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

 Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, April 6, 1876

Marriage

PRINCE - HACKETT:  In Bainbridge [Chenango Co. NY], March 23d, by Rev. A.B. Richardson, Mr. Eli Prince of Bainbridge to Miss Mary L. Hackett of Rockdale [Chenango Co. NY].

Deaths

CADY:  In Plymouth [Chenango Co. NY], March 19th, Mrs. Susan Cady in the 74th year of her age.

ELLSWORTH:  In New Berlin [Chenango Co. NY], March 27th, Mr. Adoniram Ellsworth aged 64 years.

NEWTON:  In North Pharsalia [Chenango Co. NY], March 14th, Kitty J. [Newton] daughter of Winslow and Sarah J. Newton aged 7 years 10 months and 8 days.

MOONEY:  In German [Chenango Co. NY] March 6th, Mr. George A. Mooney, aged 72 years.

WESSELL:  In Sayre, Pa., March 27th, Calista D. [Wessell] wife of George Wessell, aged 54 years, formerly of Oxford [Chenango Co. NY].

HINMAN:  In New York, March 26th, Mrs. Julia M. Hinman aged 75 years, widow of James Hinman, formerly of Pitcher [Chenango Co. NY].

HAKES:  In Gilbertsville [Otsego Co. NY], March 26th, Mrs. Nancy M. Hakes, wife of Thomas G. Hakes, aged 55 years.

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GIBBS:  In this town of Norwich [Chenango Co. NY], March 28th, Dea. William Gibbs aged 87 years.

Dea. Gibbs was born in Sterling, Worcester Co. Mass., in 1789.  In 1816 he moved to the eastern line of this town, then nearly in its wilderness state, upon the farm on which he has resided for the last fifty-eight years.  United to a most worthy woman, they with patient toil reared and beautified a home where the young loved to gather and the aged to linger.  The unfortunate were sure of sympathy and the destitute of relief; the wayward were counseled with kindness, and the penitent were pointed the way to God; and all down these years agone, the morning song of praise was never forgotten nor the evening prayer unbreathed.  The Congregational Church has lost a member that has stood in its ranks and borne unflinchingly its burdens for sixty years. The church triumphant welcomes home a soldier covered with the dust of a long and weary march; the scars of a thousand conflicts but with armor bright and girded on.  From the aged wife, waiting for the gleaner to gather her home; from the sorrowing children, speaking their last adieus, the eye of faith looks upward to where the first born in her spotless robes with the glorified stands, her mission of daughter, wife, mother, Christian and friend so well fulfilled.  She has welcomed home the father; she waits to welcome home the rest.

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On Wednesday morning of this week, a boy named George Ostrander in the employ of Gordon A. Wood, a farmer in the east part of this town, went into the woods with another hand, to assist in loading some wood upon a sleigh.  The load was drawn out, the boy remaining in the woods.  Upon his return, the man found the boy, dead, he having evidently fallen from a log in a fit, to which he was subject.  At the time of our going to press, Coroner Hand is holding an inquest.

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Our North Norwich [Chenango Co. NY] correspondent "Light" furnishes us with the following particulars of a sad and fatal accident which occurred near Sherburne [Chango Co. NY] on Monday last:

"I have just learned of a sad accident that occurred this afternoon to a man name Preston from Poolville [Madison Co. NY].  He was the son-in-law of Mrs. Dr. Palmer, of this town and was helping move her household goods to Earlville [Madison Co. NY].  When opposite Mr. Ames', near Sherburne, his team came running up to those ahead. The team was stopped and thinking some accident might have happened to him, parties went back in search of him.  He was found in the road, with his face and skull badly crushed.  He was carried into Mr. Ames' house, and Dr. Lyman was summoned.  Though unconscious, he was still breathing when my informant came away, but there is no hope of his recovery."

We learn that the unfortunate man fell from a box upon which he was sitting, which fell with or upon him and that, with bruises from the feet of the horses, caused the injuries, which resulted in his death on Monday night.

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Fred Bresee a brakeman on the Syracuse and Binghamton road who fell from a train and crushed his foot under the wheels of the cars, recently died at his home in Whitney's Point [Broome Co. NY] on Tuesday of last week of lockjaw.

Mrs. Ann Murphy was found lying dead upon the floor of her residence in Binghamton [Broome Co. NY] on Friday afternoon last.

Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, April 6, 1876

Death

BROOKS:   In Norwich [Chenango Co. NY], March 27, Stewart Brooks, infant son of Sherman and Betsey Brooks, aged 7 months.

Stewart was a beautiful child, a precious bud of promise, not, however, to be developed in this withering clime of earth, but in Paradise, where it is now transplanted, and where it will bloom in beauty forever.

"As vernal flowers perfume the morn, / but wither in the rising day, / Thus lovely was this infant's dawn, / Thus swiftly fled its life away"

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On Friday morning last, the people of Marathon [Cortland Co. NY] were startled with the news of the very sudden death of Rev. Mr. Smith, pastor of the Presbyterian church there, from heart disease.  He had been out on Tuesday evening, at the residence of Mr. Geo. w. Webster to attend a wedding ceremony, and on his way home felt a certain dizziness, but not until 10:30 P.M. did he see fit to call a physician.  Dr. Beebe and afterward Dr. Bradford were sent for, but it was too late, and although his mind was clear, he did not rally, but expired about 8:30 Friday morning.

News Item

That Old Powder Horn

"Washington ate of the ox from which this horn was taken sir," exclaimed our old friend Henry Rood, one day last week as he brandished before our eyes an immense powder horn, full twenty inches long.  And so it was.  the horn was form the celebrated "Golden" ox, which was presented to Washington's army at New Haven, when it was in great strait for meat, during the Revolution.  The ox weighed 2,200 pounds and was a Godsend to the hungry soldiers.  The horn which was shown us was a splendid "antler," and evidently proved the superior quality of the ox.  It was adapted for use by Mr. Rood's grandfather Bishop, soon after the killing of the ox.  Upon the large end was a pen knife engraving of the English floating prison, known as the "floating Hell," which at one time lay off New Haven in the sound, an exceedingly good picture.  The horn was afterwards carried by Mr. Rood's father through the war of 1812-14, and had such implements been necessary, might have been carried by his son Perry who was a gallant Union soldier during the late war.  Mr. Rood has owned this interesting relic for 40 years, it having been given him by his father.  It seems to have been a sort of patriotic monitor in the family, for in addition to his son before mentioned, Mr. R. had five nephews and nineteen cousins in the army in the late war, and but for his age the old gentleman would have been there himself.

Vital Records, Chenango County, NY, March 1876 (concluded) & April 1876

 Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, March 30, 1876

Deaths

Unadilla Valley [Mt. Upton, Chenango Co. NY]:  Mr. Clark Chamberlain died March 21.  Only one member of the family is left, all have fallen by consumption.

Otselic [Chenango Co. NY]:  Tyler Potter one of the oldest if not the oldest inhabitant of the town died at the residence of his son-in-law, Mr. Benjamin Grover, March 20th.  He had nearly completed his 95th year.  He came to this town, we are told, 64 years ago, when it was a wilderness.  The maiden name of his wife, who survives him, was Huddleston.  He was a man of strong constitution, and his sons, active and prosperous, reside two or three in this town, one in Delphi and one in Cazenovia.

McDonough [Chenango Co. NY]:  A death which has caused intense grief to the few, much sadness to the many, and general regret to all, occurred in our little town on the 18th.  Calvin E. Barrows striving at the best of his knowledge to serve his Maker, dutiful as a son, kind and loving as a father, and beautiful in his devotion to his wife, has passed from among us.

"Tis but the low foot hill of sand / Which bars our vision in a mountain land. / One moment farther on, and we shall start / With speechless joy to find that we have passed / The dusky mound which shut us from the light / Of his great love, still quick, and warm and fast."

North Norwich, Chenango Co. NY:  John Fisher died quietly without a struggle on Sunday evening, March 26th, inst.

New Berlin, Chenango Co. NY:  Stephen Goodyear died on Monday March 20, aged 56 years.  

Chenango American, Greene, NY, March 30, 1876

Marriages

At the Baptist Parsonage in this village [Greene, Chenango Co. NY], March 23d, by Rev. J.H. Sage, Mr. B.F. Ford to Miss Fanny A. McKee, both of German [Chenango Co. NY].

At the house of the bride's mother, March 22d, by Rev. W.H. Gavitt, Mr. Dwight C. Lyman and Miss Emily Campbell, all of Greene [Chenango Co. NY].

In Bainbridge [Chenango Co. NY], March 21st, by Rev. D.C. Haynes, Mr. W.M. Huftalen of Wells Bridge [Otsego Co. NY], to Miss Julia Tuttle of Binghamton [Broome Co. NY].

At Whitney's Point [Broome Co. NY], March 18th by Rev. C.E. Taylor, George Pittsley of Lisle [Broome Co. NY] and Carrie E. Haskell of Cortland County [NY].

In Triangle [Broome Co. NY], March 16th, Mr. Alvin Sweetland, aged 59 years.

In this town [Greene, Chenango Co. NY], March 23d, Mr. Luke Lowell, aged 67 years.

Sherburne News, Sherburne, NY, April 1, 1876

Deaths

MANCHESTER:  In this town [Sherburne, Chenango Co. NY], March 24th, Arthur Henry [Manchester] only son of R.J. and Mary Manchester, aged 1 year 11 months and 22 days.

CHESBRO:  In North Norwich [Chenango Co. NY], March 27, Lucy E. [Chesbro] wife of Maxson Chesbro, aged 32 years.

FERRIS:  In Smyrna [Chenango Co. NY], March 24th,  1876, Morell D. Ferris, aged 24 years. 

Morell D. Ferris, a very exemplary young man of this town, died last week in Smyrna and was buried Tuesday by Odd Fellows Orders. Mr. Ferris had for some years been a resident of Illinois.

North Norwich, Chenango Co. NY:  The Mrs. Fisher, whose burial I noticed last week, died at 9 P.M. last Sunday a week, and was buried at 12 M. last week Tuesday.  Last Sunday at 6 P.M., her husband, John Fisher, died and was buried at 12 M. yesterday (Tuesday).  Just a week between their deaths and between their burials.  The funeral yesterday was largely attended, sermon by Rev. Mr. Bullock.

Bainbridge Republican, Bainbridge, NY, April 1, 1876

Marriages

SNYDER - COURTNEY:  At the home of the bride in Sidney Plains [Delaware Co. NY], March 28th, 1876, by Rev. N. Reynolds, George M. Snyder and Miss Mary Courtney, all of Sidney Plains.

HEATH - SEWARD:  In Nineveh [Broome Co. NY], March 22d, 1876, by Rev. W.H. Sawtelle, Mr. Isaac W. Heath of Ouaquago [Broome Co. NY] to Miss Flora C. Seward of Doraville [Broome Co. NY].

LYON - FOSBURY:  In Afton [Chenango Co. NY], March 21st, 1876, by Rev. E.T. Jacobs, Mr. Henry Lyon of Belvidere, N.Y. [Allegany Co. NY] to Miss Jane Fosbury of Bainbridge [Chenango Co. NY].

FRANK - SALISBURY:  In Nineveh [Broome Co. NY], March 22d(?), 1876, by Rev. W.H. Sawtelle,  Mr. -?- Frank to Miss Ella A. Salisbury, both of Sanford [Broome Co. NY]

Deaths

Peter B.B. Gould, formerly proprietor of the mills across the river from Unadilla [Otsego Co. NY], was instantly killed at Wade's mill in Walton [Delaware Co. NY] on Friday of last week. The wheel became clogged with ice, and Mr. Gould went down to free it, and his clothing was caught between two revolving cog wheels and he, being drawn between them, was crushed to death.

SThe funeral services of Mrs. Furguson were preached in the M.E. Church, Sunday morning [Sidney Plains, Delaware Co. NY].  Monday the funeral services of a child of Mr. Loergan of this place [Sidney Plains, Delaware Co. NY] and of Mr. Newton of Guilford [Chenango Co. NY], were attended to by the pastor of the M.E. Church, making three funerals in two days.

Smyrna Citizen, Smyrna, NY, April 1, 1876

Deaths

CARPENTER:  In Union Springs [Cayuga Co. NY], March 24th, of typhoid fever, Susie [Carpenter] daughter of John P. Carpenter, aged 17 years.

We are sorry to announce the sudden death of Susie Carpenter, which took place at Union Springs on Thursday last. She had been attending a school at that place.  She had been sick but a week and was not considered in danger by her friends until Thursday when they received a telegram announcing her severe sickness and another soon after telling of her sudden death.  Her remains were brought home on Friday and the funeral held on Monday.

FERRIS:  In Smyrna [Chenango Co. NY], March 24th, Anne [Ferris] daughter of Morell and Oliva Ferris, aged 1 year.

Inquest into the death of James Bly, March 1876

Fatal Railroad Accident

Chenango American, Greene, NY, March 30, 1876

On Saturday evening, about a quarter before nine o'clock, as the down express train was approaching this village, and while it was crossing Nathan Smith's flat and running at the rate of about 25 miles an hour, Mr. James Watson, the engineer of the train, discovered a man walking upon the track directly towards the engine with his head in a downward position about 100 feet from his engine.  He immediately gave a signal of warning which was not heeded by the doomed man, the consequence was that he was run into and instantly killed.  Directly after this man was struck by the engine, the train was stopped and backed up, and his lifeless body was picked up and brought to the depot in this village, where it was immediately recognized as that of James L. Bly a well-known farmer of this town.  The body was terribly mangled and bruised, the back, neck, and one leg being broken as well as nearly all his ribs.  His head was also bruised very badly and the combined wounds must have caused instant death.

Mr. Bly has been involved in a great deal of trouble of late, and some think that he purposely let the engine strike him in order to put an end to his existence.  Whether this is the fact or not we have no means of knowing except to sift the evidence given before the coroner's jury, which we give below.  This our readers can do, and judge for themselves.

Mr. Bly was 45 years old and leaves a wife and family of children to mourn his untimely end, and the public have another fearful warning of the danger of walking upon Railroad tracks.

The Coroner's Inquest

State of New  York - County of Chenango ss:  Inquisition taken at Greene on the 26th of March 1876, before Marcus M. Wood, one of the coroners of said county.  The following named gentlemen were summoned and sworn as jurymen:  L.T. Darby, Foreman; T.D. Welch, U. Whittenhall, Geo. H. Bartoo, LO. Lumbard, S. Walker, C.B. Wheeler, A.G. Rose, R.W. TenBroeck, J.D. Denison, Geo. R. Lyon, E.D. Morse. They at once proceeded to view the body, which they recognized to be that of James L. Bly of said town and county, when the Court was adjourned until March 27th, at 10 o'clock, A.M.

A. Boyce being duly sworn said:  Am acquainted with James L. Bly; saw him last alive about 6 P.M. on the corner at the Chenango house; went to wagon shop 5-1/2 o'clock; talked about a horse which he wished to trade for; we completed a trade; should say he had been drinking; saw him drink in wagon shop from a half pint bottle; it was two-thirds full; three drank from it; drank once at the Chenango House; think he had drank some before; cannot say there was any liquor left in the bottle; he could walk all right; he said Jo. VanValkenburgh would be the means of killing him; it bothered him very much.

F.D. Weaver:  sworn said:  I am a telegraph operator; know J.L. Bly; saw him at a quarter to 7 o'clock on Saturday evening, on the corner near Mr. Russell's house; did not speak to him; he was going towards the depot; he seemed to walk well enough.

G.O. Williams, Physician, being duly sworn said; I reside in Greene; am personally acquainted with J.L. Bly; saw deceased about 10 o'clock Saturday evening at the depot; he had his clothing on.  On examination found left leg broken in center; a fracture of brim of pelvis; an incised wound one inch long penetrating abdomen; nearly all the ribs fractured or dislocated; left clavicle broken at inner third; right, dislocated; right shoulder blade broken at neck; large depressed fracture involving interior half of left temporal bone; two and one-half inches above left ear a transverse incised wound 1-1/4 inches long, corresponding with upper border of fracture, through which a probe would reach the brain; small triangular scalp wound on right side of head, injuries sufficient to cause instant death.  His clothing was wet and a strong odor of liquor about them; found two broken bottles, one of which had probably contained liquor and the other medicine.  When killed he was probably near the east side of the track, with his face in that direction, the blow from the pilot caused the fracture of the leg, and simultaneously he platformed the injuries of the chest and head.

Joseph E. Juliand sworn said:  I live in Greene; I am personally acquainted with J.L. Bly; was present at the examination of the body; identified the body as that of J.L. Bly; the list as presented is of the articles as found on the person of the deceased marked No. 1; heard the evidence of G.O. Williams, which is according to statement made by him at the depot March 25th, at 9-1/2 o'clock P.M.; the list of clothing marked No. 2 is the same as was on the deceased.

Ezra B. Wheeler sworn, said:  I live in Greene; was present at the examination of the body of J.L. Bly, which was held at the depot in Greene, March 25, 1876, at about 9-1/2 o'clock P.M.  I heard the evidence of Joseph E. Juliand, which is correct.

Charles W. Whitten being duly sworn said:  I live in Greene; am acquainted with J.L. Bly; saw him at the depot a little after 7 o'clock p.m. on the 25th inst;  S.V. Page was present in the depot; Bly appeared as though he had been drinking, but was not intoxicated; Bly came to the door and called Page outside; they talked together about 15 or 20 minutes; Page returned inside the depot and after a short time he seemed considerably excited and we went out twice to look for Bly.

James Watson sworn:  I reside in Binghamton; am an engineer on the D.L.&W. Road, Utica Division; was running train last Saturday, train no. 12.  The train came down about 8:45 P.M.; there was a man killed by the train that night.  We came along by the curve on the road.  I saw an object about 100 feet ahead of the train, above the station; as soon as I saw the man, I reached up and took hold of the whistle and pulled about three times in quick succession to attract his attention, and then called for brakes and reversed my engine.  About the time I reversed the engine he stepped towards the right-hand side of the track.  The train ran about 250 yards. We then backed up and came to where the man was and he was dead; he laid in the ditch on his back; we were running 20 or 25 miles per hour. The man was walking north towards the train, with his head down; when the signal was given, he merely looked up and tried to get off; he did not respond to the whistle at once; the light form the engine must had struck 200 feet south of him; he had time to get off after the whistle was blown; he laid about 5 feet from the end of the ties.

E.J. Arnold:  being sworn said:  Resides in Greene, am a lawyer;  knew J.L. Bly; saw him last, about 7 P.M. the 25th; was employed by him as attorney in case of indictment and civil case for same transaction; had an interview with him by appointment on Saturday, which lasted about an hour in afternoon; did not have the appearance of having been drinking; did not discourage him about his suit; Bly had been drinking at 7 o'clock; was making some deal with Boyce; appeared more cheerful and confident that day than usual; do not know of any reason for his going up the railroad track that night.

Nehemiah Sherwood sworn testified:  Reside in Greene, knew James L. Bly; heard of his death; I went up the railroad Sunday morning, to see where engine struck him; going up I saw a track of rubber boots, followed it up; just above Nathan Smith's crossing he went off the road and set down on bank; when he got up seemed to have put hands down in snow; he sent through lot down to ditch, apparently on a run, as though he was going to a barn; then turned and went towards the river, on a run, within about 2 rods of the river; then went up about 100 rods; then came down on a piece of ice, and one foot went into the river; he then came down about opposite, where he fell in the ditch; he then came down; he then went on Nathan Smith's flat by the bars; he then came down and sat on right hand rail going up; he then traveled off on track about 30 rods up.  The force of the engine seemed to have carried him 3 rods into a ditch; think it was track of Bly; examined track between 6 and 7 o'clock A.M. Sunday.

James A. Harrison testified:  Reside in Greene; am clerk with M.M. Wood; knew James L. Bly; was in store nearly all day Saturday; did not sell him any liquor that day; did not see him in the store that day.

Julian S. Wood sworn says:  Reside in Greene; am druggist; knew J.L. Bly; saw him last Saturday at the store; the last I saw him about 4 P.M.; he was sober; he did not buy any liquor in my store that day; I was in store all day except at meals; my father was in store; didn't see him drink that day.

Fred Beals sworn says:  Reside in Greene; am clerk of M.M. Wood; knew J.L. Bly; saw him last Saturday coming into town; was not in the store while I was there; sold him no liquor, and don't know of his buying any.

William G. Rice sworn says:  Reside in Greene, tend bar at the Chenango House; knew Bly; saw him last Saturday about 6 P.M.; he appeared sober; he drank there only once that I know of; I waited on him; he drank with Boyce.

Robert C. Parker sworn says:  Lives in Greene, am at hotel; knew J.L. Bly; was in hotel last Saturday; saw Bly about 1/2 past 6 o'clock P.M.; he was not tight; saw him take one drink; I waited on him; A. Boyce drank with him.

Horace J. Wood sworn says: Reside in Greene, am clerk in drug store; knew J.L. Bly; saw him last Saturday; was with him between 3 and 4 P.M.; did not sell him any liquor that day; do not know of his buying any; he had not been drinking; last I saw of him was about 4 P.M.; have sold Bly liquor, not within 4 or 5 weeks that I remember of.

George Bly:  being duly sworn said: reside I Greene; aged 19, son of J.L. Bly; saw father Saturday about noon; been living at home for the past year; father had done but little work this winter; has been no more depressed this winter than usual; have never heard him say that he was tired of life; never heard him say he would take his life; have heard that he has told some other party that he had made some threats to take his own life; do not know that I ever had any fears of his doing so.  Have you heard your mother express any such fears? rather not answer; was not in the habit of telling me his business; am oldest son; heard first of father's death in Morse's saloon; when told of his death, asked how it happened, and where it was; if he put himself on the track; I asked that question because I had heard it talked by people outside of our own family; first impression when I heard of his death was, that it was accidental.

Stephen V. Page being duly sworn said:  Reside in Binghamton; am acquainted with deceased; saw Bly Saturday evening at depot, between 6 and 7 P.M.; had conversation with him; no one present; it lasted 15 or 20 minutes; Bly did not appear as though he had been drinking; do not know as he had any liquor with him; said he was going to subpoena some witnesses; I supposed it was to be done then; did not say where he was going; talked about his law suit; but was not excited at all when he left; I expected to see him again that night; did not know where he was going; though he was capable of taking care of himself; think he would be able to leave the track on the approach of a train; have seen him once or twice in the last three months; always appeared jovial; think he would not walk up to train to be hit.

Here the testimony ended, and the jury retired and after consulting for a short time rendered the following verdict.

The jury find that J.L. Bly came to his death by being struck by the engine of the express train, while walking on the railroad track on the evening of March 25th, about one-mile north of the village of Greene, while apparently in a bewildered state of mind.  That the jury exonerate the railroad company from all censure.

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

 Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, March 30, 1876

Marriages

HOTCHKISS - PLATT:  At the Rectory of Emmanuel Church in this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], March 29th, by Rev. D.E. Loveridge, Marcus I. Hotchkiss, Esq., of Smithville, N.Y. [Chenango Co.] to Minnie J. Platt of New York City.

A pleasing ceremony took place at the Episcopal Rectory in this village, on Wednesday afternoon of this week.  It was the marriage of Marcus I. Hotchkiss, Esq. of Smithville to Minnie J. Platt of New York.  The happy couple have the best wishes of hosts of friends.

LOOMIS - KING:  In Norwich [Chenango Co. NY], March 22d, by Rev. S. Scoville, Mr. Clark H. Loomis of Solsville, Madison Co. [NY], to Miss Sadie E. King of Norwich.

WHITE - EDMONDS:  In Norwich [Chenango Co. NY], March 23d by Rev. S. Scoville, Mr. Frederick White of Poolville, Madison Co. [NY], to Miss Hattie L. Edmonds of Norwich.

SANNICKS - RUSSEL:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], March 22 d  , by Rev. S. Scoville, Mr. Wilfred M. Sannicks of Norwich to Miss Celia Russel of Peterboro, N.Y. [Madison Co.].

DAVIS - BROWN: In Norwich [Chenango Co. NY], March 23d, by Rev. J.G. Eckman, Mr. Richmond Davis to Miss Lottie E. Brown, both of Pharsalia [Chenango Co. NY].

NEWTON - SMITH:  In Bainbridge [Chenango Co. NY] March 22d by Rev. D.N. Grummon, Mr. Lawrence Newton to Miss Jennie Smith all of Bainbridge.

HOYT - RANDALL:  In Masonville [Delaware Co. NY], March 22d, by Elder Hathaway, Mr. Smith Hoyt of Oxford [Chenango Co. NY], to Miss Phebe E. Randall of Masonville.

SLITER - PECK:  At the residence of the bride's father Eliakim Peck, in Jewett, N.Y. [Greene Co.] March 13th, by Rev. S. Moore, Mr. Frederick W Sliter of Unadilla [Otsego Co. NY], to Miss Celia L. Peck of the former place.

Deaths

BROOKS:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], March 27th, Stewart H. [Brooks] son of Sherman and Betsey C. Brooks, aged 6 months and 19 days.

DRAKE:  In this town, March 27th, Mr. Alge L. Drake aged 85 years and 8 months.

FISHER:  In Plymouth Sunday evening, March 26th, Mr. John Fisher, aged 73 years.

CHAMBERLIN:  In Mt. Upton [Chenango Co. NY], March 26th, Mr. Clark Chamberlin, aged 58 years.

Clark Chamberlin died on Sunday night last, of consumption, aged fifty-eight years.  His wife died two years ago this month, and his son Henry five years ago, both of the same disease and all, by some strange coincidence, dying on Sunday night.  Mr. Chamberlin has been a resident of this place and vicinity for many years and was beloved and respected by all who knew him.  He was a man of strict integrity, and his death leaves a place vacant which cannot easily be filled.

GOODGER:  In new Berlin [Chenango Co. NY], March 20th, Mr. Stephen Goodger aged 56 years.

BOWERS:  In Whitestown, Oneida Co. [NY] March 5th, Lucretia [Bowers] wife of John Bowers, aged 56 years, formerly of East Guilford [Chenango Co. NY].

BARROWS:  In Decatur, N.Y. March 7th, Lena May [Barrows} only daughter of Rev. A.W. Barrows aged 4 years and 3 months.

HALL:  In Grandville, Michigan, February 1st, Elizabeth [Hall] wife of Samuel Hall of McDonough [Chenango Co. NY] aged 82 years.

Perkins E. Buck formerly of the town of Eaton [Madison Co. NY], was instantly killed on the 3d inst. about noon, near his home, Lake Providence, Carroll Parish, La. by a tree falling on him.

Mrs. Sarah Todd relict of Lemuel Todd died at Toddsville [Otsego Co. NY] on the 16th inst in the 95th year of her age.  She with her husband, were among the early settlers in the town. She died in the house that she had lived in uninterruptedly for 70 years.

A little boy, aged six, son of Charles Ames a Richfield [Otsego Co. NY] farmer, wandered away to play Thursday accompanied by his dog and not returning in about two hours, search was made.  The dog was discovered on the bank of a spring and from the animal's actions and footprints in the snow it became feared that the child had been drowned in the spring, which proved only too true. The body of the little fellow was found at the bottom in water about three feet deep.  Life was extinct.

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BLY:  Killed by the cars in Greene [Chenango Co. NY], March 25th, Mr. James L. Bly, aged 40 years.

James L. Bly of Greene was struck by the D.L.&W. express train going south on Saturday evening last, and probably instantly killed.  His body was thrown some distance from the track but was not much mutilated.  The accident occurred some two miles north of the village, and when first seen he was standing between the rails, but paid no attention to the warning whistle, and it was too late to stop the train, which was on a curve at the time.  by some it is supposed to have been a deliberate suicide, by others that he was intoxicated; while the verdict of the coroner's jury, on Monday evening, was that he was laboring under aberration of mind at the time of his death.

Deceased was charged with burning a barn belonging to J.D. VanValkenburgh in Greene, last summer; that gentleman having been an administrator of an estate in which Bly was interested; was indicted and under bail and his trial was to have taken place at the County Court now in session in this village.  He was forty years of age and leaves a wife and children.

[Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, March 30, 1876]:  James L. Bly, a citizen of Greene was instantly killed on Saturday evening last by the train going to Binghamton.  The train was behind time and was approaching the station rapidly, when within about a half mile of it the engineer saw a man approaching the train and whistled the customary warning.  No attention however was paid to it by the man and there was not time to stop the train after it became evident that he would be struck if he did not get off the track.  He was hit and raised and thrown a considerable distance from the track.  The train was stopped and backed up and the lifeless body was picked up and conveyed to the station.  One of the legs was badly mutilated and the corpse was covered with blood and presented a shocking appearance.  It was recognized as James L. Bly of Greene.  He was about forty years old and had resided at Greene for many years.  Until within five or six years he had borne a good reputation.  During that time however, he had contracted intemperate habits and at the time of his death was under indictment for burning the barn of one of his neighbors who was executor of his father-in-law's estate.  His trail was to have come off at the term of Court now in session in this village. From this fact and the perfect chain of evidence said to exist in his case, it is supposed to be a case of suicide, though the coroner's jury found a verdict of accidental death.  

[Oxford Times, Oxford, NY, March 29, 1876]:  On Saturday evening last, Lewis Bly, a resident of the town of Greene, met his death while walking on the D.L.&W. Railroad track, a mile or so above that village.  He was struck by the express train, which was going south and run over, his body was not badly mutilated.  It is said that he had been drinking.  He leaves a wife, a daughter of the late Ephriam Wheeler.

Some time since a barn owned by J.D. VanValkenburgh, an administrator of an estate in which Bly was interested, situated two or three miles east of Greene, was destroyed by fire and Bly was charged with being the incendiary.  A indictment was found against him, and he was held to bail. At the time of the accident he was on his way to subpoena a witness on his trial which was to come off this week, we believe, having left his wife and team in the village.

The Binghamton Times give his name as James L. Bly and says he paid no attention to the whistle which was blown when he was discovered on the track and calls it a probable suicide.  He was thrown some distance from the track, being instantly killed.  He was 40 years of age.

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

 Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, March 23, 1876

Marriages

KING - FRINK:  In Smyrna [Chenango Co. NY], March 16, 1876, by Rev. J.W. Barr, Mr. Erwin L. King and Miss Ella J. Frink, both of Smyrna.

Preston, Chenango Co. NY:  Mr. Leman Smith, who but recently passed the boundary of "single blessedness" to the more blessed land of matrimony has now passed with his young bride just over the line of our town, and commenced housekeeping in the more highly taxed town of Plymouth [Chenango Co. NY]

Matrimony and Trouble in Pitcher

The Register has a matrimonial sensation to the effect that Francis Record formerly of that village, recently married Miss Olive Bicknell, a maiden lady of fifty-eight years, after one day's acquaintance.  It further says, that on Saturday night the bride was visited by her brother Dwight [Bicknell], who knew nothing of the marriage till after it was performed.  After his version of the matter was rendered, she became somewhat dissatisfied with her situation claiming that she did not understand the terms of contract as he gave them.  It appears from the best information we can get that she had signed a contract making over to Mr. Record (her husband) her property reserving a life support therefrom.  Whether there was any misrepresentations to her in order to get her to sign the contract, or by her brother in his version of the contract to her, time will tell.  Sunday at her request, her brother called on her again, also on Monday with his son-in-law, Abram Cooper.  Later in the day Mr. Bicknell and Mr. Cooper drove up to the house, Mr. Cooper remaining in the wagon, while Mr. Bicknell entered the house and called Mr. Record aside for a private interview.  While they were talking Mrs. Record went into another room, from there through the part of the house occupied by another family, by which way she reached the outer door and went to the wagon where Cooper was and after a few moments conversation, returned, gathered up her things and in a hurried manner left the house and got into the wagon with Cooper and he drove off at a rapid rate leaving Mr. Bicknell in the house.

Deaths

TUCKER:  In Pharsalia [Chenango Co. NY] March 11th, 1876, Abner Tucker aged 93 years 6 mos.

Our obituary columns contain the announcement of the death of Col. Abner Tucker, of Pharsalia, which occurred at his residence on the 11th inst. in his 94th year.  Mr. Tucker was another of those pioneers of our county who are now so rapidly passing away.  He came to this county form the state of Rhode Island and resided in Pharsalia for near seventy years.  During all this time he has enjoyed the confidence and respect of all who knew him, and he dies leaving his family the heritage among other things of a good name.  Thus, one by one the fathers are being gathered and soon the last of the pioneers will have taken his departure. Their memory however, will always remain fresh in the minds of those who are cognizant of their good works.

Holmesville, Chenango Co. NY:  Mrs. John Lamphere, whose illness we mentioned a few weeks ago, was buried last Sunday. The funeral discourse by Rev Mr. Eldridge of Mt. Upton, who from the words "God is my portion forever," Psalms 78-26; a passage he stated Mrs. L. quoted in her last conversation with him.  Oh! the beautiful, childlike trust that could place that mother's hand close, close, in that of her Savior, and leaving the loved ones in His care, walk unshrinkingly down into the valley and shadow.  Not for her, were the tears of friends and neighbors, as they stood around her coffin, but for the stricken husband, and the large family of children, for them awaits the loneliness of the earth life without a mother's love.  Now, for her, the glories of the New Jerusalem, the tired feet press the streets of "...lated gold," the travel stained garments, are exchanged for "robes of white" never, again, shall those breath chilled lips breath "a sigh for the blessing of Best." Her voice joins the anthems that mingle with the roll of silver waters and drown forever the fall of parting tears and the voice of all farewells.

New Berlin, Chenango Co. NY:  T.S. Knap a respected citizen of this place died last Thursday in Pennsylvania.  His remains were brough to this place and interred in St. Andrew's cemetery.

The funeral of William Jacox was held in the Baptist church [South New Berlin, ChenangoiCo. NY], March 13, Rev. J.H. Chamberlain officiating.  Mr. Jacox experienced religion fifty-six years ago, and most of the time since has been an honorable member of the Baptist Church of this place.  Once during his religious life, he thought he had a call to preach; but owing to an unfavorable train of circumstances he was led, though reluctantly, to "pass it by."  Uncle William as he was called, was quite a sagacious businessman, and accumulated a large property.  He was 76 years of age.

Oxford Times, Oxford, NY, March 22, 1876

Death

WILCOX:  In Great Bend, Penn., on 10th of diptheria, Agnes H. [Wilcox] daughter of G.S. and A. L. Wilcox, aged 1 year and 3 months.

Chenango American, Greene, NY, March 23, 1876

Death

At the residence of the late E.A. Trowbridge, in this town [Greene, Chenango Co. NY], March 17th, Mr. Whiting Cornish, in his 93d year.

Sherburne News, Sherburne, NY, March 25, 1876

Marriage

SMITH - FARLEY:  In this village [Sherburne, Chenango Co. NY], on the 22nd inst., by Rev. S. Wood, Mr. Marvin A. Smith, of Sherburne, and Martha B. Farley of Brookfield [Madison Co. NY].

North Norwich Chenango Co. NY:  Mrs. John Fisher was buried today. she was one of the oldest residents of this place. The funeral was largely attended.  Sermon by Rev. Mr. Bullock.

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

 Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, March 23, 1876

Marriages

SHRAUGER - FELLOWS:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY] March 20th, by Rev. W.H. Waldron, Mr. Edward Shrauger to Miss Ellen M. Fellows, both of South New Berlin [Chenango Co. NY].

WESCOTT - STEBBINS:  At the M.E. Church in Guilford [Chenango Co. NY], on the evening of March 15th by Rev. E.W. Caswell, Mr. Cyrus J. Wescott to Miss Celia Stebbins all of Guilford.

ROWNER - WETHERELL:  In Oxford [Chenango Co. NY], Feb. 29th, by Rev. H.W. Talbot, Mr. Isaac Rowner to Miss Susie E. Wetherell, all of Oxford.

QUINN - DUFFY:  In Los Angelos, Cal., Feb. 29th, by Rev. Father Flannagan, Mr. James Quinn to Miss Annie Duffy, foth formerly of Norwich [Chenango Co. NY].  

Deaths

BURLINGAME:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], March 18th, Harriet E. [Burlingame] aged 43 years.

FISHER:  In North Norwich [Chenango Co. NY], March 19th, Martha [Fisher] wife of John Fisher, aged 76 years.

DANIELS:  In Oxford [Chenango Co. NY], March 18th, Margaret [Daniels] wife of Cornelius Daniels, aged 60 years.

BARROWS:  In McDonough [Chenango Co. NY], March 18th, Mr. Calvin E. Barrows, aged 37 years.

WARD:  In South New Berlin [Chenango Co. NY], March 9th, Mr. Sylvanus Ward, aged 47 years.

HUNTING:  In Greene [Chenango Co. NY], March 9th, Cora Belle [Hunting] daughter of J.B. and Isabella Hunting, aged 3 years and 1 month.

OLIN:  In Greene [Chenango Co. NY], March 11th, Clara M. [Olin], daughter of Edwin C. Olin, aged 8 years.

PADGETT:  In Greene [Chenango Co. NY], March 12th, Mr. Nelson T. Padgett, aged 57 years and 10 months.

BUSH:  In Belmont, N.Y. Feb. 23d, Miss Ann Bush aged 51 years, daughter of the late Rev. Leverett Bush D.D. for many years Rector of St. Paul's Church, Oxford [Chenango Co. NY].

HARRINGTON:  At Colorado Springs, Colorado, Feb. 11th, Mrs. Thomas W. Harrington, aged 40 years, formerly of Greene [Chenango Co. NY].

TUCKER:  In Pharsalia [Chenango Co. NY], March 11th, Col. Abner Tucker, aged 93 years, 3 months and 6 days.  Deceased was born in Rhode Island.  He has resided in Chenango County for about sixty years and in Pharsalia for more than fifty years.  He was a soldier in the War of 1812.

BALDWIN:  In Cuyler [Cortland Co. NY], March 9th, Esther T. [Baldwin] wife of Albert J. Baldwin, and daughter of Zebulon C. Randall, Esq., aged 34 years.  She has left a husband and three small children to mourn her loss. She was an affectionate wife, a loving mother, a true friend, and a consistent Christian.  Though dead, her influence will live.  Her memory will be cherished.

Lincklaen [Chenango Co. NY]:  The body of Mrs. A.J. Baldwin was brought here for interment on Saturday, the 11h inst.  Mrs. Baldwin was formerly a resident of our town but has been for the past year with her husband in Cuyler, Cortland County, in which place he is engaged in the mercantile business.

Hiram L. Fay a wealthy and prominent citizen of Richfield Springs [Otsego Co. NY], died Tuesday morning of neuralgia of the heart, after a short illness, aged seventy years.

William B. Frisbie of Colliersville [Otsego Co. NY], seventy years of age, died suddenly of congestion of the lungs, while sitting in his chair last Sunday.

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

 Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, March 16, 1876

Marriage

Mr. Lyndes Wells and wife of this village [Pitcher, Chenango Co. NY] were married fifty years ago the second day of March.

Deaths

NAGEL:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], March 11th, Sophia [Nagel] wife of George Nagel.

BENNETT:  In Oxford [Chenango Co. NY], March 9th, infant son [Bennett] of Howard and Marcia c. Bennett, aged 2 weeks.

BURLINGAME:  In New Berlin [Chenango Co. NY], (Great Brook) March 9th, Mr. Abner W. Burlingame, aged 53(?) years.

GRISWOLD:  In East Pharsalia [Chenango Co. NY], March 7th of heart disease, Mrs. Betsey Griswold, aged 60 years.

CARPENTER:  In Oneonta [Otsego Co. NY], march 8th of croupal pneumonia Grace Irene [Carpenter] second daughter of Charls S. and Hettie E. Carpenter, aged 9 months.

E.A. Trowbridge a worthy and respected citizen of this town [Greene, Chenango Co. NY], died of pneumonia on Friday evening last.  Mr. Trowbridge was one of the class that were confirmed by Bishop Huntington during his visit to this parish on the 21st ult.

Rev. Father Beecham a venerable Catholic priest died at his home in Rome [Oneida Co. NY] on Friday evening.  He settled at Rome in 1837 with a mission field embracing what is now the counties of Oneida, Madison, Chenango, Broome, Delaware, Sullivan, Onondaga, Cayuga, Wayne, Jefferson, Lewis, St. Lawrence and other counties.

_________________________

She is sleeping now down in the valley. /  Disturb not her slumber. Let her rest. / Mournfully, quietly and tenderly her friends laid her there.

The fifth daughter of the late Harmon Stoddard and wife of John W. Stanton died at her residence in Otselic [Chenango Co. NY] at one o'clock on the morning of the 8th of March inst. of typhoid fever with other complicated difficulties.  she had patiently endured great suffering through her last sickness, fervently believing in a recovery form her dangers until a few hours before she was received into the arms of Death's chilling embrace.

She was born the 19th day of March 1841; plighted her vows with Mr. Stanton on Christmas day 1865; left her father's home to try the realities of her future life and moved with her husband on the Giles Adams farm; resided in Otselic with the exception of one year since.

She was ever cheerful, courteous and obliging.  Her amenities were known by all who knew her to be remarkable.  Her loving kindness and magnanimity will ever be remembered and stored away in the deep recesses of the hearts of her friends as they were manifested in all her social intercourse.

Her sister, Mrs. Serman who was so remarkable in her reasoning powers had died just four years before to a day.  Her father died two years ago last May.  A brother and sister died in their infancy.  She leaves a little daughter, while her spirit rises to meet those gone before, where no parting may ever come, where the undulations of God's glory shall rise, like the eternal hills on all sides alike, and an eternal bliss continue forever to brighten the celestial plains.

________________________

On the 9th inst., Mrs. Sally Newton  of South Otselic [Chenango Co. NY] was buried in the Rhode Island cemetery. She was born in Smyrna [Chenango Co. NY] in the year 1801; was the daughter of John Parker who resided near the Kennedy School house.  It is over fifty years since she was married; raised a family of seven children, five sons and two daughters; four sons and one daughter are now living.  The husband and father died several years ago.

Miss Best a young lady of fifteen years of DeRuyter [Madison Co. NY] was borne to her grave, in the South Otselic Cemetery [Chenango Co. NY], on the same day.

Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, March 16, 1876

Death

Nathaniel Putnam a pioneer of Waterville [Oneida Co. NY], a prominent Mason and one of the most respected citizens of that village, died on Monday morning last, at the ripe age of 89 years and 10 months.  He was buried with Masonic honors.

Bainbridge Republican, Bainbridge, NY, March 18, 1876

Marriage

WAGNER - OLDS:  In Bainbridge [Chenango Co. NY], March 16th, 1876, by Rev. A. Richardson, Mr. Peter Wagner of Afton [Chenango Co. NY], to Mrs. Nancy Olds of Bainbridge.

Smyrna Citizen, Smyrna, NY, March 18, 1876

Marriage

SHAW - COOK: In Earlville [Madison Co. NY], M 15th by Rev. Brown, Lorenzo Shaw and Mrs. Wm. Cook.

Deaths

CONGDON:  In Smyrna [Chenango Co. NY] March 14th, Rhoda J. [Congdon], wife of Wm. Congdon, Esq., aged 48 years.

TUCKER:  In Pharsalia [Chenango Co. NY], March 11th, Abner Tucker aged 93 years 8 months and 6 days.

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

 Chenango American, Greene, NY, March 9, 1876

Deaths

In this town [Greene, Chenango Co. NY], March 3d, Mr. E.A. Trowbridge aged 59 years.

In Smithville [Chenango Co. NY], March 2d, Mr. Samuel R. Harrison, aged 29 years.

In Smithville [Chenango Co. NY], Feb. 29th, Mr. Moses Bronson, aged 58 years 9 months and 11 days.

In this town [Greene, Chenango Co. NY], March 3d, C. Enrett [Winter] son of Henry Winter, aged 3 years and 4 months.

In Smithville [Chenango Co. NY], March 1st, Mary J. Chapman, aged 5 years.

In Smithville [Chenango Co. NY], March 4th, Mr. Benjamin F. Barnes, aged 32 years.

__________________________

An Old Settler Gone

The Ottawa (Kansas) Republican of February 24th has the following concerning the death of a former resident of this village [Greene, Chenango Co. NY]:

It is with sincere grief that we announce the death of Mr. Thomas Tucher, father of our esteemed citizens, Mr. Thos. Tucher, County Commissioner, and A.L. Tucher, ex-Deputy Sheriff, who died at the residence of Maj. McEathron, his son-in-law, in Appanoose Township on Friday, Feb'y 11th, of typhoid fever, in the 70th year of his age. The deceased was one of the oldest residents of Franklin County, and one who held the esteem and respect of all who knew him.  Father of a large family of respected children, he has left those who will not only perpetuate his memory by following his worthy example but who will ever stand as an example of his care and teaching.  Mr. Tucher was born in England, in March 1806, and came to this country in 1841, settling in New York.  Several years after he removed to Stevenson County, Illinois, and making another change, he came to Franklin County in the spring of 1858, where he has resided ever since.  The funeral services which took place on the Sunday following his death was largely attended by his sorrowing relatives and neighbors.  He leaves an aged wife and numerous children, who have the sympathy of the community in this bereavement.

Sherburne News, Sherburne, NY, March 11, 1876

Death

JOHNSON:  In Norwich [Chenango Co. NY], February 12th, Otava Johnson daughter of Edward Johnson, aged 18 years and 4 months.  She lived close to the Cross of Christ, was a faithful attendant at the Sunday school and is missed by all her class and friends. She has gone to meet her brothers who have gone before. She was singing and praying to see Jesus.

Bainbridge Republican, Bainbridge, NY, march 11, 1876

Marriage

BENNETT - WOODS:  In Coventryville [Chenango Co. NY], Feb. 23d, 1876, by Rev. G.D. Merton, Mr. Seth Bennett of Guilford [Chenango Co. NY] to Miss Huldah M. Woods of Coventry.

__________________________

WHEELER - HUNT:  In Coventry [Chenango Co. NY], March 7th, 1876, in the Congregational Church by Rev. G.D. Horton, Mr. David N. Hunt to Miss Eloise [Calkins] daughter of Mr. H.H. Calkins, all of Coventry.

HUNT - CALKINS:  In Coventry [Chenango Co. NY] March 7th, 1876, in the Congregational Chruch by Rev. G.D. Horton, Mr. Erwin H. Wheeler to Miss Libbie C. [Hunt] daughter of Mr. N.G. Hunt, all of Coventry.

Thursday morning, at the rising of the sun, our citizens were startled by the pealing of the bell of the 1st Congregational Church of this town [Coventry, Chenango Co. NY].  The stars and stripes were thrown across the main street where they floated in all their brilliancy on the soft balmy air of this beautiful spring morning and the crowd of teams that by eight o'clock were on their way to the church told plainly that an event of no ordinary character was about to occur.  It proved ot be the (double) marriage of Mar Edwin H. Wheeler and Miss Libbie Hunt; Mr. David N. Hunt and Miss Eloise Calkins.  The church was nicely decorated with evergreen and in front of the altar was a beautiful arch of evergreen and natural flowers.  At fifteen minutes past nine the music sounded, and the father and mother of the two brides followed by the two couples passed slowly up the aisle.  After the elder couples had taken seats the other two past to the front of the altar and were joined in wedlock.  Rev. Geo. D. Horton officiating.  At the conclusion of the ceremony, they were driven to Greene where they took the cars for their wadding tour.

The parties were all respected residents of this town and that their cup of domestic bliss may be always full to running over is the wishes of their many friends.