Saturday, January 21, 2023

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

 Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, October 9, 1873

Marriages

JAYNES - BASSETT:  At the residence of the bride's father, A.O. Bassett, in this town [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], October 1st, 1873, by Rt. Rev. F.D. Huntington, Bishop of the Diocese of Central New York, A.W. Jaynes, M.D. of Syracuse [Onondaga Co. NY to Miss Flora M. Bassett, of Norwich.

We clip from the Syracuse Daily Journal of Thursday last, the following brief mention of a pleasant ceremonial which took place in this town on Wednesday, the 1st inst.  The happy couple bear with them to their home, the best wishes of many friends; "Rt. Rev. Bishop Huntington officiated at an interesting ceremonial in Norwich, N.Y., yesterday, uniting in marriage Dr. A.W. Jaynes, of this city, and Miss Flora M. Bassett, of Norwich.  Dr. Jaynes during his residence in Syracuse has attracted many warm personal friends who welcome his fair bride to her new home, uniting with their hearty congratulations, best wishes for a happy future."

BAKER - PECK:  At the home of the bride, in Mt. Upton [Chenango Co. NY], Sept. 24th, by Rev. S.W. Weiss, Mr. Andrew Baker, of West Dryden [Tompkins Co. NY], to Miss Amania M. Peck, of Mt. Upton.

WILBER - SMITH:  In Utica [Oneida Co. NY], Oct. 1st, by Rev. Dr. Corey, Mr. E.M. Wilber to Mrs. Almeda Smith, both of Earlville [Madison Co. NY].


Deaths

SHUMWAY:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], Oct. 4th, Mrs. Martha Shumway, aged 82 years, widow of the late Nehemiah Shumway.

After very intense suffering for about three weeks, Mrs. Nehemiah Shumway died in this village on Saturday last.  It is wonderful that at the age of 82 years she could so long have survived after being so seriously burned.  About three weeks ago while weaving, she accidentally set fire to the house by using a lamp without a chimney, and in attempting to quench the flames her clothes took fire.  She ran to the well for water, when a neighbor saw her burning and gave the alarm.  Mr. Clark Shumway, her grandson, hearing the cry sprung from his bed and caught her in his arms, smothering the flames, but not until Mrs. S. was terribly burned. The flesh on one side was burned to a crisp and it was evident that death must sooner or later result from her injuries.  She was formerly a resident of Guilford [Chenango Co. NY] but for a considerable period has resided in this village.  She was a member of the Congregational Chruch and a devoted Christian woman.  [Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, Oct. 9, 1873]

RACE:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], Oct. 5th, Jane A. [Race], wife of Chester Race, aged 29 years.

WAIT:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], Oct. 8th, Gracie M. [Wait] daughter of John W. and Elizabeth Wait, aged about 4 weeks.

HALL:  In German [Chenango Co. NY], Oct. 4th, Catharine Hall, aged about 80 years.

SMITH:  In Lincklaen [Chenango Co. NY], Sept. 26th, Livonia [Smith] wife of William Smith, aged 71 years.

STEBBINS:  In Unadilla [Otsego Co. NY], Sept. 22d, of typhoid fever, Polly [Stebbins] wife of Henry L. Stebbins, aged 55 years, 8 months and 2 days.

A little daughter of Jay Eccleston, of New Berlin [Chenango Co. NY], aged seventeen months, on Friday last fell into a kettle of boiled vegetables, which had been prepared for the family dinner, and just taken from the stove, and was so badly scalded that death ensued on Saturday.

WILSON:  In Camden, Oneida Co. [NY], Sept. 25th, Mr. John Wilson, aged 62 years, father of Mr. Herbert E. Wilson, of this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY].

Mr. Wilson had been quite unwell for about three weeks.  He was able to be around the house most of the time.  On the evening of his death, he sat down to the tea table with his family.  Soon after tea he read a portion of the Scriptures and prayed with his family.  When he arose from his knees, his wife noticed that he appeared faint, and as she went to his assistant he partially sank to the floor.  With difficulty he was got to bed, and medical aid obtained, but in a short time his spirit passed away to appear in the presence of its God.  Mr. Wilson was born in Camden, where he had spent all his days.  He was known as a quiet and respected citizen.  From his childhood he had lived a religious life.  At the age of 12 years, he united with the M.E. Church, of which he continued an honored member until he was called to join the Church Triumphant.  He was an affectionate husband, a kind father and an obliging friend.  The large congregation that attended his funeral showed the esteem in which he was held by the people among whom he lived and died.  He leaves a companion and three children and a large circle of relatives to mourn his loss.  May they each be sustained by their kind Heavenly father.

________________________________

WELCH:  Suddenly, in this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], Oct. 2d, Mr. Patrick Welch, aged 40 years.

The many friends of Patrick Welch were astonished to hear on Thursday evening that he had suddenly died at his residence in this village on that afternoon.  He had been at work as usual in the shop during the forenoon and after dinner had been engaged in digging potatoes in his garden until about two o'clock, when he went into his house and complained of sickness.  His symptoms becoming alarming, medical aid was summoned, but to no purpose, for he died in about two hours after the attack.

Patrick was born in Ireland, where he spent his youth.  He was an enlisted soldier in the English army and won an honorable record in the Crimean war.  he came to this village some six or seven years since, and for several years has been an employee in the hammer factory.  So attentive was he to his duties that he at once won the confidence and respect of his employers and associates.  During the past year he was President of the St. Patrick's Mutual Benefit Association, and its rapid growth is in a measure due to his management.  His funeral was attended at St. Patrick's Chruch on Saturday morning, the funeral ceremonies of that denomination being impressively performed by Father O'Connell.  The church was crowded, numbering among the audience, in addition to the Catholic friends, and the St. Patrick's Society in uniform, his associate workmen in the factory, and a large number of citizens who assembled to do honor to one, who, during his short residence among us, had won the respect and confidence of all.

He leaves a widow and four small children in circumstances appealing to the hearts of the charitable.  We are glad to learn that a movement for their relief has already been inaugurated with considerable success. [Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, Oct. 9, 1873]

_______________________________

BIXBY:  At Chenango Forks [Broome Co. NY], Oct. 2d, by accidental shooting, Noah Jerome Bixby son of Reuben Bixby, aged 20 years and 6 months.

A sad accident occurred about two miles above Chenango Forks, on Thursday of last week, causing the death by accidental shooting of Noah Jerome Bixby, a young man in the twenty-first year of his age, son of Reuben Bixby, of that place.

Coroner Hand, of this place, was summoned to hold an inquest, and upon his arrival at the Forks, the following gentlemen were sworn as jurors:  William B. Burrows, Peter Kenyon, Simon S. Terwilliger, Andrew Whitbeck, Nelson Dunn, Paul D. Porter, John King, William English, Niles Kenyon.  We give the substance of the evidence of the principal witness, which explains the manner in which the unfortunate young man came to his death.

Alonzo Smith sworn.  Reside in the town of Tuscarora, Stueben Couty, NY.; am here on a visit; have been here since Tuesday of last week; am cousin of the deceased.  He proposed this morning to go hunting ducks at the river, and we went accordingly, soon after breakfast; took a boat and went up the river about two miles, where he landed me on the shore, for the purpose of going forward to scare up ducks, while he would remain in the boat and be prepared to shoot if I should scare them towards him, and that I might be in a place to shoot them if he should start any towards me.  We were to meet at a certain point above, soon after. I went out of his sight and about half a mile from where I left him, and to the point where we had agreed to meet on the river.  As I was near the place I heard the discharge of a gun down the river, in the direction of the spot where I had left deceased.  I met a strange man there and asked him if he was fishing.  After some conversation he asked me who had shot over there; I told him Bixby.  I left him there in a boat, fishing.  This man had a gun with him in the boat and was sailing round and round in the cove. The cove and river are near together at this point.  When I last saw this man, he was sailing down the cove towards the river.  I went up the river about thirty rods, and then turned around and came back to the place where we had agreed to meet; stayed there about five minutes and went down the river to a place about half-way to where I had left deceased.  There I saw the back end of the boat.  I stepped near the edge of the bank, and there deceased lay, apparently dead, with his head in the water.  I threw down my gun and went to him, and raised his head out of the water and laid it on the bank.  Got up again on the bank and called fo a man whom I had seen across the river, but received no answer, and did not see him then.  Then I went to the cove to find the man whom I had seen fishing there but did not find him.  I went to the nearest house for help, and two men and a boy went with me to the place where I had left deceased and found him as I had left him. Soon several of the neighbors came to the place, and the father and mother were set for, the deceased remaining undisturbed until his parents arrived.  After their arrival the body was removed to their home, a distance of about two miles.  We each of us had a gun with us, and deceased was left with a gun in the boat. The gun was discovered in the end of the boat, pointing out towards the shore.  Some men took the gun from the boat and examined it and found it had been discharged; it was a single barrel gun.  I found the boat tied to a little bush, by a small string.  Deceased lay very near the boat, his feet touching it.  The end of the gun was lying over the end of the boat, and over the feet.  Some little spatters of blood were seen on the barrel of the gun.  As I raised his head from the water, I saw a wound in the side of his neck.  We loaded our guns with fine shot.

The father of the deceased corroborated the above evidence, so far as his knowledge extended, and testified that he knew of no despondency of mind, or any trouble on the part of the deceased which would induce self-destruction.

Dr. S.H. Harrington made an examination of the body, and found a gunshot wound in the left side of the neck, four or five inches below the ear and immediately back of the carotid artery, and the spine fractured.  The wound would cause certain and almost instant death.  No other marks of violence upon the body.

The jury found a verdict of accidental death from shooting, the supposition being that the gun was discharged while young Bixby was in the act of taking it from the boat.

Deceased is spoken of as a very exemplary young man, and was the only son of aged parents, who have the sympathies of the community in their great affliction.

In this connection it may not be out of place to speak of the foolish idea which too generally prevails, that the body of a person found dead must not be removed from the place until the coroner or other official authorizes it to be done.  there is no such law, and it should be so understood.

Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, October 9, 1873

Marriages

DOYLE - MURPHY:  At St. Patrick's Church, in this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], Oct. 7th, by Rev. Father O'Connel, Mr. James Doyle to Miss Jane Murphy, both of Norwich.

McLEAN - BOWE:  At the M.E. parsonage in So. New Berlin [Chenango Co. NY], Oct. 1st, 1873, by Rev. A. Brown, Mr. James H. McLean and Miss Theressa A. Bowe, all of New Berlin.

BLAIR - BROWN:  In Pitcher [Chenango Co. NY], Sept. 16th, by Rev. S.P. Way, Mr. Albert L. Blair, of Madison, N.Y. [Madison Co.] and Mary M. Brown, of Georgetown, N.Y. [Madison Co. NY].

DUTCHER - CHURCH:  In Pitcher [Chenango Co. NY], Sept. 17th by the same, Mr. Frank Dutcher of DeRuyter [Madison Co. NY] and Tora E. Church of Cuyler, N.Y. [Cortland Co.].

PERKINS - HAYES:  In Cincinnatus [Cortland Co. NY], Sept. 30th, by the same, Mr. George H. Perkins of Norwich [Chenango Co. NY] and Miss Lucy J. Hayes, of Cincinnatus.

Death

FLAGG:  In Morris [Otsego Co. NY], Oct. 3d, after a short illness, M. Luzerne Flagg, aged about 24 years.

Sherburne News, Sherburne, NY, October 11, 1873

Marriages

POLLOCK - BURWELL:  In Clinton [Dutchess Co. NY], on the 8th inst., in St. James Chruch by Rev. Mr. Hibbard, Mr. George W. Pollock of Sherburne [Chenango Co. NY] and Miss Ada Burwell, of Clinton.

CARTER - BUELL:  At the residence of the bride's father, in Earlville [Madison Co. NY], Oct. 6th, by Rev. H. Spencer Williams, James S. Carter, Esq., of Chicago, Ill., and Frances I. Buell, daughter of Hiram E. Buell, Esq., of Sherburne [Chenango Co. NY].

WILD - WRAY:  In New York City, Sept. 28, 1873, by Rev. Dr. Houghton, Mr. John Wild and Miss Ada Wray, all of New York.

Bainbridge Republican, Bainbridge, NY, October 11, 1873

Death

Amos Skeeter died very suddenly on Monday last. The chill winds of Autumn were too severe for his delicate organization.  He belonged to a well-known family, of which it is supposed that he was the last surviving member in this region.  He was distinguished for great perseverance in his calling, and his musical abilities, although not appreciated, were of a very high order.

Friday, January 20, 2023

Vital Records, Chenango County, NY, October 1873

 Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, October 2, 1873

Marriages

LATHAN - GIFFORD:  In Oxford [Chenango Co. NY], Sept. 23d, by Rev. F.L. Hiller, Mr. Alexander Lathan of New York to Miss Mary A. Gifford, of Oxford.

WEED - HERRICK:  At the residence of the bride's parents, in Oswego [Oswego Co. NY], Sept. 24th, by Rev. Thomas A. Weed, Mr. William H. Weed of New York, to Hattie H. [Herrick], daughter of Hon. William H. Herrick.

Deaths

GUERNSEY:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], Oct. 1st, Miss Lavinia Guernsey, aged 62 years.

Miss Lavinia Guernsey, sister of the late William G. Guernsey, died at her residence in this village, on Wednesday morning, the 1st inst., aged 62 years.  She had been in failing health for some months, and at the close her disease assumed an apoplectic form.

THOMPSON:  In East McDonough [Chenango Co. NY], Sept. 21st, Mr. Elijah W. Thompson, aged 26 years, 3 months and 1 day.

MILLER:  In Guilford [Chenango Co. NY], Sept. 4th, Mr. Philander miller, aged 61 years and 11 months.

NIGHTINGALE:  In McDonough [Chenango Co. NY], Sept. 17th, Nancy [Nightingale] widow of the late Henry Nightingale, aged 75 years.

WILSON:  In Pittsfield, Otsego Co. [NY], Sept. 14th, Mr. Parker B. Wilson, aged 76 years, formerly of New Berlin [Chenango Co. NY].

_____________________________

HUBBARD:  At the residence of her mother, in this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], Sept. 24th, Miss Mary A. Hubbard, daughter of the late Harvey Hubbard, Esq., aged 25 years.

In Memoriam

Mary Austin Hubbard born September 5th, 1848, died at six o'clock on the afternoon of September 24th, 1873, aged twenty-five years and nineteen days.

Miss Hubbard lived most of her life in Norwich, the place of her birth and of her death.  Her student life was spent in Norwich Academy and in the State Normal School at Cortland, from which latter institution she graduated with honor, January 30th, 1872.  As an educator, she discovered herself possessed of marked ability.  On the 4th of September 1873, she commenced duty as Principal of the Intermediate Department of the School of Practice connected with the Normal School from which she graduated.  This position she retained until her death, although declining health had forbidden her since last May to engage in active schoolwork.

Miss Hubbard's home, social and religious life was characterized by deep filial affection and tenderness as a daughter and sister - by warm attachments as a friend - and by a saving faith as a follower of her Saviour. Her individuality of character manifested itself in her self reliance, in her appreciation of kind attentions, in her self sacrifice whereby happiness and comfort should come to others, in her ambition that her life might realize the cherished hopes of her affectionate parents, and in her unswerving trust in her Redeemer.

She had been expectant that she would soon recover her health.  Yet her many days of great suffering finally brought her near the shores of Time, and the sight of the "Valley of the Shadow" brought with it no shrinking - life looked pleasant to her, and she had hoped to enjoy it longer - yet; "Mother, I am going very soon," was uttered with all her wonted calmness, for it was well with her.

Her directions concerning her burial - her selection of hymns for friends to sing to her - her thoughtful message of tenderness to all her dear ones - her beautiful reflection that when her body should be laid in the grave it were pleasant to have the earth joyous with flowers and the sun just setting behind the hills - her last kiss of love - her last words:  "Tell grandfather I am almost gone" - her sweet, cheerful countenance as she neared the Shores and visions of Beauty seemed to open upon her sight - all these uttered for her young life's beautiful close.

The burial services were held at the home of the deceased, at three o'clock on Saturday.  The day was one of the loveliest of the year - fit time to remember the following words, which were sung at the grave as the casket rested in its final place:

"Behold the western evening light!" / It melts in deepening gloom; / So calmly Christians sink away, / Descending to the tomb.

"The winds breathe low; the withering leaf / Scarce whispers from the tree; / So calmly flows the parting breath, / When loved ones cease to be.

"How beautiful on Lal the hills / The mellow light is shed! / 'Tis like the peace the Christian gives / To mourners round her bed.

"How mildly on the wandering cloud / The sunset beam is cast! / 'Tis like the memory left behind, / When loved ones breathe their last."

Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, October 2, 1873

Marriages

BIGGS - BLOOM:  At the M.E. Parsonage, Waterville, N.Y. [Oneida Co.], Sept. 19th, 1873, by Rev. J.C. Darling, Mr. Charles J. Biggs to Mrs. Arcelia M. Bloom, both of Norwich [Chenango Co. NY].

The many friends of Rev. N.R. Evarts of this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY] will be interested in the following from the Utica Herald of Friday last:  Rev. Mr. Evarts of this city [Utica, Oneida Co. NY] was, Thursday, married to Mrs. Ruth Reasoner, of Little Falls [Herkimer Co. NY].  The ceremony took place at the residence of Gen. Z.C. Priest. The Rev. Mr. Woods of Saratoga performed the ceremony, assisted by Rev. Mr. LeRoy of Little Falls.  Gen. Priest gave the happy couple a brilliant reception, after which they took the cars for Auburn.

News Item

There are four old men living in this town [Walton, Delaware Co. NY], Mr. Cook St. John, in his 101st, Lewis Raymond, in his 97th, William Dyer, in his 94th and Deacon Thaddeus Fitch, in his 89th year.  these men possess their mental and physical faculties in a remarkable degree.  Uncle Cook St. John is able to work out in fair weather.  Uncle Lewis Raymond is frequently seen sunning himself on the porch, and the other day we had the pleasure of shaking hands with Uncle Billy Dyer in our village, he having walked from his home one and one-half miles distant and intended to return home again in the same manner.  Deacon Fitch, one day last August, between the hours of one and five P.M., raked from 240 to 250 bundles of oats.  He mowed his orchard containing from three to four acres, and prepared the hay ready to draw into the barn.  Last winter he took care of ten head of cattle.  He usually cuts his own firewood and raises his own potatoes and what vegetables he needs in his family.  If any other town in Delaware or the adjoining counties can furnish four men whose united ages amount to 368 years with as great physical and mental stamina as the four above mentioned men, we shall be obliged to admit that Walton is not the town par excellence for old folks.  Walton Chronicle.

Oxford Times, Oxford, NY, October 1, 1873

News Item

An abandoned male infant, some two or three weeks old was found upon the doorsteps of Mr. Hastings, in the southwest part of Guilford [Chenango Co. NY], on the 21st inst.  It was given in charge of the poor master and is now in the Poor House.  The Supt.'s of the poor think they have a clue to its paternity.

Chenango American, Greene, NY, October 2, 1873

Deaths

In Syracuse [Onondaga Co. NY], Sept. 30th, Rolland D. [Rathbone], eldest son of Peter B. and Eliza G. Rathbone, aged 11 years.

In Brisbin [Chenango Co. NY], Sept. 26th, Mrs. Mary Ann [Tenbroeck], aged 33 years.

In Brisbin [Chenango Co. NY], Sept. 28th, Robert [Tremain], son of Richard and Lucy Ann Tremain, aged 19 years and 6 months.

Sherburne News, Sherburne, NY, October 4, 1873

Marriage

MANN - ANDROUS:  In Sherburne [Chenango Co. NY], Sept. 28, by Rev. Samuel Miller, Mr. Henry Mann and Miss Jane E. Androus.

Bainbridge Republican, Bainbridge, NY, October 4, 1873

Death

Joseph Loomis of Co. B, 7th N.Y. Heavy Artillery, died at Harper's Ferry, Camp Hull Hospital, September 22, of typhoid fever, aged 25 years.  His residence, before going to the army, was West Bainbridge, Chenango Co. N.Y.  His regiment was with Gen. Hunter in the expedition up the Shenandoah and through West Virginia in June.  He participated in the battles, marches, deprivations and fatigues of that campaign.  Returning to Harper's Ferry, to mingle in the scenes connected with that place, he was attacked with fever and died in a short time.  He died the death of a Christain soldier, leaving a wife, parents and many friends, who are called to join in the payments of the great price demanded for the salvation of our country.  W.G. Queal

Thursday, January 19, 2023

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

 Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, September 25, 1873

Marriages

BROWN - EATON:  At the residence of the bride's parents in Oxford [Chenango Co. NY], by Rev. S.F. Brown, of Norwich [Chenango Co. NY], Mr. Charles S. Brown, son of the officiating clergyman, to Miss Emma M. Eaton, daughter of Warren Eaton of Oxford.

CRANDALL - ALDRICH:  At the M.E. Parsonage in this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], September 16th, by Rev. S.F. Brown, Mr. Harvey Crandall to Miss Nelly H. Aldrich, all of Norwich.

BANNER - WARNER:  In Bainbridge [Chenango Co. NY], September 18th, by Rev. W.H. Sawtelle, David T. Banner, to Miss Carrie P. Warner, both of Bainbridge.

Death

WARD:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], September 16th, Miss Mary Ward, aged 46 years.

On Thursday morning last, a terrible accident occurred to an employee in the Midland yard in this village, at the East Main Street crossing, which resulted in death between twelve and one o'clock.  William Neville, aged about 20 years, and employed as car shifter, was the unfortunate victim.  While in the act of uncoupling cars in motion - the rear one of which was to be switched upon another track - he signaled the engineer upon the shifting engine, and stepping between the cars, removed the coupling-pin, and as he turned to leave the track, his foot caught between the outside of the rail and the broken end of one of the planks forming the platform near the track, he was thrown to the ground, his foot still held fast.  The engine, with one car attached, came backing down the track, and the wheels of one truck passed over him, crushing his right arm and shoulder to a jelly, and inflicting injuries on his left hand and other portions of his body.  The young man was removed to his boarding place nearby, and medical assistance called, but without avail.  He died as above stated, scarcely rallying from the shock, yet conscious almost to the last. He is spoken of as a man of excellent habits, industrious, and as enjoying the good will of all the laborers in the yard.  His friends reside near Oswego, whither he was taken on the 3:15 train by his brother, who arrived barely in time to see him die.

Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, September 25, 1873

Marriage

Mr. A.W. Parmley, the well-known plumber of Binghamton [Broome Co. NY], was married on Monday 15th inst. at Parksville, Sullivan Co. [NY], to Miss Mary McHugh of Binghamton.  Our best wishes for their success and happiness.

BURT - OLNEY:  At the residence of the bride's father, Rev. E. Olney, Sept. 17th, by Rev. T. F. Harris, Mr. Pembroke Burt and Sarah A. Olney, both of Otselic.

WATROUS - BAIRD:  At Coventry [Chenango Co. NY], Sept. 19th, by Rev. George D. Horton, Mr. Jerome C. Watrous to Miss Eva J. Baird, all of Coventry.

Sherburne News, Sherburne, NY, September 27, 1873

Marriage

MEAD - HARRIS:  In Binghamton [Broome Co. NY], Sept. 24, 1873, by Rev. L. Paddock, William H. mead of New Milford, Pa., and Ella F. Harris, of Binghamton.

Bainbridge Republican, Bainbridge, NY, September 27, 1873

Marriage

HARDY - WHITNEY:  In Sidney Plains [Delaware Co. NY] on the 17th inst. by Rev. George R. Burnside, of Oneonta, Albert Hardy, Esq., to Mrs. Mary Whitney, both of Sidney Plains.

Deaths

GRANT:  In Afton [Chenango Co. NY], on the 19th inst., Mrs. Catharine Grant aged 76 years.

BENNETT:  In Bennettsville [Chenango Co. NY], on the 21st inst., Mrs. Hiram Bennett, aged 72 years.

Wednesday, January 18, 2023

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

 Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, September 18, 1873

Marriages

LORD - BOSWORTH:  At the residence of the bride's father, Sept. 10th, by Rev. A.G. Clark, Mr. James Lord to Miss Frank E. Bosworth all of Pharsalia [Chenango Co. NY].

CURTIS - BARR:  In Holmesville [Chenango Co. NY], August 19th, by Rev. W. Stone, Mr. Stephen Curtis of Holmesville [Chenango Co. NY], to Miss Lottie M. Barr, of White Store [Chenango Co. NY].

PARKER - CAFFERTY:  In Chenango [Broome Co. NY], Sept. 15th, by Rev. Edward Taylor, D.D., Mr. Robert C. Parker of Greene [Chenango Co. NY] to Miss Kate L. Cafferty, of Chenango.

YOUNG - DEANE:  In North Brookfield [Madison Co. NY], Sept. 7th, by Rev. L. Casier, Mr. James Young to Miss Nora A. Deane, both of Earlville [Madison Co. NY].

SPENCER - HARRIS:  In Lincklaen [Chenango Co. NY], August 27th, by Eld. Stephen Hitchcock, Mr. A.D. Spencer, of Virgil, Cortland Co. [NY], to Miss Lila Harris, of Lincklaen.

BENNETT - HARRIS:  At the residence of the bride's father, in Binghamton [Broome Co. NY], Sept. 1st, by Rev. Lyman Wright, Prof. William F. Bennett, of Cortland [Cortland Co. NY], to Miss Sarah L. Harris, formerly of Oxford [Chenango Co. NY].

Deaths

ISBELL:  Suddenly, in Holmesville [Chenango Co. NY], Sept. 13th, Mr. Sherman Isbell.

GILLMAN:  In Oxford [Chenango Co. NY], Sept. 15th, Elizabeth [Gillman], daughter of William and Mary Ann Gillman, aged 14 years and 3 months.

MESSENGER:  In Central Smyrna [Chenango Co. NY], Sept. 15th, Mr. Nathan Messenger, aged 75 years.

Uncle Nathan Messenger is dead.  Mr. Messenger was one of the oldest citizens, being 75, and well known in this region as an honest, hard-working citizen, and he will be much missed by our community.  He leaves a wife and two sons, grown to manhood, one of whom is the proprietor of the Messenger House in this village.  He died at Central Smyrna, this afternoon.

We have to record this week the death of one of our oldest and most respected citizens, Mr. Nathan Messenger, who died at his residence at Central Smyrna, on Monday, Sept. 15th, at the advanced aged of seventy-five years.  The deceased has passed a large portion of his life in exploring the hills of Madison and Chenango Counties.  In the former, he had hopes of discovering an excellent coal mine among the Stockbride Hills.  In the latter, he was certain of finding silver in the southern part of Smyrna.  But his efforts were put forth in vain.  He has left behind a stainless record, though an unsuccessful businessman.  [Sherburne News, Sherburne, NY, September 20, 1873]

SEXTON:  In Smyrna [Chenango Co. NY], Sept. 15th, Mrs. Wells Sexton, [Maria Sexton] aged about 40 years.

Tuesday morning - Still another very sudden death.  About 10 P.M. yesterday, Mrs. Wells Sexton breathed her last, after an illness of but a few days. The news of her death seems more sudden and awful, for the reason that none but her family knew but that she was in usual health and strength.  Her age was about 40 years. She was the eldest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Heacox, of Earlville [Madison Co. NY], and a lady of fine culture and excellent Christian character, and to say that she will be missed will not express the feeling.  A husband and four small children (two boys and two girls, the youngest a little girl scarcely two years of age) are left to mourn her sudden departure.  Her funeral will be held at her late home, at 10 o'clock A.M. on Thursday.

POWERS:  In Smyrna [Chenango Co. NY], Sept. 13th, Harriet [Powers], wife of H.N. Powers, aged 54 years.

Mrs. Harriet Powers, living south of the village, died quite suddenly on Saturday afternoon last, of congestion of the brain.  Mrs. Powers, although 54 years of age, was smart and active, and took the whole care of her large family of children, who are now motherless - God pity them - and at the time of her being taken down with disease was in attendance upon the wants of a sick daughter, who is still confined to her bed.  She was a kind and faithful wife and mother and an exemplary Christian woman and will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

HAMILTON:  In North Norwich [Chenango Co. NY], Sept. 15th, Miss Betsey Hamilton, aged 81 years.

BERRY:  Suddenly, in Pharsalia [Chenango Co. NY], Sept. 15th, Mr. Silas E. Berry, aged 56 years.

HOLMES:  In Troupsburg, Steuben Co. [NY], August 17th, Mr. William Holmes, aged 81 years, formerly of Oxford [Chenango Co. NY].

Smyrna [Chenango Co. NY]:  We have also to record the sad and sudden death, on Friday last, at Clarkville, of one who was well known in this community, as an active, honest and upright young man, viz., William Palmer.  He learned his trade (tinner) of A.K. Dixon, a few years since, and then went to Clarkville and engaged in the tin and hardware business, and by hard labor had succeeded well until recently, through some misfortune or other, he failed in business, and his creditors threw him into bankruptcy, which so affected him, and worked upon his mind, as to cause brain fever, which terminated as above.  A young man of good Christian principle, and good business qualities and habits, his early death is to be mourned by all his friends.

_______________________________________

CHAPMAN:  In St. Louis, Mo. Sept. 12th, Mr. Nelson C Chapman, aged 62 years, formerly of this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY].

Many of our older citizens were startled, on Friday last, by the announcement by telegraph, of the death of Nelson C. Chapman, Esq., formerly of this village, which occurred at his residence in St. Louis, about one o'clock on the morning of that day.  The loss of such a man deserves more than a passing notice, and we have bene kindly furnished with a brief sketch of his life.

Mr. Chapman was born in Durham, N.Y. [Greene Co.], in June 1811.  He came to Norwich when sixteen years of age, and entered the store of his uncle, Benjamin Chapman, Esq., as clerk, which position he occupied for several years, and was afterwards a partner in business with his uncle.  For the last few years of his residence here, he was in business with Henry Gilbert, who now resides in Gilbertsville.  He married Miss Elizabeth Gilbert, daughter of the late Dea. Joseph Gilbert, of Gilbertsville, and removed to Oxford, where he entered into the dry goods business with his brother-in-law, J.G. Thorp, and carried on a successful trade on "Fort Hill," for about ten years.

Something like twenty years ago, the deceased removed from Oxford to Clinton, Iowa, and was for a short time engaged in banking, when, in company with J.G. Thorp, Thomas and George Gilbert, he bought large tracts of lumber land in Eau Claire, Wis.  They erected mills there, and floated the lumber down to St. Louis, where a yard for its sale was opened.  At the time of his decease, Mr. Chapman and his son Gilbert had charge of the yard at St. Louis.  His youngest son, Charles, was also associated with his father in business.  The "Eau Claire Lumber Company," we are informed, saws 300,000 feet of lumber daily, besides the extensive manufacture of lath, sash, etc.; and the Company have also a flouring mill.  The partners at the time of his death were N.C. Chapman, his son Gilbert Chapman, J.G Thorp and George G. Gilbert.

His only daughter, Florence, a few years since married an Englishman, Mr. Henry Alcock, and resides in Staffordshire.  What adds in the sadness of Mr. Chapman's sudden decease, is the fact that all of his family, with the exception of his younger son, are abroad, as are also his partner, Mr. Thorp, and family, who resided at Madison, Wis.  No particulars as to his death have as yet been received, the only intelligence being the telegram referred to, received by Benjamin Chapman, Esq.  In a letter received a few weeks since, he writes:  "I was never in better health, as 220 pounds would indicate."  To those who had the pleasure of meeting him, when visiting among his friends in this section last season, the announcement of his death will be painful, and hard to realize.

Deceased was actively identified with all public interests in the city of his adoption, and had become a man of prominence and influence among its people.  He had united with the Presbyterian Church in that place, of which he was a prominent and consistent member.  A thorough businessman, upright in his dealings with all, a genial companion and a true friend, his loss will be felt by all who knew him.

__________________________________

The Smyrna Hill Mystery:  We have before alluded to the death of a daughter of Clark Hopkins, who resides on Smyrna Hill, near Sherburne Four Corners [Chenango Co. NY], and also to the fact that the circumstances attending her death were considered singular and caused much comment in that locality. As heretofore stated, the attention of Coroner Hand was called to the matter after the funeral, when the Doctor went to Sherburne and made such inquiries as he deemed proper, and declined to proceed further, as he thought there was no occasion for an examination.  Mr. Hopkins, still unsatisfied, demanded in inquest and on Thursday last, the remains were exhumed, and an inquest held in Hubbard Hall, Smyrna.  Drs. Bellows and Mosher, of this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], made the postmortem examination and found the intestines ulcerated and perforated, a condition peculiar to typhoid fever for which disease the patient was treated, which confirmed the diagnosis of Drs. ...ton and Lyman, of Sherburne.  This examination did not satisfy the father, and on May last, the body was again disinterred, at expense, and an examination made by Dr. Avery, of this village, whose testimony before the inquest - which had been adjourned from Thursday - corroborated that of the other physicians, in every essential particular, showing that the death came from typhoid fever, and it appeared from the testimony of other witnesses that the deceased had been sick or complaining for two or three weeks previous to her death, instead of for three days, as at first reported.

Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, September 18, 1873

Marriages

POWERS - KINNEY:  In Iowa City, Iowa, August 28th, by Rev. Mr. Wood, of Manchester, Rev. LeGrand Powers, of Mitchellville to Miss Amanda D. KInney of Iowa City.

HOLMES - LLOYD:  In Columbus [Chenango Co. NY], Sept. 2d, by the Rev. J.L. Ray, Mr. Isaac Holmes and Miss Abbie Lloyd, both of Columbus.

LANGWORTHY - PHELPS:  By the same, on the 3d inst. at the residence of the bride's father, Mr. Edwin Langworthy, of Columbus [Chenango Co. NY] and Miss Emma A. Phelps, of South Edmeston, N.Y. [Otsego Co.].

Death

COLWELL:  At Sherburne West Hill, Sept. 8th, after a lingering illness, Ida [Colwell], only daughter of Charles Colwell, aged 19 years.  Beloved in life, lamented in death.  "We shall sleep, but not forever, / There will be a glorious dawn, / We shall meet to part, no never / On the resurrection morn.

Oxford Times, Oxford, NY, September 17, 1873

Deaths

STRATTON:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co. NY], Aug. 29th, Mrs. Betsey Stratton,, aged 81 years.

PURPLE:  In Windsor, Broome Co. [NY] Sept. 18th, Ella [Purple], infant daughter of Thomas J. and Ruby J. Purple, aged 2 months.

Greene [Chenango Co. NY]:  We published last week, under the proper head, the death of Mr. Daniel L. VanOstrand, who lived some three miles down the river.  We have since learned that his death was caused by injuries received by a tree falling upon him which he had been cutting down.  American

Chenango American, Greene, NY, September 18, 1873

Marriage

At the Baptist Parsonage in this village [Greene, Chenango Co. NY], Sept. 15th, by Rev. J.H. Sage, Mr. G.W. Brown to Mrs. Lydia Amey Whitmarsh, both of Smithville, N.Y. [Chenango Co. NY].

Deaths

In this town [Greene, Chenango Co. NY], Sept 7th, Mr. Stephen Slawson.

In this town [Greene, Chenango Co. NY], Sept. 7th, Mr. Benjamin Moore, aged 52 years.

In Triangle [Broome Co. NY], Sept. 14th, Mr. Gurdon H. Brown aged 56 years.  His remains were brought to this place of interment on Tuesday.

Bainbridge Republican, Bainbridge, NY, September 20, 1873

Death

An accident occurred near the depot in Sidney Plains [Delaware Co. NY] on Friday evening of last week, which resulted in the death of a man named McMurray.  While he was passing from one car to another, while the train was in motion, his footing was missed, and he fell between the cars.  The cars were moving very slow at the time and were stopped as soon as possible.  He was pushed along on the track for some distance, sustaining an injury of the hip and other parts of the body.  He was immediately carried to the house of H.C. Weller, Drs. Dutcher and Sweet were called, who discovered a serious internal injury, from the effects of which he died on the following night at half past nine.  He was buried on Sunday afternoon.  Mr. M. was an industrious cooper, and resided in Hamden [Delaware Co. NY], but was formerly of Middleburg [Schoharie Co. NY].

Remembering the return of the 114th Regiment (New York Volunteers) June 1865

 Remembering The Return of the 114th Regiment (June 1865)

Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, September 18, 1873

Three or four thousand people, it may be, witnessed the Reunion of last Wednesday.  Half of you, perhaps, remember that beautiful day in June 1865, when the veterans of the 114th were welcomed home.  After a long forenoon of wagon travel from Chenango Forks, they dismounted near the cemetery [Mount Hope], and quickly formed in line for their last march.  We remember being there as they drove up - of looking about for familiar faces - and then hurrying back to the village for a better view.  On a house top we waited their coming.

"Heavy and solemn, / A cloudy column" they seemed as they came first in sight over the iron bridge, and under the evergreen arch of "Welcome," marching through clouds of dust and crowds of people.  Many of them were in fatigue dress, and the faces of all were browned by life in the South.  The old 114th that had gone out from our own homes and from which we had watched so eagerly for news through those years of fighting and life among the bayous of Louisiana or in the fields and swamps of Virginia, was before us, rapidly passing through military maneuvers, forming and reforming.  Now they are sweeping the streets with their lines, now marching in files of four.  In their movements so like parts of one nerved body as to call forth the admiration of all.  "They don't act much as they did in sixty-two," says one, and a smile lights his face as he thinks of the awkward moves and turns of three years before.

Ahead were the Regimental officers, led by the escort of Norwich music.  The band of the Regiment was playing the same old tunes that had cheered the boys in the South.  In the center of the column were the Regimental colors, State and National, blown, torn and shot, till a sacred glory seemed to veil their tangled shreds.  Between them was borne a beautiful silken flag, embroidered with the names of their battles, presented on their way home - a tribute to the bravery of Chenango's sons, but its beauty was dimmed between those soiled and tattered rags. As they passed up the street, an occasional nod of recognition would pass between some in the ranks and a friend outside.  The Regiment halted on the green in front of the Court House [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], where they had stood twice in other days, and were formally welcomed home.

Nearly always, when we recall the scenes of that day, there comes into the mind the memory of others; the Monday morning early in 1861, when Capt. Tyrrell's company stood in line on the green, and then marched away - our first offering; the gathering of the 114 in the summer and fall of 1862; the first payday - the sermon to the Regiment in the Baptist Church, by Rev. A.N. Benedict, on the Sunday before going; the parting ceremonies on the succeeding Saturday afternoon; the separation of friends and the departure from the banks of the canal on South Main Street that evening; after that, the imposing display at the funeral of their leader, Col. Smith, who had fallen while acting commander of Weitzel's heroic Brigade; the rejoicings at Lee's surrender and the village hung in black so soon after; we think of Fort Bisland; the siege and storming of Port Hudson; sickness in the lowlands; the transfer to Virginia; Opequan, Cedar Creek, and the battles of the forty who had gone, and the hundreds afterwards added, there was left together only this body of three or four hundred. These few seemed grander to us than the thousand.  Why? Because they were veterans, and among those who had gained for this the reputation of being one of the first Regiments in the service.

After the reception, and also before, during the march, we were treated to such an exhibition of skillfully executed military tactics as had never before been witnessed in the valley.  We remember the deep words of command, sounding so heavy, grum, and so like one another, that it seemed impossible to tell one order from another, yet so quickly repeated along the lines, and as readily obeyed. The decorations, the crowds, and the Regiment, as seen from the belfry of the Baptist Church, were beautiful. The march was then resumed along West Main Street to the old Fair Grounds, where a dinner had been provided. After dinner we had been promised a dress parade, but a hard shower prevented. The boys had gone through their last exercise, and soon after separated.

That was one of those rare times of rejoicing which strike down deep in one's feelings - far different from ordinary displays, for it touched those recollections, bitter because personal, or glad because they were the death of fear and fulfillment of hope.  Of the recognition of friends and the meeting of those nearer than friends, you that were there have vivid remembrances.  Seven years after, all that showed of the regiment we welcomed then, was an occasional light blue overcoat or pair of trousers, worn by someone passing by, and eight years has brought a reunion.

Tuesday, January 17, 2023

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

 Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, September 11, 1873

Marriage

SPAULDING - CAMPBELL:  In Mucomb, Ill., Sept. 2d, by Rev. Mr. Moore, Mr. Henry D. Spaulding, of Norwich [Chenango Co. NY] to Miss Abbie Campbell, of the former place.

Deaths

HUBBELL:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], Sept. 9th, Gracie [Hubbell] only daughter of A.R. Hubbell, aged 2 months and 21 days.

The death of a little daughter of Mr. A.R. Hubbell makes the second one in his family within five weeks, leaving only the father and a son.  They have the sympathy of friends in their affliction.

GIBSON:  In North Norwich [Chenango Co. NY], Sept. 4th, Daniel C. [Gibson], son of Arrington and Susan Gibson, aged 9 years.

BROWN:  In Oxford [Chenango Co. NY], Sept. 3d, Mr. Cyrus M. Brown, aged 59 years.

EDWARDS:  In Morris [Otsego Co. NY], August 29th, of consumption, Mr. John Edwards, Jr., aged 42 years.  Deceased was a brother of Messrs. C.S. and C.H. Edwards, of this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], and was formerly employed in the Norwich Piano Works.

A little daughter of Daniel Johnson, captain of the canal boat "Johnson," was drowned in a lock near Clinton [Oneida Co. NY], on Monday of last week.  The child, aged five years, fell between the side of the boat and the lock, and in spite of the efforts of her father, who saw her fall, sank from sight.  Mr. Johnson when not on the canal, resides on Water Street in this village [Oxford, Chenango Co. NY], and the funeral services were held here on Thursday - Oxford Times

Oxford Times, Oxford, NY, September 10, 1873

Marriage

CURTIS - ROGERS:  In Greene [Chenango Co. NY], by the Rev. Mr. Rogers, Mr. George Curtis of McDonough [Chenango Co. NY], to Miss Mary Rogers of Greene.

Chenango American, Greene, NY, September 11, 1873

Marriage

At the M.E. Church Parsonage, in Windsor, N.Y. [Broome Co.], Aug. 31st, by Rev. O.D. Shepard, Mr. Jesse E. Tuttle, of Greene [Chenango Co. NY], to Miss Betsey A. Waters, of Windsor.

Deaths

In this village [Greene, Chenango Co. NY], Sept. 9th, at the residence of Dr. L.M. Johnson, Mary Emily [Johnson] wife of Geo. M.T. Johnson, of Binghamton [Broome Co. NY] and daughter of the late Rev. J.B. Eastman of Windsor, aged 33 years.  Her remains were taken to Binghamton for interment on Tuesday morning.

In Pontiac, Ill., Aug. 17th, Mrs. Sophia L. Boget, aged 60 years, formerly of Bainbridge [Chenango Co. NY].

Sherburne News, Sherburne, NY, September 13, 1873

Deaths

BABCOCK:  At Sherburne Four Corners [Chenango Co. NY], on the 10th inst., Mrs. Susan Babcock, aged 73 years.

CAULKINS:  In Utica [Oneida Co. NY], on the 10th inst., Mrs. Emma Caulkins daughter of Mrs. L.D. Burch, and wife of Mr. E.A. Caulkins of this village, aged 24 years.

The remains of Mrs. E.A. Caulkins were brought to this village [Sherburne, Chenango Co. NY] from Utica, where she had been under a doctor's care for some time, on Thursday evening, and on Friday, attended by a number of friends, were taken to Edmeston [Otsego Co. NY] for interment.

Bainbridge Republican, Bainbridge, NY, september 13, 1873

Marriage

HEAD - COLVIN:  At Masonville [Delaware Co. NY], Aug. 12th by Rev. N. Ripley, Mr. James H. Head to Miss Rachael Ann Colvin, both of Masonville.

Deaths

OLENDORF:  At the residence of his son, in Sidney [Delaware Co. NY], Sept. 3d, Jacob Olendorf, aged 89 years.

BECKWITH:  In Sidney [Delaware Co. NY], Sept. 5th, Sally Ann [Beckwith] wife of Delansee Beckwith, aged 71 years.

Miss Fannie Viele whose parents reside near New York, died very suddenly at the home of Mr. Ira Johnson, Vallonia Springs, last Saturday morning, only about twenty hours after being attacked with cholera morbus.

Reunion, 114th Regiment NYV, September 1873

 "Historical Address" at the Reunion of the 114th Regiment NY Volunteers

by Captain C.W. Underhill

Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, September 11, 1873

Mr. Chairman, Comrades of the 114th Regiment, Ladies and Gentlemen:

Our thoughts seem easily to run backward to the days of war.  Such of our memories as are common to all of us had their beginning years ago.  For eighteen months we had heard of the roar of battle.  We had wondered that it had not ceased. We were aroused by the extraordinary call for 300,000 troops to serve for three years, and we were startled by the conviction that the danger to our country, its flag and its institutions, was too great to be disregarded.

Living as we had always lived, where our pure Northern air filled us with patriotic feelings, our whole experience tended to strengthen the idea that love of country, equally with life itself, was a vital principle, dear to all men.  We had never seen a traitor.  We did not know what treason was.  We had never thought that a man in all the land could look upon our flag and long to see another floating in its place. We had believed that our country and all that was so justly dear to us was secure.  Our flag was to us the symbol of perpetual sovereignty.  The thirty-four stars that marked the number of States in our Union, seemed to be as firmly fixed in that blue field as the million stars that nightly shine out from the firmament beyond.

There was something startling in the idea that was implied in this feeling of danger.  Danger to our flag and to our country had a deep significance.  It meant that some other flag might wave where ours had waved, and that foes might rejoice at our shame and defeat in the homes we had secured as our inheritance.  This idea of dangers - succeeding as it did the idea of security - sent a thrill throughout the land.  The call for 300,000 men for three years was the official expression of the new idea. The American people were not so much in doubt as to the result, as astonished and enraged at the situation.  They determined to go themselves and conquer peace.  Our Regiment was born of this impulse.

Since then, eleven years have passed.  There were three years of strife.  The heresy that such a land as ours could persist to perpetuate such an institution as slavery - that two flags could wave where one flag symbolized every grand idea of the age - went down forever in our complete triumph.

Eight years of peace have succeeded, and we glory now, not in the blind confidence of other years - that no man dare be a traitor, and that no enemy dare assail our flag - but we glory in this, that our flag floats as proudly before its foes as over its friends; that in peace it is the banner of a nation of freemen, but in war it is the battle flag of a nation of soldiers.

After these eight years of peace and separation, we meet here [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY] today to recall the memories of the three years of war and association.  All that was dear to us has been preserved, and with glowing patriotism and clearer and unshaken faith in our future, we unite our songs of triumph as we live anew those years.

In the name of our noble Regiment, I welcome each comrade to this our first reunion.  In the midst of peace, plenty and content, recall the scenes of hardship, want and war, relight the camp and bivouac fires, and in memory sing the old songs and tell the old stories. War is indeed ended, and peace reigns, but the old life remains, a brilliant memory of noble deeds, patient endurance, and full and lasting triumph.  Here with the comrade, the pressure of whose arm against your own, steadied your line in battle and on the march, enjoy the welcome extended to you today.

Look around you, comrades, and you will see the same faces who have now three times greeted you.  Eleven years ago, they followed us as we formed our line of march for the war.  They were here when we returned - awaiting our arrival - as if they had not ceased to look for our coming.  The tables were still loaded.  It was the same greeting, only joy and triumph had displaced the other look of foreboding.  These three events are the sure test of the feelings of those in whose names we marched forth, and to those homes we brought the joys of triumph.  Their greeting today is the expression of a constant gratitude, and a pledge of continued remembrance.

But the memories of those days, these are ours.  Here let us enjoy them, while we recall those events by which our lives have been made larger and richer.  Life, as it remains to us as a possession, is measured by what remains to us of all we have done, suffered or enjoyed.  The richness of our experience and the recollections of the past are what remain to us as the fruit of our living.  The events we recall today were too stirring, and they left too deep an impression, to fade away. Those memories were varied and distinct.  It is perhaps true to many of us that from those three years we can recall more memories of events, and have a richer experience, than that from the entire remainder of our lives.  And these memories - this experience - they have brought us into closer relations to our country, and they give to history a deeper meaning. We have helped make history - are historians in its larger sense, and your committee must have been led by this idea when they gave to these remarks the loud-sounding title "Historical Address" - true, perhaps, in the grand sense that it is addressed to the real historians.

I cannot stop long over the recital of events.  I can only mention campaigns - marches - battles.  We are here to stir up the memories, and memory must be the real historian.  Your eager thoughts could not long be controlled by any recital and would scarce be hindered by any precise and orderly statement of those events among which your kindling memories are burying you today.  Go where you will through the wide field of our three years' campaigning - linger over what memories you will, or amid what scenes - you will find your hearts beat quicker and your blood grow warmer.  It is the marshalling of the age of war, through which you were led in self-imposed toil and suffering, by a noble purpose, to a grand triumph.  It is worth the living, that you possess and can marshal so grand an array.

Eleven years ago, and we stood before this Court House [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY].  Before us was the symbol of civil rights - the temple wherein civil law was executed - but our minds were fixed on that earlier and ultimate force, upon whose achievements as a foundation repose the power to execute the law without force.  The bayonet stands before and behind the ballot and gives to it its power and meaning.  We turned to arms and devoted our lives to war, in order that we might after a little time, in the return of peace, witness that arms were silent, and the ballot effective.  We were an eager, patriotic band, full of exultation, scarcely tempered by glimpses into the life beyond.  Our ranks were all full, while from this village were going homeward many a load of men, disappointed that they could not join our ranks.

I remember when we gathered here.  I had in my hand the iron ramrod of an old Springfield musket, and as we waited before the Court House door, I drove the iron rod into the ground until it passed out of my sight, probably forever.  But still, I regard it as mine - almost part of myself.  It is a waymark by the side of life, by which to count my years.  It marks the spot where I stood when with uplifted hand I entered the service of my country.

And here I must refer with pride to the fact, that after the mustering in of the Regiment, and the payment of $140 to each man - although general permission was given to the men to visit their homes - every man promptly returned to the ranks.  This fact challenges admiration - speaks volumes as to the character of the men.  They were the people going out to do the people's work.

Our stay in Norwich was short.  Men were wanted in the field.  Three days after the Regiment was mustered into service, we marched to the canal wharf and embarked on boats, and beneath a brilliant moon were borne southward.  How clear the memory of the Sabbath journey down our Chenango Valley - our reception in Binghamton - our rapid trip to Elmira - and down through Pennsylvania and Maryland.  It is with a smile that we recall the incidents of the journey, and the serious plans and projects to be enforced if we met the enemy on our way - for our arms were all securely packed in boxes in the baggage car.

Then followed life in Camp Belger, at Baltimore.  How rich was our experience there. The eager, ardent soldier, readily adapting himself to the new life, side by side with him who was yet more a citizen than a soldier, and wondered at the absence of civil forms, and half doubted the propriety of much that was justified under the soldier's broad idea of military necessity.

After a short season of guard and camp duty, company and battalion drill, came the order "to hold ourselves in readiness to march at a moment's notice on distant service."  What expectations were raised - what a variety of conjectures!

In November 1862, began our new experience in army transport life.  Three companies on the Atlantic, three on the Arago, and four on the Thames.  For four weeks we lived in expectation and disappointment.  Our sick list grew large, and many a noble fellow left the Regiment, never to rejoin it.  But at length the looked-for signal was displayed from the flagship Baltic, and we went forth to meet the dangers of a storm off Hatteras.  To the men on the Atlantic and Arago it was a scene of sublime danger, while to those on the Thames there was imminent peril.  That miserable craft was not able to face a storm and became a hopeless wreck.  But the quick eye of one who from the deck of the Ericson was, through a ship's glass, watching the progress of the vessels that bore his Brigade, detected the distress of the Thames.  The fog had lifted but a moment, and quickly closed around the helpless vessel.  But one moment's sight is sufficient to a positive, clearheaded man; and though others saw nothing, the gallant steamer turned to the rescue.  We acknowledge with deep feeling our gratitude to Col. DeWitt C. Littlejohn.  Had the Thames carried down four hundred of our comrades on the night of the 5th of December, there would have been deep and lasting gloom over all the survivors.

Of our life on that desert sandbar in the Gulf of Mexico, known as Ship Island, and on the low, wetlands of Quarantine, Chalmette, Carrollton, and along the railroad to Brashear, I cannot stop to speak.  I have a long journey before me and can only point out the track we pursued.

Our Regiment was now about to commence campaigning in earnest.  Already we had heard the sound of cannon in the attack on the steamer Cotton, and at Camp Reno, with the Regiments of the gallant old reserve Brigade, under the command of our gallant General Weitzel, we were learning what army life was.  Our rapid movement back to Camp Mansfield, with its deep mud, and our return to Brashear, and advance up the Teche, we readily recall.

Our first battle - Bisland - is a name to stir our memories.  We wore the name on our battle flag and are proud of the right to carry it there.  For two days we faced the dangers of a battlefield, and learned of what stuff our Regiment was made, and on the 14th of April 1863, started from our beds among the cane hills, victorious soldiers in pursuit of a flying enemy.

Centreville, Franklin, Indian Bend, Jeneretts, New Iberia, St. Martinsville, and the entire banks of the Teche, became as familiar to us as the valley of the Chenango.

We recall the deluge on the prairie, and our grand cattle hunt, and our return to Berwick Bay with our drove of cattle, sheep, horses and negroes.

Then came our advance to New Iberia, our short stay there, and our march through Vermilionville, Opelousas, Washington, Montville, Holmesville, to Cheneyville, and our long, exciting return to Brashear, with the result of our extended raid, the night attack at Franklin, and our arrival at Algiers, and journey up the Mississippi to Springfield Landing.

We were on our way to rejoin our Brigade at Port Hudson.  A rapid march around the rear of the extended lines brought us to our place in the Brigade, in the entrenched line on Sandy Creek.  Weeks of fighting and watching and of patient endurance in the exposed rifle pits passed, and the ever-memorable 14th of June 1863 dawned, upon our line.  Half of the Regiment was left to guard the line, while Companies B, D, E, F, and G went with the Brigade to join the charging column. That early morning light revealed scenes of carnage.   Bravery could effect nothing but certain loss, and our Regiment mourned the loss of our beloved colonel, and of more than eighty officers or soldiers killed or wounded in the five companies.  There was gloom for a time, but military service knows no days of mourning, and the siege progressed, until the 9th of July witnessed the surrender of the fortified position at Port Hudson with its troops, arms and military stores and the great current of the Mississippi went unvexed to the sea.

Our rest was short.  On the day of the surrender, we passed through Port Hudson and embarked on board of transports for Donaldsonville to repel the attack of Dick Taylor and regain possession to the Lafourche country.  Our short stay at Camp Hubbard - the departure of a detail north on a recruiting expedition - our return to our old camp at Brashear - and the expedition to Sabine Pass - have each their place in the record of our army life.

Another return to Brashear - the centre of our wanderings - and our campaign to Barre's Landing, our stay at New Iberia, in the cold of almost a northern winter, closed the year of 1863 - our first full year of active service, with a loss to the Regiment during the year in the Gulf Department of 157 dead and wounded, and 148 transferred or discharged.

Early in January 1864, our forces fell back to Franklin, and we occupied a pleasant camp on the banks of the Teche, until the famous Red River campaign again called us over the familiar road to Cheneyville, and on to Alexandria on the Red River. The advance to Sabine Crossroads, and the brilliant conduct of the First Brigade, in holding the position assigned them on the edge of the clearing, and the equally good conduct of our Regiment and Brigade the following day, at Pleasant Hill, are matters of record, and won for us the praise of Department, Army, division, and Brigade Commanders.

Then followed the encampment at Grand Ecore - the engagement at Cane River - the return to Alexandria - the building of the dam across Red River - the engagements on the plains of Mansura and at Yellow Bayou - our passage through Semmesport, and our arrival in camp at Morgonza Bend - and the Red River campaign was ended.

Our arrival at Washington, the Snicker's Gap expedition across the Potomac, and among the mountains of the Shenandoah, and backward through Loudon County to Leesburg, and across the chain bridge to Washington, gave us our first taste of Virginia campaigning.

Then followed the hasty march to Monocacy river, Frederick City, and our new centre of gravity, Harper's Ferry, and our return to Frederick City, the assignment of Gen. Sheridan to the command of the army, and the visit of General Grant.

Campaigning was now about to begin in earnest, under an August sun, in the Shenandoah Valley. We came down from our lofty camp on Maryland Heights and crossed the Potomac to Bolivar Heights.  The advance through Halltown, Charlestown, Berryville, Kernstown, Pike, and our return through Winchester to Bolivar Heights, gave our army and its commander a full view of our future battlefields.

Another advance, with entrenched camps beyond Charlestown and at Berryville, with almost daily skirmishing, proceeded Gen. Grant's second visit, and the famous order to Sheridan to "go in."  The battle of the Opequa was the result of that order, and our Regiment won the unqualified praise of its Division Commander, General Dwight, but at the loss of 188 in killed and wounded.

The victory was complete, and was succeeded by the advance to Cedar Creek, the night charge up the heights of Fisher's Hill, the advance through Mount Jackson, the engagement at New Market, and the arrival of the army at Harrisonburgh.  The long march to Martinsburg, and the return to Cedar Creek, brought our Regiment to another bloody battlefield - to the fighting, the retreat, the advance and victory of the 19th of October 1864.

In this our last engagement, our Regiment lost 128 in killed, wounded and prisoners.  Some of our best and bravest fell in the Valley of the Shenandoah.  Our total loss on the three eventful days - the 14th of June, the 19th of September, and the 19th of October, exceeded 400 officers and men.  Such gallant men as Tucker, Knowlton, Thurbur, Breed, Lewis, Burch and Corbin, with a host of others of equal patriotism, yielding up their lives on those three eventful days.

Our Regiment spent the winter in the valley, and in April 1865, returned to Washington, to await the closing scenes of the war, and participate in the grand review.

On the 5th of June, the order was issued to muster our Regiment, with others, out of service; and in that order was repeated the praise so often bestowed on our Regiment, for gallant conduct.  Three days afterwards we were mustered out of service - our three years' service being determined by its conditional limitation, the close of the war.

Our return to Elmira, and our journey homeward - our triumphal progress up our own valley, and the reception of the returned Regiment by those to whom we brought the blessings of assured triumph - were the closing scenes and our ranks dissolved, that each might enjoy a welcome home.

Here I must cease to follow the soldier.  I have said more than I intended and less than is due to such an occasion, but I dare not follow the men to their several homes.  There the joy was too great and the greeting too tender.

Home again - our toils over - victory won, and peace renewing her blessings all over our beloved land.  We lay aside the soldier's garb and life, and become citizens, differing in no wise from the great mass to whom we return, save only in the value of our experiences and the grand memories we carry with us.

I would, [if] I could, dwell longer over our army life.  There are events I would like to call up - special acts of individual bravery.  I would, [if] I could, speak more of those we left on the battlefield - of our dead and wounded - of those who died from disease or are enfeebled for life.  But you will recall what I cannot mention.  Our heroes are remembered. The years pass away, but the remembrance of our companions will remain green.

The years of peace have not passed without adding to the long list of our Regimental dead.  Our line grows shorter as the years go by.  Laurels on the brow do not lengthen the life they ennoble.

Let the bonds that bind the living to each other be strengthened today, and may the fruits of the labors you have performed in the years that are passed be joined to the rewards of a well spent future, and the experiences you possess will enrich and the recollections of the past will rejoice you, as you go upward to that pathway which is assigned to all men, as the close of the years of this life, and the entrance into the everlasting life beyond.

Monday, January 16, 2023

Vital Records, Chenango County, NY, September 1873

 Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, September 4, 1873

Marriages

CONGER - DUTTON:  In Otselic [Chenango Co. NY], Sept. 1st by Rev. J.W. Barr, assisted by Rev. T.F. Harris, Mr. A. Barton Conger of Smyrna [Chenango Co. NY], to Miss Alice K. Dutton of Otselic.

PIKE - BECKWITH:  At the Spaulding House, in this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], August 30th, by Rev. S.F. Brown, Mr. Frederick J. Pike to Miss Emma Beckwith, both of McDonough [Chenango Co. NY].

LEGG - HUTCHINS:  In Truxton [Cortland Co. NY], August 18th, by Rev. George P. Turnbul, Mr. S.B. Legg to Miss Olive Hutchins, both of Otselic [Chenango Co. NY].

WOODEN - LIGHT:  In Cortland [Cortland Co. NY], August 23d, by Rev. A. Roe, Mr. Henry J. Wooden of Virgil [Cortland Co. NY], to Miss Eveline Light, of Sherburne [Chenango Co. NY].

Deaths

LAWRENCE:  In Smyrna [Chenango Co. NY], August 31st, Mr. Lewis A. Lawrence, son of Dr. C.E. Lawrence aged 22 years.

Lewis A. Lawrence, son of Dr. Lawrence, died in a fit on Sunday afternoon last.  He has been a great care to his parents and friends, having been troubled with epileptic fits since a child.  He was twenty-two years of age.  his funeral was largely attended on Monday, the exercises being conducted by Rev. J.P. Root, assisted by Rev. H.S. Jones.

IVES:  In Detroit [MI], August 22d, Maggie [Ives] wife of George W. Ives, aged 32 years.

BOGET:  In Pontiac, Ill., August 17th, Mrs. Sophia L. Boget, aged 65 years, formerly of Bainbridge [Chenango Co. NY].

The Smyrna Hill Mystery:  Our Smyrna correspondent last week mentioned the death of a young lady, daughter of Clark Hopkins, Esq., of Smyrna hill, near Sherburne Four Corners [Chenango Co. NY], which was accompanied by some suspicious symptoms.  Since that time, we have learned that the sudden death has cause considerable comment in the neighborhood, and that Coroner Hand was called upon to investigate the affair.  After making the most careful inquiries of persons residing in that locality, Dr. Hand satisfied himself that there was no necessity for further investigation - that the illness and death of the young lady were the result of natural causes - and that no grounds for suspicion exist in any quarter.

Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, September 4, 1873

Deaths

ALLEN:  On Saturday, 23d ult. in DeRuyter [Madison Co. NY], Mrs. Bessy Allen, wife of Mr. Seymour Allen, in the 60th year of her age.

Cortland [Cortland Co. NY]:  A young man named Greenman of Cortland, was killed by the falling of a bent at a barn raising.  Another man and a boy were injured.

Rev. F.D. Higgins died at Bouckville [Madison Co. NY] on the 21st inst.  He belonged to the Northern N.Y. conference.  He was conversing with a friend only a few minutes before he fell dead.

On Sunday evening, 24th ult., a child of Patrick Carl, at Smith's Valley [Schuyler Co. NY], got into the canal feeder and was drowned.  It was two years old.

Mrs. Marcia Manning Truair, wife of J.G.K. Truair, of the Syracuse Journal, died at Glen Haven on the 26th ult.  Mrs. Truair was the daughter of the late Rev. Samuel Manning, formerly pastor of the late Congregational Church, on West Hill, Sherburne [Chenango Co. NY], and afterwards of the Congregational Chruch in Smyrna [Chenango Co. NY], and a niece of Mr. Benjamin Chapman, of this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY].  Her husband was many years ago the principal of Norwich Academy.  Mrs. Truair has been an invalid for several years but has borne her illness with uncomplaining Christian fortitude.  She was a lady of rare gifts and virtues, and a Christian who adorned her profession. She leaves, we believe, a daughter of sixteen, and a sister, Mrs. D.A. Watson, of Rochester, also survives her.

Chenango American, Greene, NY, September 4, 1873

Marriages

At the Baptist Parsonage, in this village [Greene, Chenango Co. NY], Sept. 2d, by Rev. H. Sage, Henry Fitch Esq., to Mrs. Emily Beadle, both of Smithville.

In Smithville [Chenango Co. NY], Aug. 25th, at the residence of Mr. James Harrison by Rev. Jas. C. Nightingale, Mr. Mitchell Thompson, of Smithville to Miss Elizabeth Harrison of Newtown, Hamilton, County, Armagh, Ireland.

Deaths

In this town [Greene, Chenango Co. NY], Aug. 31st, Mr. Daniel L. Van Ostrand, aged 71 years, 7 months, 4 days.

In Chenango Forks [Broome Co. NY], Aug. 20th, Mrs. John Jones, formerly of this village [Greene, Chenango Co. NY].

In Addison, N.Y. [Steuben Co.], Sept. 1st, Mrs. Rebecca Wilcox, formerly of this town [Greene, Chenango Co. NY], aged 74 years.

Sherburne News, Sherburne, NY, September 6, 1873

Marriage

HAWLEY - THOMAS:  At the M.E. Parsonage in this village [Sherburne, Chenango Co. NY], July 31, 1873, by Rev.  H. Fox, Mr. Fred Hawley and Miss Dollie Thomas, all of Sherburne,

Bainbridge Republican, Bainbridge, NY, September 6, 1873

Birth

Mr. Samuel Weeks of Afton [Chenango Co. NY], aged about fifty had an encounter with his oldest son one day last week, in which the former was victorious.  The boy weighed nine pounds.

Marriage

At the M.E. Parsonage in Sidney Plains [Delaware Co. NY], Aug. 18th by Rev. C. Shelland.  Mr. J.H. Ferris of Sidney and Miss E. Wilsey, of Masonville [Delaware Co. NY].

Death of Hon. Demas Hubbard

Chenango Union, September 4, 1873

HUBBARD:  In Smyrna [Chenango Co. NY], Sept. 2d, Hon. Demas Hubbard, aged 67 years.

A dispatch from our correspondent in Smyrna, received on Tuesday afternoon, announces the death of Hon. Demas Hubbard, which occurred at his residence in that place, at noon of that day, he having remained unconscious since four o'clock in the morning.  What the nature of his disease was, we are not informed, but he has been in poor health for months past, and since the sudden death of his wife, which occurred on the 10th of June last, he has been very much depressed.  He had recently been traveling, and returned from Saratoga on Friday evening last, much prostrated.

Mr. Hubbard was a gentleman universally esteemed for his many excellent qualities, and his loss will be deeply felt, not only in the community where he resided, but throughout a wide circle of acquaintance.  He has made the practice of law his profession for a number of years, has held various offices of trust in his town, and represented this District in the 40th Congress.  His age was sixty-seven years.

Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, September 4, 1873

The announcement we are called upon to make of the death of Hon. Demas Hubbard, of Smyrna, will carry sorrow to the hearts of the citizens of this county, and to many beyond its limits.  Few men have in recent years been better known to this community.  He was born in Winfield, N.Y.  His father was a tanner and currier, and originally carried on the business on West Hill, Sherburne, where a large share of the business of the northern section of the county was transacted sixty years ago.  It was here the son was reared and grew to manhood.  While quite a young man he was accustomed to practice in justices' courts, and his services were frequently called for in his own and many other towns.  In later years his time was divided between law and other pursuits, although he never regularly studied the profession of law.  In company with some of his townsmen he had acquired large interests in western lumber districts, and during some seasons spent considerable time in Wisconsin.  

In political life Mr. Hubbard has taken a prominent part for forty years or more.  In 1837 he was elected to the Assembly upon the Whig ticket with Henry Balcom and Justus Parce, re-elected in 1838 with Samuel Drew and Josiah G. Olney, and again in 1839 with William Church and Samuel Plumb.  This attested his popularity with his party, and the esteem in which he was held by the community generally.  He zealously advocated the policy of the party with which he acted and was relied upon by political Friends as a judicious, safe counsellor.  He came naturally into the Republican party upon its first organization, and in 1864 became its nominee for Congress in this district and was elected by a large majority.  While in this position he was afflicted by the loss of a cherished son, and this together with his own feeble health, disinclined him to hold any public trust, but he never abated his interest in public affairs, and so far as his physical condition permitted, continued his efforts in behalf of the policy he deemed best for the public good.

On the 11th of June last, Mr. Hubbard was severely afflicted by the very sudden death of his wife while they were upon a pleasure excursion at Oneida Lake, and since that time his own health, for several years poor, has been sensibly failing.  A few weeks since he left home in company with his friend Dr. Lawrence, for Saratoga, intending also to visit Martha's Vineyard, L.I., but he was obliged to return and reached home in a very feeble condition.  He received constant and tender care, but all was unavailing and on Tuesday last at noon, he breathed his last, aged sixty-seven years.  His immediate neighbors and townsmen will mourn his loss as that of a very dear friend, for to all he was considerate and kind, especially to those who most needed kindness.  The people of the county will miss him, for they have been accustomed to see him mingle in public affairs and looked to him as one who during a long life had faithfully served them, both in the positions we have mentioned, and as a member of the Board of Supervisors, to which he was several times elected from Smyrna, and of which he was repeatedly made Chairman.  The funeral will take place today at 10 A.M.

Sunday, January 15, 2023

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

 Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, August 28, 1873

Marriage

BOYNTON - MITCHELL:  In Dayton, Ohio, July 8th, Mr. J.W.W. Boynton, of Smyrna, N.Y. [Chenango Co.] to Miss Fanny Mitchell, of the former place.

Deaths

RUSSELL:  In this town [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], August 21st, Mrs. Theresa C. Russell, daughter of Jonas T. Parker, aged 27 years, 4 months and 23 days.

GRAY:  In North Norwich, August 25th, Phebe Gray, aged 92 years.

PARKER:  At the residence of her nephew L.D. Parker, in Butternuts [Otsego Co. NY], August 23d, Miss Achsah Parker, formerly of Norwich [Chenango Co. NY], aged 78 years.

WARDWELL:  In North Pharsalia [Chenango Co. NY], July 28th, Lois [Wardwell] wife of Benjamin Wardwell, aged 71 years.

PRINCE:  In Bainbridge, August 20th, Mrs. Czar Prince, aged 68 years.

WILLIAMS:  In Utica [Oneida Co. NY], August 14th, Mr. George M. Williams, aged 26 years, formerly of Ner Berlin [Chenango Co. NY]

HOPKINS:  In Sherburne [Chenango Co. NY], August 18th, Susan A. [Hopkins], daughter of Clark Hopkins, aged 16 years.

Smyrna [Chenango Co. NY]:  A very sad and mysterious death occurred near Sherburne Four Corners [Chenango Co. NY] on Monday of last week, of a twin daughter (Amelia [Hopkins]) of Clark Hopkins, Esq., an old resident of Smyrna Hill, which has cast a gloom on all who knew her - being a lovely disposition - and would have been 17 years of age on Saturday last.  She has spent the summer at Capt. Newton's, in Sherburne, and was taken suddenly ill last week one day, and brought home by her father on Sunday morning, and a physician called, but too late.  she breathed her last on Monday afternoon.  She had been taking a prescription of carbolic acid, given her by a physician for a slight sore in the nose, and it is fearer that this caused her sudden death, as she was a robust, healthy girl, hardly ever knowing what sickness was.  The symptoms of her disease as told to me by her father - dull pain in head, great thirst, frothing at mouth after death, &c. - seem to verify the above suspicions.  Her remains were followed by her bereaved twin sister (Adelia), father, a loved grandmother, and a large circle of neighbors and friends, on Wednesday, to the burial ground in the east part of our village.  They all have the deep sympathy of the community at large in their sore affliction.

Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, August 28, 1873

Death

PACKER:  In Preston [Chenango Co. NY], August 23d, after months of severe suffering, Mrs. Lucy Packer, wife of the late Dea. Elisha Packer, and daughter of Gen. James Mason, in the 79th year of her age.  For over 50 years a Christian, depending on the merits of Jesus Christ alone for her acceptance with the Father.  We weep, but not as those who have no hope, for our loved one is with her Lord and Saviour.  Her father, Gen. Mason, came from Lebanon, Conn., in 1806.  She was the eleventh of sixteen children, and all but two of the eleven lived until they were over 70 years old.

Oxford Times, Oxford, NY, August 27, 1873

Marriage

In St. Paul's Church, Rochester [Monroe Co. NY], on the 11th ult. by Rev. Dr. Van Ingen, Ethan C. Clarke, Esq., resident Civil Engineer, having charge of the public works at Palmyra [Wayne Co. NY], to Miss Elizabeth Mickle.

Chenango American, Greene, NY, August 28, 1873

Marriages

In Nineveh [Broome Co. NY], Aug. 17th, by Rev. W.H. Sawtelle, Mr. Frank W. Pearsall of -?- Minnesota, to Miss Estella L. Parsons, of the former place.

In Nineveh [Broome Co. NY], Aug. 17th, by the same, Mr. Edward M. Brown to Miss Carrie Parsons, both of Nineveh.

Death

In Brisbin [Chenango Co. NY], Aug. 16th, Charlie G. [Wheeler], son of Garry D. and Jennie Wheeler, aged 9 months.

Sherburne News, Sherburne, NY, August 30, 1873

Deaths

ELSBRE:  In this village [Sherburne, Chenango Co. NY], August 23d, Mrs. Rebecca Elsbre, aged 73 years.

Mrs. Elsbre died suddenly, having been to visit her husband's grave on the evening before her death.  She had been a resident of Sherburne a great number of years and was very highly esteemed.  Her unobtrusive manners, freedom from censoriousness, generosity, and pleasant countenance, will be greatly missed.  She was a faithful communicant of Christ church, one of whom it is delightful to think.  May her example have many imitators.  Her bereaved friends have our cordial sympathy mingled with regrets for the loss sustained by the community.

DAVISON:  In this village [Sherburne, Chenango Co. NY], August 26th, Mr. Peter I. Davison, aged 78 years.

The deceased was a resident of Sherburne for more than half a century.  In business his honesty and uprightness were known by all who had any dealings with him.  As a citizen he had the respect and goodwill of the people generally.  He was one of the founders of the Episcopal Chruch in Sherburne, and one of its most faithful upholders and devout worshipers.  For a great number of years he held the office of Senior Warden, and the Chruch was glad so to honor a man of such character and worth.  Mr. Davison leaves a large family to mourn over his departure, but they will have comfort to remember his virtues.

The sorrowful duty devolves upon us, this week, of recording the death of one of our oldest and most esteemed citizens, Peter I. Davison, who expired at his residence on Tuesday last, at the ripe age of 78 years.  About a week since he was prostrated by a paralytic stroke, since which, though showing occasional signs of consciousness, he remained helpless and speechless to the time of his death.

The deceased was born in Danube, Herkimer County.  Early in the war of 1812 he enlisted and served with credit to its close.  About the year 1815 he came to Sherburne where, in company with his brother Jesse, he established the business of silversmith and jeweler, which he has continued with good success ever since.

Mr. Davison has been so long and so closely identified with the history of Sherburne that the sad event of his death deserves something more than a passing notice.  He is associated with the early recollections of the little remnant of the class of oldest inhabitants, and all classes of our citizens, to whom he was generally known, will hold his many virtues in honored remembrance.  He was among the most active in establishing Christ church, in which he served as Warden from the time of its organization to his death.  His life has been marked by no startling or extraordinary events, but he was pre-eminently a good man; one who possessed in a high degree the confidence and esteem of all with whom he had social or business relations; one who will be long remembered for his gentle nature, his kindness of heart, and the simplicity and blamelessness of his life.  In his death the Church to which he was so long and so ardently attached loses one of its most active and firm supports; Sherburne one of its most respected citizens; his aged widow, a faithful and tender husband, and his children, a kind and affectionate father.  The children, eight in number, were all happily able to be present at the funeral, which was attended on Thursday afternoon by a large concourse of sympathizing friends and neighbors.  In common with all our citizens we tender our sympathies to the kindred of the deceased in their sorrowful bereavement.