clock last Sunday evening, at his residence in this village, of apoplexy of the lungs.

Mr. Conkey had been moderately indisposed for a few days, complaining somewhat of an unpleasant or unusual sensation about the head and chest, but nothing serious was apprehended by his friends or family physician.  He had kept to his house but for a day or two, but was not at all confined to bed, and but a few moments before the fatal stroke, came downstairs from the room of his son to all appearance with years of active usefulness before him.  Having wound the clock, which stood upon the mantel piece in the dining room, he fell to the floor, and within half an hour his life was gone.  Physicians in vain were summoned, for no earthly power could save.

Mr. Conkey was born in Martinsburgh, Lewis County [NY], about the year 1805.  When a lad he came to New Berlin [Chenango Co. NY], and entered the store of his elder brother, Silas A. Conkey, then an active businessman of that place, as clerk.  In 1826, at about the age of twenty-one, he came to Norwich and entered upon a clerkship in the Bank of Chenango, of which Ira Wilcox was President, and James Birdsall, Cashier.

In 1833 he was elected Cashier, serving in that capacity till 1854, when he was chosen its President, which position he held at his death, making nearly fifty consecutive years that he was connected with that institution.  Possessed of good business habits, social, and of pleasing address, it is not to be wondered at that during this long period of association with the material interests of the community, he made a most extensive acquaintance, and gathered around him a host of friends.  Upon the organization of the Midland Railroad Company, Walter M. Conkey was chosen treasurer, and well and faithfully has he discharged the exacting duties of the place, literally falling with the harness on.

An active and earnest friend of the road, we do not overestimate his service or under value the labors of others in saying, that to his energy, perseverance and tact, the remarkable success of that enterprise is in no small degree due. While his loss will be sadly missed in business and financial circles, the terrible blow falls upon his own family with most crushing weight.

In their sad bereavement they have the sympathies of the entire community, who with them will long remember the kind and pleasant face that will no more be seen in their midst.  May they be given grace to bear their great affliction.

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HENRY:  At the Central Valley House, in Smithville Flats [Chenango Co. NY], Dec. 28th, Mr. Washington Henry aged 28 years.

A young man by the name of Smith, living some two or three miles north of this village, came to the Central Valley House on the 24th, and imbibed largely of fusil oil, and, getting noisy in the evening, C.D. Payne, the proprietor of the Valley House, told him that he must be still or leave the House.  Smith replying that he should do neither, Payne than made a move to put him out, when a man by the name of Henry, also somewhat intoxicated, interfered and said that Payne should not put Smith out of the House.  Payne then attempted to put them both out, and with the assistance of others succeeded in getting them out on the piazza, which is about three feet above the ground, with stone steps leading down to the sidewalk.  while in the scuffle, all of the parties fell to the sidewalk, Henry falling at the bottom.  As soon as they could get up, Henry placed his hands on his abdomen and called for help, saying that he was hurt.  He was helped up the steps into the hall but could go no farther and had to lie down.  A physician was immediately called, who rendered all the assistance that he could for the unfortunate man.  On Friday, the 27th, Dr. McFarland, of Oxford, was called as counsel, and at once decided that there was no possible chance for the recovery of the patient, who lived until the evening of the 28th, when death ended his sufferings.  Coroner Wood was called and held an inquest, when Dr. G.O. Williams made an examination and found the bladder of the deceased burst, causing inflammation and death.  I do not know what the verdict of the jury was but understand that the parties in the affray were exonerated from any blame.  Mr. Henry, if I have been rightly informed, was born in Ireland, and came to this place with his parents when a small boy, and has since resided in or near this village, until his death.  He was a single man, and about 28 or 30 years of age.

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Died in the village of Coventry [Chenango Co. NY] on the morning of the 18th of December, Mr. Gilbert D. Phillips, in the 82d year of his age.

In the death of Mr. Phillips, both the village and town of Coventry have met with a loss which, had it occurred in the most favored community, would have been deeply and generally felt.  For he was a man whose clear, strong and vigorous mind, and whose hearty devotion to the true interests (both temporal and spiritual) of those among whom he lived, would have made his influence strongly felt in any place or among any people.

More than fifty years of active usefulness did he spend in the town where he died, and it will be no discredit to others to say that he was foremost in every good work.  Many an enterprise of usefulness to the section in which he lived did he start, which failed of success mainly for want of just appreciation and hearty co-operation on the part of the people generally.

Mr. Phillips was a remarkable instance of one who in an extreme old age retained not only his vigor of mind, but youthfulness and buoyancy of feeling. To the very last was he the life of every social gathering in which he was permitted to mingle.  During his last illness, and after he was confined wholly to his bed, he seemed deeply solicitous for the welfare, especially the spiritual welfare, of the community, and for the prosperity of the church with which for so many years he had been connected.  Though during his last days his sufferings were severe and protracted, yet with calm patience and resignation, and a bright and joyous hope, did he await God's appointed time.  And when at length that time came, with all his children and most of his grandchildren around his dying bed, he gently and peacefully fell asleep in Jesus.

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A girl named Bridget Hollywood, was fatally burned at Hamilton [Madison Co. NY], on Wednesday evening last, by the explosion of a kerosene lamp.  Her clothes caught fire, in which condition she ran into the street, where several persons came to her rescue and subdued the flames - not, however, until her skin was burned to a crisp and the hair entirely off her head.  She lingered in great agony until Thursday morning, when death put an end to her sufferings.

Frank Dickson, a brakeman on a coal train on the Albany and Susquehanna Railroad, fell from the cars on Monday evening, the 23d inst., about one and a half miles west of Sidney [Delaware Co. NY], and was not missed until the arrival of the train at that station.  Upon search being made, he was found in a terribly mangled condition, the caboose and several cars having passed over him, cutting off both his legs near the knees, and one hand at the wrist, besides severely injuring him about the head. When found, he was alive, but delirious, and the stumps of his legs and arms frozen hard, he having been exposed to the bitter cold for one hour and a half.  For thirty rods blood and fragments of bone stained the track.  He was carried to the Delaware House, where he received every possible attention.  Dr. H.K. Bellows, of this village, who chanced to be stopping in Sidney, assisted in relieving, as far as possible, the sufferings of the unfortunate man through the night.  His mother was sent for, who arrived before morning, and remained with him until his death, which occurred on Tuesday afternoon at four o'clock.  The deceased was 19 years of age.  On the following day, a brakeman was killed at the junction near Nineveh [Broome Co. NY].

Vital Records, Chenango County, NY December 1872 (concluded)

 Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, December 26, 1872

Marriages

HALL - McNITT:  At the Baptist Church in this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], on Wednesday evening, Dec. 18th, by Rev. J.D. Pope, Mr. George W. Hall to Miss M. Libbie McNitt, both of North Norwich.

FORD - STOWELL:  At the residence of the bride, in Mt. Upton [Chenango Co. NY], Dec. 18th, by Rev. J.L. Jones, Mr. Truman R. Ford to Miss Annie K. Stowell, all of Mt. Upton.

HITCHCOCK - HITCHCOCK:  In Cazenovia [Madison Co. NY], Dec. 3d, Mr. Jerry Hitchcock to Miss Mary Hitchcock, of Smyrna [Chenango Co. NY].

VANSICLEN - WHITE:  In German [Chenango Co. NY], Dec. 13th, by Oliver Griswold, Esq., Mr. Freer Vansiclen of Taylor [Cortland Co. NY] to Miss Ruth A. White, of German.

Deaths

FRANCOIS:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], Dec. 19th, Victorine [Francois], wife of Alexander Francois, aged 47 years.  Born in Les Agnans Department, Haute Soane, France.

LANSING:  In Greene [Chenango Co. NY], Dec. 16th, Miss Elcy Lansing, aged 70 years and 5 months.

SCRIBNER:  In New Berlin [Chenango Co. NY], Dec. 12th, Mrs. Matilda Scribner, aged 72 years.

RECORD:  In Pitcher [Chenango Co. NY], Dec. 12th, Eliza [Record] wife of Franklin Record, aged 49 years.

SCOTT:  In Chicago, Dec. 10th, Arthur Jay [Scott], son of Jay M. and Anna Scott, formerly of Plymouth [Chenango Co. NY], aged 4 years.

Farewell sweet Arthur, thou art gone, / Life's few short years have fled; / We've laid thy childish little form / To slumber with the dead.

But on! how hard to give thee up / Our grief, O! who can speak! / Our anguish when the last fond kiss / We pressed upon thy cheek.

Oh, then, let's dry the falling tear; / It was His gracious will; / Twas he who took.  Twas he who gave, / Oh, troubled heart, be still.

______________________________________

WELLS:  In Preston [Chenango Co. NY], Dec. 22d, Mr Roger G. Wells, son of Mathew O. and Mary Wells, aged 23 years and 11 months.

I've often heard it said, / "The old must die; the young may die" and now alas / I think how truly this has come to pass, / As muse I on the dead.

How sad that he should die. / A father's pride, a mother's joy, a sister's, brothers' sweet delight; / That on such dawning should descend such sudden night / The spirit asks, "O why?"

The household joy is gone; / Fled with the hopes that faded with his fading hours. / And though we know he blooms in fair elysian bowers, / Our stricken hearts will mourn. 

The flower from the mould; / The angel from the earth, O, read the lesson well, / And let it teach you, while on earth ye still must dwell / God's arms his own enfold.

Roger G. Wells, the young man who was so severely injured in Preston, on the 15th inst, of which we made mention in our last, died on Sunday last, having suffered from the effects his terrible wound for one week.  The accident was caused by his slipping off a haymow, where he had been for the purpose of throwing down hay for the stock, impaling him upon the sharp end of a stick which had formerly been used in a rack over the manger, in the stables, but which at the time served as a handle for a "hod," or scraper, and was unfortunately standing against the mow.  His body was penetrated near the anus, the stake passing through the rectum, puncturing and tearing the intestines.  The deceased was a very worthy young man, in the twenty-fourth year of his age; son of Matthew O. Wells.

Mr. John Kelly proprietor of the Eagle Hotel in Hamilton [Madison Co. NY], dropped dead from his chair in the hotel on Monday morning of last week, about seven o'clock.  He was sitting by the stove in the office of the hotel, smoking and conversing with his youngest son, and seemed in unusual good health and spirits, when without a moment's warning or the slightest struggle he fell a lifeless corpse.  The cause of his death is attributed to disease of the heart.  His age with fifty-five years.

A Blacksmith shop was burned at Oneida Castle [Oneida Co. NY], early on the morning of the 13th inst. and Charles McKee, a Frenchman, who occupied the shop, and lodged there, perished in the flames.  He was an intemperate man and had spent the previous evening in a drinking saloon.  It is supposed that in returning to the shop, he accidentally set fire to the kindlings about the stove, and falling asleep, was not awakened in time to extricate himself.

Dr. David Ransom of Buffalo [Erie Co. NY], we learn, died last week from the effect of an injury, the nature of which we have not learned.  For many years he practiced medicine in our village, and here first engaged in the manufacture of Trask's Magnetic Ointment.  After moving to Buffalo, he manufactured that and several other kinds of medicine to an extent that made him one of the most prominent patent medicine men in the country.  Oneida Union.

Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, December 26, 1872

Marriages

RICHMOND - WOOD:  At the parsonage in Guilford [Chenango Co. NY], December 11th, by Rev. J.B. Hyde; Mr. George A. Richmond, of Butternuts [Otsego Co. NY], to Miss Sarah A. Wood, of Guilford.

THORP - CLARK:  In Masonville [Delaware Co. NY], December 19th, by the Rev. N. Ripley, Mr. H.M. Thorp of Masonville, to Miss Susan Clark, of Norwich [Chenango Co. NY].

POWELL - BARROWS:  At Sweeny's Hotel, in New York City, July 5th, 1872, by Rev. James L. Hodge, Henry R. Powell, Esq., and Julia Barrows, both of Pharsalia [Chenango Co. NY].

Deaths

PHILLIPS:  In Coventry [Chenango Co. NY], on the18th, Gilbert D. Phillips, aged 81 years.  He was the father of Edgar A. and James M. Phillips, and of Mrs. Amasa J. Hoyt of Coventry, and Mrs. Leroy F. Martin, of Chicago.

Oxford Times, Oxford, NY, December 25, 1872

Deaths

JACOBS:  In this town [Oxford, Chenango Co. NY], Dec. 21st, Mr. Cornelius Jacobs, aged 76 years.

Death of Harvey M. Greene

The death of Doctor Greene brings sorrow to a large circle of relatives and friends in this village, and our entire community will read the announcement with regretful sadness.  The deceased on the 12th inst, left Grand Rapids, Michigan, where he had established himself in the practice of medicine and went to New York City, intending to replenish his stock, and expecting before his return to be joined in wedlock to an estimable young lady residing in Dutchess County, the day of their expected nuptials having been already arranged.  His health had been precarious for some months, and he had suffered with muscular rheumatism. After his arrival in the city he was stricken with apoplexy, and died on the 17th inst.  Doctor Green went from this place several years since to Grand Rapids, where he had already secured a large share of confidence and esteem in his profession, and also a most respectable standing in the medical and Surgical Society of which he was there a member.  In this, the village of his birth [Oxford, Chenango Co. NY] and where, except when attending lectures, he pursued his studies, his life was that of a close and faithful student, and his habits and character such as to inspire confidence and esteem with all who knew him.  His sudden death blights the promise of a life of success and usefulness to himself and others.  His funeral was attended from St. Paul's Church in this village, on Thursday last.  

Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, December 26, 1872

Dr. Harvey M. Greene, of Grand Rapids, Michigan, and formerly a resident of Oxford, died in New York on the 17th inst.  He went to New York for the purpose of purchasing instruments, books, &c., to replace those of which he had been deprived by the burning of his office.  On his return he was to stop at North East, Dutchess County, where he was to be married on the 17th, to a young lady to whom he had long been betrothed.  Stopping at the Brandreth House in New York, it was noticed by the guests that he acted strangely, and he complained of a severe pain in his head.  He would allow nothing to be done for him, declaring that those offering assistance "wanted to rob him."  He was taken to the Centre Street Hospital, where he became delirious, and dangerously ill.  His brother, Bradford G. Greene, of Oxford, was telegraphed for, as was also his betrothed, whose residence was ascertained from letters in his pocket, and who, with her mother, hastened to his bedside. The left side of the patient became paralyzed and he continued to sink, despite every exertion, until Tuesday, the 17th inst., when he expired at twenty minutes to eleven o'clock, the very hour at which he was to have been married, and also on the birthday of his affianced.

The brother left New York, that evening, with the remains, and arrived in Oxford with them, Wednesday evening.  The Oxford lodge of Free Masons, of which deceased was a member, and a large body of citizens, met the corpse at the depot. The funeral took place the next day.  The young girl whose wedding day had been transformed into one of mourning, was so completely prostrated by the shock that she was not able to be present.

No traces of a wedding ring purchased by Mr. Greene at Grand Rapids, can be found.  He also started from that place with, at the least estimate, $300.  His fare to New York was about $22.  He made no purchases in the city, as no bills of goods can be found or heard form.  His bills at the hotel were also unpaid.  Only $95 was found upon his person.  What has become of the rest of the money and the ring? is the question which has given rise to the grave suspicions that something must have happened to the young physician, the mystery of which, cannot as yet, perhaps never, be unraveled.

Chenango American, Greene, NY, December 26, 1872

Marriages

At Triangle village [Broome Co. NY], Dec. 18th, by Rev. Jas. H. Sage, James Youngs, Esq., of this town [Greene, Chenango Co. NY] to Mrs. Eliza D. Page, of Triangle.

At the M.E. Parsonage, in this village [Greene, Chenango Co. NY], Dec. 24th, by Rev. A.F. Brown, Mr. Cyrus A. Whiting to Miss Emma J. Pangburn, all of Smithville [Chenango Co. NY].

Deaths

In New York City, suddenly, Dec. 19th, Albert Edwin [Meade], only child of Edwin R. and Julia M. Meade, aged 6 years.

In this town [Greene, Chenango Co. NY], Monday, Dec. 23d? after a severe illness, Dwight A. [Blair], son of Joslin and Jerusha C. Blair, aged 20 years and 10 months.  The affectionate son and loving brother will be missed.

Sherburne News, Sherburne, NY, December 28, 1872

Marriage

SMITH - NORTHROP:  At West Hill, Sherburne [Chenango Co. NY], on the 24th inst., Mr. Henry Smith and Miss Hattie Northrop.

Deaths

SMITH:  In Chicago, Ill., Dec. 18, Hiram Smith, formerly of Norwich [Chenango Co. NY], aged 69 years.

Mr. Hiram Smith, whose death is this week announced, was formerly a citizen of Norwich, and for nearly twenty years carried on the tanning business sin that village.  He removed to Chicago in 1864, where he engaged in the boot and shoe business with his son-in-law.  He will be remembered as a man of strict integrity, upright in character, and a valued citizen.

ALLEN:  In New Berlin [Chenango Co. NY], Dec. 26, Mrs. Alonzo Allen, aged 25 years.

Bainbridge Republican, Bainbridge, NY, December 28, 1972

Marriage

In Bainbridge [Chenango Co. NY], Dec. 14th? by Rev. E.H. -?-, Mr. Austin Hummel, of Davenport, N.Y. [Delaware Co.] to Miss Carrie McNutt of Bainbridge.

A very important event which fills up the cup of human happiness of at least two persons, to the brim, occurred at St. Thomas' Church, Armenia, N.Y. [Dutchess Co.] on Thursday, Dec. 19th.  It is the old story repeated since the world began, and which finds ample justification (as if it should ever seek any) in the divine words, "It is not good for man to be alone."  So certainly, must have thought Mr. C.B. Sumner, our townsman, and as to the excellence of his opinion none will question.  It was a wedding and Mr. Sumner was the groom.  The bride was the fair daughter of Mr. Samuel Bard Johnston, and the officiating clergyman was the Rev. S.R. Johnston, D.D., Uncle to the bride.  No happier event ever occurred in the history of the two, who plighted their troth.  Mr. Sumner returned to his home on Monday bringing with him his wife.  On Tuesday night a reception was given by them to their friends, which was a very pleasant affair.

Death

The house of Mrs. J.W. Northup at Franklin, Delaware County [NY] was destroyed by fire on the night of the 19th inst. and Mrs. Northup perished in the flames.  Her son and daughter were absent on a visit, and the fire was not discovered by the neighbors until the building and its contents nearly consumed.  About four years ago the husband of Mrs. N., a most estimable citizen, ended his life by suicide and now another dark shadow falls on the survivors of a worthy family.

Annals of the Past, Norwich, Chenango Co. NY

 Annals of the Past

"The Place Where I Was Born"

Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, December 26, 1872

In the northeast quarter, so called, of the town of Norwich [Chenango Co. NY], on the road leading from near Erasmus Smith's sawmill, up the north branch of the Haddock brook to its source, about one mile west of the south end of Chenango Lake (Mathewson Pond) on a little plateau, may be seen near the road the ruins of an old chimney, overgrown with briers and nettles.  This pile is the only relic of the old log house erected by my father in 1805, in which I was born; near it is standing at this day [in 1872], the figures 1808, the year in which it was built.  It is rather dilapidated and rickety with age.  A short distance from the barn, near where the house stood, is an old orchard, moss grown and ragged, planted and raised by my father from seeds brought from Connecticut by my mother, when they moved into this new country.

A few years of toil and privations incident to the pioneer's life, opened this little plateau to the light of the sun, till about fifty acres were cleared and utilized for the production of provisions for the family and food for the two cows that gave us milk, and the oxen that aided in the clearing, after having brought the family from day to day for two long weeks, from away "down country," with all their  household goods, to this new and rugged home.

I have heard my mother often relate the incidents of her homesickness and heartsickness, sitting from day to day in their prairie schooner, moving with the snail pace of the jaded oxen, of the crossing of the Hudson river at Albany in a scow propelled by setting poles and oars, of the breakdown of the wagon in Albany just as they had crossed the river, of the kindness of strangers who had witnessed their condition; of the long day unloading and getting the wagon repaired, then off on their toilsome journey through the sparsely settled country, and at last through the woods with hardly a passable road, to their wilderness home; and then the few neighbors kindly proffered their aid to erect the log cabin, now among the things that were, the family in the mean time finding a home with a brother, a neighbor who had previously settled there.

Of this rude home my early recollections are quite vivid; the dense forest surrounding and the receding of the same as the sturdy woodman plied his axe, of the great fires produced by the burning brush and huge piles of logs, attended by my father at night to get a good burn and clear the land, of the long howl of the wolves as they came to the edge of the clearing, and so near I could almost see their glaring eyes.

This log house home was near the head of the little brook which in the spring of the year was quite a stream and filled with trout, it passed within a few rods of the house; and in that brook I caught my first trout, when I was less than four years old.  The excitement of that brought is with me when I think of "going fishing" of which I was always very fond.  It was an era in my young life. There was left standing near the house and right on the brink of the brook a large chestnut tree, tall and stately, from under which I gathered the first brown nuts of my childhood.

"Woodman, spare that tree"

My two sisters older than myself were big enough to get the cows from the pasture near the house, and one night I trudged along with them, and just as they were letting down the bars, the wolves acted up such a chorus of howls close by, that they dropped the bars, and we ran for the house in double quick.  These serenades of the wolves were quite common.  The panther and the bear were occasionally seen by the neighbors. Two neighbors, Reuben Smith and another, were chopping close by Smith's house, and heard a great outcry amongst his hogs, went to see what the matter was, and saw bruin with a shote in his arms walking off.  At sight of the men with their axes, he thought the better part of valor was discretion, and so dropped the pig and made off without his supper.  Another neighbor and another of the Smith family, were looking for his cows just at night and came suddenly upon a large panther sitting on a log right in his path, a few rods ahead of him, his long tail vibrating and fearful glaring eyes fixed on him as if ready for a spring.  Smith, who was no coward, fixed his eyes upon those of the panther and slowly backed off till the make of the ground let him out of sight of the brute, when he made quick time for home.  One afternoon my father took me with him a short distance from the house to the old clearing just across the brook, and there we saw a number of wild deer sporting among the cows on the hillside. These scenes were of common occurrence in the early settlements, always enough to keep one's nerves in full tension.

About a mile south of our home, down in the hollow by the brook on the quarter road to South New Berlin stood a schoolhouse, I think a log one, and the only one for some miles around.  It was there I got the first bump of knowledge indelibly impressed on my cranium, that I remember so well.  I was seated between my two sisters on a bench without a back, got asleep and fell off backwards, hurt me badly, so I fainted, causing quite a commotion in the school.  One of the boys, now a resident of this village, who attended the school on that day, in a recent consultation with me remembered the incident distinctly.  The teacher was a Miss Keith, afterwards the wife of Hosea Haddock, then living in that neighborhood.  This was in 1810.

I well remember those early pioneers, those rugged stalwart men who lived in the neighborhood, our nearest were Ephriam Shattuck, Ehil Williams, John Dakin, Simeon Hale, Israel Hale, and Manna Case on the south, on the Quarter road, Wm. Smith and  Deacon Elisha Smith his father, Seth Chapin, Phineas Graves, Squire Smith, Sr. Reuben Smith, Thomas Haddock and Edward Wait, just south of the schoolhouse; in the hollow on the side hill, were Lemuel Wells, Sr., Daniel Belden and Palmer Edmunds.  Those first settlers are all gone, having fulfilled their mission on earth.  A few of their elder sons who came with their fathers are now living in the neighborhood, and many of their descendants that were born there, are now living on and near the old farms taken up and cleared by their fathers.

Lost - A Boy Lost

A little later, about 1815, in the month of March, the neighborhood was startled with the cry of a child lost.  With what a thrill that cry was taken up and passed from lip to lip, till it had spread through the whole neighborhood, and every man turned out in the search for the lost one.  Mr. Graves who lived on the Quarter Road, took his little son four years old, to his sugar camp just south of the brook on the side hill, in the morning before breakfast (his daughter was to take their breakfast to them).  They crossed the brook on a log felled to bridge the stream; after staying awhile the boy started to return to the house, in the path they had come, he went for the log, crossing the brook, and missed it, followed up the brook to find it, not succeeding he turned again to find the sugar camp, but got lost, wandered on and came to another sugar camp; a fire smoldering but nobody there, he still kept on in hopes to find the camp till night overtook him, weary and hungry, not having eaten anything since the day previous.  He came to an old pine log covered with moss, crawled upon it and laid down to rest, and fell asleep, nor dreamed of the prowling wolf, the stealthy tread of the panther, or hungry bear, all denizens of our mountain forest at that time, but slept till morning.  How sweet was that night's sleep on the old moss-covered log to that weary child.  In the morning somewhat rested, he arose and wandered on in hopes of finding the sugar camp.  Lost!  He says, he knew he was lost, but did not despair, but went on, timid, half wild till the middle of the afternoon, he found himself in a dense thicket of undergrowth, low bushes that hid him from observation.  When the sister went in the morning they left, to carry the breakfast to the sugar camp, on being asked if the boy had returned home, replied no.  It was then the neighbors were rallied and went in search and kept up the search till night; then made fires in the woods at different points, to keep away the wolves and attract the attention of the boy.  The next day the search was renewed with such additional help as could be procured, till about a hundred were out and went systematically to work at short distances apart to search the woods. While in this dense undergrowth the boy heard the men in search of him come near, crouched lower and kept still, saw a man pass close by, but dare not be seen or call to the man, was half wild and afraid. 

After the man went past, he ventured out and started on again, but had not gone far when he heard someone following him. looked around and saw the man that had passed him before, he ran away as fast as he could, the man following and soon overtook him, he says he fought as hard as he could to get away from the man but was taken up and carried off.  The signal was given to the other hunters and passed from one to another till all came in. The lost was found!  The man after passing the bushes in which the boy was hid, was not quite satisfied with his search, returned to look again in the thicket, having a kind of premonition that he might be there, and thus found him. That man was Nathan Parker, Sr., who lived over the river, a mile from this village, long since deceased. That boy now a man of sixty-one years lives on the highest land on the road to South New Berlin, a little way beyond the old homestead and sugar camp, and near the old moss-covered pine log that afforded him so soft a bed and such sweet repose in the dark woods on the mountain, in that dreary March night, fifty-seven years ago.

I left the old homestead when I was between three- and four-years of age and came to this village, with the recollections of those early days firmly fixed in my memory.

After a period of over twenty years, in which time I had not seen the place, I returned to visit and refresh my memory, and again revel in those scenes of my childhood, again to catch the speckled trout of the brook, gather the chestnuts from the old tree, or dance after the serenade of the wolves.  The house was but a heap of ruins, the barn in a tolerable good state of preservation, the orchard had grown to goodly size and bearing fruit, the brook had dwindled into a small riverlet, the bridge across it that looked so high over the stream was broken down and lay in its bed, but the woods on the north and east where the wolves held their nightly orgies was just the same as twenty years before.

And now, sixty-two years having passed on a bright autumn day on my way to the lake for a picnic, with my family, I visit again my early home.  The heap of stone where the chimney fell after the log house rotted down, remains as it was when I visited before. The well had caved in and nearly filled with stone, and the remains of a cellar wall, around a little excavation in the earth. The orchard is close by, old and moss grown, some of the trees broken down with age, others standing erect but lacking the pruners care. From a number of the trees, I picked many samples of fruit, the first ever gathered by any of our family (my father having sown the seed from which these old trees sprung).  Some sow, so that others may reap.  I now take a look at the old barn standing where my father built it in 1808, the frame rickety and rotting, showing the ravages of time, the covering partly gone, mossey, old.  On entering, I involuntarily look up to see the swallows flitting about and twittering as I had seen them when a child, but instead, I see a swallows nest on a peg that pinned the rafters together right in the ridge, just as I had seen one sixty-two years ago, could it be the same nest?  Tell me, old barn!  You and I were young together and have breasted the storms and basked in the sunbeam of more than three score years.  Old barn, I leave you with saddened recollections.  Good-bye!!  On the north and east the woods stand now as they did in that early day, the same woods where I had often heard the wolves long howl, and the clearing on the west where I had seen the wild deer sporting in the field with the cows, is just the same.  I looked for the chestnut tree by the brook, but it was gone, but nearby and from under other and younger trees I picked up some chestnuts as I done from the tree by the brook so long ago.

In this brief visit I was young again and living over those few years of my life spent in this rugged place, again trudging over the rough and stony road to the schoolhouse in the hollow by the brook, or riding "Old Dagon" and tumbling off as I did, my legs not being long enough to keep balance on his round back, or riding on my uncle's back in search of chestnuts around the border of the clearing, or watching the huge log heaps burning in the dark nights, and listening to the music of the wolves.

The surroundings were somewhat changed, yet enough left to remind me of the olden time and early recollections of my childhood.

N.B.H.

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

 Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, December 19, 1872

Marriages

WAIT - FREEMAN:  At the residence of the bride's parents, in this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], by Rev. S. Scoville, Mr. John W. Wait to Miss Libbie Freeman, all of Norwich.

GREEN - MEDBURY:  In Bainbridge [Chenango Co. NY], Dec. 10th, by Rev. S.S. Lewis, Mr. Stowell W. Green of Oxford [Chenango Co. NY], to Miss Caroline Medbury, of Afton [Chenango Co. NY].

LINES - BOALT:  In Bainbridge [Chenango Co. NY], Dec. 10th, by Rev. S.S. Lewis, Mr. Willis Howard lLnes, of Otego [Otsego Co. NY], to Miss Harriet Ellen Boalt, of Bainbridge.

Deaths

MERRIAM:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], Dec. 1st, of consumption, Rowena [Merriam] wife of Ichabod Merriam, aged 26 years.

"Hearts that have watched the dear one's couch, / As she faded day by day. / Do you know that the touch of her gentle hand / Doth waken the harp in the unknown land / That she waits for you with the angel band, / Over the starry way?"

Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, December 19, 1872

Marriage

SHEPARDSON - STOKES:  In Smyrna [Chenango Co. NY], December 17th, by Rev. S. Moore, Walter A. Shepardson and Ida E. Stokes, all of Smyrna.

Deaths

MITCHELL:  In DeRuyter [Madison Co. NY], Dec. 6th, 1892, Mr. Oliver Mitchell, of paralysis, after a brief illness, aged 76 years.  The deceased was an old and esteemed resident of the town of DeRuyter, having lived in the town over 50 years.  He was the father of D.J. and D.Q. Mitchell, Esq's.

PENDELL:  At the residence of her husband, South New Berlin [Chenango Co. NY], on Monday, Dec. 16, at 8 o'clock A.M., Mrs. Agnes B. [PenDell], wife of James T. PenDell in the 67th year of her age.

The deceased was born in Philadelphia, May 9th, 1805.  Her maiden name was Cannon and her father was a soldier of the war of 1812, in which he died, leaving his daughters, Agnes and Rebecca, quite an amount of property.  They were adopted by a family named Hays, and through his management they were unjustly deprived of their inheritance.  At the age of 18 Rebecca was married to Prentice PenDell and died in Plymouth about a year since, and Agnes at 16 was married to James V. PenDell, a nephew of her sister's husband.  James PenDell was a builder and for fifteen years after marriage lived in Wayne County.  He was extensively engaged in building the wood structures on the Erie, Black River and other canals.  He subsequently removed to this county and resided most of the time in Norwich, some thirty-six years ago.  Mrs. PenDell, the subject of this notice, was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church from her youth until her death and was widely known for her liberality and for her faithfulness to the religion she professed as the guide of her life. She was the mother of nine children, seven of whom are now living - two sons and five daughters.  For the last three months she was an invalid, suffering from paralysis, of which she died.  The summons found her ready and willing to go.  Her remains were interred by the side of her deceased children, at Wood's Corners, a mile and a half north of this village.  Her memory will be affectionately cherished by relatives and friends who knew and appreciated her virtues.  Conductor M.R. PenDell, of the Midland Railroad, was one of her sons.

ARNOLD:  In McDonough [Chenango Co. NY], Nov. 18th, 1872, Willie [Arnold] son of William and Melissa Arnold, aged 15 years.  Willie was the only son left, death having taken a few years ago another nearly of the same age.  He was much beloved and is greatly missed. Naturally kind-hearted, he was ready to lend a helping hand both at home and for the good of others.  His sorely afflicted parents, his little sisters, according to their years, and all his relatives greatly feel their loss, and his youthful associates miss him very much at their gatherings.  Death came very suddenly in this case and took its victim.  The silver cord in twain is snapped, / The golden bowl is broken."

But if it seems at times hard to feel and say, "thy will be done," the parents and friends know that God never made a mistake, and that he always works to a good end in view. The hardest blows are administered in love.  He that applies them remains a Father.  All afflicted ones may ponder with profit the words of Lowell, who says: "Tis sorrow builds the shinning ladder up, / Whose golden rounds are our calamities, / Whereon our firm feet planting, nearer God / The spirit climbs, and hath its eyes unsealed."

Oxford Times, Oxford, NY, December 18, 1872

Deaths

On Wednesday last, at Whitney's Point [Broome Co. NY], the team of Mr. Edward Hyde, of that village, was coming from the sawmill, loaded with lumber, and was driven by his hired man up to the railroad and left unhitched, when it became frightened and ran across the track and overtook the son of Mr. Peter Guler, a lad of about 10 years, who was riding in a cutter. The boy became frightened and jumped form the cutter and was run over and killed almost instantly.

Tuesday afternoon last week, a party of railroad laborers were engaged near Osborn Hollow Station in Broome County [NY], in filling a trestle work, when, without a moment's warning, a heavy bank of earth curved about them and fell with great weight, instantly killing two men and injuring several others, one of whom died about twenty minutes afterwards. The names of the killed are Alexander Donaldson, George Bently and a man named Kelly.  The injured are doing well. Binghamton Daily Times

Sherburne News, Sherburne, NY, December 21, 1872

Marriages

TEFFT - BURLINGHAM:  At the home of the bride's parents, in Earlville [Madison Co. NY], Nov. 26, by Rev. H.S. Jones, Addison Tefft and Miss Katie Burlingham, all of Earlville.

BROWN - BURLINGHAM: At the home of the bride's parents, in Earlville [Madison Co. NY], Nov. 26, by Rev. H.S. Jones, Lyman Brown and Miss Alice Burlingham, all of Earlville.

Deaths

SKINNER:  On the 10th inst. at the residence of her mother, Mrs. Betsey Benton, in this town [Sherburne, Chenango Co. NY], Joanna B [Skinner] wife of Amasa Skinner, of New Berlin [Chenango Co. NY], in the 54th year of her age.

SMITH:  In Norwich [Chenango Co. NY], Dec. 15, Ellen [Smith], wife of John Smith, aged 27 years.  Mrs. Smith was a resident of Sherburne [Chenango Co. NY] and her remains were brought home for interment.

On Monday afternoon last occurred in our village one of the most appalling and fatal accidents we have ever been called upon to record.   Mr. Cornelius Bellinger who resided on what is usually known as the Lewis farm, which he had purchased a few years ago, was drawing logs from the west side of the railroad to the mill of Mr. Low. In attempting to cross the railroad at the depot in front of the engine attached to the freight train, his horses became unmanageable and ran to the north side of the street, striking the lamp post near the corner of the old foundry building of S.D. Birch, and throwing Mr. B. forward of the sleigh, his head striking the foot of the post; one of the logs sliding forward wedged his head between the end of the log and the post, and breaking his skull. Dr. Port Van Kettren was immediately called, but nothing could be done to relieve him. Being so badly injured he was dead within five minutes.  His body was taken to the house of Mr. Brownell where it received every attention required until the arrival of his wife and son, when it was conveyed to his late residence.

The horses cleared themselves from the sleigh on striking the post and ran across the canal bridge and up State Street with the neck yoke and whiffletrees until near the residence of Mrs. C.T. Harvey, where they ran against a tree, breaking the neckyoke and stripping themselves apart, both falling.  Before they could be reached, they were on their feet again, one running across the street and into Mr. Fuller's yard; the other turned down Union Street, coming out on South Main, and not stopping until he reached home.  It was thought the horses were fatally injured, but we learn that although badly hurt they will recover.

Mr. Bellinger was a man who will be missed in his neighborhood. Being a stirring, energetic man in all his business matters, his word was as good as his bond, and he had, we understand, recently made a purchase of another farm on the plank road north of the village.  He was about 50 years of age, and leaves a family of eight children, all at home except a daughter, who is married and living at Beaver Meadow. the family have the heartfelt sympathy of the entire community in their great bereavement, which was attested by the large number in attendance at the funeral, which took place at North Norwich on Wednesday afternoon last.

Bainbridge Republican, Bainbridge, NY, December 21, 1872

Deaths

In Coventry [Chenango Co. NY], Nov. 26th, Henry A. Parker aged 52 years.

In Coventry [Chenango Co. NY], Dec. 18th, Gilbert D. Phillips, aged 81 years.

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

 Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, December 12, 1872

Marriages

SCHORN - ROCK:  At the residence of the bride's father, in this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], Dec. 5th, by Rev. H. Wheeler, Mr. Joseph Schorn to Miss Lottie Rock, all of this village.

WALKER - HOWE:  In Guilford [Chenango Co. NY], Nov. 26th, by Rev. L.E. Yale, Mr. Willis H. Walker to Miss Juliette Howe, all of Guilford.

GALE - SLATER:  In Greene [Chenango Co. NY], Nov. 25th, by Rev. J.H. Sage, Mr. Milo J. Gale of McDonough [Chenango Co. NY] to Miss Idell E. Slater, of Triangle, N.Y. [Broome Co.].

POPE - SHIPPEY:  In Morris [Otsego Co. NY], Nov. 26th, by Rev. J.C. Shelland, Mr. Ambrose G. Pope, to Miss Emma J. Shippey, both of New Berlin [Chenango Co. NY].

BRIGGS - CABLE:  In Stiles' Settlement, Nov. 27th, by Rev. J.N. Adams, Mr. William H. Briggs, of Afton [Chenango Co. NY] to Miss Emma J. Cable, of Deposit [Delaware Co. NY].

BOURNE - SMITH:  In Deposit [Delaware Co. NY], Nov. 26th, by Rev. G.O. Phelps, Mr. George W. Bourne of Afton [Chenango Co. NY], to Miss Sarah Smith, of Cold Spring, N.Y. [Putnam Co.].

Deaths

RANSFORD:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], Dec. 6th, Sophia [Ransford], wife of Matthew Ransford, aged 68 years.

After a long and painful illness, this good, faithful wife and tender mother has gone to her eternal rest.  Folded peacefully on her breast are the busy hands which, forgetful of self, were always ministering to the comfort of others.  In her the poor and needy ever found a ready and willing friend.  No appeal for help was ever made to her in vain, and no sad heart ever failed to receive dear words of comfort from her lips.  Happiness surely awaits her in the safe fold of the Good Shepherd, and though gone from our sight, green will the memory of this good, faithful and Christian friend live in the hearts of all who knew her.  May God in His great mercy comfort her desolate husband and son, and teach them in His holy wisdom to say, "They will, not mine, O Lord, be done."  Impressive funeral services were held at the house on Sunday afternoon, which were conducted by Rev. J.D. Pope, assisted by Rev. S. Scoville.

STEWART:  In Pitcher [Chenango Co. NY], Dec. 7th, Mrs. Russel Stewart, aged 88 years.

ELLSWORTH:  In Preston [Chenango Co. NY], Dec. 1st, Samuel Ellsworth, aged 13 years and 8 months.

Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, December 12, 1872

Marriages

WOOD - MERIHEW:  In Norwich [Chenango Co. NY], November 28th, by Rev. T. Harroun, Mr. John Wood, of Earlville [Madison Co., NY], to Miss M.J. Merihew, of Plymouth [Chenango Co. NY].

BELDEN - NORCOTT:  In Taylor [Cortland Co. NY], November 26th, by Rev. E.N. Benedict, Mr. Daniel W. Belden to Miss Susan S. Norcott, All of Taylor.

PARKER - FAIRCHILD:  On the 26th of November, by Rev. D. Davis, G.D. Parker of Coventry [Chenango Co. NY] to M.E. Fairchild, of the same place.

ENSWORTH - BANNER:  In Guilford [Chenango Co. NY], at the home of the bride, by Rev. B.B. Carruth, November 24th, Mr. Nelson A. Ensworth, of Oxford [Chenango Co. NY], to Miss M. Josephine Banner.

Up at our sister village of Earlville [Madison Co. NY], a few days since, while a wedding party were enjoying the feast of good things provided on such occasions, one of the guests and a sister of the bride, suggested to a still younger sister the advantage of improving the occasion for bringing her pending courtship to a close, provided her intended and expected husband concurred in the arrangement.  The young lady objected that she had not the indispensable "wedding garment," a new dress, but this was overcome by the offer of the older sister that she would make her a present of the one she was then wearing.  the offer was at once accepted and so a second wedding took place, the guests being then present, and the feast already prepared. the young couple were then presented by some of their friends with valuable presents and at once set out on the path in which we hope they will find many years of happiness.

Death

SLATER:  In Washington, D.C., Nov. 17th, Israel Slater, son of Joseph Slater, formerly of Preston [Chenango Co. NY], aged 80 years and 8 months.

Oxford Times, Oxford, NY, December 11, 1872

Death

BOWERS:  In Preston [Chenango Co. NY], Nov. 28th, Mrs. Martha Bowers, widow of Barney Bowers, aged 69 years.

Chenango American, Greene, NY, December 12, 1872

Marriages

At the house of the bride's father, Dec. 4th, by Rev. J.D. Webster, Mr. George A. Purdy to Miss Mary A. Skillman, all of Mcdonough [Chenango Co. NY].

In Smithville [Chenango Co. NY], at the house of the bride's father, Oct. 2d, by Rev. J.D. Webster, Mr. Gilbert J. Brown to Miss Emma F. Dailey, both of Smithville.

In Marathon [Cortland Co. NY], Nov. 2d, by Rev. W. Burnside, Mr. Francis T.  Hall of McDonough [Chenango Co. NY], to Miss Celia M. Quinn of Marathon.

At the M.E. Parsonage, North Fenton [Broome Co. NY], Nov. 24th, by Rev. T. Burgess, Mr. Lagrande DeForest Winston, to Miss Sylvia A. Cooper, both of this town [Greene, Chenango Co. NY].

At the residence of the bride's father, in this town [Greene. Chenango Co. NY], Nov. 19th, by Rev. T. Burgess, Mr. Albert E. Horton, of Coventry [Chenango Co. NY] to Miss Elenor Thompson, of Greene.

Deaths

In this village [Greene, Chenango Co. NY], Dec. 9th, Maud Gray [Roberts], only daughter of Geo. C. and Helen J. Roberts, aged 3 years and 5 months.

"That star went down in beauty, / Yet it shineth sweetly now, / On the bright and dazzling coronet / That decks the Saviour's brow.  / She bowed to the destroyer, / Whose shafts none can repel, / And we know for God has told us / He doeth all things well."

In this town [Greene, Chenango Co. NY], Dec. 6th, Mr. Jacob O. Terwilliger, aged 54 years.

In Preston [Chenango Co. NY], Dec. 1st, Samuel Ellsworth, aged 18 years and 8 months.

In McDonough [Chenango Co. NY], dec. 5th, Laura L. [Skillman], infant daughter of C.P. and Jennet Skillman, aged 5 months.

Sherburne News, Sherburne, NY, December 14, 1872

Marriage

CARPENTER - PECKHAM:  In Smyrna [Chenango Co. NY], on the 5th inst. by Friends Ceremony, at the residence of the bride's father, Mr. George A. Carpenter of Plattskill, Ulster co. [NY] and Miss Mary A. [Peckham] daughter of John J. Peckham of Smyrna.

Death

BROOKS:  In this town [Sherburne, Chenango Co. NY], on the 6th inst., Mr. John Brooks, aged 67 years, 7 months and 21 days.

Bainbridge Republican, Bainbridge, NY, December 14, 1872

Deaths

Fatal Accident:  An accident occurred at Osborne Hollow [Broome Co. NY] on Monday last by which two men were killed and three injured. A company of men were engaged in filling a trestle when the top of the evacuation in which they were digging suddenly fell. The height of the projection under which the men were employed was about ten feet, and those working under the jutting earth were buried beneath it.  A man named Kelley and another, and Englishman, were instantly killed, and three others badly injured.  It is said that the evacuation was an unsafe place into which men should not have been sent or permitted to go.  The coroner's inquest will probably put the blame where it belongs.

Verdict in the Syracuse Railroad Accident:  The Coroner's inquest in the case of Peter Mehan, engineer on the Syracuse and Binghamton Railroad, who was killed by the disaster on Thanksgiving Day, was concluded on Friday afternoon of last week.  In their verdict the jury found that the engineer came to his death by being crushed under the engine which was upset. The jury found that the track of this road is in many places very much worn and dilapidated and is wholly unfit for passenger traffic in the locality of the accident; that many of the rails are insecurely laid, that a considerable portion of the track is laid with pieces of rail ranging from six to twelve feet in length and concludes by condemning the management of the operative branch of the road in very strong terms.

The Late Judge Johnson

Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, December 12, 1872

Hon. Thomas A. Johnson, of Corning, Steuben County [NY], who died last week, was a resident of this county [Chenango Co. NY], while a young man.  We believe he went from Coventry to Greene, where he entered the office of the late judge Monell as a student.  Before going to Corning he was married on the 7th of June 1830, to Miss Polly Birdsall, a sister of Maurice Birdsall, Esq., of Greene. Not long after his admission to the bar he removed to Corning and entered upon the practice of his profession.  In 1842 he was the Whig candidate for Senator in the old sixth district, and in 1847 was elected one of the justices of the Supreme court in the seventh district and held the office until his death.  Some years since he married his second wife, a daughter of the late judge Welles, of Penn Yan.  He was twice a member of the court of Appeals, and throughout the state was esteemed one of the most upright and able jurists.  Many of our older citizens in this place, Oxford and Greene, will remember him, and all who knew him then, or since he has risen to deserved distinction as a judge, will sincerely mourn his loss.

Since writing the above we have seen a fuller sketch of the life of Judge Johnson in the Rochester Democrat of the 10th.  He was born in Blanford, Mass. May 15th, 1804.  When he was 12 years of age his parents removed to Colesville, Broome County, [NY] where they resided from 1816 to 1830.  They were in limited circumstances and as soon as young Johnson was qualified to teach, he assumed the occupation and taught in Greene, Colesville and elsewhere, until he entered the office of Judge Monell.  Upon his marriage with Miss Birdsall, he removed to Steuben County.

In regard to his election to the bench of the Supreme Court the Democrat says:  "By the new constitution of 1846 it became necessary to reform the judicial districts and through the influence of the father of Gen. A.S. Diven, who was then a member of the Legislature from the town of Reading, then in Steuben and now in Schuyler County, and the Hon. Ira Harris who was then a senator from Albany, the county of Steuben was then transferred to the seventh judicial district, although geographically it should have been included in the sixth. The sole object of this was that Judge Johnson might be made one of the justices of the Supreme Court by legislating his county into a Whig district.  The counties now composing the sixth district were at that time overwhelming Democratic. The result of this was that Judge Johnson was at the election of that year placed upon the bench and began the long and brilliant career which has reflected so much honor upon his name and which has placed him in the first rank of American jurists.  Strange as it may seem, the deceased had no knowledge of the scheme which thus elevated him to his eminent position until ten years subsequent when he was informed of it by the Hon. F.H. Ruggles who was at the period when the districts were formed, a senator from Chautauqua County, and cognizant of all the facts.  In this day of rapid and easy communication by rail and with our present facilities for travel the inconvenience of this arrangement can scarcely be realized, but to this political scheme the state is indebted for the advantages it has gained from the valuable services of the lamented judge."

Vital Records, Chenango County, NY, December 1872

 Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, December 5, 1872

Marriage

MAIN - EDMONDS:  At the Baptist Parsonage, in this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], Nov. 26th?, by Rev. J.D. Pope, Mr. Jasper J. Main to Miss Sarah J. Edmonds, all of Norwich.

Deaths

BOWERS:  At the residence of her daughter, Mrs. Grannis, in Preston [Chenango Co. NY], Nov. 28th, Mrs. Patty M. Bowers aged 69 years.

EICHLER:  In North Norwich [Chenango Co. NY], Nov. 30th, Mr. John J. Eichler, aged 79 years.

STERLING:  In Bainbridge [Chenango Co. NY], Nov. 24th, Helen May [Sterling], only child of Isaac and Helen E. Sterling, aged 8 years and 5 months.

ADAMS:  At the residence of Christopher Bassett, Jr., in New Berlin Centre [Chenango Co. NY], Nov. 14th, Mrs. Polly Adams, widow of Daniel Adams, formerly of Pittsfield, Otsego Co. aged 87 years.

PRENTICE:  In Fenton, Broome Co. [NY], Nov. 26th, Hannah [Prentice], widow of the late Nathan Prentice, and mother of Mrs. S.L. Guion, of this village, aged 72 years and 10 months.

LATTIN:  At Steamboat Rock, Iowa, Nov. 18th, after a brief illness, of acute peritonitis, George [Lattin], son of the late George H. Lattin, formerly of this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], aged 17 years.

NEWTON:  In Roachton, Wood Co. Ohio, Nov. 18th, Sarah [Newton], wife of Daniel Newton, aged 62 years, formerly of Pharsalia [Chenango Co. NY].

Hon. Edward Tompkins formerly of Binghamton [Broome Co. NY], died at Oakland, California, on the 14th ult. The city of San Francisco was draped in mourning on the occasion of his funeral, on the 16th. Deceased was a law student and afterwards a partner of the late Hon. Daniel S. Dickinson.  He was the Democratic candidate for Congress, in the district comprising Broome and Chenango, some twenty-five years ago, and received a very handsome vote.  Many of our older citizens will recollect his eloquent appeals in favor of a railroad through the Chenango Valley, eighteen years since.

Obituary - Ex-Sheriff Jason E. Matthewson

A Mount Pleasant (Iowa) paper of a recent date says of the late Ex-Sheriff Matthewson:  That Jason E. Matthewson perished by the loss of the propeller LacLaBelle on the 15th of October 1872, on Lake Michigan is the now ascertained fact, which it becomes our truly mournful duty to announce.

When Mr. Matthewson set out on the ill-fated journey, his destination and route were contingent, and when the news of the disaster reached our citizens, they did not suspect that one of their number was on board.  His name was found in a published passenger list, a painful anxiety arose which has at length given place to melancholy truth.  Mr. Matthewson's known coolness, experience, judgment and courage, sustained under circumstances of shipwreck, by remarkable physical strength, flattered his friends with hope of some extraordinary deliverance.  But it is ascertained beyond question that he was drowned.  He leaves a wife and several children in Chenango County, N.Y., his youngest being a lad at school.  Besides an insurance on his life, he leaves considerable property.

Mr. Matthewson has resided among us less than two years, but within that brief period, his upright, provident, scrupulous conduct, his ardent yet prudent personal attachment, and his unvarying courtesy toward all, have marked him as a recognized Christian gentleman especially among his brethren of the Masonic Order and those of the religious society with whom he worshipped, was he was esteemed a man of most amiable excellence.  It is not over stating the prevalent sorrow to say that this community parts with him with that profound regret which betokens a real sense of the void, which only a citizen of uncommon qualities leaves behind him when he goes hence.

Oxford Times, Oxford, NY, December 4, 1872

Marriages

NIVEN - SMITH:  In Otego, N.Y. [Otsego Co.], Nov. 26th, by Rev. J.W. Mevis, Mr. Charles H. Niven of Nineveh [Broome Co. NY] to Miss Nettie R. [Smith], daughter of Hon. S.E. Smith of Otego.

GARY - ADAMS:  In Kirkville, N.Y. [Onondaga Co.], Nov. 12, by Rev. E.H. Munger, Dr. Fletcher A. Gary, of Vernon, N.Y. [Oneida Co. NY[ to Miss I. Elizabeth Adams, of the former place.  Doc. we wish you much joy and you and your bride a long, happy life.

Death

PORTER:  In Coventry [Chenango Co. NY], Nov. 16th, Susan [Tremain], wife of Timothy D. Porter, aged 84 years.  Also, Nov. 20th, Mr. Timothy D. Porter, aged 84 years.

Chenango American, Greene, NY, December 5, 1872

Marriage

At the Baptist Parsonage in this village [Greene, Chenango Co. NY], Nov. 25th, by Rev. J.H. Sage, Mr. Milo J. Gale, of McDonough [Chenango Co. NY] to Miss Idell E. Sliter of Triangle Village, N.Y. [Broome Co. NY].

Sherburne News, Sherburne, NY, December 72

Marriages

SHEPARD  - HARRIS:  At the Congregational Church, in this village [Sherburne, Chenango Co. NY], Dec. 3, by Rev. Samuel Minor, Mr. Jesse H. Shepard and Mrs. Amelia H. Harris, both of Sherburne.

The nuptials of Mr. Jesse H. Shepard and Mrs. Amelia H. Harris were attended at the Congregational Church, on Tuesday morning, by a large number of friends.  Of course, the bridegroom looked happy, and the fair bride looked pretty.  They immediately took the train for a bridal trip to New York, Albany, etc.  May the new firm realize all the blessings and prosperity of connubial felicity.

DODGE - MILLER:  In Deansville, Dec. 3, by the same, Mr. Seward M. Dodge, of Arcade [Wyoming Co. NY], and Miss Alice E. Miller, of Deansville.

Bainbridge Republican, Bainbridge, NY, December 7, 1872

An Accident occurred at the depot in Binghamton [Broome Co. NY] on Monday morning last, by which Dwight A. Kinney, of Paterson, N.J. was fatally injured.  The particulars are as follows:  A freight train started out of the Susquehanna Depot soon after two o'clock and was to arrive here and take a switch for the express going west to pass.  For some reason the freight lost time, and when it arrived here the express was due.  The engineer passed down by the switch nearly opposite the Spaulding house, and a brakeman turned the switch and gave the signal to back down.  the engineer, it seems put on rather more speed than usual, thinking to get out of the way as soon as possible.  The train, however, instead of being on the right track took the switch which led down beside the Erie freight house, on which a heavy train was standing.  The result was the caboose of the freight train, in which Mr. Kinney was sleeping, was forced against the train, crushing the caboose and it is feared fatally injuring him about the groin and abdomen.  Binghamton Republican