Fire in Oneonta, Otsego Co., NY, 1878 - Death of Harrison White

 Fire and Death

A House Burned and a Fireman Killed

Oneonta Herald & Democrat, Oneonta, NY, April 19, 1878

The Fire

At three o'clock, Monday morning an alarm was sounded from the railroad shops and promptly thereafter from the Methodist church bell, indicating a fire in the First Ward [Oneonta, Otsego Co. NY].  A house on Miller St. deeded by Rev. J.L. Wells to the Syracuse University and to be sold on mortgage that same day afternoon, was burning.  The three companies of the Fire Department were promptly on hand.  There being no water available, the Steamer and Hose were useless. The Hook and Ladder Company had an opportunity to save a building fourteen feet distant and they did it with success.  Great credit is due the company and all who assisted them. The burning building had been empty for a long time and was entirely consumed.  No insurance. Everything was cleared from the next house, occupied by Warren H. Brownson.  This property sold under mortgage Monday, was insured for $1,000. The fire was of incendiary origin without any kind of doubt.

A Fireman Killed

Harrison White, a member of the Steamer Company, lives quite a distance from the thickly inhabited portion of the village.  He did not reach the engine house in time to start with his company and with several others rode down to Fonda Avenue with L.A Bissell, where the Steamer was overtaken.  Here Mr. White jumped form the wagon and received wounds which caused his death.  As there are various reports and theories in relation to the accident, the nature of injuries, etc. we publish the Coroner's Inquisition and Examination kindly furnished by O.L. Wilber, Esq., who received the testimony:

Inquisition - State of New York, County O Otsego

Inquisition taken at Oneonta in the County of Otsego, N.Y. on the 16th day of April 1878 before A.D. Reynolds, one of the coroners of said county.  Upon view of the body of Harrison White, then and there being, lying dead, upon the oath of Edson J. Stever Edward S. Bell, J.B. Cleaveland, J.B. Roberts, Parker Wilson, Samuel Bligh, Munro Westcott, good and lawful men of the said county, who being duly summoned and sworn to inquire into all the circumstances attending the death of the said Harrison White and by whom the same was produced and in what manner and when and where the said Harrison White came to his death, do say upon their oaths aforesaid that the deceased came to his death on the morning of the 15th day of April 1878 at the village of Oneonta in said County by attempting to jump from a wagon in rapid motion and accidentally falling thereunder [was] so bruised [that] within about four hours after the incident he died.  And so said the jurors say that the deceased came to his death by accident and without blame attaching to any person or persons.

In witness whereof, as well the said Coroner as the Jurors aforesaid, have to this inquisition set their hands and seals on the day of the date hereof.

A.D. Reynolds, Coroner; Munro Westcott, Foreman; E.S. Bell, Edson J. Stever, J.B. Roberts, J.B. Cleaveland, Parker Wilson, S. Blight, Jurors.

Examination

Examination of witnesses produced, sworn and examined on the 15th day of April, at Oneonta, before A.D. Reynolds, one of the Coroners of the said County and seven jurors, good and lawful men of the said county, duly summoned and sworn by the said Coroner to inquire how and in what manner and when and where, Harrison Whtie came to his death, and who such person was, and into all the circumstances attending such death or wounding, and to make a true inquisition according to the evidence, or arising from the investigation of the body.

John Ingalls being produced and duly sworn and examined testifies and says that:  I reside in Oneonta; I know Harrison White, and have for two years; he resides in the village of Oneonta; I last saw him alive this morning about 3-1/2 o'clock a.m.; he was then in Bissell's wagon on River St., with Sanford Disbrow, Owen Phillips, A.C. Moody, myself and several others I do not recollect; there was a fire on Miller St.; we were going to the fire; I think Mr. Bissell is employed by the fire department to use his team in case of fire alarm to draw steamer engine if necessary; that is what he was after this morning; the engine had passed corner of Main and Chestnut Sts. when the team arrived there; several firemen and others got in the wagon and drove rapidly to overtake the engine; the deceased was in the wagon; when they had passed the engine, the deceased attempted to jump out of the wagon, and his foot caught on the wagon box; he fell under the wheels and the hind wheel passed over him; after going about five rods, the team stopped, for the purpose of hitching the engine on the wagon to draw to the fire; I went back to see if he was hurt; I found him sitting partly on his knees and hands in the road; he said he was badly hurt across the chest, and wanted to get to some place out of the way; he said he caught his foot on wagon or box and fell, and the wheel passed over him; said nothing as to whether anyone was to blame; team was on good trot when the accident happened; I helped get him on walk and went after wagon to get him home; left T.H. Rockwell and Safford with him; that was the last I saw him until after his death; I think he is a member of fire department; this is all I know about cause of death; I should not think there was any  negligence on part of the driver of the team; he was driving with ordinary care and diligence under the circumstances and I think there was no responsibility attached to any person for the accident.  John C. Ingalls, Subscribed and sworn to before me this 15th day foo April 1878, A.D. Reynolds, Coroner.

Meigs Case M.D. being called and duly sworn and examined, testified as follows:  I reside in this village; I am a practicing physician and surgeon, and have been for 23 years; I knew the deceased in his lifetime; his name was Harrison White; I attended him after his injuries; I found him sitting in a chair at his residence about 4 a.m. April 15th; he was in appearance extremely faint, and almost pulseless at the wrists; action of heart regular; pulsation about 80 per minute; respiration tolerably regular and easy; appeared to be suffering from extreme faintness; asked him to lie down, but found him unable to take that position without increased pain; complained of severe pain in the region of stomach and right side; I gave him hypodermic injection of morphine and was obliged to repeat it on account of pain; first gave no relief; applied external warmth, hot cloths, bricks, etc.; he was extremely cold; he took some stimulants of whiskey, which he afterwards vomited; gradually grew more faint, until we were obliged to lay him down to prevent him [falling]; made an examination before his death, and found no external mark of injury; he retained his intelligence up to nearly the last; he died about 7 a.m. of this date; I assisted in making an autopsy of the body, and found the abdominal cavity full of blood; which was ascertained to have been proceeded from an enormous rupture of the liver; death occurred from rupture of the liver; he never recovered from the shock of the injury; have heard the evidence of John Ingalls; the accident and injury as related by him would in my opinion be sufficient to cause death, and his death resulted from no other cause in my opinion,  Meigs Case, Subscribed and sworn before me this 15th day of April, 1878, A.D .Reynolds, Coroner

O.W. Peck, M.D. being produced and duly sworn and examined testified and says as follows:  I reside in Oneonta and am a practicing physician and surgeon and have been for 21 years;  I knew deceased, Harrison White, during his lifetime, by sight, not personally;  First saw him on the 15th in the afternoon at the request of the coroner and made an autopsy of the body at his request in connection with Dr. S.H. Case; we found no external marks of injury of any importance;  there was a slight abrasion on the right side of the chest, about two inches above the nipple, and also another one on the left thigh, about two inches below the groin;  externally other than these, the body was in outward apparent healthy condition; on opening the body, the heart, lungs, bones and all the organs so far as examined were found apparently in a healthy condition; examination of liver was found completely torn across which was sufficient to produce death; death was caused by hemorrhage on account of rupture of the liver;  I heard the testimony of John Ingalls; in my opinion from his evidence, I would think the accident described by him would produce the external and internal condition of the body described by me, and be sufficient to produce death;  I do not think death was caused by any other means.  O.W. Peck, M.D., Subscribed and sworn before me this 15th day of April 1878, A.D Reynolds, Coroner.

I do hereby certify that the foregoing testimony of the several witnesses appearing upon the foregoing inquest, was reduced to writing by and under my direction, and in my presence, and that the said testimony is the whole of the testimony taken on such inquest, and that the same is correctly stated as given by the witnesses respectively.  A.D. Reynold, Coroner.

The Funeral

The funeral, Tuesday afternoon, from the late residence of the deceased, was the largest that has occurred here for a long time. Besides members of the family, there were large numbers of citizens, and the companies of the Fire Department were out in full numbers. The solemn service was conducted by Rev. H.H. Allen, assisted by Rev. H. Brotherton.  The following order was preserved in conducting the remains to the last resting place in Riverside Cemetery:  Military Band, Hose Company, Hearse, family and Friends, Bearers, Steamer Company, Hook and Ladder Company, Citizens.

From house to grave, Military Band rendered Sumner's Funeral March.  Service at the grave being over, family and friends returned home, and the companies were dismissed at their respective headquarters.

Harrison White

Mr. White had lived in Oneonta some years, married a daughter of Harvey Barnes, by whom he had no children.  He was a kind, industrious gentleman, of no bad habits and generally respected.  As a fireman, he was one of the best.  Constant at his post, at meetings, parades or fires with no ambition other than to perform his duty faithfully.   His wife, we are sorry to know is in poor health and suffers greatly from grief.  Rumors of her death have thus been unfounded.

The Fire Department did a courteous thing and the right, in paying all expenses of the funeral.  A handsome casket was furnished.

Mrs. White desires in this manner to tender her heartfelt thanks to Military Band and the Fire Department for their courtesy and to others for kindly aid and tokens of genuine sympathy.

Vital Records, Delaware County, NY, January to May 1821

 Delaware Gazette, Delhi, NY, January 25, 1821

Marriage

In Walton [Delaware Co. NY] on the 14th inst. by Nehemiah Richards, Esq., Mr. Seamour Benjamin of Delhi [Delaware Co. NY] to Miss Betsey Felten of the former place.

Delaware Gazette, Delhi, NY, February 8, 1821

Death

In this village [Delhi, Delaware Co. NY] on Wednesday the 31st ult. in the 51st year of his age. Dr. Asahel H. Paine Clerk of this County, of a lingering illness which he bore with distinguished fortitude and resignation.  In him were concentrated all the virtues which fit a man in the endearing relations of husband and father.  The large circle of his acquaintances will long retain the recollection of those qualities which were calculated to render him useful and [a benefit] to society.  His funeral was attended on -?- and attended by a numerous concourse of friends and relatives and all appropriate and impressive discourse was delivered on the occasion by the -?- after which the remains of the deceased were consigned to the tomb by his brethren, with the usual solemnities of [respect].

Delaware Gazette, Delhi, NY, February 22, 1821

Death

In Bovina [Delaware Co. NY] on the 4th inst. after a short illness which he bore with Christian fortitude and resignation.  Mr. John Fuller, aged 20 ears a son of Mr. Elihu Fuller.

Delaware Gazette, Delhi, NY, March 1, 1821

Marriage

In Franklin [Delaware Co. NY], on the 20th ult. by the Rev. Caleb Knight, Daniel Sayre Esq. of Cairo, Greene County, to Mrs. Willes widow of Doct. A. Willes, of the former place.

Delaware Gazette, Delhi, NY, March 22, 1821

Death

In Catskill [Green Co. NY] on the 14th inst. Isaac Hardenburgh, Esquire, merchant of that village, in the 66th year of his age; was for several years a merchant in the town of Roxbury, in this county [Delaware Co. NY].

Delaware Gazette, Delhi, NY, April 19, 1821

Death

Died at Blakely (Alabama) 6th March last, Col. Samuel Hawkins in the 44th year of his age, late Agent of the U.S. under the Treaty between the U. States and Great Britain.  Col. H. had for the last eighteen months been in the employ of Government in erecting fortifications at Mobile point.  His zeal and perseverance, through qualifications peculiarly adapted to his engagements, led him to an exposure which terminated his earthly existence.  His sound constitution had resisted an attack of the yellow fever, but eventually yielded to a malignant local fever of the Country.  Col. H. supported the various employments of the country in a manner which justified the confidence of the Government in his talents and integrity.  His private friendships were warm and faithful and in the more endearing relations of life, his loss will be felt with all the keenness and sensibility which departed worth inflicts.

Delaware Gazette, Delhi, NY, May 17, 1821

Marriage

In Delhi [Delaware Co. NY] on Tuesday the 8th inst. by Squire Stone, Mr. Robert Mason to Miss Nancy Martin daughter of Joseph Martin.

Vital Records, Otsego County, NY

 Cherry Valley Gazette, Cherry Valley, NY, June 27, 1849

Marriages

In this village [Cherry Valley, Otsego Co., NY], on the 21st inst., by the Rev. Mr. Boardman, Mr. John Judd to Miss Eliza C. [Johnson] daughter of the late Erastus Johnson, all of this village.

In West Hartwick [Otsego Co. NY], on the 13th ult. Mr. Amos Kenyon to Miss Elizabeth Dow.

In Hartwick [Otsego Co. NY] on the 6th inst., Squire S. Walker to Miss Sarah Wiley.

Death

At Cohoes [Albany Co. NY], on the 16th inst., Lucy [Kinne] eldest daughter of Alfred Kinne, of Otsego [Otsego Co. NY] in the 18th year of her age.

Cherry Valley Gazette, Cherry Valley, NY, August 4, 1847

Marriage

In Decatur [Otsego Co. NY], on the 25th July, by the Rev. James H. Richards, Adam Phillips of this village [Cherry Valley, Otsego Co. NY] to Miss Houck of the former place.

Death

In Unadilla [Otsego Co. NY], on the morning of the 27th inst. of disease of the kidneys, Col. George H. Noble in the 44th year of his age.  He was a highly respectable man, and at the time of his death held the offices of postmaster of the village and supervisor of the town.

The Argus of Thursday announces the death of Col. Noble, which occurred at his residence in Unadilla on the 27th inst of a disease of the kidneys of some months standing.  He was in the 44th year of his age.  His loss will be severely felt by a large circel of friends. [Otsego Democrat, July 24, 1847]

Otsego Democrat, Cooperstown, NY, July 24, 1847

Marriages

In this village [Cooperstown, Otsego Co. NY], on the 17th instant, at the residence of Dr. E.P. Byram, Mr. Perkins St. John, Printer of New York, to Miss Harriet Gross of this village.

In this village [Cooperstown, Otsego Co. NY], on the 20th inst., Mr. Leverett Stowell of New York to Miss Abby [Cory, daughter of Mr. Ellery Cory, of this village.

Mr. James Lane to Miss Mary Ann Crandall all of Middlefield [Otsego Co. NY].

In Middlefield [Otsego Co. NY] on the 1st inst. by Rev. H.A. Smith, Mr. Jacob Moak to Miss Harriet Smith.

Otsego Democrat, Cooperstown, NY, July 31, 1847

Marriages

In Cherry Valley [Otsego Co. NY], on the 28th inst. by the Rev. C.H. Harvey, Mr. Amos S. Botsford, Publisher of the Cherry Valley Gazette, to Miss Jane P.....s(?) both of Cherry Valley

In Middlefield [Otsego Co. NY] on the 28th inst. by the Rev. H. A. Smith, Mr. Robert Rouse of Milford [Otsego Co. NY] to Miss Matilda Coffin of Middlefield.

Death

In Middlefield [Otsego Co. NY] on the 27th inst. of apoplexy, Miss Lucia T. [Cory], daughter of Mr. Oliver Cory, aged 41 years.

Oneonta Herald & Democrat, Oneonta, NY, April 19, 1878

Deaths

W.M. Newton of Bainbridge [Chenango Co. NY] who lately went to Texas with the Chenango Colony, was thrown from a wagon the 26th ult. and died of injuries received.  Mr. Newton had been a prominent citizen in Bainbridge.

Unadilla, Otsego Co. NY:  Our oldest inhabitant, Wm. Gregory aged 96 years died at the residence of his son, Wm. Gregory, Jr., in this village, yesterday.

Wm. Butler of Walton [Delaware Co. NY] was instantly killed by a falling tree that a companion had been chopping.

Vital Records, Otsego County, NY, April 1878

 Freeman's Journal, Cooperstown, NY, April 11, 1878

Marriage

In Springfield, March 27th, 1878, by Rev. L. Carter, Frank Congdon and Miss Sylda L. Thayer all of Springfield [Otsego Co. NY].

Deaths

In Pierstown (Otsego) [NY] April 4th, 1878, at the residence of her grandson, Lovina [Barnum] widow of the late Abijah Barnum, aged 82 years.

At Fly Creek [Otsego Co. NY], April 6th, '78, Teresa E. [Caulkins], wife of Albert D. Caulkins, aged 37 years and 10 months.

At Wells Bridge [Otsego Co. NY], April 2d, Mrs. Huldah Fisher, aged 89 years and 14 days.

_________________

Mrs. Ann Eliza Goodyear, relict of the late Jard Goodyear, died at Colliersville [Westchester Co. NY] on the 30th ult.

Mrs. G. was the only daughter of Peter Collier, one of the early settlers of the southern part of the present town of Milford [Otsego Co. NY] and formerly a prominent businessman of Otsego County. She was born May 1, 1803, near the spot where she died and where she had lived for nearly a full three-quarters of a century.  In 1822 she married Jared Goodyear, then a resident of Schoharie County [NY].  During her long married life, she proved herself a noble helpmeet to her husband and became intimately acquainted with the details of his extensive interests, bringing to bear upon them a mind unusually clear and quick, a rare good common sense, and an exalted idea of right and fair dealing.  To her assistance and to her suggestions can be attributed no unimportant part in her husband's great success in business.

Throughout the long life thus brought to a close, Mrs. Goodyear well fulfilled her part as daughter, wife and mother, and many will regret that the hand now cold in death can no longer minister to the wants of the deserving poor.  To such, and many more, the memory of her acts of kindness, words of encouragement and her ready sympathy will last as long as life.  Of an even temper, and with a mind cultivated to a greater extent than would have been supposed, she endeared herself, though an invalid for many years, to her neighbors and acquaintances, while her form of character made her greatly respected and loved in the family circle.

the funeral was attended by a large concourse of neighbors and citizens at her late residence in Colliersville.  The sermon was by the Rev. Daniel Ballou at Utica and her remains were deposited in the village cemetery, where she now sleeps by the side of her husband who went before her, four years ago.

__________________________

News Item

A Short Historical Sketch

The valley of the Butternut, below the beautiful village of Morris [Otsego Co. NY] has many historical points of interest. Although perhaps these places are of a more local than general history, they have a dear spot in the memory of many of the old residents of the valley, and the present generation love to visit them and linger around the places made sacred to them by the memory of their ancestors.  About one mile from the village, on the four corners, stands a large butternut tree.  At the time of the war of 1812, the story is told, when our country demanded the strength and sinew of its people, a small box was nailed against this tree, and all the farmers - gray haired sires and light-hearted boys - for miles around, gathered there. The box was filled with "lots", and a line marched round the tree single file, each person taking a "lot" from the box to see who should go in defense of the country and who should stay at home to take care of the farms and families.  How vivid is the picture always brought to our mind as we go past the venerable old tree.  We see the eyes of the young men sparkle with excitement, and there we see one who is jealous of his companion - one has drawn a "war ticket" and the other a blank and must stay at home. The old men and middle-aged are there with cast down faces, looking serious but in earnest, and wondering when the dark days will be over, and the mothers and sisters are there too, looking tearfully on, and praying the "God of battles" to direct all things aright.

A mile, perhaps, farther down the valley is a marble pillar, four or five feet high, surrounded by a tall iron picket fence.  This monument marks the place where Miss Cooper of Cooperstown [Otsego Co NY] was thrown from her horse and instantly killed about 75 years ago.  She was sister to Otsego's great novelist, J. Fenimore Cooper.  The iron of the fence around the monument was manufactured on the spot, out of ore dug from the hillside a few rods from the scene of this sad and fatal accident.

We next come to the old Morris Manor.  In June 1787, Jacob Morris arrived at this spot, or near it, and built a house.  In a letter dated from this place to a brother in New York, June 21, 1787, he says:  "We came down the Susquehanna River up the Unadilla, then up this beautiful stream (the Butternut Creek) to my new home.  I am probably the first white man who ever navigated its waters." This happened only 91 years ago. The appearance of the country here now makes us receive this fact almost with incredulity.  At this point of the valley comes in Mill Creek, a very beautiful and picturesque stream, on which are the Falls of St. Mary's.  In the near future I intend to give a short description of it, reviewing some of its legends and historical points.

Morris, April 1878

Morris Chronicle, Morris, NY, April 10, 1878

Marriage

April 3:  At the residence of the bride's parents, in Morris [Otsego Co. NY], by Rev. J.S Southworth, Mr. G.H. Thayer of Otsego [Otsego Co. NY], to Miss Sarah L. Mott daughter of Joseph Mott.

Death

Gilbertsville, Otsego Co. NY:  Mrs. Thomas Cope nee Botsford, died last Saturday evening, leaving an infant son two weeks old.  Her remains are to be interred in Hillington cemetery next Tuesday.

Vital Records, Chenango County, NY, April 1878

 Oxford Times, Oxford, NY, April 3, 1878

Death

BROWN:  In Pitcher [Chenango Co. NY], March 17th, Josephine S. [Brown] wife of Luther Brown, aged 42 years.

Chenango American, Greene, NY, April 4, 1878

Marriages

In Norwich [Chenango Co. NY], March 20th, by Rev. S. Scoville, Mr. Allen J. Clare to Miss Jennie E. Barber, all of Norwich.

In Norwich [Chenango Co. NY], March 23d, by Rev. W.R. Stone, Mr. August Grotsinger to Miss Nancy Saftenberger, all of Norwich.

Deaths

In McDonough [Chenango Co. NY], March 24th, Vernia [Brooks], only son of P.L. and Martha Brooks, aged 5 years.

In Willet, N.Y. [Cortland Co. NY], March 7th, Rilla [Jacobson] relict of Jacob Jacobson and mother of Geo. R. Jacobsen, Esq., of Smithville [Chenango Co. NY], aged 74 years, 6 months and 11 days.

Deceased was the daughter of Job Rockwell, Esq.; was born in Stafford Tolland Co., Conn; removed with her father's family to German, Chenango County [NY] when about six years of age.  In February 1824, she married Jacob Jacobson, whom she survived five years.  She was a great sufferer from partial paralysis for thirty-two years; for six months her sufferings were intense.  Her life has been one of the steady, bright, onward Christian, ever telling of the renewed spirit within that guiding and controlling power; and her death was the death of the righteous.  An only son, five daughters and an aged sister, mourn the loss of a loving, affectionate mother and sister.

Chenango Forks, Broome Co. NY:  Mr. Albert Adams, died on Saturday afternoon, of typhoid pneumonia.  He was attended by Dr. Harrington.  The funeral took place from his late residence on Monday afternoon, at one o'clock.

Sherburne News, Sherburne, NY, April 6, 1878

Deaths

BINGHAM:  In Columbus [Chenango Co. NY], April 3, 1878, Mrs. Elvira Bingham, wife of Wellington Bingham, aged 29 years, 9 months and 4 days.  Her funeral was held at the Free Baptist Church, of which she was a member.

Truly "Death loves a shining mark."  Mrs. Bingham was an exemplary Christian, a faithful, loving wife and a superior mother.  Besides her husband and two children, she leaves a father, mother, two brothers and two sisters, who will sadly miss the loved one.  Her loss will be deeply felt, not only by the family, but by all who knew her, for to know her was to love her.  May the Lord bless the afflicted ones and enable them to trust God, and finally may they be reunited with her in the Kingdom of Heaven.

HAVELY:  In this village [Greene, Chenango Co. NY], March 30, 1878, Mrs. Sarah R. Havely, widow of Jacob Havely, aged 70 years and 10 months.

The funeral of Mrs. Havely took place at the Congregational Church on Tuesday afternoon and was attended by a large concourse of relatives and citizens.  The discourse was preached by Rev. Samuel Miller of Deansville (former pastor of the Congregational Chruch in this place) his remarks being from John xi:11.  The sermon inculcated implicit faith in Christ and embraced illustrations of the triumphs of those who accepted the gospel as inscrutable.  The preacher spoke of Mrs. Havely as one who accepted Christ in immovable faith as one who exhibited, perhaps less ecstasies of religion than some others, but one firmly grounded in the Gospel, whose religion consisted in good works, in deeds of benevolence, kindness, charity.  He spoke of her as a woman of remarkable sense, judgment and balance of mind.  He paid a most touching tribute to her, both as a Christian lady and friend and spoke of her loss as irreparable.  Mrs. Havely was a sister of the late Hon. Benj. F. Rexford and possessed many of his strong characteristics of mind.  As a tribute to her memory will soon be written by one eminently fitted for the task, we forbear further remarks.

Bainbridge Republican, Bainbridge, NY, April 4, 1878

Marriage

BALLARD - DOUGLASS:  At the Bride's home in East Bainbridge [Chenango Co. NY], March 27th, by Rev. Samuel Johnson, Egbert Ballard of Sidney Plains [Delaware Co. NY] and Miss Eliza Douglass of Bainbridge.

Deaths

Ann Eliza Goodyear, widow of the late Jared Goodyear, died at her residence at Colliers [Westchester Co. NY], Saturday afternoon last aged 74 years, 10 months, and 29 days.  Mrs. Goodyear has been an invalid for several years.  She leaves but one child, Mrs. Sylvester Lyman of Cooperstown [Otsego Co. NY].  Her only grandchild, Miss Ella Lyman, who has resided with her all her life, has been unremitting in her care of her grandmother and it is understood that she is the legatee.

____________________

Mrs. Jacob Bixby

At 12 o'clock last week Saturday morning, Mrs. Jacob Bixby, passed from her home on earth to heaven.  Mrs. Bixby for the past four years has been a great sufferer caused from a accident which happened to her while returning from Quarterly conference at North Afton [Chenango Co. NY], July 19th, 1874.

The Bainbridge Republican under date of July 25th, 1874 says:  "While in East Afton, Mrs. Jacob Bixby was thrown from a wagon by a sudden start of the horse (the seat being loose) and severely injured about the spine.  Two other ladies with infants, occupied the same seat, but they fortunately escaped unhurt.  Mrs. B. was brought home on a bed, medical aid called in and she was soon brought to her senses, but it will be some time before she will be able to go about."

Although Mrs. Bixby fully recovered her senses, she never was able to do her household duties, but was confined continually to her bed.  From the first, her body was wholly paralyzed from her neck down, but in time she was able to move her arms and hands and could, by placing her food before her, help herself, but she never recovered farther, and to the time of her death was helpless.  All who were acquainted with Mrs. Bixby knew her to be a lady of excellent qualities and of a very mild and friendly disposition.  She bore her trial with that patience and submission due to a saint and never murmured on account of her sad fate.  She was a firm believer in prayer, and often as said that it was her only hope.  During the last few weeks of her life she was a great sufferer.  Death was a happy relief. As such, she welcomed it.  While deeply mourning her loss, those that know how great was her suffering, recognize that their loss is her gain. With peculiar force it could be said of her that to depart and be with Christ was far better. 

Mrs. Bixby was born at North New Berlin, Chenango County, N.Y. De. 25, 1824.  Her maiden name was Artemissa Darling.  On the 25 of December 1849, she was married to Jacob Bixby in West Davenport, and was a sister of Mr. Bixby's first wife. The family of the deceased have the sympathy of the entire community.  Her funeral services were held in the M.E. Church on Monday of this week, Rev. N.S Reynolds officiating, and a large number of relatives and friends were present.  Her remains were interred in the cemetery at this place.

Vital Records, Chenango County, NY April 1878

 Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, April 4, 1878

Marriages

BURRELL - DILLON:  At the residence of Charles Hayes, in this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY] on Thursday evening, March 28th by Rev. D.E. Loveridge, Mr. Judson Burrell to Miss Aggie Dillon all of Norwich.

WALLACE - MYERS:  March 26th by Rev. D.M. Grummon, Mr. Charles C. Wallace of Rockwell's Mills [Chenango Co. NY], to Miss Clara Myers of Bainbridge [Chenango Co. NY].

SHERMAN - JOHNSON:  In East Norwich [Chenango Co. NY] March 30th by Rev. H.M. Crydenwise, Mr. William Sherman to Miss Libbie S. Johnson all of Norwich.

William Sherman was united in marriage to Miss Libbie Johnson by Rev. H.M Crydenwise before the East Norwich Good Templars lodge on Saturday evening.  There is nothing strange about this so far, but there are some incidents connected with the affair that we cannot refrain from mentioning.  Mr. Sherman had conveyed his intended to the place where they were to be married and was returning to the village for a lady friend.  At the corner of Hale and Birdsall St., he had a collision and broke his wagon.  He was thrown out and dragged through the mud several rods.  When he arose, his wedding dress was in a dilapidated and demoralized condition.  Some men would have despaired, but not he.  He went to work and in less than an hour he had a new suit and stood before the bride at East Norwich and the ceremony was performed.  This shows what pluck and determination will do in matrimonial as well as the stormier affairs of life.  [Chenango Semi-Weekly Telegraph, Norwich, NY, Apr. 3, 1878]

Deaths

BUTTON:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], April 1st, Carrie B. [Button] daughter of Ambrose and Martha Button, aged 25 years.

The funeral of Mrs. Carrie Button, who died on Monday last was largely attended on Thursday.  The hall of the Good Templar's Lodge of which she was a active member was dressed in mourning and that body attended her funeral.  [Chenango Semi-Weekly Telegraph, Norwich, NY, Apr. 6, 1878]

NEWTON:  In South New Berlin [Chenango Co. NY], March 27th, of heart disease, Mrs. Polly Newton, aged 75 years. The deceased was a kind friend, a generous neighbor, a Christian woman and a member of the Baptist Church in South New Berlin.

In South New Berlin, Wednesday, the 27th, Mrs. Polly Newton, relict of the late Daniel Newton, aged 75 years. [Chenango Semi Weekly Telegraph, Apr. 3, 1878]

SHERWOOD:  In Guilford [Chenango Co. NY], March 28th, of heart disease, Delia [Sherwood] wife of Samuel Sherwood, aged 73 years.

LANE:  Died in Lincklaen [Chenango Co. NY], March 29th, Mrs. Doctor Lane, mother of Daniel Lane.

HALBERT:  Died, in Lincklaen [Chenango Co. NY] March 29th, of consumption, Elenor Halbert [Bemus], wife of Edward Bemus, aged 33 years.

PRATT:  New Berlin, Chenango Co. NY:  Mrs. Pratt whose funeral occurred last Wednesday died rather suddenly.  She had been in feeble health for some time, yet she at last died rather unexpectedly.  She was an old resident.

Chenango Semi-Weekly Telegraph, Norwich, NY, April 3, 1878

Deaths

MOORE:  In Sherburne [Chenango Co. NY], March 29th, Mrs. Eliza Moore, wife of Stephen Moore, aged 75 years

HAVELY:  Mrs Sarah Havely a very estimable widow lady of this village, died at her residence on Saturday morning, at the age of 78 years of bilious pneumonia.  After a brief season, death came to her relief and the shock of her sudden death fell heavily upon relatives and the community.  She was an active and devoted member of the Congregational Church in this village [Sherburne, Chenango Co. NY] and a teacher of a Bible class.

News Item

Grove Loomis has only been dead a couple of weeks, but the mediums have begun to get communications from him.  The last was, "I'm here, send summer clothing and a pair of horses."

Chenango Semi-Weekly Telegraph, Norwich, NY, April 6, 1878

Marriages

BARNES - WALDORF:  At Decatur, N.Y. [Otsego Co.] March 21st by Rev. J. Jones of Afton, Mr. Fayette H. Barnes and Miss Alice E. Waldorf, both of Decatur.

SMITH - WILKINS:  At Afton [Chenango Co. NY], March 29th, by Rev. J. Jones, Mr. H. Henry Smith of Bainbridge [Chenango Co. NY] and Miss Nettie A. Wilkins of Coventry [Chenango Co. NY].

ELLIS - HALL:  At the home of the bride, March 27th by Rev. A. Marshall of Madison, Mr. F. D. Ellis of Georgetown [Madison Co. NY] to Miss Hattie L. Hall of Earlville [Madison Co. NY]

CONGDEN - LEWIS:  In Lebanon [Madison Co. NY], March 29th by Rev. C.O. Johnson, Mr. Norman Congden of Smyrna [Chenango Co. NY] to Miss Jennie Lewis of Lebanon.

Deaths

CONGDEN:  In Smyrna [Chenango Co. NY] March 28th, Mrs. Sarah Congden, mother of William Congden, aged 76 years.

JACOBSON:  In Willet, N.Y. [Cortland Co. NY] March 7th, Rilla [Jacobson] relict of Jacob Jacobson and mother of George R. Jacobson, Esq. of Smithville [Chenango Co. NY] aged 74 years, six months and 11 days.

HOLCOMB:  In Afton [Chenango Co. NY], on March 31st, 1878, Mrs. C.H. Holcomb, aged 76 years.

Vital Records, Broome Co. NY, March 1846

 Binghamton Courier, Binghamton, NY, March 4, 1846

Marriages

In this village [Binghamton, Broome Co. NY] Feb. 18, at Mr. Way's Hotel by J.M. Snyder, Mr. Horton Wheat of Catlin, Chemung Co. N.Y. to Miss Esther McKune of Harmony, Susquehanna Co. Pa.

At Great Bend, Pa on the 24th ult. by Rev. J.B. McCreary, Mr. Roswell Robinson of Union [Broome Co. NY] to Miss Betsey Osborn of this town [Binghamton, Broome Co. NY].

In West Windsor [Broome Co. NY] on the 1st inst. by the Rev. M. Dyer, Mr. Hiram Weed to Mrs. Angeline Robinson.

In Colesville [Broome Co. NY] on the 1st inst. by the Rev. N.B. Wilkins, Mr. Peter Ellsworth of Lanesborough Pa. to Mrs. Clarissa Chase of West Windsor.

Deaths

In the town of Hudson, Walworth County, Wisconsin, on the 16th of January, Jesse Hand, aged 62 years, formerly of New Lebanon, Columbia Co., N.Y.

In this town [Binghamton, Broome Co. NY] on the 11th inst. Elizabeth [Hatch] wife of Oliver W. Hatch and daughter of Richard and Catharine Lewis. 

News Item

One day last week, the house of a Mr. Perkins in the town of Pitcher [Chenango Co. NY] took fire and owing to a quantity of flax deposited in a room, the flames spread with such fearful rapidity, that all attempts to extinguish the fire proved futile.  Mr. Perkins went round his house and opened a window for the purpose of rescuing a bed.  He ran his head in, seized the clothes and there remained immovable.  He was seen by an individual a short distance off who hastened to his relief and when he pulled him back, the flames completely enveloped his head and shoulders, shooting out some six feet.  He was dreadfully burnt, insensible and his grasp upon the clothes spasmodic, bringing them away with him, although it required the utmost strength of his deliverer to drag him out of the fire.  He lived three or four days and died seemingly unconscious of his situation. Whether he was seized with a fit or stultified by the atmosphere has not been determined.  Norwich (Chenango Co.) Telegraph.

Binghamton Courier, Binghamton, NY, March 11, 1846

Marriage

In Maine village [Broome Co. NY] on the 6th inst. by Samuel M. Hunt, Esq., Mr. John J. Egan and Miss Jane Johnson, all of that place.

Deaths

In this village [Binghamton, Broome Co. NY] on the 8th inst. Frederick V. L. Squires, aged 20 years.

In this village [Binghamton, Broome Co. NY] on the 26th ult. Horace Chesley [Griswold] son of Horace S. Griswold, Esq. aged 11 months.

In this village [Binghamton, Broome Co. NY] on the 4th inst., Mr. Peter Potter, aged 62 years.

Binghamton Courier, Binghamton, NY, March 18, 1846

Marriage

In Millbury, Worcester Co. Mass. on the 3d inst. by the Rev. N. Beech, Mr. Luther Jenison of Union in this county [Broome Co. NY] to Miss maria Louisa Putnam of the former place.

Death

In this village [Binghamton, Broome Co. NY] on the 9th inst. Albert Morgan [Tracy] infant son of Justice and Marth Tracy, aged six months.

Binghamton Courier, Binghamton, NY, March 25, 1846

Deaths

In this village [Binghamton, Broome Co. NY] on Wednesday the 18th instant, Charles Edward [Hand] son of Dr. Stephen D. and Elmina Hand, aged 7 months.

In this town [Binghamton, Broome Co. NY] on the 14th instant, Mrs. Submit Moore, aged 87 yea  rs.

Vital Records, Delaware County, NY, October to December 1820

 Delaware Gazette, Delhi, NY, October 19, 1820

Death

At his late residence i Kortright [Delaware Co. NY], on the 13th inst. Col. Solomon M. Sackrider aged forty-three, after an illness of short duration.  His last moments were characterized by the utmost resignation and frequent and animated expressions of satisfaction and happiness.  The deceased had filled a large space in society by reason of an elevated situation in life and the discharge of important public and private duties.  The void created by his loss will be severely felt and appreciated by an extensive circle of acquaintances, friends and relatives, but most particularly by those to whom he was united by filial and paternal ties.  His aged parents will receive from their afflicting bereavement an additional weight to that load of years that is pressing them to the grave.  The world has lost in the death of this man a living instance of practical virtue and honesty. blessed with great mildness and honesty of disposition, he was warm and steady in friendship, active in benevolence, open hearted and liberal, to the highest degree, kind and affectionate to his dependents and family and just to all.  Nor were these virtues mixed up with that alloy of vice, by which generous minds are often tarnished.  It is not therefore a matter of surprise that after having led an earthly career under the influence of the best of virtues, a consciousness of it upon his death bed should triumph over the agonies of pain and expiring nature and his soul depart from its perishing tenement, exulting in the retrospect of a life well spent and the anticipation of future felicity.

Delaware Gazette, Delhi, NY, October 26, 1820

Marriage

 In Delhi [Delaware Co. NY] on the 18th instant, by Walter chase, Esq., Mr. George Gates to Miss Angeline Howland.

Death

In Bovina [Delaware Co. NY], on the 18th inst. Mr. Adam Kedzie in the 31st year of his age.

Delaware Gazette, Delhi, NY, November 9, 1820

Marriage

At Waterville [Oneida Co. NY], on Wednesday evening last, by the Rev. Robert Forrest, Doct. William Ogden of Walton [Delaware Co. NY] to Miss Anne Gregory of the former place.

Delaware Gazette, Delhi, NY, November 16, 1820

Death

In the village of Herkimer [Herkimer Co. NY], on Sunday the 5th inst. William Lappon, Esq. in the 51st year of his age, and Father of the editor of this paper.

Delaware Gazette, Delhi, NY, December 14, 1820

Marriage

In this town [Delhi, Delaware Co. NY], on Thursday the 23d ult by the Rev. Mr. maxwell, Mr. James Smith to Miss Elizabeth Rait.