Vital Records, Chenango County, NY, February 1876

 Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, February 3, 1876

Marriages

HAZEN - KEELER:  In Binghamton [Broome Co. NY], Jan. 26th, by Rev. A. Griffin, Mr. Walter Hazen of Coventry [Chenango Co. NY] to Miss Addie A. Keeler of Binghamton.

ROGERS - ADAMS:  In Oxford [Chenango Co. NY], Jan. 12th by Rev. J.C. Ward, Mr. Hubert L. Rogers of Preston [Chenango Co. NY] to Miss Jennie L. Adams of Smithville [Chenango Co. NY].

Deaths

OLDS:  In Oxford [Chenango Co, NY] Jan. 25th Mrs. Martha Olds widow of the late Ezekiel Olds, aged 95 years.

Mrs. Martha Olds, the widow of the late Ezekiel Olds, died in Oxford, January 25th, aged ninety-five years. Deceased, with her husband, came to Oxford when she was seventeen years old, from Berkshire, Mass., they traveling with an ox team and settled near the farm of Luman McNeil in Oxford.  Soon after, the family occupied the farm on which she remained until her death.  Mrs. Olds was the mother of seven children, four of whom survive her. She was much esteemed by a large circle of acquaintances and her funeral was attended by a number of relatives and friends, many of whom had been her associates in years past, and who met to pay the last tribute to the memory of one who in life was beloved and in death is not forgotten.

HARROTT:  In Oxford [Chenango Co. NY], Jan. 27th, Jessie [Harrott] twin daughter of Thomas and Sarrah Harrott aged 6 months.

LANDERGIN:  In East McDonough [Chenango Co. NY], Jan. 25th, Mrs. Alice Landergin, aged 58 years.

SCOTT:  In Chicago, Jan. 13th, of scarlet fever Herbert W. [Scott] son of Henry C. and Lovica Scott, aged 2 years, 6 month and 14 days.

Another sinless one has gone / To the arms of the Heavenly Giver, / From ours too weak to hold it here. / But we'll meet beyond the river. 

Letters from California announce the death at Napa Caty on the 16th of January last, of Edwin Miller, of that place. Deceased was a former resident of Plymouth, in this County [Chenango Co. NY], and left for the "gold diggings" among the early adventurers to California, nearly thirty years ago.  A few years since he visited his friends in this County, after which he returned to the home of his adoption where so many of his earlier years had been passed, and where his life was closed after a brief illness.

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MACKIE:  Drowned in this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], Jan. 31st, Robert Edwin [Mackie] son of John T. Mackie, aged 5 years 10 months and 19 days.  Funeral from the residence of his parents, on Thursday February 3d at 2 P.M.

Little Eddie Mackie, aged nearly six years, son of John T. Mackie, Superintendent on the Midland Railroad, was drowned in the canal in this village on Monday afternoon last.  He had been playing with an older brother and other companions, on the ice near Mitchell Street bridge, they amusing themselves by sliding upon a sled; but he was left alone by his playmates and between three and four o'clock was missing.  A lad in the vicinity stated that he saw him sliding with his sled, upon which he went into an opening in the ice, under the bridge.  Search was at once commenced by sympathizing neighbors and friends, boats, hooks, rakes and torches procured, and amidst the floating ice which had been broken the search was kept up until after midnight, but was unsuccessful.  The sled with which the lad had been playing, was found about six o'clock.  Next morning search was resumed and near eight o'clock the body of the drowned boy was found several rods below the bridge, near the lock at the hammer factory. The afflicted parents have the sympathies of the community, in their bereavement.

Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, Feb. 3, 1875:  On Monday afternoon last, our citizens were alarmed by the report that little Eddie, son of Superintendent Mackie of the Midland R.R. had slid through the ice into the canal.  On repairing to the place, we found the story was too true. A large crowd had collected and even then, the search for the poor boy was going on.

The particulars, as far as they can be learned, are as follows:  Little Eddie was playing upon the ice near Mitchell Street bridge with his older brother and some other boys and for some reason the others became separated from him so that he was alone upon the ice for a short time.  He had not been missed however but an exceedingly short time before the alarm was given, and the search for him commenced. A little boy who had been with him saw him slide through the ice and pointed out the locality where it occurred.  Ice breakers were improvised, and a boat procured, and the search began in earnest, though each looker on was filled with the hope that the report was unfounded, and that the boy would yet be found at some of the neighbors or elsewhere.  About six o'clock, however, all hope was lost by finding the sled at a point about three rods below the bridge. The search was continued until a late hour when from sheer exhaustion of those engaged in it, it was abandoned for the night.  On Tuesday morning however, search was resumed for the boy, the water having been drawn off during the night and it was found about nine o'clock at a point about two rods above the lock and some ten or fifteen rods below the point where the accident occurred. Alva Morton and Harvey Cozier found it and soon restored it to its heart-stricken parents.

Little Eddie is spoken of by all who knew him as a remarkably bright and active boy, and his untimely end is a source of regret to all.  Mr. and Mrs. Mackie have resided in our village but a short time; long enough however to attach many friends to them, who sympathize with them deeply in their great affliction.  The funeral of the little unfortunate will be attended from his father's residence on Mitchell Street today (Thursday) at two o'clock P.M.

The following card has been handed us for publication:  Norwich, Feb. 1st, 1876:  To the Editors of the Telegraph:  Dear Sirs:  I would like, through your columns, to express my heartfelt thanks to those friends who so earnestly and untiringly assisted in recovering the body of my poor boy.  May God reward them.  Yours sincerely, John F. Mackie.

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Greene, Chenango Co. NY:  The funeral of Dr. Rogers was largely attended on Wednesday of last week.  Utica, Waterville, Sherburne, Norwich, Oxford, Binghamton, and other towns in this vicinity were represented.  We do not remember of a funeral in our time when so many people from abroad attended to mourn with those who mourn.

Dr. Rogers was largely acquainted with the people of this valley, and many came to pay the last sad tribute to a departed and loved friend. A large number of the clergy were present, and participated in the last sad rites over their beloved brother's remains.

The sermon at the Church, a beautiful and touching production, was delivered by Dr. VanDusen, of Utica, who was been a lifelong friend of the honored dead.

The Church was heavily draped in black, the casket was covered with rare and beautiful flowers, love offerings of friends here and abroad.

Zion Church was crowded with mourners.  In this case the mourners were not confined to the family, for all who knew Dr. Rogers were glad to testify their sympathy and express their grief for the loss of the Christian soldier.

His body was borne from the Church and followed to the grave by a large number of sympathizing friends.

Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, February 3, 1876

Marriage

A large wedding party gathered at Oliver Willard's farm on the 27th of January, 6 P.M. to witness the marriage ceremony performed by Rev. Dr. Ely of this place on Mr. A.D. McDonald and Miss Rosie Willard, daughter of Oliver.  The presents received by the bride were not only numerous (there were thirty-nine of them) but also very valuable. Quite a large collection of silver and household utensils were presented, and we were made aware that in this Centennial year our young people count upon a home life.  Would that boarding life be an institution of the past after this new epoch in our national history.  Mr. and Mrs. McDonald are certainly deserving our compliment for their sensible resolution to act out at once as proprietors of a good farm home. Many, many merry feasts to them and theirs.

Deaths

CLARK:  In Guilford [Chenango Co. NY], on the morning of Jan. 18, 1876, Mr. Joseph Russell Clark int he 79th year of his age.

Unadilla Valley [Otsego Co. NY]:  Arthur Graves, only son of Rev. A.S. Graves, a young man of brilliant promise, belonging to the class of '76, Cazenovia Sem. died at the Seminary, Jan. 30th of typhoid fever, induced by excessive study and insufficient exercise. The seminary is plunged into deepest mourning, for Arthur was a universal favorite.

Hon Charles Hathaway died at Delhi [Delaware Co. NY], on Friday, Jan. 21st, aged nearly 80 years.  He came to Delaware County about the year 1808.  He was appointed County Judge and Surrogate of Delaware County by Gov. Seward in 1840, and whatever position he has filled has been characterized by honesty, integrity and public spirit.  In the local affairs of Delhi, he took a lively interest and has left several monuments to his zeal in this direction.  In politics he was an ardent, progressive Whig and naturally became a Republican when that party was formed.

The death of Mrs. Foot removes from Cooperstown [Otsego Co. NY], another of their oldest, native-born citizens.  Mrs. Foot was the oldest daughter of Isaac Cooper, and one of the oldest grandchildren of Judge Cooper, the founder of Cooperstown.  She was seventy years old and was the widow of Surgeon Foot, U.S.A.

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The following "minute" was adopted by the Vestry and Wardens of Zion's Church, Greene [Chenango Co. NY], at a meeting held Jan. 22, 1876:

The Rev. Ferdinand Rogers, D.D., Rector of Zion Church, Greene, Central New York, died suddenly in his 61st year, on Monday evening, January 17th, 1876, while on his way home by Railroad, with his wife and many friends, from Norwich, where he had officiated by exchange in the new church on the previous Sunday.  His sermon at night was on the text:  "the poor have the Gospel preached to them."

Dr. Rogers came to this parish as its chosen Rector, Oct. 1st, 1846, and has gone in and out among us, as our Pastor, for all these nine and twenty years and now lies buried in our village cemetery, beside those of his children who were called home before him.

To a large portion of our congregation, he was all the Pastor they ever knew and to them he must ever remain the embodiment of the idea of priest, and counsellor, and friend.

He came to a parish to which the passion for change was as unknown as it was unwelcome.  He found a people intelligently grounded in the faith and practice of Churchly Christians and he soon proved to all that pastor and people owned a common rule and common standard.  In that he labored successfully to build them up and in it to train up their children, who loved him and will revere his memory.

A generation has passed away since he came to us and another has come up to take their places, a precious legacy to his successor.

The simple facts of the harmony and steady wholesome growth of the parish during this long pastorate, of the happy influence of its life under his ministration and administration, upon the respect and reverence for religion in the whole scene of his ministry, and of the general grief and sorrow of which his departure called out so many and marked expressions, these may well stand instead of labored eulogy and of that analysis of qualities which better befits the pens of his brethren in the sacred ministry, in whose respect and affection he held so high a place.

To the bereaved widow of our departed Pastor, and to his sorrowing children, this Vestry sends assurances of earnest sympathy in this new sorrow, of thanks to God for the legacy of the good example bequeathed to them, and, in it, the privileged inheritance of the promises which the God and Father of us all has pledged to good men's children who "know the God of their fathers."

In the hearts and homes of this parish they will always find a welcome and warm sympathy in what awaits or shall befall them in the new future so suddenly opened up before them.

F.E. Barnard, F. Juliand: Wardens, W.F. Russell, Clerk.

Vital Records, Chenango County, NY, January 1876 (concluded)

 Chenango American, Greene, NY, January 27, 1876

Marriage

Messr. Editors:  One of the cheeriest gatherings it has been out good fortune to attend, assembled at the house of Mr. Elijah T. Hayes of this town [Greene, Chenango Co. NY], on Tuesday afternoon, Jan'y 18, to assist him and his worthy wife in celebrating their Golden Wedding. The roads were more than muddy and the rain poured steadily, a goodly company gathered there, numbering about fifty, if we include Mr. Hayes and his family.

At half past two Mr. and Mrs. Hayes entered the room, preceded by Rev. W.H. Gavitt of the Methodist church and took their seats with Mr. and Mrs. David Wedge as groomsman and bridesmaid.  The exercises of the afternoon began with singing the hymn "Thus far the Lord hath led me on."  Prayer was then offered by Bro. Gavitt after w hich was sung, "Shall we gather at the river."  Dr. Muaro then read selections from a poem written for a Golden Wedding a number of years ago.  It described the morning, noon and eventide of life, with their joys, duties and rest from labor, and ocntained this beautiful refrence to the bride and groom:

Just fifty years ago their vows were heard / By wedding guests as witnesses, and still / They bind these hearts as one.  Each is preferred / In love, which has not failed, nor ever will.

Today they come before us to renew / The vows which half a century they've kept; / And we are called as witnesses, for few / If any, of the former, have not slept.

God spare these Golden Bridal friends for years; / But when the closing scenes of life shall come / May heavenly visions dissipate all fears, / And guardian angels kindly guide them home.

Mr. Gavitt followed with a few remarks linking the past with the present, the ceremony of fifty years ago with its anniversary today, the faith plighted then with its renewal now; in token of which the aged couple joined hands and the solemn ceremonial was uttered:  "Those whom God hath joined together, let no man put asunder."

Mr. Charles Gray read an original poem to which he gave no name, but which he thought might appropriately be called "Fifty Years Ago."

Mr. Samuel O. Wathan congratulated the bridal pair on their fifty years of wedded life, the measure of health they had enjoyed, the presence of children and grandchildren; and the numberless other blessings that had been scattered along their pathway. The grand, old doxology, "Praise God from whom all blessings flow," was sung by all, standing, closing a simple but interesting order of exercises.

A short hour was given to social intercourse, during which busy hands spread the table bountifully (for none came empty handed) and a substantial supper with tea and coffee was handed round, garnished with much merry chat.  The party broke up soon after supper, each heartily exchanging congratulations with the others, that the rain and mud had been braved; for the afternoon had been most delightfully spent.

The visit was not without some solid benefit to our good friends, certain contributions of provisions, and a small sum of money being left behind.  Some friends who were unable to be present, sent their offerings by those who were, and others have signified their intention of doing so speedily. We heard of one gentleman who received a merited scolding from his wife for forgetting to notify her of the party, until it was too late to attend, but he repaired his error, as far as he could by a very generous donation.

So passed an unusually enjoyable occasion, with nothing of any kind to mar its pleasure, and we dare venture the prophesy that its memory will be long in fading from the hearts of both visited and visitors.  

Yours.  M.R.S.

Deaths

At the residence of Mr. E.A. Trowbridge, i n this town [Greene, Chenango Co. NY], Jan. 19th, Mr. Edward Bissell, late Purser of the U.S. Navy, aged 67 years.

In Union, N.Y. [Broome Co.] Jan. 18th, Harry G. [Kelly] son of Prof. John and Belle M. Kelly, formerly of this village [Greene, Chenango Co. NY], aged 14 months.

In Binghamton [Broome Co. NY], Dec. 5th, Mrs. Lucius Knight aged 67 years, formerly of Oxford [Chenango Co. NY].

Sherburne News, Sherburne, NY, January 15, 1876

Marriage

The fifteenth anniversary of the wedding of Mr. and Mrs. C.E. Loomis was made the occasion of a pleasant gathering at their home on the first inst.  Notwithstanding the unfavorable traveling, with mud and threatened rain, some sixty neighbors and friends of the happy couple convened in the afternoon of the first day of the centennial year of our American Independence, to congratulate their friends on their success in life.  In token of their regards, we noticed a table laden with presents, some of which were both valuable and handsome. Beautiful flower vases, a great variety of glass table ware, toilet sets, etc. including a set of essence decanters by Dr. Vanwagner of Brookfield, a broken fruit can by E.S. Lyman, also a set of silverware from father F. Finks, and a large table which by the way was well filled with choice dainties to which the hungry company did ample justice.  The oldest inhabitants of the neighborhood cannot remember the time when a gathering of the kind, so full of interest and pleasure, had taken place in the vicinity.  When reluctantly the happy company took their leave it was with many good wishes and expressions of desire that the future might be even brighter than the past.

Death

The remains of Mr. Albert Lobdell who died at Aylmer, Canada, on the 6th inst. arrived at this place [Sherburne, Chenango Co. NY] last Saturday morning.  They were received at the depot by Sherburne Lodge F.&A.M. and escorted to the residence of Mr. Stephen Lobdell who is a half-brother of deceased.  At 1 o'clock P.M., a procession of Masons and citizens was formed, and the remains were transferred to the church, where services were held, after which they were consigned to the grave with impressive ceremonies of the Masonic Order.  The deceased was formerly a member of Sherburne Lodge, having resided here until about six years ago when he removed to Aylmer and united with the Lodge at that place. During his residence there he had been engaged in dealing in hops and real estate with considerable success and was much esteemed as a citizen and Mason.  His daughter, Mrs. William Miller went to Canada sometime since to be with him in his illness and was herself attacked and unable to accompany the remains home.  The age of Mr. Lobdell was 56 years.

Sherburne News, Sherburne, NY, January 29, 1876

Marriages

HOLDEN - BENTLEY:  At Sherburne Four Corners [Chenango Co. NY], January 19, 1876, by Rev. Samuel Miller, at the residence of the bride's parents, Stephen Holden of Sherburne, N.Y. to Elizabeth [Bentley] daughter of Mr. Milton Bentley.

DENNISON - BLOOR:  In Saginaw City, Mich. January 19, 1876, at the residence of the bride's father, by Rev. Thomas Stalker, Mr. Devillo Dennison and Miss Jennie Bloor, both of Saginaw City.

SHAW - POMEROY:  In Binghamton [Broome Co. NY], Jan. 20 by Rev. Dr. Paddock, assisted by Rev. H. Griffin, Mr. Samuel H. Shaw, of St. Thomas, Canada, and Miss Ida l. Pomeroy, of Philadelphia.

The Binghamton Republican of Thursday evening gives the following:  "A very pleasant affair took place at the residence of the ex-Alderman Lowell Harding, on Court Street this afternoon.  Mr. Samuel H. Shaw of St. Thomas, Canada, was married to Miss Ida L. Pomeroy, daughter of Dr. Pomeroy of Philadelphia and a niece of Mrs. Lowell Harding.  The spacious rooms of the house were elegantly trimmed with evergreens and flowers and a large number of friends and relations assembled to witness the ceremony which was performed in a very impressive and touching manner by Rev. Dr. Paddock, assisted yb Rev. A.L. Griffin.  Many of the company were deeply affected by Dr. Paddock's remarks and the appropriate prayer which followed the ceremony. The bride and groom stood under an arch formed of evergreens and the American flag draped above them in memory of the Centennial year.  After the ceremony followed a season of handshaking and congratulations.  All present were introduced to the happy couple, and all present wished them a prosperous and useful life. The interest of the occasion was greatly increased by the presence of Mr. and Mrs. Ells, relations of the parties.  Each of whom is over 90 years of age. Refreshments were served after the wedding and some time spent in dancing. The newly married couple left on the five o'clock train for Utica, on their wedding trip. The best wishes of their many friends go with them, and they will be always welcome in this city, where they have made themselves generally loved and respected. A number of handsome and useful presents were displayed, which had been given as the testimonials of the love of friends and relatives.  It is seldom that a young couple start out in life with so many tokens of kindly remembrance as did the two who this afternoon were united in the strong, yet pleasant bonds of marriage."

Mr. Shaw was a Sherburne boy, and with his bride and a number of friends has been visiting his mother and many old friends in this vicinity, who have availed themselves of the opportunity to welcome and extend their hearty congratulations to their former townsman. The happy pair departed for St. Thomas, their future home, on Friday morning, bearing with them numerous tokens of esteem and the best wishes of numerous circle foo acquaintances.

Bainbridge Republican, Bainbridge, NY, January 15, 1876

Marriage

MERVILLE - MAYO:  In Bainbridge [Chenango Co. NY], by Rev. D.C. Haynes, Mr. Christopher S. Mervilel of Harpursville [Broome Co. NY], to Miss Ida R. Mayo of Windsor [Broome Co. NY].

Bainbridge Republican, Bainbridge, NY, January 29, 1876

News Item

Mr. Charles Lyon of this town [Bainbridge, Chenango Co. NY], who is now in his ninety-second year, and one of the first settlers here, and by the last enumerator said to be the oldest man in town; cuts his own wood, gets it in, builds his own fires (he uses a fire place) and takes the sole care of six head of cattle and so far this winter he has not missed a single day.

Smyrna Citizen, Smyrna, NY, January 29, 1876

Death

CAMPBELL:  In Lebanon [Madison Co. NY], Jan. 23rd, Mr. Campbell, aged 85 years.

Andersonville Prison, Civil War

 Andersonville

Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, January 27, 1876

The debate on the Andersonville horrors in Congress has had the effect to reproduce some of the documents and dispatches which passed between rebels themselves during the war.  They were used by Gen. Garfield in his recent speech.  Here is the report of Col. Chandler, as sworn to on the trial of Wirz.

[Note:  At the end of the Civil War, Captain Henry Wirz was arrested and prosecuted for his involvement at Andersonville.  Wirz was accused of conspiracy to destroy prisoners' lives in violation of the laws and customs of war.]

Colonel:  Having in obedience to instructions of the 25th ultimo, carefully inspected the prison for Federal prisoners of war and post at this place.  I respectfully submit the following report:

Anderson, January 5, 1864:  The Federal prisoners of war are confined within a stockade fifteen feet high, of roughly hewn pine logs about eight inches in diameter, inserted five feet into the ground, enclosing, including the repeat extension, an area of five hundred and forty by two hundred and sixty acres. A railing around the inside of the stockade and about twenty feet from it, constitutes the "deadline," beyond which the prisoners are not allowed to pass and about three and one-fourth acres near the center of the enclosure is so marshy as to be at present unfit for occupation, reducing the available present area to about twenty-three and one-half acres, which gives somewhat less than six square feet to each prisoner.  Even this is being constantly reduced by the additions to their number.  A small stream passing from west to east through the enclosure at about one hundred and fifty yards from its southern limits, furnished the only water for washing accessible to the prisoners.  Some regiment of the guard, the bakery, and the cook house being placed on the rising grounds bordering the stream before it enters the prison, renders the water nearly unfit for use before it reaches the prisoners.   D.T. Chandler, Assistant Adjutant and Inspector-General; Colonel R.H. Chitton, Assistant Adjutant and Inspector-General.

Ambrose Spencer, a Georgia planter, on the same trial testified as follows:

Between the 1st and 15th of December 1863, I went up to Andersonville with W.S. Winder and four or five other gentlemen, out of curiosity to see how the prison was to be laid out.  I asked him if he was going to erect barracks or shelter of any kind.  He replied that he was not; that the damned Yankees who would be put in there would have no need of them.  I asked him why he was cutting down all the trees and suggested that they would prove a shelter to the prisoners from the heat of the sun, at least.  He made this reply, or something similar to it.  "That is just what I am going to do; I am going to build a pen here that will kill more damned Yankees than can be destroyed in the front."  Those are very nearly his words, or equivalent to them.

Again Col. Chandler reports as follows:

Andersonville, August 5, 1864:  Colonel:  My duty requires me respectfully to recommend a change in the officer in the command of the post, Brigadier General J.H. Winder, and the substitution in his place of someone who unites both energy and good judgment with some feeling of humanity and consideration for the welfare and comfort (so far as is consistent with their safe keeping) of the vast number of unfortunates placed under his control.  Someone who at least will not advocate deliberately and in cold blood the propriety of leaving them in their present condition until their number has been sufficiently reduced by death to make the present arrangement suffice for their accommodation, who will not consider it a matter of self-laudation and boasting that he has never been inside of the stockade, a place the horrors of which it is difficult to describe and which is a disgrace to civilization, the condition of which he might, by the exercise of a little energy and judgment, even with the limited means at his command, have considerably improved..  D.T. Chandler.  Assistant Adjutant and Inspector General.  Colonel R.H. Chitton, Assistant Adjutant and Inspector General C.S.A. Richmond, Virginia.

Gen. Garfield says that so anxious was Col. Chandler that these horrors should be rebuked that he went to Richmond and in person delivered his report to the Secretary of War, a member, of course, of the cabinet of Jefferson Davis.  "If I am not correct in this, I believe there is a member of that cabinet now on the floor who can correct me.  Of course, being a soldier, Colonel Chandler first delivered his report to the Adjutant General and that officer, General Cooper on the 18th of August 1864, wrote upon the back of the report these words.

Adjutant and Inspector General's Office: August 18, 1874:  Respectfully submitted to the Secretary of War.  The condition of the prison at Andersonville is a reproach to us as a nation.  The engineer and ordinance departments were applied to and authorized their issue, and I so telegraphed General Winder.  Colonel Chandler's recommendations are coincided in.  By order of General Cooper.  R.H. Chitton, Assistant Adjutant and Inspector General

Not content with that endorsement, Colonel Chandler went to the office of the Secretary of War himself; but the Secretary being absent at the moment, the report was delivered to the assistant Secretary of War, J.A. Campbell, who wrote below General Cooper's endorsement these words:

These reports show a condition of things at Andersonville which chills very loudly for the interposition of the department, in order that a change may be made.  J.A. Campbell, Assistant Secretary of War.

What was done with these reports and endorsements, which show the fiendish cruelty of Winder, the rebel commander of the prison pen?  Gen. Garfield continues:

"The record show, Mr. Speaker, that a few days thereafter an order was made in reference to General Winder.  To what effect?  Promoting him!  Adding to his power in the field of his infamy!  He was made commissary general of all the prisons and prisoners throughout the Confederacy.  That was the answer that came as the result of this humane report of Colonel Chandler; and that new appointment of Winder came from Mr. Seddons, the Confederate Secretary of War.

A Member:  By order of the President. 

Mr. Garfield.  Of course, all appointments were by the President [Jefferson Davis], for the gentleman from Georgia says that they carried our Constitution with them and hugged it to their bosoms. But that is not all. The testimony of the Wirz trial shows that at one time the Secretary of War himself became shocked at the brutality of Winder, and in a moment in indignation he relieved him from command.  For authority upon this subject, I refer to the testimony of Cashmyer, a detective of Winder's, who was called before Wirz court. That officer testified that when Mr. Seddons, Secretary of War, wrote the order relieving Winder, the latter walked over with it to Jefferson Davis, who immediately wrote on the back of it, "This is entirely unnecessary and uncalled for."  Winder appears to have retained the confidence and approval of Davis to the end, and remained on duty until the merciful providence of God struck him dead in his tent in the presence of the witness who gave this testimony. 

Now who [unreadable] but in the form of law we do [unreadable] responsibility for these atrocities a man whose name is [unreadable] is to be relived of all political [unreadable]. If not, let gentlemen show it.  Wipe out the charge and I will be the first man here to vote to relieve him of his disabilities. 

Winder was allowed to go on.  what did he do?  I will only give results, not details.  I will not harrow my own soul by the revival of those horrible details.  There is a group of facts in military history well worth knowing which will illustrate the point I am discussing. The great Napoleon did some fighting in his time, as did his great antagonist the Iron Duke.  In 1809 was fought the battle of Albuera, in 1812 the battle of Salamancs, in 1813 Vittoria, in 1815 the battles of Ligny, Quatre Bras, Waterloo, Wavre, and New Orleans, and in 1854 the battles of the Crimea.  The number of men in the English army who fell in battle or who were killed or died of wounds received in these battles amounted in the aggregate to 12,928.  But this Major General Winder, within his horrible area of death, from April 1864 to April 1865, tumbled into the trenches of Andersonville the dead bodies of 12,644 prisoners - only two hundred and eighty-four less than all the Englishmen who fell in or died of wounds received in the ten great battles I have named.

[Note:  General Winder died of a massive heart attack on February 7, 1865, and his death likely saved him from the gallows. His subordinate, Andersonville commandant Henry Wirz, famously was tried and executed following the war, in November 1865. Historians, meanwhile, have debated Winder's culpability in the deaths of thousands of Union prisoners, both in Richmond and at Andersonville.]

Vital Records, Chenango County, NY, January 1876 (continued)

 Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, January 27, 1876

Marriages

CUSHMAN - KNAPP:  At the residence of the bride's brother D.H. Knapp, Esq., in this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], Jan. 18th, by Rev. S. Scoville. Mr. Danforth R. Cushman of Plymouth [Chenango Co. NY] to Miss Mary E. Knapp.

ROWLEY - WRIGHT:  In Binghamton [Broome Co. NY], Jan. 20th, by Rev. Lyman Wright, Mr. Josiah Rowley of Norwich [Chenango Co. NY] to Miss Avis A. Wright of Westford, N.Y. [Otsego Co.].

HOLDEN - BARTLEY:  In Sherburne [Chenango Co. NY] Jan. 19th, by Rev. Samuel Miller, Stephen Holden,  Esq., to Miss Elizabeth Bartley, all of Sherburne.

SMITH - CRANDALL:  At the residence of the bride's mother, Jan. 19th, by Rev. L.C. Hayes, Mr. George A. Smith, of Cummington, Mass., to Mrs. Frankie A. Crandall, of Plymouth, N.Y. [Chenango Co.]

STANTON - SACKETT:  At the residence of the bride's father, Jan. 20th, by Rev. L.C. Hayes, Mr. A.J. Stanton of DeRuyter [Madison Co. NY] to Miss Pamelia A. Sackett, of Plymouth [Chenango Co. NY].

VAN EMBERG - JENKINS:  In Oxford [Chenango Co. NY], Jan. 19th, by Rev. H.P. Collin, Mr. Andrew Van Emberg of Patterson, N.J. to Mrs. Marietta Jenkins of Oxford.

VAN VALKENBURGH - RICHMOND:  In Preston [Chenango Co. NY], Jan. 12th, by Rev. H.V. Talbot, Mr. Edwin Van Valkenburgh, of Greene [Chenango Co. NY] to Miss libbie Richmond, of Preston.

VAN VALKENBURGH - WRIGHT:  In Greene [Chenango Co. NY], Jan. 11th, by Rev. A.B. Dilley, Mr. Charles W. Van Valkenburgh to Miss Hortense Wright, all of Greene.

McBIRNEY - McCRAY:  In Smithville [Chenango Co. NY], Jan. 5th, by Rev. R.A. Clark, Dr. E.W. McBirney of Willet [Cortland Co. NY] to Miss Hattie S. McCray of Smithville.

BEACH - DICKSON:  In Buffalo [Erie Co. NY], Jan. 13th, Dr. Fred E. Beach of Greene [Chenango Co. NY] to Miss Fannie Dickson, of Buffalo.

ISABEL -CLEVELAND:  In Smyrna [Chenango Co. NY], Jan. 18th, by Rev. H.H. Fox, Mr. Elmer Isabel of Sherburne to Miss Eliza Cleveland of Smyrna.

SMITH - CUMINS:  In Greene [Chenango Co. NY], Jan. 20th, by Rev. J.H. Sage, Mr. Henry A. Smith of Smithville [Chenango Co. NY], to Miss Matie G. Cumins of Greene.

CHAPIN - SHERWOOD:  At the residence of Edgar A. Hyer, Jan. 1st, by Rev. George W. West of Haverstraw [Rockland Co. NY], Mr. Horace Chapin of Unadilla [Otsego Co. NY] to Miss Jessie Inez Sherwood.

Deaths

SALLADIN:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], Jan. 23d, J. Carlton Lamont [Salladin] son of Jacob and Phil Salladin, aged 5 months and 24 days.

FISH:  In East Pharsalia [Chenango Co. NY], Jan. 19th, Mr. Elisha Fish, aged 71 years.

TURNER:  In Greene [Chenango Co. NY], Jan. 18th, Mr. Amos D. Turner, aged 54 years.

Chenango American, Greene, NY, Jan. 20, 1876:  Amos D. Turner, an old and respected farmer of this town, died at his residence near Chenango Forks [Broome Co. NY], on Thursday morning last.  We shall miss Amos, for he always called at our office when in town. We found him to be a good and substantial man, and an intelligent farmer.

PADDLEFORD:  in Greene [Chenango Co. NY (Page Brook), Jan. 15th, Mary E. [Paddleford] wife of Henry R. Paddleford, aged 30 years and 5 months.

GAZLAY:  In Cortland [Cortland Co. NY], Jan. 13th, Catharine M. [Gazlay] wife of Dr. H.C. Gazley, aged 47 years.

BENJAMIN:  In Polo, Ill. Oct. 26th, Mr. Daniel Benjamin aged 51 years; and in Sterling, Ill. Dec. 28th, Mr. John Benjamin aged 57 years.  both former residents of Smyrna [Chenango Co. NY].

New Berlin, Chenango Co. NY:  Mrs. Wagner, aged 56 years, died suddenly at the residence of her daughter, in this village on Monday last.  She was about as usual, and walked up to the paper mill on the Thursday previous at which time she caught a cold that resulted in her death.  She leaves a husband and several children to mourn their loss.  Gazette

Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, January 27, 1876

Marriage

MONROE - FRANKLIN:  At the Baptist parsonage in this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], Dec. 29, by Rev. L.M.S. Haynes, Mr. Spencer Monroe of Plymouth, N.Y. [Chenango Co. NY], to Miss Lorett A. Franklin, of Preston, N.Y. [Chenango Co.].

Deaths

WINTEMBERG:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], on Saturday, Jan. 21(?) Ellen Augusta [Wintemberg], youngest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. A. Wintemberg, aged 9 months and 12 days.

Little Ella has gone to rest / In heaven above among the blest; / Weep not fond parents for your little one, / She is with God, her work is done.

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SCHORN:  At his residence in St. Paul, Minn. Jan. 10, of paralysis of the brain, Jacob [Schorn] son of Joseph and Matilda Schorn of this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], aged 27 years.

Death of a Good Man:  Under this caption the St. Paul (Minn) Press has the following:

"Jacob Schorn, a tobacconist at no. 74 West Third street, died of paralysis of the brain, on the morning of January 10th.  Mr. S. was a good man, industrious, a kind neighbor, and a devoted husband.  He died at the age of 28 years, leaving a young wife and three children.  He came to this country in 1857 and has been in business in St. Paul about eight years.  He was a member of the German society, which association, with the tobacconists of this city escorted the body to Minneapolis."

Jacob was the second son of Joseph Schorn senior of this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY].  He was born in Germany and came to this country with his parents in 1852.  He resided in this village, until during the war when he enlisted in the 22d cavalry regiment, and served with honor and credit until the close of the war when he was mustered out with the regiment at Rochester.  he then returned to this village and set up in the cigar business, which he followed until he moved west some years since.  He was while here always a favorite with his companions, and indeed with all who knew him he was always commended for his kind and generous disposition. We are glad to know that those traits which he developed here, gained for him troops of friends in the west and gave him success in business when others were not so fortunate.  His many friends here regret his early decease.  He leaves a wife and three children.

Oxford Times, Oxford, NY, January 26, 1876

Death

DODGE:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co. NY], Dec. 18th, of typhoid fever, Margaret I. [Dodge] only daughter of James O. and Lovinia B. Dodge, aged 2 years and 8 mos.

News Item

Wm. Beardsley, father of Asa Beardsley, of this village [Greene, Chenango Co. NY], is now visiting his son.  The old gentleman is now in his 83d year and is robust and healthy.  He served his country well and faithfully in the war of 1812 and was in many important engagements with the enemy.  He is an intellectual gentleman and an interesting conversationalist.  He details clearly and with great accuracy the stirring events of our early days, which he remembers with great vividness of mind.  We delight to look upon these old monuments of past glory and usefulness.  American

Chenango American, Greene, NY, January 20, 1876

Marriages

In Bainbridge [Chenango Co. NY], by Rev. D.C. Hayes, Mr. Egbert Weed of Colesville [Broome Co. NY] to Miss Sarah M. Gudson, of Unadilla [Otsego Co. NY].

December 31st at the house of the bride, by Rev. V.M. Seagears, Hiram Bunzey to Loretta Randall, both of Fenton [Broome Co. NY].

Vital Records, Chenango Co. NY, January 1876 (continued)

 Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, January 20, 1876

Marriage

The friends of the parties not yet informed maybe somewhat surprised to read the following:  Married on the evening of the 12th inst., at the residence of the bride, by Rev. George D  Horton, Mr. Joel Judd to Mrs. Amanda Minor, both of Coventry [Chenango Co. NY], We have only to say that here seems to be another fresh and stunning argument adduced against the advocates of single blessedness, for both of the above parties had survived a long period of usefulness in the marriage relation and now the bridegroom, at the age of 70 and the bride, 20 years his junior, enter into the new compact with a full knowledge of all its requirements, and the advantages of a long experience.  May their shadows never grow less.

Bainbridge, Chenango Co. NY:  Under its proper head in these columns will be found the marriage notice of Mr. John Owen of North Sanford [Broome Co. NY] to Miss Minnie E. Morton of this town.  Mr. Owen is a gentleman past seventy-eight summers, a wealthy farmer, and is said to have presented his bride, who is yet in her teens, a handsome wedding gift. The groom felt very happy on the following day, and when he handed us some very choice wedding cake, and thanked us for previous notice, we thought him as jovial as "most of the boys."  Republican

Deaths

BOWERS:  In Oxford [Chenango Co. NY], on 14th inst. James F. Bowers son of Gilbert Bowers, aged 23 years.

SMITH:  in Guilford [Chenango Co. NY], 14th inst., Mr. Nicholas Smith, aged 88 years.

McKOON:  At the residence of her daughter, Mrs. Chas. E. Gibbs, in San Francisco, Cal. Jan. 14 '75, Mrs. Adelia McKoon, aged 59 years, formerly of Oxford, N.Y. [Chenango Co.]

McDonough [Chenango Co., NY]:  The remains of Moses Wheeler, a respected citizen of Pharsalia [Chenango Co. NY], were brought here for interment on Tuesday, the 11th.   

McDonough [Chenango Co. NY]:  The funeral sermon of Mrs. Rathbun a former resident of this town, was preached by Rev. J.D. Webster in the Baptist church on Sunday the 9th inst.  She was brought here for burial the Monday previous and lies beside her kindred in the old graveyard on the hill.  It is a restful place to sleep.--All the winter the evergreens chant mournful requiems, and all the summer sigh, and talk sweet memories and sigh again; but the birds sing hallelujahs - they are heralds of the future.

Death of Hon. W.C. Thompson (Jan. 13th, Watertown, Jefferson Co. NY):  Mr. Thompson will be remembered as a former resident of this county [Chenango Co. NY].  He has many relatives in this and adjoining counties.  Four brothers survive him, viz. Charles, Elihu, and Joseph of Otselic, and Ralph of Hamilton.  Mrs. Miles Newton and Mrs. Luther Brown of Otselic, and Mrs. Hannah Stanton of New Lisbon, are sisters of the deceased. The wife of Daniel Brown of Otselic, who died on Tuesday of last week, was also a sister of the deceased.

Mrs. Aurelia Parker Hale died at Summer Hill, Cayuga Co. NY Jan. 9, 1876.  she suffered much and long but was sustained through all her afflictions by a sweet trust in Jesus.  the deceased was a daughter of the late Gaius L. Parker and was born and reared in this community.  She also spent here several years of her married life.  she leaves a kind husband and a son 18 years of age to mourn her departure.

Holmesville, Chenango Co. NY:  Death has again visited our village.  Mrs. Dennis Holmes was buried last Sunday. She has been an invalid for years, cause - consumption.  

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REED:  At Salisbury, Conn., on the 7th inst., Mrs. Mary Ann Reed, relict of the late W.H. Reed, aged 88 years.

Our obituary columns contain the announcement of the death of Mrs. Mary Ann Reed, which occurred at Salisbury, Conn. on the 7th inst.  Mrs. Reed was the widow of the late W.B. Reed, who will be remembered by many of our citizens as formerly at the head of the firm of W.B. Reed & Co., in charge of one of the blast furnaces in this village.  Mrs. Reed was a most estimable lady and had many friends here who will learn with regret of her decease.  her life was one of usefulness, full of Christian virtues and good works, and at a ripe old age, just short of the allotted life span, she has passed to her reward.  Mrs. R. was the mother of J. Dakin, and W.E. Reed and Mrs. John O. Hill of this village all of whom are among our most respected citizens, enjoying the confidence and esteem of all who know them. They were present at the funeral, which was largely attended by sympathizing friends and acquaintances.

________________________________

Our citizens were shocked on Monday morning by the telegraphic intelligence of the death on the morning of that day at Cincinnati, O. of Frank Smith.  What makes it more sad is the fact that his disease was smallpox, and the first announcement of his illness was that of his death.  Frank was the youngest son of Mr. C.A. Smith, of this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY].  and for several years resided with his father here, enjoying the respect and confidence of all who knew him. A little less than two years since he married Miss Jennie Milner, daughter of the late Thomas Milner, Esq., and took up his residence in Rochester, in a short time to remove to Columbus, Ohio, and two weeks since letters were received from him there. This was the last communication received from him.  He had meanwhile gone to Cincinnati, where he was attacked by the dread disease which so suddenly terminated his life.  Further than this we are without particulars. The dispatch came from a gentleman in Cincinnati, which stated that Mrs. smith was stopping at this house in that city.  Mr. John Smith, of this village, brother of deceased, left for Cincinnati on Tuesday morning.

Vital Records, Chenango County, NY, January 1876 (continued)

 Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, January 20, 1876

Marriages

HUMPHREY - HART:  At the residence of the bride's father, in Iowa City, Iowa, Jan. 15th, by Rev. D. Brown, Mr. William L. Humphrey to Miss Minerva L. Hart daughter of Eugene Hart, all of Iowa City.

ALVERSON - LOTTERIDGE:  In Sherburne [Chenango Co. NY], Jan. 12th, by Rev. S.W. Weiss, Mr. Willie A. Alverson to Miss Martha A. Lotteridge, all of Earlville [Madison Co. NY].

LOTTERIDGE - CROWELL:  In Sherburne [Chenango Co. NY], Jan. 12th, by Rev. S.W. Weiss, Mr. Charles H. Lotteridge of Columbus [Chenango Co. NY] to Miss Lucitta M. Crowell, of Sherburne.

ORWEN - MORTON:  In Bainbridge [Chenango Co. NY], Jan. 9th, by Rev. D.C. Haynes, Mr. John Orwen of North Sanford, Broome Co. [NY], to Miss Minnie E. Morton of Bainbridge.

JUDD - MINOR:  In Coventryville [Chenango Co. NY], Jan. 12th, by Rev. G.D. Horton, Mr. Joel L. Judd to Mrs. Amanda M. Minor of Coventryville.

BEACH -SWIFT:  In Smyrna [Chenango Co. NY], Jan. 13th, by Rev. H. Fox, Mr. Theodore Beach to Miss Cora Swift, all of Smyrna.

TAINTOR - CHURCH:  In Owego [Tioga Co. NY], Dec. 8th, by Rev. F.S. Peck, Mr. Phineas E. Taintor, of Harford [Cortland Co. NY] to Miss Ella S. Church, of Sherburne [Chenango Co. NY].

BOWDISH - DELAVAN:  In Cincinnatus [Cortland Co. NY] Dec. 28th, by Rev. H.C. McDermott, Mr. Charles W. Bowdish, of Freetown [Cortland Co. NY] to Miss Nettie V. Delavan, of Cincinnatus.

BRIGGS - GARDNER:  In Freetown, Cortland Co. [NY], Dec. 31st by Rev. H.C McDermott, Mr. morris Briggs of Cincinnatus [Cortland Co. NY] to Mis Sally M. Gardner, of Freetown.

Deaths

SMITH:  On the Great Brook, in New Berlin [Chenango Co. NY], Dec. 30th, Francis E. [Smith] wife of William Smith.

TILYOU:  In North Norwich [Chenango Co. NY], Jan. 14th, Mrs. Mary Tilyou mother of Albert Tilyou, aged 71 years, 9 months and 13 days.

CRANDALL:  In Pitcher [Chenango Co. NY], Jan. 1st, of typhoid pneumonia, Mrs. Phianna Crandall in the 65th year of her age.  widow of Caleb Crandall.

WOOD:  In Butternuts [Otsego Co. NY], Jan. 8th, Abby Ann [Wood], wife of Leonard Wood, aged 44 years.

REED:  In Salisbury, Conn., Jan. 7th, at the residence of her son, Marvin Reed, Mrs. Mary Ann Reed aged 88? years, mother of J.D. and W.R. Reed and Mrs. J.O. Hill of this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY].

Mrs. Ruth Cadogan, aged 73 years of Little York [Cortland Co. NY], who had been suffering from partial paralysis for some years, while attempting to rise from her chair, during the temporary absence of her daughter, on the 7th inst. fell upon the floor breaking her hip bone, and fracturing the tibia, besides sustaining internal injuries, which resulted in her death on the following Sunday.

A young man named Edward Behan died of smallpox in Oneida [Madison Co. NY], on the 11th inst.  There was no other cases int he village, and every precaution has been taken by the authorities to prevent the spread of the deisease.

Owen Matthews, aged 77, a respected citizen of Cazenovia [Madison Co. NY] died of heart disease while eating his Christmas dinner.

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SCHORN:  In St. Paul, Minn., Jan. 10th, of paralysis of the brain, Mr. Jacob Schorn son of S. Joseph and Matilda Schorn, of this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY] aged 27 years.

Deceased will be remembered by a large circle of acquaintances in this vicinity, as an estimable young man, and his early death will be sincerely mourned.  The St. Pual Dispatch of the 10th inst. makes the following mention of his death:

"Jacob Schorn a tobacconist at No. 74 West Third Street, died this morning of paralysis of the brain.  Mr. S. was born in Cologne, Prussia; came to this country in 1857, became a citizen of St. Paul in 1868.  Married a daughter of J.S. Phillsbrook, Esq., of Minneapolis.  Has been sick for nine weeks and leaves a wife and three children.  Funeral tomorrow, and the body taken to Minneapolis.  Mr. Schorn was a good man, a member of the German Society, amiable in the business walks of life, a kind friend and a devoted husband."

___________________________

SMITH:  In Cincinnati, Ohio, Jan. 17th, of smallpox.  Mr. Frank M. Smith, formerly of this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], aged 22 years.

The announcement of the death of young Smith, which was received by his father, C.A. Smith, Esq., of this place on Monday evening last, caused a feeling of sadness among the relatives and friends of the deceased.  he will be remembered as a former resident of this village, and a genial companion and warm-hearted friend.  In the summer of 1874 he married Miss Jennie Milner, of this village and soon afterwards removed to Ohio. At the time of his death, he was employed in a clothing house in Cincinnati.  His friends have received no particulars of his death, with the exception of the dispatch received on Monday evening, from Mr. Thomas G.  Harron of Cincinnati.  His brother, John Smith, left on Tuesday morning and will accompany the stricken widow to the home of her friends in this village.

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ROGERS:  Suddenly on the cars in this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], on Monday evening, Jan. 17th, Rev. Dr. Ferdinand Rogers, Rector of Zion Church, Greene [Chenango Co. NY], aged 60 years.

Death, always a dreaded visitor, is doubly unwelcome when the Messenger comes suddenly in an unlooked for moment and in a least expected manner.  The announcement of a sudden take off is more than ordinarily startling and the shock proportionately severe.  Such a shock has been experienced in this community and which will extend as the sad event is made known in the sudden death on Monday evening last of Rev. Ferdinand Rogers, D.D., late Rector of Zion Church, Greene. The shock is especially severe in the present instance because the one suddenly removed has spent a long and useful life, honored and beloved, among the people of this County.

Dr. Rogers left his parish on Saturday evening last, in the fullness of health and strength, and came to Norwich to officiate on Sunday in Emmanual Church for Rev. Mr. Loveridge, who is absent from town.  Morning and evening he conducted most acceptably the services of the church and delivered two most able and eloquent discourses which were received with universal commendation for their marked power and effectiveness by the large congregations present.  Sabbath afternoon, several of the vestry and others waited upon the Rector at the residence of Mrs. Griffing, whose house was his home during his brief sojourn in Norwich and were comforted and cheered by the words which he uttered. On Monday he made and received numerous calls, among others visiting Rev. Mr. Scoville at his study, with whom he had a most delightful interview.

In the evening he was joined by his wife, who came on the Utica Express to attend with him Gough's lecture, desirable sittings having previously been secured by a friend.  After the lecture, which both seemed greatly to enjoy, as did all, and with which the Doctor especially expressed himself a number of times as exceedingly well pleased, with others they left the church for the train in waiting, exchanging many pleasant words as they passed along.  On the way, Mr. and Mrs. Rogers called for a moment at Mrs. Griffing's, nothing unusual being observed on the part of the doctor, excepting a slight indication of dizziness and weakness, but which would never have been thought of more, except for the startling change which so quickly followed.

Upon reaching the train at the Lackawanna depot, the Doctor made a remark which indicated to Major Everts, the conductor in charge, bewilderment of mind and loss of recollection, that convinced him that there was something the matter.  He stepped into the baggage car, where were J.W. Glover, Esq., and other Oxford gentlemen, and the train moved on.

Scarcely had the swing bridge been passed at the lower part of the village, before he sank into the arms of those near him, and in a moment, before his wife and friends could reach him from an adjoining car he was dead.  The cause, whether apoplexy or heart disease, doubtless will forever remain a mystery; judging from his own impressions, probably the latter.

The matter was talked over, we learn, that very day at Mr. Scoville's, and Mr. Rogers rather came to the conclusion that his convictions in regard to heart troubles were unfounded.  In any event, he expressed his entire readiness and willingness to depart, suddenly if it might be, firmly believing that all would be well with him.

His discourse on Sunday morning was peculiarly suggestive and impressive, portraying in a masterly manner the imperfections and perishableness of earth, and full of the richness and glories of Heaven.  His text was in these words as recorded in the First Epistle General of John:  "And the world passeth away and the lust thereof; but he that doeth the will of God abideth forever."  It was such a sermon as a minister of the Gospel might well preach who expected the next day or at any moment to exchange the dross and fading things of this world for the the bright and enduring, the pure gold of the City of God.,

Twenty-nine years ago, the subject of this sketch came from Brownville, Jefferson County [NY], to Greene [Chenango Co. NY], a widower, with one son.  That son, it may be remembered, died in Utica some two years ago, from disease of the brain, brought on by excessive study in his preparation for the ministry, which we believe, with great promise he had already entered. A few years after his settlement in this County, Mr. Rogers married his present wife, an intimate friend of his former companion, by whom he has had six children, two of whom only are living, a daughter perfecting her musical education in Philadelphia, and a son eighteen or twenty years of age.  For twenty-nine years through many trials and vicissitudes did Mr. Rogers continue the Good Shepherd of one flock, cherished, reverenced and beloved, not only by his immediate charge, but by all with whom he was brought in contact.  He stood high in the Church, and his opinions were held with great weight.  Genial in his social relations, able in the ministry, without bigotry, faithful to his friends, forgiving his enemies (and these must have been few), he went down to his grave, his work done and well done, like a shock of corn fully ripe in its season. Well did the Revelator write "Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth; yea saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors; and their works do follow them."  The funeral of Dr. Rogers was held in Greene, this (Wednesday)Afternoon.  His aged was 60.

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VAN EMBERGH:  In this town [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], Jan. 12th, Mrs. Nancy Van Embergh, wife of Thomas Van Embergh, aged 80 years.

When one who has lived so long and so well as she whose name stands at the head of this article, passes away from earth, it seems fitting that a somewhat extended notice should be given of her life and character and death.

Mrs. Van Embergh was born in Lynn, Conn., in February 1795, and hence at the time of her death, on the 13th inst. she was nearly 80 years of age.  when about fourteen years old, she went on a visit into Albany County, in this State [NY].  There she was married, at the age of sixteen, and there she lived with her family till she was forty-two.  For the last thirty-eight years she has lived in this town where she and her husband at first settled, and where she at last died.  It is a pleasant, comfortable home, about two miles below the village.

Mrs. Van Embergh was converted to God and joined the M.E. Church when but fifteen years of age. At the time she became a Methodist. This denomination was very weak and uninfluential, its members poor and scattered, its church edifices few and inferior, its ministers many of them illiterate and by the masses of the people it was considered almost disgraceful to be connected with this church.  But, notwithstanding all these disadvantages, she felt that this was her home and hence she cheerfully united with this despised people and for sixty-five years was a consistent member and a faithful Christian. She loved the house of God and was always there when it was possible. Frequently she attended amid difficulties that would have discouraged those less persevering.  She loved to do for the church financially and always did in this direction to the full extent of her ability.

But she manifested her religion at home as well as in the church. She was the mother of ten children, five of whom survive her.  Towards her children she was a true mother, making every possible effort to teach and train them for the service of God, and for lives of usefulness.  Her success may be seen in what they are today.  They are all prosperous in regard to this world, while they cherish a reverence for their mother and their mother's God.

She was a remarkably intelligent woman. She read many books, both old and new, besides the religious and secular papers, that she might keep up with the times; and being blest with a wonderful memory, was able to converse upon a great variety of subjects and impart instruction to others who either had not the time or inclination to read.  But her desire for intellectual culture did not cause her to neglect the everyday duties of home.  She was industrious, energetic and persevering in all of her undertakings, making home pleasant for husband and children, and continually exerting a salutary influence.  Moreover, her influence was extended beyond home in the community where she lived.  She was beloved by old and young, and middle aged.  All enjoyed visiting at her house, because of her social qualities, and the kindness of her heart.  She was ever looking after the poor, the sick and the suffering, thereby following the example of her Savior. Eternity alone will reveal how many she has thus relieved and comforted.

Of course, such a life always ends well.  She was patient and joyful during her last sickness, which lasted more than two months, often expressing confidence in her Redeemer, and hope in regard to the future.  At the last her life went out so quietly that the exact time of her departure was not known. She was left alone for a short time to rest, her friends supposing she was asleep; when they went to her couch again, to minister to her wants, they found she was no more.

"So fades a summer cloud away. / So sinks the gale when storms are o'er. / So gently shuts the eye of day. / So dies the wave along the shore."

Her funeral was attended on Saturday last, from her late residence, being followed to the grave by weeping and loving children and other friends.  On Sunday morning her pastor, Rev. Mr. Judd, preached a memorial sermon upon her life and character from the 37th verse of the 37th Psalm:  "Mark the perfect man and behold the upright, for the end of that man is peace."

The aged companion of the departed, now eighty-four years old, and very feeble, still lingers on this side of the tomb.  May the sympathies and prayers of this community be extended to him, in this time of his great sorrow.

It is due to the children of the deceased to say, that during the sickness of their mother, and at all other times, they have shown her every possible attention; doing their utmost to alleviate her sufferings and make her happy. And as further evidence of their genuine devotion, they furnished for the funeral a large number of beautiful wreaths, crosses and stars, exquisitely arranged in tin foil, with japonicas and evergreens.  Some of these were placed on the coffin during the services on Saturday and after the interment upon the grave.  Some of them were in the Methodist church, on the table in front of the pulpit, on Sunday morning, and afterwards given to friends of the deceased.

_______________________________

Death of Hon. W.C. Thompson

We copy from the Watertown Daily Times [Jefferson Co. NY], of the 13th inst. the following mention of the death of Hon. W.C. Thompson, formerly a resident of this County [Chenango Co. NY], who died at his residence in that city on the night previous.  Judge Thompson was born in Burlington, Otsego County [NY] and removed to Otselic [Chenango Co. NY] when a young man, where he resided for several years, teaching school and reading law.  From Otselic he removed to Hamilton [Madison Co. NY] and then to Auburn [Cayuga Co. NY].  He leaves four brothers and three sisters - three brothers residing in Otselic, and one in Hamilton: two sisters in Otselic, and one in New Libson, Otsego County. Deceased will be remembered by many old residents of this County:

"Judge W.C. Thompson died at his residence in this city last night. An old affliction was aggravated by a trip to Ogdensburg about three weeks ago and resulted in his death at the age of about 66 years.  He had been a resident of the County since 1837, having come to Adams [Jefferson Co. NY] from Auburn, where he studied law. While in Adams he married the daughter of Hon. Thomas C. Chittenden, then Member of Congress from this District.  He practiced law in Adams until 1852 and then moved to Watertown, having been elected County Judge on the Democratic ticket the fall previous.  He succeeded Judge Lansing on the bench, and after serving one term of four years, was re-elected, served four years longer and was succeeded by Judge Wright. Since then, he has practiced law in Watertown.

"Judge Thompson had an extensive acquaintance and many warm friends.  He was a good lawyer and a good advocate.  He was ardent, enthusiastic, sympathetic, cheerful and genial.  He excelled as a conversationalist, and at time was really eloquent at the bar and on public occasions.  He joined the Republican party during the war and returned to the Democratic party after the Cincinnati convention of 1872.  He has done much effective campaign speaking for both parties.  He was a good citizen, a good neighbor and a good friend, and his unexpected death will cause much sincere sorrow in this community.  He leaves a wife and one son, the latter being a young man of high promise and one of the State Engineers on the canal."

News Item

 An Afflicted Family:  The family of our friend, Mr. C.P. Hyde, seems to have affliction after affliction.  Asa P. when only three and one-half years old, had his arm broken; when seven and one-half years old, had his leg broken, and three years ago dislocated his elbow.  Edwin A. when ten years old, was thrown from a load of lumber and broke his arm and caused several bruises.  Mr. C.P. Hyde, broke her left arm, and dislocated her wrist, January 25th, 1875, and on the 8th of this month, broke her right arm, and put her wrist out of joint.  Pitcher Register.

Vital Records, Chenango County, NY, January 1876 (continued)

 Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, January 13, 1876

Marriages

BRADLEY - LYNDE:  On Thursday evening, Dec. 30, 1875, at the residence of Mr. M.T. Lynde, Brooklyn, N.Y., by the Rev. Dr. John M. Buchanan, Henry C. Bradley of Milwaukee, Wis., to Clara B. Lynde, daughter of the Hon. William P. Lynde, of the same place.

BURTON - WAKELY:  In Otselic [Chenango Co. NY], Jan. 4 at the residence of Sidney Johnson, by Rev. J.W. Barr, Philander L. Burton of DeRuyter [Madison Co. NY], and Mrs. Olive W. Wakely, of Pitcher [Chenango Co. NY].

WEBSTER - WICKWIRE:  At the residence of the bride's parents at Smith's Valley [Schuyler Co. NY], Dec. 29th, 1875, by Rev. R.T. Cross, Edmund D. Webster of Norwich [Chenango Co. NY] and Jennie L. Wickwire of Smith's Valley, N.Y.

Deaths

Pitcher, Chenango Co. NY:  Last Friday morning Mr. Joseph Burdick, near the Brackel, went out to harness his team, while doing so, he dropped down dead, instantly.  He was about 40 years of age and died, it is supposed, of heart disease.

Holmesville, Chenango Co. NY:  Miss Louise Rood, the young lady burned so seriously about two months ago, was buried on Sunday last, aged twenty-seven years.  Her death was sudden as her buns were supposed to be healing rapidly.  She has for years been subject to frequent spells of unconsciousness which were at last the cause of death.  The funeral services were held at the Baptist church, sermon by her pastor, J.H. Barnard of South New Berlin.

Sherburne, Chenango Co. NY:  Albert Lobdell, formerly of this village, died in Aylmer, Canada, January 6th.  The remains were brought to this place for interment.  The funeral services were conducted by the Masonic Order of which deceased was an honorable member, at Christ Church, on Saturday afternoon.

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Andrew Reynolds aged 10 years, a son of Mr. Thomas Reynolds, butter merchant whose place of business is under the First National Bank of Binghamton [Broome Co. NY], and for some time a newsboy engaged in selling the Times upon the street, was run over on the Erie Railway, at the Front Street bridge, at about half-past twelve o'clock on Saturday, and so seriously injured that he died soon after.

Oxford Times, Oxford, NY, Jan. 12, 1875:  Andrew Reynolds, aged ten years, son of Thos. Reynolds, of Binghamton, was killed by the cars in that city on Saturday last.  He attempted to get onto a moving freight train and was struck by a bridge and thrown under the wheels.  He was a bright, promising lad, and a nephew of Wm. H. Doane, of this village [Oxford. Chenango Co. NY].

News Items

A Single Bridal Tour:  A veritable case of the bride's making her marriage tour alone, is brought to our notice, the incident transpiring in this immediate vicinity.  The knot, as it appears, was tied at Hamilton [Madison Co. NY], the happy groom residing in that section, the bride being, formerly at least, of Durhamville [Oneida Co. NY]. In accordance with arrangements planned previous to the nuptial rites, an uncle of the bride, living near the latter place had made provisions for a grand reception of the newly married pair, having not only put the house in order for a marriage feast, but going to the extent of inviting some twenty-five relatives and friends to the said merry making.  The day arrived and the party gathered.  In due time the bride made her appearance, but to the great astonishment of the house, and those assembled, she came alone!  Upon being questioned as to the meaning of this, the bride blushingly explained that she had left the groom, to whom that day united in the blest and blessful ties of wedlock, at home threshing!  Uncle W. the host, says this beats all the notions of wedding trips.  Just here it may be noted that the husband had promised that in the event of sleighing by New Year's he would come on to claim his better half.  Under present conditions it looks very much as though the bride would be compelled to remain away upon her wedding tour, or otherwise return as she came, alone.  Oneida Dispatch

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A family gathering took place at the house of J.S. Smith in Earlville [Madison Co. NY], on New Year's Day and evening, to celebrate the birthday of their mother, Mrs. John G. Smith, whose age was ninety years on that day.  She was born at cold Rain, Mass., and came to this town in 1806, where she married and has lived since.  She has four children living, three sons and one daughter; the oldest, Wm. G. Smith, resides in North Norwich, J.S. Smith and O.N. Smith in Earlville, and the daughter, Mrs. John S. Pratt in Port Byron, N.Y., who were all present with some of their children and grandchildren and other relatives and friends, who numbered forty that sat at the tables bountifully laden with baked turkeys, chicken pies, etc. and to all appearances it was met with a warm reception by all that surrounded the board. the mother Mrs. J.G. Smith, is now in usual health, so as to be about the house.

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A correspondent of the Utica Herald, sends the following account of a bloody transaction which took place at the village of Clockville, Madison Co., [NY], New Year's morning:

"This morning about one o'clock Christopher Van Slyke came home with his son, badly intoxicated, and thought he would celebrate the opening of the Centennial by firing a few guns.  He loaded his gun at first with blank cartridges and went outdoors and fired it off a few times.  Then he put in balls thinking it made a louder noise.  He then came into his house, loaded the gun again with a ball and asked his wife if he should fire it off in the house.  The gun was pointed towards her.  She had previously had some words with him about  a small canon he could not find.  He charged her with having sold it, and for that reason she thought he intended to shoot her.  she told hm not to fire the gun in the house.  He turned it then towards the bedroom door.  One of his older daughters (deaf and dumb) had retired, and another daughter, Emma [Van Slyke], 17 years of age, was sitting on the side of the bed, holding her little sister, four years old and facing the open bedroom door, where she could plainly see her father. As the father turned the gun from the mother towards the door, it was discharged, the ball passing through the left breast and heart of his daughter, Emma, who fell dead on the bed. The father claims that when he put the cap on the lock the hammer would not go down, and in trying to push it down, the gun went off; that it was an accident; that the stock of the gun was new, etc.  It is a sad and horrible affair. Emma, was a bright, intelligent girl, and her death, whether caused by accident or murder was directly chargeable to whiskey and drunkenness.  It is the first death of the kind in our community.  Hundreds have already visited the scene of the tragedy.  Mr. Van Slyke was immediately arrested.

Chenango American, Greene, NY, January 13, 1876

Marriages

 In New York City, Jan. 6th, by Rev. Geo. Nixon, Mr. A. Andrus of Poultney, Vt., and Miss Hattie Rogers of Whitney's Point [Broome Co. NY].

At Port Crane [Broome Co. NY], Dec. 30th, Mr. Avery Dart of Osborn Hollow [Broome Co. NY], to Miss Elizabeth Bunnell of Port Crane.

At Pleasant Hill [Broome Co. NY], Dec. 30th, Mr. H. Buney of Osborn Hollow [Broome Co. NY] to Miss Loretta Randall of the former place.

At Chenango Forks [Broome Co. NY], Dec. 25th, by Rev. G.A. Place, Mr. Albert Adams of Castle Creek [Broome Co. NY], and Miss Alice Cole of Chenango Forks.

In Binghamton [Broome Co. NY], Jan. 1st, by Rev. Dr. Padlock, Mr Charles E. Darling of Colesville [Broome Co. NY] to Miss Mary Carter of Fenton [Broome Co. NY].

Death

In Binghamton [Broome Co. NY], Jan. 10th, Mr. Gideon B. Miner, in the 77th year of his age, brother-in-law of Rev. A. Parker of this village [Greene, Chenango Co. NY].

Vital Records, Chenango County, NY, January 1876

 Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, January 13, 1876

Marriages

VAN DUSEN - MAXFIELD:  In Pharsalia [Chenango Co. NY], Dec. 30th, by Rev. H.G. Meeker, Mr. Manzo Van Dusen to Miss Olive Sophia Maxfield all of Pharsalia.

ATKINS - LAMB:  In Pharsalia [Chenango Co. NY], Dec. 31st, by Rev. H.G. Meeker, Mr. Carlos Atkins to Miss Amelia M. Lamb, all of Pharsalia.

MONROE - SLATER:  In Pharsalia [Chenango Co. NY], Dec. 31st, by Wm. T. Priest, Esq., Mr. Israel Monroe to Miss Alice M. Slater, all of Pharsalia.

DAVY - YOUNGS:  In Oxford [Chenango Co. NY], Jan. 1st, by Rev. J. Davy, Mr. William H. Davy of Bainbridge [Chenango Co. NY], to Miss Sarah M. Youngs of Oxford.

COE - TOUEY:  In Christ's Church, Guilford [Chenango Co. NY], Dec. 29th, by Rev. W. De. L. Wilson, Mr. Charles Coe to Miss Mary Touey, both of Guilford.

GREENE - PARSONS:  In Bainbridge [Chenango Co. NY], Jan. 3d, by Rev. A.B. Richardson, Mr. Ulysses T. Greene, of Butternuts [Otsego Co. NY] to Miss Emma S. Parsons, of Bainbridge.

WAGNER - DEMING:  In New Berlin [Chenango Co. NY], Jan. 1st, by Rev. Dr. Pattengill, Mr. William L. Wagner to Miss Cora A. Deming, all of New Berlin.

WILTSIE - PHILLIPS:  In South Edmeston [Otsego Co. NY], Jan. 2d, by Rev. O.K. Crosby, Mr. Lyman Wiltsie of Pittsfield [Otsego Co. NY] to Miss Esther Phillips of New Berlin [Chenango Co. NY].

SPICER - BUTTON:  In Columbus [Chenango Co. NY], Dec. 31st by M.L. Jaquith, Esq., Mr. Edwin Spicer to Miss Philena A. Button, both of Columbus.

WOOD - FULLER:  In Binghamton [Broome Co. NY], Jan. 10th, by Rev. Dr. Paddock, Mr. Azor Wood of Guilford [Chenango Co. NY] to Mrs. Hannah M. Fuller of Binghamton.

MUSSON - SERGEANT:  In South New Berlin [Chenango Co. NY], Jan. 5th, by Rev. A. Lindsey, Mr. Uri B. Musson, of Unadilla [Otsego Co. NY] to Miss Mary A. Sergeant of South New Berlin.

MOODY - PHILLIPS:  In Schenandoah [Dutchess Co. NY], Jan. 1st, by Rev. L.I. Wells, Mr. Charles O. Moody, of Guilford to Miss Emma J. Phillips of the former place.

THOMAS - GREEN:  At the residence of the bride's father in Butternuts [Otsego Co. NY], Dec. 29th, by Rev. EF. Eldredge, Mr. Augustus A. Thomas, to Miss Catharine L. Green, both of Butternuts.

Mt. Upton, Chenango Co. NY:  Mr. and Mrs. John Prentice celebrated their wooden wedding on Monday night of last week, it being the fifth anniversary of their marriage. They received a large number of fine presents, both ornamental and useful, and in return extended a generous hospitality to their guests, which was appreciated and enjoyed by all present.  All departed highly pleased with the entertainment, and wishing the happy couple many returns of the occasion.

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Silver Wedding:  The friends and relatives of William Smith and wife, of Preston [Chenango Co. NY], celebrated the twenty-fifth anniversary of their marriage at their residence, January 3d 1876.  Early in the day the friends began to assemble, and at noon the house was well filled, about one hundred guests being present, among whom were H.E. Howard, General Freight Agent Connecticut River Railroad, of Springfield, Mass. and M.M. Howard, Station Agent at Greenfield, Mass., brothers of Mrs. Smith; and A.N. Harrington and wife, of Orange, Mass., the latter a sister of Mrs. Smith.

At two o'clock P.M. the tables were spread with the choicest viands, including confectionery and tropical fruits, of which the guests made a sumptuous repast; while with the organ and splendid singers, beautiful music was kept up during the exercises at the table.  After which, Rev. J. Hurlburt, in a neat and appropriate address, presented by the happy couple with the elegant and costly present which the friends had selected, valued at about $125.  His remarks were responded to by the recipients, with feelings of the deepest gratitude.

To Mr. and Mrs. William Smith, on Their Twenty-Fifth Wedding Day

Dear Neighbors and friends, on this festive occasion, / Please accept our good wishes and congratulations. / That midlife's sorrows and joys, its trials and pleasures, / Hand in hand you have journeyed in such equal measure. / With love's labors unwearied, Till the peace that's perennial, / Till you've safely arrived to your Quarto-centennial.

May the years that remain pass as those gone before, / Rich in love and fidelity - who could ask for you more? / And when the pathway of wedlock you no longer rove, / May your souls reunite in the Eden of Love.  M.S.W.

[that the "printer was remembered," amidst the abundance of good cheer at the festive board on this occasion, the receipt of a generous loaf of cake was substantial evidence; and that the happy couple may live to celebrate their diamond wedding, is the wish of the Union, Ed.]

Deaths

BARBER:  In Smyrna [Chenango Co. NY], Jan. 1st, Cynthia [Barber] wife of Horace Barber, aged 57 years.

DEITZ:  In Sherburne [Chenango Co. NY], Jan. 5th, Edwin G. [Deitz] son of Irving W. and Antoinette N. Deitz, aged 3 years and 7 months.

WILLIAMSON:  In New Hartford, Jan. 7th of diphtheria, Myra Heaton [Williamson], daughter of C.H. Williamson, formerly of Norwich [Chenango Co. NY], aged 14 years and 8 months.

LOBDELL:  In Aylmer, Canada, Jan. 6th, Mr. Albert Lobdell, formerly of Sherburne [Chenango Co. NY].

SCOTT:  In Chicago, Dec. 29th, of brain fever, Bertha [Scott] daughter of Henry C. and Lovica Scott, aged 6 years.

From the two bright little faces, one is gone, / Leaving all familiar traces here to mourn, / With their warm and best affections badly torn; / But 'twas Jesus came to take her to his home.

Weep not for your child departed!  She is free; / Evermore a shining angel she will be. / And no sickness, pain or sorrow ever see. / For in heaven she will ever wait for thee.

Mt. Upton [Chenango Co. NY]:  James Dunlap, son of John Dunlap, died last week, of consumption, at his home on Dunlap Hill.  He, with his brother David, about two years since went to California hoping that the change of climate would benefit them.  It failed to do so, however, as David died there, while James returned home to mingle his ashes with those of his other relatives who had already succumbed to the same terrible disease.

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RICH:  In South New Berlin [Chenango Co. NY], Dec. 28th, 1875, Mr. Ira P. Rich, aged 65 years, 10 months and 19 days.

If life is only a preparation for death, and that preparation consists in living uprightly, and leaving behind an unspotted character, then the subject of this memoir did not live in vain.

Ira P. Rich was born in Worcester County, Massachusetts, February 9, 1810.  When he was only a year old, his parents moved to South New Berlin, in this County, and purchased the farm south of Ambler's Settlement.  Here his father lived and died and here he grew up from childhood and passed his entire life.  In 1841 he married Fannie F. Freeman, of Cooperstown, Otsego County.  Five children were the fruit of this union, two sons and three daughters. Two of the daughters died before the age of womanhood; his wife died in 1864; and the remaining three children- Palmer C., Ransom and Angelia E. - still live together in possession of and occupying the homestead their grandfather purchased over sixty years ago. Thus, far nothing has separated the family but death.

Mr. Rich was highly esteemed in the community, as a Christian, upright and benevolent man.  He was particularly a friend to the poor and pecuniary assistance from him was never sought in vain.  As a public officer he had the confidence of all who knew him.  All objects of public interest received his attention and support.  He met nothing with brawling opposition, but everything like ostentation and parade he shunned with instinctive abhorrence.  All his acts had the charm of simplicity and his words the merit of truth.  He will ever be remembered by his fellow townsmen, as a man who was always faithful to his responsibilities, and true to his public trusts.  He was a man of but few words, but modest and unassuming in all his actions and bearings, yet he imposed no restraint on the sociality of those about him; on the contrary, he entered into it with genial humor and quiet enjoyment, and his native goodness of heart expressed itself in the few words he spoke.

Her health has gradually failed for the past year, yet he continued t go about the farm as usual, until the 25th of November; from that time he was obliged to keep to the house, his chair, and last his bed; and although he was encouraged some by his physicians, he well knew that the final hour was about to come, and he waited with calm, Christian resignation, and passed peacefully away, December 28th.

In his death his family have suffered an irreparable loss, and the community a man of sterling worth; but believing as we do in the immortality of the soul and justice meted out to us in another world, we feel that a good man has gone to his reward, and that his spirit is now where a tear is never shed, and a sigh never heard.