Vital Records, Chenango County, NY, May 1874 (concluded)

 Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, May 28, 1874

Marriages

WOOD - PENDELL:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], May 23d, by Rev. W.J. Judd, Mr. George W. Wood of Butternuts [Otsego Co. NY] to Miss Fannie E. Pendell, of Norwich.

PERRY - COOK:  In this town [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], April 27th, by Rev. W.J. Judd, Mr. Willia A. Perry to Miss Mary E. Cook.

BEATIE - McGINNESS:  At St. Patrick's Church, in this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], May 126th, by Rev. D. O'Connell, Mr. Thomas J. Beatie to Miss Annie McGinness.

THOMPSON - OGDEN:  At Chenango Forks [Broome Co. NY], May 21st, by Rev. J.D. Woodruff, Mr. William S. Thompson of East Mcdonough [Chenango Co. NY] to Mrs. Eliza J Ogden, of Etna, N.Y. [Tompkins Co.].

Deaths

GRADY:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], May 24th, Mr. John Grady, son of Thomas Grady, aged 25 years and 6 months.

SHERMAN:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], May 25th, Nellie Edee [Sherman], daughter of Emma Sherman, aged 1 year and 3 months.

HALE:  At her residence, No. 179 Howe St., Chicago, Ill. on Thursday, May 14th, Hattie D. [Hale], wife of Charles N. Hale, formerly of this village.

POWERS:  In South Oxford [Chenango Co. NY], May 9th, of paralysis, Mr. Myron Powers, aged 74 years.

ARNOLD:  In New Berlin [Chenango Co. NY] May 18th, Mrs. Lucretia Arnold, aged 68 years.

ARNOLD:  In New Berlin [Chenango Co. NY], May 18th, Mr. Harry Arnold, aged 71 years.

BLACKMAN:  In Preston [Chenango Co. NY], May 22d, Cynthia [Blackman], wife of the late almon Blackman, aged 65 years.

HAMILTON:  In Guilford [Chenango Co. NY], April 28th, Miss Lucinda Hamilton, formerly of Oxford [Chenango Co. NY], aged 58 years.

STAFFORD:  In Gratiot Co. Mich., April 24th, Mr. Joseph Stafford, formerly of Oxford [Chenango Co. NY], aged 73 years.

EDMONDS:  In Bath, N.Y. [Steuben Co.] April 28th, Miss Rosa Edmonds, aged 18 years, formerly a student in Oxford Academy [Chenango Co. NY].

PATRICK:  At Mountain Lake, Minn, May 15th, Carrie A. [Patrick] second daughter of W.W. and Lidorna E. Patrick and sister of Mrs. Walter B. Norton of this place [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], aged 19 years and 4 months.

It is not long since we laid her there. / Her white hands folded on her breast; / And on her forehead, cold and fair, / The seal of everlasting rest. / Oh, Death! thy withering hand is laid / Oft on earth's fairest, sweetest flowers; / O'er many a home doth fall a shade, / But none more deep than rests on ours.

William Kerns, formerly of Oneida [Madison Co. NY], and whose sister and widowed mother still reside here, was killed on the Midland near Hancock Station, Delaware County [NY], on Thursday of last week.  He was employed as brakeman on a work train, and the accident which led to his death was caused by the train being thrown from the track by running over a cow.  He was thrown by the collision between the cars, and his body was cut and mangled in a shocking manner causing instant death. The young man was well and favorably known in Oneida.  He was 22 years of age, and leaves a wife in Walton, Delaware Co. [NY].  His funeral took place at Hancock on Saturday last, his mother and sister being present on the sad occasion. Oneida Union.

Oxford Times, Oxford, NY, May 29, 1874

Death

Dwight Henry Clarke

At his residence in the village of Oxford, Chenango County, N.Y., of typhoid pneumonia, on the evening of April 17, 1874, Dwight Henry Clarke, aged 55, second son of the late Ethan and Rachel Clarke.

The death of Judge Clarke makes the first break in a circle of nine children (three older and five younger than he), most of whom have lived nearly all their lives at Oxford, and all of whom have for several years met to hold Christmas-tide reunions in the hospitalities of the home of the oldest brother, James W. Clarke, Esq.  They were all present at his funeral, and all but one in his dying chamber.

The occasion has seemed to justify a tribute to the power and recompenses of corporate life, knit by the ties filled with the vital force of Christian faith.  For next to the strong ties of home which this circle had learned to cherish, both by the precept and example of parents and forefathers, was the inherited love and devotion for the Church, in which all had been numbered as communicants, and into whose fellowship the older once entered on a well-remembered day along with their exemplary mother, Mr. Ethan Clarke, the father, having sought this privilege earlier.

It is no exaggeration to say of this sentiment, as it was woven into their hometraining and grew into their lives, that it availed to the transplanting of home into the Church, and that it has made home and its memories and hopes imperishable.

It is this fruitful experience of hallowing the ties of life by the uses of religion and the Church, of grace flowing in the channels and perfecting the life of nature, which this notice is designed to commemorate - not, thank God, as exceptional and solitary, but as exemplary and imitable, and needed by these times.

Judge Clarke came of the stock of the brothers Clarke who in 1638 settled in Newport, R.I.  His grandfather was one of a Rhode Island colony of Sabbatarians which emigrated in 1795 to Brookfield, Madison County, and its neighborhood, and he was its pastor until his death in 1831.

In the Oxford Academy and at Union College, Judge Clarke received his literary training, and in the office of the late James Clapp, Esq., at Oxford, he pursued his legal studies.  He entered on the practice of his profession in Jackson, Mich., but after two years returned to Oxford, where he resided until his death.

In 1850, he was chosen Dist. Atty. of his county, which office he held for three years, and in 1855, was elected County Judge and Surrogate (untied in one in this county) and in 1859 re-elected, holding the office for eight years. After his retirement from the bench, Judge Clarke resumed the practice of the law, and continued it successfully to the close of his life.

I add the following testimonies from his professional peers and intimates:  "Judge Clarke had eminently the legal mind, but the high rank in his profession which held for many years, he owed largely to the high standard set before him as a student, and to the longer and more thorough preparation which were then rigidly required.  In his official trusts, everyone bore witness to his eminent ability and integrity.  Of a kind and amiable temper, he drew around him devoted friends from all classes. Everyone found him at all times affable and cheerful, and prepared to be their friend and counsellor."

A professional friend of high standing gave to the present writer this deliberate eulogy:  "I speak from eighteen years' close knowledge, and from intimate relations with judge Clarke for sixteen of those years, and I can say that he is the only man of my professional acquaintance of whom I can record that I never heard imputed to him the doing of a mean or dishonest or unworthy thing.  Such imputations are often cast unjustly, in rashness and in passion, but I never heard one even cast on him."

Such testimonies do honor to their authors a well as to their subjects, and it is pleasant to record them.

But after all, those who best knew our departed friend and brother, and who cherish most his memory, will commend my closing witness as the highest lesson of all who knew him, viz:  that three things combined to carry him through those perils on life's voyages in which so many have made utter shipwreck - the mutual ties of home and brotherhood, which no stress or strain could weaken; the hallowing force which Christian faith put into these; and sedulous devotion to work in an honorable calling, for which skill had been patiently acquired.

It is to these we owe the solace of an assurance that our friend died in favor with God, and in the good hope of a blessed resurrection.

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

 Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, May 21, 1874

Marriage

ROCKWELL - SHEPARD:  At the home of the bride, May 13th, by Rev. S.W. Weiss, Mr. Howard C. Rockwell of Rockwell's Mills [Chenango Co. NY] to Miss Helen C. Shepard, of Hartwick [Otsego Co. NY].

Deaths

BELLOWS:  At the residence of her son-in-law, William Mosher, in Greene [Chenango Co. NY], May 18th, Mrs. Nancy Bellows, widow of the late Dr. Daniel Bellows, of this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], aged 82 years.  Funeral services will be held at the residence of her son, Dr. H.K. Bellows, in this village, on Thursday afternoon, at 2 o'clock.

CARR:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], May 17th, Mrs. Mary P. Carr, aged 73 years, mother of J.W. Carr and Mrs. William Eaton, of this place.  Her remains were taken to Hartwick, Otsego Co. [NY], for burial.

DUTTON:  Suddenly, in Columbus [Chenango Co. NY], May 11th, Mr. Riley Dutton, aged 62 years, 5 months and 16 days.

SABINS:  In Lincklaen [Chenango Co. NY], March 10th, Sophia [Sabins], wife of Oliver Sabins, aged 58 years and 1 month.

DALRMPLE:  At the residence of C.O. Dalrymple, in Otselic [Chenango Co. NY], May 2d, Mr. Eli Dalrymple, aged 71 years.

GRAY:  At the same residence, may `12th, Mr. Henry Gray, son of Daniel P. Gray, aged 30 years.

PRESTON:  In Smithville [Chenango Co. NY], April 7th, Eliza Preston, aged 47 years.

CHAPIN:  In Bainbridge [Chenango Co. NY], May 11th, Miss Abigail H. Chapin, aged 72 years.

MILLER:  In Eaton [Madison Co. NY], May 3d, Maud [Milled], daughter of Dr. H.P. and Cicitia A. Miller, aged 3 years 1 month and 22 days.

Mrs. Susannah Curtis, a much respected lady of Hamilton [Madison Co. NY], died suddenly on the morning of the 7th inst.

Myron Swift, of Cazenovia [Madison Co. NY], died suddenly of palsy on the 11th, while on a hunting excursion around the lake.

Mrs. A.A. Irskine, of Eaton [Madison Co. NY], was struck with paralysis, which driving to church on the 3d and died on the 5th inst.

Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, May 21, 1874

Marriages

NEWTON - BENTLY:  In Pitcher [Chenango Co. NY], May 6th, by the Rev. S.P. Way, Mr. W.T. Newton, of Taylor [Cortland Co. NY] to Miss C.G .Bently, of Pitcher.

ADAMS - BENEDICT:  In Georgetown, N.Y. [Madison Co. NY], May 13th, by Rev. C.S. Crain, Lorenzo G. Adams of Beaver Meadow [Chenango Co. NY] and Ada L. Benedict,of Lebanon, N.Y. [Madison Co. NY].

Deaths

ROGERS:  In Pecatonica, Ill. May 9, 1874, of typhoid pneumonia, Mr Franklin Rogers, aged 68 years.

Mrs. Charlotte Allen, the oldest person in the town of Dryden [Tompkins Co. NY], died at her residence near Varna [Tompkins Co. NY], April 30th, aged 96 years, 9 months, 2 days. She lived on the farm where she died just half a century.  Her oldest child is 73 years old, and lives in Moravia, Cayuga county [NY]. 

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Many of our older inhabitants will doubtless remember that there resided in this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], between twenty-five and thirty years ago, a man by the name of Isaac H. Andrews.

In 1849, or thereabouts he "taught the young idea how to shoot" in the old red schoolhouse on Fair Street and for some considerable time held the position of Town Superintendent.  Subsequently he studied law in the office of George M. Smith, Esq., and in course of time was admitted to practice.

Although a man of considerable ability he possessed peculiar traits of character and a singularly developed mind. About the year 1851 he left Norwich suddenly, in a somewhat mysterious manner, since which time, as far as we know, he has not been heard from till within the past few days.

The following from the Green Bay (Wis) Gazette, kindly furnished us by Mr. J.T. Monk, of Watertown in that state tells the sequel:

About three years ago, a singular looking individual presented himself to Mr. Abraham Taylor, of Fort Howard, and sought the position of night watchman in his mill at Duck Creek.  He was a little, dried up, pinched face, beady eyed, white haired old man, quiet in his manners and having the appearance of a man who had seen better days.  He gave his name as Isaac Andrews, was accepted and worked faithfully in gaining the esteem of his employer by his strict attention to his duties.  He rarely ever spoke of himself, and no one knew anything of his past history, though it was evident he had a history.  He said he had never been married and had been to California. That was all.  Who were his friends, whence he came, what he intended - these were the natural queries among his new mill comrades; but he evaded answering, and gradually interest in him died out.  He was singularly abstemious and temperate in habits.  We remember him well in the Grant campaign, in which he took a strong interest, from his singular appearance and a remark he made when subscribing for the Gazette for the campaign.  Last Friday he died at Duck Creek of Paralysis after an illness of a week, and was buried by his former employer, Mr. Taylor, whose employment he left only about three weeks before.  Among his effects was found a certificate of the Supreme Court of New York, dated at Norwich, Chenango County, January 15th, 1851 admitting Isaac H. Andrews to practice as attorney, solicitor and counselor in all the courts of the State.  Another paper issued from the county court of Jefferson County, Wis., admitting him to practice in that court, July 1st 1860.  And that was all.  He left no pecuniary effects.  He was evidently a man of considerable education and had started in life with a fine prospect of success.  What blight overtook and wrecked him completely can only be imagined, it can never be known.

Chenango American, Greene, NY, May 21, 1874

Death

May 2d, Mr. Samuel Ferguson, formerly of Smithville Flats [Chenango Co. NY], aged 46 years.

Sherburne News, Sherburne, NY, May 23, 1874

Death

GORHAM:  In this town [Sherburne, Chenango Co. NY], on the 15th inst., Mrs. Anna Gorham, aged 78 years.  Deceased was the widow of Raymond Gorham who died in 1863. She had long been a resident of Sherburne and was held in the highest estimation for her virtues and hospitalities. A large concourse of friends followed her remains to the tomb and the manifestations of grief at her loss was evidence of the strong hold she had upon those who knew her best.

Tragic Abortion Case, Norwich, Chenango Co. NY, (Part III) Trial & Not Guilty Verdict, April 1875

 Oxford Times, Oxford, NY, May 20, 1874

Miss Nellie Le Clear, sister of the girl who met such a tragic death at the Chenango house [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], week before last, was in town on Monday, looking after the things belonging to her sister.  She informed us that Josephine had talked to her about her engagement with John D. Kelly; that Kelly had promised that as soon as he could sell the hotel at Hamilton [Madison Co. NY], and settle up his business, they would get married.  The wedding would take place during the past winter.  The family have received two letters from Kelly since the death of Josephine, in which he claims that he had shipped the body and paid the expenses, not from any interested motive, but out of friendship for the girl and her family.  It is probably out of friendship for Kelly that he keeps out of the reach of the officers of the law.

Sheriff Brown kindly assisted Miss Le Clear, and the proprietor of the Chenango House surrendered to her the clothing belonging to poor Josie and tendered her the hospitality of the house.

Arrest of John D. Kelly

Chenango Union, October 22, 1874

Our readers will remember an account published last spring, of the death of Josephine Le Clear, which occurred at the Chenango house in this village, on the 29th of April last, from the effects of an abortion produced upon her person.  John D. Kelly of Hamilton, the party suspected of being the principal in the case, left at that time for parts unknown, and although efforts have since been made to ascertain his whereabouts, they were not until Friday of last week successful. A dispatch from Hamilton of that day informed Sheriff Brown that Kelly was in that village, he having returned to his home to attend the funeral of a brother.  Officer Smith at once proceeded to Hamilton, where he arrested Kelly and lodged him in jail in this village, under an indictment by the Grand Jury. On Saturday, Sheriff Brown accompanied his prisoner to Hamilton, where he attended the funeral; after which they returned to this place, where Kelly is still confined, in default of bail.

P.S.  Since the above was in type, we learn that Kelly was on Monday admitted to bail, in the sum of $3,000, T.C. Pettis, of Oxford, becoming his bondsman.

The Le Clear Abortion Case Trial

Chenango Union, April 1875

The trial of Dr. Peter B. Havens, under indictment for producing an abortion upon Miss Josephine Le Clear, thereby causing her death was commenced in the Court of Sessions on Monday afternoon.  District Attorney Knapp, and Solomon Bundy, Esq., appeared for the people, and D.G. Wellington, of Hamilton and Hon. E.H. Prindle and Isaac S. Newton, Esq., of Norwich, for the defendant.  The following persons were sworn in as jurors:  George W. Church, Smithville; Gilbert J. Park, Coventry; Sidney Howard, Columbus; Samuel W. Kinney, Oxford; Amos Bowen, Guilford; Leonard Titus, North Norwich; George Thomas, German; John J. Godfrey, Sylvanus Carhart, Guilford; M.M. Newton, Pitcher; William Arnold, McDonough; Robert McCray, Smithville.

District Attorney Knapp opened the case for the people, briefly reviewing the case.  At the conclusion of his opening, a motion was made to quash the indictment, on the ground that it was defective; but the motion was denied.

Normon Cox, proprietor of the Chenango House, where the woman died, was the witness called.  He related her condition while at the hotel but was not permitted to state anything that she told him in regard to the perpetrator of the crime.  Dr. H.K. Bellows, Dr. James J. Wescott, and Dr. H.M. Smith, testified to the fact that an abortion had been produced, and that death was caused thereby.  They also testified that the woman had been shockingly mutilated by the operation.  Dr. Elisha George, of Syracuse, who made the postmortem examination, was also examined at length as to the cause of her death, and extent and nature of the injuries.

Besides these, the following named witnesses were sworn for the people:  Calista A. Evans, Anna Onday, John N. Ingalls, George Pratt, Fran Burrows, Mary Baker, Ellen La Clear, Lydia Dunbar, and Fanny Woods.

One of these witnesses swore that he saw Dr. Havens come out of the room occupied by Miss Le Clear at the hotel in Hamilton, on the day and at the hour the abortion was alleged to have been produced.  Another testified to having seem Dr. Havens in company with Kelly in the sitting room of the hotel in Hamilton, on the afternoon mentioned, and that Miss Le Clear was in the room.  The testimony of the other witnesses was unimportant, relating principally to the condition of Miss Le Clear immediately preceding her death at the Chenango House.

The last witness called was John D. Kelly, who is under indictment as accessory to this crime.  After taking the stand, his counsel objected to his testifying, on the ground that he might injure his own case.  He therefore declined to testify.  Upon this witness the prosecution relied for direct testimony fastening the guilt upon Dr. Havens.  No other positive and direct proof could be obtained.  The case for the people was therefore declared closed.

Counsel for defendant again moved to have the indictment quashed and argued at length to show that it was defective under existing statutes.  This motion was denied, and then by agreement the case was submitted to the jury, without examining any witnesses for the defense. In his charge to the jury, Judge Prindle held that the evidence against the accused was not sufficient to warrant a conviction. The jury was out but a short time and returned a verdict of not guilty.

This case has occupied a good deal of attention in this community.  The crime was a most shocking and brutal one.  We congratulate Dr. Havens upon his acquittal, but we cannot help wishing that he had been able to show beyond a question of doubt that he was in no manner connected with the affair. We approve the verdict of the jury, as the evidence was not sufficient to warrant a conviction.  In the meantime, all will unite in the wish that the perpetrators of the crime will eventually be brought to justice.

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

 Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, May 14, 1874

Marriage

ALDRICH - BLACKMAN:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], May 10th, by Rev. W.H. Waldron, Mr. Alb....a Aldrich to Miss Josephine Blackman, both of Plymouth [Chenango Co. NY].

Death

FINCH:  In Oxford [Chenango Co. NY], may 9th, Mrs. Emma Finch, aged 93 years.

STANBRO:  In Beaver Meadow [Chenango Co. NY], April 21st, Dea. Joseph Stanbro, aged 76 years.

SPENCER:  In Guilford [Chenango Co. NY], May 7th, May [Spencer], only daughter of Dr. M.D. Spencer, aged 9 years.

RECTOR:  In Blue Earth City, Minn., May 5th, Sarah [Rector], wife of George Rector, formerly of Oxford [Chenango Co. NY], aged 38 years.

The correspondent of the Sherburne News [Chenango Co. NY] states that John Weaver, aged 94 years, died on the 3d inst., at the residence of his son, Charles Weaver, on Smyrna Hill. Deceased came to Smyrna about or before the year 1800 and was at the time of his death the oldest resident of the town.  His funeral was attended on Wednesday at the Quaker church.  

Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, May 14, 1874

Marriages

CARROL - REDDY:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], May 12th, at St. Patrick's church, by Rev. D. O'Connell, John Carroll and Bridget? Reddy.

WINSOR - MARSH:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY] on the 14th of April, by the Rev. S. Scoville, at the bride's residence, Mr. Joseph Winsor to Miss Julia Marsh, both of this village.

Deaths

MEAD:  In Manhattan, Ks., April 25, 1874, Nancy [Mead] wife of James Mead, formerly from Laurens, Otsego County, N.Y., aged 68 years.

We regret to learn of the sudden death of Major Schenck, of the Utica Herald [Oneida Co., NY], which occurred on Wednesday morning last.  Major Schenck has been connected with the Morning Herald since the summer of 1871.  He was a terse and vigorous writer, well adapted by severe discipline and thorough education to the field of journalism, to which he was greatly attached.  At the outbreak of the rebellion, the Major early enlisted his energies in the Union cause, leaving the profession of law, for active service in the field.  At the close of the war he returned to Auburn, his native city, and settled down in the practice of law.  Upon the establishment, soon after, of a daily newspaper in Auburn, the Morning News, he accepted the position of managing editor.  Subsequently he was engaged as an editorial writer upon the staff of the New York Times.  From August 1871 to December 1873, he served as night editor upon the staff of the Utica morning Herald, and for the past few months, up to the time of his death, had been managing editor of that ably conducted and influential journal.  Although retiring in his disposition, he was possessed of splendid social qualities, and had strongly attached to himself a large circle of devoted friends.  His death, as indicated by the feeling notices of the press in all parts of the State, is universally lamented and mourned.

This community was saddened on Friday morning last to learn of the death of Mrs. Chas. O. Payne (formerly Miss Cornelia Newell, of this village [Morris, Otsego Co. NY], who died at Oneonta [Otsego Co. NY], the evening before.  Previous to Mrs. Payne's marriage she had charge of the Primary Department of our Union Free School.  She was beloved by her pupils, who will regret to learn that their dear teacher has so soon passed to that land from whence no traveler ever returns.  Mrs. P. had many warm and personal friends in this vicinity, who will deeply sympathize with the bereaved husband, parent and relatives in their affliction.  Her remains were brought to this place and her funeral services took place at Zion Chruch last Saturday, Rev.'s Smith and Fitzgerald officiating.  Morris chronicle 

Historical News Item - John Percival

As one of the readers of Chenango newspapers, I have been deeply interested in the pioneer sketches which have appeared from time to time and presume that thousands of others are equally interested.  Certainly, the press of the country has done much to rescue from oblivion many incidents connected with our pioneer history, and it is a source of regret that something more comprehensive and systematic has not been entered upon, so that a connected and reliable history of the country could be had.

In the year 1795 John Percival came from Lee, Massachusetts, and settled three and a half miles west of the present village of Smyrna.  It was then a difficult matter to penetrate that region with a team, and soon after his arrival he engaged in the construction of a section of the turnpike over which there was a large amount of travel from towns as far west as Homer and Cortland to Albany. The enterprise proved unfortunate for him pecuniarily and involved him in embarrassments from which he never extricated himself.

Mr. Percival was one of the nine Revolutionary soldiers who went from Lee and took part in skirmishes near Boston.  He was one of the band commanded by Arnold in the expedition up the Kenebee to cooperate against Canada. The present generation know little of the sufferings of the patriots who were in that service. They traversed dismal forests and almost impassable swamps, and ten miles a day was their average rate of progress. At a distance of one hundred and fifty miles from any inhabitants the best supplied men had less than a quart of flour, and many of them none. Their famished dogs were slaughtered and eaten, then resort was had to their cartouche boxes and shoes.  If a squirrel was killed no part of it was marked by cooking but eaten raw.  When this band was dissolved each man was left to find his own way and emerge from the vast wilderness as best he could. The weak bid farewell to their comrades and lay down to die.  Mr. Percival was then in the prime of life and had as a companion a man named Fuller, also from Lee, who, completely exhausted, placed himself upon a log, and bidding Mr. P. to go forward and save himself, if possible, he deliberately laid down to die.  Mr. Percival was at the siege of Quebec and subsequently at the surrender of Burgoyne and in some other engagements with the British. The writer often heard him recount the story of the sufferings he and others endured in the Revolutionary struggle, and they seemed almost too incredible for belief.  He was a near relative of the poet, James G. Percival, who spent most of his years in Connecticut but died at Hazel Greene, Wisconsin, while engaged in a geological survey of the State.

The subject of this notice reared a large family of children, only two of whom are living [in 1874], a son in Michigan and a daughter in Illinois.  With his own hands he was industrious to clearing many of the now productive acres near his old homestead.  He came from his eastern home with the strictest Puritan principles, and during his long life, reaching to nearly ninety years, he maintained and lived by them in all their integrity.  He died thirty-seven years ago and his ashes rest in the cemetery of the Presbyterian Church in Gaines, Orleans County.

Chenango American, Greene, NY, May 13, 1874

Marriage

At the residence of the bride's father, in this village [Greene, Chenango Co. NY], May 7th, by Rev. J. H Sage, William A. Smith, Esq., to Miss Mary J. [Rose]. daughter of Dea. A.G. Rose.

Deaths

In this village [Greene, Chenango Co. NY], May 8th, Mr. Dewitt Storms, aged 66 years.

In Smithville [Chenango Co. NY], March 23d, Mrs. Mary J. McComb.

In Smithville [Chenango Co. NY], April 14th, Mrs. Fanny [Parsons], wife of John Parsons, aged 44 years.

In Smithville [Chenango Co. NY], April 16th, Mrs. Sarah Freguson, aged 78 years.

In Smithville [Chenango Co. NY], April 17th, Miss Augusta Read, aged 34 years.

In Smithville [Chenango Co. NY], James [Yarnes], son of Jas. and Hannah Yarnes, aged 8 months, 13 days.

In Oxford [Chenango Co. NY], May 9th, Mrs. Emma Finch, aged 98 years.

The late Silas Gould of Coventry [Chenango Co. NY], whose death was announced in the last issue was born [unreadable] in the year 1809.  At the age of -?- years he removed with his parents to Chenango County in the village which he has principally resided in and his death [-?-] the love and confidence of those around him.  By honesty, industry and perseverance, he accumulated a comfortable home, where in the possession of plenty and happiness death hungered for him, and after a lingering illness he was called from his late residence where are left stricken hearts to mourn the loss of him who so lately walked among us.

The beautiful services of the M.E. Church were read over the remains by Rev. Mr. Rosskelly, in charge of the parish in which he resided.  Mr. Gould during his residence in Coventry has maintained uniformly the reputation of honor, possessing prominently the elements of honesty, sincerity, benevolence and a cultivated purpose to do right among his fellow men, which rendered his life worthy of the high estimation he richly enjoyed and duly reciprocated. In all his business transactions, strict integrity was his rule of action; though unobtrusive in his manner, those who enjoyed his acquaintance found his friendship the offspring of a warm and generous heart.  His active habits, genial disposition, and strong tender sympathies endeared him to many, and especially to his family who now miss the sunshine of his presence. Though the chill messenger has borne his spirit forever away from the scenes of earth, yet his memory and his example live. Time may obliterate the traces of the loss but can never take the memory of the good name and better deeds of Silas Gould.

Sherburne News, Sherburne, NY, May 16, 1874

Marriage

DOYLE - NAUGHTON:  In Norwich [Chenango Co. NY], April 27th, by Rev. D. O'Connell, Mr. Thomas Doyle to Miss Sarah An Naughton

Bainbridge Republican, Bainbridge, NY, May 16, 1874

Marriage

IRELAND - CLARK:  In Afton [Chenango Co. NY], May 5th, by Rev. J.E. Jones, Mr. Alson Ireland to Miss Carrie L. Clark, both of Bainbridge [Chenango Co. NY].

Deaths

PEARSALL:  In this town [Bainbridge, Chenango Co. NY], May 10th, Smith Pearsall, aged 80 years.

MARTIN:  In Mason City, Ill., May 4th, John Martin, aged 45 years.  His remains were brought to Colesville [Broome Co. NY], his former residence for interment.

LYON:  In the town of Coventry [Chenango Co. NY], on the 10 inst. of inflammation of the brain, Alice A. [Lyon[, wife of Orville J. Lyon, aged 24 years, 109 moths and 4 days.

Vital Records, Chenango County, NY, May 1874

 Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, May 7, 1874

Marriages

DAVIS - MURRAY:  In Bainbridge [Chenango Co. NY], April 26th, by Rev. A.B. Richardson, Mr. Eldridge Davis to Miss Agnes Murray, both of Bainbridge.

DEXTER - SMTH:  In East Pharsalia [Chenango Co. NY], April 30th, by Horace L. Barnes, Esq., Mr. F.D. Dexter of West Winfield [Herkimer Co. NY] to Miss S.A. Smith, of East Hamilton [Madison Co. NY].

BROOKS - FOOT:  In Coventry [Chenango Co. NY], April 21st, by Rev. G.D. Horton, Mr. James H. Brooks, of Oxford [Chenango Co. NY] to Mrs. Martha A. Foot, of Coventry.

INGRAHAM - INGRAHAM:  In Rockdale [Chenango Co., NY], April 19th by Rev. S. Smith, Mr. Joseph O. Ingraham, of Preston [Chenango Co. NY], to Miss Sarah L. Ingraham, of Oxford [Chenango Co. NY].

MITCHELL - MASON:  At the residence of the bride's father, in Providence, R.I., April 29th, by Rev. Dr. Robinson, Dr. John W. Mitchell, formerly of this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY] to Miss Frances E. Mason.

CONOVER - DELISSER:  In Brooklyn, April 23d, by Rev. J.A. Paddock, Mr. W.H.C. Conover of Freehold, N.J., formerly of this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY] to Miss Cornelia Delisser, of Brooklyn.

Deaths

HESLIN:  At the residence of A.C. Scott in this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY] May 3d, Miss Mary Heslin, aged 28 years and 6 months.

SKINNER:  In this town [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], April 18th, Mrs. Esther Skinner, aged 70 years.

DARROW:  In Gloversville [Fulton Co. NY], April 30th, Ada [Darrow], wife of Z.T. Darrow, and daughter of the late Henry Peck, of this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], aged 17 years.

STERNBERG:  In Plymouth [Chenango Co. NY], May 3d, Mr. Nicholas Sternberg, aged 73 years, 8 months and 11 days.

SISSON:  In Smyrna [Chenango Co. NY], April 25th, after a lingering illness, Mr. Thomas Sisson, aged 72 years.

COOK:  In Pharsalia [Chenango Co. NY], April 22d, Eddie [Cook] son of Ledyard Cook, Esq., of Lincklaen [Chenango Co. NY] aged 20 years.

NEWTON:  In Pharsalia [Chenango Co. NY], April 28th, Charles [Newton] son of Wasson and Amelia Newton, aged 6 years 11 months and 5 days.

WADKINS:  In South Otselic [Chenango Co. NY], April 25th, Mr. -?- Wadkins aged 63 years.

BROOKS:  In Milford, Otsego Co. [NY], May 2d, Mr. Lyman Brooks, aged 79 years, formerly of this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY].  The remains of Lyman Brooks, Esq., father of E.C. Brooks and Mrs. R. Close, of this village were brought from his home in Otsego County, where he died on Saturday, and interred in the family grounds in our cemetery on Tuesday.  Mr. Brooks was formerly for many years a resident of Norwich and will be remembered by many of our older citizens, as an exemplary businessman.

Deceased was for many years a resident of this village and bore the respect and honor of all who knew him.  He was the elder brother of Calvin and Otis Brooks of this town, and father of Edwin C. Brooks of this village, from whose house the funeral took place on Tuesday, the remains having been brought here for interment.  [Chenango Telegraph, May 7, 1874]

LEACH:  In Humphrey, Platte Co. Neb., April 2d, Frederic Emmet [Leach] second son of L.B. and Ann P. Leach, and grandson of the late Erastus Dickinson.

PAYNE:  In Oneonta [Otsego Co. NY], April 16th, Cornelia E. [Payne], wife of Charles O. Payne, in the 28th year of her age.

HALLOCK:  In Thompson, Pa., April 11th, Emma [Hallock], wife of Benjamin Hallock, and daughter of J.H. and Sarah Chase, formerly of Afton, aged 21 years.

Mrs. Olive [Randall], wife of Allen Randall, died suddenly at Millville, near this village [Whitney Point, Broome Co. NY], on the 17th inst., aged nearly 58 years.  Although an invalid for several years she had been in her usual health up to a few moments before her death. She had been able to attend communion services at Grace Chruch here quite regularly, and walked to the neighbors, and had done so only the day before her death. She was born in Bainbridge, N.Y. [Chenango Co.], in 1807, and has resided here about 44 years.  She was a granddaughter of Gen. Joshua Whitney, one of the early pioneers of Binghamton.  Whitney's Point Reporter

Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, May 7, 1874

Marriages

TANSEY - GALLAHAR:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], April 25th, by Rev. D. O'Connell, Mr. Thomas Tansey and Miss Ann Gallahar.

TUCKER - ROSA:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], April 26th, by the same, Mr. Hugh H. Tucker and Miss Arabella A. Rosa.

DOYLE - NAUGHTON:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], April 27th, by the same, Mr. Thomas Doyle ad Miss Sarah Ann Naughton.

Deaths

BORDEN: At Milford, Seward County, Nebraska, of mortification of the bowels, Mr. William D. Borden, aged 43 years and 3 days, formerly a resident of Norwich [Chenango Co. NY].

A work train on the New Berlin branch [Chenango Co. NY] of the N.Y. & O.M. railroad, ran over and instantly killed a man by the name Edson Mudge, yesterday (Sunday, May 3d) at or about half past nine A.M., near the crossing at the Pine Woods, about two miles below this village [Mt. Upotn, Chenanog Co. NY].  Deceased was walking upon the track, and it is supposed, did not hear the approached train until the engineer sounded the alarm when about seventy-five feet from him.  He was, or seemed to be, bewildered and did not make any effort to escape.  He was quite deaf, and about fifty-eight years of age.  Coroner Spencer held an inquest.  Result - "No one to blame."  Public opinion is quite the reverse.  The facts are, the railroad crosses the highway three times in about half a mile, and no signals were made by the engineer, on Saturday, May 2d.  One more of the links that bind the present with the past, has passed to "that bourne from where there is no return."  

Mrs. Jemima Van Dusan, relict of Peter Van Dusen, died in this village, aged 94 years, having lived in the town of Guilford [Chenango Co. NY] over sixty years.

Oxford Times, Oxford, NY, May 6, 1874

Death

MOORE:  In Oxford [Chenango Co. NY], April 28th, of Erysipelas of the head, Miss Helen L. Moore, daughter of John Moore, aged 38 years.  All is over, journey ended, / And her earthly mission done; / Not all over in that mansion, / There her life has just begun.

Chenango American, Greene, NY, May 7, 1874

Deaths

In this town, May 5th, Mrs. Betsey [Harrington], wife of Joshua Harrington, in her 61st years.

In Addison [Steuben Co. NY], May 1st, Mr. Albert L. Horton, son of Lewis Horton, of Coventry [Chenango Co. NY], aged 19 years and 10 months.

In Coventry [Chenango Co. NY, May 2d, Mr. Silas R. Gould, aged 60 years and 2 months.

In Barker [Broome Co. NY], May 6th, Mr. Garrett V.H. Stoughton aged 67 years.

At Coventry [Chenango Co. NY], April 13th, Mrs. Lydia M. Phillips, wife of James M. Phillips and only daughter of Col. Rufus Chandler in the 48th year of her age.

In the death of Mrs. Phillips a large circle of relatives and friends are called to mourn the loss of one of their number who by her many noble qualities of mind and heart had won high praise in her -?-.  A true and noble Christian woman has gone to her reward.  Though for many years a great sufferer from a disease which a large portion of the time prevented her from participating in the more active duties of society for which she was eminently qualified - yet her heart and mind were ever open to encourage and aid whatever tended to promote the interests of the community in which she lived, and especially in the church of which she had from her early youth been a consistent and honored member.  Her earnest prayer that she might have an easy and peaceful death was most especially answered. While for days her suffering had been intense, her last hour was peaceful and quiet, and as the summer does pass away so she went quietly to her rest.

Sherburne News, Sherburne, NY, May 9, 1874

Deaths

WEAVER:  In Smyrna [Chenango Co. NY], May 3d, Mr. John Weaver, aged 94 years.

ROBILLARD:  On the 2d inst. at the residence of her father, Peter Van Buren, in little Falls, N.Y., Mrs. Lucy Robillard, wife of Stephen P. Robillard, aged 21 years.  Deceased formerly resided in Sherburne [Chenango Co. NY].

Bainbridge Republican, Bainbridge, NY, May 9, 1874

Death

PHELPS:  In Simsbury, Conn., April 30th, Jane [Phelps], wife of Hon. J.O. Phelps, Jr., and daughter of A.N. Humphrey, of Bainbridge [Chenango Co. NY].

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

 Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, April 30, 1874

Marriage

BOGUE - TYLER:  In South New Berlin [Chenango Co. NY], April 23d, by Rev. A. Lindsay, Mr. William D. Bogue to Miss Sarah E. Tyler, both of South New Berlin.

Deaths

HICKS:  In this town [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], April 22d, Ruth [Hicks], wife of Gurdon Hicks, aged 68 years.

HUGHSON:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], April 22d, Mr. Nicholas Hughson, aged 72 years, father of O.M. and Henry Hughson, of this village.

CHURCH:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], April 29th, Mr. William H. Church, aged 50 years.  Funeral services will be held at his late residence, on Friday, at 2 o'clock P.M.

As we go to press, we learn that another of our old residents has departed from among us.  William H. Church has for many years been an active businessman in our midst and has done much towards increasing the growth and prosperity of our village.  Upright and honorable in his dealings with his fellow men, quiet and unassuming in his manner, and applying himself strictly to his business, until disease crept upon him, he enjoyed the esteem of all who knew him, and his death, although not unexpected, will cause a feeling of sadness in the community in which he has so long resided. Deceased was the father of Dr. Charles A. Church and John W. Church, Esq., of this village.  He died on Wednesday morning, in the sixtieth year of his age.

PHILLIPS:  In Coventry [Chenango Co. NY], April 23d, Mrs. Lydia M. Phillips, wife of James M. Phillips, and only daughter of Col. Rufus Chandler, in the 48th year of her age.

In the death of Mrs. Phillips, a large circle of relatives and friends are called to mourn the loss of one of their number, who, by her many noble qualities of mind and heart, had won a large place in their affections.  A true and noble Christian woman has gone to her reward.  Though for many years a great sufferer, from a disease which a large portion of the time prevented her from participating in the more active duties of social life, for which she was eminently qualitied, yet her heart and hand were ever open to encourage and aid whatever tended to promote the interests of the community in which she lived, and especially of the Church of which she had from her early youth been a consistent and honored member.  Her earnest prayer that she might have an easy and peaceful death was most signally answered.  While for days her sufferings had been intense, her last hour was peaceful and quiet, and as the Summer cloud fades away, so she went quietly to her rest.

BARTLE:  In Oxford [Chenango Co. NY], April 19th, an infant [Bartle], daughter of J. and Eliza L. Bartle.

MYERS:  In Greene [Chenango Co. NY], April 17th, Mr. Nathan Myers, aged 54 years and 6 months.

NEWTON:  In Pharsalia [Chenango Co. NY], April 17th, Mrs. Lossa Newton, widow of the late Daniel Newton, aged 75 years.

THOMPSON:  At the County House, in Preston [Chenango Co. NY], April 16th, Mr. Jacob Thompson, aged 76 years.

FISHER:  In Madison, N.Y. [Madison Co.], April 21st, Mr. Nathan Fisher, aged 77 years, father of E.G. Fisher of this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY].

HULL:  In Knob Noster, Mo., Sarah Jane [Hull] second daughter of Henry and Amelia Hull, formerly of Oxford [Chenango Co. NY].

Samuel Cooper, a brakeman on a "wild cat" coal train on the Midland, met with his death in the yard at Sidney [Delaware Co. NY], at 3:30 P.M. on Thursday of last week.  While engaged in uncoupling cars while in motion, he leaned over the car to draw the bolt, when a sudden movement of the train jerked him to the ground.  He struck upon his head, between the rails, and causing instant death.  Before he was removed from under the train, the cars ran over one of his legs.  Deceased was twenty-one years of age, and his home was in Queens County, L.I., whither his remains were conveyed, accompanied by Conductor Vrooman, of his train.

James A. Henry, son of Stephen Henry, of Plymouth [Chenango Co. NY], met with a distressing accident which resulted in his death, on the 16th ult., at Stockwell's Rollway, Muskegon Co., Michigan. While at work upon the rollway, a log above him became loosened, and in attempting to escape he slipped and fell, the log passing over him and crushing him in a frightful manner.  He survived for two days in great pain.  A wife and two children mourn his loss.

Deacon S.W. Barnett, died in Hamilton [Madison Co. NY], on the 18th inst., aged 74 years.  He was a brother of Postmaster Barnett, of this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY].

Mrs. Elizabeth Carrao, of Ithaca [Tompkins Co., NY], a clairvoyant physician, died suddenly at the Exchange Hotel in Binghamton [Broome Co. NY], on Wednesday morning of last week.

John Snooks, a venerable and well-known citizen of Binghamton [Broome Co. NY], died on Friday night, aged 72 years.  He had for some time led the life of a recluse, and was alone until a few moments before he breathed his last, when he called in some neighbors.

______________________________

Robert T. Davidson

DAVIDSON:  In Greene, on the 27th inst., Robert T. Davidson, Esq. of this village [Oxford, Chenango Co. NY], aged 42 years.  Funeral at his late residence on Wednesday at 10 A.M.  [Oxford Times, April 29, 1874]

Our citizens were shocked on Monday morning last, by the announcement of the death of Robert T. Davidson, Esq., of Oxford [Chenango Co. NY], which occurred at the residence of his brother-in-law, Dr. Crandall in Greene [Chenango Co. NY], at an early hour that morning.  Mr. Davidson was a gentleman widely known, and universally esteemed.  While he will be missed by the people of his own town, there are many friends throughout the County who will sympathize with his afflicted family in their bereavement.  We copy from the Oxford Times the following mention of his death, and tribute to his worth:

"We are very much pained to announce the death of our esteemed fellow citizen, Robert T. Davidson, which occurred at the residence of his brother-in-law, Dr. Crandall, in Greene, Monday morning last.  Mr. Davidson went to Greene on Saturday evening, the 18th inst., and was taken ill soon after his arrival there.  At first it was supposed that he was threatened with a fever, but the disease proved to be erysipelas which attacked the head, and grew worse until death resulted as above stated.

"In the death of Mr. Davidson, Oxford loses one of her most esteemed and public-spirited citizens.  He was enlisted and freely gave his time and means to every cause and movement that was of benefit to our village, and his place cannot be filled.  His high character and pleasant manners won for him the respect and confidence of our entire community and from the highest to the lowest of our citizens his death is deeply deplored.

"Mr. Davidson had held from time-to-time important town and village offices, and the duties were discharged with fidelity and sound judgment.  From the time the Midland Railroad was completed to the town until within a few months, the deceased held the position of agent of this station, and the arduous duties of that office were conducted in a manner that made for him many friends from the traveling public and caused the utmost confidence to be placed in him by the officers of the road.  Later he was appointed a special agent in the freight department of the road, which position he held until his death, and his personal solicitations in his affable manner added largely to the business of that department, from nearly every station on the line.

"Mr. Davidson leaves a wife and two children, besides an unusually large circle of relatives and friends to mourn his loss.  In this, their sad hour of affliction and bereavement, the sorrow-stricken wife and children have the heartfelt sympathy of our entire community."

Chenango American, Greene, NY, April 30, 1874

Marriage

In West Colesville [Broome Co. NY], April 7th, by Rev. L.F. Ketchum, Mr. Walas Aken, of Triangle [Broome Co. NY], to Miss Lucy Johnson, of Glen Castle, N.Y. [Broome Co.].

Deaths

In this town [Greene, Chenango Co. NY], April 26th, Mrs. Electa Ann [Rood], wife of C.A. Rood, of Norwich [Chenango Co. NY], aged 55 years and 5 months.

In this village [Greene, Chenango Co. NY], April 26th, Mr. Edward Mullen, aged 46 years.

In Smithville [Chenango Co. NY], April 23d, Mr. Frank McCabe, aged 55 years.

In this town [Greene, Chenango Co. NY], April 24th, Alice E. [Merriam], daughter of Dwight and Harriet L. Merriam, aged 1 year 1 month and 9 days.  Early called to yield her breath / Bright in life, and sweet in death, / Gone from time's swift passing hours,  / To heaven, the land of fadeless flowers.

Sherburne News, Sherburne, NY, May 2, 1874

Marriage

SOULE - PUDNEY:  In Smyrna [Chenango Co. NY], on the 28th ult. by Rev. C.S. Crain, Mr. Marsona Soule  and Miss Mary Pudney,  all of Smyrna.

Tragic Abortion Case, Norwich, NY, May 1873 (Part 2)

 The Late Abortion Case

Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, May 14, 1874

Last week we gave an abstract of the opening evidence given at the examination in the case of Dr. Peter B. Havens, of Hamilton [Madison Co. NY], charged with performing an abortion upon Josephine Le Clear, a young lady of Manlius [Onondaga Co. NY], who died from its effects at the Chenango House in this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], on the 29th ult.  The examination, which was commenced on Monday of last week, was concluded on Friday, at noon.  Of course we cannot give the evidence in full, as it is voluminous, but we have endeavored to give a fair and impartial abstract of the testimony of the important witnesses.

The testimony of Mrs. Calistia Evans, a nurse called before the death of the girl, relates mostly to her condition before and after death. Witness, Mr. and Mrs. Cox, and Kelly, were present when she died.

J.W. Weller and John C. Roe, telegraph operators, testified as to the sending and receiving of dispatches. The latter, who is in Mr. Weller's employ, testified to sending a telegram from Norman Cox to John D. Kelly, Hamilton, at 1 P.M. on Tuesday, April 28th; received one from Kelly to Cox, at 3:20 P.M. same day.  At 9:20 P.M., same day, sent telegram to Dr. P.B. Havens, at Hamilton; it was written by Kelly, in our office. Another telegram was sent from Kelly to Dr. Havens, at 8:30 A.M. on Wednesday. These telegrams were received in evidence, but not read.

The evidence of Ann O'Day, employed in the Chenango House, relates to matters connected with the illness and death of Miss Le Clear, and is not material.

Eli Barber, of Hamilton, who is employed at the Midland depot, testifies to having known deceased by sight, when she worked at the Eagle Hotel in that village.  Saw her get off the 9:20 A.M. train, from the south, on Monday, the 27th, apparently ill; about noon, saw her at the Park House; she came to the door and called for Mr. Ingalls, when he came in, and went to the hall; she said she wanted a room.  Saw her at the depot in the evening, about 6 o'clock, when she purchased a ticket for Norwich, and left on the train for the south.

Frank Burress, painter, was at work on the third floor hall of the Park House, in Hamilton, on Monday, the 27th; while at work, a young lady was shown by the bartender, to room no. 26; describes her appearance and dress;  this was between 2 and 3 o'clock P.M.; saw Dr. Havens come out of the room after this, about 4 o'clock P.M.; he spoke to me; saw the girl come out of this room and go downstairs, after the bell rang for supper; thought she looked pale, with cheeks flushed, when she first came there; did not notice any difference in the appearance of the girl when she came out, from that when she went in.

Charles J. Griswold, telegraph operator at Hamilton, testified to the receipt of the dispatches referred to, from Norwich, which were delivered to the defendant, who did not send any telegrams through our office during April 27th, 28th or 29th.  J.D. Kelly's telegram (marked Exhibit B) was handed in by him, at our office; he told me what to send, and I wrote it.

J.W. Ingalls, proprietor of the Ingalls House, (formerly known as the Park House) in Hamilton saw the girl called Josephine Le Clear at his hotel on the 27th of April, about noon.  She called for a room, and was assigned to No. 26; the clerk showed her up.  She was good looking and well dressed, red cheeks and dark curly hair; did not see anything unusual in her appearance.  Saw her afterwards, about 4 o'clock or after, in the lower hall, and again at the supper table; did not notice anything in particular; did not see her again.

George Pratt, bar keeper at the Ingalls House, recollected a young lady who was called Josephine Le Clear, whom he showed to room No. 26 on the 27th ult; saw her afterwards in her room, when he went to fix the fire and again at the supper table.  She left a little after 6 P.M.; paid her bill; no one with her when she went away; she rode away. After she came there, she said she was not feeling well; she called to know if her room was ready; said she would like to go to some room as soon as she could; she borrowed a lead pencil in the afternoon; she came down and got it; did not call for paper at that time.

H.B. McFarland, telegraph operator at Smith's Valley, corroborated the statements of other operators, as to the telegrams which passed between the parties.

Dr. J.J. Wescott of this village testified to having been called to see deceased at an early hour on today, the 28th, and as to his treatment of the case while there.

D.R. Pierce, of Hamilton, was examined but his evidence in unimportant.

Dr. H.K. Bellows, of this village, who was called to see deceased on the evening previous to her death, was examined at length in regard to her symptoms, and cause of her death.  In his opinion she died from abortion, and the operation was probably performed on Monday.

M.J. Casey, of Hamilton, Dr. H.M. Smith, of this village (re-called) and John S. Allen, of this village, were sworn, but no new facts elicited.

Defendant was here offered an opportunity to make any statements he might desire to, but under the advice of counsel he declined to make any; and he was held to appear at the next Oyer and Terminer, giving bail in the sum of $1,000.

John D. Kelly the suspected party, is still at large, but it is hoped that he may soon be brought to justice.

Too much credit cannot be given to Sheriff Brown, for the untiring energy with which he has followed up this case from its commencement. Nothing on his part has been left undone, which might aid in ferreting out this outrageous affair, and he is entitled to the thanks of all good citizens.

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

 Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, April 23, 1874

Marriage

ROE - WHEAT:  In Preston [Chenango Co. NY], April 7th, by Edwin Kelsey, Esq., Mr. Franklin Roe to Miss Lillie Wheat, both of Plymouth [Chenango Co. NY].

Deaths

JOHNSON:  At the residence of her son, Homer Johnson, Esq., in East Norwich [Chenango Co. NY], April 17th, Mrs. Hannah Johnson, widow of the late Dr. Jonathan Johnson, aged 94 years 1 month and 9 days.

This venerable and estimable lady died at the residence of her son, Homer Johnson, Esq., at East Norwich, on Friday last, at the advanced age of 94 years, 1 month and 9 days.  She was the oldest person in this town, and perhaps in the County.  Deceased was the widow of Dr. Jonathan Johnson, the earliest physician in this town. She removed from the town of Conway, Mass., in the year 1790, and was identified with the early history of this County. The residence now owned by Dr. Stuart, on South Main Street, was the homestead of Dr. Johnson, and he owned a large quantity of land around it.  We copy from Clark's History of Chenango County, the following brief sketch of his early trials in this locality:

"During the vigorous portion of his life he enjoyed a lucrative and at the same time most arduous practice.  In the earlier years of his ride, the country was infested with bears, wolves (that hunted in packs) and with the ferocious panther.  More than once the Doctor pursued his lonely rides over the thickly wooded hills, serenaded by moans, howls and screams, proceeding from the midnight orgies of these formidable occupants. The Doctor surmised and with truth perhaps, that the contents of his saddle bags striking, agreeably or offensively, upon the olfactories of these lawless tenants of the wilds, was the cause of their frequent company while pursuing his night rides.  The Doctor accumulated considerable wealth, but in an unfortunate hour was over persuaded to adventure it and lost in trade the hard earning of a toilsome life.  He did not long survive the calamity, but died about the year 1838, regretted by all who best knew his character - its strength and weakness."

Deceased was respected and beloved by all who knew her, and her death will be mourned by a large circle of relatives and friends.  her funeral was held on Sunday. [Chenango Union, April 23, 1874]

_____________

Mrs. Johnson came to this village with her father, Mathew Graves, in 1790, form Conway, Mass.  At that time the present site of our village was a wilderness.  Mr. Graves was the pioneer who built the first framed house here, and in the labor of his time was assisted, as best she was able, by Hannah.  She was married to Dr. Johnson on December 23, 1797, with whom she lived in the house built by the Doctor soon after his marriage, on South Main St., (now occupied by Dr. Stuart) until his death, which occurred September 27, 1837.  She remained a widow for 37 years, until her death, the mother of four children, two of whom, Homer and Emily, honored and respected by all, survive her, and with whom she has resided at their residence just across the river, since a short time after her husband's death.

Mrs. Johnson was the pioneer woman, who came among us the earliest, and lived here the longest of any of the early women settlers.  She has lived here eighty-four years, was one of the first who came here in the early days, and is the last of those truly pioneer women who helped break the forest and lay the foundation for that prosperity which she has lived to witness.

During her long life she has always been in the full possession of her faculties, and enjoyment of health until within a very short time.  For many years she has been able to read and to do fine sewing without the aid of glasses. she was an affectionate wife and kind mother, ever ready with a liberal hand to relieve the wants of the needy.

She was always cheerful and loved to dwell upon the early times, of which she retained a vivid recollection until the last. The writer of this will ever cherish with kindly recollections the cheerful greetings he received at her fireside when the boys used to meet together of an evening to tell their stories and enjoy her hospitality in the years long gone by.

But "Aunt Hannah" has gone.  She lived to stand alone of all the pioneers of her time, and now that she has passed away, she leaves a memory fragrant with good offices, honored and respected by all, a priceless legacy, to her children and "her children's children."  [Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, April 23, 1874]

________________________________

LEACH:  At Auburn, Ohio, April 17th, Mr. Jasper D.W. Leach, son of Nehemiah Leach, Esq. of this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], aged 24 years and 9 months.

Deceased, who was a son of Nehemiah Leach, Esq., of this village, died of pneumonia, at Auburn, Ohio on the 17th inst., aged 24 years and 9 months.  He left his home two weeks since, with the intention of taking charge of a cheese factory in the western part of Ohio.  Stopping at Auburn to visit a relative, he was taken sick, and died after an illness of one week.  His father, upon being informed of his illness, hastened to him, but too late to be recognized by his dying son.  His remains were brought home, and the funeral was largely attended on Sunday, the services being conducted by Rev. Mr. Haynes.  He was interred at king Settlement.  For several months previous to his departure for the west, he taught school in the East district in this village, and was a young man of much promise, enjoying the confidence and esteem of a large circle of friends. [Chenango Union, April 23, 1874

_______________

Something less than two weeks ago Mr. Jasper Leach, son of Neamiah Leach, Esq., left this village to engage in business at Auburn, Ohio.  Scarcely had he reached there when the telegraphic announcement came to his father to hasten to his bedside if he would see him alive.  Mr. Leach at once hurried to Cleveland but was only able to administer kind offices to his dying son, who passed away on Friday last.  On Saturday evening his remains were returned here, and on the Sabbath was buried from his father's residence on Mitchell Street.  His disease is understood to be typhoid pneumonia.  Jasper was about twenty-five years of age, of correct habits and enjoyed the confidence and respect of all who knew him, and his early death is universally regretted by all.  In this sad bereavement his parents and surviving brother have the sympathies of the entire community.  [Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, April 23, 1874]

_________________________________

HUGHSON:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], April 18th, Anna [Hughson], wife of Nicholas Hughson, and step-mother of O.M. Hughson, Esq., aged 60 years.

ALDRICH:  In Plymouth [Chenango Co. NY], April 20th, Mr. Selden Aldrich, aged 63 years.

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SACKETT:  In South Plymouth [Chenango Co. NY], April 21st, Mrs. Miriam Sackett, aged 91 years, 5 months and 23 days.  Her funeral will be attended on Thursday, the 3d inst. at 1 P.M. at her late residence.

Another of our early settlers has gone to her rest.  Mrs. Sackett died at South Plymouth, on Tuesday last, aged 91 years, 5 months and 21 days. Sixty-seven years ago, she with her husband moved upon the farm where she died.  They, with their worldly possessions, were drawn to their new home by two yoke of oxen, and they resided upon the same farm until the time of their death. deceased was a member of the methodist Chruch, a consistent Christian, and an esteemed neighbor and friend.

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HOVEY:  In Oxford [Chenango Co. NY], April 16th, Julia M. [Hovey] daughter of George Hovey, aged 13 days.

CONVERSE:  In Union Valley, Cortland Co. [NY], April 13th, Martha Blair [Converse], wife of Alphonso Converse, aged 37 years, formerly of this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY].

MILLS:  At Tung Chow, China, Feb. 3d, Rose McMaster, wife of Rev Charles R. Mills, formerly of Guilford [Chenango Co. NY].

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CLARKE:  In Oxford [Chenango Co. NY], April 17th, Hon. Dwight H. Clarke, aged 55 years.

Judge Clarke died on Friday evening last, at the St. James Hotel in Oxford, where he had boarded for several years.  He was a son of the late Ethan Clarke, who during a long life was largely identified with the growth and prosperity of the village of Oxford.  Deceased was a brother of Peter W. Clarke, Esq. of this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], and was fifty-five years of age at the time of his death.  We copy from the Oxford Times, the following tribute to his memory:

"Judge Clarke on completing his preparatory education, entered the law office of the late James Clapp, Esq., as a student.  At that time the study of the law was far more of an undertaking than it has been of more recent years.  Fitness and aptitude seemed then to be more regarded, and the length of time required to complete a preparation for admission to the bar was much longer than it has been in later times, and more thoroughness in preparation was rigidly required.  It was under the stern discipline existing more than thirty years ago, that Judge Clarke pursued his legal studies and was admitted as an Attorney and Counsellor at Law.  Soon after his admission he commenced the practice of his profession with success in this village, where he has continued to reside until his decease.

"His was eminently a legal mind, and by its early cultivation and careful training was well fitted to give its possessor that high rank in the profession which he occupied for many years. The citizens of this county recognizing his ability, in 1850 made him District Attorney, which office he held for three years, and in 1855 he was elected county Judge. After a trial of four years in this highly responsible office, he was re-elected in 1859 and continued to discharge its duties until the close of December 1863, a period of eight years.  In these responsible positions all bore witness to his entire capacity, and everyone conceded his eminent ability and integrity.

"After his retirement from the bench, Judge Clarke resumed the practice of the law, and continued therein successfully until the close of his life.  It was, however, in the social and family circle that he was most prized and cherished.

"Possessing an easy and amiable temper, a kind and gentle nature, he drew around him friends, devoted friends and admirers, from all classes.  Everyone found him at all times affable and cheerful and prepared to enter into their feelings and make himself their friend and their counsellor.

"In his own family, none more affable and pleasant, none more gentle and kind.  Free hearted and generous to a fault, he was bound to them by ties of no ordinary character, by those ties of love and affection with which few men are able to bind others to them.  In their bereavement they have the deep and heartfelt sympathy of the entire community."

Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, April 23, 1874

Marriages

MATHEWSON - WELLS:  At East Pharsalia [Chenango Co. NY], April 13th, by Rev. E.N. Ruddock, Mr. Berthier J. Mathewson and Mrs. Jerusha L. Wells, all Pharsalia.

POTTER - BROWN:  In Otselic [Chenango Co. NY], April 14th, at the residence of Morris Brown, by the Rev. J.M. Allen, Mr. Samuel Potter and Miss Mary E. Brown, both of Otselic.

Deaths

HARRIS:  At the residence of her son, David Harris, of Plymouth [Chenango Co. NY], April 3, 1874, Mrs. Nancy Harris, aged 77 years and seven months.  Mother, thou art gone to rest, / We will not weep for thee, / For thou art in fairer clime, / My spirit longs for thee.

Saturday morning, at 11:30 A.M. the special express, east, struck two boys at Oneida [Madison Co. NY], killing one instantly and fatally injuring the other. The boys were twin sons of Patrick Keating, who has been a station hand at Oneida for a great while.  They were under a freight train lying on the branch and came from under the cars and upon the main track as the express train came along.  The emigrant train from the east was approaching at the same time. The boy instantly killed was thrown a distance of thirty feet against the freight train on the branch. The first boy was seen by Engineer Fisher, of the express, and the whistle blown.  No sooner had it ceased than the second boy emerged from beneath the freight train and was also struck.  the lads were going on an errand for their mother when they became the victims of this heart-rending accident. The noise of the freight train and the emigrant, it is thought, drowned that of the approaching express, until the warning came too late. No one seems to be to blame in the matter. We are informed that the other boy died Saturday night.

Sherburne News, Sherburne, NY, April 25, 1874

Marriage

BRYANT - DART:  In Earlville [Madison Co. NY], on the 14th inst., by Rev. H. Spencer Williams, Mr. Fitch H. Bryant of Columbus [Chenango Co. NY] and Miss Ruthie Dart, of Sherburne [Chenango Co. NY].  It is our pleasure to congratulate the happy couple on their auspicious alliance, and may their future be attended with all those crowning blessings which give joy to youth, happiness to middle age and consolation in the declivity of years.

Deaths

SWIFT:  In Poolville [Madison Co. NY], April 17th, Porter E. Swift, aged 60 years.

RICE:  In Smyrna [Chenango Co. NY], April 23d, Mr. Z. Rice, aged 63 years.

Tragic Abortion Case, Norwich, NY, May 1874 (Part 1)

 The Abortion Case!

Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, May 7, 1874

We last week gave a brief statement of the death of a young woman at the Chenango House, in this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], by abortion.  The facts came to our knowledge just as we were getting our paper to press, and we had no time to gather particulars.  Since then, the atrocious character of the crime has created considerable excitement, and we have been able to collect most of the facts connected with the sad affair.

Joephine Le Clear was a resident of Manlius [Onondaga Co. NY], where her father and mother and two brothers and four sisters reside.  Some months ago she worked in the Eagle Hotel in Hamilton [Madison Co. NY], where she became acquainted with John D Kelly, one of the proprietors, who, there can be no doubt, was her seducer.  Kelly frequently visited her at her home after she left Hamilton and took her to entertainments at Utica and other places.  This spring he removed to Oxford and on Friday, the 24th ult., came to Norwich and telegraphed to Josephine to meet him here at the Chenango House.  She came on Saturday, and remained at the hotel until Monday morning, when she left the hotel for Hamilton.  On the evening train she returned to Norwich and went back to the hotel, seeming to be in great agony.  She must have suffered terribly during the night, for towards morning she left her room and wandered through the halls of the hotel, and finally knocked at the door of the room occupied by the landlord, Mr. Cox, asking to be admitted, and stating that she was dying. Early in the morning Dr. Wescott was summoned, and came to see her, but he having an engagement out of town, and being therefore unable to attend her, Dr. Smith was called in later in the day, and attended her until she died. Tuesday evening she was sinking rapidly, and Dr. Bellows was summoned in consultation.  He found her in a dying condition and recommended that the attending physician should inform the coroner and have her ante-mortem statement taken. This was not done, and about five o'clock Wednesday morning the woman died.  Kelly had been about the hotel during most of this time, and the girl had frequently sent for him to come to her bedside. As soon as she was pronounced dead, he ordered a coffin and shipped the body by express to Manlius, by the train that left at eight o'clock in the morning. We have it upon good authority that he tried to ship to coffin C.O.D., but upon the refusal of the express agent to accept it unless prepaid, finally paid the charges. The coffin was directed to Albert Le Clear, Manlius, and was not accompanied by any explanation.  Kelly it is said went north on the train as far as North Norwich, where he got off and took the next train south. A warrant was issued for his arrest in the afternoon, but up to this time he has not been found.  Much indignation has been expressed that the body should have been allowed to leave Norwich without an inquest, and Dr. Smith is censured for his failure to notify the coroner.  He also furnished a certificate that she had not died of a contagious disease, without which the body would not have been taken upon the cars.  Had he notified the coroner and had her statement taken, the guilty parties could easily have been brought to justice.

The following particulars of the arrival of the body at Manlius, and of the inquest held there, we take from the Syracuse Courier of Friday.

Sheriff Brown, of Norwich, as soon as he was notified of the mysteries surrounding the affair, commenced to work up the case.  He had remembered seeing the young lady at the same hotel two months before, enquiring for this interested stranger, and having his suspicions aroused, he first endeavored to get authority to have the remains held at Norwich, in which effort he was unsuccessful as the wolf had got away with its prey, and he proceeded to do the next best thing, which was to take the landlord's affidavit as to the girl's confession, and procure warrants for the arrest of the guilty parties; after which he followed the aforesaid stranger and his lifeless victim to Earlville [Madison Co. NY], by the next train.  At Earlville there was no rail connection, and he was obliged to get to Manlius by way of Utica and Syracuse.  He took the early train from Syracuse yesterday morning and was at Earlville waiting for our Coroner on the arrival of the 11:15 train. The remains arrived at Manlius Wednesday forenoon, directed to a brother of the deceased, but there was no escort. They were at once taken to the house of the parents, which was the first intimation they had of the sad fate of their daughter. They then did not know the cause of her death, and she would doubtless have been buried without investigation, had not Sheriff Brown arrived as he did. The sheriff at once repaired to the house and acquainted them of the true facts.  He took the 11:20 train for Norwich and is now in hot pursuit of the authors of this horrible outrage.  He will not rest till they are capture, as they are well known to him. This is a clear resume of the case up to the arrival of the coroner and our reporter at Manlius.

The investigation, as above announced, took place at two o'clock, at the office of Judge A.H. Jerome, at Manlius; previous to which, a postmortem examination, by Dr. Charles Stowell, was held at the house of the deceased. We omitted to state that the coroner, on first viewing the remains, found the case a very bad one, and one indicating that the victim had been very foully dealt with. The appearance of the face was bloated, and of a very dark color. The left eye was badly swollen and bulged out about three quarter of an inch. The mouth was full of bloody fluid, which was oozing out and flowing down her face. The neck as well as the face and rest of the body was badly swollen and very much discolored.

Deputy Sheriff Henry Whitney of Manlius served subpoenas on the following prominent citizens of Manlius who composed the jury, and were sworn:  David Hinsdale, foreman, Jas. H. Ransur, Elias Stillwater, Edgar Vrooman, Frederick Casler, Harmon Baker, F.H. Dewey and M.M. Thomas.

Dr. Charles Stowell was sworn, and testified as follows:  I performed the post mortem examination on the deceased; found the body swollen, the abdomen was tympanitic; on opening the abdomen a large amount of gas escaped; found a normal condition of the intestines; the uterus enlarge and perforated at the fundus; the interior and upper part of the uterus was all broken down; the opening almost an inch in diameter; could discover nothing inside the uterus, the tissue was so broken down; the intestines were healthy; the womb enlarged.

Question:  What is your opinion of the cause of death?  It was done by some metalic instrument perforating the substance of the womb; done for the purpose of procuring abortion.

Albert Le Clear, brother of deceased, was sworn, and testified that his sister left home Saturday morning; that she was at home a week before; my other sister saw her go; the remains arrived here on morning train of Wednesday; the receipt shows that the corpse came by express from Norwich.

George Champlin, ticket agent at Manlius deport was sworn:  He remembered selling deceased a ticket to Earlville, on Saturday, April 25th; had no conversation with her; she had bought a ticket once before for the same place; there was a doctor's certificate attached to the way bill accompanying the remains; the box was addressed to Albert Le Clear, Manlius; charges and all expenses were all prepaid; there was nothing to show as to who had ordered them sent.

Richard Clemens was sworn:  I have known deceased some two years; I was requested to take the measure of the box and dig the grave; I opened the box; it was directed to Albert Le Clear; the body in the box was Josephine Le Clear.

The coroner deemed the above sufficient testimony to find a proper and true verdict; they could not prove who committed the deed, but they could find what produced it.  Accordingly the room was cleared of the spectators and after a few moments' deliberation, the jury agreed upon the following verdict:

"Miss Josephine Le Clear came to her death by inflammation of the womb caused by injuries received from some instrument while an abortion was being produced."

Thus the case is probably ended so far as Onondaga County can prosecute it. When the parties implicated are arrested, the Madison County authorities will see to it that a thorough trial shall be granted, and a full mead of justice dealt out.

If appears that the girl died about eight o'clock Wednesday morning, was hurried into a coffin, partially laid out, and the remains hustled quickly to the depot for the ten o'clock train. The interested stranger who was so officious in all this, and who is well known, stated that he would accompany the corpse, and did as far as Earlville, but eluded his pursuers at that point.  The doctor who signed the certificate did no because he supposed the above party would see them to their destination.

The doctor who is charged with having committed the abortion is a resident practitioner of Hamilton, Madison County [NY].  His reputation is none the best, and he has boasted that he could do those things up very neatly.  But the investigation proves that the job was a decided inhumanly bungling one, the marks of violence being shocking to the sight of the beholder. The party who is charged with seduction is a former landlord of Hamilton.  He has kept company with the girl for nearly a year, and according to the deceased's statement they were to be married this spring.

He had called upon her at her house and had taken her to Utica to entertainments; had many times been out riding with her; that his victim was once in his employ, when their acquaintance first began, he became enamored of her prepossessing appearance; this acquaintance ripened into intimacy, and then from intimacy to criminality.  

The parents of the deceased are poor but worthy people, and the family is composed of father, mother, two brothers and four sisters.

Josie was about twenty-four years of age, and she, with another sister, were the "main-stay" of the family.  Josie was well liked wherever she had worked, and considered as pure and honest as she was handsome and modest; the seducer was recommended to her as a nice young man.  She had repeatedly told her sister that she was engaged to him.  She purchased her wedding dress last Christmas, and had made it up, and wore part of the suit last Saturday; she never kept company with any other young man in her life; she had been employed in several first-class families of Manlius and elsewhere and was esteemed as a young lady of good principle. She was temporarily employed at the St. John's School; left word there that she was going to Norwich to collect some money owing her, and to act as a witness in a suit. She had been successful in hiding her condition from her parents and friends, and they were without a particle of suspicion that anything was wrong.

On the affidavit of Mr. Cox, the landlord of the Chenango House, who swore that the girl told him who had performed the operation, a warrant was issued by Justice Gunn for Dr. Peter B. Havens, of Hamilton, and he was arrested a brought to this village on Monday.  District Attorney Tefft and George W. Ray, Esq., examined the witnesses on the part of the people and Isaac S. Newton, Esq. of Norwich and G. Wellington, Esq. of Hamilton, appeared for the prisoner.

The first witness was Dr. Smith, who testified that she had been operated upon with instruments, and that she had been terribly lacerated.  Death had result from the injuries inflicted by the person who performed the operation. The Doctor's testimony was lengthy but treated almost entirely of the physical condition she was in while under his charge.  He also testified that she informed him that the operation was performed about four o'clock on Monday afternoon.

Norman Cox was the next witness sworn.  His testimony related to her appearance at his hotel on Saturday; that she left on Monday morning and returned on the evening of the same day, in a suffering condition. Witness also testified that Josephine Le Clear told him that the operation was performed by Dr. Havens of Hamilton. Being questioned in regard to telegrams sent by Kelly to Dr. Havens on Tuesday, it was admitted by the defense that dispatches did pass between Kelly and Dr. Havens on that day. The dispatches were produced and marked, but not read.

Sheriff Brown received a dispatch on Tuesday, telling him to subpoena Mrs. Mary M. Baker, of the town of Lebanon, Madison County [NY], who could give important testimony.  She was accordingly sent for and sworn on Tuesday afternoon.  She testified to being in Hamilton on Monday of last week, in the sitting room of the Eagle Hotel.  She there saw a young woman answering the description of Josephine Le Clear.  While sitting there a man came in and tapped the young woman on the shoulder, and asked her if she was ready. The reply was in the affirmative.  Immediately afterward another man came in who addressed the first comer as doctor. Witness testified that she did not know Dr. Havens, but upon being requested to look around the court room and see if she could recognize the man she had seen in Hamilton, she easily picked out and identified Dr. Havens.  She heard but few words in the sitting room of the hotel, but enough to show that there was something to be done.  In a few moments the man who came in last went out again, and witness also left the room.

This is the substance of the testimony thus far taken, but we understand that other important witnesses are to be examined. The investigation is to be made searching. We are informed that the excitement in Manlius is at fever heat, for the girl was well like, and it is believed by all that she was seduced under promise of marriage, and really believed that Kelly would marry her. Why the authorities of Onondaga County haven't taken more interest in the affair, excites some wonder. the inquest held by the coroner of that county barely elicited the manner of her death but was not conducted with a view to trace out the criminals.  Had it been continued and made searching, much information could have been obtained.