Vital Records, Chenango County, NY, February 1875 (continued)

 Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, February 4, 1875

Marriages

MUNRO - BROWN:  In Georgetown, N.Y. [Madison Co.], Jan. 20th, by Rev. C.S. Crain, Thomas N. Munro of Camillus [Onondaga Co. NY] and Nettie C. Brown, daughter of Hon. A.A. Brown of Georgetown.

KEENEY - POPE:  In Fabius, N.Y. [Onondaga Co.] January 21st, by the same, George A. Keeney and Etta J. Pope only daughter of Orel Pope of Fabius.

VOSBURG - DYE:  At the residence of the bride's parents in the town of Lebanon [Madison Co. NY], January 12th by the Rev. M.S. Jones, Frank Vosburg of Poughkeepsie [Dutchess Co. NY], and Miss Mary E. Dye of the former place.

Deaths

GALLUP:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], February 2d, Mary [Gallup] wife of Noyes E. Gallup, aged 60? years.

STONE:  In Smyrna [Chenango Co. NY], February 1st, John Stone aged 20 years.

Mary Sullivan, an aged emigrant from Quebec, while walking on the track of the Syracuse and Binghamton Railroad, in Binghamton, was run over and killed on Friday morning.  Her husband, John Sullivan, who was with her, escaped by stepping off the track.

Cortland [Cortland Co. NY]:  Col. and Mrs. J.C. Carmichael, of Cortland have been called to mourn the death of a bright and beloved child, over whom only six summers have passed.  While they were in Washington to spend a few days, the child was attacked with diphtheria, and though everything was done that the best medical skill could suggest, the little sufferer lingered but a short time before its spirit passed away.

Mr. Olive Pattengill Draper of Morris [Otsego Co. NY], died in that town on the 5th inst., at the great age of 94 years and 11 months.

George L. Steele:  an old and well-known printer of this city [Utica, Oneida Co. NY], died in New York at an early hour yesterday (Friday) morning, aged 54 years.  Mr. Steele came to this city from New Berlin [Chenango Co. NY] in 1843 and entered the office of the Liberty Press.  Not long after he became connected with the Herald, where he was employed for many years as collector, mailing clerk and compositor.  He understood his trade thoroughly and was among the best printers of that time.  He was republican in politics, very strong in his convictions, and labored actively in the third ward, where he resided.  subsequently he became interested in a paper mill in New Berlin, we believe, and in 1841, accepted a position in the New York Custom house, where he has since proved an efficient and faithful servant.  Of late he held an important position in the warehouse department of the custom house.

Two sons and a daughter were born to Mr. Steele during his stay in this city, and they with his wife, survive to mourn the loss of a kind husband and father.  His many friends in this city will learn of his death with unfeigned sorrow and will always hold his memory in grateful remembrance.  His funeral will take place at Bergen, New Jersey, at 3 P.M. tomorrow, Utica Herald

The remains of Mr. Steele were brought to this place [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], on Tuesday last, thence taken to New Berlin [Chenango Co. NY] for interment.  The many friends and acquaintances of Mr. S. in this county will heartily concur in the commendations of the Herald.

DIED, at Decorah, Iowa, Mrs. Harrit E. Sanford, aged 67 years 8 months.  Mrs. Sanford will be remembered by our citizens as the widow of the late Augustus Sanford, who formerly figured very extensively in our village and county as a merchant and businessman generally.   Mrs. S. has spent the last five years with her son Walter at Decorah.  Her remains were accompanied by him to this place for interment.  Mrs. S. was well known in our midst as a woman of rare Christian culture and loved by all for her kindness of heart and womanly virtue's.  Though for so many years removed from us, her memory is green in the hearts of all who knew her.

News Item

An Elopement:  Now it is the preacher's wife.  Mrs. Nash of Harford Mills, Cortland County, [NY], suddenly disappeared, after following her husband, who is a local preacher, to his sleigh and kissing him and telling him, "if I am not alive when you come back, you must take good care of the children."  The innocent man went to meeting, preached a sermon and returned to receive the news that Mrs. Nash was non est.  All supposed her dead and search for her  body was diligently made.  It was found, but it was alive and under the care of a study blacksmith who disappeared  the same time. They were last heard from in Syracuse, where so many bad people go.  In view of such a reedmace, we think brother Nash should sing the first line of the Doxology.

The following are further details of the elopement of Mrs. Nash, spoken of elsewhere.  On Monday he found a note from her, hidden under a book in which she said that when the note was found, she would be cold in death, and asking Mr. Nash's mother to be kind to the children.  Toward evening, circumstances seemed to indicate that the woman had gone off with one Irwin.  Irwin was found to be missing, and his wife and three children left nearly destitute and alone.  On inquiry among the neighbors, it was found that Irwin had been a frequent visitor at Nash's in the absence of the husband and father.  When Mrs. Nash left the house, she said she was going to Mr. Lambert's (a neighbor's) but it is supposed that she found Irwin and he, with a horse and cutter was waiting for her.  The recreant wife and mother left two small children, one of them very sick with inflammation of the lungs.  she is about twenty-six years old, and rather small, with prepossessing features.  Irwin is a blacksmith by trade and is about thirty-five years old.  Mr. Nash can give no reason for this sudden breaking up of his once happy home and had not suspected anything improper in Irwin's visits at his house.  He is now willing to pay a liberal reward for the arrest of the fugitives, but we can't see what in the world he wants of such people.

Vital Records, Chenango Co. NY, February 1875

 Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, February 4, 1875

Deaths

HICKS:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], on Sunday morning, Jan. 31st, of pneumonia, Mr. John P. Hicks, aged 55 years.

The announcement of the death of this gentleman, which occurred on Sunday morning last, after a very brief illness, was received with sorrow by all classes of our citizens.  Having for several days previous to his illness been in attendance at the sick bed of Postmaster Barnett, it was not generally known that the faithful nurse was himself ill, until the morning of Sunday, when it was announced that he was dead.  Deceased was a native of England and came to this country when a youth.  For many years he has resided in this village, where he has enjoyed the respect and esteem of the entire community.  An upright man, kind and unassuming in his manner, ever ready to assist those in sickness or affliction, he had a strong hold on the hearts of our people, by whom he will be much missed.  He died of typhoid pneumonia.  His age was 55 years, and he leaves a widow, but no children.

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Mr. Hicks was born in England and emigrated to this village in the year 1837.  Here he has resided ever since, though he has visited the land of his birth four or five times.  he was well known by most of our people and though his walk has been an humble one, he has proved himself one of the most worthy and useful among us.  Whatever position in life it has been his fortune to fill, we believe we but re-echo the verdict of all - He filled it well.  His kind offices in sickness and health will never be forgotten, indeed in every station he will be missed.  He was an affectionate husband and son, a warm friend, a kind neighbor, a good citizen, a Christian gentleman, and an earnest man.  He has gone to his rest and the reward with followeth.  [Chenango Telegraph, Feb. 4, 1875]

DAVIS:  In this town [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY] Jan. 31st, of pneumonia, Willie V.C. [Davis} son of Darwin Davis, aged 15 years.

CUSHMAN:  In Plymouth [Chenango Co. NY], Jan. 31st, Ruth [Cushman] wife of Danforth R. Cushman, Esq. aged 65 years.

BRYANT:  In North Norwich [Chenango Co. NY], Jan. 31st, of typhoid pneumonia, Emily E. [Bryant] wife of Calvin L. Bryant, and sister of William C. Mian, of this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], aged 40 years.

WEBB:  At the residence of her brother-in-law G.T. Knapp at Lyon Brook [Chenango Co. NY], Oct. 7th, Julia F. Webb aged 48 years, 5 months and 21 days.

WEBB:  at the residence of his son, B.J. Webb in Waterville [Oneida Co. NY], Jan. 22d, Mr. George K. Webb aged 56 years, 1 month and 8 days, formerly of King Settlement [Chenango Co. NY].

MAXSON:  In DeRuyter [Madison Co. NY], Jan. 28th, Mr. Paul C. Maxson, aged 70 years, formerly of Preston [Chenango Co. NY].

MEDBURY:  In Rochester [Monroe Co. NY], Jan. 19th, of consumption, Mr. J. Edgar Medbury only son of Thomas Medbury, aged 22 years.

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BARBER:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], on Sunday morning, Jan. 17th, after a very brief and painful illness, Agnes [Barber] widow of the late Benjamin Barber, aged 80 years and 21 days.

A death so triumphant deserves more than a passing notice.  Agnes Finn was born in Burlington, Otsego Co. N.Y., Dec. 24th, 1794, from whence her parents removed to Sherburne during her early childhood.  She was converted while young and united with the Baptist Church at Earlville.  In 1823 she was married to Benjamin Barber of Smyrna and became a member of the church at that place, where they resided more than thirty years, until they removed to Norwich, where she retained her membership until her death, a period of over twenty years.

While we do not approve of unduly eulogizing the departed, aware that all have the failings of human nature, yet it is but just to state that grace did wonderfully refine the noble mind and warm, kind heart.  Especially during the last few years had she seemed rapidly ripening for the glories of the upp er world.  She was conversant with Death, often being heard to say, while about her work: "O Death!  where is thy sting?"  And this familiarity caused no gloom, but rather a hallowed cheerfulness.  And when the sudden summons came, she rejoiced in the realization of her long-cherished desire to go to join departed loved ones, and as she said when dying "And best of all, I shall see Jesus."  When asked by her pastor if she saw over on the other shore, she replied:  "Not yet, but I anticipate."

Her mind was remarkably clear to the last, except at very brief intervals, and her affectionate interest in the welfare of those she must so soon leave was earnestly expressed.  She gave blessed testimony to the sustaining presence of "the Saviour who had been so precious to her so many years" left a tender message to an absent unconverted one to try to become a Christian and in reply to the question whether she saw any of the friends on the other side, she said, with earnestness, although her tongue was almost palsied in death, "No but I'm happy."  These were nearly her last distinct words.

The King of Terrors met a triumphant conqueror, for Jesus, the victory ever Death, dwelt in her heart, and she gently passed from the toils of eighty years, into the glorious "rest that remains to the people of God."

Oxford Times, Oxford, NY, February 3, 1875

Marriage

Guilford [Chenango Co. NY]:  One of the most pleasant parties of the season occurred on Tuesday evening last, at the house of Eugene Bunnell, it being the fifth anniversary of their marriage.  Their many friends, resolved to "assist" them in celebrating their wooden wedding, arrangements were made and cards of invitation sent out as quietly as the falling of the snow flake, and at the appointed time, friends came pouring in, each bringing congratulations, best wishes, baskets and mysterious parcels until the pleasant home of the young couple was filled with good things and smiling faces, "and bright the lamps shone o'er fair women and brave men."  Not quite "a thousand hearts beat happily", but something toward it, "and all went merry as a marriage bell" and when a little later "music arose with its voluptuous swell" "soft eyes looked love to eyes, and spake again," and all, with one consent went gaily tripping the "light fantastic toe," and "the mirth and fun grew fast and furious" until the "wee sma' hours agant the swal."

Mr. and Mrs. Bunnell were made the recipients of numerous gifts, which were handsome and of great variety, among them were an elegant marble topped table, a what-not of black walnut, brackets, mirrors, &c.  The affair was a perfect success.  May Mr. and Mrs. Bunnell trip lightly over the trials along the path of life and may they "live long and prosper."

Deaths

WORDEN:  In Oxford [Chenango Co. NY], Jan. 29th, Abigail Worden, aged 67 years.

SYMONDS:  At South Oxford [Chenango Co. NY], Jan. 27th, Sarah A. [Symonds] wife of George Symonds, aged 59 years.

MARVIN:  In McDonough [Chenango Co. NY], Jan. 19th, Betsey [Marvin], wife of Wm. Marvin, aged 58 years.

TAINTOR:  In Harford, Cortland Co. [NY], Jan. 26, Mr. Horace M. Taintor, aged 28 years.  He was a son of Erving Taintor, Esq. of this village [Oxford, Chenango Co. NY].

IRONS:  In Binghamton [Broome Co. NY], Jan. 18th, Mr. Orlando Irons, formerly of Sherburne [Chenango Co. NY] , aged 65 years.

Mr. H.S. Read received by telegraph Monday the sad announcement of the death of his son-in-law, Edward Bradley, who was a resident of Port Henry, Essex County, N.Y.  No particulars were received, and the news of his death was very sudden, as the last letter received from him some two weeks since said that he had been ill but was recovering.

Mr. Bradley was a native of Guilford [Chenango Co. NY], where his parents reside, and for a number of years was employed as bookkeeper in the Store of Clarke Brothers in this village, about two years since he gave up bookkeeping and accepted a position as traveling salesman for a Utica firm, later he gave that up and went to Port Henry where he was in the employ of a Railroad Company, having resided there but a few months.  During his residence in Oxford he was a prominent member of the Fire department and Masonic order, and his genial disposition frank and manly manner won for him the respect and esteem of the community at large.  He leaves a young wife, to whom he had been married only a little over two years, and a large circle of friends to mourn his untimely death.

Vital Records, Chenango County, NY, January 1875 (concluded)

 Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, January 28, 1875

Deaths

BALDWIN:  At Guilford [Chenango Co. NY], January 6, 1875, William Baldwin, Esq., in the 77th year of his age.

The deceased was born in Goshen, Litchfield County, Conn., but removed to Guilford more than half a century ago.  For many years himself and two brothers engaged in mercantile pursuits, by which they obtained a competence.  Firm in his opinion of the right, honest in his business transactions, an ardent patriot and lover of his country, an upright citizen and affectionate father, Christian by profession, and consistent in his walk and conversation, he has gone in faith and joy to the "rest that remaineth for the people of God."  May the community in which he lived, the church of which he was a member, and the family he has left behind, copy him in his deeds of kindness, in his love of honor, truth and religion, and go through the land of darkness and the shadow of death, with the same peaceful departure and glorious hope.

PRESTON:  In Lincklean, Dec. 28, 1874, of Scarlet Fever, Burtie [Preston], aged 2 years and 3 days.  Dec. 29, Amelia [Preston] aged 10 years 10 months and 15 days.  Jan. 10th, 1875, Eveline [Preston], aged 17 years, children of Corydon A. and Emerett Preston. they are not lost but gone before.

PARKER:  In Otselic [Chenango Co. NY], Nov. 14, 1874, Adelbert [Parker], son of A.D. and Habel Parker.  Little Della was a boy of unusual loveliness and promise, and as the music of his laughter dies away here, to be united with the grand chorus above, how must swell the hearts of his parents and friends with mournful joy, mournful because a sweet treasure has been taken away, joyful because that little jewel glitters forever in the diadem of the Redeemer. W.W.C.

Another funeral knell has toiled from the home of my early days with the mournful intelligence of the death of one very dear to my heart and memory and connected by sacred ties of kindred - Mary [Johnson] the wife of Ralph Johnson and eldest daughter of the late Deacon Charles Randall.  Nearly forty-six years have elapsed since on the 23d of April 1829, in the old family mansion of her father, I stood by her side, when surrounded by happy home faces and young companions, she gave herself away to the man of her choice "for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, till death should them part."  And now it seems only a few days since, that with her husband and daughter, she sat with me and mine in the room where I now write in excellent health and spirits, cheerfully conversing of the past and hopefully referring to the future, a day or two preceding the commemoration of the forty-fifth anniversary of her marriage, the sixty-eighth of her birth, and the seventieth of her husband, as I spoke of the hope and even the probability of being with them on the celebration of their "golden wedding." God knows!  It may be so! But not here. Never, now, on this earth!  golden harps may be struck, and golden symphonies sounded in that better world where the redeemed of earth, whose hearts have been indissolubly united in bonds of tenderest love and affection meet again, never more to part!  For her pure spirit the golden gates have already opened, and she has entered upon her eternal rest, and "treads the sapphire floors of Paradise!"

"All darkness wiped from her refulgent brow / Sin, sorrow, suffering, banished from her eyes / Victorious over death, to her appear / Vistas joys of Heaven's eternal year!

Weep not for her! Her memory is the shrine / Of pleasant thoughts, soft as the scent of flowers, /Calm as on windless eve the sun's decline / Sweet as the song of birds among the flowers.

Oxford Times, Oxford, NY, January 27, 1875

Marriages

BLACKMAN - BLACKMAN:  In Preston [Chenango Co. NY], on the 13th, by Rev. J.C. Ransom, Mr. James H. Blackman to Mrs. Betsey A. Blackman, both of Preston.

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ARCHBALD - CANNON:  On Thursday, Jan. 21st, 1875, at the residence of the bride's father in this village [Oxford, Chenango Co. NY], by Rev. David Torry, D.D. of Cazenovia, assisted by Rev. Henry Collin of Oxford, Mr. Robert W Archbald of Scranton, Penn., to Miss Elizabeth B. [Cannon], daughter of Benjamin Cannon, Esq.

The residence of Benjamin Cannon, Esq. on Fort Hill was in a blaze of splendor Thursday afternoon last. The occasion was the celebration of the nuptials of Miss Lizzie B. Cannon and Mr. Robert W. Archbald.

The ceremony was performed at 5:30 o'clock by Rev. Dr. Torrey of Cazenovia, assisted by Rev. Henry P. Collin of this village.  Miss Agnes P. Hull of this village, acted as bridesmaid and Mr. Stelle, of St. Louis, as bridesman.

Invitations were issued only to relatives and most intimate friends, and there was quite a large number of distinguished guests from out of town.  After the ceremony, the newly wedded pair received the congratulations of their friends, and a sumptuous bridal feast was served. A pleasant feature of the affair was the profusion of rare and beautiful flowers that fitted appropriate places, presents from Philadelphia friends. The display of the bridal gifts was magnificent, embracing many rich and costly articles. The whole affair was most pleasant and enjoyable.

The happy couple left on the 7:50 train that evening for an extended tour to Philadelphia, Washington, and other noted places.

The bridegroom is a rising young lawyer of Scranton, Pa., and is a brother of James Archbald, Chief Engineer of the D.L.&W. Railroad.

Death

VANDERBURG:  In Bainbridge [Chenango Co. NY], on 16th, Mr. C.F. Vanderburg, aged 61 years.

Chenango American, Greene, NY, January 28, 1875

Marriages

In McDonough [Chenango Co. NY], at the house of the bride's father, Jan. 6th, by Rev. Jas. D. Webster, Mr. S.G. Purdy, son of David M. Purdy, and Miss Florine Skillman, daughter of J.C. Skillman, all of McDonough.

At Whitney's Point [Broome Co. NY], Jan. 20th, by Rev. C.E. Taylor, Mr. Levey Stoughton to Miss Mary J. Gray, both of Barker [Broome Co. NY].

Death

In Triangle [Broome Co. NY], near Whitney's Point, Jan. 16, Sarah A. [Purdy], wife of Lemuel Purdy, aged about 28 years.

Sherburne News, Sherburne, NY, January 30, 1875

Marriage

NEWELL - WILLEY:  In this town [Sherburne, Chenango Co. NY] on the 26th inst., by Rev. C.C. Johnson of Smyrna, Mr. Horace Newell of Earlville [Madison Co. NY] and Miss Cleopatra Willey of this place.  

Death

SHERMAN:  In this town [Sherburne, Chenango Co. NY], on the 22d inst., Martha [Sherman] daughter of E.J. and M.L. Sherman, aged 22 months and 11 days.

Bainbridge Republican, Bainbridge, NY, January 30, 1875

Marriage

The twenty-fifth anniversary of the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan Clendenning was the occasion for another of those highly pleasant and enjoyable entertainments where friends and neighbors may meet in social converse, and if we are to judge by the number of smiling faces and the abundance of good humor, this indeed was not wanting in any respect. The table abounded with luxuries, which were freely discussed by all present. Their presents, though not entirely confined to the silver lode, were useful as well as ornamental.

Deaths

Alph. S. Foote, well known in these parts, received intelligence of his wife's death on Friday of last week.  She had long been an invalid.  Foote was engaged on the Pittston [Otsego Co. NY] Gazette

Charles A. Shepherd late of Otego [Otsego Co. NY], and well known to many in these parts, died at his residence in Binghamton [Broome Co. NY] on Monday morning.  His death was caused by inflammation of the lungs complicated with chronic diarrhea contracted by a long confinement in Salisbury Prison during the war.  He served three years in the army in the 90th New York Infantry, was an industrious and capable man and a worthy citizen.  His remains were removed to Otego for interment.

Vital Records, Chenango County, NY, January 1875 (continued)

 Oxford Times, Oxford, NY, January 20, 1875

Death

BALDWIN:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co. NY], on the 11th inst., suddenly, of heart disease, Rebecca [Baldwin], wife of Mr. Thomas Baldwin, aged 59 years.

The deceased was born in the town of Oxford where she has always resided.  She was a faithful wife, an affectionate mother, a devoted friend and an obliging neighbor.  From early life, she was a conscientious believer in and a jealous advocate of the doctrine of restitution.  Among her varied sources of enjoyment, none contributed more to her happiness than to be present at and participate in the services where these sentiments were faithfully presented.  A worthy family, consisting of a husband and two daughters, in connection with many relatives, mourn her departure. The funeral services were held at her late residence on the 14th inst.

Chenango American, Greene, NY, January 21, 1875

Deaths

In Harpursville, N.Y. [Broome Co. NY], Jan. 2d, Mr. Smith C. Puffer, son of Rev. Enos Puffer, aged 38 years, 10 months and 23 days.

In this village [Greene, Chenango Co. NY], Jan. 17th, Mrs. Mary Jackson, aged 32 years.

Sherburne News, Sherburne, NY, January 23, 1875

Marriages

HAM - HARRIS:  At the residence of the bride's mother, Jan. 19th, 1875, by the Rev. Stephen Wood, Mr. Henry H. Ham of Pine Plains, N.Y. [Dutchess Co.] and Miss Hannah H. Harris, of Sherburne, N.Y. [Chenango Co. NY].

BENNETT - LOOMIS:  In this town [Sherburne, Chenango Co. NY], at the M.E. parsonage on the 20th inst. by Rev. H. Fox, Mr. Joseph Bennett of West Edmeston [Otsego Co. NY] and Mrs. C.J. Loomis of Brookfield [Madison Co. NY].

Deaths

THRASHER:  On the 22d inst. at the Quarter in this town [Sherburne, Chenango Co. NY], Nelson Thrasher, son of John Thrasher, aged 4 years.

IRONS:  In Binghamton [Broome Co. NY], of bilious pneumonia, on the 18th inst. Mr. Orlando Irons formerly of this town [Sherburne, NY], aged 65 years.

Mr. Orlando Irons, a former resident of this town, died in Binghamton on the 18th inst. of bilious pneumonia.  Mr. Irons was born in Hartwick, Otsego Co. [NY], and came to Sherburne nearly thirty years ago, and resided here until about three years since when he went to Binghamton, where he resided at the time of his death.  He was a man of good mind and habits and while residing in Sherburne was thoroughly identified with the public interests.  he, at different times, held several offices of trust, the duties of which he discharged with satisfaction to the public and credit to himself.  He had a kind heart and was ever ready to lend a helping hand to the needy and was by all classes loved and esteemed for his many kindnesses at the bedside of the sick and afflicted.  His remains were brought to this village for interment, on Wednesday morning, and were escorted to their last resting place by a large concourse of the friends of the deceased who mourn the loss of a good man.

Bainbridge Republican, Bainbridge, NY, January 23, 1875

Marriages

BARBER - GARDNER:  In Afton [Chenango Co. NY], Jan. 17, 1875, by W.S. Landers, Esq. Nathan Barber to Mrs. Mary M. Gardner, both of Sanford [Broome Co. NY].

TEED - BEACH:  In Bainbridge [Chenango Co. NY], Jan. 13, 1875, by Rev. G.W. Abrams, Alden E. Teed of Sidney Centre [Delaware Co. NY] to Della M. Beach of Masonville [Delaware Co. NY].

Deaths

VANDERBERG:  In Colesville [Broome Co. NY], Jan. 16, 1875, very suddenly of apoplexy or heart disease, Clarence Vanderberg, formerly a Justice of the Peace in Afton, aged about 60 years.

WILBUR:  In Masonville [Delaware Co. NY], Jan. 14, 1875, Becca [Wilbur] daughter of Irwin Wilbur, aged 9 years.

Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, January 28, 1875

Marriages

DIMMICK - TITUS:  At the residence of Smith Titus in North Norwich [Chenango Co. NY], Jan. 20th, by Rev. J.W. Mevis, Mr. George Dimmick of Plymouth [Chenango Co. NY], to Miss L. Titus, of North Norwich.

ARCHBALD - CANNON:  At the residence of the bride's father in Oxford [Chenango Co. NY], Jan. 21st, by Rev. David Torry, D.D. of Cazenovia, assisted by Rev. Henry P. Collin of Oxford, Mr. Robert W. Archbald of Ferenton?, Pa., to Miss Elizabeth R. Cannon, daughter of Benjamin Cannon, Esq.

SMITH - LYON: In Bainbridge [Chenango Co. NY], Jan. 14th, by Rev. T.P. Halstead, Mr. Stillman Smith of Guilford [Chenango Co. NY] to Miss Adelia Lyon, of Bainbridge.

FITZGERLAD -DENISE:  In Afton [Chenango Co. NY] Jan. 15th, by Rev. Jacobs, Mr. Michael Fitzgerald to Mrs. Jane Denise, all of Afton.

REYNOLDS - SNYDER:  In Bainbridge [Chenango Co. NY], Jan. 20th, by Rev. H.H. Allen, Mr. Hiram Reynolds to Miss Almira Snyder, both of Mt. Upton [Chenango Co. NY].

FLETCHER - HINSDALE:  At Greenpoint [Brooklyn, NY], by Rev. Mr. Francis, Mr Charles H. Fletcher of New York, to Miss Mary O. Hinesdale formerly of Norwich [Chenango Co. NY].

Deaths

SANFORD:  At the residence of her son, Walter Sanford in Decorah, Iowa, Jan. 22d, Mrs. Harriet Sanford widow of the late Augustus Sanford, formerly of this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], aged 78 years.  Her remains were brought to this place for interment.

A dispatch received on Friday last, announced the death of Mrs. Harriet Sanford, widow of the late Augustus Sanford, of this place, which occurred at the residence of her son, Walter P. Sanford, in Decorah, Iowa. The remains left that place on Saturday morning and are expected here today (Wednesday). They will be interred by the side of those of her husband, in the village cemetery.  Deceased was a most estimable lady, and the announcement of her death will be received with sadness by many who knew and loved her in years past.  She was a sister of Col. S.R. PerLee and Mrs. R. Crosby, of this village.

PORTER:  In Buffalo [Erie Co. NY] Jan. 18th, of consumption, Frances [Porter] wife of John Porter, aged 37 years.  Deceased was a former resident of this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], and daughter of the late Joseph H. Moore, Esq.

BOSWORTH:  In German [Chenango Co. NY], Jan. 19th, Mrs. Almira Bosworth, wife of James W. Bosworth, and sister of Mrs. J.L. Brooks of this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], aged 58 years, 8 months and 13? days.

MARVIN:  In McDonough [Chenango Co. NY], Dec. 19th, Betsey [Marvin] wife of William Marvin, aged 58 years and 3? months.

MURRAY:  In Lincklaen, suddenly, Jan. 16th, Mr. William Murray, aged 44 years.

Floyd Avery employed as engineer in the sash and blind factory of Messrs, Barnes & Fox, at Colliersville [Otsego Co. NY], met with a terrible accident on Saturday afternoon last, which resulted in his death at one o'clock P.M. on Sunday.  While removing a belt from a pulley his clothes caught in the machinery and whirled him around one of the main shafts at the rate of about one hundred and thirty revolutions per minute.  He was found on the floor under the shaft in an insensible condition, his clothing completely stripped form his body.  Medical aid was called but could render him no assistance.  He leaves a wife and two children.

Eliza Evans, cook at the Lincklaen House at Cazenovia [Madison Co. NY] died from an overdose of medicine Wednesday morning.

An interesting little son of Col J.C. Carmichael of Cortland [Cortland Co. NY], an only child, died in Washington where the family were visiting on Tuesday of last week.

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A dispatch received by his friends, from Jacksonville, Florida, announced the death of Maj. Homer W. Searle, formerly of Madison County [NY] who went South four months ago to regain his failing health, his disease being a pulmonary affection which termination in his death.

Deceased will be remembered by many of our citizens, as an active worker in the organization of the 114th Regiment in this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], in the fall of 1862.  He entered the Regiment as Second Lieutenant of Company C, from Madison County, and shared its perils and its triumphs until the close of the war. At the assault on Port Hudson June 14th, 1863, after Col. Smith had fallen mortally wounded, Lieut. Searle led the bleeding Regiment to the charge, facing the enemy's cannon, amidst the hail of shot and shell.  The slaughter among the brave boys was most fearful, and the survivors were compelled to fall back.  But before the retreat began, Lieut. Searle fell pierced by two bullets, and was left for dead upon the field, but was subsequently discovered to be alive, and cared for.  He recovered sufficiently to join his command in the latter part of the year, ad for his bravery at Port Hudson was promoted to First Lieutenant.  In the July following he was promoted to Captain.  At the battle of Opequan he was wounded in the right forearm and shoulder. When the Regiment was mustered out, he received the brevet of Major.

At the close of the war, Major Searle resumed his studies, graduated at Hamilton college, and was afterwards admitted to the bar, with bright prospects before him.  Neither of the bullets received by him at Port Hudson were extracted but remained in his body during life. The wound in his lung grew into a cureless disease, which ended his life.  he leaves a young widow and a large circle of friends to mourn his decease.  His age was thirty years.

Vital Records, Chenango Co. NY, January 1875 (continued)

 Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, January 21, 1875

Marriages

TREMAINE - ROBINSON:  At the residence of the bride's father, in South Oxford, Jan. 19th, by Rev. D.D. McLaurin, Mr. Albert Tremaine of Brisbin [Chenango Co. NY] to Miss Mary J. Robinson of the former place.

BURCHARD - LOCK:  In Lincklaen [Chenango Co. NY], Jan. 10th, by Rev. Charles Steere, Mr. Benjamin Burchard of East Homer [Cortland Co. NY] to Miss Julia E. Lock of Lincklaen.

Silver Wedding:  Rev. Luman Yale and wife celebrated their silver wedding in Yalesville on the 15th inst.  This pleasant affair was a total surprise to them, arranged entirely by relatives and friends.  They were made the recipients of many valuable gifts among them a cake basket, perverted for the time being from its destined use, and made the receptacle of numerous greenbacks and silver coin instead. The presentation speech was made by Chauncey Wade and Mr. Yale responded in words eloquent with emotion.  A poem by Mrs. Henry Benedict of Coventry was a interesting feature of the evening.  

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One of those happy and thoroughly enjoyable events which always make us feel more satisfied with life, and less disposed to dwell in single blessedness, occurred at the residence of Mr. Merritt Daniels, on Wednesday evening, January 14th.  It was the occasion of the fifth anniversary of the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. J. V. Galpin, and if cheerful, happy faces, agreeable company and abounding good humor, make up the elements of enjoyment, then none were wanting.

Relatives and friends, not only from this immediate vicinity, but also from Norwich, Oxford, Cortland and Pharsalia, filled two spacious rooms below, while upstairs, among the young, 

"Soft eyes looked love to eyes which spoke again. / And all went merry as a marriage bell."

In the course of the evening, Dr. E.L. Ensign addressed the company in his usual felicitous style, alluding to the joys and sorrows of married life, and intimating that if all the doubts and fears, the timidity the soul sinkings and heart throbbings, which attend the first departure to that bourne from which no bachelor returns - if all these had got to be revived and re-experienced in celebrating the anniversary of a marriage, then it were a custom more honored in the breach than in the observance.  He remembered the day, nearly seventeen years ago, when he laid his affections - and pocketbook - on the hymenal altar, and sorrowfully recounted his sad experience in the matrimonial state.  It was the opinion of his hearers that he was looking remarkably well and cheerful for one who had suffered so much in this respect.

Rev. J.D. Webster very feelingly alluded to the absence of some who, five years ago, were gathered in the same rooms, but whose well-remembered faces we shall see no more on earth.

"Yet Hope will dream, and Faith will trust, / Since He who knows our need, is just, / That sometime, somewhere, meet we must."

This feast of reason and flow of soul was supplemented by a more substantial repast which everybody could appreciate and in which all heartily joined.  We imagined we could detect a "sweet sorrow" in the eyes of the Doctor, as he witnessed the rapid disappearance of the cake, oysters, and other good things so bountifully provided, while visions of dyspepsia and indigestions passed before his professional view.

Numerous valuable, useful and ornamental presents, amounting in value to nearly ninety dollars, testified to the happy couple the sincerity and appreciation of their friends.  Among the gifts one that attracted a good deal of attention was a neat wooden cradle, whose diminutive size and suggestive emptiness caused considerable merriment.  They were assured that, small as it was, it would contain all their present children, and that, perhaps, before any further demands should be made upon its capacity, it would have time to grow larger.

The hands of the clock were passing over the "wee sina" hours of morning" when the company departed, wishing their kind and deservedly popular entertainers many happy returns of the day.  

Deaths

BARBER:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], early on the morning of the 17th inst., after a very painful illness of thirty-six hours, Agnes [Barber], widow of the late Benjamin Barber, aged 80 years and 24 days.

BALDWIN:  In Oxford [Chenango Co. NY], Jan. 11th, Rebecca [Baldwin] wife of Thomas Baldwin, aged 59 years.

WILSON:  In Oxford [Chenango Co. NY], Dec. 21st, Mrs. Maria Wilson, aged 78 years.

ANDERSON:  In Pitcher [Chenango Co. NY], Jan. 8th, Mrs. Theodocia Anderson, aged 78 years.

YALE:  At the residence of her son, Ransom Yale, Esq., at Whitney's Point, Broome Co., [NY], Jan. 9th, Mrs. Phebe Yale, widow of the late Zebedee Yale of Guilford [Chenango co. NY], aged 81 years.  Deceased was one of the earliest settlers of Guilford, where she was widely known and respected as an exemplary Christian lady.  Her remains were taken to that town for burial, the funeral being held on the 12th inst.

HOLMES:  In Otselic [Chenango Co. NY], Dec. 3d, 1874, of scarlet fever, Merton J. Holmes, aged 2 years and 9 days.

Our home circle now is broken / Many hopes are crushed and fled; / Human hearts in pain have spoken / Of the loss felt for our dead.

While Mertie's form we no more see, / And care is no more wanted / The angel spirit it is free, / On glory bolds implanted.

To father's will we meekly bow, / And learn the lesson given, / To set our care on Jesus now, / When meet our child in heaven.

BROWN:  In Smithville [Chenango Co. NY], Dec. 20th, 1874, Sarah A. [Brown] wife of Henry F. Brown, aged 29 years, 7 months and 23 days.  Deceased was of excellent Christian character and was one who had the entire confidence and respect of the community in which she lived.

Her sufferings ended with the day / Yet lived she at its close / And breathed the long, long night away / In statue-like repose. / But when the sun in all his state /Illumed the eastern skies / She passed through glory's morning gate / And walked in paradise.

Elijah Wheeler, one of the oldest businessmen of Cortland [Cortland Co. NY], died at his residence in that place a few days since, of congestion of the lungs.

Mrs. Olive Draper died in Morris [Otsego Co. NY], on the 5th inst. in the ninety-fifth year of her age.  She had resided in that town eight-one years.  Her funeral sermon was preached by Rev. Mr. Chamberlain of South New Berlin.

David McClintock of Westford [Otsego Co. NY], was killed on the 5th inst., while in the woods cutting timber in company with his son and another.  Stepping backward to avoid danger from the movement of a log which he had assisted in sawing from the body of a fallen tree, he fell backward, striking his neck across a root or limb a few inches from the ground and was instantly killed.  His age was 48 years.

Milton H. Stewart aged 81 years, a superannuated minister of Troy Conference, M.E. Church, died at Oneonta [Otsego Co. NY] on Sunday night, the 10th inst.

Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, January 21, 1875

Marriages

FLETCHER - HINSDALE:  At the residence of the bride's parents at Greenpoint [Kings Co. NY], by the Rev. Mr. Francis, Charles H. Fletcher of New York and Miss Mary C. Hinsdale, formerly of this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY]

ROE - BROWN:  At the residence of the bride's father in Macedon, N.Y. [Wayne Co.], January 12, by Rev. Andrew Roe of Moravia, Mr. Miles S. Roe of Wolcott, N.Y. [Wayne Co.] to Miss Mary E. Brown, of the former place.

Deaths

DIED:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], Friday morning, Jan. 15, after a brief illness, Mrs. Mary R. [Johnson] wife of Ralph Johnson, aged 68 years.

Mrs. Johnson was the daughter of Chas. Randall and was born in the old homestead over the river, in the year eighteen hundred and six.  She was married on the twenty-third of April eighteen hundred and twenty-nine and baptized by Elder Swan in November of 1833.  Her two children Charles of this village and Mrs. Mary Bigelow of New York are still living.  Mrs. Johnson's death being the first in her immediate family.

The funeral was attended Tuesday at her late residence by a large concourse of friends, the services were conducted by her Pastor and Rev. Mr. Scoville.

It is hardly necessary to add a word of eulogy.  Mrs. Johnson's life was her own best record, with a full realization of all the Bible teaches respecting the future, she passed to her heavenly home without a doubt of her acceptance of God.

Our sister will be missed in her home, in the social gatherings of our village and not less in the church of which she was so long a devoted member.  Thus, one by one the pioneer mothers of our beautiful valley are passing away.  It remains for us their children to be equal to the legacy of love and piety they have left for our improvement.

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Dr. John Clark for many years a prominent member of this [Chenango County Medical] Society, died of gastric inflammation at his residence in Guilford [Chenango Co. NY] on the Fifteenth day of March 1874.  He was born in Mayfield, Montgomery County, N.Y., December 10th, 1812.  In his boyhood his parents removed to Fondasbush [Montgomery County, N.Y.], where he was educated to mercantile pursuits. After the death of his father in 1828 he began the study of medicine in the office of Dr. chambers of that place.   He attended lectures at Fairfield medical College and graduated from that school in 1833.  In April following, he located at Guilford in this county, where he continued in active practice till within a few weeks of his death.  In 1843 he married a daughter of the late Hon. Samuel A. Smith, of Guilford.  She survives him, as do also three sons, two of whom adopted his profession.  Almost immediately upon his location at Guilford, he entered upon a large and lucrative business.  Dr. Clark, possessed in a remarkable degree the elements of popularity.  Of a kind and genial nature, always courteous and dignified in his deportment, he won the esteem and confidence of all who met him, either as a physician or citizen.  In his daily administrations among the sick the poor as well as the rich, shared his kindly care and sympathy.  He always manifested a deep interest in the welfare of this Society and in his earlier years was a constant attendant upon its regular meetings, and generally participated in its discussions.  He was a skillful and accomplished physician - a large hearted and public-spirited citizen, generous in his impulses, and always ready to lend a helping hand in every good work.  For many years he was the only practitioner in the village of Guilford.  His field of practice was large, embracing an agricultural population abundantly able to reward him for his services.  With his extensive practice, economical habits, and sound business capacity he was able to accumulate a competency at a time in life when most practitioners are only entering upon a career of prosperity.  In his death this Society has sustained a loss which we greatly deplore.  At our future meetings we shall miss his kindly smile and courtly presence and fraternal greeting - though dead, his memory survives in our hearts.  His uniform kindness and amenity, his high moral and intellectual characteristics will be ever cherished by every member of the Society who had the pleasure of knowing him intimately.

News Item

Dr. H.H. Beecher returned on Monday evening from a visit to his mother in Coventry [Chenango Co. NY] where she resides, in her 91st year.  She is suffering severely from a nervous affection of the face, yet she retains her intellectual faculties in a wonderful manner.  There are now living of the old stock three sisters and a brother whose aggregate ages are 340, as follows:  Margaret Beecher, 91; Minerva Adams of Hawleyville, Conn., 87; Thomas Porter of Binghamton, 82; Alma Miles of Coventry, 80.

The Old Merchants of Norwich, Chenango Co. NY

 Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, February 4, 1875

The Past & Present of Norwich

By S.S. Randall

The Old Merchants of Norwich

The venerable Benjamin Chapman of your village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], is now [in 1875], I believe, the only survivor of the enterprising traders who flourished there, in the early years of the century, and from their prudent or imprudent management of their capital and stock - their lucky or unlucky ventures - their reputation among their customers for truth and veracity, or the reverse - made or marred their fortunes.  My father Perez Randall was one of the earliest - Joseph S. Fenton, another - Asa Norton a third, Charles York, a fourth - followed by the firms of P.&W. Randall, Randall & Harris (John), John Lamb, Johnson & Noyes, John Noyes & Son, John Noyes Jr., Bright & Fenton, York & Chapman, J.S. & Loring Fenton, Benjamin Chapman, Richard L. DeZeng, Porter & Holmes, Purdy & Wood, Giles Chittenden and David I. Perry.  All these firms may be traced back fifty years and upwards, but the oldest were the first five or six above named.  Among the earliest Drug Stores was that of Anson Jones, the successor, in after years, of President Sam Houston of Texas, who occupied some fifty-five years since, the old store of my father.  He was succeeded a few years later by Richard L. Lawrence, on the first floor of the old Thurlow Weed Printing Office, opposite the present American Hotel.  Dr. Thomas Steere, also dealt in drugs, medicines and miscellaneous groceries in a small shop on the site of the house built by James M.D. Carr, south of the American.  John W. Weller was I believe, the first to open a Hardware store, and David G. Bright, the predecessor of David Griffing, a hat store, on the north-east corner of the East Green.  Eli M. Gibbs and Peter Fryer were the pioneer silver smiths and jewelers - immediate predecessors of H.N. Walters.

Benjamin Chapman became an early resident of the village, and soon established an enviable character for industry, enterprise, strict integrity and mercantile ability.  This character he maintained throughout a long and prosperous career - reaping the rich rewards of cautious and prudent investments of capital, uniform courteousness of demeanor fairness and uprightness in all his dealings with factors and customers, and close and rigid attention to every department of his business, contented with small and sure profits, his prices were uniform, but he was never "in haste to be rich," preferring the respect and confidence of his customers to securing a profitable bargain by the display of "cheap goods" and magnifying their value, in an inverse ration to their intrinsic worth, he assured himself of their permanent patronage, and good will.  Distrusting, as a rule, the "credit system," and in his own wholesale purchases, spring and fall neither asking nor accepting credit, he uniformly insisted in the absence of cash upon short settlements and punctual observance of the terms of payment - thereby avoiding vexations litigation and retaining the friendship and regard of all with whom he was in the habit of dealing.  The quality, durability, excellence and value of the goods upon his well-filled shelves were always to be relied upon, and his catalogue of prices, inflexible.  His clerks and employees acting under his own ever present eye, were uniformly patient, obliging, courteous and indefatigable.  It is needless to add that his daybooks and ledgers, his invoice books and daily and weekly balance sheets were models of accuracy and cleanness.  In short, in all his transactions, in all his principles, in all his daily life throughout the greater part of half a century preceding his final retirement, he was a model merchant - a useful and respected citizen and a just and upright man.  In his declining years he is surrounded by an affectionate and beloved family, and the good wishes of an extensive circle of acquaintances and friends wait upon his infirm footsteps as he from time to time, retraces the familiar paths of his meridian usefulness and vigor.

Asa Norton became a resident and merchant of the village upwards of sixty years since.  In 1813 he was appointed one of the Associate Judges of the County Court.  His store was in the south wing of his residence, and in this portion of his dwelling the present Chenango Telegraph - then the "Anti-Masonic Telegraph" commenced its career in 1829.

The store of Joseph S. Fenton formed the front portion of the spacious dwelling house owned and occupied by him - afterwards known as the "Mansion House" on the northeast corner of the West Green.  Although eminently successful as a merchant and one of the pillars of the Presbyterian or Congregational Church, he failed, in the estimation of a large portion of the community, to attain to that high standard of mercantile excellence which was so universally recognized in his contemporary, whose character we have attempted to sketch.  His brother and subsequent partner, Loring Fenton, presented in this respect a most favorable contrast to his senior.  The elder Fenton was regarded by many as a "hard man and severe" - unflinching and sometimes oppressive in the enforcement of his debts - and in some instances resorting to unjustifiable devices for the accomplishment of his object.  His connection with the elephantine Bright was brief.  Many years ago, he removed to Michigan, where he died.  Mr. Bright transferred his residence to Indiana, from where his son, Jessie D. Bright was elected United States Senator.  The preference given to the son over the father we believe, attributable to the fact that the Senate Chamber was, at that time regarded as too restricted in area to accommodate at the same time Dixon H. Lewis of Alabama and David G. Bright.

Charles York and Benjamin Chapman were eminently adapted to affiliate with each other in their capacities as merchants.  A more genial, popular, courteous, upright, and deservedly successful and prosperous firm could neither be expected nor desired.  Its dissolution took place only on the retirement of Judge York to his farm below the village, when his partner embarked in business on his own account. The store of the old firm was situated just below the south boundary of the old "Stone Block" and a few rods north of the old Brooks tavern.

Messrs. Chittenden and Perry on the northwest corner of South Main and West streets, were succeeded by James Kershaw and Nelson B. Hale, Mr. Kershaw was a quiet, retiring, unostentatious man - of the strictest integrity and most unblemished character.  Of Mr. Hale it is unnecessary for me here to speak.  His success as a merchant and his excellence as a man, a citizen, and a financier, are known to all.  As the genial friend, companion and fellow student of my early youth, my respect and regard for him have kept pace with advancing years and more extended knowledge of his prosperous and useful career.

Dr. Jonathan Johnson and Judge John Noyes, who composed the firm of Johnson and Noyes, occupied for some years the old corner store on South Main and East Streets.  Both are too well known as among the earliest settlers of the town, and as men of stainless repute in all the relations of life, professional and personal to require more extended description here.  The firm was of brief duration - as were its immediate successors, all of whom, have long since disappeared from among the living. Orrin Porter and Reuben Holmes, composing the firm of Porter and Holmes, occupied for an equally brief period the old store opposite the "American."  The latter was doomed to a premature and melancholy termination of his career and his senior partner, Mr. Porter, soon afterwards removed from the County.

At a somewhat later period Cyrus Wheeler opened a store in the building vacated by York and Chapman, and subsequently formed a partnership with Sheldon Tomlinson, occupying a part of the Stone Block.  This firm was not of long duration, neither of the partners proving very successful in the community, for reasons well understood and appreciated by the older residents of the town and village, and to which it is unnecessary here to do more than allude.  David E.S. Bedford also opened a store on the northeast corner of the Stone Block, then recently erected, and Squire Smith another, lower down.  David Griffing, hatter, Peter Fryer, jeweler, and James H. Smith, leather dealer had stores and shops in the same block.  Ralph Johnson at about this period opened a hardware and stove store, and William J. Sheldon a dry goods store, on the opposite side of the street.

Eli M. Gibbs, who established the earliest silversmith, watch, clock and jewelry store, under the office of the Norwich Journal, on the same street, was a man of original genius and a general favorite in the village.  It was commonly remarked of him that he never was known to retire for the night, while a single individual remained on the street, or was at all accessible for conversation.  Previous to his advent, however, and at an early period in the century Jesse R. Hovey carried on the clock and watch repairing business nearly opposite the present site of the "American" and a few years later was succeeded in the same line by Bela Farr on the present site of the Spaulding House on the west side of North Main Street, a few doors north of the Bank.  Of Horatio N. Walter, the successor of Peter Fryer, I retain a very pleasing recollection, as a gentlemanly, courteous and obliging dealer, and with his accomplished and beautiful lady, a general favorite in the society of the village.

Vital Records, Chenango County, NY, January 1875 (continued)

 Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, January 14, 1875

Marriages

HERRICK - TERRY:  In McDonough [Chenango Co. NY], on Wednesday, Jan. 6, by Rev. J. Clements of East Pharsalia [Chenango Co. NY], Albert E. Herrick of the last name place and Miss Lois A. Terry of Harber Creek, Pa.

FISK - HENRY:  In Pitcher [Chenango Co. NY], January 6, by Rev. Geo. P. Turnbul, Mr. DeLancy Fisk and Miss Ida Henry, both of Taylor, N.Y. [Cortland Co.].

ANGELL - ARNOLD:  In South New Berlin [Chenango Co. NY], Dec. 30, by Rev. A Lindsay, Henry D. Angell and Nettie Arnold, both of So. New Berlin.

LYON - BISBE:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], January 3d, by Rev. S. Scoville, Morris F. Lyon of Lebanon, N.Y. and Miss L. Bisbe of West Windsor, Eaton County, Mich.

CLARKE - BISSELL:  In Norwich [Chenango Co. NY], January 6, by Rev. S. Scoville, Albert B. Clarke of Norwich and Emily K. Bissell of North Norwich.

GALE - BEARDSLEY:  In Oxford [Chenango Co. NY], Jan. 6th, by Rev. J.W. LaMoine, at the residence of Daniel Mathewson, Emerson H. Gale and Miss Ida M. Beardsley, all of Oxford.

HOWARD - GOULD:  At the M.E. Parsonage in Plymouth [Chenango Co. NY], January 10, by Rev. J.W. Mevis, Mr. Charles Howard of Plymouth and Miss Hattie Gould of Preston [Chenango Co. NY].

Deaths

BIRDLEBOUGH:  In Redfield, Iowa, on Nov. 13th, 1874, Mrs. Elizabeth Birdlebough, widow of Joseph Birdlebough of German [Chenango Co. NY]. Her remains were brought to German [Chenango Co. NY] for interment last week.

RIGGS:  At Rutherford Park, New Jersey, on the 4th inst., Marcus C. Riggs, in the 53d year of his age.

Our obituary column this week contains the notice of the death of Marcus C. Riggs, Esq., of New York.  His death however, occurring at his country seat.  Mr. Riggs was well known here, having some years ago married Miss Margaret Gorton, since which time he has made annual summer visits to our village.  He was a man of no ordinary mark and was distinguished for his persevering attention to his profession, that of the law, which he had followed for over twenty years in New York City.  In all his social and business relations he left the stamp of an open hearted, generous, whole-souled integrity, and Christian philanthropy.  He will be missed greatly by his many friends, and all who knew him here will unite in condolence and sympathy to the bereaved wife in her affliction.

SPALDING:  In Pitcher, N.Y. [Chenango Co. NY], Mrs. Clarissa Spalding, aged 70 years.  She was a warm hearted, loving Christian woman and will be greatly missed in the family and in the town where she has been a resident for 53 years.  A little over a year ago she was baptized into the fellowship of the Baptist church in this place.  She has left behind her a pure Christian record.  She was a woman of more than ordinary intelligence and a diligent student of God's Holy Word.  She had a firm, unshaken faith in Christ, and died in hope of a glorious resurrection.  Her pastor preached her funeral sermon from the text.  In Rev. 14th chap. 13th verse, "Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord, &c."  she has left a sweet influence behind her.

DIED:  In Guilford [Chenango Co. NY], on Wednesday, Jan. 6th, William Baldwin, aged 76 years 26 days.

Mr. Baldwin was well known in Chenango County and his death calls for more than passing notice at our hands.  He was born in Litchfield County, Connecticut, Dec. 12, 1798, where he spent his boyhood, upon his father's farm and attending school.  Later he became a teacher, an occupation which he successfully followed until 1824, when he moved to Guilford, where he has resided ever since.  For half a century he has been identified with the interest of the town, never failing to perform his whole duty in every department in which he found room to work.  In all public affairs, whether of Church or State, no one was at fault to know where William Baldwin stood.  He was earnest and outspoken, and failed not at all times to cast his influence in favor of the right.  In his business matters he has always been upright and honest, his word being recognized by all who had dealings with him as always reliable, in fact as "good as his bond."  In politics he was a Whig, afterwards a Republican and as such a firm and ardent supporter of the Government in its time of peril.  In our boyhood days we knew him well, and since, we have been indebted to him for many valuable suggestions which we shall ever treasure as the legacy of a true and worthy friend.  He has been often honored by his neighbors and friends with official positions, and he never failed to fulfill the most ardent expectations of all.

One of the pleasant things of his latter days was that he had lived to see his son, George H. Baldwin, Esq., attain to position and honor in his native town, and that both had been able to contribute something towards its growth and development.

But he has passed away, after fifty years of service within our borders, service not for himself alone but for the common good of all.  Like the fully ripe corn he has yielded to the sickle of Time, and his memory is honorably borne upon the hearts of all, who knew him.

Chenango American, Greene, NY, January 14, 1875

Death

In Memphis, Tenn., Nov. 15th, Mr. James S. Ireland, aged 63 years and 5 months, formerly of this village [Greene, Chenango Co. NY].

Sherburne News, Sherburne, NY, January 16, 1875

Deaths

SWEET - NEWTON:  At the residence of the bride's mother, in this village [Sherburne, Chenango Co. NY], on the 12th inst., by Rev. Mr. Burnside, Mr. Charles A. Sweet of Ramseys, N.J. and Miss Hattie Newton of this village.

BURKE - BALCOM:  In this town [Greene, Chenango Co. NY] on December 31st, 1874, by Rev. Stephen Wood, Mr. Luke Burke and Miss Lois B. Balcom daughter of Mr. Francis Balcom.

Thurlow Weed & John F. Hubbard (Norwich, NY Journalists)

 Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, January 21, 1875

The Past & Present of Norwich

by S.S. Randall

Thurlow Weed & John F. Hubbard

These two veteran journalists, politicians and statesmen, commenced their public career in the village of Norwich [Chenango Co. NY] nearly sixty years ago [as of 1875], and within only about two years of each other.  Both are still lingering among us, the one in the City of New York and the other at Norwich - the venerable relics of a former age - in health, wealth, and happiness, surrounded by troops of friends, and in the full enjoyment of mental, and so far as may be compatible with a period of life verging on fourscore, physical vigor and activity.  Both, I am happy to say, were my own and my father's life-long friends, and in contributing this brief and necessarily imperfect sketch of their long and honored career, I but essay a "labor of love" in connection with the past and present annals of my native town.

Thurlow Weed was born in Cairo, Greene County, N.Y. on the 15th of November 1797, and is consequently now in the seventy-eighth year of his age.  In 1808 he removed, with his parents to the present town of Cincinnatus, Cortland Co., having been previously employed in Catskill, in 1806-7, first as a cook and cabin boy on board a sloop, and afterwards as printer's boy in the office of Macky Croswell.  During the winter succeeding his removal to Cincinnatus he was employed in an ashery in the neighborhood.  From that period until 1818 when he came to Norwich, in company with my father who had formed his acquaintance at Albany during the legislative session of that year and was desirous of assisting him in his business as a printer, he had been employed in various printing establishments in Onondaga Hollow, Utica, Herkimer, Auburn, Cazenovia, Sangersfield, New york and Albany.

In the winter and spring of 1813, he served six months as a volunteer private, in Capt. Ashbel Seward's company, then stationed at Adams, Jefferson Co., subsequently for three months in the same capacity in Oneida Co. with Lieut. Ellis company of artillery, Col. Arunah Metcalf's regiment, and finally in 1814, at Sackett's Harbor, two months a Quarter Master Sargent in the regiment of Col. Myers of Herkimer.  At this time, let it be borne in mind he was only a youth of sixteen.

The establishment of the "Republican Agriculturalist" at Norwich, in December 1818 to the interest of the Clintonian party was the result of a failure to secure the purchase from Mr. Hubbard of the "Journal," the local organ of the Republican of "Bucktail" party, whose candidate against Mr. Clinton was the ex-Vice President Tompkins.  This failure and its causes originated a sharp and spicy controversy, carried on for several months in the columns of the respective papers, with signal ability on both sides.  Hard blows were exchanged by these formidable champions, resulting in a substantial victory for the "Journal," and necessitating the abandonment of the "Agriculturalist" within a brief period after the election of Mr. Clinton in 1820.  From this point it is unnecessary for the purposes of this brief sketch to follow the fortunes, political or person of Mr. Weed, as in 1821 he ceased to become a citizen of Norwich, and only re-visited it in the summer of 1873, when he was cordially greeted by all his old friends, and by none with a warmer welcome, than by his opponent of fifty years previous, the veteran ex-editor of the "Journal."

In the spring of 1818, and before, or concurrently with his arrival at Norwich, he had married Miss Catharine Ostrander of Cooperstown, one of the best and noblest of women whose death occurred during his residence at Albany.

My first introduction to him, was by my father, soon after his arrival with him in the winter or spring of 1818.  Our acquaintance was renewed during the winter of 1835 at Albany and has continued without intermission, to the present time.  During the height of his political power and influence in 1840-50, the son of his old friend was not forgotten, and has never ceased to be grateful for the kind hand stretched out to him in the great political revolution which swept over the State in the former year, threatening to engulf the small bark of his fortunes.  His respectable mansion was ever open, and his potent influence ever available for counsel, advice and assistance in every difficulty or perplexity.

While residing in Norwich, Mr. Weed occupied for a short time a small and somewhat dilapidated house just above the old Uriah Avery dwelling on the west side of South Main Street and on the site of the present or late residence of Mrs. Bliven.  From thence he removed to the house now forming the rear portion of the "American Hotel" previously occupied by my father and there remained until he left the village.  His printing office, the office of the "Agriculturalist" was directly opposite.

It was while dwelling in the house thus occupied by Mr. Weed in 1819-20, that some two or three years previous, in 1816-17 I frequently saw John F. Hubbard then in the early morning of life, and the prime of personal grace and strength.  He was a frequent visitor of my father's and his personal as well as political friend, during his entire life, I can well recollect, although but a youth at the time, the pleasant and delightful evening gatherings when politics, literature and the local gossip of the day were discussed, when Chapman, York, Hubbard, Birdsall and a bevy of fair damsels made the hours pass but too rapidly.

Mr. Hubbard soon after this was united in marriage with the daughter of Gen. Thompson Mead, and took up his residence with his father-in-law, immediately north of the "Journal" office, on the east side of North Main Street, and a few rods south of the office of Dr. Henry Mitchell.  Here he continued to conduct the Journal as a Republican and Democrat organ from its establishment in 1816, as the successor of John B. Johnosn's "Volunteer" until 1844, a period of nearly thirty years, when it became merged in the Chenango Union.  As a political writer, Mr. Hubbard was bold, trenchant and fearless.  As the triumphant advocate in the State Senate, during eight years of the material interests of his district, and especially of the Chenango Canal, he entitled himself to the lasting gratitude of his constituents and in his well-earned retirement to the shades of private life, and the enjoyment of the social and domestic circle, can look back upon the formidable contests with "foes worthy of his steel"  such trained and experienced warriors as Col. Young, Silas Wright, Azariah C. Flagg and others with whom he was forced to measure swords on the canal question, with a just pride and gratification.

Mr. Hubbard was gifted with a fine literary taste, and was early familiar with the great dramatists, poets and essayists of the Golden Ages of England, Shakespeare, Ben Jonson, Addison, Steele, Swift, Dryden, Pope, Milton, and "the rest" were his inseparable companions, and at a later period he had mastered the varied music of Burns, Scott, Byron, Wordsworth, Coleridge, Shelley, Keats, Campbell, Rogers and Moore.  The "Waverley" Novels, and those of Bulwer, in rapid succession were greedily devoured and thoroughly appreciated. Few men of the period excelled him in devotion to the great classics of ancient and modern literature.

It is pleasant, after an interval of more than half a century to call up the recollection of these two now distinguished men, as they appeared and were, in the bright early morning of their lives, even then displaying the genius of those qualities afterwards so strongly marked.  Here, within the obscure and restricted area of a little country village, were laid the foundations of those energies, talents, and political skill and fence, which on a larger scale, that of the Empire State, was destined to work out those "bloodless revolutions" which overthrew the dynasties of veteran statesmen, penetrated the remotest section of the common wealth, and affected the successions of Presidents, Cabinets, Representatives and Senators of the great American Republic!  Compare, for a moment the Thurlow Weed of the former period - poor, obscure, awkward, embarrassed, struggling for a bare existence, and wholly unequal to a hand-to-hand contest with the glittering falchion of his more favored opponent - with the "Dictator" of 1840, before whose unrivalled and skillful combinations the "Regency" of VanBuren, Wright, Flagg, Dix and Croswell - that mighty and most formidable power, whose slightest nod had for long years awed into implicit submission and obedience every daring and presumptuous rebel - had fallen never to rise again, the - "Dictator" who like another Warwick, made and unmade Governors, Secretaries, Comptrollers, Senators and Representatives, and whose powerful influence even yet, continues to be felt in the highest councils of the State and Nation.

Vital Records, Chenango County, NY, January 1875 (continued)

 Bainbridge Republican, Bainbridge, NY, January 2, 1875

Marriages

GAREY - STEVER:  At the M.E. Church, in Sidney Plains [Delaware Co. NY], by Rev. J.C. Shetland, Mr. George Garey and Miss Jennie Stever, both of Unadilla [Otsego Co. NY].

NEFF - VINCENT:  At the same time and place and by the same, Mr. Delos Neff and Miss Melissa Vincent, both of Bainbridge [Chenango Co. NY].

REYNOLDS - DEFOREST:  At the residence of Mr. Andrew Case on the Searles Hill, Bainbridge [Chenango Co. NY], Dec. 24th, by Rev. A.B. Richardson, Mr. Edward Reynolds to Miss Rachel Deforest, all of Bainbridge [Chenango Co. NY].

NEWBY - WOODWORTH:  At the residence of the bride's mother, December 29th, by Rev. W.H. Sawtelle, of Nineveh, Mr. S.W. Newby to Miss Attie Woodworth, both of Vallonia Springs.  A pleasant company of invited guests assembled to witness the ceremony, after which a sumptuous repast was served.  The couple have the choicest wishes of a host of friends.

Bainbridge Republican, Bainbridge, NY, January 9, 1875

Marriages

STEVENS - TRAVER:  In Harpursville [Broome Co. NY], Dec. 23, 1874, by Rev. A. Martin, Josiah Stevens of Colesville [Broome Co. NY] to Mary A. Traver of Afton [Chenango Co. NY].

SUTTLE - PEARSALL:  At the residence of the bride's father by Rev. A. Martin, G.H. Suttle of Colesville [Broome Co. NY] to Sarah M. Pearsall of Afton [Chenango Co. NY].

Deaths

HATTON:  In the town of Guilford [Chenango Co. NY], Jan. 5th, 1874, Thomas Hatton, aged about 34 years.

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Died in Afton [Chenango Co. NY], January 1st, 1875, Miss Mary King aged 35 years.  

Sister King, when but a youth, embraced the religion of Christ, and from then until death adhered to that faith which she embraced when but a child, though her life has been one of almost continual suffering.  When about 18 years of age she had a run of fever from which she did not entirely recover for about three years, though able part of the time to enjoy meeting with the children of God, which was esteemed by her above all other enjoyments.  But her trials were not to end here, though for a time she was permitted to enjoy comfortable health.  Between eleven and twelve years since, she was again afflicted by becoming a cripple for life.  From that time, she was deprived of the use of her limbs and from that becoming entirely helpless and thus remaining for years not able to move a foot or hand sufficient to feed herself and knowing full well that she could be no better.  She often expressed a desire to depart this life and be with Christ if it could be the will of God, always expressing a wish that God's will might be done, and patiently waiting for the end to come.  Expressing her thanks for labor and care bestowed by the brothers and sisters in her years of affliction saying, "this is the only reward I have to give."  She was always cheerful, not forgetting to invite those that from time to time were thrown in her company to seek that Saviour who she loved. she often spoke of the pleasure it gave her to think that in that world to come she should be freed from the pain that was put upon her here, and all would be joy, having full confidence that a happy future awaited her on the other side of the river.  P.R. Newton, Afton, Jan. 5, 1875.

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A sad affair was announced to our people Saturday morning, that Jacob Hizer, a well-known citizen of this place [Bainbridge, Chenango Co. NY], was found dead in his bed.  He lives about two miles from the village and three quarters of a mile from the main road that leads to Deposit.  It was noticed by some people that his stock was in a suffering condition, and thinking something was wrong, entered the house and found the man a corpse in his bed.  Discovering blood about, they examined him and found that his foot was severely cut, and evidently came to his death by bleeding, the main artery having been severed. He is about 73 years of age and has for the last two years lived entirely alone.  He probably was a corpse two days before discovered.  His remains were brought to this village Saturday evening.  His funeral sermon was preached in the Presbyterian Church, Sunday, at 1 p.m. by the pastor foo the M.E. Church.  

Bainbridge Republican, Bainbridge, NY, January 16, 1875

Marriages

HAND - FINCH:  At the residence of the bride's father, in Masonville [Delaware Co. NY], Dec. 24th, 1874, by Rev. H. Denton, Dewane Hand and Henrietta Finch, both of that place.

LYON - MARTIN:  In Coventry [Chenango Co. NY], Jan. 6, 1875, at the residence of the bride's father, by Rev. A. Crocker, Henry Lyon of Syracuse [Onondaga Co. NY], to Miss Mary F. [Martin], daughter of S.A. Martin.

HUMPHREY - MACK:  At the Baptist parsonage in Greene [Chenango Co. NY], Jan. 5, 1875, by Rev. J.H. Sage, Willard A. Humphrey of Guilford [Chenango Co. NY] to Miss Laura Ellen Mack, of Greene.

SEAMAN - HAZEN:  At the home of the bride in Guilford [Chenango Co. NY] Jan. 13, 1875, by Rev. B.B. Carruth, James A. Seaman of Unadilla [Otsego Co. NY] to Miss Sabitha B. Hazen, of Guilford.

Deaths

NASH:  In Harpursville [Broome Co. NY], Jan. 11, 1875, of cancer in the stomach, Harvey O. Nash, aged 72 years.

BALDWIN:  In Guilford Centre [Chenango Co. NY], Jan. fth, 1875, William Baldwin, aged 76 years.

Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, January 14, 1875

Marriages

LAMB - RUSSEL:  In Peterboro [Madison Co. NY], Dec. 26th? by G.W. Coe, Esq., Mr. Harry Lamb of Norwich [Chenango Co. NY] to Miss Lavilla Russel of Peterboro.

One of those pleasant gatherings known as Silver Weddings occurred on December 30th? last, at the residence of Mr. Y.E. Stowell, of Brighton, Monroe County.  The occasion was more than a pleasant one and although the weather was cold, it was not disagreeable and nearly all the friends invited were present, many of whom were from Chenango County.  At the appropriate hour the bride and groom of twenty-five years ago were escorted into a room by their son and daughter, acting as bridesmaid and groomsman, and the presents valued at nearly $130, presented to them with the compliments of their friends.  With feelings too deep for utterance and eyes bedimmed with tears, they proved the old adage that "actions speak louder than words," and that the value of the presents was not engaging their attention, but that each separate piece was but a silver link in the friendly chain that showed them how strongly they were bound to friends.  The presents were numerous and valuable, a very handsome tea set valued at $45 was among them.  Mr. and Mrs. Stowell formerly lived near Mt. Upton [Chenango Co. NY] where they spent all except a few months of their twenty-five years of wedded life upon a farm. They moved to Monroe County last May to enjoy the fruits of their labor in that pleasant locality. The newly formed friends at the latter place joined heartily in the festivities of the evening, which all enjoyed.  Many were the wishes that the happy pair might live to see their "Golden Wedding" and we add may they enjoy life in their new home as much during the intervening time as they have in time preceding among the hills of Guilford.

Deaths

ROCKWELL:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY] Jan. 7th, Mrs. Minerva Rockwell, widow of the late E.L. Rockwell, aged 65 years? and 11 months.

LAMPHER:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], Jan. 11th, Lulu [Lampher] daughter of Charles W. and Etta Lampher, aged 5 years and 10 months.

CRANDALL:  In Plymouth [Chenango Co. NY], Jan. 9th, Hannah M. [Crandall] wife of William Crandall, aged 37 years.

GEER:  In Smyrna [Chenango Co. NY], Jan. 6th, Eunice H. [Geer] wife of William M. Geer, and mother of Mrs. Richard Roberts of this village, aged 66 years, 7 months and 26 days.

TURNER:  In Preston [Chenango Co. NY], Jan. 11th, Amanda [Turner] wife of Simon Turner, aged 71 years.

POPE:  In St. John's, N.B., Dec. 24th, of diphtheria, Edward Herbert [Pope], son of Rev. J.O. and Mrs. L.M. Pope, formerly of Norwich [Chenango Co. NY], aged 2 years and 4 months.  

The friends of Rev. J.D. Pope, former pastor of the Baptist Church in this village, will be pained to learn that he is again called to mourn the loss of one of his children, a little son, some three years old, having died of diphtheria, on the 24th ult. at his home in St. John's, New Brunswick.

FRENCH:  In Pilot Mound Township Minn.  Dec. 21st, Mrs. French, wife of C.W. French, Esq. formerly of Norwich [Chenango Co. NY] Esq. formerly of Norwich [Chenango Co. NY] aged 54 years and 7 months.  The deceased has been an invalid for any years yet bore her afflictions with true Christian fortitude.  She was an affectionate wife, a loving and indulgent mother, a kind and generous neighbor, beloved and esteemed by all who know her.  She leaves a husband and several children to mourn her loss with whom we deeply sympathize in this their time of sorrow.  

Mrs. Rhoda Bennett, widow of the late Eld. Alfred Bennett, died in Homer [Cortland Co. NY] on the 24th ult. aged 92 years.  She moved to that place with her husband in 1808.

Charles Rennie aged twenty years, son of W.J. Rennie, of Binghamton [Broome Co. NY], was drowned in a pond at Oakdale [Suffolk Co. NY] on the 2d inst. while drawing a pail of water.

Peter Archer who had resided in the vicinity of Bennett's Corners [Madison Co. NY] for the last forty years, died of apoplexy on Saturday morning, the 2d inst. aged about seventy-five years.  He had gone to the barn to feed cattle and was observed to fall and expired a few moments after being brought in the house.  He leaves a wife and several children.

Mrs. Dency Hudson an old and well-known resident of the western part of Morrisville [Madison Co. NY] was suddenly prostrated by an apoplectic fit while engaged in her household duties and after lingering in an unconscious state for several hours expired.

Guilford [Chenango Co. NY]:  At no recent period have so many of our aged residents died as during the past few months.  Scarcely a week passes that we are not called upon to perform the sad rites of burial service over the remains of some one of our old citizens.  Within the past week, the funeral of another of our old and esteemed inhabitants - James Haynes - who died on the 1st inst.  occurred at his residence in our village.  His health has been feeble during the summer, but for some weeks past he appeared better, and until a relapse some days since, his friends had hoped of his recovery.  Mr. Haynes has long been a resident of our village, and his sound judgment and liberal hand were ever found ready in aid of all worthy objects and undertakings.  He was early connected with the building interests of our place, which for many years he successfully directed.  Years past he received at the hands of his neighbors and townsmen repeated evidence of their esteem, in his selection for positions of public trust, and for many years was a prominent member of the Episcopal Church in our village.  He was 74 years old, and leaves a widow, two sons and one daughter.

Still another of our old townsmen - William Baldwin, of Guilford Centre [Chenango Co. NY] - died on the 5th inst., after a sickness of some weeks duration, aged about 78 years.  Mr. B. was one of the early pioneers of our town, coming from Connecticut some fifty years ago to Guilford Centre, and together with two brothers, establishing a country store which, after the removal elsewhere of his brothers, he continued to within a recent date.  Since his retirement from his store, he has been engaged in peddling books throughout this and adjoining counties, thereby becoming known to a wide circle of acquaintances.  He was a man of much energy of character, and his presence will be missed in the community in which he so long resided.  He leaves a son and daughter.

Oxford [Chenango Co. NY]:  Our community was painfully shocked on Monday morning by the sudden death of Mrs. Thomas Baldwin, at the residence of her husband on Washington street. The lady attended church on Sunday, and Monday morning was engaged with a daughter in doing the household duties apparently as well as usual, about nine o'clock she was left alone in the dining room, by her daughter, who, on entering the room a few moments afterwards, found her upon the floor dead.  heart disease is given as the cause of her death. She was an estimable lady, and her sudden death is deeply deplored.  Oxford Times.