Vital Records, Otsego County, NY, August 1877 (continued)

 Freeman's Journal, Cooperstown, NY, August 23, 1877

Death

In this village [Cooperstown, Otsego Co. NY], Aug. 18th, 1877, Harriet J.C. [Dewitt] wife of Elbridge Dewitt.

News Item

An Outrageous Invasion of the Low Family Burying Ground

Editor F. Journal:  Among the early settlers on the east side of the Susquehanna River in Milford [Otsego Co. NY] were Reynald Low and his son John.  The place that possessed peculiar attractions to these pioneers was situated in the vicinity of a cove, fed by a large spring, connected with the river and possessing good facilities for fishing.  Here about the year 1796, on a pleasantly located tract, they cleared away the forest and established a home.  Many were the incidents of interest, some of them thrilling, in the life of these settlers.  Here the father lived and died and was buried at Milford village.  The son and his estimable wife reared a family of eleven children, John Low, Jr., recently deceased, being one; Margaret, wife of Wm. R. Hardy, is the only one now living in milord and there are three surviving in the west. In the year of 1822 Joseph H. Low died with smallpox, and to prevent spread of the contagion was buried on the farm.  From this a family cemetery was established containing five graves; the last made were those of the venerable parents, John and Abigail, who left a legal reservation of the land.  Around this ground John Low Jr. erected a fence and thus protected, it remained unmolested for years.  Within the last decade some person or persons dug the ground where the first three graves were made (it is said to procure sand) and seemed scarcely willing to stop when reaching the coffin of the maternal parent of this large family, the fence being completely destroyed.  Whoever is responsible for this invasion upon grounds thus reserved and consecrated is a disgrace to the civilized age in which he lives and would not be any credit to the wild men of the forest, who guard the graves of ancestry with care.  A visit paid the place of the 16th inst. revealed the above facts, also the revolting spectacle of a portion of grandmother's bones bleaching above ground.  No time was lost in taking measures for the removal of such remains as were left and on the following day, by the direction of the only child living near, they were taken up with care, conveyed to Milford Center Cemetery and reinterred upon the lot of W.R. Hardy, and there may they rest unmolested beneath the surface.  

A grandchild. Milford, Aug. 18, 1877

Oneonta Herald & Democrat, Oneonta, NY, August 24, 1877

Marriages

At the M.E. Parsonage in Guilford [Chenango Co. NY], August 15, by Rev. A.M. Colgrove, W.P. Magee of Maryland [Otsego Co. NY] to Miss Eliza F. Manning, of Westford [Otsego Co. NY].

At the home of the bride, Aug. 22, by Rev. M.C. Brown, Frederic Palmer of Pennsylvania, to Miss Alice Carrie Morrell of Oneonta [Otsego Co. NY].

Deaths

In Stamford [Delaware Co. NY] on the 13th inst., Mrs. Hannah [Wetmore], relict of the late James Wetmore in the 93d year of her age.

In Hammonton, N.J., Aug. 17th, Valorous Potter aged 53 years, formerly of Laurens [Otsego Co. NY]

Oneonta Herald & Democrat, Oneonta, NY, August 31, 1877

Marriages

In Deposit [Delaware Co. NY], Aug. 22 by Rev. J. Lee Gamble, Sliter D. Smith and Miss Alma A. Burrows.

In Unadilla [Otsego Co. NY], on the 15th inst. by Rev. Mr. Galpin, D.A. Babcock of Hornellsville [Steuben Co. NY] and Miss Carrie M. Aylsworth, Unadilla.

Mr. and Mrs. George I. Wilber celebrated the fifth anniversary of their marriage Wednesday evening.  It was a very pleasant family gathering, augmented by a few friends. Parcels of cake left over at the original marriage were dispensed at the wooden wedding.

Deaths

At Unadilla [Otsego Co. NY], Aug. 17, Whiting Bacon, aged 86 years.

In Cherry Valley [Otsego Co. NY], Aug. 17, John Moore, aged 77 years.

In Bainbridge [Chenango Co. NY], Aug. 22, Mary [Fisher] daughter of Charles and Maria Fisher, aged 3 years.

In Davenport [Delaware Co. NY], Aug. 19, Roxy Lowry, aged 74 years.

In Charlotteville [Schoharie Co. NY], Aug. 16, Dr. William La Monte aged 66 years.

In Butternuts [Otsego Co. NY], Aug. 20, Francis N. [Northcott], wife of John W. Northcott, aged 47 years.

In North Franklin [Delaware Co. NY], Aug. 28, at the residence of her son, William Mills, Mrs. Luther Mills.

In Cortland [Cortland Co. NY], Aug. 28, widow of Arvine Clark and mother of Mrs. John Eddy of Milford [Otsego Co. NY], aged 89 years.   Her remains were taken to Milford Wednesday for interment.

At West Davenport [Delaware Co. NY], August 24th, Julia A. Garrison, wife of Anthony Garrison in the 75th year of her age.

In Franklin [Delaware Co. NY], August 24th, Lydia Gillett [Smith], wife of Silas Smith, aged 76 years.

In Gilbertsville [Otsego Co. NY], August 24th, infant son of T. H. Musson.

In Otsdawa [Otsego Co. NY], August 26, May [Weatherly] infant daughter of J. Lee and Zillah B. Weatherly, aged 9 months.

Our darling little May / An Angel is in Heaven; / We never knew one-half / The love to her we'd given / Until God called her soul away / To live with Him in Heaven.

Last week Thursday, Mrs. F.O. Adams received a telegram announcing the sudden and very severe illness of a sister, Miss Mary Kelsey at Perry, this State.  Mr. and Mrs. Adams started for Perry in a few hours after. They had not been long away before another dispatch came announcing her death.  Miss Kelsey visited here in the Spring.

Samuel Warrick of Huntersland, Schoharie Co. [NY] has suffered for sixty years from a fever sore on his right leg.  A few days ago, he fell and broke the leg.  It was then amputated from which he died.

A little son of Mrs. Bowdish of Mt. Vision [Otsego Co. NY] was poisoned recently by eating Paris green from potato vines and he died.

Garrettsville, Otsego Co. NY:  The wife of Rev. I.J. Bailey pastor of the church at the Centre, died at the home of her father, Edson Wheeler in Morris [Otsego Co. NY] where she had gone on a visit.  She left her home but a short time since, so full of youth and hope, having been married scarcely a year, and in company with her husband visiting her father's house where a brother just married had come for a visit.  She was taken with typhoid fever and survived but a short time. This is surely a sad affair as her husband is in poor health and this affliction falls heavily upon him.

George S. Joice of Unadilla [Otsego Co. NY], entered the late rebellion at its outbreak, if we remember correctly.  He made a faithful and useful soldier and remained to the last. Early in President Grant's first term he was appointed a doorkeeper at the Capitol or Executive Mansion.  He remained there until some three and a half years ago, then sickened and returned to Unadilla to Roger through the balance of life with consumption.  He lived some twelve or fourteen months and died. While in Washington he was a general favorite among associates and on account of his faithfulness to duties and gentlemanly qualities had attracted the favorable attention of Mrs. Grant.  His father's family were in very limited financial circumstances and George was worth nothing but an irreproachable character and good name.  Mrs. Grant, in some way, knew of these conditions and during the entire time that Mr. Joice was lying sick in Unadilla, this excellent woman sent him each month a check for $100 until he died. There was never any bluster over the matter among the plain English family of Joices and Mrs. Grant did the good deed so unostentatiously that few people in Unadilla know of it today.  And likely this is not the only poor soldier who has fared thus well at the hands of one of the first ladies of the land.

Vital Records, Chenango County, NY, August 1877 (continued)

 Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, August 23, 1877

Marriages

COZIER - LEWIS:  In Smyrna [Chenango Co. NY], August 13th, at the residence of D.C. Seward, by Rev. A.J. Holiday, Mr. Harvey H. Cozier to Miss Jennie B. Lewis both of Norwich [Chenango Co. NY].

JONES - COOK:  In Afton [Chenango Co. NY] August 14th, by Rev. A.W. Cornell, Mr. Charles D. Jones to Miss Martha V. Cook, both of Afton.

SKILLEN - CRANDALL:  In Oxford [Chenango Co. NY], August 13th, by Rev. J.C. Ransom, Mr. James N. Skinnen, of Springfield, N.Y. [Otsego Co.] to Miss Alice N. Crandall of Oxford.

PECK - LORD:  In Oxford [Chenango Co. NY], August 15th, by Rev. J.K. Peck, Mr. Friend B. Peck of Harford, Pa., to Miss Lizzie Lord daughter of John Lord, Esq.

Oxford Times, Oxford, NY, August 25, 1877:  The gathering at the residence of John Lord on the 15th inst., on the occasion of the nuptials of his daughter Lizzie was a very pleasant one.  The day was fine, the host and his wife, by their ease and grace made the home attractive and the bounteous collation was all that heart could wish.  The bride was tastefully attired and was modest, beautiful and well at ease, and the bridegroom won many friends by his genteel deportment, and the relatives and friends took a lively interest in the whole proceedings.  a large company of guests brought rich and beautiful gifts and laid them upon the bridal altar.  the ceremony was brief and after the happy greetings and congratulations and the bounteous feast, the Citizens Band discoursed splendid music from the street.  The party then made their way to the depot, accompanied by the Band, and as the train departed the traditional shoe was thrown to the bride, which she highly appreciated.  Blessings follow them.  A Guest.

Deaths

DRAKE:  In this town [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], August 20th, Zilpha [Drake] widow of the late Alga Drake, aged 79 years.

DUNHAM:  In New Berlin [Chenango Co. NY], July 31st, Mrs. Libbie Dunham aged 21 years and 11 months.

BURCH:  In Yaleville [Chenango Co. NY], August 11th, Mrs. Eliel Burch.

LIVINGSTON:  In Cincinnatus [Cortland Co. NY], August 14th, Mrs. Almira Livingston, aged 73 years.

FOX:  In Sheldon, Pa., August 6th, Mrs. Daniel Fox, aged 82 years, formerly of Pitcher [Chenango Co. NY].

LYON:  The funeral of Alva A. Lyon of Afton [Chenango Co. NY], grandson of Abijah Lyon, aged 7 years was held last Sunday at the house of his grandfather.  And the same day and the same hour, the funeral of his cousin, Hector A. Peck of Colesville [Broome Co. NY] was held at the house of his father.  Both processions met in the cemetery at the same time. The first named was a mute.  His parents were both mutes.  A sister who survives him and an aunt, are likewise mutes.  Sentinel.

BEACH:  Roderick L. Beach, formerly of this village [Greene, Chenango Co. NY], died at Litchfield, Ct., August 7th, aged 23 years.  His remains arrived here o Wednesday evening and were received at the depot by citizens and the members of the Greene Cornet Band, bearing torches.  They were conveyed to the residence of his father-in-law, Edward Belcher, where burial services were conducted by Rev A.B. Dilley and Rev. J.H. Sage.  Deceased was a member of the Greene Cornet Band and Active Hook and Ladder Company, both of which organizations were present in uniform - the Band playing appropriate pieces during the services.  American

Chenango Semi-Weekly Telegraph, Norwich, NY, August 25, 1877

Marriage

WILLIAMS - McPHERSON:  At the Rectory, Guilford, N.Y. [Chenango Co.], Aug. 4th, by the Rev. W. De L. Wilson, Lewis Williams of Guilford and Sarah [McPherson] daughter of Alexander McPherson, of East Guilford.

Death

ALDRICH:  In Plymouth [Chenango Co. NY], Aug. 22d, at the residence of his son-in-law, George Aldrich, Mr. Asa Aldrich, aged 86 years.

Sherburne News, Sherburne, NY, August 25, 1877

Death

BENEDICT:  In this town [Sherburne, Chenango Co. NY] on the 19th inst., Mr. Eri Benedict, aged 69 years and 5 months.  Mr. Benedict was a man marked for integrity and uprightness in his dealings and as a kind neighbor, faithful friend, and for his generosity to the poor and value as a citizen he is sincerely mourned by the community in which he lived.

Bainbridge Republican, Bainbridge, NY, August 23, 1877

Death

GILBERT:  In this village [Bainbridge, Chenango Co. NY], Aug. 21st, Georgia [Gilbert] daughter of E.S. and Debbie Gilbert, aged 1 year 11 months and 1 day.

Joe Smith's Youthful Days

 Joe Smith's Youthful Days

Bainbridge Republican, Bainbridge, NY, August 23, 1877

Half a century ago there lived on a farm in Afton, Chenango County [NY], then called South Bainbridge, a good settler named Isaiah Stowell.  He was strait and strong in dogma and filled the responsible position of Deacon in the Presbyterian Church to the edification of all people. By hard work and frugality Deacon Stowell accumulated a moderate competency and his large family of broad-shouldered sons and rosy cheeked daughters were the envy of the neighborhood.  But like many other good men, the Deacon had his little weakness and would make haste to be rich.  There was no Stock Exchange in those days, or he might have "gone broke on Jersey Central."  As it was, he contented himself with the faith (and practice) that untold sums of gold had been hidden in the earth by some extinct tribes of Indians or highwaymen or something of the sort and that it was to be his especial good luck to find all this gold.  Northern Pennsylvania, near Lanesboro and Susquehanna, was believed by him to be the gold bearing region, and with assistants and the proper tools he made frequent journeys to the wild country about Starrucco Creek and spent weeks in delving in the rocky mountain side at the rise of the Blue Ridge range.  During his searches Deacon Stowell and his party camped out in the woods, living upon the provisions he brought from his home in the fertile Chenango Valley and the game that filled the region in abundance. The concealed wealth that occupied his sleeping and waking thoughts he never found, but his constant failure and fresh outlays of money did not dampen his ardor.  His family and the members of his Church remonstrated with him, but to no purpose.

It's during one of his digging excursions near Lanesboro that Deacon Stowell heard of the remarkable powers which Joseph Smith, a young fellow who had lived near Great Bend, about twenty miles south on the Susquehanna River, was reported to possess.  Smith, it was said, could see objects which lay fifty feet below the surface of the earth with entire distinctness.  At this time, his father, a poverty-stricken man, had removed with his family from Great Bend to the neighborhood of Palmyra, N.Y., and left only the fame of the son behind.  But the stories told by the country folks were enough to fire the imagination of Deacon Stowell, and he was determined to secure the assistance of young Smith at all odds. Stocking a wagon with enough provisions to last him for the journey, the Deacon harnessed a team and started for Palmyra.  Young Joe Smith, who afterwards became the Mormon Prophet, was at this time about twenty years old, and the neighbors looked upon him as ungodly and to be avoided.  His spare moments were occupied in meditation, and he very rarely joined his boyish acquaintances in their rustic sports.  He pretended to possess the power of second sight and had no hesitation in saying that he had been brought into the world by God to work out certain plans of the Almighty on earth.  It is said that he was regular at his meals, however arduous his solitary wrestlings in spirit, and his preoccupation probably had a good deal to do with his father's poverty.

Deacon Stowell became Smith's disciple at once and Smith told him the story of a wonderful stone he had found.  According to this story, Smith, when quite a boy heard of a young girl living within a few miles of his father's house, who possessed a magic glass, by looking into which she could see objects that were invisible to others.  Young Joe was seized with an irresistible desire to see this wonderful glass and obtained that boon.  The glass was put into a hat to exclude the light, and the boy gazed. For a long time, he saw nothing, but finally a speck appeared with assumed the proportions of a small stone seemingly a long way off. The stone grew brighter and brighter, until it finally glowed like a calcium light or - since this was 1820 - like the sun at noonday.  At last, the glass showed him that the stone was hidden under the roots of a small tree on the south side of Lake Erie, not far from the boundary line between New York and Pennsylvania.  Often afterwards Smith looked in the glass seeing only the same sight, and after thinking and pondering on the subject for several years, determined to find the stone. Equipped with a few shillings in cash and a bundle of provisions, he started on foot toward the West. When money and food gave out, he supplied himself by working at farmhouses on the way until he was able to renew his travels. After walking 150 miles he found himself at the mouth of a creek which he remembered seeing in the glass.  A farmer lent a pick and shovel, and he soon found the tree and the magic stone. The latter he carried to the creek, washed the dirt from its smooth surface and gazed "into" it. To his great joy he found that he was possessed of an all-seeing eye, whose vision penetrated water and annihilated space. the stone was of the size of a hen's egg, curved in the shape of a high-instepped shoe, and was composed of layers of different colors passing diagonally through it.  Joseph returned his borrowed tools, and with a glad heart turned toward the rising sun and walked home.

The good Deacon used his powers of entreaty so well that young Smith agreed to return with him and aid in the search for gold.  Meantime Deacon Stowell purchased a farm at Susquehanna and moved his family there from Afton. The young prophet was installed therein not exactly to the satisfaction of the other members of the family.  Smith, by the aid of his magic stone, ascertained that many years before a band of robbers had buried a box of treasure in certain flat lands on the deacon's farm.  To protect this treasure, Smith said, the robbers had by sacrifice laid a charm upon it, so that it could not be recovered except by faith and certain talismanic influences.  The diggers prepared themselves for work by fasting and prayer for several days.  Smith assured the Deacon that it was utterly useless for him to begin digging without an absolute faith that the labor would be successful.  When the Deacon had banished all his doubts the party went to work with awe in the presence of the charm.  A few feet from the surface a shovel in the hands of the Deacon touched a hard substance and hastily throwing back the dirt he discovered the top of a square wooden chest, bound with hoops of iron.  But while Smith, Stowell and their assistant, one Thompson, were gazing with awe and wonder on the sight, the box gradually sank in the ground and was soon gone.  They dug and uncovered it again, and it disappeared again.  This was kept up till it ceased to be amusing, and Smith was called upon to dispel the charm.  He gave Deacon Stowell some instructions.  The latter, sending his Presbyterian training to the wind, went to his stockyard and selected a ewe lamb, the finest in the fold, with pure white skin and fleece.  It was washed until it was perfectly spotless.  Meanwhile darkness settled down over the Susquehanna Valley, and the rites of the propitiation of the demon who guarded the treasure was carried on by the light of a single lantern.  The lamb was brought to the edge of the pit and a bowl placed in readiness to catch its blood.  The Deacon got upon his knees and prayed, probably to the demon, while Smith drew the sacrificial butcher knife across the lamb's throat and then moved in circles about the pit, sprinkling the blood around it.  Then the party resumed their picks and shovels but couldn't even find the top of the box anymore.

Deacon Stowell and Joe Smith kept up this circus in various promising places for a while, but the Deacon never got any hidden treasure and slowly but surely was spending the competence he had amassed.  His sons became very much incensed against Smith, alleging that he had unlimited control over the actions of their father and caused him to foolishly squander his property.  In February 1856, the sons caused Joe's arrest as a vagrant, and the trial occurred before Albert Neely, esq., father of Bishop Neely, of Maine. The country folks for miles around attended the trial. The affidavits of the sons were read, and the prophet was put upon the stand.  He testified to but little concerning the charge on which he was arrested, but gave the history of his youthful days, told about the finding of the magic stone, and claimed to possess all the powers which the Deacon believed to reside in him. The magic stone was exhibited in court.  Joseph Smith, Sr., the father of the prophet, who is described as having been a most disreputable looking person, testified in his son's behalf describing his wonderful success as a seer.  Deacon Stowell also testified in the prophet's behalf and gave many circumstances corroborative of the supernatural powers possessed by the young man.  Young Smith, he said, could see things fifty feet below the surface of the ground as plainly as he could see the articles on the judge's table. 

"Deacon Stowell, do I understand you as swearing before God, under the solemn oath you have taken, that you believe that?"

"Do I believe it?" was the reply.  "Do I believe it!  No; it is not a matter of belief.  I positively know it to be true."

Thompson, one of the employees of Deacon Stowell, related the story of the mysterious sinking of the box told above.  Smith was discharged mainly on the testimony of Deacon Stowell and he continued to reside in the neighborhood.  About four years after, it is said, Smith, by the aid of his magic stone, found the Book of Mormon. This Elder Pratt, of the Mormon Church, says it was when he was but fourteen years old, but the people of Susquehanna say he was nearer twenty-five.

Vital Records, Chenango & Otsego Counties, August 1877 (continued)

 Chenango American, Greene, NY, August 16, 1877

Marriage

In this village [Greene, Chenango Co. NY], Aug. 12th, by Rev. A.B. Dilley, Mr. LeRoy Wells of Oxford [Chenango Co. NY], to Miss Augusta Badger of this town.

Deaths

In Litchfield, Conn., Mr. R.L. Beach, formerly of this village [Greene, Chenango Co. NY] in the 24th year of his age.

At Triangle [Broome Co. NY] July 22d at the residence of her mother-in-law, R. Mopey(?), Nancy S.  [Labor], wife of Wm. Labor of Gains, Orleans County age 37 years.

At Triangle [Broome Co. NY], July 24th, Bertha [Shipman], daughter of Frank and Effie Shipman, aged 8 years.

Bainbridge Republican, Bainbridge, NY, August 16, 1877

Deaths

Mrs. Julia Hastings, wife of Willard Hastings, died in this village [Bainbridge, Chenango Co. NY] the 15th inst., in the 27th year of her age.  She took cold last winter while attending the funeral of Luman Lane, and from that day till her demise had been a great sufferer, but thro' all her affliction she was patient and cheerful, hoping against hope until death interposed and terminated her existence.  Mrs. Hastings was an amiable and kind-hearted lady, devotedly attached to her family and a friend to all.  She leaves surviving her, a husband an dlittle son about a year old.

Yaleville [Chenango Co. NY]:  Mrs. Eliel Burtch died at her residence in this place on Saturday last of dropsy.  She has been a great sufferer for the last six or eight years but at last death came to her relief.  She was loved and esteemed by all who knew her.  Her sufferings were borne with that meekness and fortitude which show to the world that her mind was fixed on a house built without hands, the door of which is always open, "and there shall be no night there."

Freeman's Journal, Cooperstown, NY, August 16, 1877

Deaths

In this village [Cooperstown, Otsego Co. NY], Aug. 8th, 1877, Herbert D. [Harper] only child of Wm. I. and Mary E. Harper, aged 7 months and 16 days.

In this town [Cooperstown, Otsego Co. NY], August 12th, Bertha M. [Benjamin], daughter of E.M. and Helen M. Benjamin, aged 2 years and 11 months.

At Oaksville [Otsego Co. NY], August 8th, Wm. Hungerford, aged 63 years.

In Pierce Co., Wis., July 2, 18877, Tharesia Gardner [Staring], wife of Delos Staring, in the 43d year of her age.

At Plover, Wis., Aug. 28th, Joel S. Beadle, aged 66 years, 8 months and 22 days.  The deceased was formerly a resident of this county [Otsego Co. NY] and was in the Union army in the late war.

Thomas Brien, Postmaster at Cherry Valley [Otsego Co. NY], was with the party from that village recently in camp on Otsego Lake.  While there he was taken suddenly ill and conveyed to his home, where he died on the 5th inst.  The Gazette says:  "It is more than a quarter of a century since Mr. Brien came to Cherry Valley.  During a large part of that time, he has been identified with its business interests.  Mr. B. was an active citizen, a man of strict integrity a kind husband and an indulgent father.  He leaves a wife and seven children to mourn his death."

This community [Cooperstown, Otsego Co. NY] was startled last Monday morning to learn that Mr. Norris Gilbert had died during the night previous.  For many months Mr. Gilbert had been in poor health.  Last Sunday he with his wife started to come to church and when near the residence of R.H. VanRensselaer he was taken with convulsions and was at once taken to his home and continued to sink until about 8 o'clock, when he breathed his last.  Mr. Gilbert formerly lived in the town of Laurens [Otsego Co. NY], removing to this town a number of years ago, settling on the Charles Franchot farm.  He has always enjoyed the respect and confidence of his townsmen and has held important offices in town and church and at the time of his death was one of the Wardens of Zion Chruch in this village.  He leaves a wife, two sons, two sisters, and a large circle of relatives and friends to mourn his death.  His age about 66 years.  The funeral services are held this afternoon, (Tuesday) at 2 o'clock, in Zion Church.

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Mary A. [Gates] wife of Ferdinand C. Gates.  This estimable lady was born at Edmeston Center [Otsego Co. NY], April 2, 1827, and was therefore at the time of her death in the fifty-first year of her age.  She was the granddaughter of Col. Adin Deming, a soldier of the war of 1812; daughter of the late Lyman White and sister of John T. White, Esq., now of New Berlin [Chenango Co. NY]. In 1849 she was united in marriage to Mr. Gates to whom she ever proved a true helpmeet.

In November last her health failed and her mind also became seriously impaired.  In February following she was placed in the asylum at Utica under the care of Dr. Gray.  But the expectations of her friends were not realized.  The hope for restoration was not reached.  On the morning of July 31 she died, very suddenly of apoplexy.  August 1 her remains were brought to her late home in Exeter [Otsego Co. NY]. The day following, her funeral services were held in the Baptist church at Edmeston Center, and the wan and wasted body was laid away in the beautiful cemetery in that village.  In her death her husband loses a faithful and devoted wife and society a true and noble woman.  She leaves besides her husband, two brothers, a sister, and many warm friends to sorrow that she has passed away.  May the assurance that having laid aside her "earthly house of this tabernacle," she now sits clothed with "her home from heaven," in a mansion where sorrows and clouds are not known be to this mourning circle the source of all needed consolation.

Oneonta Herald & Democrat, Oneonta, NY, August 17, 1877

Marriages

In Catskill [Green Co. NY], Aug. 12, by Rev. P. Franklin Jones, J. Fred Medcalf of Oneonta [Otsego Co. NY] and Amanda M. [Decker] eldest daughter of John M. Decker of Catskill.

At the home of the bride, on the evening of the 4th, by Rev. S.W. Cook, John L. Bowdish of Laurens [Otsego Co. NY] and Miss Ella A. Wells of Hartwick [Otsego Co. NY].

Deaths

In Worcester [Otsego Co. NY], July 7, Miss Clara Fuller.

In Delhi [Delaware Co. NY], Aug. 7, Miss Lois Baker daughter of R.C. Baker, aged 21 years.

In Oneonta [Otsego Co. NY], Aug. 14, at the residence of Jacob Blaxer, Anna C. [Blaxer] daughter of William Blaxer of Albany [Albany Co. NY], aged about four weeks.  The remains were taken to Albany, Wednesday. The mother of the child died about three weeks ago.

In Delhi [Delaware Co. NY], Aug. 4, Jennie Gray, daughter of James Gray, aged 27 years.

In Delhi [Delaware Co. NY], Aug. 6, Mrs. Ann Bennett, in the 77th year of her age.

In Roseboom [Otsego Co. NY], Aug. 2, Julius Granger, aged 70 years.

Vital Records, Chenango County, NY, August 1877 (continued)

 Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, August 16, 1877

Deaths

TYLER:  At the residence of his father, Colonel Tyler, in this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], August 14th of consumption, Willie Tyler, aged 24 years.  Funeral services will be held at his father's residence on Division Street, Thursday at 11 o'clock A.M.  The remains will be taken to South New Berlin [Chenango Co. NY] for interment.

GEER:  In Smyrna [Chenango Co. NY], August 13th, Mr. B. Franklin Geer, aged 35 years and 7 months, brother of Mrs. Richard Roberts of this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY].

ALDRICH:  In Plymouth [Chenango Co. NY], August 10th, John M. [Aldrich] son of the late Devolson Aldrich, aged 21 years.

Chenango Semi-Weekly Telegraph, Norwich, NY, August 15, 1877:  The funeral services of John Aldrich were held at the M.E. church on Sunday.  Rev. J.H. Barnard officiated.

BOSWORTH:  In Pharsalia [Chenango Co. NY], August 8th, Mr. Josiah Bosworth, in his 81st year.

FISH:  In Cincinnatus [Cortland Co. NY], August 1st, Mrs. Betsey Fish, aged 76 years.

POTTER:  In Davenport, Iowa, August 5th, at the residence of her son, Waldo M. Potter, Mrs. Amanda Potter, aged 80 years, formerly of Oxford [Chenango Co. NY].

MEAD:  In Quincy, ill., August 2d, Mrs. Betsey Mead widow of the late Dr. N.B. Mead, formerly of Smyrna [Chenango Co. NY], aged 86 years.

KENYON:  In North Stonington, Conn., on Wednesday, August 8th, Mrs. Phebe E. Kenyon, wife of Maxson T. Kenyon, and sister of Dudley Brown, of Preston [Chenango Co. NY] in the 56th year of her age.

GORHAM:  In Masonville, Delaware County [NY], April 27th, Mr. Oscar F. Gorham, aged 45 years.  Mr. Gorham was formerly a resident of this town [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY] and his aged mother still resides near this village.  He was a man of high moral worth and was universally esteemed and respected by all who knew him.  He was for many years a member of the Masonic order and the beautiful funeral services of the Masons was recited at his grave where many of his brothers assembled to drop the evergreen over his remains.

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BARTLE:  In Bristol, Ind., July 26th, Mr. William H. Bartle, aged 79 years and 4 months, father of G.M. Bartle, of this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], and a former resident of Oxford [Chenango Co. NY].

William H. Bartle, father of G.M. Bartle of this village died at the residence of his daughter, Mrs. C.B. Hewlett in Bristol, Indiana, July 26th, 1877, aged seventy-nine years and four months.

About the year 1791, John Bartle, with six sons, of whom William H. was the youngest, settled in the town of Oxford, being among the earliest settlers of that town. the elder Bartle built and kept the first inn, near the mouth of Bowman's Creek.  The family were frugal and industrious and became identified with the interests of their adopted town where many of their descendants now reside.

In 1836, deceased with his wife removed from Oxford, where he had lived for more than half a century to Indiana, where he quietly passed the remainder of a well spent life, among kindred and friends whose pleasure it was to administer to him as he approached the other shore.  His end was peaceful and was unattended by disease.

Mr. Bartle was a man universally respected by the community in which he so long resided in this county and many an old friend will regret to learn of his death. 

Mr. Bartle was a man universally respected by the community in which he so long resided in this county and many an old friend will regret to learn of his death.  He was an obliging neighbor, a kind husband and father, devotedly attached to his family and a friend to all.  He leaves surviving him a widow, four daughters and one son.

Chenango Semi-Weekly Telegraph, Norwich, NY, August 18, 1877

Marriages

JEWELL - PECK:  At the M.E. Church in Mt. Upton [Chenango Co. NY], August 14, by Rev. T.P. Halsted, Mr. Hiram A. Jewell and Miss Amelia J. Peck, both of Guilford [Chenango Co. NY].

Mt. Upton:  Hiram P. Jewell and Miss Amelia Peck were united in matrimony at the M.E. Church in this village on Tuesday morning, Aug. 11th, at 10 o'clock.  The ceremony was performed by the Rev. T.P. Halsted.  A host of friends and neighbors witnessed their union, all of whom, we think, wished the happy couple long life and unbounded happiness.  On the same day, at 2 o'clock, the bridal party started on a visiting tour among friends.  It is stated on good evidence that "Hi" looked as though the trying ordeal, through which he passed, did not remove the old habitual smile nor make it any less.

MARKS - TUTTLE: In New Berlin [Chenango Co. NY], August 16, at the house of the bride's sister, by the Rev F.W. Townsend, Byron Marks of Binghamton [Broome Co. NY] and Aletza C. Tuttle, formerly of Sherburne [Chenango Co. NY].

Mrs. A. Wilcox of this town [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY] received intelligence by telegram on Thursday evening, of the death of a brother and child of diphtheria, nearly at the same time.  The child was a son of some fourteen years.  They recently removed West from Chenango.

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Bainbridge [Chenango Co. NY], Aug. 13, 1877:  A singular coincidence in the family of Mr. Abijah Lyon of Afton [Chenango Co. NY], occurred yesterday.

Mr. Lyon, who is well known in this vicinity, was until lately a resident of this town [Bainbridge] and is one of that peculiar class of individuals known as unfortunates, and whose misfortunes culminated in the death, five years ago this month of his only son (a mute) from injuries received by a tree felled by Mr. Lyon's own hand, leaving a wife, son and daughter, all mutes, dependent upon him for support.  From that time Mr. Lyon, broken down in health and means has struggled on as best he could with this new burden laid upon him.

Last Friday the little grandson was taken away after a severe sickness of nearly three months, and ere night tidings was received of the death of another grandson at the same hour, and about the same age in the adjoining town of Colesville [Broome Co. NY].  Arrangements were then made to inter the two bodies in the same graveyard in the vicinity of Harpursville [Broome Co. NY] and on Sunday (yesterday) the two processions being fifteen miles apart were put in motion under such good management, that they met at the cemetery within five minutes of each other; but such a scene.  The two little coffins first moved up the aisle into the yard and there as the members of the two processions alternately filed into line, brothers meeting brothers, sisters falling on each other's necks, meeting under solemn and affecting circumstances, moved every eye to tears.  After a mutual interview of the little bodies, the coffins were lowered into their last resting place, and the Rev. E.T. Jacobs of Afton, standing on the little mound between the two graves improved the occasion as only Elder Jacobs could do, while the mute mother signified to those around her, her submission to and faith in that God who had taken her husband and son and her belief that their spirits were now joined in the grand brotherhood on high.  It was altogether one of the most touching scenes one may meet on earth.

News Item

During the visit of our correspondent to Cooperstown [Otsego Co. NY], he strayed into the cemetery of Christ's Church, where lies buried the famous novelist, J. Fennimore Cooper and his family.  At one part of the yard, he found an aged stone, rough and black with age, but so quaint was the inscription upon it, that he copied it for our columns.  It reads as follows:

In Memory of Scipio, an aged / Slave, a Native of Africa, / Who died Mch. 27, 1799. / Oft did he shivering call to bless the Hand / That would bestow a Cordial to his Wounds; / Oft have I dropped a tear to see his / furrowed face / cast smiles around / On those whose feeling hearts / Had for a minute / Made him forget / The hardness of his fate.

His venerable beard was thin and white, / His hoary head bespoke his length of days, / His piteous tales of woe, / While bending o'er his staff / He did relate, / Were heard in pensive mood by those / Who looked beyond his tattered garb / and saw his many sorrows.

Vital Records, Chenango, Otsego & Broome Counties, NY, August 1877 (continued)

 New Berlin Gazette, New Berlin, NY, August 11, 1877

Death

On Friday afternoon last, Will Tinker and his mother were picking berries in the lot near the Hoboken Pond when they came across a man lying upon the ground whom they at first supposed to be someone under the influence of liquor, but who upon a closer examination proved to be Fred Wales and upon turning him over they found that he was dead.  Poor Fred was subject to fits and the supposition is that he had one of his bad spells while in the berry lot which proved to be his last.  His funeral was largely attended on Sunday afternoon.

Bainbridge Republican, Bainbridge, NY, August 9, 1877

Deaths

George Brooks aged twenty-three and Frank Slater aged twenty-nine, inmates of the Cortland County House [Cortland Co. NY], were drowned in the river near that institution on the afternoon of the 28th ult.  Both were weak minded, and Slater was a cripple, using crutches.

Freeman's Journal, Cooperstown, NY, August 9, 1877

Deaths

In Maryland, N.Y. [Otsego Co.], July 31st, 1877, Mrs. Elizabeth B. Malory, in the 64th year of her age.

In Oneonta [Otsego Co. NY], July 1st, James Pendleton aged 81 years and 3 months.  A soldier and pensioner of the War of 1912.

J. Oliver Potts, an agent for the Globe Life insurance Co., was drowned in Schuyler's Lake [Otsego Co. NY] on Monday last.  He was in a rowboat in company with another gentleman, when it was upset in an effort to obtain a letter seen floating on the water.  His companion clung to the boat while Mr. Potts, being a good swimmer struck out for the shore, distant about a hundred yards.  He had not gone far when he began to sink and cry for help and before a boat could reach him, which put out immediately from the lake house dock, he sank for the last time.

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A Man killed on the A.&S. Railroad

Editor F. Journal:  The inhabitants of our pleasant little village [Cooperstown, Otsego Co. NY] were thrown into a state of excitement on the morning of July 30th, by the cry of "Someone killed on the railroad track!"  A thousand conjectures were started in a few minutes, which called our attention particularly to the spot where were seen the remains of a man laying about the track near the depot.  Nearly one-half mile west of the depot the marks show to have been the place where this man was struck by the train passing through here about 2 A.M. Monday morning and was pushed in some way by said train along the south rail on his back, headfirst over two trestles until near the depot, where the body caught in a guard rail, wedging the spinal column and right leg between the guard and main rail.  

This man was identified as one Charles Saggett, a laborer for Mr. Wm. Haynor.  Coroner E.E. Houghton, M.D. came promptly and an inquest was held, continuing until late Tuesday evening.  The inquest brought out many witnesses who were examined by the coroner and lawyer Brooks of Cooperstown.  But the evidence failed to elicit more than that the said Saggett was seen drunk Sunday evening; that he had from ten to fifteen dollars about him, and that he went down the railroad track towards home, leaving the trestle near the depot, about ten o'clock Sunday evening.  Some noises were heard about midnight, but no one could distinguish more than one voice.  His clothing was found scattered between the place where he was struck and the trestle.  No trace of his money has yet been found. The jury are to meet again Aug. 11th, to decide or receive any further evidence that may arise.  Was there any foul play?  seems to be the only question for the past few days.

Mr. Brooks informs us that the evidence that Saggett came to his death by foul means is extremely slight; that several of the reports which have got into local papers in regard to the case are erroneous; and that the evidence that his death was the result of his intoxicated condition, and an accident is almost conclusive.

Morris Chronicle, Morris, NY, August 8, 1877

Death

During the thunderstorm on Friday, July 27, Mrs. Delos H. Clark of Bridgewater [Oneida Co. NY] was struck by lightning and killed.  Mr. Clark had just drawn in a load of hay and unloaded it when the storm came up.  He was setting on the hayrack and Mrs. Clark sat in a little niche hollowed out in the haymow when the lightning struck the barn.  The bolt struck the peak of the barn, ran down one of the door posts though the hay mow and spent its fury upon Mrs. Clark.  It stuck her just back of her ear, ran around her throat and separated at the breastbone, one streak going partly down one side of her body, while the other went down the opposite side, described a semi-circle and centered in the pit of her stomach and thence passed to the floor.  Mr. Clark was severely shocked. The mow of the hay had a hole burned directly through it about three inches in diameter and the barn was set afire.  Mrs. Clark never moved after the shock and was carried into the house by her husband as soon as he recovered from the blow which he received.  By violent exertions the fire in the hay was extinguished with but small damage.  Winfield Standard.

Nioga Reporter, Whitney Point, NY, August 17, 1877

Deaths

FISHER:  In Cincinnatus [Cortland Co. NY], August 1, 1877, Mrs. Betsy Fisher, aged 74 years.

CHURCH:  In Smithville [Chenango Co. NY], Aug. 8th, Mrs. Betsy E. Church, aged 81 years.

McDOWELL:  Mr. C.J. McDowell, whose illness we announced last week, died on Tuesday evening, Aug. 7th and was buried on Thursday.  His brother, A. McDowell, Esq., of this village arrived at Liberty [Sullivan Co. NY], the home of the deceased, Monday evening.  The cause of his death seems to be a mystery among the physicians of the locality, it being a sort of throat disease. The deceased formerly resided on the Otselic river and short distance about Upper lisle [Broome Co. NY], and thirty-eight years ago he moved to Liberty, where he has practiced law until within a few years, having acquired quite a large property.  He was a gentleman of much legal ability and was universally respected by his fellow townsmen.  His age was 66 years.  Gleaner

LIVERMORE:  Lewis Livermore, son of Nathan Livermore of this village [Whitney's Point, Broome Co. NY], departed this life on Tuesday of this week.  Louie was a very amiable little boy of nearly ten years of age.  He was taken down with the diphtheria a few weeks since but was thought to be recovering but this week grew worse again and on Tuesday expired.  Louie was called a very amiable and kindhearted boy, and very observing of the wants of his playmates. The funeral obsequies were conducted by the Rev. Mr. Davies at the Baptist Church yesterday.  The house was crowded, and all appeared deeply affected as they listened attentively to the comforting words of Mr. Davies.  Mr. and Mrs. Livermore have the entire sympathy of their neighbors in this affliction.

The Disappearance of Colonel Henry S. Hard, Chenango County Native

Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, August 2, 1877

Disappearance of Colonel H.S. Hard

Great apprehensions are felt at the mysterious disappearance of Col. H.S. Hard from his home in Arlington, Vermont.  He left home on July 21st for Troy [Rensselaer Co. NY] and was last seen at Hoosic Junction [Rensselaer Co. NY].  Since that time nothing has been heard of him and it is feared that he has been foully dealt with.  Col. Hard has relatives in this county [Chenango Co. NY], being a nephew of John S. Randall, Esq., and Mrs. Ezra Hewitt of this place and Mrs. Maurice Birdsall of Greene.  His mother was a daughter of the late Col. John Randall of this town [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY].  The friends are very much alarmed at his disappearance and are confident that his absence is involuntary.  He was a gentleman of high standing in society and a Mason for many years.  He was also an officer of the approaching centennial celebration at Bennington [Vermont].  His disappearance is certainly remarkable, but we hope he may yet return and relieve the fears that now oppress the minds of his friends.

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The Rutland Daily Globe, Rutland, VT, July 28, 1877

Col. Henry S. Hard of Arlington Missing

An extra of the Bennington Banner issued on Friday afternoon, makes the startling announcement of the mysterious disappearance of Colonel Henry S. Hard, a prominent citizen of Bennington County, and well known throughout the state. We trust every effort will be made to solve this sad mystery.  The following is the Banner account:

Intelligence reaches us that Col. Henry S. Hard of Arlington, well known in business circles in this county, who ranks second in command of the old soldier's reunion society at the approaching centennial celebration is missing.  He left home last Saturday morning, July 21st, on the early train, intending to go to Troy, N.Y. and bought a ticket for that city.  His business was in connection with that of the Arlington car manufacturing company.  He was seen at North Bennington by Enos Canfield, a resident of Arlington, who talked with him; conductor Smith, also, recollects seeing him on his train that morning, and last saw him on the platform at Hoosic Junction, but cannot say which train he took - that to Troy or North Adams way.  Mr. Hard was in good health and spirits that morning, and no possible reason can be assigned for his sudden, inexplicable absence.  the station agent at Arlington recollects the number of the ticket sold Mr. Hard, and has ascertained that the ticket has not been taken up by any conductor of the Troy and Boston railroad company.

The friends of Mr. Hard's family have ascertained from those parties in Troy that he would have been likely to have visited, that he has not been in that city since before the Saturday he left home.

Mr. Hard was dressed in a dark flannel suit, black soft felt hat, and had no baggage.  He is 47 years old, stands six feet in height, weighs about 155 pounds, has dark hair, inclined to curl, reddish side whiskers, florid complexion.

Mr. Hard has long been a member of the Masonic fraternity and has taken the degrees of Knights Templar.  He is also junior vice commander of the state encampment of the Grand Army of the Republic.  So far as is known, he is in no financial difficulty and foul play is feared. We are told that he had very little money with him.  Every citizen of this county, and his wide circle of acquaintances throughout Vermont will unite with us in hoping that those who have the matter under consideration and are conducting the search, may speedily clear up the mystery.

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The Rutland Daily Globe, Rutland, VT, July 30, 1877

The Case of Henry S. Hard

So far as we can learn no intelligence has been received of Col. Henry S. Hard of Arlington, whose disappearance is so much involved in mystery.

The Troy Press of Saturday evening, under the heading Is it Col. Hard," adds:  An exchange says concerning the man whose body was supposed to have been found in the river Thursday, and says nothing further than to give the description contained in the Bennington Banner extra, published in the Globe of Saturday.

The Bennington Centennial says Col. Hard has of late years suffered from pecuniary reverses, superadded to which has been a domestic affliction which we hesitate to unveil.  He wife, the mother of his children, has for many years been an inmate of the insane asylum at Brattleboro, and a late visit found her so demented that she did not recognize him, which nearly broke his already bruised heart and may have caused his insanity.  He left his Grand Army badge, his masonic emblems and all tokens of identification at home. The public and hosts of personal friends pray for a speedy unravelling of the sad mystery.

Col. Theodore S. Peck, department commander of the grand army of the republic for Vermont, on Saturday, issued a circular which says:  "Comrades - Read the following, and do all you can to find Col. H.S.  Hard, junior Vice commander of this department."  Then follow the account of the Bennington Banner extra already alluded to.  He closes by saying, any information will be thankfully received at these headquarters or by Comrade Willard Holden, 2d, Arlington, Vermont.

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The Rutland Weekly Globe, Rutland, VT, July 31, 1877

The Disappearance of Colonel H.S. Hard - Unpleasant Developments

We are pained to learn that grave suspicions are prevalent in Arlington that the sudden disappearance of Col. H.S. Hard is due not to insanity or foul play, but to misappropriation of trust funds in his hands.  Col. Hard was the receiver of the Arlington car manufacturing company.  A few days since a special master was appointed by the court of chancery to look into and audit his accounts. The master, E.B. Burton, esq., was to being his investigation today.  Col. Hard's bondsmen are David Crofut, sheriff; Fernando West, merchant; A Bartlett, hotel keeper; and J.K. Batchelder, lawyer of Arlington; and they are free to express the opinion, that there is a serious defalcation on the part of the receiver - one of them saying to our informant that it would exceed $1,500 and another that he would be glad if it did not exceed $20,000.

Some other unpleasant rumors connected with the case lack proof, and we make no mention of them.  Free Press

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Middlebury, VT Register, August 3, 1877

Col. Hard the Missing Man

The many friends and acquaintances of Col. Henry S. Hard of Arlington will be pained to learn that his mysterious disappearance over ten days ago is now attributed to the misappropriation of trust funds placed in his hands as receiver of the Arlington Car manufacturing company.  Hitherto his character has been beyond reproach and when, about a year ago, the car company, of which he was treasurer and secretary, and in which he held $12,000 of stock, failed, he was appointed receiver.  A few days ago, E.B. Burton, Esq., of Manchester, was appointed special master by Judge Dunton to audit his accounts, and the investigation was to have commenced yesterday.  His bondsmen, for $15,000, are David Crofut, sheriff; Fernando West, merchant; A. Bartlet, hotel keeper, and J.K. Batchelder, Lawyer, all of Arlington, and they are all free in expressing their opinions that he is a defaulter, one of them placing the defalcation at less than $1,500 and another fearing that it might exceed $10,000.  As receiver he was paid $75 a month, but his extravagant manner of living raised his expenses to more than twice that amount, and this without other visible means of support.  His father, a resident of Oswego, N.Y., during his life, and at his death, sometime since, had given him considerable sums of money, but all had been wasted.  Mr. Hard, as his friends say, having no faculty for saving money.  His wife has been in an insane asylum at Brattleboro for the past twelve years, and during the last year or more her place has bene taken by a beautiful young widow name McLaughlin, who calls herself a "New Yorker."  She is about twenty-five years old, a blonde of the purest type, the possessor of a petite but faultless form and dresses with elegant and exquisite taste.  Her husband was formerly a workman in the car shop, but their married life was unhappy and two years ago he suddenly left the village without giving his reason for doing so.  Shortly after he died, and without showing any signs of mourning she came to Mr. Hard's home and became his housekeeper.  In her conversation she almost unconsciously speaks of Mr. Hard and herself as "we," and the story that the former's disappearance is probably owing to grief at the intelligence learned during a recent visit to Brattleboro asylum of his wife's hopeless insanity, she pronounces false.  "He has not been near her for four years," she adds in explanation.  Mrs. McLaughlin also says that Mr.  Hard recently asked her whether, if he should go away and take a reservation, she would remain with his children and afterwards follow him. This, with the fact of his recent extended visit to Texas, where he spent considerable time in looking over the country, leads some to surmise that he has now gone to that state.  Mrs. McLaughlin's installment in Mr. Hard's house caused considerable scandal, and this feeling increased until many refused to exchange calls with the family, notwithstanding the fact that the latter was a prominent member of the Episcopal church.  Mr. Hard leaves behind him four children, two daughters and two sons. The first a daughter, is married and lives in Brooklyn, N.Y., while the second, also a daughter, eighteen years old, remains at home.   Of the two youngest children, boys about seventeen and ten years old, the first, a bright young fellow is clerk in the post office and news agent of the village, besides sending occasional items to the associated press. 

With their denunciations, Mr. Hard's bondsmen commingle sorrow and regret at his fall, and no attmept will probably be made to follow the fugitive and bring him to justice.  [Rutland Herald].

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The Rutland Daily Globe, Rutland, VT, August 1, 1877

The Case of Col. Hard - Another Side of the Story

Since the mysterious disappearance of Col. H.S. Hard of Arlington on the 21st of July, the newspapers have contained many rumors of the cause of his departure, and of a heavy defalcation in connection with the affairs of the Arlington car manufacturing company, of which he was receiver.  These rumors culminated in a sensational story of the affair published in Tuesday's Boston Globe and in substance in the Rutland Herald, which was a gross misstatement of the facts, as is friends claim.

In an interview with a reporter of The Globe, yesterday, S.M. West, secretary of the Arlington Car company, stated that he has made a thorough examination of the books and that Mr. Hard's defalcation, if anything, is very small - not more than $300 at the outside. This the bail will not have to meet. The books were not balanced at the time, and Mr. Hard may not have known of the deficiency, as it is nothing more than any person is liable to run behind in conducting a large business.   He further says that none of the bondsmen - Bernando West, J.K. Batchelder, David Crofut and A.E. Bartlett - have ever stated that the defalcation amounted to $10,000.

His bondsmen and those most familiar with the case believe that Col. Hard has simply left the town for some unexplained reason and may yet return, and that no one in Arlington knows of his whereabouts.  The statement that " Mr. West is satisfied that the son, as well and Mrs McLoughlin (the housekeeper) knows where Hard is," Mr. West pronounces utterly false.  He is satisfied of nothing of the sort.  This leaves the matter as great a mystery as at first but clears Col. Hard of any suspicion of defalcation or dishonesty.

It is rumored that the body of the man taken from the North River, New York, answers the description of Col. H.S. Hard.  Mr. Kendall of Arlington went to New York Monday, to view the body of the drowned man.

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The Burlington, VT Free Press, August 3, 1877

This morning, J.S. Rowley, a merchant of Albany, N.Y., who has known Col. H.S. Hard for years, states that he saw Mr. Hard in the waiting room of the New York Central depot, at Albany, on Friday afternoon.  Mr. Rowley says that Hard was dressed in a blue suit, and his eyes were greatly bloodshot, while his face gave the indication that he had been drinking recently or was laboring under mental depression.  His demeanor was not like that of an insane man; on the contrary he conversed freely and rationally.  It is now thought that Col. Hard has wandered west ward, while laboring under temporary insanity.

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Vermont Watchman and State Journal, February 23, 1887

Wife's death notice

Mrs. Helen Hard, wife of Col. H.S. Hard of Arlington, died a few days ago at the Brattleboro insane asylum, of which she had been an inmate twenty-five years.

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Bennington Evening Banner, Bennington, VT, April 27, 1906

News has been received in regard to Henry S. Hard who left Arlington in 1877.  Nothing had been heard from him until this week when news came that he was killed in a railroad accident at Rochester, N.Y. in Nov. 1905.   He is survived by a widow living in Rochester and two sons John and Henry in New York.

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Henry Snow Hard was born about 1830, probably in Oswego, Oswego County, NY, the son of Patrick Henry Hard and Eliza Mary Randall.  On 22 February 1853 in Vermont, he was married.  His wife's name was given as Mary Helen Hard.  They had four children, Julia Frances, Mary Helen, John Henry and William H.  Thus far, it has not been possible to solve the mystery of his disappearance.

Vital Records, Chenango County, NY, August 1877 (continued)

 Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, August 9, 1877

Marriage

PALMER - HUNTER:  In South Fenton, Broome Co., NY, August 5th, by Rev. H.G. Meeker, Mr. Daniel H. Palmer of Oxford [Chenango Co. NY] to Miss Katie E Hunter of Coventry [Chenango Co. NY].

Deaths

STACKHOUSE:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], August 7th, Susie [Stackhouse] wife of Thomas Stackhouse, aged 20 years and 4 months, formerly of Easton, Pa.  Funeral services will be held at the residence of her aunt, Mrs. Thomas Stackhouse, on Court Street, Thursday, August 9th, at 5 o'clock P.M.

WILSON:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], August 3d, John E. [Wilson], son of H.E. and J.E. Wilson, aged 2 years and 7 months.

HOUGHTON:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], August 7th, Maud F. [Houghton] daughter of C.A. and Anna M. Houghton, aged 9 months.

INGRAHAM:  In Preston [Chenango Co. NY], August 1st, Mr. Isaac Ingraham, aged 68 years.

HUNTLEY:  In Pharsalia [Chenango Co. NY], July 30th, Amy [Huntley] wife of C.P. Huntley, aged 61 years.

BROOKS:  In Eau Claire, Wis., July 4th, suddenly, of apoplexy of the heart.  Mr. Henry B. Brooks, formerly of this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY] and brother of Mrs. Charles H. and Shubael A. Brooks.

JEWELL:  Many of our readers were personally acquainted with Oliver Jewell, for nearly forty years past proprietor of the Lincklaen House in Cazenovia [Madison Co. NY].  In May last he was thrown from his carriage and seriously injured but had so far recovered as to be about the house, until about three weeks since, when he began rapidly to decline and died on Tuesday of last week, aged eighty-one years.

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SKINNER:  In Conneaut, Ohio, July 4th, Mr. Isaac Skinner, aged 82 years, 3 months and 11 days, brother of Joseph Skinner of Norwich [Chenango Co. NY].

From a Conneaut (Ohio) paper, we learn that Isaac Skinner, only brother of Joseph Skinner, of this town, died at the residence of his son, near that place, July 4th, 1877, in the eighty-third year of his age.  Two years ago, he made his friends in this vicinity a visit, and will be recollected by many who made his acquaintance at that time as a gentleman of intelligence whom it was a pleasure to meet.

Deceased was son of Joseph and Lois Skinner and was born in Norwich, March 23d, 1793, being, it is said, the second white child born in his native county.  When the war of 1812 broke out, he was one of the first to volunteer in his country's service, though only seventeen years old.  He remained in the service until the war closed.  In 1837 he removed to Conneaut, Ohio, where he remained until 1860, when he removed to Ilinois.  Here he resided eight years, when he returned to Conneaut, living there until his death, having had his residence there thirty-three years in all.  During the late civil war, he furnished a representative recruit at his own expense.

In 1815 he was married to Miss Mary Hascall, who survives him.  He was the father of ten children, six of whom are still living.  He had twenty-seven grandchildren, ad thirteen great-grandchildren.

For many years he was a member of the Baptist Church.  He was an active, stirring businessman, respected by the community and lamented by a large circle of relatives and friends.

Chenango Semi-Weekly Telegraph, Norwich, NY, August 8, 1877

Death

Saturday's Binghamton Times [Broome Co. NY] gives an account of a fatal accident occurring in Oxford [Chenango Co. NY] on Sunday of last week, by which a little girl named Stocker was killed by a pitchfork thrown from a haymow by her brother.  Inquiry on our part fails to confirm the report or to learn that a farmer by the name of Stocker resides in this town.

Chenango American, Greene, NY, August 9, 1877:  A sad accident occurred on Sunday last at the residence of Mr. George Stocker, a farmer residing at Oxford.  A lad thirteen or fourteen years of age, son of Mr. Stocker, was engaged in throwing hay from a shed and finally, after he had secured enough, carelessly threw his fork down, tines first.  His little sister happened to be below and unobserved by him, had taken a position on the hay directly beneath the window. The tines struck the child upon the head, penetrating the skull and causing death in a few hours, although surgical aid was upon the spot in a few minutes after the accident.  Mary farmers are in the habit of a similar careless practice to that from which this accident resulted and will do well to make a note of it.  Binghamton Times, 4th inst.

Chenango Semi-Weekly Telegraph, Norwich, NY, August 11, 1877

Deaths

SWEET:  At the County House in Preston [Chenango Co. NY], July 27th, Mr. Ambrose W Sweet, formerly of Guilford [Chenango Co. NY], aged 60 years.

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Death of Mrs. N.B. Mead:  The following from the Quincy, Ill. Daily Herald, will be read with painful interest by the many friends of the deceased in Chenango and especially in Smyrna [Chenango Co. NY], where she resided respected and beloved for many years.  Her husband, Dr. Mead, will be remembered as one of the older physicians of the county who, through a long and arduous professional life enjoyed the confidence and kindly regards of his medical associates, the community in which he lived and the public.

"The death of Mrs. Mead, though from her advanced age not unexpected, cast a cloud of sorrow over the hearts of all who know her.  She came with her husband, the late Dr. Mead, to our city in 1864, leaving in the east a wide circle of life-long friends, to whom she was warmly attached.  Her beautiful kindly nature soon became known in her new home, and now, though her years are four score and six, we mourn her with "a love that was more than love."  She was, soon after coming to reside here, called on to part with her beloved husband, and bowing patiently to the loss, she has from that time been looking forward with joy and hope to a reunion with him and her loved ones gone before.  Surrounded by the devoted affection and care of her children, she passed peacefully into her eternal home on Thursday evening, August 2d, 1877.

Oxford Times, Oxford, NY, August 8, 1877

Death

SYMONDS:  In Franklin, N.J., July 26th, Mrs. Fannie E. [Symonds], wife of Geo. W. Symonds, aged 80 years.  Her remains were entered in Ithaca Cemetery [Tompkins Co. NY].

The good mother has gone to join little Lilly Belle, who passed away, three months since.  A sweet baby girl only four weeks old is left motherless.

Chenango American, Greene, NY, August 9, 1877

Marriage

At the Congregational Church, Chenango Forks [Broome Co. NY], August 1st, by Rev. E.W. Root, Mr. Dudley A. Elliott to Miss E. DeEtte Fuller, both of Barker [Broome Co. NY].

Deaths

In this town [Greene, Chenango Co. NY], August 5th, Ella May [Race], adopted child of Leroy and Sarah Race, aged 2 years and 9 months.

In Whitney's Point [Broome Co. NY], July 1st, Edwin G. [Longstreet] son of John R. and May E. Longstreet in the 11th year of his age.

Vital Records, Chenango & Otsego Counties, NY, August 1877 (continued)

 Chenango American, Greene, NY, August 2, 1877

Deaths

At Chenango Forks [Broome Co. NY, July 26th, Mr. Anthony Squires, aged 91 years. 

Anthony Squires, a former resident of this village [Greene, Chenango Co. NY], was buried in the old cemetery on Friday last.  For a number of years past Mr. Squires has resided at Chenango Forks with his daughter-in-law by whom he has been taken care of and made comfortable during the declining years of his life.  He was 91 years old.

Near Whitney's Point [Broome Co. NY], July 23d, Nancy Dibble in the 87th year of her age.

In Whitney's Point [Broome Co. NY], July 22d, Minnie G. [Kenyon], youngest daughter of Joshua C. and D.G. Kenyon, in the 10th year of her age.

Freeman's Journal, Cooperstown, NY, August 2, 1877

Marriage

At Three Rivers, Mich., July 19th, by Rev. J. Gordon Jones, Leroy L. Parshall of Coldwater [MI] to Miss Lizzie A. Barnhart, of Three Rivers.

Deaths

In Morris [Otsego Co. NY], July 25th, Anna B. [Hecox] and daughter of Jacob and Christiana Coggshall in the 26th year of her age.  Her trust was in God.

In Lentsville, Middlefield [Otsego Co. NY], July 28th, Georgia [Smith] eldest daughter of  Mr. and mr.s jerome Smith, aged twenty-two years.

The death of this young lady, possessing a singularly amiable and agreeable disposition, is deeply deplored, not only in her home, but by all with whom she was acquainted.  And during the recent religious awakening in this community, she became a decided Christian, and united with the church at Middlefield Center in June last.  Thus, although "her sun is gone down while it was yet day," she has departed a land of shadows for one of everlasting light.

Morris Chronicle, Morris, NY, August 1, 1877

Marriage

July 21:  At Croton [Westchester Co. NY], by Rev. Mr. Pease, Julius C. Miller of Franklin [Delaware Co. NY] to Miss Ettie Palmatier of Morris [Otsego Co. NY].

Deaths

July 24:  In Burlington [Otsego Co. NY], Mrs. Emeline Burdick, wife of L.C. Burdick and daughter of the late Isaac P. Rathbun aged 37 years.

Gen. William Comstock of Laurens [Otsego Co. NY], died Monday morning, July 23, aged 76 yrs.  He was Mmeber of Assembly in 1855 and Sheriff in 1864-5-6.  He served his town as Supervisor from 1840 to 1863 excepting only seven years.

Oneonta Herald & Democrat, Oneonta, NY, August 3, 1877

Marriage

In Oneonta [Otsego Co. NY], on the evening of August 1st, at the home of the bride, Samuel J.W. Reynolds and Miss Emma F. Gates, daughter of A.J. Gates.

Deaths

At Edmeston [Otsego Co. NY], Mrs. Della Wales, daughter of Levi Brown, aged 26 years.

At Edmeston [Otsego Co. NY] in an apoplectic fit, Amanda [Burlingame], wife of Waterman Burlingame, aged 17 years.

At Middleburgh [Schoharie Co. NY], July 30, John L. Stanton.  He had been agent for the Schoharie Valley Railroad Company for several years.

On Quaker Hill, Harpersfield [Delaware Co. NY], July 24th, Miss Patty Birdsall, aged 62.

At Oneonta [Otsego Co. NY], August 1, James Pendleton, aged 81 years.