Sherburne News, Sherburne, NY, October 9, 1875
Marriage
REYNOLDS - FRAZER: At the residence of the bride's father, in Oxford [Chenango Co. NY], on the 6th inst. by Rev. Mr. Lewis, Mr. Charles H. Reynolds of Sherburne [Chenango Co. NY] and Miss Mary N. Frazer of the former place.
Death
A collision occurred on the Albany & Susquehanna Railroad at New Scotland [Albany Co. NY], where the Athens branch crosses the A.&S. Road. It seems that two freight trains, one on each road tried to get along there at the same time but found it did not work very well. An engineer on the A.&S. Road, named Coe Wood was instantly killed. He leaves a wife and three children in Oneonta [Otsego Co. NY]. Republican
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Golden Wedding Celebrations
Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Bennett of Earlville, N.Y. [Madison Co.], celebrated the fiftieth anniversary of their marriage September 29th, 1875. The day was beautiful, very like the one on which their marriage occurred. The party was mostly composed of relatives except neighbors Sheffield, Ross and Burnside. Rev. S. H. Hill from Schenevus, N.Y., deserves a great deal of credit for the excellent manner in which the services were conducted. Mrs. Hill is a sister of Mrs. Bennett. The music furnished by the Clayton Silver cornet Band was splendid; never better. The boys played as though golden weddings were infrequent and likely to be more so in the future and that they must make the most of the present, and they did. Hereafter let it be understood that golden weddings are incomplete without a band, and in getting it be sure and get the best - Clayton's. Golden weddings are incomplete also without a band of vocalists, and on this festive occasion we were favored with music by a band of twelve grandchildren and one great-grandchild. This was grand, greatly so. Golden weddings are incomplete without presents, the opinion of the parties to the contrary notwithstanding. On this occasion they were very fine. Such as floral chromos, a gold headed cane, gold charms and buttons, silver castor and card basket, together with the New Testament in two volumes, beautifully bound and in large type. Golden weddings are incomplete without something in the literary line. To meet this demand a brief history of the parties was read, and two original poems prepared for the occasion. Then followed the formal presentation of presents by Dr Avery of Forrest, Chautauqua Co. N.Y. Taking the cane as the first for presentation, he said, "To me it is a solemn and interesting fact that I was honored with the position of groomsman at your marriage which took place fifty years ago today." Briefly alluding to some of the changes that had taken place, since that time, he continued. "This cane is presented by your son as a token of regard and filial affection. It will doubtless remind you of advanced years and the necessity of other support as you pass down life's declivity. That this is not the staff upon which to lean, but a reminder of the one who gave it - who may be in some sense a support in your declining years. It may, also remind you of that rod and staff which are to comfort and support you while passing through the valley of the shadow of death."
Golden weddings would seem to be incomplete without the usual greetings, since the good doctor claimed the courtesy of the former wedding. The bridegroom, not a little flushed, stepped aside and modestly nodded ascent.
We thought of the former kiss, / And they, its sweets remember, / But was it better than this, / In life's cold gray December.
Golden weddings are incomplete without the substantials of life, and these were brought forward in abundance. For want of room the motion to adjourn was not laid on the table, but carried, to meet Sept. 29th, 1900, to celebrate the anniversary of their Diamond Wedding.
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Golden weddings, however rare, are becoming quite common in these days. On the 29th of September last the fiftieth anniversary of the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. David Elmore of Elmira [Chemung Co. NY] occurred. the venerable couple were formerly residents of Sherburne [Chenango co. NY] and, of course, a number of our citizens were interested in the celebration of the golden Wedding, Mr. and Mrs. Asa Foot being present on the occasion. Of those who were present at the nuptial fete fifty years ago were Mrs. Elizabeth Scoville, aged 83 years, Mrs. Julia Newton, aged 74 years, and Mrs. Reliance Carrier, aged 71 years. there were also present four others whose ages were as follows: 79, 77, 75 and 72 respectively. Mr. and Mrs. Elmore's only son, with his wife and three children, was also present. Mr. Elmore was at one time a prosperous farmer in this town, and it may be remarked he was one of the first and most active abolitionists in this County at the time of the early agitation of that question. Mrs. Elmore is a sister of Mrs. Reliance Carrier, both being daughters of Esquire Hatch, well known to most of our older citizens. The father and uncle of Mrs. Elmore were among the first settlers in Sherburne and at its first settlement opened a store on the corner where the residence of Mr. Asa Foot now stands a short distance above the Quarter - indeed under the same roof of that building - and there sold the first goods ever sold in town - it being thought at that time that the village would center there. Rev. Thomas K. Beecher was present and during the evening addressed the assembly, in eloquent and appropriate remarks, speaking particularly and feelingly of Mr. and Mrs. Elmore, and of the Christian example they had set before the young and of the true marks they had made always proving the same in either prosperity or adversity. They had, he said, always led an exemplary life. At the close there was some very beautiful singing by the grandchildren. Many testimonials of valuable and useful presents were left with the aged veterans by their friends who had assembled to cheer and congratulate them, with an abundance of hearty wishes that their future may be cheered with the sunshine of happiness in the declinity of years, and that many years may still be added to their sojourn of usefulness among their numerous friends.
Sherburne News, Sherburne, NY, October 16, 1875
Marriage
TUTTLE - ARMSTRONG: In this town [Sherburne, Chenango Co. NY], on the 11th inst. by Rev. S.W. Weiss, Mr. Francis M. Tuttle ad Miss Susan A. Armstrong, all of Sherburne.
Death
BENEDICT: At Lawrence, Kansas, Oct. 3d, 1875, Curtis H. Benedict eldest son of Smith A. and Jane H. Benedict, aged 19 years and 22 days.
Young and filled with manly pride, / He briefly lived and sobly died; / Resigned his life to favor death, / And scaled his lips to human breath.
Bainbridge Republican, Bainbridge, NY, October 16, 1875
Marriages
DAVIS - LESURE: In Masonville [Delaware Co. NY], Oct. 10th, by Rev. N. Ripley, Mr. Benjamin Davis to Miss Elvia Lesure, both of Afton.
SWEET - LAMPHIER: At the home of the bride in Green Valley, N.Y., Oct. 13th, 1875, by the Rev. N.S. Reynolds, Gaius Sweet of Unadilla [Otsego Co. NY], to Miss Annie Lampier.
BURLINGAME - PRIEST: At the house of the bride's parents, in Masonville [Delaware Co. NY,] Oct. 14th, 1875, by Rev. S. Manderville. Mr. A.G. Burlingame, of Franklinville, Cattaraugus Co., N.Y. to Miss Hattie M. Priest.
KELLEY - LYON: In Bainbridge [Chenango Co. NY], Oct. 11th, 1875, by Rev. T.P. Halsted, Mr. Wm. H. Kelley and Miss Clara Lyon, all of Bainbridge.
Freeman's Journal, Cooperstown, NY, September 30, 1875
Marriages
In Albany [Albany Co. NY], Sept. 21st, 1875, by Rev. B.B. Loomis, pastor Grace M.E. Chruch, Mr. Edmund Delos Persons of Waverly (formerly of Cooperstown) to Miss Jennie A. WITT of Cooperstown, N.Y. [Otsego Co., NY].
At Toddsville [Otsego Co. NY], Sept. 22d, 1875, by Rev. Johnathan Perry, Mr. F.L. Davis, of Edmeston [Otsego Co. NY] to Miss Ella Pitts, of the same place.
Deaths
In Gilbertsville [Otsego Co. NY], Sept. 18th, Thomas Stuart in the 59th year of his age.
In Middlefield [Otsego Co. NY], Sept. 7th, 1875, John Paul [Jones] son of Wm. H. and Jane Jones, aged 6 months.
In East Springfield, Sept. 15th, Catherine Basinger, widow of the late Daniel Basinger, Esq., aged 81 years.
The Mohawk Valley correspondent of the Argus says: "Monday evening, Solomon Countryman, of Jasper, Steuben County [NY]\, aged about seventy years, and father of Judge Countryman, of Cooperstown [Otsego Co. NY], fell dead at Fort Plain, where he was visiting, while about to make a call on an old acquaintance, at whose door yard gate he was at the time. It was doubtless a case of heart disease." Mr. C. was 66 years of age, in apparent good health, and the week before had left here after a short visit with his son Judge Countryman.
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In this village Sept. 23d, of typhoid fever, Sarah M. [Potter] daughter of P.H. and S.E. Potter, aged 20 years.
The rare beauty and goodness of the life of this young Christian could be fully known only in the sacred intimacies of home. there a great vacancy is made. There, where the power of her gentleness, affection and fidelity was most happily exerted, the loveliness of her character and the delight of her presence were worthily appreciated. There will her memory be a treasure growing greater constantly to hearts becoming more sensible of their severe bereavement. But beyond this circle of afflicted relatives many tenderly and sadly think of her and speak her praise, observers of the amiability of her disposition, the sincerity of her religious profession, and the maturity of her Christian character. A general feeling of sympathy and sorrow, because of her sudden and early death, was evinced by the large number who attended the funeral services. In the church and the Sunday School she was just entering a course of wider influence and service for Christ, which it was hoped would be long continued and abundant in previous fruits. The purpose of God as to her early removal was impressed upon her own mind with marked distinctness as her illness progressed. Yet the summons caused her no surprise or agitation. Her views were bright and her words all cheering. Remarkable were her confidence of hope, her calmness and her courage. Her unshaken faith in her Saviour conquered all doubts and fears and kept her soul in perfect peace and thus "He gave His beloved sleep."
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In this village [Cooperstown, Otsego Co. NY], on the 27th inst. Jedediah P. Sill, Esq., in the 68th year of his age. Funeral from Christ's Chruch, 3 o'clock Thursday afternoon.
After an illness of two years, during which he was never for an hour free form severe pain except when under the influence of an anodyne, Mr. Sill expired on Monday evening last. Not until within a few days before this event did his family entirely relinquish hope of his ultimate recovery. while he patiently submitted to treatment and at times felt somewhat encouraged about himself, almost from the commencement of his illness he frequently expressed to the writer his belief that it would prove fatal. He had a strong desire to live, that he might aid in directing the education and settlement of his two young children, and he never lost his interest in whatever related to the welfare and progress of Cooperstown, toward which his past enterprise had so largely contributed.
Mr. Sill was the fifth son of Abel Sill and Hepzibah Peck and grandson of the late Judge Jedediah Peck, a man of note in his day in this county and in the state. He was born in the town of Burlington [Otsego Co. NY], May 28, 1808. His father died in 1824 leaving to the care of his wife, a woman of remarkable strength of character and well-balanced mind, a family of nine children. When 17 years of age, by her consent, Jedediah P. left home to learn the trade of a gunsmith at which he served four years and then engaged in the business on his own account, taking jobs of his former employers. Having worked at the trade about seven years, he then abandoned it, believing that he was pursuing the wrong calling. He then entered the store of his uncle Henry Sill, at Burlington, with a view of getting an insight into the mercantile business, and gave to him nine months' service, after which he moved to Schuyler's Lake and opened a store then with his uncle as a partner, under the firm name of H.& J.P. Sill. This copartnership lasted for about six years, when Mr. S. bought out the interest of his uncle and continued in trade on his own account until 1848, when he sold out. He held the office of Postmaster for 13 years and represented his town with marked fidelity and success for 7 years in the Board of Supervisors. He ran for Delegate to the constitutional Convention of 1846 and was defeated through a split in the Democratic party of this county [Otsego Co. NY].
After closing her mercantile business, Mr. Sill engaged in the produce trade, and continued the same up to August 1854, when he moved to this village and entered into the hop and wool trade under the firm name of Scott, Pier & Sill which firm was dissolved at the expiration of one year, and was succeeded by the firm of Scott & Sill, which was continued about two years and then dissolved by mutual consent. They were succeeded by Scott, Sill & Co. which firm remained in the trade about three years and was then dissolved. After closing the business of the late firm, he occupied most of his time in looking after the affairs of the Bank of Cooperstown and operating in real estate.
During the fifteen years ending with 1874, he purchased about 30 acres of land lying on this corporation, nearly all of which he divided into village lots and sold to actual settlers. He also put up a number of dwellings and loaned to others the means with which to build.
In January 1853, the Bank of Cooperstown was organized, and at the first meeting of the stockholders Mr. Sill was chosen one of the Directors, which position he held during the existence of that institution. In 1859 he was elected Vice President and in 1861, on the death of Col. Prentiss, President of the bank. When under the act of Congress it became expedient to close the affairs of this bank, it was succeeded by the Second National Bank of Cooperstown. This took place in January 1864, and at the first meeting of the stockholders Mr. Sill was elected President and held that position for ten years, till January 1874, when he resigned the office on account of ill health.
Mr. Sill took great interest in the location and construction of the Cooperstown Railroad and no man was more efficient in raising the means for that object. He was a large stock and bondholder, a director from the time of its organization until his death and one of the Railroad Commissioners for this town.
In '72 Mr. Sill, though always a most ardent old school Democrat heartily endorsed the nomination of Horace Greely for President and was that year placed upon the Democratic Republican ticket as Elector for this congressional district.
Mr. Sill was a man of excellent natural abilities and strong common sense. When a young man, as he once informed the writer during his illness, he was brought under deep religious feeling, but did not unite with the church which he then attended on account of one of its strong doctrinal points which he could not accept as binding. For several years past he was a member of the congregation of Christ church of Cooperstown, and one of its Vestrymen at the time of his decease. He was twice married; first to Caroline S. daughter of Noah Wood of Smyrna; second to Lavantia, daughter of the late Noah Wood of Syracuse, and niece of his first wife.
All of our citizens know how much Mr. Sill has been missed in active business circles and village enterprises during the two years of his severe illness, and now that he can no longer be consulted, that he has gone from among us, his loss will be the more deeply felt. He was one of those strong characters whose death creates a recognizing vacancy in a village like this.
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At a meeting of the Directors of the Second National Bank of Cooperstown, held Sept. 28th, the following resolutions were unanimously adopted.
Whereas, it has pleased an Alwise Providence to remove from among us Jedediah P. Sill, an ex-President of this Bank and for many years one of its Board of Directors.
We the survivors and his former associates, desire to place on record our high appreciation of his many sterling qualities, of his capable administration of his duties here, and of his earnest labors for whatever tended to the improvement of our village and county. His high character for probity worth and industry, stands as an example for all, and we mourn the loss of one whose place it will be difficult to fill.
Resolved, That the above resolution be entered on the minutes of the Association and published in the village papers and also that a copy be presented to the family of the deceased.
Freeman's Journal, Cooperstown, NY, October 14, 1875
Marriage
At the Union Church, Schuyler's Lake, Sept. 22d, 1875, by Rev. A. Griffin, assisted by Rev. H. Talbot, John A. Veber of Schuyler's Lake [Otsego Co. NY], and Miss Clara F Rose, daughter of O.G. Rose, Esq. of Otsego, N.Y. [Otsego Co.].
In this village [Cooperstown, Otsego Co. NY], September 21st, 1875, by the Rev. G.K. McHarg, Mr. Herbert W. Hitchcock to Miss Mary L. Williams, both of Otsego [Otsego Co. NY].
Death
In West Burlington [Otsego Co NY], Sept. 27, Mrs. Relief Bailey, wife of Mr. C. Bailey, in the 90th year of her age.
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