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

 Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, February 20, 1873

Marriages

OLDS - SCOTT:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], Feb. 8th, by Rev. A.M. Totman, Mr. Isaac Olds to Miss Jennie Scott, all of Norwich.

BRUCE - COVILLE:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], Feb. 12th, by Rev. A.M. Totman, Mr. Robert E. Bruce to Miss Libbie Coville, both of Pharsalia [Chenango Co. NY].

WIND - MURRAY:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], Feb. 8th, by Rev. A.M. Totman, Mr. Albert Wind of Smyrna [Chenango Co. NY] to Miss Lydia J. Murray, of Norwich.

LAMB - WORDEN:  Feb. 13th, by Rev. J. Storrs, Mr. Edward Lamb of Pharsalia [Chenango Co. NY], to Miss Lucy A. Worden, of Smyrna [Chenango Co. NY].

REED - ROWE:  In Oneonta [Otsego Co. NY], Feb. 12th, by Rev. H.H. Allen, Mr. J.D. Reed, of Norwich [Chenango Co. NY] to Miss Ettie P. Rowe, of Oneonta.

WATERS - COUSE:  In New Berlin [Chenango Co. NY], Feb. 9th, by Rev. J.A. Wood, Mr. Charles Waters to Mrs. Sarah J. Couse.

JAMES - GREENLEAF:  In San Jose, California, Jan. 16th?  by Rev. G.W. Foote, Mr. John James of Pioche, Nevada to Mrs. Addie Greenleaf, of San Jose, formerly of Columbus in this County, [Chenango Co. NY].

Deaths

CRANDALL:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], Feb. 12th, Mrs. Esther Crandall, aged 97 years, 10 months and 12 days.

SKINNER:  In King Settlement [Chenango Co. NY], Feb. 11th, Mr. Daniel Skinner, aged 65 years.

POTTER:  In Oxford [Chenango Co. NY], Feb. 15th, Mr. Wallace T. Potter, aged 29 years. 

BENTLEY:  In Guilford [Chenango Co. NY], Feb. 11th, Mr. Willard M. Bentley, aged 33 years, 5 months and 2 days.

ALLEN:  In Afton [Chenango Co. NY], Jan. 31st, Charles J. Allen, youngest son of B.G. and H.E. Allen, aged 3 years 1 month and 24 days.

SALISBURY:  In Woodstock, Ill., Jan. 22d, after a brief illness, Mrs. S.E. Salisbury, youngest daughter of Mrs. Elery Arnold of this town [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY] aged 43 years.

HOAG:  In St. Paul, Minn. Jan. 18th, of consumption, R. Ann Hoag, eldest daughter of the late Rev. E. Hoag aged 27 years.

Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, Feb. 20, 1873

Deaths

DRAKE:  In this town [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], on the 5th inst., Mrs. Orcelia E. Drake, wife of Charles M. Drake, and daughter of Nathaniel L. Moore, of McDonough [Chenango Co. NY], aged 24 years and 7 months.  

COBB:  In this town [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], Feb. 16th, William Chauncey Cobb, son of Chauncey Cobb, aged 6 months.

BLACKMAN:  In Preston [Chenango Co. NY] Feb. 7th, Mr. Almon Blackman, aged 67 years.  His father built and lived in the first house in Oxford village [Chenango Co. NY] and brought with him the first white woman that came into the township.

Oxford Times, Oxford, NY, Feb. 19, 1873

Marriage

YALE - ELLIOTT:  In Milwaukee, Dec. 30th, by Rev. D. Keene, W.W. Yale to Mary Elliott, both of Milwaukee.

Chenango American, Greene, NY, February 20, 1873

Marriages

At the Baptist Parsonage, in this village [Greene, Chenango Co. NY], Feb.'y 12th, by Rev. J.H. Sage, Mr. William J. Holmes, of Cincinnatus, Cortland Co. [NY] to Mrs. Ellen Valentine, of Marathon [Cortland Co. NY].

By Rev. W. Burnside, in Upper Lisle [Broome Co. NY], Feb. 2d, Mr. George E. Ketchum of Willet [Cortland Co. NY], to Miss Ida M. Thurber, of Upper Lisle.

Also, by the same, in Freetown [Cortland Co. NY], Feb. 18th? Mr. Daniel T. Bowdish to Miss Flora D. Eaton, both of Freetown.

Death

In Smithville [Chenango Co. NY], Feb'y 16th, Nancy P. [Read], wife of Jesse Read, Esq., aged 62 years.

Sherburne News, Sherburne, NY, February 22, 1873

Marriage

BOTSFORD - WHITE:  At the residence of the bride's father, Devillo White, M.D., in Sherburne [Chenango Co. NY], Feb. 19th, by Rev. Samuel Miller, Mr. M.D. Botsford of Providence, Pa, to Miss Anna L. White, of Sherburne.

One of the pleasant events of the current week was the marriage of Miss Anna White, daughter of Dr. Devillo White, to Mr. M.D. Botsford, of Providence Pa.  The happy event occurred on Wednesday evening, at the residence of the bride's father.  The wedding guests, consisting exclusively of the immediate relatives and friends of the bride and groom, assembled at the early evening hour of 5 o'clock, to enable the wedding party to take the evening train north.  Prompt to the appointed hour the party entered the drawing room, where the ceremony was impressively performed by Rev. Samuel Miller, which was succeeded by the hearty congratulations of friends, with the usual accompaniment followed by a feast of fat things and a flow of love seasoned with admiration of the wedding gifts, which were rich and numerous.  The enjoyment of the occasion was tempered by sympathy for the sorrow of the parents at parting with their last unmarried child, leaving a lonely home for them in their declining years.  At 7:25 the party broke up and the happy pair took their departure for the bridal tour, followed by the best wishes of their numerous friends to which we would add the hope of the News that joy and prosperity may ever attend their future.

A Pleasant Gathering of Old People

Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, Feb. 20, 1873

The seventy-eighth birthday of Hon. John F. Hubbard was made the occasion for the assembling of a small company of aged people, at his residence, on Saturday last, to celebrate the event.  We annex a list of those present, with their respective ages:

Hon. John F. Hubbard, aged 78; Mrs. John F. Hubbard, 72; Dr. H. Harris, 77; Mrs. H. Harris, 68; Ralph Johnson, 68; Mrs. Ralph Johnson, 66; Benjamin Hartwell, 68; Mrs. Benjamin Hartwell, 58; John W. Redington, 56; Mrs. J.W. Redington, 59; Mrs. H. Mitchell, 69; Mrs. H. Weller, 73; Mrs. A. Haxton, 64.

Mr. Hubbard has been a resident of Norwich [Chenango Co. NY] for the past sixty years and has been prominently connected with all the principal events of that long period.  He started the old Norwich Journal of which the Union is the successor, in 1816.  He served two terms in the State Senate, and was the projector of the Chenango Canal, and to his influence is attributed the success of that then important project.  He has spent his life among the people of Chenango County and has always had their confidence and respect.  In his declining years he has entirely withdrawn from the excitements of politics and business, a course rendered necessary by feeble health.  Honored and beloved by all, his days are gliding peacefully by, and then this gathering of old friends, with some of whom he associated in his youth, and when Norwich could scarcely be dignified by the name of a hamlet.  

We congratulate the veteran editor upon his attainment of so ripe and honorable an age, and to him and his venerable wife, and those who assembled to do honor to his seventy-eighth birthday, we wish many more returns of the anniversary.

Annals of the Past - Chenango Lake - Norwich, NY (1873)

 Annals of the Past - Chenango Lake

Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, February 20, 1873

To those who are acquainted with this gem of our mountains, or the thousands that make their annual pilgrimage to this beautiful lake to enjoy their picnics and dance under the old trees, or sail on its sparkling waters in pursuit of the finny tribe or gather the fragrant pond lilies around its borders, or with dog and gun hunting the grouse and squirrel on it bluffs, to these no description is necessary, they know and realize its beauties. But to the outside world, to the thousands who never visited it, a few words of description may not be inappropriate.  It is situated on the highest land midway between Norwich and New Berlin [Chenango Co. NY] nestled in a basin on the mountain and surrounded with a belt of forest trees, its waters clear, cold and sparkling, with a high bluff on the eastern bank, on which the Lake House stands, and nearby, in a depression of the mountain, an artificial outlet on which mills were built by the early settlers. As you approach the lake by the Quarter Road, you strike the southwest bend of it, and wind around on its border nearly a mile to the Lake House, taking in the full view of the lake from different points and enjoying the shade of the old forest trees (if in the summer) that have stood there for centuries.  It is now one of the most fashionable resorts of our pleasure-seeking community, and nearly as wild as sixty years ago.

My First Look at the Lake

In the winter of 1810, I was in the deep forest on the high bank of the lake standing by my father and uncle, surrounded by the huge old trees, their branches overhead interlacing each other, were festooned with the new fallen snow, and through their interstices I could see the gray sky above; before us was a plain a half-mile in front and extending to the right and left a mile or more, very level.  My father told me this was the pond.  I looked but could see no water, a queer pond thought I, without water.  Nevertheless, it was there, frozen and covered with snow.  I was too young to quite comprehend it.  I had never seen ice before in such a body.  At that time the lake was surrounded for miles with a deep, dark, almost impenetrable forest, save here and there a little clearing with a rude log cabin, the home of the sturdy pioneer.  On the south end of the lake there was a natural outlet, a little trout brook from which the trout would run into the lake as they grew too large for the brook.  After the race was dug on the east side, the water was drawn off, so the brook dried up. There were large trout in the lake.  One drifted ashore weighing about four pounds.  Other fish, but no pickerel there. The millrace, on the east side of the lake, was dug in about 1800, on which were erected a grist and sawmill, by Noah Mathewson, one of the first settlers. The race was quarried through rocks and completed for the meagre sum of $250, by Zadock Adams.  The mills were a little east of the road, close by the old house where Waterman Mathewson has resided till quite recently [in 1873]. and near the Lake House.  The ruins of the old mills were to be seen a few years ago, and I think at the present day [in 1873].  The lake failed to supply water sufficient to keep the mills running so they were suffered to rot down. Zadock Adams was at that time a resident of this town near Woods' Corners, was in the war of 1812 and on his return quite noted for his military genius and tactics, was Captain of the first rifle company in the county, a position which he held for a long series of years and used to edify us boys by his sham Indian fights and maneuvering on our village green.  Subsequently, on the formation of a rifle regiment, he was made colonel. We lost a jolly whole souled fellow when the Col. shuffled off this mortal coil.

The first settlers near and around the lake were Noah Mathewson and his sons Noah and Waterman, in about 1800, on the eastside of the lake.  Benjamin Guile, who built and lived in the house near the millrace in 1806, the same house afterward occupied by Waterman Mathewson so long, and his sons, Benjamin, Jr., William, John D., Jessie and Nathan Guile, all coming in from 1806 to 1809 and settling near the lake.  William Tiffany settled north of the lake in 1805, on the high land where his son Nelson lived afterward; subsequently removed to the King Settlement Road, where he lived till his decease a few years ago.  A prominent and wealthy man.  Daniel Belden lived on the south, and Daniel P. Barney and Jesse Beverly were among the first settlers. The Guile family were remarkable for stature, ranging from six-to-six feet four in height, and well proportioned, weighing as high as 250 pounds and over.  The Mathewsons would nearly equal them in stature and quite in weight, reaching as high as two hundred and sixty pounds. Benjamin Guile, Jr., who lived south of the lake, met with a sad fate, he and his brother-in-law, Malachi Smith, were out deer hunting, about 1826, and separated to take a wider range of the woods and were to come together at a designated place.  While thus separated, having each gone on his route, Smith thought he saw a deer away off through the staddles, took deliberate aim and fired, his aim was too sure.  He shot and killed his friend.  Of those first settlers around the lake only two are living [In 1873].  William Guile, now eighty-nine years old, is living near the old home, infirm and bent with age.  Waterman Mathewson, some years younger, is living in Pharsalia. The rest gone home "over the dark waters."

The Deer Hunt and Scene on the Lake

In the fall of 1809, a party of hunters with their old-fashioned flint lock muskets on their shoulders and their trusty hounds by their sides, had sallied out and were pursuing the trail of a deer.  the dogs, with an occasional low baying, sped onward till they roused the deer from his lair.  Away he sped, with the pack in full cry, their long, loud baying made the woods echo.  Over the rugged hills, down through the deep ravines dashing through the brooks, following the little water courses to their sources and failing to baulk the dogs, he turns his course to the lake.

While the hounds are in pursuit of the deer, we return to the lake feeling assured of his return.  The instinct of the animal, after all other devices fail to shake off the dogs, will take to large bodies of water.  Some considerable time has elapsed since the deer was started, and on the bank of the lake we stand listening to catch the first echo of the far-off baying of the hounds.  Nearer and nearer they come. Now the full cry of the hounds falls upon our ear,  The noble stag is bounding through the forest to the lake.  He stops on the bank, throws up his head and broad antlers and sniffs defiance at the pursuing pack.  One moment he listens, then plunges in the water and stretches out for the opposite shore, sure of his escape from his relentless foes.

Our attention is now called to another direction.  At a little distance we see the quick movements of a stalwart man shoving off from among the alders on shore, a light canoe, steps in and takes an oar.  At the same time a young girl jumps in and takes an oar and with measured strokes they send the little craft rapidly out on water in the direction of the deer, now away out in the middle of the lake.  They are nearing him, but as yet he had not discovered this new movement.  Soon his quick eye detects them, and he stretches out for the distant shore, the pursuers gain on him.  'Tis a life and death chase.  Nearer the little boat comes and glides gently by, the girl as it passes seizes the buck by the antlers and holds him fast. The man lays down his oar passes along to the girl, seizes the buck by the antler with one hand and with his knife in the other passes it down under the neck, with a quick stroke the keen blade severs the jugular. The crimson current is flowing, the waters are dyed with the blood of the noble animal, and all is over.  The game is won.  They turn the boat homeward; the girl holds the buck by the horns and floats him to the shore.

How Came the Pickerel in the Lake

About the year 1835, Abel Comstock, the prince of fishermen, conceived the idea of putting pickerel in the lake for our future diversion, and in one of our fishing excursions, having caught a large quantity of pickerel, saved some of them alive and put them in the lake, with the agreement between the fishermen that none should be taken till after five years, and then - well I will relate one of my experiences after the time had elapsed.  One mellow winter morning, Henry Snow, one of my fishing companions, hitched up "old yaller" and drove over to the lake.  Our pickerel ground was at the north end.  We cut the holes in the ice and set our lines with tiltups.  The weather was just right, and we had anticipated a good day's sport, nor were we disappointed. We had been taking the pickerel quite freely, our lines somewhat scattered, kept us on the run as one after another of the tiltups betokened a bite.  I was some distance from Mr. Snow when I heard a shout that made the old woods around reverberate with the echo, again and again it rang out, and looking in the direction, I saw my friend dancing and jumping with frantic gestures like mad.  I ran to him to see what was the matter, and there on the ice by his feet lay a monster pickerel.  As near as I can recollect there were a few more of those shouts by the two of us.  That pickerel weighed six and a half pounds, the largest one ever taken in the lake. What do you think of that, you fellows that get so much fun spearing bullheads and suckers by torch light, eh?

I must now return to the quarter, just south of the lake, only a mile or so, a part of the same neighborhood.  In the "Annals of the past" published in the Telegraph, Dec. 26, last, I related an anecdote of the bear and hog.  One of the boys that lived there at the time, who is a relative of one of the actors in the scene, complained that I had not given sufficient credit for the prowess of his kinsman on the occasion, and gave me his version of the story. As I am unwilling to underrate the courage of those early settlers, and especially the relative of my friend, I hasten to make the amend honorable.  Then the men, Reuben Smith and Belden, who were chopping close by, heard the squeal of the hog, they ran to the rescue, only one taking his axe.  Bruin had the hog down and was so busy, he had not noticed the men.  Smith raised his axe but hesitated.  Belden said strike, whereupon Smith handed the axe to Belden and says you strike.  He took the axe, raised it high over his head, and --and the bear walked off.  Smith then said if I had had the axe, I should have split him down.  

I hope my friend will be satisfied with this correction.

That Panther

A panther had been seen in the neighborhood and created quite a panic, all were on the qui vive, all expected a sight of the monster.  Again, the redoubtable Smiths were mixed up with it. Again the courage of Reub was put to a severe test, but he nobly sustained his previous reputation. Reuben and Bill were at work in a clearing on the mountain over a mile from home with a team of horses. Their dog who had been nosing around the woods, commenced a furious and angry barking.  The panther!  The panther! exclaimed Rueb and started for home, could not wait to mount one of the horses (that would have been too slow), but ran hard. Reub was a good runner and exemplified it in this race, ran fast all the way nor stopped to look behind. Arriving home, could not wait to open the door, but smashed right through, headlong taking the door with him, and fell exhausted full length on the floor.  Some little time elapsed before he got breath to speak.  Then he said, father the painter has got Bill. The father was a deacon, a good and pious man, always acting in the fear of God, and believed implicitly in the efficacy of prayer.  On the impulse of the moment said:  "Let us pray," knelt down and made a long prayer, imploring God to rescue Bill from the jaws of the panther, then rallied help and went back to the clearing to the rescue, when it turned out that the dog had only started a hare.

My Last Look of the Lake as Contrasted with the First

On one of those bright Indian summer days peculiar to this climate in the last autumn (1872) with a picnic party, we had taken the quarter road and after having passed and reconnoitered the ruins of my old homestead, we struck into the forest, stooping often to gather the beautiful tinted leaves and an occasional stray flower, winding around the south bend of the lake, taking in its different phases, till crossing the outlet on the east side we arrived at the lake house. The exercise had given us keen appetites and after having partaken of our lunch, most of our party took to the boats.  I with my gun to scour the bluffs on the eastern shore in pursuit of game.  Returning to the lake, there alone I stood under the same old trees as of yore, looking out upon the water, and contrasting the present with the long ago past.  Then the lake icebound, covered with snow, the trees denuded of their foliage, the sky above gray and somber.  Now the trees clothed in their gorgeous autumnal frondage, their leaves falling lazily to the ground, the lake spread out before me like a mirror, ruffled by the gentle breeze, and by the glint of the sun's rays on the crest of the little wavelets throwing out myriads of sparkling diamonds.  The surroundings were so delightful, the scene so soft, I could have stood there for hours taking in its beauties, but the declining sun, throwing the shade of the forest far out on the lake, admonished me it was time to leave, so hallooing to our party out on the lake, their merry laughter came floating back over the water, their boat came gliding in and we were away, homeward bound.

N.B.H.

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

 Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, February 13, 1873

Marriages

NEWTON - TERRY:  At the residence of John S. Shattuck, Esq., in this town [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], Feb. 11th, by Rev. J.D. Pope, Mr. Charles Newton to Miss Mercy L. Terry, all of Norwich.

KEOUGH - MILLER:  In Greene [Chenango Co. NY], Dec. 24th, by Rev. A.G. Clark, Mr. Mark L. Keough, of Smithville [Chenango Co. NY], to Miss Alice A. Miller, of Greene.

DWIGHT - BEATTIE:  In Truxton [Cortland Co. NY], Jan. 29th, by Rev. G.P. Turnbul, Mr. George A. Dwight, of German [Chenango Co. NY] to Miss Eliza E. Beattie, of Truxton.

MASON - ADAMS:  In DeRuyter [Madison Co. NY], Jan. 20th, by Eld. T. Fisher, Mr. George S. Mason, of Otselic [Chenango Co. NY], to Mrs. Samantha M. Adams, of DeRuyter.

COLLIER - WATERS:  In Earlville [Madison Co. NY], Jan. 23d, by Rev. J.O. Gifford, Mr. J.H. Collier, of Lebanon [Madison Co. NY], to Miss Jennie L. Waters, of Earlville.

MARICLE - DIETRICH:  In Marathon [Cortland Co. NY], Feb. 4th, by Rev. W. Burnside, Mr. William H. Maricle, of Cincinnatus [Cortland Co. NY], to Miss Libbie Dietrich, of Marathon.

HODGE - HORTON:  In Greene [Chenango Co. NY], Feb. 5th, by Rev. J.H. Sage, Mr. Hial Hodge to Miss Ursula Horton, both of Coventry [Chenango Co. NY]

BROWN - MORSE:  In Greene [Chenango Co. NY], Feb. 6th, by Rev. J.H. Sage, Mr. Joseph G. Brown of McDonough [Chenango Co. NY] to Miss Addie E. Morse, of Greene.

Deaths

ISBELL:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], Feb. 5th, Mrs. Lucinda Isbell, widow of the late James Isbell, aged 47 years.

FOY:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], Feb. 5th, Catharine [Foy], daughter of Martin Foy, aged 4 years.

DRAKE:  In this town [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], Feb. 5th, Orcelia E. [Drake], wife of C.M. Drake, aged 24 years.

PRESTON:  In New Berlin [Chenango Co. NY], Feb. 8th, Mrs. Sarah Preston, aged 72 years.

COSS:  In East Afton [Chenango Co. NY], Feb. 2d, Mr. Henry Coss, aged 94 years, 11 months and 30 days.

HALL:  In New Berlin [Chenango Co. NY], Feb. 5th, Miss Eva A. Hall, aged 18 years.

CLARK:  In New Berlin [Chenango Co. NY], Feb 8th, Mr. Orsemus Clark, one of the oldest citizens of that town.

SERGEANT:  In South New Berlin [Chenango Co. NY], Jan. 27th, Mr. Wells Eley Sergeant, aged 64 years.

PENTACOST:  In Smyrna [Chenango Co. NY], Jan. 14th, Mrs. Jane Pentacost, aged 76 years.

CURTIS:  In Bainbridge [Chenango Co. NY], Jan. 31st, Mrs. Curtis aged 79 years.

Chenango American, Greene, NY, February 13, 1873

Death

Chenango Forks [Broome Co. NY]:  On Sunday evening, the 9th inst., Mr. Reuben Combs, a man aged about sixty years, was found dead on what is known as "Oak Hill."  Mr. Combs left his home about half past two in the afternoon of that day, and started for the house of Joseph Hawkins, about one mile distant. This was the last that was seen of him until about six o'clock in the evening when his body was found a short distance from the house, frozen stiff.  Mr. Combs had the heart disease and was subject to fits.  An inquest will be held tomorrow, Tuesday.

Sherburne News, Sherburne, NY, February 15, 1873

Death

BENEDICT:  In this town [Sherburne, Chenango Co. NY], on the 11th inst., Dea. Charles Benedict aged 69 years, 9 months and 5 days.  The funeral will take place at his late residence at 11 o'clock today.

Bainbridge Republican, Bainbridge, NY, February 15, 1873

Death

Died:  At his residence in Bainbridge [Chenango Co. NY], Feb. 10th, Ansel Evans, aged 83 years.  Mr. Evans was a son of Major Henry Evans who came from Guilford, Vt., in 1794, and commenced improvements on lot No. 80 in Bainbridge.  Some three or four years later he removed his family from Guilford to this place, and a majority of his children have resided here. The descendants are numerous, and a notice of them would constitute, in a great measure, the history of Bainbridge. The deceased ever maintained the character of a good citizen and the respect of the community at large.  For many years he has been a communicant of St. Peter's Church, Bainbridge and has by his acts illustrated the Christian life.  In his death we sustain the loss.  He the greatest gain.

A Veritable Ghost

Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, February 13, 1873

If it were possible for the spirits of injured and abused persons to return and haunt those who had persecuted them while living, we should think that the following story in relation to the appearance of a ghost on the Syracuse and Binghamton railroad, was true; for if ever any persons deserved to be haunted by "spooks," they are the careless and negligent officials of that road.  The Cortland County Democrat of the 7th inst., says:  "We never took much stock in ghosts, but it is confidently asserted by employees of the Syracuse, Binghamton & N.Y. Railroad, that there is at this present time a real ghost flitting along the line of the road. This particular ghost takes the form of a woman and generally attends the through Midnight Freight train.  Last Friday night, so one of the employees who was on board of the train at the time, says, the ghost took position on the tender of the engine soon after leaving Chenango Forks and rode to Apulia.  She converses or attempts to converse with the fireman. The ghost has been seen by the engineer, fireman and conductor of the train, and we understand that the engineer declares that he will not run the train longer.  On Saturday night when the train came down from Syracuse, the "spook" was promptly on hand at Apulia and occupied her usual position from Apulia to Chenango Forks. There are various rumors in circulation in connection with the ghost, but as we have been unable to trace them to anything like a reliable foundation, we do not propose to add to their circulation."

Vital Records, Chenango County, NY, February 1873

 Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, February 6, 1873

Marriages

BARBER - MUNDY:  At the M.E. Parsonage, in this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], Jan. 26th, by Rev. H. Wheeler, Mr. H.W. Barber of Norwich, to Miss Ellen Mundy, of Plymouth [Chenango Co. NY].

SABIN - VAN CUREN:  In Deposit [Delaware Co. NY], Jan. 21st, by Rev. J.N. Adams, Mr. I.E. Sabin of Plymouth [Chenango Co. NY], to Miss Nancy C. Van Curenu, of Deposit.

BROADFOOT - BRADLEY:  In New Berlin [Chenango Co. NY], Jan. 22d, by Rev J.L. Ray, Mr. J.M. Broadfoot to Miss Ida F. Bradley, all of New Berlin.

NEWITT - BUCKINGHAM:  At the residence of the bride's father, Jan. 29th, by Rev. H.I Newitt, Mr. David M. Newitt to Miss Jenette A. Buckingham, daughter of Joel Buckingham, all of DeRutyer [Madison Co. NY].

Deaths

St. PAUL:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], Feb. 4th, Mr. John Wilson St. Paul aged 80 years.

CLARK:  At the residence of his sister, Mrs. Thorp, in Masonville, Delaware Co. [NY], Jan. 27th, of consumption, Mr. Daniel Clark, formerly of this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], aged 32 years and 27 days.

The announcement of the death of this gentleman, although not unexpected, will cause a feeling of sadness with those of our citizens who have for several years past known him as a popular teacher of singing among the young people, to whom he was devotedly attached, and by whom he was beloved.  For years past he has struggled against the advances of that fatal disease, consumption, and but a few weeks since, he gave up the unequal contest, and repaired to the home of his sister, in Masonville, there to await the summons of the dread messenger, for which he was prepared.  On the 27th ult. his sufferings were ended, and his weary spirit was at rest. Agreeably to a request made previous to his death, his funeral was attended by his intimate friend, Rev. S. Scoville, of this village.

STRATTON:  In Oxford [Chenango Co. NY], Feb. 1st, Mr. Isaac J. Stratton, aged 90 years.

WHITNEY:  In Sherburne [Chenango Co. NY], Jan. 19th, Loesa [Whitney] wife of Porter Whitney, aged 32 years.

WHEELER:  At the residence of her son-in-law in Pitcher [Chenango Co. NY], Dec. 31st, Mrs. Lucy Wheeler, aged 91 years 3 months and 20 days.

TANNER:  In Afton [Chenango Co. NY], Jan. 12th, Doma A. [Tanner] wife of Watson Tanner, aged 27 years 11 months and 8 days.

KNAPP:  In Afton [Chenango Co. NY], Jan. 17th, Mr. Daniel knapp, aged 86 years.

MILLS:  In New Berlin [Chenango Co. NY], Jan. 21st, Mr. James Mills, aged 71 years.

GREEN:  At Sidney Plains [Delaware Co. NY], Jan. 1st, of cancer, Mr. Denslow Green, aged 52 years.

Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, February 6, 1873

Marriages

BLANCHARD - PIERCY:  In Binghamton [Broome Co. NY], January 29, at the residence of the bride's parents, Lucius S. Blanchard of Oswego, N.Y. [Oswego Co.], to Mary N. [Piercy], of Binghamton [Broome Co. NY], Rev. Samel Dunham presiding.

GLENNY - GREGG:  At the residence of the bride's parents on Thursday evening, January 20, by Rev. J. Clement French, W.L.C. Glenny, to Eva L. [Gregg] eldest daughter of William T. Gregg, all of Brooklyn.

Deaths

WINSOR:  In Mt. liberty, Ohio, January 18th, Miss Ellen L. Winsor aged 33? years, formerly of this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY].

Died in Sylvania, Lucas County, Ohio, James Percival, Esq. aged 84 years.  The deceased was the son of John Percival, one of the nine revolutionary soldiers of the town of Lee, Berkshire County, Massachusetts.  He was born in that town June 5th, 1788, and when he was eleven years of age came with his father who settled and cleared a farm three and a half miles west of the present village of Smyrna, on "the old turnpike."  In 1805 he went ot live with Judge Abraham Romeyn, who had just started the "Western Oracle" at the Old Four Corners, where the building still stands in which was printed the first newspaper ever published in Chenango County.  Judge Romeyn removed his printing office in 1806 to Manlius, taking his apprentice with him.  He failed the next year and left his workmen to seek employment elsewhere.  In 1808 young Percival found employment for a short time in Troy and afterwards in Stockbridge, Mass.  Losing employment, he returned home and worked upon the farm until 1810, when he went to Albany and procured type with which he started the Republican messenger, at Sherburne, and had for a partner Jonathan Pettit, Esq., then a prominent lawyer in that village.  The enterprise was no more successful than Romeyn's, and in a year, it was abandoned. While in Sherburne Mr. Percival was married to Miss Sarah Nichols, a stepdaughter of Eleazer Lathrop, one of the pioneers of the town. She was known sixty years ago to all Sherburne people and to some in this place.  In 1811, in company with a brother, the late Samuel Percival, of Comstock, Michigan, he issued the Cortland Courier, at Homer, but in 1812 he was drafted as a soldier and went to the frontier at and near Sackett's Harbor.  This interrupted his business as a publisher and he did not assume it again until 1817, when he started the Gazette, atFredonia, Chautauqua County.  In 1821 he purchased the Moscow Advertiser and Genesee Farmer of Hezekiah Ripley, and after the location of the county seat at Geneseo removed the office to that place and changed the name of the paper to the Livingston Register and continued its proprietor until 1832.  The paper supported the Bucktail Party until the Anti-Masonic excitement, following the Morgan outrage, swept like a tornado over Western New York.  During this excitement, in 1830, Mr. Percival was elected to the Assembly from Livingston County by a very large majority.  In 1838 he removed to Ohio and for a brief period conducted papers at Hamilton and Lancaster but the most of his time has been passed on a farm near the place where he died.

The deceased experienced some vicissitudes of fortune, but was always industrious and energetic, and until within a few days of his decease was in his accustomed health and attended to his usual business.  He died peacefully in a firm reliance upon Jesus Christ as a Savior and giving very consoling evidence of his full preparation for the change.  Soon after removing to Ohio, he was greatly afflicted by the loss of an only son, and a few years later by the death of an only daughter, the wife of Dr Van Fossen, now of Livingston Co.  Mrs. Percival survives him, though for many years in feeble health, and during her remaining days will reside with relatives at Mansfield, Ohio.  Mr. Percival was an uncle of Mr. Allen, one of the editors of this paper, who set his first type in the old Register office, at Geneseo.

Chenango American, Greene, NY, February 6, 1873

Marriages

At the residence of the bride's parents, Dec. 24th, by Rev. A.G. Clark, Mr. Mark J. Krough, of Smithville [Chenango Co. NY], and Miss Alice A. Miller, of Greene [Chenango Co. NY].

At Brisbin [Chenango Co. NY], Feb. 3d, by Rev. A.F. Brown, Mr. Leonard B. King, and Miss Mary E. McNee, all of Brisbin.

Deaths

In this village [Greene, Chenango Co. NY], Jan. 30th, Mrs. Martha Hill, aged 80 years.  The deceased was the only sister of the Juliand brothers of this place, and has resided with her daughter, Mrs. Irene Nichols, in Greene, for a long series of years.  Of a kind and gentle nature, she bore the infirmities of advancing years with Christian fortitude, faith and patient submission to God's will.  Several years since under the influence of painful disease she seemed to recognize that the time of her departure had come, and calmly awaited God's summons hence, with uncomplaining submission.  But God was pleased to prolong her life to the four score years, when as the Palmist declares our strength is but labor and sorrow.  At the time of her departure to be with Christ, she was in usual health, having retired for the night with no unusual signs of coming dissolution, to waken in another world as we trust amid the joys of Paradise.  Amid the kind remembrances of loving brothers and a devoted daughter she has passed away from our sight, leaving the fragrant memory of a gentle and beloved disciple of Christ, as a treasure to those that survive.  "And so, He giveth his beloved sleep."

In this village [Greene, Chenango Co. NY], Jan. 26th, Mr. Nathan Wheeler, aged 46 years and 7 months.

In Oxford [Chenango Co. NY], Nov. 17th, Mr. Sylvenus Root, aged 73 years.

Sherburne News, Sherburne, NY, February 8, 1873

Death

Mr. Isaac Kimberly, an old resident of Auburn, N.Y., died on the 6th inst., very suddenly.  The deceased was father of Mrs. E.N. Upham of this town [Sherburne, Chenango Co. NY], and was quite well known in this place.

Delaware Gazette, Delhi, NY, February 5, 1873

Marriage

At the residence of Mr. Wm. Gerowe, in Unadilla [Otsego Co. NY], on the 29th ult. by Rev. W. A. Wadsworth, Mr. George W. Allison, of Bloomville [Delaware Co. NY], to Miss Addie M. Taylor, of West Davenport [Delaware Co. NY].

Deaths

In Kortright [Delaware Co. NY], on Thursday, January 30th, William Campbell aged 54 years.

In this town [Delhi, Delaware Co. NY], on Friday, January 31st, Geo. Howland aged 79 years.

In West Oneonta [Otsego Co. NY], Jan. 24th, Theodore N. Derby aged 38 years.  

Early Norwich, NY Settlement

 Incidents of the Early Settlement of Norwich

By Charles Burlingame

Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, January 30, 1873

A man by the name of Powers was the first to settle in this town.  He came here in the year 1792 and settled on what is now [in 1873] known as the Randall farm, about two miles south of Norwich, down by the toll gate.  Hascall Ransford and the Graves came about the same time, and in the fall of 1794, my father moved into the town.  He came from about four miles below Oxford.  There was at that time no road on either side of the river, so he came up the river in a small boat, made by digging out a log like an Indian canoe.  For a time the people of this section went to mill to Chenango Point (now Binghamton) in a similar boat, or with an ox team went to Mercereau Mill, at Shaver's Corners, at the outlet of Guilford Creek.  Quite a contrast to the present mode of travel.

My first recollections of a visit to what is now known as the village of Norwich, date back to the year 1805. We crossed the river at the point where the covered bridge now [in 1873] stands, and by taking great care to shun the stumps and logs, we got along through the timber that then extended all the way from the bridge to the present site of the Piano Block, except about two acres where Asa Pellet, deceased, formerly lived. The old pettifogger, Sheffield, lived there then in a log house.  I recollect that about twenty-five rods west of where Stephen Cahoon now lives, there was a very large pine stump, right where the road now runs, and three years ago, before the road was turnpiked up, the roots of that stump were visible, and sound as ever.  At that time there was considerable pine on these flats.  On what is called Charles York's flats, south of the York knoll, the pine timber was plenty.  On this piece of ground Thomas Snow cut his famous pine.  From one tree he cut fourteen logs, each fourteen feet in lgneth, and the smallest one over a foot in diameter at the smallest end.  This I can vouch for as a fact.

When I first went into the village, there were only three dwelling houses.  One on the corner where T.D. Miller's Drug Store now stands, and one on the public square north of Miller & Daniels' store which was owned by a man named Smith, who built a grist mill across the creek opposite Guernsey's stone mill. The other house was situated near what is now the residence of E.T. Hayes, Esq.

I have lived to see the village and surrounding country grow to their present prosperous proportions.  Seventy years have made very great changes. At the same rate of progress, what will seventy years more do?

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

 Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, January 30, 1873

Marriages

WAIT - McNITT:  At the residence of the bride's mother, in North Norwich [Chenango Co. NY], Jan. 23d, by Rev. J.D. Pope, Mr. Ambrose M. Wait, of this village to Miss Carrie A. McNitt, youngest daughter of the late Morgan McNitt.

BREND - CRIAG:  At the home of the bride, at Sharon Springs, Schoharie Co. [NY], Jan. 22d, by Rev. I.B. Van Valkenburg, Mr. John C. Breed, of North Pitcher [Chenango Co. NY], to Miss Ellen M. Craig, only daughter of Charles Craig.

COLMAN - RUSSEL:  In Smyrna [Chenango Co. NY], Jan. 15th, by Rev. J. Storrs, Mr. Charles Colman to Miss Adelia Russel, both of Smyrna.

HOVEY - WHEELER:  In Oxford [Chenango Co. NY], Jan. 21st, by Rev. A. Reynolds, Mr. George A. Hovey to Miss julia Wheeler, all of Oxford.

HATTEN - WILSEY:  In Bainbridge [Chenango Co. NY], Jan. 16th, by Rev. S.S. Lewis, Mr. John H. Hatten of Guilford [Chenango Co. NY] to Miss Margaret A. Wilsey, of Bainbridge.

NASH - BROWNELL:  In Earlville [Madison Co. NY], Jan. 14th, by Rev. J.O. Gifford, Mr. Curtis D. Nash to Miss Jennie Brownell, both of Earlville.

Deaths

ALDRICH:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], Jan. 25th, Mr. Samuel Aldrich, aged 79 years.  

MUNDY:  In this town [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], Jan. 26th, Louis H. [Mundy] only son of Henry A. and Augusta R. Mundy, aged 4 months and 7 days.

ELDRIDGE:  In Richmond, Va. Jan. 27th, after a lingering and very painful sickness, Mrs. R.M. Eldredge, formerly of this place [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], and daughter of the late Deacon Charles Randall, aged 47 years.

RYAN:  In King Settlement [Chenango Co. NY], Jan. 28th, Mrs. Mary Ryan, aged 44 years.

BROWN:  In Plymouth [Chenango Co. NY], Jan. 23d, Phoebe [Brown], wife of Ira D. Brown, aged 47 years, 2 months and 11 days.

WEBB:  In Oxford [Chenango Co. NY], Jan. 25th, Mrs. Lavina Webb, of King's Settlement [Chenango Co. NY], aged 78 years.

WILLCOX:  In Oxford [Chenango Co. NY], Jan. 22d, Mrs. Lucy Willcox, widow of the late Ira Willcox, aged 79 years.

STEVENS:  In Cleveland, Ohio, Jan. 14th, Mr. Alvan Stevens aged 59 years, formerly of Oxford [Chenango Co. NY].

WOODARD:  In Afton [Chenango Co. NY], Jan. 24th, Polly [Woodard], wife of Zeal Woodard, aged 77 years, 5 months, 29 days.

DIMMICK:  Suddenly, in Smyrna [Chenango Co. NY], on Monday morning, Jan. 27th, Cyrus [Dimmick], Esq., aged about 21 years.

About 2 o'clock Monday morning, Cyrus Dimmock, aged some 21 years, son of Francis E. Dimmock, Esq., of Smyrna, died suddenly under the following circumstances:  Near 7 o'clock the previous evening, feeling somewhat indisposed and being nervous and restless, he took a dose of Hydrate of Chloral and retired for the night. Between 11 and 12 his father went to his room and found his son unconscious in a deep stupor, and stertorous breathing, apparently in a dying condition.  Medical assistance was promptly called but to no purpose, and he died as above stated.  It may be a debatable question whether death was caused by an overdose of the remedy, administered by himself, or from apoplexy otherwise induced.  How much he took is wholly unknown.  An empty bottle, labeled with the drug, was standing upon the table near his bed.  He was not only an only son, but an only child, and is spoken of as possessing excellent talent, and many noble qualities of head and heart.  The mysterious and unlooked for dispensation falls with crushing weight upon his parents, in the decline of life, and with mournful sadness upon a large circle of sympathizing relations and friends.

Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, January 30, 1873

Marriages

IVES - VANCOTT:  In Guilford Center [Chenango Co. NY], at the residence of the bride's parents, January 23d?, by Rev. J.L. Jones, Mr. William M. Ives and Miss Abbie S. VanCott, all of Guilford.

RICE - GOODNOW:  On Wednesday, January 23d? at the home of the father of the bride, by Rev. S.F. Porter, Mr. George K. Rice and Miss Ida K. Goodnow, all of Columbus [Chenango Co. NY].

A China Wedding:  Mr. and Mrs. Lewis Ives of Guilford [Chenango Co. NY] celebrated their twentieth year of married life January 15th.  A large number of friends and relations were present.  And the table was not only loaded with the good things for which Mrs. Ives is so notable, but also with China dishes and other valuable gifts, which she did not expect.  her response, tears.  May the estimable couple live another twenty years of useful life.

Deaths

Chaunsey Slade, well known to the traveling public as a former popular landlord of the Unadilla Hotel, died at his residence in Binghamton [Broome Co. NY] last week, and was buried at Unadilla [Otsego Co. NY] on Wednesday with Masonic honors, Norwich Commandery, of which he was a member, participating.  Mr. Slade was genial and pleasant and wherever he went always made friends.  For several years he was postmaster at Unadilla and performed the duties of his office with fidelity and acceptability to the public.  He leaves a wife and two children.

On Saturday, at about eleven o'clock, Henry Nightingale, of McDonough [Chenango Co. NY] went out to a barn near his house to do his chores.  Not coming home, late in the afternoon his family sent out to see what the matter was, when he was found insensible, his extremities considerably frozen.  He was at once removed to the house and died in a few moments.  He was about 75 years of age, and it is supposed he had a fit which incapacitated him from returning to the house.  He had resided in McDonough for many years and enjoyed the confidence and respect of all who knew him.

Chenango American, Greene, NY, January 30, 1873

Marriages

In Zion Church, on the 213d Jan'y by the Rector, Mr. F. Eugene Barnard to Mrs. Anna Elizabeth Barnard, all of this place [Greene, Chenango Co. NY].

At the residence of Eli W. Carter, Esq. of this town, Jan'y 22d, by Rev. J.H. Sage, William H. Stone, Esq., of Honesdale, Penn., to Miss Cornelia A. Short, of this village [Greene, Chenango Co. NY].

In Pharsalia [Chenango Co. NY], Jan'y 14th, by Rev. A.B. Jones, Mr. Divillo Millsworth to Miss Sarah Pease, both of McDonough [Chenango Co. NY].

Death

In this village [Greene, Chenango Co. NY], Jan'y 25th, Mr. Curtis Smith, aged 71 years and 9 months. 

Sherburne News, Sherburne, NY, February 1, 1873

Marriages

SKINNER - BELLENGER:  At the residence of Mr. John P. Bellenger, of this village [Sherburne, Chenango Co. NY], Jan. 29th, by Rev. T.P. Halsted, Mr. L.D. Skinner, of North Norwich [Chenango Co. NY] and Miss Helen Bellenger, of Sherburne.

MOORE - FOWLER:  At the residence of the bride's mother, in this village [Sherburne, Chenango Co. NY], Jan. 30, by Rev. J.L. Burrows, Mr. George Moore, of Norwich [Chenango Co. NY], and Miss Ann D. Fowler.

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

 Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, January 23, 1873

Marriages

NEWTON - FELTON:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], Dec. 31st, by Rev. A.M. Totman, Mr. J.H. Newton to Miss Ellen Felton, both of Pharsalia [Chenango Co. NY].

BARBER - PARKER:  In Norwich [Chenango Co. NY], Jan. 8th, by Rev. A. Reynolds, Mr. John Barber to Miss Sarah L. Parker.

BROWN - TYLER:  At the residence of the bride's father, in Pharsalia [Chenango Co. NY], Jan. 15th, by Rev. Jas. D. Webster, Mr. William A Brown, of Smithville [Chenango Co. NY] to Miss Ellen A. Tyler of the former place.

ELLSWORTH - PEASE:  In Pharsalia [Chenango Co. NY], Jan. 14th, b Rev. A.B. Jones, Mr. Revillo Ellsworth to Miss Sarah Pease, both of McDonough. [Chenango Co. NY].

WOOD - DANIELS:  In Bainbridge [Chenango Co. NY], Jan. 9th by Rev. W.B. Thomas, Mr. Belgoni D. Wood to Miss Emma L. Daniels, both of Afton [Chenango Co. NY].

WOOD - COSS:  At the same time and place by the same, Mr. Ransom J. Wood to Miss Nettie M. Coss, both of Afton [Chenango Co. NY].

WILLIAMS - SKINNER:  In New Berlin [Chenango Co. NY], Jan. 6th, by Rev. J.L. Ray, Mr. J.E. Williams of Columbus [Chenango Co. NY], to Miss Exania Skinner, of New Berlin.

HAWLEY - BOON:  In Kirkwood, jan. 12th, by Rev. D. Personneus, Mr. Edward W. Hawley of Sherburne [Chenango Co. NY], to Miss Clara A. Boon, of Conklin [Broome Co. NY].

WILBUR - KELSEY:  In Rochester [Monroe Co. NY], Jan. 7th, Mr. Jeptha C. Wilbur of Avon [Livingston Co. NY] to Miss Sarah F. Kelsey, of Rochester, formerly of Smyrna [Chenango Co. NY].

CANRIKE - HITCHCOCK:  In Morris [Otsego Co. NY], Jan. 3d, by Rev. L.B. Ford, Mr. Charles Canrike of Laurens [Otsego Co. NY], to Miss Henrietta Hitchcock, of South New Berlin [Chenango Co. NY].

Deaths

WILLIAMS:  In Plymouth [Chenango Co. NY], Jan. 17th, Jennie [Williams] wife of Charles L. Williams, Aged 27 years 9 months and 5 days.

BROWN:  In Pharsalia [Chenango Co. NY], Jan. 21st, Mr. Charles Brown, aged 75 years.

PALMER:  In Pharsalia [Chenango Co. NY], Jan. 16th, Mabel C. [Palmer], only child of Ray and Eva Palmer, aged 2 months.

DOW:  In Sherburne [Chenango Co. NY], Jan. 14th, Mr. Cyrus M. Dow, aged 64 years.

Cyrus Dow, aged 65, died at his residence near Sherburne last week.  Mr. D. was an able farmer, well read and versed in all agricultural matters, and always took much pride in his pursuits.  He was a great friend to all the latest improvements of the day which tended to help the farmer.  His loss will be felt by the community and his family.  Death is surely making inroads upon us and the reminder comes boldly up "Be ready."  [Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, January 23, 1873]

PHILLIPS:  In Smyrna [Chenango Co. NY], Jan. 8th, Eddie [Phillips] son of Leonard D. Phillips, aged 20 months.

WHITTLESY:  In Durham, Greene Co. [NY], Dec. 26th, Dr. Elias Whittlesy, formerly of Bainbridge [Chenango Co. NY], aged 44 years.

SCOTT:  In Nineveh, Broome Co. [NY], Dec. 9th, Mrs. Aseneth Scott, widow of the late Wiley H. Scott, aged 70 years.

BOSWORTH:  In German [Chenango Co. NY], Jan. 17th, of consumption, Dr. George Bosworth, aged 29 years.  Dr. Bosworth was highly esteemed as a member of society, and beloved and honored as a skillful physician, although permitted to practice the profession of his choice but a few brief years.  He was a Christian of undoubted piety, a man of unflinching integrity and honesty in all of his business transactions, gentlemanly and high-minded in his deportment.  His years, 'tis true, were few but the mission of life was nobly fulfilled.  Although we shall meet him on earth no more, his example will ever live in the memory of those who knew him, and his virtues be cherished in the hearts of fond parents, brothers and sisters, and most tenderly cherished in the heart of the beloved but now bereaved companion of his youth. 

________________________________ 

On Monday forenoon last, the body of a man was discovered on the ice, near the first railroad bridge crossing the mainstream of the Canasawacta Creek, above Frinkville, about five and a half miles from this village.  The person who made the discovery drove to Frinkville, and notified several persons there of the fact, who at once proceeded to the spot. Coroner Ormsby, of Plymouth, was notified and the body was removed to the Hotel of E Dimmick, where an inquest was held on Monday evening and Tuesday morning.  Augustus C. Aldrich, Asaph Dimmick, Horace Johnson, John Trass, Frank Crumb, and Orrin Sexton composed the jury.

From the evidence given by the conductor and hands upon the train, it appears that the name of the deceased was Peter McDermott; that he was employed as forward brakeman upon the train which leaves this place for Cortland at 9:55; that on Monday morning he was not missed from the train until it reached Beaver Meadow, when it was supposed he had been left behind at Norwich, as he was to go on an errand to the machine shop, about the time the train left.  He undoubtedly slipped from a car, and falling upon the ice, was instantly killed, as his neck was found to be broken, and the base of his skull crushed.  The verdict of the jury was in accordance with the facts.

The deceased has been employed on the Branch since the 8th inst., and previously upon the Clinton road.  He is spoken of by his associates as a young man of temperate habits, and one who was much respected by those who knew him.  His remains were taken to Oriskany Falls on Tuesday, where they were met by friends, and conveyed to Vernon, Oneida County, for burial.  His age was about twenty-one years.

Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, January 23, 1873

Marriages

CRANE - SPENCER:  At Scranton, Penn., at the residence of the bride's parents, on the 16th inst., by Rev. Wm. B. Callis, Mr. Curtis Crane, formerly of this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], and Miss Elsie Spencer, of the former place.

GAULT - MEEKER:  At the residence of the bride's mother, January 15, by Rev. McK Shaw, Mr. Edward A. Gault, of German [Chenango Co. NY], to Miss Ellen Meeker, of McDonough [Chenango Co. NY]. 

GREEN - BURGESS:  At the bride's home, Butternuts [Otsego Co. NY], on January 17th, by Rev. Wm. M. Hiller, Mr. Jno. R. Green, of Sidney Plains [Delaware Co. NY] to Mrs. F.M. Burgess.

Deaths

PAYSON:  In Oriskany, January 4th, 1873, of typhoid fever, Andrew Payson, aged 22 years.

His mother died about six years ago and something like a year after his father was stricken down, having died with the consumption.  He and his sister being their father's constant attendants through all his lingering sickness and were the only ones present at the time he breathed his last.  He immediately came to Norwich and hired out to Mr. E. Baker as an apprentice in his carriage shop, making it his home with Mrs. Stackhouse, of this village, who always cared for and looked after him as one of her own family.  He worked for Mr. B. some four years, and proved himself to be an honest, upright and exemplary young man in every respect.  He then returned to Oriskany, where he had been stopping with his uncle until up to the time of his death.  About a year ago he connected himself with the M.E. Church, of this place, and has ever endeavored to live up to the teachings of the same.  But alas, the messenger of death came and released him from all his toils.  He leaves a sister, the only one remaining of the family, and many friends to mourn his loss.  W.N.B.

Geo. Pollock, well known in this place, died last week, aged 63.  Mr. P. was a southerner, proper, but Sherburne [Chenango Co. NY] has been his residence for many years past.  His place in our midst will not be soon supplied. 

Chenango American, Greene, NY, January 23, 1873

Deaths

In Triangle [Broome Co. NY], Jan. 20th, Mrs. Sarah Boardman, formerly of this town [Greene, Chenango Co. NY], aged 20 years.

In Easton, Iona Co., Mich., Jan. 16th, Mr. George P. Ketchum, formerly of this town [Greene, Chenango Co. NY], aged 57 years.

In North Fenton [Broome Co. NY], Jan. 12th, at the residence of her son H.R. Miller, Mrs. Hannah [Miller], widow of the late John F. Miller, formerly of this town, aged 81 years.

There was a record in the last week's American which demands a passing notice in memory of a dear friend, long resident in this community.  We refer to the decease of Mrs. Eliza Rathbone, widow of the late Col. Elijah Rathbone. The writer of this paragraph has very pleasant remembrances of manifold kindnesses from this aged friend, as of the family of which she was a member.  This departed lady was of kind and gentle nature, of an eminently social spirit and character, with a pleasant word to all with whom she was brought in friendly relations, and this circle was large, for she loved to look in often upon the homes of the poor and among those of humble life.  And in all our intercourse with her, we cannot recall any harsh judgments indulged toward any who might have given occasion for soured or bitter feeling.  This is surely a high quality of character in a world where there is scope to those who will indulge bitter memories of the irritations of life.  A gentle, kindly, Christian spirit has passed to her rest, and but few indeed are left of those who ranked her in age in the community where she so long had her residence and home.

Sherburne News, Sherburne, NY, January 25, 1873

Marriages

COOK - CLARK:  At the residence of the bride's father, in Nyack [Rockland Co. NY], Dec. 31, 1872, Prof. M.R. Cook and Miss Katie [Clark], only daughter of Hon D.C. Clark, of Nyack.

FAIRCHILD - PURDY:  At the residence of the bride's father, at Sherburne Four corners [Chenango Co. NY], Jan. 22, by Rev. Frank H. Newton, Mr. Devillo J. Fairchild and Miss Hattie O. Purdy, all of this town.

Deaths

McINTYRE:  In this town [Sherburne, Chenango Co. NY], Jan. 11, Ezra M. McIntyre, aged 72 years and 3 months.

JACKSON:  In Oxford [Chenango Co. NY], on the 10th inst., Henry Jackson, aged 62 years.  Dear as thou wert, and justly dear, / We will not weep for thee; / One thought shall check the stating tear; / It is, that thou art free.

Bainbridge Republican, Bainbridge, NY, January 25, 1873

Marriages

On the 16th inst. by Rev. S.S. Lewis, Mr. John H. Hatton, of Guilford [Chenango Co. NY] to Miss Margaret A. Wilsey, of Bainbridge [Chenango Co. NY].

Also, by the same on the 21st inst., Mr. Czar Prince of Bainbridge [Chenango Co. NY] and Miss Sylvana Bennett, daughter of Israel Bennett, Esq., of Guilford [Chenango Co. NY].

Mrs. Phoebe Hubbard, probably the oldest inhabitant of the county [Otsego Co. NY], died at Burlington Flats, Jan. 2d aged 100 years, 11 months and 4 days.

Dr. Maynard and wife and the wife of ira Carington of Lansingville [Tompkins Co. NY], were drowned while crossing the creek at what is known as "Binnacle's Bridge" on Thursday night of last week.  They had been attending the donation of Rev. W.H. smith, at Hamden, and started to return home at about 11 o'clock in the evening, and it is supposed that on attempting to cross the bridge, which was entirely covered with water, they got below it, and the water being swift, they were carried down with the stream. The bodies of the doctor and his wife were found on Friday, about a mile below the bridge.

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

 Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, January 16, 1873

Marriages

HAYES - PELLETT:  At the Congregational Church, in this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], on Thursday afternoon, Jan. 9th, by Rev. S. Scoville, Edward T. Hayes, Esq., to Mrs. Mary Pellett, all of Norwich.

LATIMER - BACKUS:  Near Palmyra, Wayne Co., N.Y., Jan. 8th, by Rev. C.N. Pattengill, Mr. Charles W. Latimer, of Norwich [Chenango Co. NY], formerly of Lyons, N.Y. [Wayne Co.], to Miss Ella A. Backus, of Palmyra.

DAVIS - McNITT:  At the residence of the bride's father, James McNitt, Esq., Jan. 7th, by Rev. J.D. Pope, Mr. Edson A. Davis to Miss Addie E. McNitt, all of Norwich [Chenango Co. NY].

FOSTER - FOX:  In Plymouth [Chenango Co. NY], Jan. 8th, by Rev. E.W. Caswell, Mr. Wallace Foster to Miss Nettie Fox, both of Plymouth.

COY - SMITH:  At the residence of the bride's mother, in north Pitcher [Chenango Co. NY], Dec. 31st, by Rev. A.C. Smith, Mr. George Coy to Miss Mary Smith, both of North Pitcher.

REYNOLDS - RICHMOND:  In Pierceville [Madison Co. NY], Jan. 5th, by Rev. Judson Davis, Mr. Niles Reynolds to Miss Maggie Richmond, both of South Otselic [Chenango Co. NY].

PUDNEY - CARPENTER:  In New Berlin [Chenango Co. NY], Jan. 5th, by Rev. J.A. Wood, Mr. Nathan A. Pudney, of North Norwich [Chenango Co. NY], to Miss Sarah E. Carpenter, of Sherburne [Chenango Co. NY].

SACKETT - STROUD:  At the residence of the bride's father, in Canastota, N.Y. [Madison Co.], Dec. 26th, by Rev. J.H. Lockwood, Mr. Orson L. Sackett, formerly of North Norwich [Chenango Co. NY], to Miss Carrie E. Stroud, daughter of Sylvanus Stroud, Esq., all of Canastota.

Deaths

PELLET:  Suddenly, in this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], Jan. 10th, of apoplexy, Col. William B. Pellet, aged 68 years.

CARHART:  In Oxford [Chenango Co. NY], Dec. 11th, Abigail N. [Carhart] wife of George N. Carhart, aged 47 years.

DAVENPORT:  At the Poor House, in Preston [Chenango Co. NY], Jan. 3d, Dr. Stephen Davenport, aged 62 years.

WARMWOOD:  In New Berlin [Chenango Co. NY], Jan. 3d, Mrs. C.A. Warmwood, aged 27 years.

PHILLIPS:  In Butternuts [Otsego Co. NY], Dec. 16th, Mr. James Phillips, aged 86 years.

RATHBONE:  At the residence of her son, Peter B Rathbone, in Syracuse [Onondaga Co. NY], Jan 12th, Mrs. Eliza Rathbone, widow of the late Elijah Rathbone, of Greene [Chenango Co. NY].  Her remains were interred at Greene today (Wednesday).

Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, January 16, 1873

Marriages

PACKER - BLACKMAN:  At Pitcher [Chenango Co. NY], on Sunday January 5th, by Rev. D.W. Bigelow, at the residence of the bride's father, Mr. John B. Packer, of Preston [Chenango Co. NY] and Miss Artelissa Blackman, of Pitcher.

STEBBINS - HAIGHT:  At Pitcher [Chenango Co. NY], on Wednesday January 8th, by Rev. D.W. Bigelow, at the hotel, Mr. Elisha W. Stebbins of Smyrna [Chenango Co. NY] and Mary Haight, of Pharsalia [Chenango Co. NY].

Chenango American, Greene, NY, January 16, 1873

Marriages

At the home of the bride, Jan. 1st, by Rev. W. Burnside, Mr. George B. Palmer to Miss Mary R. Meacham, both of Willett [Cortland Co. NY].

In Woodhull, Steuben Co. [NY], Dec. 22d, by Rev. A.W. Brasted, Mr. Alfred J. Beardsley, formerly of this town [Greene, Chenango Co. NY], to Miss Jennie Woodcock, both of Addison, N.Y. [Steuben Co.].

In Addison [Steuben Co. NY], Jan. 1st, by Rev. S.D. Merrick, Mr. Henry E. Root to Miss Ruth a Beardsley, formerly of this town [Greene, Chenango Co. NY], both of Addison.

Deaths

In this town [Greene, Chenango Co. NY], Jan. 7th, Fanny W. [Lovejoy], wife of James C. Lovejoy, aged 55 years, 5 months.

Col. Wm. B. Pellett, Cashier of the Bank of Chenango, at Norwich [Chenango Co. NY], died suddenly at the dinner table of the Eagle hotel, on Friday last.  He had commenced eating his dinner in apparent good health, and when discovered he had dropped back in his chair, and before his friends could get him to his room, he was dead.  He was about 67 years of age, and had been connected with the Bank for more than thirty-five years.  Dr. Beecher writing to the Utica Herald says:  Within about 3 months, three officers of the Bank of Chenango have died, all suddenly and nearly in the same manner:  Benj. F. Rexford, vice-president, W.M. Conkey, president, and now the cashier.  In this there is indeed a strange fatality!  Taken in connection with the death of the president of the Bank of Norwich, Mr. Smith, also sudden, and two at least of its directors, Jonathan Wells and David Griffing, within about a year, the mortality is truly appalling!  The somber drapery, suspended from the lintels and door posts to signalize the decease of a bank president, now serves - how sadly strange - the same purpose for its cashier.  Last night Mr. Pellet slept almost beneath its folds, tonight he sleeps in his coffin.

Sherburne News, Sherburne, NY, January 18, 1873

Marriages

LYMAN - PELLETT:  At the residence of the bride's father, in Norwich [Chenango Co. NY], Jan. 15, by Rev. A.J. Canfield, of Utica, Henry C. Lyman, M.D., of Sherburne [Chenango Co. NY], and Miss Ida T. [Pellett], daughter of Andrus Pellett, of Norwich.

PLUMB - COLMAN:  In Smyrna [Chenango Co. NY], Dec. 31, 1872, by Rev. H.S. Jones, Mr. Charles Plumb, of Earlville [Madison Co. NY], and Miss Jennie Colman, of the former place.

Crystal Wedding [15th wedding anniversary]:  One of the most pleasing events of the season was the Crystal Wedding given by Mr. and Mrs Richard L. Buell, at their residence, at Sherburne West Hill [Chenango Co. NY], on Monday evening, the 13th inst.  Their neighbors and friends assembled to the number of about fifty, bringing a large number of fine presents to the bride in token of their friendship and esteem, among which were large, nice sauce dishes, sugar and milk cups, goblets, pickle and fruit dishes, card receiver, vases, and an elegant hanging lamp; also, a splendid wreath very ingeniously entwined.  A soap dish, not crystal, but just as useful for service, was also presented by the manufacturer himself, for all of which Mr. and Mrs. Buell express their heartfelt thanks.  After partaking of the bountiful repast provided, the guests passed the evening in congratulations and social converse, all going pleasantly as the first "marriage bell."  The celebration of such anniversaries are pleasant episodes in life and should be more frequent.

Deaths

DOW:  In this town [Sherburne, Chenango Co. NY], on the 14th inst., Cyrus M. Dow, aged 64 years.

POLLOCK:  In this village [Sherburne, Chenango Co. NY], on the 13th inst., Mr. George W. Pollock, aged 63 years.

BAKER:  In Smyrna [Chenango Co. NY], Jan. 12, Jennie [Baker], wife of Charles Baker, Esq., aged 25 years.

PENTECOST:  In Smyrna [Chenango Co. NY], Jan. 14, Mrs. Anna Pentecost, aged 82 years.

PAYSON:  In Oriskany Falls [Oneida Co. NY], Jan. 9, Mr. Andrew Payson, aged 23 years.  Deceased was a former resident of Smyrna [Chenango Co. NY].

BASS:  In Pharsalia [Chenango Co. NY], on the 9th inst., Levi Bass, aged 67 years.

The venerable Robert Dart, whose death occurred on the 4th inst., was, at the time of his death, the oldest man in the town of Sherburne, and had, we believe, resided a longer time within its limits.  He was born in Montville, New London Co., Conn. In 1808 he was married to Miss Sally Stebbins, and with her removed to this state and town [Sherburne, Chenango Co. NY] in the year 1811, and with whom he resided until her death which took place in 1861.  They were the parents of ten children - six sons and four daughters - eight of whom survive them and are people of the first respectability and standing in the communities where they reside.  Of these David, Edward S. and Sidney T. Dart, Mrs. Alonzo Van Wagner and Mrs. J.H. Benedict reside in Sherburne; Albert G. in Madison Co.; Jared in Kirkville, Miss.; and Mrs. Julia A. Parker in Western Pennsylvania.

Mr. Dart was not only one of the first, but one of the most active and enterprising of the early settlers and contributed largely to the development of the resources of the town.  Possessing the fullest confidence of his fellow citizens he was frequently honored with positions of public trust, filling the post of supervisor and other town offices with satisfaction to his constituents and credit to himself.  At a ripe old age, he passes away honored for his many virtues, and lamented as an old landmark of the former generation.

Bainbridge Republican, Bainbridge, NY, January 18, 1873

Marriages

In this village [Bainbridge, Chenango Co. NY], Jan. 9th, by Rev. W.B. Thomas, Mr. B.D. Wood ad Miss Emma L. Daniel.

Also, by the same at the same time, Mr. Ransom J. Wood and Miss Nettie M. Case, all of Afton [Chenango Co. NY]

Death

In Durham [Greene, Co. NY], Dec. 26th suddenly of congestion of the brain, Dr. Elias Whittlesy, in the 45th year of his age.

Death of Col. William B. Pellet

Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, January 16, 1873

Another has been added to the list of prominent and respected citizens of our village who, within a brief period have been called away, most of them with startling suddenness, by the insatiate destroyer, Death.

Col. Pellet was boarding for the winter at the Eagle Hotel, and, on Friday last, about half-past 12 o'clock, soon after seating himself at dinner, was seen to recline or partially fall, his head resting on the shoulder of the gentleman next to him at the table.  It was immediately discovered that he was laboring under a severe and dangerous attack of apoplexy and was already unconscious.  On being removed to one of the private rooms of the hotel, the usual restoratives were applied, under the direction of Drs. Prindle, Stuart and Beecher, all of whom happened to be present, but in vain.  For a moment, and a moment only, it was thought the vital spark might be arrested ere its flight, but a few feeble beatings of the heart, and all was over!  In the short space of ten minutes from the time of the attack, the victim was still in the embrace of death.

He had been for a few months not in vigorous health, but free to all appearance from anything like serious illness and on the morning of the day of his decease, and until the closing of the Bank at noon, had been engaged in the performance of his usual duties as Cashier.

Thus suddenly, crushingly, fell the fatal blow that consigns him to the grave.  Only eleven days before, the Bank lost its President, Mr. Conkey, by a similar unexpected fatality, and within about four months, President, Vice President and Cashier have all been swept away, each in nearly the same sad and sudden manner.

Col. Pellet was born at Canterbury, in the State of Connecticut, in 1805, and at the early age of three years moved with his father, mother and other members of their family, to this town.  Here he was reared and educated, and even before reaching man's estate had established a character for integrity and business capacity that made him warm and influential friends.  At the age of nineteen, or about the year 1825, he was appointed Clerk or Teller in the Bank of Chenango, the institution then being under the management of the late James Birdsall. This position he retained until 1854, evincing rare fidelity and zeal in the discharge of his duties, when he was promoted to the Cashiership, made vacant by the promotion of Mr. Conkey to the Presidency of the Bank.  In this new capacity he was a model officer, faithful, vigilant, zealous, passing his days and even his nights in charge of the institution in which he took such honorable pride, and finally dying in its service.  He knew how to be at once accommodating, civil and courteous to the public and to individuals, and yet a true and almost jealous guardian of the large interests confided to his care.

Though enjoying the unbounded confidence and love of the community, Col. Pellet never sought other official positions than those he held in connection with the Bank, but we believe was at one time County Treasurer, by appointment of the Board of Supervisors. At the time of his death, he was a Vestryman of Emmanuel Church, in this village, a place to which he had been regularly elected by the Society, at each annual election, for many years.  His associates of the Vestry as well as the church will keenly feel their loss of a safe counsellor and friend, and also miss his ever-liberal aid in the good works which it is given to them as a Society to do.

He was never married, but leaves living a brother and three sisters, besides a large circle of other relatives, all of whom loved him beyond comparison, and who will long mourn their bereavement with unaffected sadness and sorrow.

No man who ever lived in our community had fewer enemies, for literally he had none.  No one among us ever had more friends, for, truly all who knew him were his friends, or deserved them better.  Large-hearted, generous, sympathetic, true as steel, the soul of honor, the embodiment of manly worth and virtue, the genial companion, the affectionate relative, the modest, brave, unassuming gentleman, God's noblest work, an Honest Man--we shall not soon be permitted to look upon his like again.  Honor to his memory, peace to his ashes, rest, eternal and heavenly, to his gentle, worn and weary soul.

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

 Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, January 9, 1873

Marriages

SPUR - PERKINS:  At the Eagle Hotel, in this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], December 25th, by Rev. Mr. Loveridge, Arthur N. Spur, of So. Edmeston [Otsego Co. NY] to Miss DeEtte Spur, of Columbus [Chenango Co. NY].

IRELAND - ALLEN:  At the M.E. Parsonage, Afton [Chenango Co. NY], January 1, by Rev. B.B. Carruth, Mr. Albert Ireland, of Bainbridge [Chenango Co. NY] to Miss Johanna Allen, of Elmira (Chemung Co. NY].

FISK - JONES:  In Smyrna [Chenango Co. NY], December 24th, by Rev. S. More, Mr. Horace Fisk of Oxford [Chenango Co. NY] to Miss Emma M. Jones, of Smyrna.

Deaths

DOYLE:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], Willie [Doyle] son of Thos. Doyle, aged 2 years 3 months and 10 days.

FRENCH:  In Texas Valley, Cortland County, N.Y., Mrs. Eeanor French, in the 87th year of her age.  For more than 61y she had been a professed Christian and died at last in the hope of immortality.

Oxford Times, Oxford, NY, January 8, 1873

Marriage

Mr. and Mrs. Geo. R. Lyon of Greene [Chenango Co. NY], on Saturday evening, Dec. 28th, celebrated the fiftieth anniversary of their married life by holding a Golden Wedding at their residence.  the house was thronged with invited guests, who were generously entertained by their venerable host and hostess. The occasion was unusually interesting, and all felt that they were being entertained by a couple worthy of all the respect that an enlightened and Christian community can bestow.  Many beautiful presents were bestowed by relatives and friends, as tokens of respect and esteem for our aged friends, and when the hour of parting came all felt as if the occasion was one long mile remembered and cherished.  Rev. Geo. Porter offered an impressive prayer and made remarks appropriate to the occasion.  Mr. and Mrs. Lyon have been residents of this village many years and have filled well their parts in the busy scenes of life, and now in the golden autumn of their earthly existence, they enjoy the respect and confidence of the entire community. - American

Death

WOOD:  In Seward, Nebraska, Dec. 17th, Charlie S. [Wood], son of Sprague K. and Cecelia C. Wood, aged 3 years.

Sherburne News, Sherburne, NY, January 11, 1872

Marriage

On Saturday evening a large company of friends assembled at the house of Mr. Hiram Lobdell, east of Sherburne village [Chenango Co. NY], to congratulate him and his wife on the 30th anniversary of their wedding day.  Mr. and Mrs. Lobdell are by no means "ancient;" yet their married life has reached nearly the average of human life over the world.  How many joys they must have shared together during all that time, and unless their lot has been very different from that of others, how many sorrows.  Linen tablecloths and articles of wearing apparel were presented to the bride and groom, and the latter surprised his wife with a handsome tete-a-tete to remind her of "love's young dream."  The Rev. J.L. Burrows was called upon for "a speech;" in which he congratulated Mr. and Mrs. Lobdell on their thirty years of connubial felicity and hoped that they might live very many years and have no want of enjoyment.  A very nice entertainment had been prepared for the guests, and really it seemed just like a wedding.  May they live to have a golden wedding, and "may I be there to see."  As apropos to the subject we quote from Robert Burns:

"John Anderson my jo, John, / When we were first acquent, / Your locks were like the raven, / Your bonie brow was brent; / But now your brow is beld, John, / Your locks are like the snaw, / but blessings on your frosty pow, / John Anderson, my jo!

John Anderson my jo, John, / We clamb the hill thegither, / And monie a cantie day, John, / We've had wi' ane anither; / Now we maun totter down, John, / And hand in hand we'll go, / And sleep thegither at the foot, /  John Anderson, my jo!"

Deaths

HALL:  In this town [Sherburne, Chenango Co. NY], Jan. 6, Mrs. Lydia Hall, aged 64 years.

DART:  In this town [Sherburne, Chenango Co. NY], on the 4th instant, Mr. Robert Dart, aged 87 years.

Just as we go to press, we learn that Col. William B. Pellett, Cashier of the Bank of Chenango, died in Norwich on Friday the 10th instant. The only particulars that reach us are, that he fell from his chair while sitting at the dinner table and died in about five minutes.  His age was about 67 years.  For more than thirty-five years he has been connected with the Bank of Chenango, and his death creates a large void in both the business and social circles. A man of the strictest integrity, genial temperament, generous impulses, and superior social qualities, he was held in the highest respect and general esteem by all classes.