Vital Records, Chenango County, NY, July 1873

 Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, July 3, 1873

Marriages

CLOSE - TIFFANY:  At the residence of the bride's father, July 1st, by Rev. E.W. Caswell, Mr. Charles L. Close, of Smith's Lake, Minnesota to Miss Helen M. Tiffany eldest daughter of William R. Tiffany, Esq., of King Settlement [Chenango Co. NY].

KINYON - MINER:  At the residence of the bride's father, June 12th, by Rev. A.C. Smith, Mr. Curtis Kinyon, of North Pitcher [Chenango Co. NY], to Miss Evelinda Miner of South Otselic [Chenango Co. NY].

WHITMORE - LIVERMORE:  At the residence of Mr. Willey, in Willet [Cortland Co. NY], May 31st, by Rev. W. Johnson, Mr. Addison Whitmore, to Miss Fylena Livermore, all of Willet.

Deaths

MOSIER:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], June 25th, Mrs. Harriet M. Mosier, aged 56 years.

HALL:  In North Norwich [Chenango Co. NY], June 24th, at the residence of her sister, Mrs. M.B. Ludington, Louise E. [Hall] wife of Platt V. Hall, of Union Vale, Dutchess Co., N.Y., aged 32 years.

BURDICK:  At the County House in Preston [Chenango Co. NY], June 11th, Mr. George L. Burdick, formerly of Lincklaen [Chenango Co. NY], aged 74 years.

GRANT:  In Pharsalia [Chenango Co. NY], June 30th, Mr. Christopher Grant, aged 44 years.

EMMONS:  In Boston, June 27th, Mr. L. Byron Emmons, formerly of Greene [Chenango Co. NY], aged 35 years.

New Berlin [Chenango Co. NY]:  A son of Volentine Pope was drowned on Friday night last.  It seems that the little boy with his younger brother was in the habit of bathing in the river, and upon this occasion by some means got into deep water.  Although the alarm was given immediately, it was nearly an hour before the body could be found.  His age was nearly 12 years.  Gazette

CRANDALL:  In Pharsalia [Chenango Co. NY], June 22d, Mrs. Abigail Crandall, aged 72 years.

Mrs. C., with her husband, who still survives her, came from Truxton, Cortland Co. [NY], to Pharsalia, about fifty-three years ago, where they have resided ever since, with the exception of three years. They shared the privations and hardships of the first settlers in clearing and cultivating the land which was at that time almost a vast forest.  Mrs. Crandall having been an invalid for many years, seldom left home, but was striving to make pleasant and attractive the place where she always expressed pleasure in receiving her family and friends.  Her suffering, which at the last was extreme, she bore with patience, calmly waiting for the messenger which should summon her home, and often expressing a desire to depart and be at rest.  The love and respect of those who had so long known her as neighbor and friend could have been in no better way manifested than by the large attendance at her funeral. she leaves a family of ten children, all grown to man and womanhood, the youngest being Mrs. Alex. Totman, of this village.  Her loss will be deeply felt, but to her death is gain.

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HILLIARD:  Drowned, in Utica [Oneida Co. NY], June 25th, Mr. Edward P. Hilliard, of McDonough [Chenango Co. NY], aged 25 years.

A sad case of drowning occurred near the guard lock in West Utica, on Wednesday of last week, about five o'clock P.M.  The victim was Edward P. Hilliard, captain of the coal boat "Norwich," in the employ of the D.L.&W. Railroad Company, in charge of the shifting of coal.

While the boat was in the guard lock of the Erie canal, Hilliard saw Georgie Rabenstein, a little boy of his acquaintance on the dock.  He asked the boy to get on board and ride to his father's house, as the boat was to be tied up on the Chenango canal near his house. The boy got on board.  His little dog got into the water.  Hilliard told the boy to pull the dog onto the boat, but he replied that the dog could swim.  Hilliard took hold of a piece of board, leaned over the side of the boat, and failed to reach the dog. The board broke, and Hilliard sunk like lead.

No one but the boy saw the accident in time to give assistance.  Hilliard has had the ague for some time and was quite weak.  It is supposed that he was taken with cramps.  The body was recovered within an hour by the aid of grappling irons and taken to the residence of a cousin of the deceased, who resides in Utica.  Coroner Taylor, after hearing the statements of witnesses, decided that no inquest was necessary.

Deceased was twenty-five years of age, unmarried, and a native of McDonough, in this County, where his father, Alonzo Hilliard, now resides. The body reached this village on Thursday evening, and remained at the residence of his brother-in-law, David Griffing, Jr.., until Friday morning, when it was taken to McDonough for interment.

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From the Binghamton Daily Times of Saturday, we gather the following particulars of the sad fate of Reynolds T. Reed, in former years an exemplary citizen of this County [Chenango Co. NY].

"Mr. Reed was born in Coventry, Chenango County, about fifty years ago, and was one of the most intelligent students in Oxford Academy.  In his early days and after his marriage with Amelia Beardsley, he was an active member of the Presbyterian Church, and a teacher in the Sabbath School.  As years rolled on bad habits grew upon him, and he separated with his wife, and has since lived at Afton and Nineveh, but for several years he has lived in Binghamton.  He was a builder by occupation.  His career in this city has not been high toned.  On Thursday night he entered a house of ill-repute and about eleven o'clock, Mr. Milton H. Gibbs and others were informed that Mr. Reed was dead and lying on the lounge in this house.

"Mrs. Hoyt, who kept the house, claimed he came in there and complained of being sick, and that she gave him a dose of salts, and then he frothed at the mouth and instantly expired. The body was taken to the house of Mr. Boardman, and it was visited Coroner Worthing and others about six o'clock.

"Dr. Richards and Chittenden held a postmortem examination. The stomach was found to be ulcerated.  There were other inflammatory appearances.  His death was undoubtedly caused by an unrestricted indulgence in poisonous alcoholic drinks."

The Times of Monday states that Mr. Reed was a native of Unadilla, instead of Coventry.  A subscriber furnishes the following sketch of his early history:

"R.T. Reed, better known by his middle name, 'Theron,' was the youngest son of Phinehas Reed, who more than 60 years ago, settled in the town of Unadilla, on what is known as the "Stone House Farm," now owned by Thomas C. Moore, near "Shavers Corners," where Theron was born.  While attending school, from over study and ill health, he became insane, and it is at least charitable to ascribe his subsequent delinquencies to a recurrence of that malady."

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STOVER:  Killed by the falling of a tree, in Smyrna [Chenango Co. NY], June 27th, Richard Elwood Stover, Esq., aged 50 years.

The people of Smyrna and vicinity were startled on Friday morning last, by the announcement that Richard Elwood Stover, a respected citizen of that town, had met with a violent death.  He, in company with Laselle Morgan, was engaged in felling trees on his wood lot, about one mile from the village.  One tree had been cut, which in its fall lodged upon another; this also was cut, when the two struck a dead tree in their descent, breaking it into fragments, a knot from which struck Mr. Stover upon the head, causing injuries which he survived by a few moments after help had reached the spot, summoned by the cries of Mr. Morgan for assistance.  he was not conscious after the accident.

The deceased occupied a prominent position in his town, being a member of the Methodist church, one of the town Railroad Commissioners, and had held the office of Justice of the Peace.  He was a public-spirited man, and much respected by the community at large.  His age was about fifty years, and he leaves two orphan boys, aged about six and ten years his wife dying some three years since.   He had an insurance of $3,000 on his life, in the Connecticut mutual.

His funeral was very largely attended on Saturday afternoon, at his late residence, his pastor, Rev. A.F. Brown, officiating.

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A laborer named O. Stanislaus was killed on the Midland Railroad, just north of the D.L.&W. junction in Utica [Oneida Co. NY], on Friday morning last.  As the work train crossed the little bridge over the Nail Factory creek, a stick of wood fell from the box behind the tender, striking before the wheels of the caboose and throwing it from the track. This was seen by a man on a hand car at the side of the track.  The hands in the caboose tried to notify the engineer of the accident but were unable to do so.  One man, a laborer, started it is supposed to climb upon the engine, and as he got to the forward door of the caboose the forward truck was thrown across the track, raising the end of the caboose into the air, and throwing the man at the door, O. Stanislaus, between the caboose and engine, where he was caught in such a way as to nearly sever his head from his body.  Although his neck was broken and his windpipe incised, he lived nearly an hour in an unconscious condition.  Deceased was a native of Poland, and a single man. The coroner's jury censured the Midland Company for not providing a bell rope for the caboose.

Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, July 3, 1873

Death

In Colesville [Broome Co. NY], June 25th, Mrs. Jane [McCullor], wife of Harvey McCullor, aged 72 years, 1 month and 15 days.

Sherburne News, Sherburne, NY, July 5, 1873

Marriage

CRANDALL - HYATT:  In Smyrna [Chenango Co. NY], July 3d, by Rev. A.F. Brown, Mr. Edson L. Crandall and Miss Urena M. Hyatt, both of Sherburne [Chenango Co. NY].

Deaths

COOK:  In this town [Sherburne, Chenango Co. NY], on the 2d inst., Miss Jennie Cook, daughter of Alonzo Cook, aged 17 years.

HOLLIS:  In this town [Sherburne, Chenango Co. NY], on the 2d inst., Mr. William Hollis.

BYRAM:  In this village [Sherburne, Chenango Co. NY], on the 2d inst., Henry Byram, aged 16 years.

DEMARSE:  In this village [Sherburne, Chenango Co. NY], on the 3d inst., Ida DeMarse, daughter of Mr. Francis Demarse, aged 17 years.

MILLER:  In Smyrna [Chenango Co. NY], June 30th, suddenly at the residence of Heman Calkins, Mr. John O. Miller of Columbus [Chenango Co. NY], aged 77 years.

Bainbridge Republican, Bainbridge, NY, July 5, 1873

Marriages

In Bainbridge [Chenango Co. NY], at the Atwater House, on the 24th ult. by Rev. S.S. Lewis, Mr. George Ellis of Oneonta [Otsego Co. NY] to Miss Alice Gustin of East Worcester [Otsego Co. NY].

In Afton [Chenango Co. NY], June 24th, at the residence of the bride's mother, by Rev. George D. Horton, Mr. Alanson B. Minor, of Coventryville [Chenango Co. NY] to Miss Delia L. Abbott, of Afton.

Death

In Bainbridge [Chenango Co. NY], on the 1st inst., Blin S. Sill, aged 65 years.

We are pained to announce the death of this aged and respected citizen of Bainbridge, which occurred at his residence in this village on the afternoon of Tuesday, the 1st inst., at the age of sixty-five years.  He had been confined to his house about four months, suffering from a stricture in the lower bowels, which originated in 1851, from a disease contracted on the Isthmus of Panama.  He was one of our oldest residents and has held several offices of honor and distinction.  He was appointed Postmaster in 1869, which office he held at the time of his death.  He was also an active member of St. Peter's Church in this village, and his death, although expected for a long time, has cast a gloom over the entire community. The funeral took place from the Episcopal Church at five o'clock on Thursday afternoon and was attended by a vast concourse of true mourners.

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

 Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, June 26, 1873

Marriages

CADY - BEDFORD:  At the residence of the bride's parents, in North Adams, Mass., June 17th, by Rev. E.H. Canfield, D.D., Rector of St. John's Church, Mr. Edwin Bradford Cady to Miss Josephine Mary Bedford only daughter of David Bedford, Esq., formerly of this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], all of North Adams.

TILLETT - BREWSTER:  In Sidney Plains [Delaware Co. NY], June 16th, by Rev. J.C. Shelland, Mr. Benjamin J. Tillett to Miss Elizabeth Brewster, both of Norwich [Chenango Co. NY].

PEET - TIMEWELL:  In the M.E. Church at Mt. Upton [Chenango Co. NY], June 11th, by Rev. S.W. Weiss, Mr. David S. Poet, of Laurens [Otsego Co. NY] to Miss Jennie S. Timewell, of Mt. Upton.

TARBELL - DORR:  In Sidney Plains [Delaware Co. NY], by Rev. J.C. Shelland, Mr. William Tarbell to Miss Mary Dorr, both of Guilford [Chenango Co. NY].

KIMBALL - SPICER:  In North Brookfield [Madison Co. NY], June 14th, by S.A. Fitch, Esq., Mr. William W. Kimball, of South Hamilton [Madison Co. NY], to Miss Mattie J. Spicer, of Sherburne [Chenango Co. NY].

SIMONTON - GIBSON:  In Clinton [Dutchess Co. NY], June -?-, by Rev. T.R. Hudson, Mr. -?- Simonton of New Berlin [Chenango Co. NY] to Miss Maggie Gibson.

TOBIN - BACON:  In Earlville [Madison Co. NY], June 15th, by Rev. H.S. Williams, Mr. Richard Tobin to Mrs. J.A. Bacon, both of Earlville.

PROCTOR - HOLMES:  In South Hamilton [Madison Co. NY], June 15th, by Rev. J.H. McGahan, Mr. William Proctoru to Miss Grace Holmes, both of Earlville [Madison Co. NY].

DOUD - PUFFER:  In North Fenton [Broome Co. NY], June 11th, by Rev. T. Burgess, Mr. Theron A. Doud, of Colesville [Broome Co. NY] to Miss Nettie Puffer, of North Fenton, daughter of the late Rev. Enos Puffer.

GLEASON -BEMIS:  In Esmen, Illinois, June 18th, by Rev. J.A. Allen, Dr. DeWitt A. Gleason, of Henderson, N.Y. [Jefferson Co.], to Miss Hattie L. [Bemis], daughter of A.N. Bemis, formerly of Oxford [Chenango Co. NY].

Deaths

PETERS:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], June 18th, Mr. Ira Peters, aged 52 years.

MATHEWSON:  In New Berlin [Chenango Co. NY], near Mathewson's Pond, june 18th of consumption, Mr. Volnoy Mathewson, aged 36 years, son of Noah Mathewson.

WINN:  In Smyrna [Chenango Co. NY], June 18th, Mr. Joseph Winn, aged 78 years.

RICKARD:  In Smyrna [Chenango Co. NY], June 16th, Mr. Conradt Rickard, aged 72 years.

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GATES:  Suddenly, in Sherburne, June 22d, Mr. Simon Gates, aged 77 years.

Mr. Simon Gates, an aged and respected citizen, died suddenly at the residence of his son-in-law, James Sisson, one and a half miles south of the village of Earlville [Madison Co. NY], on Sunday morning last, about nine o'clock.  While walking about the grounds adjoining the house, he suddenly fell to the ground, and died almost instantly, probably from heart disease. Deceased was for many years a resident of Wood's Corners, in this town [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], where he followed his trade as a blacksmith.  He was a brother of Aaron B. Gates, Esq., of this town, and his remains were interred in the family burial ground of that gentleman, on his farm south of this village.  His age was 77 years.

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FLAKE:  Killed by the cars, in this place [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], June 23d, Mr. Frederick Flake, of Oneida [Madison Co. NY], aged about 30 years.

We are called upon to record another shocking railroad casualty, which occurred on the Midland, a few rods south of the river bridge, in the southeast part of this village, on Monday afternoon last, resulting in the death of Frederick Flake of Oneida, a brakeman on a coal train.

The accident occurred a few minutes before four o'clock, and soon after Coroner Hand summoned a jury, and held an inquest in the roundhouse, where the mangled remains were carried.  The body was cut completely in two, just above the hips; the legs were broken in many places; the head considerably bruised, and the scalp torn completely off.

From the evidence of the conductor, engineer fireman and brakemen on the train, we condense the following:  It was a coal train (No. 10) coming from Sidney, consisting of the engine Labasom, No. 64, and twenty-five loaded gondolas.  The name of the deceased was Frederic Flake, his residence Oneida, his age near thirty years, and he leaves a wife and two children.  He had been employed as brakeman upon the train about four weeks and was temperate in his habits.  A few minutes before four o'clock in the afternoon, when approaching the crossing just south of the river bridge, the deceased, who was upon the forward car, discovered that the coupling between the first car and the tender was broken; and after signaling the other brakemen to stop the train he stepped from the car to the tender, and told the fireman (Henry Thompson, of this place) that he wanted a link, as the train had broken in two.  At this time the cars were still close to the tender. The engineer had signaled "down brakes," which order was obeyed, causing a gap of six or eight feet between the tender and the cars, which were, however, still in motion.  Flake took the link in his hand, and without looking towards the train, stepped backwards off from the narrow projection upon which he had been standing, probably thinking that the cars were still in the same position as when he had left them a moment before.  Missing his foothold, he fell before the wheels of the moving train, and was crushed and rolled along by the entire twenty-five heavily loaded cars.

It appeared in the evidence that the deceased had received no orders to couple the train while in motion, and that he acted entirely upon his own responsibility.  The conductor stated that he never had given such an order, nor do the rules of the Company require the employees to run such risks, as it is deemed very hazardous.

The verdict of the jury is in accordance with the above facts and exonerates the Midland Company and its employees from any blame in the matter, as it was shown that every exertion was made to stop the train and prevent the loss of life.  The remains were taken to Oneida on Tuesday morning.

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GUERNSEY:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], June 24th, Col. William G. Guernsey, aged 61 years.

After several weeks of wasting illness, Col. William G. Guernsey expired at his residence in the village on Tuesday morning last, at the age of sixty-four years.

Deceased was a son of the late Peter B. Guernsey, one of the early settlers of this village, and who was widely known as a gentleman of wealth, occupying a prominent and influential position in the community.  William G., in his early years, read law with his father, but we believe was never admitted to practice.  He was a great reader, and his mind was stored with much useful information.  Many years ago, he held the position of Colonel of the old 103d Regiment of State Militia.  Peculiar in his views, eccentric in his habits, and by no means a careful businessman, yet he was honorable in his dealings with all.

He inherited a large property from his father, and with its rise in value, and what he himself had accumulated, he died a man of wealth, owning valuable real estate in this village, including the mill privileges on Canasawacta Creek; a tract of some two hundred acres of valuable wood land on the hill east of the village; two or three farms in Greene, comprising several hundred acres; and wood lands with a lumber mill at the Reservoir in Plymouth.  Having never married, and dying without a will, his property will fall to his sister Lavinia, the Thompson heirs, children of a deceased sister, and William B. Guernsey, son of Peter B. Guernsey, jr. Deceased.

His funeral will take place this Thursday afternoon at four o'clock, from the residence of Miss lavinia Guernsey.

Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, Juen 26, 1873

Death

BURDICT:  At the Poor House in Preston [Chenango Co. NY], June 11, George l. Burdict, formerly of Lincklaen [Chenango Co. NY], aged 74 years.

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Hamilton College Necrology:  At the late Commencement, Professor Edward North read the list of graduates of Hamilton [Madison Co. NY] who died during the last year.  Among them were Rev. Charles Jerome, formerly a pastor in Oxford [Chenango Co. NY] and Rev. William W. Collins, a native of Smyrna [Chenango Co. NY].  The following is the record of the last named.

"William Wellington Collins, son of Joseph Collins, was born in Smyrna, Chenango County, January 6, 1815.  Early in life his disclosed a wonderful passion and talent for music.  At the age of thirteen he could play skillfully on the violincello, organ, and other instruments.  While preparing for college at Cazenovia, he supported himself by playing the organ of the Presbyterian Church.  During his three years in college, he was organist of the Stone Church in Clinton.  At the same time, through his influence, example, and teaching, the musical culture of the college choir was raised to a high standard of excellence.  In 1839 Mr. Collins entered the Auburn Theological Seminary and finished his course of three years.  he was ordained to the work of the ministry in 1848.  In the spring of 1848, he was married to Sarah Lacey, who survives her husband with three daughters. Seventeen years of his ministry was spent in the counties of Onondaga, Wayne, Yates and Broome.  In 1866 he removed to Michigan laboring first in Quincy, next in Tekonsha, and finally at Parma, where he died of typhoid fever, November 21, 1872.  His funeral sermon was preached by Rev. A.M. Shaw, '56, now settled at Tekonsha, Michigan.  Mr. Collins was an earnest worker in the vineyard of his master. Wherever he preached, large numbers were gathered into the churches.  He never outlived his passionate fondness for music."

It may be added that all of the brothers of Mr. Collins were equally fond of music, and all have been teachers.  In this, as in other good ways, they followed the example of a worthy and pious father, with whom some of them now sing the everlasting song.

Sherburne News, Sherburne, NY, June 28, 1873

Marriage

MATTESON - MARKHAM:  On the 25th inst. in St. Paul's Church, at Paris, Oneida Co. [NY], by Rev. J.B. Wicks, Mr. Charles D. Matteson of Utica [Oneida Co. NY] and Miss Julia Markham of Paris.

Deaths

LYNDE:  In Grand Rapids, Mich., June 26, 1873, Dr. John Lynde, aged 81 years.

We learn that Mr. Ellwood Stover, one of the most respectable citizens of Smyrna [Chenango Co. NY], met his death while in the woods, on Friday morning.  It seems that he was engaged with an ax in felling timber, when a limb fell from a tree and struck him on the head.  He called for help for about an hour before any person came, and then it was too late.

Byron Simmons, a young man aged about twenty years, son of Hosea Simmons, accidentally shot himself with a rifle, in Columbus [Chenango Co. NY], on Wednesday evening.  He was in the employ of Mr. John Pardee, a farmer who resides in what has formerly been known as the Low place.  He was alone at the time, having just returned from a hunting trip, and it is supposed that he was in the act of withdrawing the charge when the accident occurred. The ball entered at the right temple. He lived about thirty minutes after being discovered but was speechless and apparently unconscious.

Bainbridge Republican, Bainbridge, NY, June 28, 1873

Deaths

In Unadilla [Otsego Co. NY], on the 23d inst., Mr. Howard.

In Bainbridge [Chenango Co. NY], on the 23d inst., an infant child of Albert Wilcox.

In Afton [Chenango Co. NY], on the 23d inst. of consumption, Wilbert Williams, aged 28 years.

News Item

An old lady name Pattie Daly of Tioga Co., Pa., formerly of Oxford, in this county [Chenango Co. NY], has been visiting friends and acquaintances in this vicinity.  She is in her 90th year and retains her faculties to a remarkable degree.  She can distinctly remember when the site of the present village of Bainbridge a briar was only patch and contained only two houses.  She taught the first school in the town of Sidney.  She took her departure on the noon train, going west, last Tuesday.

Vital Records, Norwich, NY, June 1873 (continued)

 Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, June 19, 1873

Marriages

CHURCH - BARNES:  At the residence of the bride's mother, in this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], June 17th by Rev. S. Scoville, John W. Church, Esq., to Miss Mila J. Barnes, daughter of the late Samuel H. Barnes, all of Norwich.

One of those happy events, in which the pleasure of extending congratulations is not claimed exclusively by immediate friends, took place on Tuesday evening at the residence of Mrs. Samuel H. Barnes on East Main Street, and is more particularly referred to in another part of this paper. The gentleman who has thus entered into a life relationship has already begun a successful professional career, and his numerous friends and acquaintances wish him and his young bride an overflow of prosperity and happiness.  [Chenango Telegraph, June 19, 1873]

WESSELS - GUERNSEY:  At the Baptist Church in Brisbin [Chenango Co. NY], May 27th, by Rev. J.H. Sage, Mr. Nelson E. Wessels to Miss Rachael L. Guernsey, both of Brisbin.

PALMER - HALL:  In Morris [Otsego Co. NY], June 3d, by Rev. L.B. Ford, Mr. A.F. Palmer of Beaver Meadow [Chenango Co. NY] to Miss Nettie Hall, of the former place.

JONES - KELLER:  At the residence of the bride's father, June 5th, by Rev. A.C. Smith, Mr. F. Jones, of Smyrna [Chenango Co. NY] to Miss Kittie Keller, of Plymouth [Chenango Co. NY].

MATHEWSON - CHURCH:  At the residence of the bride's parents, June 10th, by Rev. A.S. Smith, Mr. Andrew Mathewson to Miss Adeline Church, both of South Otselic [Chenango Co. NY].

Deaths

GUILE:  In King Settlement [Chenango Co. NY], June 15th, Colonel Fremont, son of Enos Guile, aged 14 years.

SMITH:  In Oxford [Chenango Co. NY], June 14th, Capt. Nehemiah Smith, aged 72 years.

ROBINSON:  At the residence of George Stratton, in South Oxford [Chenango Co. NY], June 8th, Mrs. Ann Robinson, widow of the late Jabez Robinson, aged 75 years.

DOWD:  In Greene [Chenango Co. NY], June 3d, Mr. Timothy Dowd, aged 70 years.

HILL:  In Mechanicsville [Saratoga Co. NY], May 8th, Addie [Hill] wife of Alvin Hill, formerly of this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], aged 24 years.  Her remains were taken to Constantia [Oswego Co. NY] for interment.

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The wife of Hon. Demas Hubbard, of Smyrna [Chenango Co. NY], died suddenly at the Messenger House, Oneida Lake [Oneida Co. NY], early on Wednesday morning of last week.  She had accompanied Mr. Hubbard and a few friends to Oneida Lake on Tuesday morning, on a short fishing excursion.  In the evening, Mrs. Hubbard, who for years had been an invalid, feeling as well as usual, retired for the night.  About twelve o'clock the husband was awakened by the groans and distress of his wife, and immediately arose and proceeded to administer such remedies as were at hand for her relief.  Members of the family, with others in the house, were called, but before they barely had time to reach to room, Mrs. Hubbard was dead.  The deceased, for years, had been subject to bilious attacks, and, at first, she seemed to regard this, from the symptoms, as an attack of that kind.  On Wednesday evening her remains were returned to Smran, where a postmortem examination was subsequently made by Dr. Van Keuren, of Sherburne, which revealed organic disease of the heart.  Mrs. Hubbard is spoken of as  a lady of excellent qualities of head and heart, and, although suffering much from bodily ills for many years, was always cheerful and full of hope.  Her age was about 56, being younger than her husband by some 10 years. The funeral was attended on Friday morning at 10 o'clock.

The sudden death of Mrs. Caroline Hubbard, wife of Hon. Demas Hubbard, of Smyrna, took place at Messenger's Hotel, near Oneida Lake, on Wednesday morning, the 11th inst.  the sad event could not have happened at any time in several years when it was less expected, as she went with her husband to Oneida Lake the previous day in apparently better than usual health, and it was noted that she was remarkably cheerful and anticipated much pleasure during her stay at the Lake.  About 1 o'clock on Wednesday morning she complained of a slight chill and some sickness, but no alarm was felt as such attacks had been frequent.  More clothing and some mild remedies were resorted to, but a few hours later her symptoms were more serious, and Mr. Hubbard again arose and was making preparations for her relief when he noticed that she made no response to a remark and almost instantly discovered that she was to all appearance dying.  Assistance was called and a physician sent for, but a few gasps and her spirit had separated.  An examination satisfied the physicians that she died of congestion.

Caroline Franklin was married to Mr. Hubbard on the 4th of September 1831, in Otselic, and was the mother of one son, a promising young man who died just twenty years and one day before her, in his 20th year.  In the community where she has lived for more than forty years, she was universally beloved.  To every appeal made to her to aid the sick and suffering, she responded cheerfully and liberally, and by such will be missed and mourned.  In her own household the loss is irreparable, and the afflicted husband and friends will have the liveliest sympathy of their large circle of acquaintances. [Chenango Telegraph, June 19, 1873]

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A man named Charles Davis employed in a Steam Sawmill at Sidney Plains [Delaware Co. NY], met a shocking death on Saturday morning last.  While at work in the mill, by some means his foot got caught in the belting and was carried around the shaft.  The leg was instantly broken between the ankle and knee and was drawn in up to the body.  By bracing with both hands, Davis succeeded in keeping his whole body from being drawn in, but the flesh was entirely torn from his leg, the ligaments being drawn from the body. After being taken from his awful situation, he lingered about ten hours, when death put an end to his sufferings.  Davis was about thirty years of age, and leaves a wife, but no children.  Some years ago, he met with a bad accident, fracturing his skull, and his life was only saved by the operation of trephining.  Subsequently he met with another accident, by which he lost an eye and sustained another fracture of the skull.  He recovered from all these, only to meet his death in the horrible manner related above.  

Chenango American, Greene, NY, June 20, 1873

Marriages

At the Congregational Parsonage in this village [Greene, Chenango Co. NY], June 4th, by Rev. Geo. Porter, Mr. Ransom Sage to Miss Helen Griswold, both of Coventry [Chenango Co. NY].

Chenango Forks [Broome Co. NY]:  A wedding occurred in town on Wednesday evening, at the residence of Mr. T.R. Lankey, whose daughter Josephine [Lakey] was then and there married to Mr. Clark P. Whitbeck.  The ceremony was performed by Rev. I.M. Ely, and none but the relatives of the families were present.  [The writer] was the recipient of a quantity of cake "and sich," for which he tenders his thanks and wishes the young couple, now made one, all the joy imaginable.  

Deaths

In Smithville [Chenango Co. NY], June 13th, after a long lingering and patient illness, Miss Sylvia A. Hotchkiss, aged 42 years and 11 months.  She has gone to her grave in peace; / She sleeps with the pious dead.

In East Guilford [Chenango Co. NY], May 17th, Mr. Charles M. Bell, aged 52 years.

Sherburne News, Sherburne, NY, June 21, 1873

Marriages

FOOTE - WILSON:  In New York, at the residence of the bride, 325 W. 12th St., on June 12th, 1873, by Rev. Thomas L. Hastings, D.D., Rev. Lewis Ray Foote and Mrs. H.A Wilson.

COMSTOCK - BENTLEY:  At the residence of Mr. Milton Bentley, in this town [Sherburne, Chenango co. NY], June 19, by Rev. Samuel Miller, C.S. Comstock of Western [Oneida Co. NY] and Rachel F. Bentley of Sherburne.

HOYT - FOOTE:  In this village [Sherburne, Chenango Co. NY], on Wednesday evening, June 18, in Christ Church, by the Rev. J.L. Burrows, Mr. Henry V.D. Hoyt, of Goshen, N.Y. [Orange Co.], and Miss Olivia K. Foote, of this place.

The most brilliant of marital ceremonies that has occurred in this village for many years took place at Christ Church on Wednesday evening last, when Miss Olivia K. Foote of this village was united in Wedlock with Mr. Henry V.D. Hoyt of Goshen.  The ceremony was performed at 8 o'clock.  In anticipation of the event the ladies of the Episcopal Society had tastefully decorated the church with flowers and evergreens, erecting three arches, one at the head of either aisle, and one at the entrance to the altar.  Splendid bouquets were placed upon the desk and pulpit and on different places in the chancel, producing a most lovely effect as the soft light was turned on.  At an early hour the church was filled with the happy and anxious faces of those who assemble to witness the ceremony.  At a quarter to eight the organ pealed forth, "Sweet Summer Night," and under the magic touch of Mrs. Chas. E. Davison, who plays with exquisite taste, added greatly to the enchantment of the scene.  At its close a rustling in the vestibule announced the approach of the bridal party. As the clock indicated the hour of eight the "Wedding March" was struck on the organ, and the bridal party was ushered in by Messrs. Chas. H. Sanford and Adelbert Harrington.  First came Misses Nellie Foote and Clara Easton, escorted by Mr. D. Hoyt, a brother of the bridegroom, and Mr. J. Foote, a brother of the bride, as bridesmaids and groomsmen.  Next came the bridegroom accompanied by the mother of the bride, and lastly came the bride led by her father.  They entered at the north aisle and proceeded to the altar, where, taking their places, the impressive ceremony of the Episcopal Chruch was performed by the Rev. J.L. Burrows.  When the service was completed, they retired through the south aisle and took carriages to the residence of the bride's father, where an elegant repast was prepared for the invited guests. Here a rich display of bridal gifts met the gaze of the happy bride.  Among them were an elegant gold watch, silver tea sets, ice pitcher, cake baskets, card receivers, silver knives, silver table and teaspoons, pie knives, berry spoons, a large double call bell, bouquet holders, knife rests silver ladles, beautiful toilet sets, jewelry, etc., etc.

Of course, the congratulations and festivities were kept up to a late hour.  During the evening the Sherburne Cornet Band appeared on the grounds of Mr. Foote and treated the party to a serenade.  It is unnecessary to say they were cordially welcomed and partook of an elegant collation.  On Thursday morning Mr. Hoyt and bride took their departure for Niagara Falls, where they will tarry a short time, thence visit New York, and then repair to Goshen, which will be their future home.  The best wishes of a large circle of friends attend them.

David Maydole - How One Man Succeeded (Norwich, NY, 1873)

 Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, June 19, 1873

David Maydole - How One Man Succeeded

(From the Christian Union, June 11)

Norwich, N.Y. [Chenango Co. NY], is a small inland town, two hundred and fifty miles from the seaboard, and until within the last four years [in 1873] with no railroad facilities nearer than thirty miles, and yet it has one of the largest hammer factories in the world - a factory which turns out, on an average, sixty dozen steel hammers daily, largely supplying the market in our own land and filling orders to South America, Japan, China, Australia, in short, to all parts of the earth.

How this success has been achieved and this branch of business builded up without advertising or even employing an agent, under the disadvantages of this, recently, remote interior town, is a matter we conceive well worthy the attention of all who are interested in the welfare of the working men of our country.

We will let the originator and head of the establishment, David Maydole, tell his own story; perhaps it will give us the secret.

"People have said to me a great many times, 'How lucky you have been, Mr. Maydole.'  I tell them there has been no luck about it.  God has greatly prospered me, but I owe nothing to chance.  I never bet nor gambled, nor speculated in my life, nor had a dollar that I did not give fair returns for.  My father died when I was a child, my mother was poor and in a new country; and I had to shift for myself pretty early.  When I was fourteen years old, I left my home in Cortland County and walked twenty miles to Oxford, through the snow in February, with all I had in the world done up in a pocket handkerchief and entered a blacksmith shop as an apprentice.  I worked faithfully six years for my victuals and clothes, and when I got through I had only my freedom suit, and a poor one at that, but I didn't owe a man a dollar.  I had no lost time to make up, and I was master of my trade.  I knew it in all its branches, not only in common blacksmithing, but in mill-wrighting and in making and mending tools.

"After I had served my time, I went to manufacturing edged tools, and learned to work steel to advantage.  After six years of this work, I came to Norwich and opened a shop.  Occasionally I made a hammer for a carpenter.  while the Baptist church was being builded, a squad of six men came down from Oneida to work on it.  One of them lost his hammer and came to get me to make him one.  I did so, and the next day the other five came and everyone wanted a hammer.  Then the Boss came and wanted two.  He asked me to make them a little better than those for his men.  I told him I couldn't make them any better but would do as well as I could.  He took them up to the hardware store and asked them why they didn't sell such hammers as those?  They said they were not to be had in the market.  'Why then, don't you get your man Maydole here to make you some?'  They came to me for a couple of dozen and took them to New York, to a hardware merchant in Nassau Street.  He liked them, only was afraid the price was so high that they wouldn't sell, but finally sent back an order for twenty dozen more.  That about swamped me at the time, but I got a man to help me, opened another fire and soon filled it.  When another order came in, as they did fast after that, I built extra forges, invented a block for shaping the hammers on, machinery for grinding, polishing, turning the handles, making the wedges, etc. but have never been able in twenty-five years to catch up with my orders but once."

The above is, in substance, Mr. Maydole's story.  I believe that everyone who reads it will agree that the secret of his success if a very open one.

In the first place, he thoroughly mastered his trade.  "Several of the apprentices in the shop with me, after working a year or two, quit and went to work for wages.  They used to say that I was a fool to serve out my whole time, but I was bound to become perfectly acquainted with my business and held on.  Every one of those men are working for wages to this day, they never succeeded because they but half learned their trade."

His early work was with steel, and he set himself to learn all he could about it.  The knowledge he gained at that time by experimenting and study has been invaluable to him ever since.  He relates many amusing experiences of detecting and defeating frauds attempted on him, especially while in the edge tool business.

"It is amazing what tricks even so-called good men will play with warranted tools, and what lies they will tell to make you take them back.  One day a man whom I had never seen before brought me an ax badly broken.  He was chopping firewood, he said, good clean stuff, when the ax gave out, and he wanted another, according to the warrant.

"Now," said I, "my friend, you have told me your story and I know by the place and shape of the break that you haven't told the truth."  And then I explained the only possible way he ever broke the axe in that manner.  It was not a fair use of the tool, and I refused to take it back.

"When I was gone, he said to my foreman who was standing by 'That is exactly it, but how in the world did he know it?' "

"He has had so many scoundrels like you to deal with, that he has learned your tricks" was the answer."

This perfect acquaintance with all the details of his business enables him at once to discover a failure on the part of his men, and if need be, instruct them, and goes far to secure that respect which they all entertain for him.

He has always closely attended to his business.

"During the last of my apprenticeship and for years after, there were three places in one of which you could always find me in the week: in my shop, at table, or in bed.  For weeks together I have stood at the anvil fifteen hours out of the twenty-four.  Soon after I started business for myself, I took a partner.  We had learned our trade together and I knew him well.  He was a good workman and very fast.  People always said he would succeed; he could get through so much work in a day. They said I was too particular to get along well.  We worked together about eighteen months.  He had no bad habits but was out of the shop a great deal.  His apron lay too much on the anvil.  At last, I told him, that either he must stay in the shop more or I should leave it.  I left him and he is not worth so much now as on the day we dissolved partnership."

He has always made a thoroughly good article.

His motto has been, he says, to excel, and not to undersell, and it is a fact that his hammers have always cost more at wholesale than those of most makers at retail, yet They have taken their place at the head of the trade.  He gained custom at first, by making so superior a tool that men wanted it at whatever price, and he keeps and extends it to this day by the same means and by no other.

His workmen know that no shams will be allowed, and that good, rather than rapid work will secure commendation.  That they may have as little temptation as possible to slight their work, they are paid by the day, never by the piece.

He never lets a hammer bear his name, unless it is as perfect as skilled labor can make it.  Every one with a flaw even so slight that only the most practiced eye can detect it is stamped with an assumed trademark and sold at a lower price as an inferior article.

In later years he never warrents [guarantees], for he says that in doing this you must not only warrant the tool but also the man who uses it, but if any mistake has been made, and he becomes satisfied than an inferior article has been sent out, he at once rectifies the error at whatever cost.

He understands how to manage his men and take care of them.  "You can hire," he says, "any number of carpenters, because the trade is a common one, but if I want a good hammer maker, I must educate him, and when I have done it, I make it an object for him to stay with me."

The wages are not large for skilled labor, but they are sure.  For twenty-five years, the men have been paid without a single exception on the tenth of every month, or if this comes on Sunday, on the ninth.

He encourages his men to put their savings into a house and lot.  As a result, more than a third live in their own houses, and have homes, many of them as pleasant as can be found in the country.

If one of his regular hands falls sick and is in need, he takes care of him, in many cases paying their wages regularly until they recover.

He harbors no shirks and expects everyone to push his way in life by honest labor, as he has done.  A thoroughly temperate man himself, he allows no drunkenness.  His men are, as a rule, contented, their work is not severe, they are uniformly well treated, and such a thing as a strike among them is unknown.

A somewhat dingy, but very effective witness is our factory to the present worth of those old-time honored virtues, faithfulness, industry, honesty and kindness in achieving success.  The world will know good work, is willing to pay for it, and honors the workman, who, by patience and untiring labor, has made himself master of his business.

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

 Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, June 12, 1873

Deaths

ELDREDGE:  In Pitcher [Chenango Co. NY], June 6th, 1873, Anna [Eldredge], relict of Samuel S. Eldredge, aged 67 years and two months.

A telegraph from Carbon Cliff, Illinois, brought the sad intelligence of the death at that place on the 4th instant, of Mrs. Susan M. Thorp, wife of Charles A. Thorp, Esq.  We understand that she was soon expected to visit friends here, but instead came the announcement of her sudden decease.  She was the mother of Mrs. H.G. Prindle of this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY].  Mrs. Thorp was the daughter of William and Sarah Avery, and was born at Glastenbury, Conn., May 6, 1805.  She was married to Mr. Thorp by Rev. Lyman Rexford, November 12th, 1829, at Oxford, where she resided, and came immediately to this village, living in the house recently removed to make room for the new M.E. Church.  About ten years ago the family removed to Davenport, Iowa, and subsequently to Carbon Cliff, Illinois.  Living here the lifetime of a generation she was widely known and beloved and her numerous acquaintances will sincerely mourn her decease and sympathize with her afflicted friends.

On Saturday afternoon last, Mr. Robert Beatty, an old resident of this section, started from this village for his farm on the west hill, and had gone as far as the hill just this side of Mr. B.F. Wait's residence, when the bottom board of the wagon slid against the horse, starting it into a run down the hill, throwing Mr. Beatty out upon the ground, and so injuring him that he remained in an insensible state until Tuesday, when he expired.  We are informed that he was intoxicated to such an extent when he started from the village, that he had to be helped into the wagon, and his untimely end speaks in accents that cannot be misunderstood - "touch not, taste not, handle not."  The funeral services were held at St. Andrew's Church, on Thursday, and his remains were followed to the grave by a large concourse of relatives and friends.  New Berlin Gazette.

HUBBELL:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], on Friday, june 6th, Ira Hubbell in the 78th year of his age.

In our obituary notices will be found the announcement of the death of Ira Hubbell, of this village, at the advanced age of 78 years.  Mr. Hubbell moved to this village something like 20 years ago from Delaware County, where he had resided for many years.  The time he spent here was in the decline of life, and after he had relinquished all active business habits, still he did not fail to do good as opportunity offered, and he enjoyed the respect of those who had an intimate acquaintance with him.  His habit was a quiet one, and his opinions were never obtruded upon others though he enjoyed firm and decided convictions upon all questions which presented themselves to his mind.  He has for many years resided with his daughters here who in common with his sons have exercised a watchful and tender care toward their father.  Peace to his ashes.

Chenango American, Greene, NY, June 12, 1873

Marriage

At the Baptist Church in Brisbin [Chenango Co. NY], May 27th, by Rev. J.H. Sage, Mr. James G. McNee to Miss Rachel L. Guernsey, both of Brisbin.

Deaths

In this town [Greene, Chenango Co. NY], June 3d, Mr. Timothy Down, aged 70 years.

At Vinton, Gallia Co. Ohio, May 22d, Helen B. [Holcomb], infant daughter of Dr. B.F. and Hettie Holcomb, of this village [Greene, Chenango Co. NY].

HUBBARD:  At the Messenger House, Oneida Lake [Oneida Co. NY], June 11th, Caroline C. [Hubbard], wife of Hon. Demas Hubbard of Smyrna [Chenango Co. NY], aged 67 years. [Sherburne News, June 14, 1873]

Smyrna [Chenango Co. NY]:  Our community was shocked on Wednesday last by the announcement by telegraph of the sudden death of the wife of Hon. Demas Hubbard.  The deceased and her husband were at Oneida Lake, at the Messenger House, on a fishing excursion.  Her death was probably caused by an ulcer in the stomach. The remains were brought home on Wednesday evening.  [A postmortem examination by Dr. VanKeuren, assisted by Charley Easton, revealed organic disease of the heart. - Ed.]

Sherburne News, Sherburne, NY, June 14, 1873

Death

BENEDICT:  In Sherburne [Chenango Co. NY], Feb. 11, after a lingering illness, Deacon Charles Benedict, aged 70 years.

The deceased was born in Amsterdam, N.Y., in 1803 and came with his parents to this place in 1805.  In 1819 he became a subject of grace under the preaching of Rev. John Truair and united with this Congregational Church and subsequently was chosen as one of its deacons, which office he filled with great fidelity and acknowledged acceptance on the part of the people.  He was of a meek and quiet spirit, ready to do good, and was successful in securing the good will and respect of all who knew him.

His religious character was rather despondent and of a distrustful kind, fearing he was not what he professed to be.  But no one else ever entertained of him such an idea.  Like his father before him, he was a bright example of what a Christian should be in his daily walk, his dealings, labors and duties.  In the family and in the church, he was always in his place, genial, pleasant and useful.  In the church, especially he was one of the foremost in action and responsibility.  he was very uniform in his attention to and support of all the benevolent enterprises of the church and made such contributions to them as he conscientiously considered his duty.  He has thus left behind him an example of kindness and good will to all, and, also, an example of faith and obedience worthy of imitation.

During the long and lingering disease with which he was afflicted, and which to him finally proved fatal, he saw death in the distance with an undisturbed faith in Christ and perfect reconciliation to the divine will.  Being much in prayer, resigned, submissive and trustful, his last days were, emphatically, the last days of the "godly man." Thus, death came, and "he was not."  Hardly was it known when he passed over to the land of promise, so quietly and gently did God take him to himself.  It was remarkably true of him that he "fell asleep."

The funeral services were brief at the house, in the presence of a large circle of relatives, friends and neighbors; at the conclusion of them, his remains were borne to the grave and laid by the side of his family who had preceded him to the spirit world, there to rest till the Archangel's trumpet shall wake the sleeping dead.

On the following Sabbath the pastor of said church preached a very appropriate sermon from the text, "Help, Lord, for the godly man ceaseth," etc. In this sermon he was recognized as the humble, faithful, and godly man.  And hence, in his death the church has lost one of its most reliable members, and the community one of its most upright and conscientious citizens.

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

 Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, June 12, 1873

Marriages

GIBSON - HOVEY:  In Oxford [Chenango Co. NY], May 5th, by L. Rev. D. Turner, Mr. Robert Gibson to Miss Ellen A. Hovey, all of Oxford.

BRONSON - NEAL:  In Nichols, Tioga Co. N.Y., June 5th, by Rev. George Comfort Mr. D.C. Bronson of Great Bend, Pa., to Miss Mary A. Neal, of the former place.

Deaths

HUBBELL:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], June 6th, Mr. Ira Hubbell, aged 77 years.

DWIGHT:  In Preston [Chenango Co. NY], June 10th, Almira T. [Dwight] wife of Dr. Thomas Dwight, aged 56 years.

SKILLMAN:  In McDonough [Chenango Co. NY], May 28th, Lucy L. [Skillman], wife of Benjamin L. Skillman, aged 54 years.

FARR:  In Oberlin, Ohio, April 2d, Mr. Bela Farr, Jr., aged 52 years, formerly of this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY].

The funeral of Willard Smith, whose death upon the railroad we mentioned last week, was attended on the 4th inst. by a squad from Co. E, 103d Regt. N.G.S.N.Y., acting as escort to the remains, accompanied by the Regimental Band.  The hearse was covered with the stars and stripes, and the appearance of the military was alike creditable to the members present, and to Capt. Sholes, who did the correct thing on this occasion.

Bainbridge [Chenango Co. NY]:  John H. Freiot, whose sudden death on the Beaverkill we noticed last week, was a son of Dr. J.W. Freiot, and son-in-law of Geo. H. Winsor, Esq.  He enjoyed the respect and esteem of all who knew him, and his sudden death is a great blow to his family and friends.  He leaves a widow and two little daughters.

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FARR:  In Norwalk, Ohio, May 31st, Mr. Joseph M. Farr aged 62 years, formerly of this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY].

The Norwalk (Ohio) papers bring to us the announcement of the death of Joseph M. Farr, a highly respected citizen of that place, which occurred on the 31st ult.  Deceased was a son of Bela Farr, formerly of this village and will be remembered by our older residents.  He learned the trade of printing in the old Journal office, under Hubbard & Johnson, after which he went to New York and thence to Norwalk. We copy from the Reflector of that village.

"He was born in Manlius, Onondaga Co. New York, October 15th, 1810.  While yet a child he removed with his father to Norwich, in the same State, where he learned the trade of printing.  After learning his trade, he worked a few months in New York City as composition on the old Courier and Enquirer. At the age of nineteen he became editor of a paper at Greene, Chenango County, but left shortly after to take charge of the Journal published at Lowville, Lewis County.  The spring of 1835 found him at New York again without any definite plans and it was just at this time that he met the late Samuel L. Hatch, an old friend and fellow compositor. The latter had been invited by a number of citizens of Norwalk to come to that place and start a Democratic paper, and the two decided to go into partnership and start the paper at once.  Procuring an outfit, they came to Norwalk in July and on the 20th of August 1835 the first number of the Experiment was issued by Hatch & Farr.  After a few years Mr. Farr became sole proprietor of the paper, finally disposing of it in the spring of 1854 to Redfield & Rule.  Mr. Farr was interested in the Gas Works from their first inception, and for the past twelve years has been the Secretary and Superintendent of the company.  In politics he was always a Democrat, and by that party was elected delegate from Huron and Erie Counties to the constitutional Convention of 1850-51.  In the labors of that Convention, he took an active part and performed his duties to the satisfaction of his constituents. All through the war he was an outspoken War Democrat and was appointed by the Governor one of the military Committee of this county.  Since the war he has taken no active part in politics.  For many years his health has been feeble, and during the past winter he suffered much, having been confined to the house since the early part of February.  Latterly his disease developed into quick consumption and on Saturday morning May 31st, in the 63d year of his age, he quietly and peacefully breathed his last."

We learn that Bella Farr, Jr., brother of joseph M. died at Oberlin, Ohio, on the 2d of April last, aged 52 years.

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A friend has furnished the Cooperstown Journal with the following sketch in regard to Mr. Harmon Stoddard, who died in Otselic, this County [Chenango Co. NY], on the 2d of May last, aged 76 years.  He had for many years been a subscriber for the Journal, as he was also a patron of the Union.

"Mr. S. was born in Litchfield, Conn., in the year 1797.  He removed with his parents to German [Chenango Co. NY], since called Otselic, in the year 1802, and settled within the neighborhood where he died. The family consisting of his father, mother, and four boys, came all the way from Connecticut with an ox team and a wagon, in which they brought all they possessed at that time.  German was then an unbroken wilderness with only one settler, Ebenezer Hill, in what is now included in the town of Otselic. They endured all the hardships and privations, incident to a settlement of a new country, making clearings on nearly all the lots in sight of the home where he died, selling their betterments, as he called their clearings to settlers as they came in.  At the age of 7 years, he had to take his axe in the morning, go with his elder brothers to the woods, and chop all day, and watched many a night to scare the wolves from the sheep fold.  On arriving at manhood, he and his brothers in harvest time would go to Genesee County where they could get money for their work, the journey to and from there being on foot. The grain at that time was cut with sickles, cradles and reapers being unknown in those days. Wishing, when about to return from one of these journeys, to bring something as a present for his mother, he could think of nothing more acceptable than a family Bible, which he purchased, lashed to his back, and brought from there and presented to her.  Just before her death, which occurred about 40 years ago, she gave it back to him, and he retained and preserved it with care, called for it but a short time before his death, tried to read from it, but the hands could not hold the volume, nor the tongue perform its office.  He died in full possession of his mental faculties, surrounded by his family and friends in the firm hope of blessed immortality.  He was the last survivor of his father's family.  He has told me that he and his eldest brother commenced taking the [Freeman's] Journal when they were young men, being the first paper taken by them, and he has taken it ever since with the exception of a short time."

News Items

Binghamton, Broome Co. NY:  Mrs. Thomas Conning is in jail, charged with the murder of her mother-in-law, Rosa Connity, aged seventy years.  The prisoner was addicted to the use of liquor, and she and her children were in the habit of terribly pounding the unfortunate old lady, hitting her over the head with broomsticks, washboards and clothes poles, knocking her down with clubs, turning her out of doors, throwing stones at her, and like recreations, from the effects of which ill treatment she died.  The coroner's jury rendered a verdict of murder, which led to her arrest.  It is indeed a case of slow, brutal murder.

Mr. Cook St. John celebrated his one hundredth birthday at the residence of his son, T.S. St. John, in Walton, Delaware Co. [NY], on Tuesday, June 3d.  From the Chronicle we learn that upwards of one hundred relatives and friends assembled to pay their respects to the patriarch, who had looked forward anxiously to that day, which he was spared to see, and his satisfaction was complete.  On the green surrounding the house a dining room was prepared, decorated with evergreens and the American flag.  Here the company sat down to a bountiful repast, Uncle Cook occupying a seat at the middle of the long table, having on either hand his descendants to the fifth generation. short addresses were delivered by Rev. Messrs. Purinton, Huntington and White.  In the afternoon a public reception was given, when a large number of citizens assembled, and were agreeably entertained.  The Walton Band added an additional attraction to the occasion, as did also the discussion of a huge century cake, with ice cream, fruits, &c.  The old gentleman was born in Norwalk, Ct., and is of Huguenot descent.  He removed to Walton in 1802, where he has since resided.  His mental and bodily faculties have been remarkable preserved, except his eyesight, which for years has been gradually failing, until now he cannot distinguish objects.

Vital Records, Chenango County, NY, June 1873

 Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, June 5, 1873

Marriages

MOORE - WEBB:  At the M.E. Parsonage, in this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], May 28th, by Rev. S. F. Brown, Mr. S. Moore, to Miss Angie Webb, both of Oxford [Chenango Co. NY].

LEWIS - GUILE:  In North Norwich [Chenango Co. NY], May 27th, by Rev. S.F. Brown, Mr. George W. Lewis of Preble, Cortland Co. [NY], to Miss Amy F. Guile, of North Norwich.

MERIHEW - NHARE:  At the home of the bride's father, May 29th, by Rev. A.C. Smith, Mr. Charles Merihew, of Plymouth [Chenango Co. NY] to Miss Gustina Nhare, of South Otselic.

TYRRELL - VOSBURG:  In Guilford [Chenango Co. NY], May 29th, by C.W. Haynes, Esq., Mr. Edward Tyrrell to Miss Emma Vosburg, both of Harpersville, Broome Co. [NY].

Deaths

PATTERSON:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], May 29th, Cynthia [Patterson] wife of Lucius Patterson, aged 73 years, 4 months and 17 days.

BINKS:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], May 25th, Nancy Binks, for many years a domestic in the family of the late Abial Cook, Esq., aged 67 years.

LITCHFIELD:  In Brookland, Tuesday, May 27th, H. Maria Breed [Litchfield] wife of E.B. Litchfield, and daughter of the late Elias Breed, of this town [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], in the 55th year of her age.

KING:  At the residence of her daughter, Mrs. Benj. Conkey, in Smyrna [Chenango Co. NY], May 29th, Clarrissa [King], wife of Appleby King, aged 73 years.

Bainbridge [Chenango Co. NY]:  John Freiot died May 28th, near Murdoc's on the Beaverkil.  He had gone there to spend several days fishing with a few friends.  While standing on the bank of a small creek, he was seen to fall.  His friends gathered around him, but the vital spark had fled.  It is believed that the died from an apoplectic fit.  Review

Greene [Chenango Co. NY]:  We understand that David Winchell, who died a few days since in Smithville [Chenango Co. NY], had $4,800 in gold and silver secreted in his house, which he must have accumulated before the war.  American.

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FARRELL:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], June 1st, Mr. William T. Farrell, aged 39 years.

Sudden Death:  The many friends and acquaintances of William T. Farrell were startled on Sunday afternoon last, by the announcement of his death.  Few were even aware of his illness, which had been of but short duration, and not considered particularly alarming until Saturday evening.  His disease was typhoid fever, terminating in inflammation of the bowels.  Deceased was an exemplary citizen and had for years been in the employ of Messrs. Hayes, Rider & Co., piano forte manufacturers.  Upon the organization of the Ellsworth Zouaves, at the commencement of the war, he enlisted, and we believe served for three years.  His funeral was attended on Tuesday afternoon, by the Fire Department and Good Templars, of which organizations he was an active member, as well as by his shop mates in a body, and the Mechanics' band.  Firemen's Hall, the front of the Good Templars' lodge room, and the lower piano shop, where he had worked, were draped in mourning.  He leaves a wife and family, who have the sympathies of all in their affliction. We are glad to learn that he had effected an insurance of $1000 on his life, in the continental Life, of New York.

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SMITH:  Killed by the cars, in this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], June 3d, Mr. Willard Smith, Jr., aged 60 years.

Another frightful accident occurred on the track of the Midland Railroad, in this village, between seven and eight o'clock on Tuesday morning last resulting in the death of Willard Smith, Jr., an estimable citizen of this village.  Mr. Smith, as it appears, was walking down the main track, with Engineer E.H. Card, a short distance below the freight house.  A train of five loaded wood cars, on a track cast of and parallel with the main track was being "staked," or moved down to the yard, by means of a pole held at an angle between a locomotive and tender (Otsego, No. 6), backing down the main track, and the wood train.  It is supposed that Mr. Smith did not observe the approaching engine, which struck him down, passing over his body, and crushing it in a shocking manner.  He lived from four to six minutes, although his head was badly injured, his right arm literally torn from his shoulder, and broken in many places, the pelvis crushed, and the bowels cut and lacerated.  The unfortunate man was momentarily conscious and asked to be taken out.  Mr. Card barely escaped with is life, a portion of the tender striking his left shoulder as he jumped from the track.  Mr. R.G. Lewis, the track master, who was standing near, called to the two men, apprising them of their danger; and the man who was holding the pole between the trains attempted to seize Mr. Smith, and extricate him from his perilous situation, but succeeded only in grasping his hat.

An inquest was held by Coroner Hand, and the verdict of the jury was in substance that the deceased "casually, accidentally and by misfortune came to his death, and not otherwise, and the said jury do further say that the employees of the N.Y.&O.M. Railroad are exonerated from all blame in relation to the accident."

The age of the deceased was about sixty years.  He leaves a wife, but no children.  The widow, with other relatives, have the sympathy of the community in their sore bereavement.

It is a singular coincidence that Mr. Smith met his death upon the same spot, and upon the identical rail where Adolph Shalasky, a Polish Jew, was killed, April 27th, 1870 - the first death on the rail in this locality.

We are informed that both the deceased and his wife had for some time past presentiments of some approaching calamity, and that he was impressed with the idea that the time of his death was near.  Indeed, on the fatal morning, this was the subject of conversation between them, and when the messenger from the scene of the accident reached her residence and attempted to break the dreadful intelligence opt her, he was interrupted with the question "Is Mr. Smith dead?"

Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, June 5, 1873

Death

NEAL:  In North Pitcher [Chenango Co. NY], April 13th, 1873, Deacon William Neal in the fifty-fourth year of his age.

Mr. Neal had passed all his life save the earliest years of childhood in this community.  He was a man of untiring industry.  His well tilled farm and pleasant home remain as fruits of his toil, tasted by him and still to be enjoyed by his widow and their children.  They cherish the memory of one who was most affectionate and faithful, and very many friends mourn with them at his common loss.  The Congregational Church will feel his death very deeply, for he was a pillar in it.  Among the resolutions adopted, when on Sabbath morning they heard that this brother had thus fallen asleep at dawn of day, was this: "Resolved that we hereby express the high esteem in which we held this brother, beloved by reason of his purity of character, his uprightness of life, his devotion to the Master and his fidelity in seeking to sustain and promote the interests of the Church"   Pastor.

Oxford Times, Oxford, NY, June 4, 1873

Death

PUTNAM:  In Eau Clare, Wis. on Friday, May 23d, Katie Hamilton Putnam youngest daughter of H.C. and J.E. Putnam, aged 9 months.

"Today we cut the fragrant sod, / With trembling hands asunder, / And lay this well-beloved of God, / Our dear, dead baby under, / O hearts that ache, and ache afresh! / O tears too blindly raining! / Our hearts are weak yet being flesh / Too strong for our restraining.

"Sleep, darling sleep! the Rain shall steep / Thy little turf made dwelling; / Thou wilt not know, so far below, / What winds or storms are swelling; / And birds shall sing in the warm spring / And flowers bloom about thee; / Thou will not heed them love, but O / the loneliness without thee!

"Father, we will be comforted; / Thou wast the gracious Giver, / We yield her up - not dead, not dead - / To dwell with Thee forever! / Take thou our child! Ours for a day, / Thine while the ages blossom! / This little shining head we lay / In the Redeemer's bosom!"

Chenango American, Greene, NY, June 5, 1873

Marriage

In this town [Greene, Chenango Co. NY], June 1st, by L.T. Darby, Esq., at the residence of the bride, Mr. Willia Webb, of Willett, Cortland Co. [NY], to Mrs. Susan E. Blossom.

Deaths

"And he giveth his beloved sleep."  Mrs. Jane E. Smith, wife of Alvah Hunt Smith, was called to enjoy the sweet rest of the blessed on Sunday, May 25th, 1873.  Death came not as a thief unexpected but as a friend waited for; the strongest ties of affection and friendship endeared her to earth and yet by grace she was able to resign all, her beloved companion, children, brothers and sisters, to a covenant keeping God. The grace which made her happy in duty, made her patient in suffering, while consumption was gradually doing its fatal work.  Her parting words to her pastor was "Yes I am resting on Jesus."  She was a worthy and esteemed member of the Congregational Church at Greene, for thirty-two years and one month.  O.P.

In Taunton, Mass. May 21st, Flora Sophia [Palmer], daughter of Rev. W.N. and Harriet E. Cobb, and wife of Rev. Albert P. Palmer, in her 25th year.

Sherburne News, Sherburne, NY, Juen 7, 1873

Marriage

FURMAN - WHITFORD:  At the residence of the bride's parents, in Sherburne [Chenango Co. NY], June 4th, by Rev. Samuel Miller, Mr. Charles O. Furman of Brocton [Chautauqua Co. NY] and Miss Harriet N. Whitford, of this place.

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

 Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, May 29, 1873

Marriages

THOMAS - BABCOCK:  At the residence of the bride's parents in Brooklyn, N.Y., May 21st, 1873, by Rev. Dr. Norman Seaver, Edward B. Thomas, of this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY] and Mary E. Babcock, daughter of Edward H. Babcock, Esq. of the former place.

KNAPP - REYNOLDS:  In Smyrna [Chenango Co. NY], May 20?, by Rev. A.F. Brown, Horace Knapp, of Sherburne [Chenango Co. NY] to Miss Flora Reynolds, of Smyrna.

Deaths

KNAPP:  In Sherburne [Chenango Co. NY], May 23d, Mr. Ammi Knapp, aged 84 years.

COURTNEY:  In Oxford [Chenango Co. NY], May 12th, Mr. Francis Courtney, aged 26 years.

DANIELS:  In Oxford [Chenango Co. NY], May 23d, Miss Caroline E. Daniels aged 89 years.

LEWIS:  In Preston [Chenango Co. NY], May 25th, Mr. Daniel Lewis, aged 72 years.

LAMPHERE:  In Holmesville [Chenango Co. NY], May 20th, Gertrude [Lamphere], wife of H.D. Lamphere, Jr., aged 19 years.

SHERMAN:  In Liverpool, Onondaga County [NY], February 18th, Daniel G. Sherman, aged 82? years and 3 months.

BARNES:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], May 16th, Helen M. [Barnes], daughter of the late Asa Barnes, aged 33 years 10 months.

"Leaves have their time to fall, / And flowers to wither at the north winds breath, / And stars to set - but all, / Thou hast all seasons for thine own, oh Death"

Our circle has again been broken and another loved one has passed through the open gates of the Eternal World.  We have followed them "one by one" to the Jordana side - they number more than we, saw the "Life Boat" as it bore them safely to the desired haven, and "We are waiting by the river, / We are watching on the shore, / Only waiting for the boatman, / Soon he'll come to bear us o'er."

Helen was a great sufferer, for many years, she was a stranger to the comforts of health, and during the nine months preceding her death was the victim of lingering consumption.  Through all these years of deprivation and pain, scarcely a murmur escaped her lips.  Her quiet uncomplaining spirit under the sorest sorrows, indicated communion with him who can only give resignation to the suffering.  Embracing religion in childhood and untied with the Baptist Society of Norwich at the early age of fourteen, she continued till death a faithful follower of her chosen Lord.  But her years of struggle with disease are over, her weary footsteps have found home at last, and she rests, for the first time in long years - rests from pain and sorrow, rests from toil and care, where rest is labor without weariness.  Yes, she is gone - not dead, it may seem death to us, but it is life to her.  She has only passed the bend in the river, and we cannot see her now.  She has only felt the shadows of the monster, hiding but for a moment Eternal sunshine.  "For He hath abolished death," and emancipated all his children from its chains.

The leaves are falling fast these days - immortal leaves / Snow bound they wait the springtime for resurrection / We shall see her in the morning 

For There is no Death, what seems so is transition. / This life of mortal breath / is but a suburb of the life elysian / Whose portal we call Death.

She is not dead - the child of our affection / But gone unto that school / Where she no longer needs our poor protection / And Christ Himself doth rule.

Day after day we think that she is doing / In those bright realms of air, / Year after year, her tender steps pursuing, / Behold her grown more fair.

We will be patient and assuage the feeling, / We may not wholly stay; / By silence sanctifying, not concealing, / The grief that must have way

E.W. Caswell

Oxford Times, Oxford, NY, May 28, 1873

Death

Mr. Charles M. Bell, of East Guilford [Chenango Co. NY], died Saturday the 17th, His death was caused by anxiety of business matters.  He made an attempt to destroy his life about three months ago, by jumping from the East Guilford railroad bridge. The attempt proved unsuccessful, and his health has been failing ever since until Saturday when he passed away.  Midland Times

Chenango American, Greene, NY, May 29, 1873

Deaths

In this town [Greene, Chenango Co. NY], May 25th, Mrs. Jane E. [Smith], wife of A. Hunt Smith aged 53 years.

In this town [Greene, Chenango Co. NY], May 23d, Mr. Bouton Williams aged 63 years.

In this village [Greene, Chenango Co. NY], May 23d, Cora Delphene Johnson, aged 11 years and 7 months.

In this town [Greene, Chenango Co. NY], May 27th, Mr. Simeon Burrows, aged 75 years.

In North Fenton [Broome Co. NY], May 17th, Olden [Seymour], son of David and Ida Seymour, aged 3 years.

In this town (Page Brook) [Greene, Chenango Co. NY], May 24th, Mrs. Lydia B. Winston aged 92 years.

Sherburne News, Sherburne, NY, May 31, 1873

Marriage

LOOMIS - KNOWLES:  In North Brookfield [Madison Co. NY], May 17th, Hiram Loomis, of North Brookfield and Mrs. Amelia Knowles, of Smyrna [Chenango Co. NY].

Deaths

SHAW:  In South Otselic [Chenango Co. NY], May 27th, Hiram E. Shaw, father of W.H. Shaw of this town, aged 57 years, 10 months and 27 days.

ROSE:  In Utica [Oneida Co. NY], at St. Luke's Home, May 27, 1873, Mrs. Lucy C. Rose, widow of Zinah Rexford, aged 81 years.

Passing over her early history she is remembered by some now living in Sherburne as one of the converts in that memorable revival in 1816 under the preaching of the Rev. John Truair.  On the first Sabbath of June in that year, she, with about seventy others, was received into the Congregational Church in this place. She has lived in other places, but most of her life has been spent in this town, and in covenant relation with aforesaid church.  In her early Christian life, she was very decided in her religious views, strong in faith and faithful in duty, and this has been an abiding characteristic of her life.  "The Lord will provide," has been her motto and her trust. Afflictions and sore trials have been appointed unto her, but naught has ever disturbed her confidence in God.  Grace has been given her to triumph and rejoice in Him.  Her kind and social habits will be remembered by many friends and neighbors in years gone by.  When health, vigor and means were hers, many were the kind offices done to the sick and suffering, which, if they could now speak, would "rise up and call her blessed."  Of the particulars of her sickness and death the writer has no knowledge, but he doubts not that she was ready and willing, yea, even waiting and expecting to "go and be with Christ which is far better."  She was kindly cared for by the managers of that institution during her sickness and after her decease, and after the funeral services there, her remains were conveyed to friends here and by them deposited in the town cemetery by the side of her husband. Thus, she has closed a Christian life of fifty-seven years, and has left behind her full proof of the sincerity of her faith and hope of eternal life.