Oxford Times, Oxford, NY, March 10, 1877
Marriage
Again, we are called upon to chronicle the gathering of the friends, relatives and acquaintances to the number of seventy-five to celebrate another crystal wedding. Time, 26th of February; place, the residence of Julius Wheeler. To say the least and we know that we express the opinion of all present, we had a jolly good time.
In the way of presents, Mr. and Mrs. Wheeler were well remembered. About 2 p.m. preparations were commenced to refresh the inner man, and we soon sat down to tables that wanted to groan beneath the weight of good things, but that was done by some of the eaters. After supper timely remarks were made by the Messrs. Pearsolls of Coventry and by one of our adjoining townsmen. In the evening the young lads and lasses came to and helped to while away an hour or so in which more refreshments figured rather conspicuously. At a late hour we dispersed and many, perhaps, were the dreams of that pleasant time enjoyed under the hospitable roof of Julius Wheeler. May the happy couple live long to enjoy the many presents bestowed is the wish of all who were there.
Sherburne News, Sherburne, NY, March 10, 1877
Marriage
MITCHELL - AVERY: At the parsonage of the M.E. Church in this village [Sherburne, Chenango Co. NY], March 7th, by Rev. W.G. Queal, Mr. William J. Mitchell to Miss Lucia E. Avery, both of New Berlin, N.Y. [Chenango Co. NY].
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Diamond Anniversary: Mr. and Mrs. Henry Bradford of Dobb's Ferry [Westchester Co. NY] have celebrated the sixty-second, and Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan S. Odell of Tarrytown [Westchester Co. NY], the sixty-third anniversary of their marriages. In answer to a correspondent noting the past, the Tarrytown Argus says.
"It may be difficult to ascertain to a certainty what venerable twain have longest lived together in wedded life, but we are minded in this connection to speak of a very remarkable, aged couple who have already celebrated the sixty-sixth anniversary of their marriage. We refer to our venerable friends Capt. and Mrs. William Newton, of Sherburne, Chenango Co. [NY]. And they are remarkable not only for their great age and long continuance in life together, but for those strong traits of character which impress themselves upon a community and influence for good all with whom they come in contact. And their children do honor them. The family consists of seven sons and three daughters, two of the latter deceased, one of them having died as a missionary in India. Of the sons, the eldest, Butler Newton is a prosperous farmer in Western New York; Warren Newton has been for many years Cashier of a Bank in Norwich, Chenango Co.; Isaac Newton is one of the leading and ablest lawyers in the Chenango Valley; Lucius Newton is a wealthy farmer and influential citizen of his native place, Sherburne, N.Y.; Hubert Newton is the distinguished Professor of Mathematics, Yale College; Albro Newton is an extensive builder and millionaire in Brooklyn and Homer Newton the youngest of the family is a Physician in California. Three of the sons are graduates of Yale and all are gentlemen of high character and scholarly attainments. There are indeed few records of families so honorable and distinguished. The old age of this venerable couple is crowned with the blessings of well spent lives and their children do honor them.
Death
BENEDICT: Went home, March 7th, Mariah B. [Benedict-Fisk] relict of the late Dr. J.M. Fisk of Utica and sister of the late Charles Benedict of this place [Sherburne, Chenango Co. NY].
Gone to her rest; I shall greet her no more. / Till my feet have crossed the dark chilling tide; / There's a deeper void in my stricken heart; / Another loved one the other side.
News Item
Octogenarian Party
Mr. A. Booth residing in this village [Sherburne, Chenango Co. NY] with his daughter, Mrs. W.G. Queal, was 80 years old March 4th. This occurring on the Sabbath, on the following day some persons who had passed their eightieth birthday were invited to visit and dine with him. The following notes were made on the party assembled.
Deacon Hezekiah Harris was born in the town of Scituate, Providence Co., R.I. April 15th, 1790, and is now nearly 87 years of age. He removed to Sherburne in 1802 and has lived in this town 75 years. His first wife was Catharine Crist with whom he lived fifty years on a farm two miles east of the village. He has had 7 children of whom 4 are now living. In 1866 he married Mrs. Elmira Crumb who was present with him at the gathering of which we write, but as she has not attained to 80 years of age, we forbear a full sketch. For the last ten years they have resided in this village. Mr. Harris united with the Free Baptist church in this town when eighteen years of age and has been an earnest, outspoken Christian man. During the revival services in the churches here this winter he has been constant in attendance and labors, for some time attending three services a day, commanding the respect and affection of Christians of every name.
Silas Ames was born in Bridgewater, Plymouth Co., Mass., March 5, 1795, and was therefore just 82 years old. He moved to Columbus [Chenanog Co. NY], July 8th, 1806, and from thence to Sherburne in 1839. He married Betsey Cutler, in 1817. they have had ten children of whom six are now living. He united with the Methodist Episcopal Chruch 48 years since, of which he has been an active and prominent member. He was a leader in the erection of the church edifice, giving largely of personal attention and money for that object. He resides one mile south of the village where he has been nearly 40 years.
Betsey Cutler Ames was born in Bridgewater, Oneida Co., N.Y., Nov. 14th, 1796, and is therefore 80 years old last November. She moved with her parents of Brookfield, N.Y. [Madison Co.] when she was three months old. She was married at 21 years of age to Silas Ames as above noted, giving them almost 60 years of married life. Mrs. Ames united with the M.E. Church 68 years since and is very highly esteemed as an active exemplary Christian.
Harvey Rosbrooks was born in New Hampshire, March 11th, 1796, and is therefore now almost 81 years of age. When a child he removed to Holland, Hamden Co., Mass. He was there married to Prudence French and came from thence to Sherburne in 1818, where he is now living with his youngest son. His wife died in 1856. He has had seven children of whom four are living. He united with the M.E. Church in 1841 of which he has been a member to the present time.
Aaron Booth was born in East Winsor, Hartford Co., Conn. March 4th, 1797. He removed to Oxford, Chenango Co., N.Y. in 1830 and was married the same year to Lydia Parson of Guilford, N.Y. with whom he lived 41 years. He has one child, the wife of Rev. W.G. Queal, with whom he has lived since the death of his wife. He united with the M.E. Church in 1832, 45 years since. As above stated, he was 80 years old on the 4th of March.
The afternoon was spent by these Octogenarians in reminiscences of the past. They listened to the reading of a poem. After singing and prayer, led by Dea. Harris, the company sat down together and enjoyed a cheerful meal.
May their lives be serene and sweet in their evening as they have been useful and honored in their mid-day.
Bainbridge Republican, Bainbridge, NY, March 10, 1877
Marriage
At the residence of the bride's parents at West Bainbridge [Chenango Co. NY], March 7th, by Rev. Wm. Sawtelle, Mr. W.E. Rifenbark of Unadilla [Otsego Co. NY] ad Miss Sarah A. Nichols, youngest daughter of Thomas Nichols.