Wednesday, February 22, 2023

Vital Records, Chenango County, NY, April 1874 (continued)

 Oxford Times, Oxford, NY, April 1, 1874

Marriage

MORGAN - MATTESON:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co. NY], on 26th March, by Rev. L.D. Turner, Mr. E.S. Morgan to Miss Sarah Matteson, both of North Brookfield [Madison Co. NY].

Chenango American, Greene, NY, April 2, 1874

Marriage

At Whitney's Point [Broome Co. NY], March 12th, by Rev. J.W. Hewitt, Mr. Frederick M. Heath and Miss Frances E. Congdon, both of Barker [Broome Co. NY].

Deaths

In Towanda, Pa., Feb. 19th, of disease of the heart, Sarah A. [Mercur] widow of H.S. Mercur, and daughter of the late Samuel Guernsey, of Oxford, N.Y., aged 58 years.

Fatal Accident

On Thursday evening last, John Powers, a resident of Smithville Flats [Chenango Co. NY], was returning from Smithville Flats to his home some three miles from that place.  While on his way he was thrown from his horse and received wounds of a horrible and ghastly nature, supposed to have been caused either by the horse stepping on his face or kicking him.

The unfortunate young man's face was literally crushed in.  His upper jaw was broken in such a manner that it dropped down.  His nose was broken and pushed over on one side of his face, and the roof of his mouth was broken into fragments of eight different pieces.

In this horrible plight he was taken to Mr. Robert Willson's house nearby, and on Saturday morning he was removed to Smithville Flats, where he could have better care.  Physicians were summoned, who did everything in their power to restore the young man, but their efforts were vain.  He lingered along, in an unconscious state, until Saturday evening, when death ended the scene.  Mr. Powers was a large and powerful young man, and his injuries must have been of the severest nature, to have snapped the vital chord in so short a space of time.

His widowed mother, well advanced in years, resides in this village.  This is a terrible blow to her, as this son was her main support in the declining years of her life.

Additional News Item - Smithville correspondent

Eds. American:  On Thursday evening of last week, a fatal accident occurred a little north of this village, the unfortunate man being John Powers.  Mr. Powers left this place late in the evening, with a colt that he had been training for some time previous, a business that Mr. Powers has followed for the past few years, during the winter season.  He left the village on horseback, going north on the McDonough road, until he passed the house of Robert Wilson, when, to use his own language, he thought he would walk, as the grade was descending and the colt light.  Passing the bridle rein over his arm, he went but a short distance, when the colt became frightened, made a sudden lunge, and hit him in the face, completely severing the upper lip from the roof of the mouth, breaking it into several pieces, leaving the face one horrible mass of mangled flash and bones.  Doctors Purdy and Wood did all that medical skill could suggest, but their treatment was of no avail.  He lingered along until Saturday evening, when death put an end to his sufferings.  Mr. Powers was about thirty years of age, of immense stature and iron constitution He leaves an aged mother, who resides in the village of Greene.  She has the sympathy of the entire community.

Sherburne News, Sherburne, NY, April 4, 1874

Death

LOOMIS:  On the 24th ult. in this village [Sherburne, Chenango Co. NY], at the residence of E.G. Whitney, of brain fever, Lewis D. [Loomis], son of Dr. D. Loomis of Bay City, Mich, aged 4 years 10 months and 2 days.

Bainbridge Republican, Bainbridge, NY, April 4, 1874

Deaths

SMITH:  In Guilford [Chenango Co. NY], on the 1st inst., Pamelia [Smith] consort of Stillman Smith, aged 41 years.

SWEET:  In Guilford [Chenango Co. NY], on the 1st inst. of congestion of the lungs, Hannah [Sweet] wife of James K. Sweet, aged 61 years.

DEMUNN:  In Brooklyn, on the 29th of March, of Bright's disease of the kidneys, Mr. B.M. DeMunn aged about 36 years.

NEWTON:  In Bainbridge [Chenango Co. NY], on the 29th ult. of congestion of the lungs, Maria L. [Newton] wife of Lawrence Newton, aged 35 years.

Maria L. Smith was born Nov. 25th, 1838.  Since early childhood she has been in delicate health and thereby obtained more attention and affection from the inmates of her home.  In 1865 she was married to Lawrence Newton and has been to him a faithful companion.  She was a loved and a loving member of her home.  Her counsel was sought in matters of interest to the family.  They know her worth - a stranger intermeddieth not with the sacred affairs of the home circle.  Some 18 years since she publicly professed a faith in Jesus Christ the Savior of sinners and her life has been consistent with that profession.  Her voice has often cheered her home with song and has often been heard in the sanctuary of her God.  Less than three weeks before her death she sang at the funeral services of a child, who though young was much loved.  The following hymn was sung:

"A few more prayers, a few more tears - / It won't be long, it won't be long; / A few more months, a few more years / Will hush my song, this earthly song, / And then I shall sleep in the valley."

At the rehearsal she was completely overcome and could not sing.  Yet no one supposed that in less than the shortest time mentioned in the hymn she would be "laid to rest in the valley."  The casket of her soul was deposited in the earth with a well-founded hope that, though it was sown in corruption, it would be raised in incorruption and inhabit a home in the heavens.

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Our community was startled last Friday afternoon by the sudden, although not unexpected announcement of the death of Maria, wife of Lawrence Newton, of this village.  Mrs. Newton was taken sick on Wednesday, the 18th ult., but no danger was at first apprehended by her family.  As she gradually grew worse, Dr. Yale, the family physician was summoned, who pronounced her disease congestion of the lungs.  In spite of all her medical treatment, she rapidly grew worse, and at 4:05 on the afternoon referred to above, she departed this life in the most excruciating agony, with her weeping family and friends at her bedside.  Mrs. Newton was an affectionate and devoted wife, a tender mother, a true and noble Christian woman, and her death falls heavily on her remaining loved ones, as well as upon the community in general.  As a last mark of esteem for the departed, our citizens turned out in vast numbers at her funeral which was attended from the house on Monday of this week, being conducted by Rev. D.N. Grummon, pastor of the Presbyterian Chruch of which she has long been a loved member.  The bereaved family have the sympathies of the community.

A Card:  My heartfelt thanks are due to the large number of sympathizing friends who so kindly and constantly offered their services to sooth the pillow of my beloved and affectionate daughter, while grim disease was wracking her emaciated form so terribly.  That they may, when the Master calls them, be attended by as willing hands and loving hearts is the sincere wish of her bereaved father.  A.B Smith

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Golden Wedding of Aaron Parker & Nancy Minor

Chenango American, Greene, NY, Jan 29, 1874

The 50th anniversary of Rev. and Mrs. A. Parker's marriage on the 22d [January], was an occasion of deepest interest to all who were in attendance.

The delicate condition of Mrs. Parker's health made it necessary to confine the invitations to relatives of the family, and of these, about thirty were present. The family deeply regret the absence of Gideon Minor, only surviving brother of the bride, now seventy-three years of age, and residing in Binghamton.  Of all the guests present, none would have been missed more than this brother; however, while he was detained, he sent a beautiful gift.

The morning of the day appointed came on bright and glorious, and as it had been raining for a day or two previous, this was considered especially encouraging.

The house was appropriately trimmed for the occasion, Mr. Charles D. Parker, of Binghamton, grandson of the happy groom, having come to Greene, the day previous and acted as Superintendent in General of the Decoration Department.  In the front parlor there were beautiful festoons of evergreen, from the chandelier to each of the four corners of the room, each fastened by a wreath and knot, while on the south side wall, were arranged in evergreen work, the dates, 1824 and 1874 - and between them in a half-circle, the name Parker.  In this room, were two prominent points of interest.

On one side, was a small, old-fashioned stand, and on it, a simple white covering, trimmed with old style edging, snuffers and tray - brass candlestick and candle, and a few very old hymn books and a Bible; articles which (with exception of the candle) were the bride's possessions, 50 years ago.

On the opposite side of the room, was a stand of more recent architecture, for the reception of gifts, and among them we noticed a pair of gold framed spectacles, gold lined goblets, gold pan and holder, and a fine, gold headed cane, which was presented by the son, Dea. M.S. Parker, the grandson, Chas. D. Parker and N.H. Short, Esq., of Binghamton, son-in-law of the bridal pair, by his first marriage.  We understand the value of all articles presented to be about $70.00.

In one of the sitting rooms, we noticed on the wall, the two dates, 1824 and 1874, in gold bronze, on a white background, surrounded by a wreath of evergreen, and a bureau and mirror, each more than one hundred years old, trimmed with wreaths.  It is worthy of notice, that the linen spread on the bureau was more than 60 years old, and was spun by the bride, in the far away time.  When to sit at the distaff, with innocent face, and watch the bright spindle, was not a disgrace.

It was deeply regretted by all that Mrs. Parker was not well enough to leave her room, but, during the entire day, was obliged to keep her bed.  Her cheerful face, and pleasant voice, would have added much to the enjoyment.

In the dining room, tasteful decorations on every side met the eye, but, for a season, the greatest interest was manifested in the sumptuous feast, which the son, Dea. M.S. Parker and his estimable lady had spread for the guests.  If, during the day, any one thing failed to receive proper attention, it was not the dinner.

On one end of the table, was a decanter, with the word RUM, in large letters on its side, and over it the date, 1824 and around it stood ready glasses (It was empty).

At the other end of the table, was a large glass pitcher, with the word WATER on its side and over it the date, 1874 on its side, and around it stood ready goblets (It was full).  The groom stated, that at weddings 50 years ago, it was not thought amiss to become a little exhilarated, by strong drink.  Mark the change.  After the bounties had been served, until each guest, felt like exclaiming "It is enough," the company adjourned to the parlor to enjoy reminiscences and historical sketches of the family, and engage in appropriate exercises.

First in order, two old hymns, which were sung at the wedding, 50 years ago - each having something to say about "Aaron's head," or "Aaron's beard," were sung by the entire company, in the tunes that were used then, Northfield and St. Thomas, a sister of the groom, 83 years of age, chiming in with a sweet voice, that could be distinctly heard amid the thirty voices.  The following article, which had been prepared for the occasion, was read by C.D. Parker, and was well received:

There was in Coventry more than 50 years ago, an old log house Mr. John Minor built.  He had a daughter, Nancy, who more than 50 years ago lived at home in the old log house her father built.

It so happened, that about that time, one Aaron Parker, began to call pretty often at the old log house Mr. Minor built.  What attractions drew him there, we do not say, but it came to pass that on the 24th of Jan'y 1824, the said Aaron Parker, and Nancy Minor, were married in the old log house the bride's father built.  And they have lived together to the present today as the bride and groom of 50 years ago.

There are now living one brother and one sister of the bride, and two sisters of the groom, who were present at the wedding, 50 years ago, in the old log house the bride's father built; two of whom are here today.  And there are present, here today six that were guests at the wedding 50 years ago in the old log house.

But the minister, who officiated at the wedding, in the old log house, 50 years ago, with many a loved one, fathers, mothers, brothers and sisters dear, and most of the guests who were there - have gone to their rest, in the Gold City above, to dwell forever in the house their heavenly Father built.

And now may the bridal pair, who were married in the old long house 50 years ago, with all who are here today be permitted at length to walk the golden streets of the new Jerusalem to join with loved ones who have gone before in ascriptions of praise to God and the Lamb forever.

Then, the Rev. Groom, was called upon to read a portion from his autobiography, touching upon his courtship and marriage, which was timely and heartily enjoyed.  Then followed the reading of a letter from a brother-in-law and family, in Minnesota, who could not be present, but who sent kind words and beautiful gifts.  Next came the reading of an obituary, written at the death of Luman Parker, a brother of the groom, who died 40 years ago, in the triumphs of a living faith in Christ.

Rev. J.E. Sage, Pastor of the Baptist church in Greene, having consented to write a poem, for the occasion, next read his production.

During all these exercises, a deep religious feeling - profound, thankfulness to God - and the manifest presence of the Divine Spirit - were prominent.  And when with the singing of Coronation and the Doxology, called for by two of the guests, and with earnest prayer, the anniversary exercises were closed.  It was understood by all, as one of the most delightful occasions, over enjoyed.

J.H. Sage

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