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

 Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, April 27, 1876

Marriages

BEH - HOGAN:  At Emmanuel Church in this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], on Tuesday afternoon April 25th, by Rev. D.E. Loveridge, Mr. Joseph Beh of Utica [Oneida Co. NY] to Miss Mary E. Hogan of Norwich.

CRANE - LEVEE:  April 17th, by Rev. L.M.S. Haynes, Mr. A.O. Crane to Miss L.M. Levee of Plymouth [Chenango Co. NY].

RUGGLES - MEAD:  At the residence of the bride's mother, Mrs. Allen Mead, in this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], April 18th, by Rev. L.M.S. Haynes, S.N. Ruggles, Esq. of Boston to Miss Ella Mead.

On Wednesday afternoon of last week, a very pleasant company assembled at the residence of Mrs. Allen Mead on Mitchell Street to witness the marriage of Miss Ella Mead to Mr. S.N. Ruggles, of Boston.  The ceremony was performed by Rev. L.M.S. Haynes of the Baptist Church. The fair bride was elegantly attired and after the ceremony received the congratulations of her many friends with pleasing modesty and dignity.  The bridal presents were numerous and beautiful.  After the company had partaken of a choice collation the bridal party took carriages for the depot, where the happy couple took the train for Boston and other points of interest.  They entered upon their wedded life with the best wishes of hosts of friends.  We understand that they will make their home in Boston but we shall expect to see them often in Norwich.  Mr. Ruggles is a native of Madison County [NY], and most of his relatives now reside there.  He showed good taste in coming to Norwich to select a partner for life.  May their pathway be strewn with flowers to the end.

Deaths

BALDWIN:  In Binghamton [Broome Co. NY], on Monday, April 17th of congestion of the lungs, Mrs. Jane E. Baldwin of Harpursville [Broome Co. NY], widow of Allen Baldwin, late of Binghamton, aged 80? years.  Mrs. B. was a sister of Mrs. Dr. Hand of this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY].  she had lived in the family of Dr. H. since October last and left only about a week before her decease for a short visit, intending to return soon.  Her sudden death is a source of deep regret to all who know her.

POWELL:  In East Pharsalia [Chenango Co. NY], April 10th, Maj. Isaac T. Powell aged 65 years.

IRONS:  In Sherburne [Chenango Co. NY], April 18th, Minnie [Irons], daughter of Jesse and Harriet Irons, aged 2 years and 6 months.

Holmesville [Chenango Co. NY]:  The remains of George B. Post, brother-in-law of Mr. Elisha Simons, were brought here on Saturday from Meredeth [Delaware Co. NY] for interment in the South New Berlin Cemetery [Chenango Co. NY].  Mr. P. was a resident of California and was on a visit at his son's at the time of his death.

Holmesville {Chenango Co. NY]:  Hattie Powers daughter of Damon Powers, died on Sunday morning, aged seventeen years.  She had thirteen convulsions on Saturday and remained unconscious until her death.

Mrs. Altha Fitch Brooks died in Utica [Oneida Co. NY] on Wednesday of last week, in the one hundredth year of her age.  She was a daughter of a soldier of the revolution and was born in Vermont, May 15th, 1776.

Paris O. Davis a well-known and respected farmer rn the east part of this town [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], died on Wednesday morning of this week of pneumonia and inflammation of the liver, after an illness of about a week.

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Death of Ira Crain

The Earlville correspondent of the Oneida Dispatch gives the following particulars of the death of Dea. Ira Crain of Sherburne [Chenango Co. NY], a gentleman who was well known in the northern part of this county and universally respected.

"Deacon Ira Crain died very suddenly on the morning of the 12th inst. at his residence two miles south of here, aged 72 years.  Mr. Crain had been suffering several weeks from a dropsical difficulty, which seemed to affect the heart, but at the time of his death was considered much better and was conversing freely with Mr. S. Smith in relation to the financial matters of the Earlville Baptist church, of which he has been a faithful member of the past 27 years.  He was sitting in his bed at the time, when he was seized with a fit of coughing and an attempt to retch and his physician, Dr. Wilcox, who was called, placed him pack upon his pillow and he died in a moment after without a struggle.  The church has lost a valued member and strong pillar, but while they deeply mourn their loss, they can only look to God for help who alone can raise up others to fill his place. The bereaved widow and family have the sympathy of the entire community in this their hour of affliction."

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In Memory

A number of gentlemen in Corning [Steuben Co. NY] and other villages, intimate personal friends of the late David Milne who died in that place upwards of a year since, have placed over his remains in the cemetery at Hornellsville [Steuben Co. NY], a beautiful monument at an expense of $350.  This is a deserved tribute to the memory of a true friend, a genial companion and a gentleman of rare worth and intelligence.  There are many of our Norwich [Chenango Co. NY] people who enjoyed his acquaintance and friendship during his residence of three years among us, who would gladly have contributed to this testimonial of esteem had an opportunity been offered.  Peace to his ashes!

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Death of Charles Packer

We copy from the Corning [Steuben Co. NY] Independent the follow obituary of Mr. Charles Packer of that town who died April 2, aged sixty-eight years. Deceased was a native of this town [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY] son of the late Capt. James Packer and brother of Horace Packer, Esq. of Oxford.

"Mr. Packer was among the early settlers in this village [Corning, Steuben Co. NY], bringing with him from Chenango County, his youthful [enthusiasm for] industry, a lively and well-informed mind and strict business integrity; and was among the leading businessmen for many years in important worth, and in helping on the enterprises of the day.  After a few years he removed back about two miles on the -?- road, on his farm [in] a dense forest thick with towering pines and majestic oaks.  There, working many men and teams for years he prepared those for spare masts and keels and other ship carpentry and bridge work, and forwarded to the markets, himself working very hard and at the same time having upon him much care and great responsibility in rearing a large and growing family.  After a time his small sinewy frame gradually yielded to the constant strain and his mind -?- with nothing but rest, sympathizing with the body, became fitful and erratic at long intervals; which facts were painfully perceived by his most intimate friends. Yet, as quick natures are too apt to be, he became impatient of advice, however good and well meant; and also more self-reliant, especially in some respects than may be good for a man; and was herein his own tutor and guide to his wounding.  But in these, and after years, he managed his affairs an discharged the duties of a good citizen with commendable sense an public approbation, bringing in from year to year large and abundant harvests of wheat and other grains, and also of hops and tobacco, from his newly cleared and subdued fields, and also devoting much time and thought to reading and to the important and stirring events of the times  He had a liberal share in the guidance and in the honors of all local politics and also in the discussions upon subjects of pith and importance to the public.  He was a man of fine dialectic mind, slow, almost to obstinacy to confirm to the world, having his chief delight in the pleasures of thought and of meditation and in high argument and regarding the pleasures of sense and imitation as "poor things" supplemented by conventionals, which are "also poor things."  Hence a man not generally understood or appreciated in "this round of becoming."  He was always before this cloud of disease settled upon his mind, most kind and good in all the relations of life; but disease hovered around where reason holds her court and now and then obtaining the will or turning it awry, the man in charity and Divine philosophy at those times is not responsible. Of such they say, "forgive them, for they know not what they do." And surely no mortal can tell what they may do.  After every means in reach of friends and kind neighbors were exhausted to avert the step and restore the man, he was placed at Willard Asylum about twenty-two months ago. There he remained in that abode of compassion and home of high medical art, yet without relief, until death, the sweet comer to the weary, freed the winged soul from the cares and crosses and clods of this low earth - dying, as certified, "of exhaustion from chronic mental disease."

"On Wednesday following, his funeral was largely attended, from his late residence, by friends and sympathizing neighbors, joining with the Rev. Mr. Wilson in pious regard for the deceased and for his six full orphaned children left in sorrow; the holy man assuaging their griefs by the healing balm that flows from sacred service of the Episcopal Church, feelingly administered. The brief story of the good man, recounting the pleasant and profitable interview he had enjoyed with the deceased, when the candle of the lord shone on him, and the gracious day he had in his visit with him at the Asylum, told a heart, liquid with the dews of Hermon, and that lifts to Heaven."

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

 Sherburne News, Sherburne, NY, April 22, 1876

Deaths

POWELL:  In Earlville [Madison Co. NY], April 20th, Mrs. Harriet Powell, aged 62 years.

IRONS:  In this town [Sherburne, Chenango Co. NY], on the 18th inst., Mamie [Irons] daughter of Jessie and Hattie Irons, aged 3 years and 6 months.

FOWLER:  In Smyrna [Chenango Co. NY], April 15th, Frank W. Fowler, aged 19 years and 27 days.

"Death loves a shining mark."  A very exemplary young man, endeared to all his friends and acquaintances.  Bright and promising, high expectations were formed of his future usefulness. We will long mourn his loss, though conscious he has returned to a happier home.

We learn that Mrs. Lewis Powell of Earlville [Madison Co. NY] died very suddenly on Thursday morning last. She was in usual health Wednesday and during the afternoon called on some of her neighbors, and in the evening retired apparently well.  She expired about four o'clock in the morning. We do not learn the cause of her death, though some express the opinion that she was taken with a fit.  The funeral takes place today.

Bainbridge Republican, Bainbridge, NY, April 22, 1876

Deaths

PRINCE:  In this village [Bainbridge, Chenango Co. NY], April 20th, 1876, at the residence of her son, Dr. G. Prince, Mrs. Cynthia Prince, aged 82 years.

WINSOR:  In Bainbridge [Chenango Co. NY], April 6th, 1876, Miss Ella Winsor, aged 27 years.

CARTER:  In Afton [Chenango Co. NY], April 17th, 1876, Thomas Carter.

Wilkins Settlement [Chenango Co. NY]:  Mr. Thomas Carter, an old resident of this place, but late of Afton, departed this life, after a long and lingering illness, on Monday last. The funeral services were held at North Afton on Wednesday, and the remains were deposited in the cemetery at that place with Masonic honors.

Josephine B. Monfort died April 14th, 1876, aged 39 years and 8 months and 6 days.  After a brief period of suffering care, she has been called from family and friends to that better and brighter home to be forever at rest.  Such is life, but a few stops from the cradle to the grave, all its issues are in the hand of God.  When we begin to live, we begin to die.  Passing away is indelibly written upon all the landmarks of life as our inevitable doom.  Our days flow away like the water, and we spend the years as a tale that is told, borne on by the resistless course of time, we find ourselves nearing the shore of the unseen land, and pausing ere we cross the dread river of death.  As we see the last change, the paling cheek, the quivering lips and closing eyes, moments are lengthening into hours, the innermost recesses of our being are stirred. the bursting heart would break with anguish unspeakable and full of woe, were it not for the assurance that the stern decree "dust thou art and unto dust thou shall return" hath no power over the soul, and though loved friends die, they shall live again.

Mrs. Jane Thompson departed this life April 3d, 1876, in the 65th year of her age.  Mrs. Thompson was born in Scotland, and at the age of 12 years, in company with her parents, came to America, where in the course of time she was married to Mr. Henry Thompson with whom it has always been a pleasure to share the joys and sorrows of life.  She was the mother of eight children, all except one still living, six of which were permitted to attend the funeral of their cherished mother, one having some time since bid adieu to home and kindred going to distant lands to seek a home and the comforts of life for himself and family.  Mrs. Thompson was an affectionate companion, a tender mother, a consistent Christian and obliging neighbor, ever thoughtful of the comforts of others and in a special manner those of her family, forgetting self, thus drawing around her a large circle of friends which now mourn the loss of one they had learned to love.  And whilst the companion and children deeply feel the loss of one they loved, they have the assurance that it is her gain for she had not neglected the commands of Christ to be ready to go at His bidding. Though she suffered much in her last sickness, her trust was in Christ who was her lamp and guide, enjoying the voice of prayer and singing, desiring that her life might have a peaceful close.  Towards the last days of her life, she requested one of her children to read some portions of the Bible to her, at the close of which she said it is all nice and good. At another time she asked them to sing, and as they sang "There is Rest for the Weary," her countenance brightened up with joy such as the Christian only enjoys. And as we contemplate on the departed our feelings are best expressed by the words, "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.

Mourn not her departure, / Her spirit is free / To roam with the angels, / Her Saviour to see.

No more does she suffer / With anguish and pain, / And we feel that our loss / To her must be gain.

Smyrna Citizen, Smyrna, NY, April 22, 1876

Death

FOWLER:  In Smyrna [Chenango Co. NY], April 15th, frank W. [Fowler] only son of Arial and Margaret Fowler, aged 19 years and 27 days.

"Fairest hopes of sweetest promise, / Perished in thy young decay, / But the hour that bore thee from us, / Carried more than wealth away."

Frank W., only son (and child) of Arial and Margaret Fowler, died at the residence of his father, in Smyrna Village, April 15th, `1876, aged 19 years and 27 days.

Frank had just commenced his last term at Colgate Academy, at Hamilton.  He was taken unwell but thinking it nothing serious, continued his studies until two days before his return.  He came home on the evening of the 14th, accompanied by Mr. Williams (his roommate) and died on the evening of the 15th, just 24 hours after his return to the parental roof.  He became unconscious soon after his return but about three hours before his death, consciousness returned, and though unable to talk distinctly, enough was gathered form his lips and countenance to give his parents and friends good assurance of his safe rest in heaven.  The "Signet Ring" of immortality shone form his countenance, after the spirit had fled.

He called for his associates and seemed anxious to say something to them but could not speak plainly enough to be understood.  His countenance indicated that he wanted to tell them to get ready to die.

Frank was a young man of superior worth.  He most dearly loved and honored his parents.  He was modest and unassuming, and a true friend.  He was held in high esteem by all who knew him and was in every way worthy of it.

The full church at his funeral services (though he was buried the day before) gave evidence of the high esteem in which he was held in this community, and the delegation from the Hamilton school and the resolutions read from that institution gave evidence of the high esteem he was held in there.

He will be greatly missed by his large circle of associates.  He will be missed in the Sunday School.  Who can tell how much he will be missed by those heartbroken parents?

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

 Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, April 20, 1876

Marriage

SUFFERN - PARKS:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY] at the residence of the bride's parents on the 6th inst. by the Rev. L.M.S. Haynes, Mr. Simeon G. Suffern and Adelia P. [Parks] daughter of Asa Parks, all of this village.

Deaths

BALDWIN:  In Binghamton [Broome Co. NY], on Monday, April 17, after a brief illness, Mrs. Jane E. [Baldwin] widow of Allen Baldwin, late of Harpursville [Broome Co. NY].

FOWLER:  In Smyrna [Chenango Co. NY], April 15th, Frank W. Fowler, aged 19 years and 27 days.

On Saturday of last week our citizens were startled by the intelligence that Frank Fowler, son of Ariel Fowler, was dead.  He was attending school in Hamilton [Madison Co. NY], was taken ill with typhoid fever, came home on Friday evening, and on Saturday evening died.  Frank was a genial, good hearted companion and his loss will be deeply felt by his schoolmates here and in Hamilton.

George Edwards of Pecks Pa. recently fell from an apple tree he was trimming and broke his neck, dying instantly.

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Death of Nathan E. Beals

DIED:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], Saturday evening the 10th inst., Nathan E. Beals, aged 62 years 6 months.

Mr. Beals was born in Jefferson, Schoharie County [NY] where he resided until he was four years of age, when he removed with his parents to Bennington, Vt.  Here he spent his youth and early manhood and acquired his trade, that of a machinist, in which in every department he always excelled.  He came to Norwich in 1850, where he has since resided, except for a short period he was in Williamstown, Mass., returning from there three years since.

His life has been a quiet one from choice.  Though fitted to occupy a more public sphere than that of a machinist, he sought to attain prominence in that profession by applying himself closely to its duties.  How well he succeeded, the praises of his employers will attest.  In his social life he was always a favorite.  None could remain long in conversation with him, without receiving instruction whether he would or no, and in the shop, the social circle, or among his brethren in the various civic societies to which he belonged, or in the church of which he was a member he was always welcome.

For the past three years, disease has withdrawn him form active life. Though he rallied for a time and seemed to give promise of again renewing his usefulness, a second stroke prostrated him, and he sank away quietly and without pain on Saturday evening last, surrounded by his affectionate wife and sons and sympathizing friends.  In their bereavement they have the sympathy of the entire community who have so long witnessed the deceased's upright and honorable walk among them.

He was buried on Tuesday afternoon with Masonic honors, a Knight Templar detachment doing escort duty.  A large number of Brothers united with other friends in paying their last sad tribute to their departed friend.

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Death of a Former Resident

John S. Pratt for many years a resident of North Norwich [Chenango Co. NY], Earlville [Madison Co. NY] and Plymouth [Chenango Co. NY], died at his residence near Port Byron, Montezuma [Cayuga Co. NY], on the morning of the 6th inst. at the age of 46 years.  Mr. Pratt will be well remembered by most of our old residents.  He was an active, enterprising man, strong in his attachments to friends, always ready to help the needy and those in distress.  The Cayuga Independent has the following in regard to his later life:

Mr. Pratt possessed one of the most rugged constitutions until one year ago when he was seized with smallpox from which recovery never was complete.  Hardly had he become able to superintend personally his farm ere a paralytic shock of a slight nature again prostrated him temporarily.  Overcoming that a fever set in, followed by severe attacks of rheumatism, which removed, dropsy appeared, and his system made weak was unable to survive further illness.  It will be seen that he was the victim of combined disease, from which few men, however well cared for could recover.

Mr. P. was one of the most thorough and energetic farmers in this county.  During a residence of ten years, he had made for himself a reputation for unwavering diligence in whatever he engaged, second to no man in central New York.  His determined opposition to the bonding of Montezuma for railroad purposes; an innate conviction of the necessity of opposing anything that partook of the nature of a scheme made him enemies.  Little did he care for them, however, for when satisfied, he was in the right, there was no opposition he feared to encounter.  The first resident member of the Grange in Cayuga he may be said to be the Father of the organization in this county, the large share of the lodges having been organized and set in motion by him.  In this movement he was especially active, participating in conventions, meetings, picnic or where there was a gathering of the order, whenever health would permit.

The management of his farm property, interests of the Grange, opposing bonding, all combined, drew top heavy upon his mental faculties, preyed upon as they have been the past year by one disease and another.  Within the past few weeks his death had been expected.  He leaves a wife to mourn the loss of a faithful and kind husband, two daughters (one unmarried) to grieve for the absence of an indulgent and loving father.  The community suffers a loss of an excellent and public-spirited citizen, who was active in behalf of reforms, political, social, moral.

His remains were taken to Weedsport [Cayuga Co. NY] for interment.

Oxford Times, Oxford, NY, April 1 9, 1876

Death

SEAMAN:  In Cortland, Ill., March 16th, 1876, Artie [Seaman] only son of James P. and Mary A. Seaman, and grandson of L.B. Jackson of this village [Oxford, Chenango Co. NY], aged 10 years, 8 months and 8 days.

Chenango American, Greene, NY, April 20, 1876

Marriages

At the residence of Wm. Barton in Coventryville [Chenango Co. NY], April 9th, by Rev. George D. Horton, Mr. Clark Soule of Smithville [Chenango Co. NY] to Miss Kittie Leitch of Brisbin [Chenango Co. NY].

In Arrat, Pa., March 23d, by Rev. A.H. Fish, at the residence of the bride's sister, Mr. A. Flynn to Mrs. Adda Wardwell, both of this town [Greene, Chenango Co. NY].

In Providence, Pa., April 4th, by Rev. W.J. Judd, Mr. Samuel G. Beers of Providence to Miss Eliza J. Chambers, late of Norwich [Chenango Co. NY].

In Whitney's Point [Broome Co. NY], April 2d, by Rev. W. Gates, Mr. Daniel R. Livermore to Miss Clara J. Howland both of Lisle [Broome Co. NY].

In Fenton [Broome Co. NY], April 2d, by Rev. A.C. Sperry, Mr. Augustus Carman of Fenton to Miss Ella Winchester of Oxford [Chenango Co. NY].

Deaths

The case of the death of the little daughter of Mrs. Ida J. Lovalley of this city [Binghamton, Broome Co. NY], is one of peculiar affliction.  In September last Mr. and Mrs. Lovalley lost a little son.  In December the father and husband was taken away.  On the 4th of the present month another little son eighteen months old was buried, and now her eldest and only remaining child, a little girl about five years of age is suddenly taken from her by that dreaded disease diptheria, having only been sick since Friday last.  Truly, her cup seems full.  Binghamton Times.

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

 Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, April 20, 1876

Marriage

CARMAN - WINCHESTER:  In Fenton [Broome Co. NY], April 2d, by Rev. A.C. Sperry, Mr. Augustus Carman of Preston [Chenango Co. NY] to Miss Ella Winchester of Oxford [Chenango Co. NY].

Deaths

BEALS:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY] April 10th, Nathan E. Beals aged 62 years.

FITCH:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY] April 12th of scarlet fever, Cora E. [Fitch], only daughter of Lucius H. and Almira G. Fitch, aged 9 years 1 month and 21 days.

WOOD:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], April 14th, at the residence of Martin Gilbert, John Henry [Wood] son of Henry Wood of Coventry [Chenango Co. NY], aged 1 year and 9 months.

INGRAHAM:  In Oxford [Chenango Co. NY], April 11th, Mr. Job ingraham, aged 81 years.

MOORE:  In McDonough [Chenango Co. NY], April 8th, Martha [Moore] widow of the late Chester Moore, aged 65 years.

CRAIN:  In Sherburne [Chenango Co. NY], April 12th, Dea. Ira Crain, aged 71 years.

THORP:  In North Pharsalia [Chenango Co. NY], April 11th, Mr. David Thorp, aged 23 years.

A young man named David Thorp, while at work in the sawmill of his father-in-law, Hamilton Law, in North Pharsalia on the 30th of March last, was struck by a plank which slipped and rode on a circular saw and thrown some sixteen feet.  He received the blow in his groin and in his fall a gash was cut in his head.  He lived until the 11th last, when he died from internal injuries. probably the breaking of a blood vessel.  He was twenty-three years of age and much respected in the community.  His wife is a second time widowed, her first husband having been instantly killed by falling from a building which he was assisting in raising some five years since.

DANIELS:  In New Boston, Mass., Feb. 10th, Mr. James L. Daniels aged 56 years, formerly of Oxford [Chenango Co. NY].

MAYHEW:  in Chenango Forks [Broome Co. NY], April 11th, Sarah J. [Mayhew] wife of Henry W. Mayhew, aged 37 years.  Tender care can do no more. / Love its all has given; / Gazing still a last farewell. / We trust she rests in Heaven.

Seth M. Miller, a merchant of Cincinnatus [Cortland Co. NY], died suddenly of apoplexy, while milking his cow, on Saturday morning, the 8th inst.  Mr. Miller was years ago a resident of this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], and was one of the many peddlers at that time employed by the firm of R.I. Johnson & Co., of this place. Afterwards he resided for some time at Mount Upton [Chenango Co. NY].  He leaves a family.

Joseph S. DeWitt of Owego [Tioga Co. NY], widely known as "Old Joe" died suddenly on Monday morning while on his way from Owego to Nichols to attend the funeral of a Masonic brother.  He was in his usual good spirits, and apparently excellent health, and was smoking with a party of friends, when his cigar dropped from his mouth, he gasped once or twice and was dead.  His friends at once returned to Owego with the body.  Mr. DeWitt was born in Binghamton [Broome Co. NY] in 1814, where he resided until 1841, when he removed to Owego.  He had served forty-one years as a fireman and was a great favorite with his brother firemen.  Nearly all their parades in the southern portion of the State, during the past forty years have been attended by him.   For eight years he was Chief Engineer of the Owego fire Department, and at the time of his death was Captain of the Fire Police.  He was also a prominent Mason.  His funeral is attended this (Wednesday) afternoon by Firemen and Masons from Binghamton and other points.

Guilford, Chenango Co. NY:  Mrs. Abijah Cornwell for many years a resident of our village, died recently after a protracted sickness at her home in Afton [Chenango Co. NY]. Mrs. C. was a sister of the late N.W. Cady, of our place and, like him, was universally respected for her kind and generous qualities.  Her loss will be mourned by a large circle of sincere friends.

James Mead of Waverly, Pa fell from a train which was leaving Binghamton [Broome Co. NY] on Wednesday afternoon. The train was stopped. He was picked up and found much bruised, but no bones broken.  He died at his home on the same evening.

Solomon Marsh of Gilbertsville [Otsego Co. NY] aged 85 years has died.  He was the first white person born in the town.

PERKINS:  In Otselic [Chenango Co. NY], April 14th, of cancer, Mr. Thomas Perkins, aged 80 years.

It is the afflictment of man once to die.  A venerable father has been stricken down from his long distress and suffering by an incomprehensible and inscrutable power.  Thomas Perkins was born near Providence, R.I. August 28th, 1796.  His parents left the place of their nativity the same year to try the rigorous realities of a new home of a frontier life.  This was, at that date, trying to the stoutest hearts.  To take a wife with small children from the comfortably improved region and ample comforts of life from the blessings of which they had long enjoyed with their friends and move with oxen and wagon into an unbroken wilderness was almost considered intolerable at that age of the world.  None but those of the bravest heart and strongest energy and will dared to run the venture.  But the brave hand after passing over rough and hilled roads, through -?- of mud with no other guide but marked trees in penetrating the deepening wilds with bears, catamounts and howling wolves to horrify and bear them company, they finally succeeded, rested form their hazardous journey and settled in the town of Columbus, Chenango County [NY].  Mr. T. Perkins married the daughter of Jonathan Brownell who was also one of the early settlers; lived in Columbus for thirty years; then moved to Otselic [Chenango Co. NY] were he has resided since.  He has raised six children, one of whom died (Miles) in California; one daughter is living in California and four in Otselic.  Mr. Perkins has resided with Charles G. his son for the past three years.  He died of cancer the 14th inst. at the ripe age of eighty years. He has never failed to vote at every election since coming to his majority; has been a lifelong Democrat of the Jackson school, ever ready to place his shoulder to the wheel of the political car, to move it in the direction of the true democratic principles.

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Death of Nathan E. Beals

Another of our old and esteemed citizens has passed away.  Mr. Nathan E. Beals for many years a resident of this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], died at the residence of his son, Ebenezer Beals, on Saturday afternoon last, after a lingering illness in the sixty-third year of his age.  Unassuming in his manner, genial and courteous in his intercourse with neighbors and friends and upright in his dealings with his fellow man, Mr. Beals leaves behind him a name without reproach, and the sympathies of the community go out to the stricken widow and family in their affliction.

His funeral was largely attended by the Masonic fraternity, of which he was an honored member on Tuesday afternoon.  At a united meeting of the several Masonic bodies to which he was attached the following Tribute of Respect was unanimously adopted.

Our much loved and highly respected Brother, Nathan E. Beals, has been taken from the pilgrimage of earth.  Recognizing his good works while among us, we have every confidence that it is the Master's voice that has called him hence and we bow in humble submission to the decree which has summoned him from ours to a more noble and glorious order where the imperfections of this life are unknown and whose members are in the full enjoyment of the rewards promised to those who are faithful to the trust imposed upon them here.

We are thankful that he was so long spared to walk the rugged paths with us.  His death reminds us that we too, are mortal and that in such an hour as we think not, we may be called.  Let us therefore emulate his virtues and apply ourselves with renewed zeal to the practice of the excellent principles alike inculcated by our Fraternity and the Christian religion to the end that when the summons comes to each of us, we too may not have labored in vain, nor spent our strength for naught, but rather that we be raised to the enjoyment of fadeless and immortal light in the kingdom where faith and hope end and love and joy in the smiles of the Master prevail throughout eternal ages.

Our hearts turn in their bereavement to the stricken widow and to the two sons of the deceased, our brothers.  Our sympathies have mingled with them at the open sepulcher and will follow them to their homes.  In their lonely hours we will bear them upon our hearts and commend them to the kind care of Him that doeth no wrong and who suffereth not a sparrow to fall without His notice.  In his love and mercy, the wounded hearts will find the healing balm and the weary mourners rest.

We will bear our deceased brother ever in kind remembrance and grateful for his acts of kindness and of his noble virtues let this acknowledgment of them be recorded at length upon our minutes; our Lodges be draped in mourning for the usual time and a copy of this tribute properly engrossed, attested by the officers and furnished the friends of the deceased and published in our village papers.

News Item

The coroner's jury at the inquest on the bodies of those killed by the recent boiler explosion in Binghamton [Broome Co. NY] found that the boiler so exploded was both in workmanship and material unexceptional in every particular; that in their opinion the cause of the explosion was its being subjected to an unreasonable steam pressure and greater than it was intended to bear; and that Mr. Carter, the foreman, was mistaken in the amount of steam pressure he was using.

An Engineer's Story - 1876

An Engineer's Story told on a Lehigh Valley Locomotive 

Chenango American, Greene, NY, April 13, 1876

Away in the west stretched the bleak Pennsylvania wilderness, uninhabited save by a few good men, the panther, the deer and the bear. The hillside seemed like that of a desert, and the straining, ascending locomotive like a gigantic, wheezy pioneer.

"There's a right down romance or tragedy or whatever you may call it," said the engineer, "attached to this hill.  And I was the hero in it.  And there was a woman in it, though I must tell you that I'm a married man."

"All right.  go ahead with the story."

"One night about four years ago, and just about this month," the engineer continued, "I was coming down this hill with (considering the season) a pretty heavy train.  At Wilkesbarre over in the valley - which you'll soon see - a young lady got aboard of my engine. She wanted a night ride and was put on by the superintendent.  She was a perfect lady, and her mother was in one of the cars back. To tell the honest truth (as I have often said to my wife) I never saw a more beautiful or game to king [this] girl. 

She was very small, dressed in what my wife calls complete taste and her figure was so good and her hands so small and her ways so frank and artless, that I almost wished she was my daughter.  Her face, though, was what I can't give you an idea of.  It was the most beautiful face I ever saw.  It had" proceeded the engineer, warming, "all the intelligence of a woman's and the simplicity of a child's.  And she was so sprightly and loveable altogether, and asked so many questions, that, although I have never had a woman on the engine but once before, I invited her over here to my seat. and explained to her all about how a locomotive is run. I showed her how to manipulate the lever which admits more or less steam to the cylinders; how the reverse lever is worked; how the tests of water and steam are made.  I showed her how to blow the whistle and ring the bell, and explained how the brakes were blown down, how warnings were given on the approach to crossings.  She took it all in and " said the engineer, stretching his arms across the boiler and clutching my sleeve, "it was the best lesson I ever gave. Right up around yonder, about two miles from town, just as I was handling the reverse lever, we struck a stone or something on the track, at 9 o'clock at night  I was bending down at the time (the girl was sitting where you are, on my cushion) and quicker than lightning the lever flew back and struck me in the eye and knocked me - well, I'll be d---d if I knew where.  Anyway, it didn't make much difference for a minute or two, for I was just stunned.  As we were on the down grade, with no need of fuel, the fireman was back in the baggage car, and when I came to, this young girl was holding onto my head and fanning me with her toy of a hat.  It wasn't two seconds before I knew what was to pay.  The engine and the whole train had started down the hill at the rate of sixty miles an hour.  I tried to spring up and reach the lever.  My right arm and side and right leg were numb.  My face and even my tongue were so paralyzed by the blow I had received that I could hardly speak.  I was so desperate that (more to attract the girl's attention to the danger than for anything else).  I grabbed her hat with my left hand and threw it outside of the locomotive, and then managed to beckon her ear down close to my lips and say:

"Train's going too fast. We'll be in hell soon if you don't turn the lever!"

"She said:"Mr. ---, I feel as if I should faint.  Haven't you got some camphor, or--a little whisky?"  And, as sure as you live, she did faint right away there - right down in front of the firebox, right on top of me.  The fireman and conductor came in and took her back to her mother, and the fireman had to run the train to White Haven."

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

 Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, April 13, 1876

Deaths

BROOKS:  In Pharsalia [Chenango Co. NY], April 1, Cynthia [Brooks], wife of John Brooks, aged 64 years.

POWELL:  In East Pharsalia [Chenango Co. NY], March 20th, after a lingering illness, Mrs. Lucy M. [Powell] wife of C.M. Powell and daughter of Deacon Cyrel Sumner, aged 39 years.

HOLMES:  At Taylor, Cortland Co. N.Y. on the 24th of March 1876, Miss D. Delight Holmes, aged 21 years, youngest daughter of the late Leonard Holmes.

Miss Holmes taught the village school in Pitcher [Chenango Co. NY] last summer, an occupation in which she had often been engaged and with marked success, since graduating at the Academy in Norwich, N.Y.  But as Autumn came on, a cough which had troubled her somewhat since the previous winter became more fixed, awakening the alarm of friends.  Everything possible was done, but disease had taken a firm hold and consumption brought her so soon to the end of life.  She was ministered to with the tenderest care and responded to the kindness with her wonted affection.  Without a murmur, trustfully, quietly, she waited for death, having the victory through the Lord Jesus Christ. With mother and sisters watching over her, she welcomed the messenger who seemed to come with light visible to her.  She was taken like a flower plucked when most beautiful and fragrant.  Her bright mind, loving heart and kind, gentle ways, had endeared her to many who mourn her loss with the household.  D.W.B.

Hon. Elisha P. Wheeler of Middletown [Orange Co. NY][ died last week after a brief illness.  Mr. Wheeler will be remembered as one of the Directors of the Midland Railroad and at one time its Vice President.  He was also a candidate for one of the Greeley electors during the last Presidential campaign.  He was a large manufacturer and a man of unsullied reputation and unflinching honesty.  It was Mr. Wheeler who drove the "last spike" upon the Midland.  In his death, Middletown loses one of its best and most respectable citizens.

A fatal accident occurred near Sherburne [Chenango Co. NY] on Monday of last week.  Mr. Jerome Preston who resides near Poolville [Madison Co. NY] was assisting in the removal of the goods of his mother-in-law, Mrs. Palmer, from North Norwich to Earlville.  In some way the box on which he was sitting slid off the load, carrying him with it, he falling upon the horses' heels.  the horses kicked spitefully, and the wagon probably ran over him.  Those accompanying him did not see the transaction until they saw him lying under the wagon. When taken up, his jaw was broken, the wagon wheel evidently having run over him and a hole found crushed into his skull, probably by the kick of the horse. The doctors who attended him were of the opinion the shoulder and jaw were broken by the wagon wheel, the jaw four times.  Mr. Preston was insensible when taken up and remained so until his death, which occurred at about 10 o'clock that night.

Miss Rosamond Arnold died at the residence of her nephew, H.D. Richmond, last week. She was partially blind at her birth. At the age of ten years her eyes were operated upon by Dr. White of Cherry Valley. The result was total blindness for the remainder of her life, seventy years.  Her funeral was attended at White Store, on Sunday. The sermon by Rev. R. Williams, of Morris, was from the text:  "Arise ye and depart for this is not your rest."  Micha. 2-10

"We, too, shall come to the river's side, / One by one. / We are nearing its shores each even tide, / One by one.  / To some are the waves of the river still, / As they ford on their way to the Heavenly hill; / To others, the waves run fierce and wild, / Yet they reach the home of the undefiled, / One by one."

Mr. Wm. Tracy of South Otselic [Chenango Co. NY], died suddenly of typhoid pneumonia, Thursday night Apr. 4.  He gave up work and left his sawmill for the last time, the Thursday before.  He was an unusually strong and healthy man and esteemed by all. The community was smitten with grief and amazement at his sudden death.  He had a presentiment from the first that he would not live and with Christian calmness made preparations for his final departure.  The funeral was delayed until Friday that relatives living a distance might attend.  He was about 50 years of age.

Wm. Sisson one of the enterprising and much esteemed merchants of Binghamton [Broome Co. NY], died in that city on Thursday last, of disease of the kidneys, aged 74 years.

Chenango American, Greene, NY, April 13, 1876

Marriages

At the bride's home, March 21st, by Rev. Jas. D. Webster, Mr. Lewis R. Fernalld, M.D. to Miss Clara Skillman, all of McDonough [Chenango Co. NY].

In Rossville, Ill., March 29th, by Rev. J.H. Dillingham, Mr. Marvin M. Barckley of Hoopeston [IL], to Miss Mary A. Torrey formerly of Greene, N.Y. [Chenango Co. NY].

Deaths

In New Ohio [Broome Co. NY] April 6th, Mrs. Julia [Wylie] wife of Floyd Wylie, aged 35 years.

In Triangle [Broome Co. NY], April 5th, Charles W. Wells aged 2 years and 4 months.

At Whitney's Point, March 28th, Fred H. [Bresee] of Barker [Broome Co. NY], in the 23d year of his age.

In this village [Greene, Chenango Co. NY], April 10th, Lewis S. [Woods] infant son of Julian S and Lillie Woods.

Bainbridge Republican, Bainbridge, NY, April 15, 1876

Deaths

We have just learned of the death of Mr. Edwin Ives of Sidney [Delaware Co. NY].  He was born here [Bainbridge, Chenango Co. NY] and his childhood and youthful days were spent in this place, where are many relatives and friends who mourn his loss.  Of a family of five brothers and one sister, but one is left this side of the "river."  When but a child, his father died, therefore he had to commence "life's battles" without a father's aid and counsel.  He labored long and faithfully and in the closing years of his life, with his faithful wife, he enjoyed a pleasant home, surrounded by kind and affectionate children.  He was a good citizen, a kind friend and a tender and loving husband and father.  He leaves a wife and four children and the sorrow of those afflicted ones.  He only knows who knows all hearts and who alone can bless and comfort.

A terrible explosion occurred at the boiler shops of Shapley & Wells, No. 52 Washington St., Binghamton [Broome co. NY] at 6:40 P.M., Saturday last.  Chas. Carter foreman of the boiler shop was testing a sixty-horsepower locomotive boiler, built for the new Owego steamboat, when it exploded with terrific force.  It was lying on the sidewalk on Hawley St., in front of the shop, where some boys were playing and other people passing along.  Charles Carter, John Maloney, the calker, and Charles Gamber, a boy, were instantly killed and Frederick Ochsenbein, a jeweler, and Samuel Ingraham, a boy, seriously injured.  Ochsenbein's injuries are about the head and may prove fatal. The Ingraham boy's eyes are destroyed, but it is thought he may live. Several persons were slightly injured.  Large pieces of the boiler were blown in every direction. The firebox was blown into the air and fell a distance of 800 yards from the place of the explosion, crushing through the roof of the store house of Bartlett Brothers sash and door manufactory. The boiler door was blown about 800 yards.  Fragments are lying all about and the buildings are blazed in all directions for several hundred yards.  The boiler was nine feet long, forty-two inches in diameter and contained 147 two-inch flues. the fire box was four and a half feet long.  It was to have been put into the steamboat next week.  Messrs. Shapley & Wells have already commenced work on a new boiler for the Owego steamboat.

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

 Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, April 13, 1876

Marriages

SUFFERN - PARKS:  At the residence of the bride's parents in this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY] April 6th by Rev. L.M.S. Haynes, Mr. Simeon G. Suffern to Miss Adelia P. Parks, all of Norwich.

BEERS - CHAMBERS:  At the home of the bride's mother in Providence, Pa., April 4th, by Rev. W.J. Judd, Mr. Samuel G. Beers of Providence to Miss Eliza J . Chambers, late of Norwich [Chenango Co. NY].

RAISBECK - BEMIS:  At the Congregational Parsonage in Odell, Ill, March 23d, Mr. Frank Raisbeck to Miss Sarah A. Bemis, youngest daughter of A.N. Derals, Esq. formerly of Oxford, N.Y. [Chenango Co.].

Deaths

BROOKS:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], April 7th, Lucy Brooks, wife of J.L. Brooks, and sister of S.J. Barrows, Esq. of Utica [Oneida Co. NY], aged 52 years.

NELSON:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], April 7th of paralysis, Mr. John Nelson, aged 58 years and 7 months.

BARTLE:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], April 7th, Bertha H. Bartle aged 7 years and 5 months.

HOWLAND:  In Oxford [Chenango Co. NY], April 8th, Frances A. [Howland] wife of Hiram C. Howland, aged 41 years.

KEELER:  In Preston [Chenango Co. NY], April 7th, Mr. William Keeler, aged 65 years, formerly of Oxford [Chenango Co. NY]. 

POWELL:  In East Pharsalia [Chenango Co. NY], March 26th, Lucy M. [Powell], wife of O.M. Powell and daughter of Dea. C. Sumner aged 39 years.

NEWTON:  In East Guilford [Chenango Co. NY], May 29th, 1875, Mr. William Wallace Newton aged 24 years, 11 months and 16 days.

NEWTON:  In East Guilford, March 25th, 1876, Mr. Horace Newton, aged 72 years.

RATHBUN:  In McDonough [Chenango co. NY], March 3d, Mr. Lewis A. Rathbun, aged 47 years.

IVES:  In Sidney Plains [Delaware Co. NY], April 6th, Mr. Edwin Ives aged 67 years 5 months and 6 days.

NEWBERRY:  At Rome, Italy, of inflammation of the throat on the 4th of April, Julia Rosa Newbery, only surviving child of Mrs. Walter Newbery of Chicago, aged 12 years.

William Sisson an old and esteemed resident of Binghamton [Broome Co. NY] died on Thursday morning, aged 74 years.

Richard Fitzgerald a farmer living at Kattellville [Broome Co. NY], was found dead in an open field on his farm on the evening of the 30th ult.  It is supposed he had been dead two days.  He was living alone.

Harvey Grummond of Clintonville [Clinton Co. NY], aged 17 years, and two other young men were in the woods recently chopping.  Gummond was thrown from a log on which he was standing by the springing up of a limb or sapling which had been bent down.  He fell in such a manner as to bring his ax between him and the log which inflicted a wound in the lower part of the abdomen, seven inches in length severing the intestines and femoral artery and vein, resulting in almost instantaneous death.

Leonard A. Salisbury was run over by the U.I.&E. Railroad train going east on Wednesday evening of last week, a short distance west of Cortland village [Cortland Co. NY] and shockingly mutilated. The accident was not discovered until the arrival of the train at the depot when blood was discovered on the engine.  Deceased lived 2-1/2 miles west of Cortland, was forty years of age, and leaves a widow to whom he had been married but little over a year.

Mr. Upton, Chenango Co. NY:  The sad intelligence of the death of Mrs. Mary Bartlett of Lake Crystal, Minnesota was recently received here by her friends. She was the daughter of Wm. Green, once a popular hotel keeper in this place, and who died twelve years ago of consumption. We learn that she was affected with the same disease and the news of her death is received with much sorrow by her many friends and relatives in this place. She was about thirty years of age.

Holmesville, Chenango Co. NY:  Rosamond Arnold a blind lady, living in Otsego County [NY] was buried on Sunday at White Store [Chenango Co. NY], aged 84 years.  She has been blind from infancy.

________________________

In Memory of Mrs.  Howard Bennett

Whole columns are often written upon the lives of good men of our town, and it seems but just that a little space should be given in our County papers in memory of this lovely woman.  Seldom do we see so much of goodness and beauty combined in one.  She was an ornament in the circle of aristocracy and wealth, and no loss amid the poorer class.  There was a sociableness to all with whom she met, but few have the gift to possess. She seemed to look at the heart, to know the worth instead of the outward appearance.  How sweet the remembrance of many words and deeds of kindness bestowed upon the writer of these few lines.  They will always be cherished in her memory, as those of love and tenderness.  I can never forget the noble look of that woman, as she was giving her last requests.  All that was beautiful was blended in that dying form before us.  As she calmly kissed us all good-bye, it seemed that God had need of her in a fairer clime than this.  We mourn when we think of the loss of one so young.  We sympathize with her husband and the father and mother, she was their only daughter and her numerous friends who loved her tenderly, for no one knew her but to love her.

We weep at the parting clasp of the hand, / As the pale feet press the slippery sand; / They wait for an angel to carry then o'er / To the mansions on the other shore; / And we hush our breath, as if to hear / Sounds of the harpers as they draw near; / A shattered song or dip of an oar, / As the boat glides from life's rugged shore.    Marilla Whitman

______________________________

News Items

Last week we mentioned the sudden death of a young man named George Ostrander who was in the employ of Gordon A. Wood, in the east part of this town [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], which occurred on Wednesday morning the 5th inst.  Coroner Hand held an inquest on Thursday and from the evidence it appeared that the deceased was twenty-two years of age and had formerly made it his home with his grandfather, George Mosher, of Unadilla [Otsego Co. NY].  His mother is living with her second husband, in Smyrna [Chenango Co. NY].  He had worked for Mr. Wood but a few weeks and was to leave about the time his death occurred.  No postmortem examination was made, as it was shown that he was subject to fits, having had several while at Mr. Wood's - one on the morning of his death; and the jury found that he fell from a log upon which he was chopping, while in a fit, in such a position as to cause strangulation, as he lay among some brush, with his head turned unnaturally when found.

_______________________________

Terrible Accident in Binghamton

A frightful accident occurred at the steam engine manufactory of Shapley & Wells in Binghamton [Broome Co. NY], between six and seven o'clock on Saturday evening last which the Times says surpassed in its terrible fatality and disastrous effects anything which has ever before occurred in that city.

A new sixty-horse locomotive boiler just completed for the new steamboat at Owego, while being tested on Hawley Street in front of the works, just inside the sidewalk, suddenly exploded, killing three persons and seriously wounding eleven or twelve others.

Charles Carter, foreman of the boiler room, who had charge of the testing; John Maloney, a caulker from the boiler room; and a lad ten years of age named Gamber who was standing near the boiler at the time of the explosion were killed.  Others who were passing by at the time, were seriously injured, those sustaining the most severe wounds being Fred Oshsenbein a jeweler, John Nelson, Samuel Ingham and Paul Tealy.  Latest accounts state that the injured men will probably recover.

Some idea of the terrible force of the explosion can be formed from the fact that the heavy boiler was turned end for end and the massive firebox torn form the boiler in two pieces, one being carried to a distance of about 500 feet and imbedded in the mud of the canal bed, the other portion weighing about 4,800 pounds was carried to the store house of Bartlett Brothers on Collier Street, a distance of between 400 and 500 feet and crashed into the side of the building which is about 20 feet high and 30 feet long, and was filled with sash, blinds and doors, piled closely together. The massive piece of iron comprised the firebox, the dome and the end of the boiler wall was straightened into a piece about 30 feet long and fully four feet wide.  Other pieces were thrown great distances in various directions. The shell of the boiler was reversed with such force that one end was buried to a perpendicular depth of about four feet in the roadbed, severing the gas pipe.

A few minutes before the accident, a gentleman passing by noticed that the gauge indicated 120 pounds of steam and at that time Mr. Carter was on top of the boiler arranging the safety valve. When asked if he had not too much steam on, he replied that he "guessed not."  At the same time the safety valve commenced blowing off and two persons were sent into the building to procure some additional weights of iron to place upon it.  Among the many explanations given of the cause of the accident is one which seems most generally accepted by the boiler makers. It is that there was something wrong with the gauge by which it failed to show the correct pressure. 

Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, April 13, 1876

Fatal Boiler Explosion!

A terrible boiler explosion occurred at the engine manufactory of Shapley & Wells i Binghamton on Saturday evening which caused the immediate death of three persons and injured ten others. We condense the particulars form the Binghamton Times.

The firm had just completed the boiler for the new steamboat, "Lyman Truman" at Owego, and congratulated themselves that it was one of the best pieces of workmanship ever turned out from a boiler manufactory in this country.  It was made of five-sixteenths inch Bailey boiler iron - the best flange iron in the market - with steel fire box.  The diameter of the shell was 48 inches and the flues of which there were 147, nine feet long by two inches in diameter, with four and one-half foot fire box.  It had been inspected by a number of practical boiler builders and was pronounced one of the best pieces of workmanship they had ever seen.

The work of testing the boiler as well as that of its construction was in the hands of Mr. Charles Carter, the foreman of the boiler room, a man who had the fullest confidence of his employers, and who had during seven years' service in their employ, proved himself thoroughly competent and almost invaluable to them. So great was the confidence of the foreman in this piece of work, that he neglected to apply the usual water pressure test, deeming it entirely safe to apply steam at once.  Carter was assisted in his work by John Maloney, a caulker from the boiler room, while Michael Major and a boy named Charles Gleason were engaged in painting the boiler.

A fire was started under the boiler about five o'clock. Although the fire was a heavy one, the steam pressure, as shown by the gauge, went up very slowly, reaching but a little over thirty pounds in the first hour, if the statements of passersby can be depended upon. After 5 o'clock the pressure as shown by the gauge, increased more rapidly and at about half-past six, Mr. Wm. B. Kirby, an employee in Hull's planing mill passed along the street and noticed that the gauge indicated a pressure of 120 pounds. At that time Mr. Carter was on top of the boiler, arranging the safety valve, while Maloney was attending the fire and was at other work about the boiler.  Kirby asked Carter if he "Had't too much steam on?"  Carter replied that he "Guessed not," and Kirby passed on. At this time the safety value commenced blowing off, and Major and the Gleason boy were sent into the building to procure additional weights of iron to place upon it.

They had entered the building and were partially across the floor when they were almost lifted from their feet by a terrible concussion, which shattered the window of the building, tore the heavy outside doors from their hinges like pieces of paste board, and jarred the building and ground as by an earthquake.  It was a shock which was heard in nearly every part of the city and which, from its strange character, aroused premonitions in the breasts of many, although some understood that it was the explosion of a heavy boiler.

Mr. Shapley was in the building when the explosion took place and on rushing out, the first animate object which met his gaze was the figure of a man seated in several inches of water in the ditch close to the shattered boiler and facing it.  His clothing was torn in many places and his face covered with dirt and blood.  Mr. Shapley stepped up to the figure and recognizing a resemblance to Maloney says "Is that you Johnny?"  He was answered "Yes."  Upon being asked if he was hurt badly, he says, "Yes, my leg is broken, for god's sake pick me up and carry me in."  Some of his associates, who had then gathered near him picked him up and carried him into the shop.  He was afterwards taken to his boarding place at the Farmers Hotel and lived about an hour.  His injuries consisted of several terrible cuts upon his legs from some of which a considerable portion of the flesh was torn to the bone and doubtless other internal injuries.

Carter was found lying upon the ground under a truck on the opposite side of the street in a large pool of blood.  He must have been blown many feet into the air.  He was alive when found, but only breathed a few times.  His neck, jaw, right shoulder and left arm were broken and there was a terrible scald over his heart.  There were several cuts and scalds on other parts of the body. The body was first taken to Sullivan's liquor store and afterward to his former home in Pope Block on Exchange Street.

The third person killed was a lad ten years of age, son of Mr. Fred Gamber, a German and janitor of the High School building.  The boy was standing near the boiler at the time the explosion took place and was thrown several feet by the concussion.  He was taken into a small house on Hawley Street, occupied by a colored woman.  He died in a few minutes.  His skull was fractured, and there were slight bruises on the temple and cheek bone. The body was removed to his father's residence on Butternut Street.

Among the injured is Fred Ochsenbin, a jeweler who was looking at the boiler when the explosion occurred.  He was blown across the street had one rib broken, his scalp badly cut and was badly scalded.  His recovery is very doubtful.  John Nelson was standing about 15 feet away, on a plank walk and was blown across the street, badly scalded and otherwise injured.  His injuries are very serious.  Samuel Ingham aged about 18 was picked up at some distance from the ruins, badly scalded and otherwise injured.  His condition is critical.  These are all who appear to be in danger of fatal results; but some of the others are quite seriously injured. The whole accident and loss of life appears to have been a consequence of a neglect of the usual precautions in making the boiler test.

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

 Oxford Times, Oxford, NY, April 5, 1876

News Item

There is an odd genius (not usual with bachelors) over in Guilford [Chenango Co. NY] by the name of O.D. Merchant, well known to many in this village.  The room he occupies in his boarding house is 10x15 in size.  In it is placed 61 pictures, 7 clocks, and 17 brackets, covered with a multitude of curious trinkets.  He has also a counterpane 100 years old, on which is beautifully embroidered the following:  "The King George, June 17, 1716".  When asked why he does not get married, he replies that he would not have a woman continually displacing things in that room for anything in the world.

Chenango American, Greene, NY, April 6, 1876

Marriage

Our old friend Judge M.I. Hotchkiss has gone and did it.  The ceremony occurred at Norwich [Chenango Co. NY] on Wednesday of last week. The Judge, weary of single blessedness, has finally united his fortunes to those of Minnie J. Platt of New York, and now all is serene, and unbounded happiness is spread out before the joyous twain. The Judge is a good soul and if the lady to whom he has united is as calm, dignified, self possessed and even tempered as he, we are sure that they will retain their hair to a good old age.  That they may prosper and dwell in peace is the wish of the American.

Deaths

In this town [Greene, Chenango Co. NY] (Page Brook) March 31st, Byrtie [Winston] son of Charles Winston, aged 3 years, 6 months and 15 days.

In Smithville Flats [Chenango Co. NY], March 27th, Mr. Thomas J. Read, aged 66 years.

In Smithville [Chenango Co. NY], March 27th, Mr. Henry Hayes, aged 75 years.

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

In Upper Lisle [Broome Co. NY] March 19th, Mrs. John Burghardt aged 79 years.

In Triangle [Broome Co. NY], April 2d, Elwyn [Eggleston] aged 12 years and 5 months.

____________________________

Died March 17 at the residence of his eldest daughter, Mrs. R. Augustus Trowbridge, near Greene village [Chenango Co. NY], Mr. Whiting Cornish in the 93d year of his age.

Born in Berkshire, Mass., May 18, 1784.  Removed and settled in Coventry [Chenango Co. NY] about 1805, seventy years ago; residing during all his active life on the farm he had cleared and tilled.

He was married in Coventry to the daughter of James Wiley, a neighbor, who died Aug. 30, 1846, 30 years ago.  They had 10 children of whom seven survive him; George Cornish of Bainbridge, and six daughters.

He ceased to take any active part in farm work, 15 years ago and kept up at least occasional attendance on public worship, until 7 years ago, when the increasing infirmities of age forbade the effort.  In his religious connection he was a Methodist and exemplary in his attachment and in his life.

His children do not remember his ever having had a fit of sickness, except that having skipped over the mumps in his boyhood, he supplied this gap in his experience in sympathy with that of his boys when they went through it as some of our venerable citizens are not doing in the matter of whooping cough.

The use of his faculties of sight and hearing remained to him but slightly impaired and with it the solace of reading and conversation.

For near 20 years he made his home with Mr. and Mrs. Trowbridge and his empty armchair in the corner by the window commanding a view of the road, the river, the canal and railroad, makes a sad change to those who had so long taken a pleasure in answering every wish of "grandpa."

On the wide windowsill there are still his large print New Testament read daily and hourly by him; his spectacle case and the pipe and tobacco box which he used with restrained moderation at set times daily, till the last; tho' nothing could persuade him to smoke within doors, until disabled from walking in the last fortnight of his life.

To fill his pipe and place it in his hand unsteadied by age and hold the light to it was a grateful task to every member of the household and then he took his seat on the porch to enjoy the harmless luxury.

To the last he kept up a scrupulous regard to neatness in person and apparel and was always in these respects a model, reminding one of George Herlbert's aphorisms:

"Let thy mind's cleanness have its operation, / Upon thy body, dress and habitation."

And again:

"Be neat / That all may board then as a flower."

His last short illness and breaking down was occasioned by a misstep in the dark and a fall with a severe shock and some contusions, but his reason and speech were spared to him to almost his last breath; as he yielded up his willing spirit in Christian peace and hope, amid loving prayer offered by the eldest of the 4 daughters who waited around his bed.  the sudden sickness and death of his lamented son-in-law, Mr. Trowbridge, to whom he was tenderly attached, intensified his own longing to depart; and to the writer of this who had taken a great comfort in sacred converse and frequent prayers with him, he suggested modestly and with emotion as one fit text for Mr. T's funeral, To me to live is Christ and to die is gain.

Rev. W.H. Gavitt, the Methodist preacher at his funeral adopted it as a theme for his discourse.  A voice from his grave speakes to us--"Keep innocency and take heed to the thing that is right, for that shall bring a man peace at the last."

"Honor thy father and thy mother, that it may be well with thee."

Sherburne News, Sherburne, NY, April 8, 1876

Death

HILL:  In this town [Sherburne, Chenango Co. NY], on the 2nd inst. Mrs. Ardellissie Hill, aged 88 years.

A fatal accident occurred about one and one-quarter mile south of this village [Sherburne, Chenango Co. NY] on Monday of this week.  Mr. Devillo Preston of Poolville [Madison Co. NY] was engaged in moving the goods for Mrs. Chancey Palmer and was riding upon a load when it is supposed he was taken with a fit and fell to the ground. When first discovered, the team had stopped, and Mr. Preston was lying under the wagon.  The lower jaw was found to be broken in two places; the upper jaw was also broken, and the skull was fractured back of the ear.  It was difficult to decide whether the wagon passed over him.  Some think that he was fatally injured by the fall, others that he was kicked by the horses after falling.  When found his hand was grasping the lines and it is presumed that by becoming entangled the horses were stopped, though it was evident that Mr. P. had been dragged a number of rods after falling.  He was taken up and carried to a house nearby and medical aid called, when he revived and though unable to speak, lingered until about 12-1/2 o'clock P.M.  The deceased leaves a wife and two children, and it is reported a property of $25,000 to $30,000.