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

 Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, August 21, 1873

Deaths

JONES:  In Brisbin [Chenango Co. NY], August 15th, Mr. Eaton Jones, in the 71st year of his age.

CAMPBELL:  In Lincoln, Nebraska, August 5th, Mr. Henry C. Campbell, son of the late Alonzo Campbell, of Columbus [Chenango Co. NY].

Henry C. Campbell, Esq. Warden of the Nebraska State Prison, died of hemorrhage of the lungs at Lincoln, Nebraska, August 5th, 1873.  Mr. C. was a native of Columbus, this county, and the youngest son of the late Alonzo Cambell and grandson of Hon. Samuel Campbell, who was member of Congress in 1821-3.  [Bainbridge Republican, Bainbridge, NY, Aug. 23, 1873]

DEXTER:  In South New Berlin [Chenango Co. NY], August 9th, Eliza [Dexter], wife of Joseph C. Dexter, aged 59 years.  A faithful wife, affectionate mother, and true friend has gone.  And upon the evergreen shore she now waits the coming of husband and children, brothers and sisters, to that land where sorrow and -?- from their eyes.  May we meet her there.

Drowned:  Alvin Beardslee, the son of Samuel A. Beardslee, of Coventry [Chenango Co. NY] was drowned at Manhattan on Sunday, the 10th inst.  His remains were taken to Coventry for burial.

________________________________

The Cortland Democrat gives the following account of a terrible accident which occurred in Solon [Cortland co. NY] on the 1st inst.

"On Friday of last week Mr. Robert B. Fish, of Solon, was engaged in drawing fence posts for the Utica, Chenango & Cortland R.R. Co., when he met with a horrible accident, causing instant death.  He had been to McGrawville, put on his load, and was going home, riding on the forward part of the load, and had proceeded as far as the old hotel, about one mile this side of Solon, when, going down a steep pitch, he slipped in some manner and fell, his right foot catching in the whiffletrees and throwing his head immediately under the right forward wheel.  His team became frightened at this and ran, dragging the unfortunate man in this position over a rough, stony road full a quarter of a mile until his boot pulled off and let him fall to the ground, the heavy load of posts passing over his face, crushing it in a horrible manner, and killing him instantly. Several of the residents along the road, who had noticed the team running by, started in pursuit, but their efforts were of no avail, and they had only to pick up the torn, mangled and lifeless body of their neighbor within a few rods of his own home.  An examination by Dr. Hendrick, of McGrawville showed that his neck, arm and leg were broken, besides receiving other injuries which alone would have caused death. The intense grief of his wife, who had dinner already prepared and was momentarily expecting him, can be better, imagined than described."

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J.W. Sturdevant, a well-known and respected citizen of Cortland [Cortland Co. NY], walked into his house and dropped dead of apoplexy, on Saturday evening, the 9th inst.  He was about fifty years of age and had been a prominent merchant and industrious man for twenty-five years but had retired from active business pursuits about a year since.

Dennis Nolan of Auburn [Cayuga Co. NY], employed in the machine shops of the Ithaca and Cortland Railroad Company in Cortland [Cortland Co. NY], was found dead in his boarding house on Sunday morning, the 10th inst.  He had been suffering from quinzy.

Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, August 21, 1873

Marriages

STAUNTON - WORDEN:  At East Pharsalia [Chenango Co. NY], August 13th, by Rev. E.N. Ruddock, Mr. Byron D. Staunton of Plymouth [Chenango Co. NY] to Miss Helen M. Worden of Smyrna [Chenango Co. NY].

MAYSON - BLANCHARD:  In DeRuyter, Madison Co. N.Y. August 14th, 1873, by Rev. J. Clarke, Charles Mayson, Esq., of Brookfield, Madison County, N.Y. and Mrs. Mary M. Blanchard of the former place.

Deaths

CARPENTER:  In DeRuyter [Madison Co. NY], on the 5th inst. of puerperal fever, Ellen J. [Carpenter] wife of Samuel Carpenter, aged 24 years.

Geo. Aldrich of Preble [Cortland Co. NY], died from a sunstroke during the last hot weather.

Cortland [Cortland Co. NY]:  Wm. Brandon was drowned while bathing.

Mr. Charles Gardner, a well-known citizen of Hamilton [Madison Co. NY], died at Lee, Mass., on the 12th inst.  He was born in Smyrna [Chenango Co. NY], where he resided until he had nearly reached manhood.  His father built and for some years operated an oil mill and sawmill one mile west of Smyrna village.  He afterwards removed to the village and afterwards to Hamilton where he died.  His son, Charles engaged in the cabinet business and was a citizen who was highly respected.

Chenango American, Greene, NY, August 21, 1873

Death

In Brisbin [Chenango Co. NY], Aug. 15th, infant of Garret Wheeler, aged 6 months.

Sherburne News, Sherburne, NY, August 23, 1873

Birth

C.A. Fuller, Esq., is the happiest man in Sherburne at the present time.  It is a nice girl, weighs seven pounds and thirteen ounces, and the little one is already named Mary Antoinette Fuller.  Born on the morning of Thursday, Aug. 21.

Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, August 21, 1873

Fatal Accident in Cazenovia

The dreadful accident on Cazenovia Lake [Madison Co. NY], of which mention was made last week, was one of the most distressing which has recently happened in this region.  It appears from the account in the Republican that five persons had been out an hour or two in a sailboat.  they were Misses Florence A. Mattoon, of Cazenovia, Florence M. Shelly, Ella N. Hall and Rev. Joseph C. Thomas, of Brooklyn and Charles J. Beebe, of Cazenovia, a young man of about twenty years of age.  Just before the boat was capsized by a flaw of wind, Miss Mattoon and Mr. Beebe sang "Over There," sadly prophetic as it proved.  Both gentlemen made every effort to save the ladies and succeeded in getting two of them so they could hold to the boat, but Miss Mattoon was encumbered with a water proof closely wrapped about her, her hands folded into it, and when Mr. Thomas sought to aid her, he became entangled and found it impossible to keep her up.  He did not abandon her however until she was evidently dead and himself nearly exhausted.  Mr. Beebe had been trying to save her but struggled in vain and finally went down himself, and Miss M. was upon the bottom when Mr. Thomas arrived at the spot.  It is evident that all was done that could be and the only possible thing to censure is venturing into a sailboat without positive knowledge that someone could manage it.  Mr. Thomas supposed he could do so, but he was mistaken, and the mistake has led to the terrible result - the loss of two valuable lives.  The place of the accident was 100 feet from the shore, and the water was 60 feet deep.  Mr. Beebe was preparing to become a Methodist minister, and both of the deceased were much beloved by a large circle of friends.

Daily Register, Hudson, NY, August 13, 1873

Terrible Accident

At half-past three o'clock Saturday afternoon the citizens of Cazenovia were shocked by the announcement that two highly respected young persons of that village had just been drowned in Cazenovia Lake. The following are the facts of the occurrence:

A little after noon of Saturday, Mr. Joseph Thomas and Mr. Charles Beebe, two young men, students of Cazenovia Seminary, who were preparing to become Christian ministers, in company with Miss Florence Mattoon, Miss Shelly and Miss Hall, residents of the village, went out on the lake in a sailboat for a pleasure ride.  After being out about an hour, and when on their return, just as they were passing a point known as "Death Point," a squall caught their sails and capsized their boat and threw them all into the lake.  Mr. Beebe being a good swimmer, succeeded in bringing Miss Shelly and Miss Hall to the boat, and placed them where they could cling sufficiently to it to keep their heads above water. When he had succeeded with great effort in rescuing these two, and was nearly exhausted by the labor, he perceived Mr. Thomas, who it appears could swim but very little, struggling in the water with Miss Florence Mattoon, and from appearance both were in eminent danger of being drowned.  Mr. Beebe at once went to their relief.  In his exhausted condition, and relieved Mr. Thomas who succeeded in saving himself.

And now came the sad part of the accident.  As soon as Mr. Beebe reached Miss Mattoon, she, in her desperation, caught hold of him in such a manner that, in his exhausted state, he was unable to extricate himself from her death grasp, and they both went down together to rise no more.  Persons were not far off on the shore who witnessed the accident, but they had no means of rendering assistance.  They started on foot for the steamboat, but nearly an hour elapsed before the steamer Parmalee was able to reach the place, and release the three surviving sufferers, who were found clinging to the overturned boat.  They were taken on board, and the dead bodies of the two unfortunates, were brought up and conveyed to their homes in the village.  Mr. Charles Beebe was a resident of New Jersey and 20 years of age.  Miss Florence Mattoon was a young lady of high respectability, much esteemed by all who knew her, and was 22 years of age. the shock was a terrible one to her relatives and friends, whom she had left a few hours before in blooming health and the best of spirits, to be returned in the cold embrace of death.

The deceased young man, who was preparing to become a Methodist minister, was beloved by a large circle of acquaintances, and bid fair to be an ornament to the ministerial profession.

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

 Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, August 14, 1873

Marriages

CARR - KENYON:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], on Sabbath evening, August 10th, by Rev. A.J. Kenyon, of Moravia, Mr. Jeffers N.W. Carr to Miss Helen A. Kenyon, both of Norwich.

KENYON - FRIES:  In Auburn [Cayuga Co. NY], August 5th at the residence of the bride's parents, by Rev. G.S. White, of Utica, Rev. A.J. Kenyon of Moravia [Cayuga Co. NY] to Miss Carrie C. Fries of Auburn.

RECORD - HAMILTON:  At the residence of the bride's brother, John R. Hamilton, Esq., in North Norwich [Chenango Co. NY], August 2d, by Rev. L.M.S. Haynes, Mr. Ransom G. Record, of Norwich, to Miss Sarah A. Hamilton.

GILLMAN - GRANTHAM:  In Binghamton [Broome Co. NY], August 5th, by Rev. W.A. Hitchcock, Mr. George F. Gillman, of Elmira [Chemung Co. NY] to Miss Lizzie Grantham, of Oxford [Chenango Co. NY]

TILLOTSON - CHURCH:  In McDonough [Chenango Co. NY], July 20th, by Rev. McK. Shaw, Mr. Perry S. Tillotson to Miss Ada P. Church both of Smithville [Chenango Co. NY]

FERRIS - BROWN:  At the residence of the bride's father, July 3d, by Rev. E.W. Caswell, Mr. Cleveland Ferris of Smyrna [Chenango Co. NY], to Miss Mary E. Brown, daughter of Solomon Brown, of Plymouth [Chenango Co. NY].

Deaths

MACDONALD:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], August 13th, Ann Eliza [MacDonald] wife of Samuel R MacDonald, aged 21 years and 10 months.

HIBBARD:  In Pittsford, Monroe Co. N.Y. July 27th, Mr. Bela Hibbard aged 67 years, formerly of Sherburne [Chenango Co. NY].

LAUT:  In McDonough [Chenango Co. NY], July 31st, Lucy [Laut] wife of Elijah Laut, aged 29 years.

NICHOLS:  In McDonough [Chenango Co. NY], August 4th, Mr. Harvey W. nichols, aged 42 years.

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In Memoriam:  A few weeks since we chronicled the death at Waterville, N.Y. [Oneida Co.], of Mr. A.W. Warren, and also printed a brief obituary notice of the deceased.  Mr. Warren, though known to but few of our readers, was one of the most distinguished artists Chenango County has ever produced.  Although working under many difficulties, he achieved an enviable reputation, especially among his fellow artists.

At the time of his death, he was a member of the Artists' Fund Society, of New York City. The object of this Society is to provide aid for the families of deceased artists.  The fund for the purpose is raised by the annual voluntary contribution from each member, of a picture of the value of at least seventy-five dollars.

When the death of Mr. Warren was announced, the members of the Board of Control of the Artists' Fund Society, who were yet in the city, held a meeting on Wednesday evening, July 23, 1873, at the residence of Mr. D. Huntington, and passed the following Resolution:

Resolved:  The Artists' Fund Society having heard of the death of their late fellow member, A.W. Warren, would express their deep sorrow for the loss of a highly valued friend and true artist.  Having been a member from the beginning, he was always faithful to its interest, and a constant contributor of works of genuine merit.  The members have lost an esteemed friend, and the circle of arts an accomplished painter.  We would offer our heartfelt sympathy to the bereaved family.  Present, Messrs, R.W. Hubbard, I.M. Falconer, W. Whitteridge, D. Huntington, A. Laurie.

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Death of Dr. Milton Barnett:  The Oneida papers of last week announce the death of this gentleman, which took place at his residence in that village [Oneida, Madison Co. NY] on the morning of the 6th inst., in the 68th year of his age.  Removing from Vermont, his native State, he settled in Morrisville, Madison County [NY], in 1814, and in 1838 commenced the practice of medicine, which profession he followed for some twenty-five years.  In 1855 he was elected Sheriff of that county.  He removed to Oneida in 1859 and in 1862 received the appointment of U.S. Assessor, which position he held for some years.  During his residence in Oneida, he had become identified with many of the village enterprises; had been one of the Trustees of the Oneida Savings Bank; was an equal owner in the Central Bank; and at the time of his death was a trustee of the new Cemetery organization. Deceased was an elder brother of Ezra B. Barnett, Esq., of this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY].

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A little son of Henry Hammond, living in the west part of this town [Morris, Otsego Co. NY], about the middle of June, while running, bruised his right foot by stepping on a stone. As it was not a bad bruise not much was thought of it, the usual curatives were applied, but he walked on his toes and occasionally complained of his foot.  About two weeks since he could not open his mouth but a little, and it hurt him to swallow.  On Thursday night, the 17th ult., he also complained of pain in the leg and shoulder, had spasms through the night, but seemed as well as usual the succeeding day. The spasms returned again on Friday night and caused some alarm.  Dr. Gibson was called and pronounced it a case of lockjaw caused by a stone bruise.  Dr. Kennier was called as counsel.  He probed the stone bruise and found a small gravel stone and small piece of rotten wood.  Dr. Fox and Hazard were also called as counsel, but all of no avail.  The little sufferer lingered until Tuesday the 29th, when death closed the scene.  Morris Chronicle

Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, August 14, 1873

Marriage

COTTEN - POTTER:  At the residence of the bride's father, in South New Berlin [Chenango Co. NY], August 7, 1873, by Rav. A. Brown, Mr. Benjamin Z. Cotten of Guilford [Chenango Co. NY], and Miss Ellen E. Potter, all of Chenango County, N.Y.

Death

We copied an item from a Cortland paper last week in regard to the death of Robert Fish, who resided near Solon Corners [Cortland Co. NY] but have since learned more of the particulars from friends of the deceased, who resided in this county.  One of them has received a letter which ways:

"Cortland, August 5: It is with sadness that I now sit down to tell you of the very sudden death of Robert.  He went to McGrawville after a load of fence posts last Friday morning.  He was engaged in fencing the railroad through Solon.  On his way home he fell from the load upon the whiffletrees.  The horses ran and he was dragged a long distance and instantly killed.  It pains me to tell you that this terrible sorrow was brought upon us as a consequence of the use of liquor" 

One jaw was broken, also an arm and a leg.  An inquest was held, and the person who sold him the liquor testified to the fact. We are informed that the case will be prosecuted under the civil damage law.  It is a terrible warning against drunkenness. 

Chenango American, Greene, NY, August 14, 1873

Marriage

In Pharsalia [Chenango Co. NY], Aug. 3d, by Rev. A.B. Jones, Mr. Wm. A. Neusom, of Barker [Broome Co. NY] to Miss Maria E. Wilson, of Whitney's Point [Broome Co. NY].

Sherburne News, Sherburne, NY, August 16, 1873

Deaths

MATHEWS:  At Crystal Lake, Ill., March 15th, Miss Cynthia Mathews, daughter of C.D. Mathews, aged 28 years.

MATHEWS:  At Crystal Lake, Ill. Aug. 1st, C.D. Mathews, formerly of Sherburne [Chenango Co. NY], aged 70 years.

Vital Records, Chenango County, NY, August 1873

Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, August 7, 1873 

Marriages

SMITH - RICH:  At the residence of the bride's father, in Stamford, N.Y., [Delaware Co.] July 30th, by Rev. J.D. Gibson, H.M. Smith, M.D. of Norwich [Chenango Co. NY], to Miss Mary Rich, of the former place.

GREENE - WOOD:  In Rochester [Monroe Co. NY], July 17th, by Rev. C. Ruddock, Mr. Melville H. Greene, of McDonough [Chenango Co. NY], to Miss Florence Wood, of Rochester.

KELMER - FORD:  In Bainbridge [Chenango Co. NY], July 20th, by Rev. W.B. Thomas Mr. Lorenzo Kelmer to Miss Betsey C. Ford Bainbridge.

Deaths

HUBBELL:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], August 1st, Julia M. [Hubbell] wife of A.R. Hubbell aged 85 years, a former resident of New Lisbon, Otsego Co. [NY].

CLARK:  In this town [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], August 5th, Mr. George M. Clark, aged 26 years.

BROWN:  In North Norwich [Chenango Co. NY], July 26th, at the residence of M. Wood, Esq., Josie K. Brown aged 1 year and 5 months, daughter of George H. and Mary O. Brown, of St. Louis.

CUSHMAN:  In Plymouth [Chenango Co. NY], August 2d, Mr. Birt Cushman, aged 26 years, son of Danforth R. Cushman.

GORDON:  In Oxford [Chenango Co. NY], July 21srt, Mr. Erastus Gordon, aged 71 years.

FRASER:  in Oxford [Chenango Co. NY], July 31st, Ann M. [Fraser], wife of Charles Fraser, aged 43 years.

HAMILTON:  In Oxford [Chenango Co. NY], July 19th, Maria [Hamilton], wife of the late Joel Hamilton, aged 76 years.

BROWN:  In McDonough [Chenango Co. NY], July 19th, Abigail [Brown] widow of the late John Brown, Esq., of Pharsalia [Chenango Co. NY], aged 81 years.

Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, August 7, 1873

Marriage

COOPER - BICKNELL:  At East Pharsalia [Chenango Co. NY], by Rev. K.N. Raddock, July 29th, Mr. A.H. Cooper to Miss Frances G. Bicknell, all of Pitcher [Chenango Co. NY].

A correspondent writes us that the crystal wedding [15th anniversary] of Mr. and Mrs. Alvin Powers, was celebrated on the 28th inst., at Holmesville [Chenango Co. NY], and was an occasion of much interest. The day was typical - rain, and sunshine - smiles and tears - like human life.  Rev. B.A. Russell, a venerable man of 72, expressed the congratulations of those assembled, and Rev. Mr. Stone offered prayer for the continuance of God's blessings upon the favored family.  singing also enlivened the occasion, and a bountiful table of good things was spread, and an hour spent very pleasantly.

News Items

In regard to the birthplace of the noted forger, Benjamin Rathbun, there seems to be a good deal of doubt.  It is pretty certain however, that the Tribune was mistaken in calling him a Chenango County man.  We have the following letter from Hon. Henry R. Mygatt, of Oxford [Chenango Co. NY]:

Oxford, August 5, 1973, Mr. Allen:  My Dear Sir:  It seems quite difficult to trace with accuracy the residence of the distinguished forger.  It remains quite in doubt whether he ever resided in Chenango.  None of our oldest inhabitants remember him as ever residing in this county.  I send you copies of three letters received by me form the historian and jurist of Otsego.  You will agree with me that he leaves the matter in doubtful uncertainty.  My own impression is, however, that the recently deceased never resided in this county.  Thankful for your efforts to obtain the truth, I remain sincerely yours, Henry R. Mygatt.

Letters from Judge Campbell

In reply to inquiries from Mr. Mygatt, letters have been received from Hon. Wm. W. Campbell, of Cherry Valley [Otsego Co. NY], which throws but little light on the subject.  The first of July 28th ways:  "The truth of history, which Mr. Allen, of the Telegraph, is seeking after, must be told, even though it reflects no credit on my native county of Otsego.  I never knew Benjamin Rathbun.  But I have always understood that he was a native of Springfield, the town adjoining Cherry Valley on the west.  On asking Mr. Olcott, the president of our bank, this morning, he confirmed my impressions.  I think we will be obliged to admit that he went to Buffalo from Otsego and not from Chenango."

In a subsequent letter, July 29th, Judge Campbell says, "Since writing to you yesterday, I saw John R Young, Esq., of Springfield, who lives in the Rathbun neighborhood.   He says we are all mistaken, and that Benjamin Rathbun, the forger, who recently died, was a New England man, and not of the Rathbun family of Springfield.  However, to make matters certain, he will see some of the Springfield Rathbuns who live neighbors to him and write me today or tomorrow.  Let there be a suspension of judgment until further advice. We must be certain that the truth of history is true."

In a third letter Judge C. says:  "I enclose a letter from John R. Young, not very satisfactory as to birthplace.  But in connection with what he said to me, I infer that B.R. was not born in Springfield, and never resided there.  It may turn out after all, that though born in New England, he might have resided for a time in Chenango, corresponding to the statement in Telegraph and sketch in Tribune.  The first time I am in Springfield i will make some further inquiry of some of the old inhabitants."

Mr. Young writes from East Springfield, July 30 as follows:  "I saw Mr. L.W. Rathbun this A.M., who told me that his great-grandfather, Benj. Rathbun, died where his brother Jacob now lives. That is where old Mr. William Rathbun lived.  He says that the Mr. Benjamin Rathbun that died a short time ago in New York, was a distant relative of theirs."

In reference to the pardon of Rathbun, the Buffalo Commercial states that he might have been pardoned if an application had been made.  This is an error.  An earnest application was made, but it was refused by the late Gov. Seward, and his refusal was placed upon ground which met universal public approval. the conviction took place in 1838, at Batavia, and the application for pardon was made a year or two subsequently.

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Many of the older residents of Sherburne [Chenango Co. NY] and other northern towns in this county will remember three brothers named Z.W., James and John Elmore, who came to Sherburne about the year 1806.  They came from Canaan, Columbia County [NY].  Z.W. Elmore was for many years a merchant and accumulated a good property.  He was noted for his strict integrity and was one of the most active members of the County Bible Society.  Of his family we have no present knowledge, but he lived many years a widower and died at the residence of Mr. N. Isbell, on the road from the Old Four Corners to Sherburne Hill.  James Elmore was a farmer and a successful one. As far back as the oldest inhabitants remember, he owned and occupied the farm north of The Quarter, now owned by Asa Foote, Esq., and for the time was a very successful fruit grower, always having for market some early varieties of apples.  He married Lydia Percival, a daughter of John Percival, of Smyrna, and had two children, David and Eliza.  The former lives in Elmira, and the latter in Illinois.  John Elmore came to Sherburne with his brothers, but soon after moved to DeRuyter, purchasing the building where the Taber house now stands, as we learn from the Era, where he kept a hotel for over twenty-five years.  he also kept a store in the same building and was one of the projectors of the Great Western turnpike from Albany to Homer.  In 1833 he removed to Earlville, Madison County, and in 1839 to Oberlin, Ohio, where on the 23d ult., he died, at the ripe age of 89 years.  Thus, these three early pioneers of Sherburne have all passed away, leaving good names as legacies and examples most worthy of imitation.

Oxford Times, Oxford, NY, August 6, 1873

Death

A young man, named Wm. Brandon, was drowned last Thursday about two miles above Upper Lisle [Broome Co. NY].  The deceased went, in company with another boy, to go in bathing, and as neither could swim they kept near the shore, till deceased said, "I am going to take a ride," and mounted two saw logs for that purpose and pushed out. When he had gone some distance the boy on the shore warned him that he was getting over deep water and then he saw him apparently jump from the logs, although it is probable that the logs turned and threw him into the water, where he soon drowned as he could not swim.  Neighbors were summoned, and with the aid of pike poles succeeded in finding the body. Deceased was about 25 years of age and had neither father nor mother living.  Binghamton Times.

Chenango American, Greene, NY, August 7, 1873

Marriage

In Sioux City, Ia., May 15th, by Rev. T.K. Kinkard, Mr. George W. Hurlburt of Sioux City, formerly of Oxford [Chenango Co. NY], to Miss Delia B. Browne, of Chicago, Ill.

Deaths

On Saturday last a boy, about fifteen years old, was drowned at Walton, Delaware County [NY], while in bathing.  It is thought he was seized with cramp as he was a good swimmer, clinging to a root when found.  He had been working for a man named Dann, and when taken to his home, he at first refused to allow the corpse to be carried in, and when persuaded to do so, he refused to furnish a sheet to lay the corpse on, or to give a piece of linen to tie over the face.  How is that for a brute?

The many friends and former acquaintances of Miss Amelia S. Raymond, in this village [Greene, Chenango Co. NY], will regret to learn of her death which occurred, suddenly at Springfield, Ohio, on the 6th inst.  The first intimation of her illness was a dispatch received by her brother, M.D. Raymond, of the Clinton Courier, on Wednesday about noon, which was speedily followed by another announcing her death.  Miss Raymond was highly esteemed by a large circle of friends for her very estimable qualities, and her decease is a most severe affliction to her aged parents.  May they have the sympathy of the community and be enabled to reconcile themselves to the sad dispensation

A little boy about ten-years of age, named Joseph French, was drowned at Kittel's lock, about two miles below this village [Greene, Chenango Co. NY], on Thursday evening.  His mother had sent him for a milk pail for which he had to cross the lock.  As he did not return in what Mrs. F. thought to be the proper time, she went in search for him and discovered his hat floating in the lock.  She called for assistance, and on drawing the water from the lock, Joseph's body was discovered lying between the bed pieces.  He had probably been there about half na hour.  Of course, all efforts at resuscitation were in vain.  Joseph was a promising and intelligent boy, and the anguish of the mother at her bereavement can only be conceived by those who have witnessed similar occurrences.

Sherburne News, Sherburne, NY, August 9, 1873

Marriage

CASE - SMOULEY:  At the residence of the bride's mother, in North Norwich [Chenango Co. NY], Aug. 5th, by Rev. Mr. Bullock, Smouley of Straudsburg, Pa., and Mary Case of North Norwich.

Deaths

RAYMOND:  In Springfield, O. on Tuesday, Aug. 6, 1873, Cornelia B. Raymond, daughter of A. Raymond, Esq., of this place [Sherburne, Chenango Co. NY] aged 33 years.

Bainbridge Republican, Bainbridge, NY, August 9, 1873

Deaths

In Masonville [Delaware Co. NY], July 31st, Henry Spiemerman, in the 79th year of his age.

In Sidney Plains [Delaware Co. NY], August 1st, Minerva [Phelps], wife of Milo Phelps, aged34 years.

In Nineveh [Broome Co. NY], July 21st, Emerson [Young] youngest son of Coe and Mary Young, aged 1 year and 4 days.

I watch to see a little face / Sly peeping through the door, / And stop to hear a wonted step / That comes within no more, / I wait to catch a laughing tone, / And watch and wait in vain; /'Twill never come again.

The Autumn rose can bloom and fade / In safety on its bough; / The little hand stretched forth to pluck / will not molest it now. / The playthings scattered far and wide / About the parlor floor, / Are placed in order side by side / to be disturbed no more.

We hear the tread of other feet, / and other tones of glee, / And listen for another voice / That comes no more to me. / We sit and mark in silent grief / the solemn hours move on; / Oh! what can give our heart relief - / Our little one is gone.

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

 Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, July 31, 1873

Marriages

Chase - Quail:  In Lebanon [Madison Co. NY], July 4th, by Rev. E.D. Reed, Mr. John Chase, of Earlville [Madison Co. NY], to Miss Sara Quail, of Lebanon.

HURLBERT - BROWNE:  In Sioux City, Ia., May 15th, by Rev. T.J. Kinkard, Mr. George W. Hurlburt of Sioux City, formerly of Oxford [Chenango Co. NY] to Miss Delia B. Browne of Chicago, Ill.

Deaths

On the 12th inst., C.W. Olendorf, Esq., of this village, received a telegram announcing that his brother Alfred [Olendorf] was dangerously ill at Hunt's Half-Way House, between Dunkirk and Fredonia [Chautauqua Co. NY]. Taking the first train, he arrived a few hours after the death of his brother, and took charge of the remains, which were on Monday conveyed to Forestville [Chautauqua Co. NY], and laid beside those of his wife and child.  The deceased was for a number of years employed upon the Erie Railroad, in various capacities, and was favorably known to the traveling public, as a faithful official, and a genial companion.  His age was 42 years.

John Winton, one of the oldest inhabitants of this town [Morris, Otsego Co. NY], died on Monday, July 21st, at the advanced age of 91 years, 2 months and 2 days.  Mr. Winton came to this town with his parents about the time he was fourteen years old and settled some three miles below the village on the east side of the Butternut Creek and has resided in the town ever since.  For the last few years, he has lived with his son, John L. Winton, in this village.  Sixty years ago, Mr. Winton carried the mails on horseback, starting from this town on Sunday nights for Cooperstown, thence to Richfield Springs, to Utica, to Norwich, to Oxford to Unadilla, thence home to Morris, occupying the entire week in carrying the mails to all these places and the post offices between them.  Doubtless there are many aged people along the routes he used to travel, who will remember Mr. Winton, when on horseback he entered the villages blowing his tin horn notifying the country within the sound of his horn, that the weekly mail had arrived.  He continued this service for about twelve years, and then settled down to a farmer's life.  What changes have there been wrought during the life of this man.  He always enjoyed the confidence and respect of his fellow men.  For the last six years he was a great sufferer in mind and body.  Thus, one after another, our fathers are passing over to the other side.  Morris Chronicle.

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The New York Tribune, of the 22d, recounts the doings of a great forger, a native of Chenango County [NY], who died on Monday in New York.  Some of our readers may remember the man:

"There died yesterday, at Fort Washington, a man who six-and-thirty years ago was notorious throughout the land as the one man whose forgeries, up to that period, had never in the history of crime been surpassed in magnitude of amount or skill of conception and execution.  Even Fauntleroy's were, as compared with his, the merest trifles.  They rose to millions, and for several years were carried on with a celerity, precision and success that was amazing; nor in that particular specialty of crime has any successor reached the aggregate of enormity attained by him.

"Benjamin Rathbun, in early life, removed from Chenango County to Buffalo.  He became proprietor of the Eagle Tavern, and by cleanliness, order and discipline made it famous among the hotels of the country. Extending his business, he became interested in lines of stages between Buffalo and Albany, and started the noted "Telegraph Line, for six passengers only," which was run at a speed higher than had been previously attained by a coach in the United States and made for it a name among travelers from the West. But hotel-keeping and staging failed to satisfy his ambition.  He embarked in speculation.  Lots without number at prices without limit were bought, and dwellings, stores and warehouses were erected.  For the first time in the history of the State, a fever of speculation broke out which for universality and wildness has never been approached by any other city in the Union. Rathbun was in everything; nothing daunted him; his example was so infectious that the gravest and most timorous money grubbers were drawn into the vortex and in a night made fabulous fortunes - on paper.

"The plan of his forgeries was as ingenious as it was original.  To certain parties he would propose to buy certain property or build certain structures.  To raise the necessary funds with which to initiate the enterprise, he would make his note for five thousand dollars, payable in New York city at three or six months, and ask the party whose interests were to be promoted to endorse the same. The endorsement obtained, he would report to his counting room and make from ten to fifty notes of the same date and amount, payable at the same time and place, and his clerk, an expert penman, would forge the endorsement.  To such a magnitude had these transactions grown, that a regular office was maintained in this city for the purpose of negotiating the paper, the manager being his nephew.  During the few years that the fraud was kept up the amount negotiated reached millions of dollars.  At length one of the five-thousand-dollar notes, bearing the forged endorsement of the late David E. Evans, then agent of the Holland Land Company at Batavia, was protested and notice sent to him.  Mr. Evans paid that note, but on examining the back found to his dismay that his signature had been forged. True, he had endorsed a note of that date, and for precisely that amount, but it was not this.  Investigation followed, the plot was discovered, and the whole iniquity exposed to light. Rathbun was arrested, tried at Batavia, convicted, sentenced to five years in State prison, and served out his time.  Subsequently he came to this city and opened a hotel in Broadway near Cortlandt Street but was not very successful.  Afterwards he kept for some years the small hotel at the corner of Broadway and Forty-third street.  Of all the millions that had passed through his hands, he never put away a dollar for himself, nor could he at any time have called himself the honest possessor of fifty thousand dollars.

"The private life of this remarkable man was from his early manhood singularly irreproachable.  He was modest to a fault. strictly temperate, never smoked or chewed, never gambled, kept no equipage, had no acquaintance with disreputable people, avoided public places, indulged in no extravagances, but devoted himself assiduously to his business.  He had few acquaintances, fewer friends, no companions.  To the past he never alluded.  He realized to the full the result of his acts and meekly accepted the situation.  Silently, patiently, uncomplainingly he plodded on his weary, cheerless way, until finally at the ripe old age of 82, himself and his crimes almost forgotten, he gently fades away.

"It would seem idle to recall these incidents of a felony committed before most of our readers were born, if it were not to point a moral as old as society; that the madness which springs from a greed of sudden gain leads naturally to crime, and that it is rarely given to the acutest of human intellects to commit crime and escape."

Chenango American, Greene, NY, July 31, 1873

Marriage

At the M.E. Parsonage, North Fenton [Broome Co. NY], July 2d, by Rev. T. Burgess, Mr. Riley L. Pratt to Miss Rhoda Paddleford, both of Fenton.

Deaths

In this town [Greene, Chenango Co. NY], July 16th, Mr. Charles Hollenbeck, aged 60 years.

In New York City, July 29th, Mr. W.S. Anner, aged about 57 years, formerly of this village [Greene, Chenango Co. NY].

Sherburne News, Sherburne, NY, August 2, 1873

Marriage

We acknowledge the receipt of some of the cake from the Wooden Wedding of Mr. and Mrs. W.F. Russell of N. Norwich.  Mrs. R. was formerly Miss Judith A Flower.  We are glad to learn that her many friends were profuse in their presents on the occasion - among which was an elegant center table, rocking chairs, etc.  Such events show the estimation in which the parties are held.

Bainbridge Republican, Bainbridge, NY, August 2, 1873

Deaths

Elakim R. Ford, an aged and respected citizen of Oneonta [Otsego Co. NY], and one of the firmest friends of the Albany and Susquehanna Railroad died at his residence in Oneonta on the 22d of July.  His funeral was largely attended, and the ceremony impressive.

Gordon Knowlton for many years a resident of Harpursville [Broome Co. NY], died on Saturday, the 19th ult., at his residence in the town of Windsor [Broome Co. NY], of erysipelas, induced by being overheated at his work.  He was sick only three days.  He was a good neighbor, a quiet, peaceable citizen and for many years, a member of the Baptist Church.

The Benjamin Barber interview, July 1873

 A Remarkable Family

A Visit to the Farm of Benjamin Barber

How a Farmer Reared a Family of Twenty-one Children and Got Rich

Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, July 24, 1873

On the evening of the 28 March 1873, a small audience assembled in Sumner Hall, to listen to a lecture by Rev. Robert Collyer, of Chicago.  A grand, splendidly developed Americanized Englishman was the lecturer.  With the physique of a well preserved specimen of the man a little past the middle age, with a speech that had in it "the bit of a brogue" and with a voice that possessed a quaint, undertone of the pathetic, inexpressibly charming though at the same time sad, with gestures that unfailingly indicated the anvil work of his younger days, he stood before his hearers and with the sledge-hammer of his words shaped into comely form many a golden truth.  His lecture was concerning "Clear Grit."....The speaker argued that every young man should "get married early and raise a large family."  Enlarging under this head, he deplored the lack of families in our country.  Large families were few.  A grand family of a dozen, two dozen, was becoming unknown.  The American race was dying out.  The children of foreigners were supplanting the native born.  Therein was the great peril of America, therein the impending danger of the nation.

The remarks of the speaker were brilliant generalities, just in a degree, but not altogether true.  Within four miles of the hall where the speaker stood, was their refutation - was one of those very families the lack of which he lamented.

One day last week the Union reporter started out to interview the head of this remarkable family to get a little sketch of his life.  He jumped aboard the afternoon train of the Midland south, and a splendid ride he had - better than a tonic.  How grand to climb the hill at thirty miles an hour.  There is such a sense of power in the puff of the engine.  Then how the village, and the river and the farms glide around into sight, like well-trained dancers, and all the time you are leaving them, and the view is becoming broader and larger.  The hills that first bounded the vision sink into undulations, and the horizon "moves on" to newer and more distant heights.  The north is purple.  The south is hazy. The farms dwindled into gardens. Absorbed in the view, the scream of the whistle startles you.  You glance ahead, the cobweb of a bridge, spanning a deep ravine, waltzes into the picture. The train moves slower.  You begin to climb the trees.  You are halfway up the trunks.  You are in the branches.  You are above the tops.  You are higher than the tallest tree piled upon the tallest tree.  You are creeping along -one hundred and sixty feet in the air!

At Lyon Creek bridge we left the train.  We scrambled down the stairway of sixty-seven steps; stumbled over the rocky plateau to the brow of the hill; hopped, skipped and jumped down the hill till we struck the road, followed down the road towards the west as it winds and turns with the Lyon Creek, till we came to the three corners.  Here a sign board pointed to the south and read "3 miles to Oxford;" to the east and read "10 miles to Mt. Upton;" to the north and read "5 miles to Norwich."  Shouldering his umbrella, the Union reporter started northward.

Advancing up the road and passing the highly cultivated farm of John Shattuck, Esq., adored with a splendid growth of fruit frees and ornamented with that sure index of a thrifty and intelligent farmer - a large well-built barn, we came to another equally attractive place - a fine two-story house, painted white with green blinds, hedged around by a luxurious growth of shrubbery and fruit trees, framed on the north by well-built and commodious barns and having for background the lofty hill over which we had just rode, and for foreground a long stretch of level flat, with the silver ribbon of the Chenango looped amid its waving growth of green. This was the place we sought - the home of Benjamin Barber, Esq.

Moving through the yard to the house, we came upon four stalwart, robust young men - sons of the owner of the farm.

"Is Mr. Barber at home?"

"Father? Yes sir.  Walk in."  And he led the way into the house.  Here we were met by a gentleman perhaps five feet three inches tall, with hair touched a little with the frost of age, with hands somewhat knotty from the labor of three-score years, and a form which must have been tough and sinewy when young, but now somewhat bent by age.

Having been introduced, we passed the usual civilities.  "We have come Mr. Barber," the Union reporter then remarked, "to obtain a little sketch of your life, if you have no objection to giving it. We represent the Chenango Union."

"I have no objections to giving the few facts in my history, but I must say that I have never affiliated with the party the Union represents, nor with the principles it has always advocated."

"That makes no difference.  The Union is the great local newspaper of the County.  It is determined to maintain its reputation as such, if time, energy and money can contribute to the result.  No mere partisanship is allowed to stand in the way of a good item."

"Well then, I was born at Richmondville, Rhode Island, June 1st, 1801.  In 1806 with my parents, I moved into this county. We came here in the middle of May - just two weeks before I was five years old.  We moved upon this farm.  Ezra Hutley lived here then.  The only house on the farm was a log one.  It stood where my woodhouse is now.  Just across the road was a frame barn. We lived in that two weeks - cooking our victuals by the side of a pine stump. The barn was used afterwards as a church. That was sixty-seven years ago."

"Was the entire valley covered with forest?"

"There were only about ten acres of cleared land hereabout."

"Did you have any neighbors?"

"O yes; George Knapp lived on the farm below, where John Shattuck now resides.  Ebenezer Wilcox lived on the first farm north.  I own that farm now, and two farms above it.  Rathbone Gates lived where the Half-Way house is.  We had to shut up our sheep every night to keep them from the wolves and bears.  I never shot a bear myself, but I have seen them brought in by the hunters.  About the time we came here a grist and sawmill was put up. Before that the people had to go to the Forks, over forty miles, to get their grain ground."

"I remained here on the farm till I was twenty-one, then I went to work for Isaac Pendleton who lived up above here, for nine dollars a month.  The next year I received ten dollars a month.  Then I worked eight months for twelve dollars and a half per month. That was considered "awful wages" in those times."

"When I was twenty-six, I found my wife.  She was only eighteen.  Then I was worth about $600."  (Mrs. Barber, a venerable and fine-looking matron of sixty-four, was seated by Mr. Barber's side during the interview.)

"At such wages, to layup that amount you must have saved about all you earned?"

"Well, I did.  I never spent a cent for whiskey nor tobacco, and I have raised eighteen children, too, and not one used liquor or tobacco.  I want you to put that down.  After eight months I went to keeping house.  I worked for eleven dollars a month and boarded myself.  My employer was William Mygatt, of Oxford.  He was just like a father to me.  I worked for him for two years. When I quit, he told me 'When you want money, say to buy land, come to me, and you can have it and pay it whenever you have a mind to.' The last time I borrowed any, he let me have $1,500.  I told him I would write him a note.  He said: 'No-if your word ain't good for $1,500, your note ain't.'  After I left him, I hired the Darwin Davis farm for three years. Then I came where I am now.  It was nothing but a plank house then.  I have fixed it up, you see.  I kept a dairy and made cheese.  In the fall I couldn't sell it for five cents per pound; so, I hitched up and went down to Honesdale, and there disposed of the whole lot for six cents.  I felt pretty good after that."

"When I moved here in 1830, I had four cows.  I kept sheep for about four years, but they didn't pay.  So, I went to dairying.  Butter was worth ten cents per pound then.  In 1837, though, when the canal came through, butter jumped to fourteen cents, and potatoes rose from twenty cents a bushel to fifty cents. That year I bought a piece of land for $500.  I paid for it inside of three years. I thought I was doing pretty well then.  but prices continued to increase."

"The highest price I ever received for my butter, till the war, was twenty-five cents.  When our civil war broke out - you know how it was.  During each year of that time, I turned off from my farm $3,000 worth of butter and $1,000 worth of stock, besides pork, apples, and such product."

"How large a farm have you now?"

"Not far from three hundred and fifty acres.  I did have four hundred, but the railroads have taken some, and I have sold a few acres to one of my boys."

"You gave to the Midland the right of way through your farm?"

"Yes. I wanted the Midland.  We all wanted the midland.  We needed an outlet.  I not only gave the right of way, but I also put $1,000 into the stock.  I think it will be worth something, some day.  As it is now - counting the interest on the $1,000, and the taxes - I pay over $200 each year for the Midland.  But then, I wanted it."

"The D.L. & W.R.R. goes through your land too, doesn't it?"

"Yes sir.  It runs over three quarters of a mile right through my flat land.  It takes out about six acres.  I got $2,500 for it.  Their lawyer, Brisbin, came to me and asked if I was going to give the right of way.  I told him 'Yes, if you will run the road right along the side of the Midland, and I will give you $2,500 too.'  I moved eleven barns to accommodate that railroad, and its locomotives burned four, besides."

"How many children did you say you had?"

"I've had born to me twenty-one.  Eighteen of them have grown to manhood and womanhood.  Twelve of them are girls, and six of them boys.  All are married except five - three girls and two boys."

"Any Grandchildren?"

"Yes, eighteen.  They've just caught up.  I expect they'll get ahead now!"

"I suppose you have always voted the Republican ticket?"

"Always voted straight, and all my boys with me.  We're just like a jug handle - all on one side."

"It must cost something to carry on this large farm?"

"It does.  I pay over $1,000 every year for hired help, besides my own family.  I always make it a practice to pay my boys and girls when they work for me.  I don't want them to work for nothing."

"Do you make cheese?"

"No, butter pays better.  I keep about fifty cows, and winter about one hundred head of stock."

"Well" - said we, rising to leave, "you have been very successful, Mr. Barber."

"I have no reason to complain.  I have never lost much.  Never have made many poor investments and have always been honest.  I tell you, sir, it never pays to be dishonest.  dishonesty in the long run, always finds the man out."

With this we bade Mr. Barber "good afternoon."  A gentle rain was falling, but the Union expedition was undismayed.  It rolled up its pants, hoisted its umbrella, and left for Norwich.  At 5:45 it passed the Halfway house.  Its proprietor was just starting out to catch a two-pound pickerel - to match the one he had caught the morning before.  We wished him something better than "fisherman's luck." Then we "Westonized" on only stopping now and then to "berry up."  A few minutes after seven the Union train whistled into Norwich, with two red flags of distress, prophesying blisters, displayed on either of its locomotive heels.

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

 Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, July 24, 1873

Marriages

WIGHTMAN - GAGE:  At the Baptist Church, in South New Berlin [Chenango Co. NY], on Sunday evening, July 20th, in the presence of a crowded congregation of friends, by Rev. H.O. Rowlands, assisted by Rev. J.L. Ray, of New Berlin, Mr. Adelbert R. Wightman of Morris [Otsego Co. NY] to Miss Alice A. Gage, of South New Berlin, for years the popular organist of the Baptist Church.

GIBSON - BEARDSLEE:  At St. Andrews B. Robinson, Mr. Kasson C. Gibson, of New York, to Miss Grace M. Beardslee, daughter of Cyril Beardslee, Esq., of New Berlin.

HASKINS - DOUGLASS:  At the residence of John F. Carter in Greene [Chenango Co. NY], July 5th, by Rev. J.H. Sage, Mr. Samuel W. Haskins, of Clearfield, Penn., to Miss Sarah E. Douglass, of Indiana, Penn.

The peaceful quietude of Guilford [Chenango Co. NY] was somewhat disturbed on Thursday evening last by an elopement.  The parties to the affair are Lucian D. Sherwood and the wife of a tinner by the name of McAllister of German lineage.  Sherwood leaves an estimable wife behind. We learn that the parties started off on foot, and that a few pistol shots were fired by the enraged husband at some time previous to their departure, without doing any damage, however.  The "tinker" has sold out, and we believe did not pursue the guilty couple.  Oxford Times

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.

German [Chenango Co. NY]:  On the last day of May "towards the shank of the evening," one of our town girls was wedded to a young man of Willett [Cortland Co. NY], very slyly.  Their reason for being so sly was this:  they said that people had had them married so many times they were bound to do the job up without their (the public's) help, or without the people knowing what was going on."  Their object was carried out effectually.  The first the ever-surmising public knew of the transaction it came to them through the columns of a Norwich paper, of July 3d.  After they had been married two weeks or over, while some of the bridegroom's employees or shop mates were joking him about his "intentions," he made this remark:  "I'll bet five dollars that when I get married, no one will find it out until two weeks have expired after I am married."  One of the boys who took an active part in the conversation, "bit" at once and the bet was made.  The Fourth being close at hand, the man who covered the stake thought he would celebrate at Norwich.  So, to N. he goes and there sees a copy of the Union containing the marriage of the happy couple.  So excited was he at the thought of winning the bet that he never noticed the date of the marriage, but started immediately for Willet, and drove hard for fear he would lose his bet, for the two weeks expired at a certain hour that evening.  he reached home safe, but alas for him, had he been conveyed to Willet with the speed of lightning he would not have won the bet, for upon reaching home, to his great astonishment and chagrin, the date was pointed out to him.  His feelings can better be imagined than described.

Deaths

DAVIS:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], July 22d, Mrs. Fanny H. Davis, aged 70 years.

McINTYRE:  In Plymouth [Chenango Co. NY], July 14th, Mr. Stehen McIntyre, aged 48 years.

HOVEY:  In Guilford [Chenango Co. NY], July 20th, Betsey A. [Hovey], wife of Simon Hovey, aged 74 years.

WAITE:  In New Berlin [Chenango Co. NY], July 4th, Mr. Harvey Waite, in the 73d year of is age.

CASE:  In Plymouth [Chenango Co. NY], July 15th, Jennie H. [Case], daughter of Truman and Mary E. Case, aged 5 years.  Jennie was a beautiful and unusually promising child, and the loving Savior has transplanted the lovely bud to bloom in a better clime.

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FOGARTY:  Killed by the cars, in this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], July 8th, Thomas Fogarty, aged about 13 y'rs.

We have another frightful railroad accident to record. On Friday evening last, a boy named Thomas Fogarty, about thirteen years old, met a shocking death by being run over on the Midland track just south of the village.  It appears that he was employed as "water boy" on a gravel train, his business being to supply the hands with water while at work.  On Friday evening as the engine was returning to town, with only a caboose attached to the tender, the boy, in trying to pass from the tender to the caboose, fell between the wheels and was literally cut to pieces.  One arm was nearly severed, the hips were crushed in, and the body otherwise mangled.  He was carried to the house of his parents on Sheldon Street, where he died about midnight, having retained consciousness to the last.  He is said to have been an intelligent and industrious boy, always ready and willing to perform the duties devolving upon him.  There is a report (probably untrue) that one of the hands on the train ordered him to carry his water pail from the tender to the caboose, and that it was while obeying this order that he met his death.  We trust that there is no foundation for the report.  The coroner visited the scene of the accident, but by request of the boy's friends did not hold an inquest.

The frequency of these accidents at this place shows that there must be gross carelessness somewhere.  From what we can learn, in most instances it has been on the part of those who were injured.  All should be careful while upon trains or around railroad tracks.

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The frequency of accidents on the railroads in and near this village is cause for at least attempting to enforce some regulations to prevent them.  Since the first of January there has been about one in each month, and in none of them has there seemed to be any blame attached to the engineers or conductors of trains.  Generally, the accidents have been the result of thoughtlessness on the part of those killed or injured, although in one or two cases, like the case of Mr. Mathews who was killed in the round house, no one has seemed to be in fault.

The last fatal accident happened about 7 o'clock on Friday evening last, on the Midland.  The locomotive and caboose of a work train, when returning from the south, stopped at Oxford, where the water boy, Thomas Fogerty, son of Michael Fogerty, got upon the locomotive to ride to Norwich.  The roadmaster, Mr. Keith, being there, directed the boy to return to the caboose, and he passed back upon the tender, and it was supposed he had obeyed Mr. Keith, but instead, he rode on the tender until within a few hundred feet of the round house, when he attempted to go to the deck of the caboose.  In doing so he slipped and fell to the tracks, and the wheels passed over and crushed his left arm and hip, and cut open his side.  The jar was noticed by those in the caboose, and a stop signal given.  Fogerty was picked up and taken home, but the family, who reside only a few rods north of the depot, were notified and met the suffering boy before he reached home.  The wailing and frantic grief of the mother excited the sympathy of all who were present.  The boy was promptly attended, but no human and could avail, and he died about nine o'clock in the evening.  His age was twelve and a half years.

We are told by railroad men that they have great trouble in keeping boys, small and large, out of danger when trains are moving, and they sometimes stop them in order to remove boys from the danger they thoughtlessly incur.  It does seem, that in regard to employees there should be the most stringent rules, the penalty for the last violation of which should be dismissal. this would not avail in all cases but might save a few of the many lives that are almost daily put in jeopardy.  Especially does this seem necessary when lads the age of the one just killed are employed upon freight work trains. [Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, July 24, 1873]

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WARREN:  In Waterville, July 14th, at the residence of his father-in-law, Marius Hubbard, of consumption, Mr. Andrew W. Warren, aged 30 years.

Mr. Warren was the son of Hon. Romeo Warren, of Coventry, in this county [Chenango Co. NY], and will be remembered by many of our citizens as a former student of Norwich Academy and later as a pupil of Hon. T.H. Matteson, the distinguished artist of Sherburne.  His qualities of both mind and heart were of a high and noble order.  He was endowed with accurate perception and possessed of great vigor and originality of thought.  In his intercourse with those he loved he was the most genial of men.  Possessing a vast fund of information and a brilliant and cultured intellect, he was always a welcome guest at the fireside of the refined and cultivated.  In all his relations as a man and a citizen, he was fearless, frank, and upright; cheerfully approving whatever accorded with his convictions, and surely rebuking that which conflicted with his perceptions of truth and right.  He was a positive man.  There was no dissemblance in his nature.  He had talent, genius, culture, a remarkable power of application, and his future seemed full of promise.  He was passionately devoted to his profession, and many of the creations of his genius would find an appropriate place beside those of the great painters of the day.  Some years ago, while residing in South America, he contracted a fever peculiar to that region, which impaired an originally vigorous constitution, and laid the foundation for the malady that resulted in his untimely death.  During "the last year of the war" he was employed by the proprietors of Harper's Weekly as one of their corps of artists and accompanied the Army of the Potomac on its march "on to Richmond."  In 1868 he received the appointment of Assistant Professor of Drawing in the Naval Academy at Annapolis.  He held the position till the spring of 1872, when by reason of failing health, he felt constrained to resign the place.  Hoping that a sea voyage and a brief residence under the sunny skies of Southern Europe would reinvigorate his wasting energies, he sailed from New York soon after his resignation was accepted.  The hope of regaining health was not realized.  A few weeks since he started upon the return voyage.  He reached home on Thursday the 10th inst., to die among his friends and kindred on the following Monday.  Today his hand is cold and still, but the works it wrought endure to gladden our eyes and hearts and keep alive the memories that lie along the path his feet have trod. 

Oxford Times, Oxford, NY, July 23, 1873

Death

CLARKE:  In Preston [Chenango Co. NY], July 8th, Mrs. Mary Ann Clarke, widow of the late Wm. Clarke, aged 62 years.

The deceased was born in Preston and in the neighborhood where she spent her life.  In her youth she made a profession of religion and united with the S.D.B. Church in this place of which she remained a worthy member, until summoned by death to take her place in the triumphant division of the Church across the River.  she possessed in an eminent degree those elements and traits of character that make a good wife, a mother devoted and true, and a faithful friend.  She leaves two sons, upon whom she has bestowed a mother's constant love and faithfulness during 21 years of lonely widowhood, one sister, and a large circle of remoter kindred and friends to mourn an irreparable loss.  But having the undoubting assurance that the loss they sustain by this Providence, is the infinite gain of their departed loved one.  "Absent from the body, present with the Lord."

Chenango American, Greene, NY, July 24, 1873

Marriage

On Wednesday, July 9th, at St. Stephen's Church, Brooklyn, Mr. William O. Avery to Mrs. Helen M. Upson, both of Washington, D.C.

Death

In this town [Greene, Chenango Co. NY], July 17th, Mr. Ephraim Wheeler, aged 68 years, 10 months.

Conscious of the near approach of death, he set his house in order, arranging his worldly estate in such a way as seemed best for the welfare of those he should leave behind.  Surrounded by his family, to whom he had been an endeared husband and an affectionate father, he gave to each a suitable exhortation to live in the loving fear of that God who had been with him so many years and was now giving him the hopeful assurance of a home in the better land.  So, another of this Township's ablest sons has passed away, after having served his day and generation as a persevering laborer, an honest dealer, and a respected man.

Sherburne News, Sherburne, NY, July 26, 1873

Death

LEUDDEN:  In Hamilton [Madison Co. NY], july 15th, Mrs. Honora Leudden, wife of Mr. James Leudden, aged 70 years.

Mrs. Leudden died very suddenly at the residence of her son in this village, Father A.P. Leudden, where she had come on a visit.  We learn that she was a lady of remarkable goodness, piety and kind heartedness.  Her life was blessed by the devotion and love of her four sons, all of whom occupy positions of honor in life.  Father John Leudden of Florence, Father James Leudden of little Falls, and Father Anthony Leudden of this place, are all her children, while the fourth is a member of the bar residing at Binghamton.  Hamilton Volunteer.

Bainbridge Republican, Bainbridge, NY, July 26, 1973

Marriage

In this village [Bainbridge, Chenango Co. NY], on the 20th inst., by Rev. W.B. Thomas Mr. Kilmer to Miss Betsey Ford, all of Bainbridge.

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

 Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, July 17, 1873

Deaths

WALES:  In Plymouth [Chenango Co. NY], July 5th, Polly M. [Wales] wife of Danforth Wales, Esq., in the 79th year of her age.

MATHEWSON:  In Pharsalia [Chenango Co. NY], July 3d, Mr. Winsor Mathewson, aged 65 years.

YALE:  In Guilford [Chenango Co. NY] July 4th, Mr. Wyllis Yale, one of the first settlers of Yale Settlement, aged 78 years.

SEELY:  In Preston [Chenango Co. NY], July 19th, Mary E. [Seely], wife of Harry B. Seely, aged 39 years.

ANGELL:  In Morris [Otsego Co. NY], June 28th, Mr. Jonathan Angell, aged 82 years, for many years a resident of New Berlin [Chenango Co. NY].

SOMERS:  In Deansville, Oneida Co. [NY], July 10th, Martha A. [Somers] wife of Doct. R.M. Somers and youngest sister of Mrs. B.F. Rexford and J.E. Babcock, of this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], aged 44 years.

Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, July 17, 1873

Death

In Memoriam:  On the morning of the 6th of July inst., the solemn tones of the bell of St. Andrews Church, at New Berlin [Chenango Co. NY], made the sad, though not entirely unexpected announcement, to his many anxious friends, of the death of Mrs. Sarah Eliza Morgan, wife of Solomon L. Morgan, Esq., at the age of 45 years.  She was the daughter of Edward C. Williams, Esq., recently deceased, one of the oldest and most respected of our citizens.  She was born and had always lived in this village, where, surrounded by those she loved, and sustained by the full confidence of Christian faith, she quietly passed away.

Though her suffering had been severe and protracted, her mind was unclouded, and she died as she had lived - with blessings on her lips and words of Christian consolation for all.  

While the sun of her existence seemed but at noonday, it sank behind the western hills, but only to usher in upon the morrow an unending day of perpetual sunshine and peace.

Death is at all times an unwelcome visitor but seldom has the visitation caused such great and wide-spread sorrow.  A stricken husband feeling that the tenderest of earthly ties has been severed - a widowed mother mourning the loss of an only daughter - little children yearning for a mother's love - brothers, friends and companions of her childhood and maturity - all mingle their tears together over the common sorrow.  But they mourn not as those without hope, for above the earthly wailing they hear the glad strains of heavenly welcome.

The memory of her deeds of mercy, of her wealth of love and affection for family and friends, her heroic devotion to duty, her patience under physical suffering, her earnest Christian faith, beautifying and elevating mind and heart, will ever remain a priceless legacy to those who loved her, and "None knew her but to love her, / None named her but to praise."

Oxford Times, Oxford, NY, July 16, 1873

Death

REDMOND:  In Oxford [Chenango Co. NY], at the residence of her son-in-law, Mr. James Keyes, Wednesday evening, July 9th, Mrs. Eliza Redmond, wife of Mr. John Redmond, formerly of county Wexford, Ireland, aged 69 years.  "May she rest i peace."

Chenango American, Greene, NY, July 17, 1873

Marriage

At the residence of John F. Carter, in this town [Greene, Chenango Co. NY], July 5th, by Rev. James H. Sage, Mr. Samuel W. Haksins, of Clearfield, Penn., to Miss Sarah E. Douglass, of Indiana, Penn.

Sherburne News, Sherburne, NY, July 19, 1873

Marriage

KILPATRICK - MEVIS:  In Otego [Otsego Co. NY], on the 3d inst., Mr. Charles Kilpatrick of Phoenix [Oswego Co. NY] and Miss Sarah Mevis, of Milford, Otsego Co. [NY].

Death

The terrible death of John W. Ackley of East Hamilton [Madison Co. NY], has cast a shadow of gloom over the entire place.  The deceased was a very respectable citizen and an energetic farmer.  His loss will be sorely felt in the community where he resided.  He leaves a wife, parents, and a large circle of relatives and friends to mourn his loss.  His age was forty-two years.  The exact circumstances of his death are as follows:  On Sunday, the 13th inst., Mr. Ackley was leading a bull by a rope which was attached to a ring in the animal's nose, to the usual watering trough. Upon nearing it the animal appeared playful, and then closely pressed upon Mr. A. in such a manner that escape was impossible.  Falling to the ground he was trampled upon and otherwise injured, but not gored as at first supposed.  His shouts brought a woman to the scene who gave the alarm for help, when a hired man came and by stratagems, secured the infuriated beast to a tree, and Mr. A. was carried to the house and a stimulus given him, but he failed rapidly and soon expired.

Bainbridge Republican, Bainbridge, NY, July 19, 1873

Death

Mr. Luzern Ward, a citizen of Sidney Plains [Delaware Co. NY], living just over the river from Unadilla, died last Wednesday morning about midway between Oneonta and Otego, on the Albany and Susquehanna Railroad Train, and his remains were put off at Unadilla.  He had been in poor health, and with his wife had been spending some time at the seashore and was on his return when he died about fifteen miles from home.

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

 Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, July 10, 1873

Marriages

HOLMES - PADGETT:  In Oxford [Chenango Co. NY], July 4th, by Rev. J.C. Ward, Mr. Edgar O. Holmes of Addison, N.Y. [Steuben Co.] to Miss Polly M. Padgett, of Oxford.

BROCKWAY - GILBERT:  In Oxford [Chenango Co. NY], July 4th, by Rev. J.C. Ward, Mr. William Brockway, of Lawrenceville, Pa. to Miss Julia Gilbert, of South Oxford.

TOWER - CURTIS:  In McDonough [Chenango Co. NY], June 26th, by Rev. J.D. Webster, Dea. O. Tower, of Oxford [Chenango Co. NY] to Mrs. Maria G. Curtis, of McDonough.

PHINNEY - BROWN:  At the residence of the bride, in South New Berlin [Chenango Co. NY], July 1st, by Rev. H.O. Rowlands, Mr. Ansel Phinney of Bainbridge [Chenango Co. NY], to Mrs. Teresa N.L. Brown.

JOHNSON - BEACH:  In Lincklaen [Chenango Co. NY], July 3d, by Rev. J.W. Barr, Mr. Eri D. Johnson of Otselic [Chenango Co. NY] to Miss Mary D. Beach, of Lincklaen.

WELLS - BEACH:  In Binghamton [Broome Co. NY], June 25th, by Rev. E. Taylor, Mr. George H. Wells of Norwich [Chenango Co. NY] to Miss Ida S. Beach of Binghamton.

WORMWOOD - COOK:  In New Berlin [Chenango Co. NY], June 27th, by Rev. H. Pattengill, Mr. Henry Wormwood to Miss Ellen Cook, all of New Berlin.

POTTER - CLARK:  At White Store [Chenango Co. NY], June 27th, by William Morse, Esq., Mr. Elam Potter to Mrs. Hannah Clark, of Norwich [Chenango Co. NY].

Death

MORGAN:  In New Berlin [Chenango Co. NY], July 5th, wife of S.L.  Morgan, Esq.

Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, July 10, 1873

Marriages

BALDWIN - BURNHAM:  By Rev. B.B. Carruth, at the M.E. Parsonage, Willett [Cortland Co. NY], June 3, Mr. Willie Baldwin, to Miss F. Killinette Burnham both of Pitcher, N.Y. [Chenango Co. NY].

PIXLEY - ABBOTT:  By the Rev. B.B. Carruth, at the house of Mr. A. Wicks, in Willett [Cortland Co. NY], July 3, Mr. James B. Bixley to Miss Edith M. Abbott, both of Afton, N.Y. [Chenango Co.].

BOWERS - DAMON: At Bridgeport, Madison Co. [NY], July 3d, at the residence of the bride's father, by Rev. T.F. Clark, Mr. R.J. Bowers, of Norwich [Chenango Co. NY] to Miss Fena E. Damon, of Bridgeport, N.Y.

GATES - ROOT:  In Pitcher [Chenango Co. NY], July 4th, by the Rev. S.P. Way, Mr. Horatio S. Gates to Miss Ellie A. Root, all of Pitcher.

Deaths

COOMBS:  In Philadelphia, July 1st, Lucy Augusta [Coombs] infant daughter of R. Duncan and Charlotte A. Coombs.

LAW:  In Guilford [Chenango Co. NY], July 1st, Mrs. Jane R. Law of New York City, daughter of Josiah and Dodemia Houck, aged 32 years and 9 months.

Mr. Christopher Grant, late of Pharsalia [Chenango Co. NY], whose decease was noticed under the proper head in last week's paper, was a soldier of the 114th Regiment, and faithfully served his country for three years.  He enlisted in August 1862, in Company E, under Captain Rorapaugh, and was always at his post of duty.  With health impaired, he returned to his home in Pharsalia at the close of the war and died of consumption a few days since.  with Christian faith and fortitude, he bore the suffering incident to a protracted disease as he bore, like a true soldier the brunt of battle deprivations and hardships inseparable from a soldier's life in the field.  He leaves a wife and family of seven children to mourn their irreparable loss.  They have the sympathy of the entire community in their sore bereavement.

Chenango American, Greene, NY, July 10, 1873

Marriages

In this village [Greene, Chenango Co. NY], on the 2d inst., at the house of the bride's parents, by Rev. D.F. Rogers, Mr. Arthur F. Cowles to Miss Frances [Wells], daughter of Mr. and mrs. D.H. Wells.

In this village [Greene, Chenango Co. NY], July 7th, by Rev. A. Parker, Mr. Buel Race, of Greene, to Miss Pamelia Stalker, of Owego [Tioga Co. NY]

Deaths

In Norwich [Chenango Co. NY], June 25th, Mrs. Harriet N. mosher, aged 66 years.

Died at Bainbridge [Chenango Co. NY], on the evening of Tuesday, July 1st, Dr. Blin S. Sill, in the 66th year of his age.

The deceased was a son of the late Andrew Sill of Burlington, Otsego Co. [NY].  He came to Bainbridge about the year 1837, and in company with Dr. S.W. Corbin commenced the practice of medicine.  He then resided in the house now occupied by Henry A. Clark.  He was a member of the regular profession of allopathic physicians and attended medical lectures in the city of Philadelphia.  Dr. Sill had been twice married, first to Mrs. Lathrop of Sherburne, who died in this village some twenty-five years ago.  He afterwards untied to Miss Jane Ann, daughter of the late Lockwood Chandler, of Bainbridge.  He had three children by his first wife, only one of whom is living.  Two sons are the fruits of his last marriage, both of whom are minor children.  He was several times elected Supervisor of the town of Bainbridge and had been postmaster about five years at the time of his death.  As a professional man he was one of the best road physicians in the country.  He received a good academic education, with the expectation of becoming a minister of the gospel, but afterwards changed his purposes.  He was a communicant of the Episcopal church and was for some time a member of the vestry.  He was very much of a politician and was well versed in the political history of the country.  He was a Jackson Democrat until about 1854, when he joined the then newly formed party, in which he has since been an earnest laborer.  But few men were more widely known in the vicinity in which he lived, and he died generally respected.  Bainbridge Review.

Sherburne News, Sherburne, NY, July 12, 1873

Deaths

PRINCE:  In Brockport [Monroe Co. NY], on the 29th of June, Mrs. Philantha Prince, formerly of Sherburne [Chenango Co. NY], aged 78 years.

The deceased left Sherburne about six years ago, where she had lived about 66 years.  Her need of more constant attention than she could have from any but members of her own family, induced her to leave a place to which she was greatly attached.  Her sight began to fail rapidly not very long after her removal, and for a few years before her death she was totally blind.  At different times acquaintances from Sherburne have called to see her, and she was delighted with their visits.  Mrs. Prince was for many years a communicant of the Episcopal Church.  She lived and died in that faith which among other things teaches the dignity of the human soul, irrespective of the color of the body; that faith which accepts Christ as the Savior of sinners; the faith which for ages has been the portion of the wisest, the greatest, and the best, and which is derided by none of character and worth.  He who said to the blind man "Receive thy sight," bade her look, though not through darkened windows, at the city which is paved with beryl and carbuncle and all precious stones, whose walls and towers are of finest gold, and whose light is clear as crystal - the light of the glory of God.  She embraced with all her heart the promise which He hath given us, in the book valued and loved by all the pure and good, of "an abundant entrance into his everlasting kingdom," and when the Master came was found watching.

WILLIAMS:  At Afton, N.Y. [Chenango Co.], on Sunday, June 22d, 1873, after lingering with consumption for fourteen months, Mr. Clement B. Williams, aged 28 years.

In early life he became a Christian and joined the 1st Congregational church of Coventry, N.Y., oif which he was a worthy and consistent member till death.  He leaves behind an invalid widow and a large circle of friends to mourn his early departure, but what is their loss is evidently gain to him.  When he came to realize that his end was near, the mysteries of death and of the spirit world awoke no emotion of fear.  With clear mental vision, gently and sweetly he passed from earth to heaven.  What was most remarkable in his life was his habitual patience and cheerfulness.  Not a murmur escaped his lips, not a look of sadness, but full of hope, trust and comfort to the last.  By prudence and diligence in business he had saved enough to purchase a village lot and build a comfortable dwelling in which to spend a quiet and happy life, yet he leaves it without regret because the Master calls him to a better mansion in the skies.  And though that neat little house may be deserted for a while, yet what a monument to the worth of the departed, and what an example to our young people of what may be accomplished by an invalid couple in securing a home by steady habits and frugality, committing their way unto the Lord, "For them that honor me I will honor," saith the Lord.

Bainbridge Republican, Bainbridge, NY, July 12, 1873

Marriages

In Deposit [Delaware Co. NY], July 1st, by Rev. J.N. Adams, Mr. C.O. Thorpe to Miss Josephine A. Vanderwerker, both of Afton [Chenango Co. NY].

________________________________

"Twas midnight's holy hour - and silence then / Was brooding like a gentle spirit o'er / The still and pulseless world."

The fact is, the Colonel is not accustomed to leaving his couch and all its comforts at that hour, but when he learned that a treaty of peace between two villages was to be signed, so to speak, when he learned that two of Cupid's victims were wounded and bleeding at his door; when he learned that at the threshold of his domicile waited a pair that was eager to become as "Two souls with but a single thought, / Two hearts that beat as one"

When he learned the nature of the call, he was not the man to turn a deaf ear.  Accompanying the youthful and elated couple to the Atwater House, he pronounced before Mr. George Gale, of Sidney [Delaware Co. NY] and the much-married Mrs. Anna Fuller, of Bainbridge, that solemn, impressive and binding ceremony that forbade the bride the diversion to which she is so accustomed - that of marrying again, and that joined Sidney and Bainbridge in the "holy bonds of padlock."

Judging from the self-satisfied gleam on the face of the bridegroom, the roseate smile beneath the comely jockey of the bride, and the many tender looks and affectionate gestures indulged in on either side as they promenaded our streets, we have every reason to believe that they are unquestionably happy.

Deaths

The remains of William S Johnson arrived at this place from New York yesterday and will be taken to West Bainbridge [Chenango Co. NY] for interment.  The deceased was born and reared in this town, but at the age of twenty-two he removed to New York, where he has lived for 38 years in continual prosperity and amassed a princely fortune.  Branches of the family still live in this town.

Mr. James R. Wait, of Guilford Centre, in this county [Chenango Co. NY], died at the residence of W.H. Cannon, in this village [Bainbridge, Chenango Co. NY], on the evening of Tuesday July 8th, aged 63 years.  He had been confined to his bed about six weeks previous to his death, which was caused by general debility.  He was the father of Mrs. Cannon, and a respected citizen of Guilford.  His remains were taken to that place for interment. Thus has the reaper Death claimed two of our prominent citizens, before the month is half gone.