Vital Records, Chenango County, NY, July 1878

 Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, July 18, 1878

Marriages

GREENLEAF - BREED:  July 3d, by Rev. A. C. Smith, Mr. Z.P. Greenleaf, of Pitcher [Chenango Co. NY] to Miss Hannah Breed of Pharsalia [Chenango Co. NY].

CUMMINGS - MURRAY:  In Olean [Cattaraugus Co NY], July 4th, by Rev. O.F. Williams, Mr. George H. Cummings of Greene, Chenango Co. N.Y. to Miss Mary R. Murray of Humphrey, Cattaraugus Co. N.Y.

Deaths

WILLCOX:  In Great Bend, Pa. July 13th, Mr. Eli Willcox, aged 70 years, formerly of Oxford [Chenango Co. NY].

The remains of Eli Willcox, a former resident of this village [Oxford, Chenango Co. NY], who died at Great Bend, Pa. reached this place Saturday, accompanied by a number of relatives.  The funeral was held in the Methodist Church Sunday afternoon and was largely attended. The remains were interred in the Cemetery beside those of his second wife, who preceded him about a month since.  Times

DAVIS:  In Merced City, Cal. June 13th, Mr. Henry Davis, aged 36 years, formerly of Afton [Chenango Co. NY].

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NASH:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], July 16th, Mr. Alphonso D. Nash aged 85 years.  Funeral services will be held at his late residence on Elm Street, on Thursday afternoon at 5 o'clock.

It is with feelings of sorrow that we are called upon to announce the death of Alphonso D. Nash, which occurred at his residence on Tuesday night.

Deceased was born in Hartwick, Otsego County, in November, 1822, and served his time as an apprentice in the piano shop of C.D. Pease, in Cooperstown, at which time E.T. Hayes, of this village, was a journeyman in the same establishment.  Afterwards he went to New York, where he worked for some six or seven years, then he removed to Forestville, Chautauqua County [NY], where he was associated with his brother, the late Silas Nash, in the mercantile business.  He again returned to his favorite pursuit, and for some time carried on the manufacture of pianos at that place. Twenty-three years ago last May, he came to Norwich, and since that time has been foreman in the piano works of Hayes & Rider.

He had for some months past been in poor health, and it was evident to his friends that he was soon to pass "over the river." Still he struggled against the disease which had overtaken him and was upon our streets for the last time on Saturday evening.

It needs no words of ours to speak of the many good qualities of the deceased, as he was well known to most of our citizens.  He was a mechanic of no ordinary ability, having passed through a thorough school of training and his work was always well done.  As a citizen and neighbor, he was ever kind and obliging, and everyone was his friend.  But in the household, he will be most missed.  A loving husband and father, his death will be mourned by his estimable wife and four children whom he has left, and who have the sympathies of all, in their affliction.

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PENDLETON:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY] July 17th, William Pendleton, Esq. aged 83 years.

The venerable William Pendleton died at his residence on Grove Avenue in this village, on Wednesday morning of this week, aged eighty-three years.

He was born in Rhode Island and nearly seventy years ago he removed with the family of his father, Capt. Nathan Pendleton, to this town, locating upon the farm now owned by Hadlai Pendleton, south of this village.  Here he resided for some years and after his marriage removed to the east part of the town, where he remained about six years.  In 1840 he removed to Greene [Chenango Co. NY] and from there to Smithville [Chenango Co. NY] where he remained some twelve years, during which time he held the office of Justice of the Peace and faithfully discharged its duties.  About twelve years ago he removed to Norwich, where he has since resided.

Mr. Pendleton was probably the oldest member of the Masonic fraternity in the County and has been a life-long staunch Democrat of the old school.  He was the last of a large family of children, and he will be missed from our streets, where he had a pleasant word for all, and by those who knew him more intimately at home.

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Two weeks since, we noticed the prostration by sunstroke, of George Perkins, of this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY] which occurred while working in a corn field near Frinkville, on the 2d inst.  Although it was thought he would recover from the shock, he died at the residence of his father, on Wednesday evening of last week.  His age was twenty-two years.

Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, July 4, 1878:  George Perkins of this village, aged twenty-two, while hoeing corn with others near Frinkville, Tuesday afternoon, was overcome and prostrated with heat.  Toward evening he was brought home, and Dr. Beecher called.  He suffered intensely, was wild and convulsed.  This (Wednesday) afternoon we learn that Perkins is considerably improved and likely to recover.  People working under the burning sun cannot be too careful about protecting their heads from the scorching rays, which may be done by wearing a moistened leaf or sponge in the crown of the hat.

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Thomas Purdie Sr. of Smyrna [Chenango Co. NY] while mowing on his farm in that town, about nine o'clock Tuesday morning, was prostrated by sunstroke and died in about an hour.  Deceased was seventy-six years of age and leaves a wife, two sons and two daughters to mourn his death.  He was an upright, industrious man, and will be missed by the community in which he resided.  His funeral will take place on Thursday at his late residence. 

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Mrs. Henry Allen who was buried last Friday, resided about a mile from Sherburne village [Chenango Co. NY].  She was the daughter of Deacon Jonathan Evans, of South Hill. Mary was one of the most amiable, exemplary Christians we ever knew.  She always had a smile and kind word for everybody and in the public assembly whenever there was an opportunity to bear testimony to the goodness of her Divine Master, she never hesitated to improve it. To her friends and relatives, especially to her aged father, her premature death [AE 21y] is indeed a severe affliction, while in the church of her choice, and the society in which she moved, the loss of her pious example and encouraging words, will be most deeply felt.

News Item

Those who know him will learn with regret that S.T. Benedict a prominent citizen of North Norwich [Chenango Co. NY] and last year Supervisor of that town, was on Wednesday, the 3d inst., taken to the Utica Asylum, he having for some time past been suffering from aberration of mind and at times became so violent that it was thought best to place him under the care of the officers of the Asylum, where he will receive proper treatment and it is hoped that he will soon be restored to reason and to his family.

Vital Records, Otsego (1848) and Broome (1837) Counties, NY

 Cherry Valley Gazette, Cherry Valley, NY, June 7, 1848

Marriage

At Milford Centre [Otsego Co. NY], on the 10th ult. by E.C. Wright, Esq. Mr. David Wells to Miss Julia A. Collier, both of Collierville [Otsego Co. NY].

Deaths

In Fly Creek [Otsego Co. NY] on the 3d ult. Volney Annas aged 29 years.

We noticed under our obituary head yesterday the decease of Mr. Alexander Ely who expired at the residence of his brother in this city yesterday morning at the ripe old age of 86 years.  He did his country good service in its first great struggle for liberty and lived to reap the rich reward of his patriotic sacrifices.  He has seen the wilderness made to blossom as the rose and what was then a few dependent and sparsely settled colonies transformed in his own lifetime into a mighty nation of freemen, flourishing beyond all example in the arts of peace and war, and taking rank alongside the most powerful nation of the globe.  The deceased veteran moved to this city in 1816, from West Springfield, Mass. of which place he was a native and was held in high esteem by all who knew him. He was in the army with General Washington and witnessed the execution of Maj. Andre.  Rochester Courier.

We regret to learn that Geo. Bowman, a young man aged 17 years, son of Alfred Bowman of Montgomery County [NY] was killed instantly last Friday by the falling of a tree.  The deceased was in the employ of Henry Smith of this village and was much esteemed by his large circle of relatives and friends.

Cherry Valley Gazette, Cherry Valley, NY, June 28, 1848

Marriage

In this town [Cherry Valley, Otsego Co. NY] on the 8th inst. by the Rev. Joseph Ransom, Mr. Joseph W. Clark to Miss Emily Wales both of this town.

Deaths

In Otsego [Otsego Co. NY] on the 15th inst. Nancy [Tanner] wife of Ira H. Tanner, aged 35 years.

In Fly Creek [Otsego Co. NY] on the 21st inst. at the residence of her father, Deacon Albert North, Mrs. Emily Ames, wife of Cheney Ames of Owego [Tioga Co. NY], aged 31 years.

Otsego Democrat, Cooperstown, NY, January 1, 1848

Death

Mr. S.B. Horton of Natick was run over and killed by a train on the Worcester Railroad near that place [Worcester, Otsego Co. NY] on Saturday afternoon.  He stood upon the track, looking at a freight train which was on the other track and the noise of that probably prevented his hearing the coming and alarms of the one which killed him.  He was about 30 years old and  had a wife and two children.

Otsego Democrat, Cooperstown, NY, January 8, 1848

Marriages

In this village [Cooperstown, Otsego Co. NY], on the 6th inst. by the Rev. Mr. Bartlett, Mr. Peter R. Winne of Canajoharie [Montgomery Co. NY], to Miss Phebe W. Cooley eldest daughter of Richard Cooley, Esq. of this village.

We were "done brown" in the cake line.

In this village [Cooperstown, Otsego Co. NY] on the 6th inst. by the Rev. Mr. Beach, Mr. John H.H. Doty to Miss Mary J. Graves, both of this village.

Otsego Democrat, Cooperstown, NY, January 2, 1848

Death

In this town [Cooperstown, Otsego Co. NY] on Thursday night last, Maj. Geo. T. Dalphin aged about 30 years.

Broome Republican, Binghamton, NY, August 17, 1837

Deaths

In this village [Binghamton, Broome Co. NY], on Saturday last, Mrs. Susan Abbott, wife of Mr. William E. Abbott, aged 29 years.

In Colesville [Broome Co. NY], on Sunday, August 6th, Robert R. [Harpur] only osn of john W. Harpur, Esq. aged 23 years.

In Vestal [Broome Co. NY], August 6th, Mr. John Seymour aged bout 50 years.

In this town [Binghamton, Broome Co. NY] August 14th, Mary Gray foster child of Abram Bevier, Esq. aged 17 years.  Possessed of an amiable disposition and prepossessing manners, she early endeared herself to those to whom she was connected by ties of nature and awakened feelings of deep interest and affection in those with whom she associated.  To these graces of nature were added those of piety, which, a few months previous to her last illness, had taken deeper root in her soul and effected a greater change in her outward conduct, until all that was early seemed subdued, and her spirit was ripe for heaven. During her sickness, notwithstanding her extreme suffering, she manifested continued patience and as death approached, entire resignation to the will of God. When questioned of her hopes, she assured her friends that her faith in her Redeemer gave her joy even in death. She was anticipating a removal soon to her parents at the West, but it pleased her heavenly Father to take her to a home in heaven, and her assurance of preparation made the summons welcome.  May this dispensation give new force to the command "Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth."

Broome Republican, Binghamton, NY, August 31, 1837

Marriages

On Thursday evening last, by the Rev. Mr. Adams, Mr. Samuel Brown merchant to Miss Julia Backus, both of this village [Binghamton, Broome Co. NY].

On Monday evening last, by the Rev. Solon Stocking, M. James Stone to Miss Eliva Wentz, all of this village [Binghamton, Broome Co. NY].

Deaths

In this village [Binghamton, Broome Co. NY] on Friday last, Mr. Reuben S. Close aged 53 years.

In this city [Albany, Albany Co. NY], on the 20th inst. after a protracted and painful illness.  Mrs. Catharine Spencer, aged 58 years, wife of the Hon. Ambrose Spencer, formerly Chief Justice of the state, daughter of General James Clinton, and sister of the late Gov. DeWitt Clinton.  Mrs. Spencer has been for many years an inhabitant of this city.  She has long been distinguished and respected for numerous acts of benevolence and liberality and she was justly endeared to an extensive circle of relatives and friends, who will cherish an affectionate and unfading remembrance of her unobtrusive virtues.  Albany Journal, August 21.

At the Salt Sulphur Springs (Va.) on the 10th inst. T.S. Mills, Esq. of the firm of O.&T.S. Mills & Co. Charleston, S.C.

Vital Records, Otsego County, NY, 1809, 1848, 1853

Cooperstown Federalist, Cooperstown, NY, September 9, 1809

Marriage

At New York, by the Rev. Mr. Stevens, after a courtship fo six hours, Mr. Christopher Neun Hoeffer of Ludwigsburg, Germany, a youth of 60 to the blooming Miss Betsey Marrs of New York, aged 76 years.

May Heaven protect this tender pair, / And crown with bliss their hoary hair, / For never, since the world began, / Was love so keen twixt wife and man. 

While youngsters (to their shame tis said) / Require years to gain a maid, / This grey hair'd youth with magic powers, / Gained his fair bride in six short hours.

Death

At Canajoharie, Montgomery County, N. York on the 24th ult of the Typhus Fever, Captain Roger Mills, aged 52 years.  From the commencement of his disease to its final termination (8 days) he resigned himself with a true Christian disposition to the holy dispensation of a righteous God.

Cherry Valley Gazette, Cherry Valley, NY, May 3, 1848

Marriage

In Warren Herkimer Co. [NY] Oct. 2, 1848, at the residence of his father, by the Rev. Robert Fox, Jeptha S. Bingham, M.D. of Tully, Onondaga Co. [NY], to Miss Emeline Allen of Watertown, Jefferson Co. [NY].

Deaths

In Warren, [Herkimer Co. NY] at the residence of his father, on the 20th ult. Jeptha S. Bingham, M.D.  Jeptha S. Bingham, MD., of Tully Onondaga Co. [NY], aged 22 years.

In this town [Cherry Valley, Otsego Co. NY], on the 31st of March, John Henry Potter, aged 1 year, 2 months and 3 days.

Cherry Valley Gazette, Cherry Valley, NY, May 24, 1848

Death

In this village [Cherry Valley, Otsego Co. NY] on the 16th inst. Mr. Catherine Holt aged 78 years, widow of the late Col. Holt of this place.  She was the mother of thirteen children.  Her last sickness, which was short, was the only serious illness of her life.  Distinguished as she was for health, she was scarcely less so for mental vigor.  To the close of life, she maintained habits of reading and with deep interest, perused able works in poetry, history and other branches of literature.  Many years ago, she professed faith in the redeemer and united with the Presbyterian Church.  She has fallen in her strength, though aged, leaving few of the associates of her youth to survive her and those few will soon follow her.

Cherry Valley Gazette, Cherry Valley, NY, May 31, 1848

Marriage

In Cooperstown [Otsego Co. NY], on the 24th inst. by H.S. Babcock, Esq. John W. Davis to Cynthia Hubbard, both of Milford [Otsego Co. NY].

Death

In Hartwick [Otsego Co. NY], on the 18th inst. Mr. WS. Bowdish aged 46 years.

A little lad about four years old, son of Mr. Geo. Stedman of this village [Cazenovia, Madison Co. NY], while playing with his sister on Monday last, walking backward, sat down in a pail of boiling water which had been momentarily placed in the room.  The little sufferer lingered in much pain until this morning, when he was relieved by death.

Oneonta Herald, Cooperstown, NY, October 19, 1853

Marriage

In Oneonta [Otsego Co. NY] in the morning of the 18th inst. by the Rev. Wm. H. Hill, Mr. Julius T. Alden of Aldenville, Wayne Co. Pa. to Miss Roxy A. Emmons of the former place.

Oneonta Herald, Cooperstown, NY, October 26, 1853

Marriage

In Oneonta [Otsego Co. NY] on the morning of the twenty-fifth inst. by the Rev. J. Soale, Mr. John Miller to Miss Louisa Brewer, all of Oneonta.

Vital Records, Otsego County, NY, 1878

 Freeman's Journal, Cooperstown, NY, July 18, 1878

Marriage

At the residence of Volney D. Becker, Esq., South Worcester [Otsego Co. NY] on the morning of the 11th inst.  by Rev. Dr. Keene of St. Paul's Episcopal Church of Milwaukee, John L. Mitchell of that city to Miss Harriet D. Becker of South Worcester.

Deaths

In this village [Cooperstown, Otsego Co. NY], July 16th, Delos J. Hall, aged 54 years.

In Otsego [Otsego Co. NY], July 14th, at the residence of H.H. Sprague, Henry Knowlton aged 93 years, 9 months and 22 days.

In Milford [Otsego Co. NY], July 8th, Dean Robinson aged 12 years.

In West Burlington [Otsego Co. NY], June 22, Rufus Spencer aged 84 years 7 months and 16 days.

Hervey Luce who for many years was one of the businessmen of Cooperstown [Otsego Co. NY] and a most estimable citizen, died at Elmira [Chemung Co. NY] on the 6th inst. in the 85th year of his age.  He left here in 1833.

Morris Chronicle, Morris, NY, July 31, 1878

Death

July 22:  In New Lisbon [Otsego Co. NY], Mary E. [Brooks] aged 73 years.

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

Marriages

At West Davenport [Delaware Co. NY] July 15 by Rev. H. Brotherton, William Webster of Albany [Albany Co. NY] and Miss Louise [Osterhout] daughter of Mrs. Ann Osterhout.

In Maryland [Otsego Co. NY] July 4th, by Rev. E. Potter, Jefferson Sitterly and Alice Hungerford, both of Milford Center [Otsego Co. NY].

In Davenport Center [Delaware Co. NY], July 7, by Rev. E.P. Crane, Wm. Peebles and  Ella G. Birge.

In Delhi [Delaware Co. NY], July 4, by Rev. F.A.M. Brown, Chas. M. Foote of Meredith [Delaware Co. NY] and Maggie M. Duncan of Hamden [Delaware Co. NY].

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Mitchell - Becker

(From Saturday's world)

The marriage has been announced of ex-State Senator John T. Mitchell of Wisconsin to Miss Hattie D. Becker, a daughter of the late Abraham Becker at her father's house, "Lindenwold," South Worcester, Otsego Co. [NY], the couple to spend a few weeks at Long Branch before making a two years' tour in Europe.

The groom is a young man of thirty-five, the only son and child of Alexander Mitchell, of Milwaukee, for several terms a member of the Wisconsin delegation in Congress and now President of the Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul Railroad.  Mr. Mitchell, Sr., came from Aberdeen in Scotland to Wisconsin in 1829 and from small beginnings has risen to be the railroad king of the northwest with a fortune estimated at from $10,000,000 to $20,000,000.  His son was educated at Oxford university.  Mrs. Alexander Mitchell was well known in Washington society and is President of the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association for the care and preservation of the estate at Mount Vernon.  She is now stopping at Long Branch.  Some two years ago, while traveling in Europe she met Miss Becker who was being educated in France and a friendship sprang up between them.  Miss Becker visited the Mitchells at their winter home near Jacksonville, Fla. and here she met John Mitchell.

Miss Becker is the youngest daughter of the late Abraham Becker, formerly eminent at the bar of Central New York.  The eldest son, George, with his brother, Danforth, followed the law and have an office at 345 Broadway, in this city. George will be remembered as the counsel of Ruloff the linguistic murderer executed at Binghamton in 1871.  Washington, another son, has settled in the west, holding a position of trust on the Chicago and Milwaukee Railroad.  Volney, the youngest brother, yet remains upon the homestead near Cooperstown [Otsego Co. NY].  Miss Becker's mother was a Miss Danforth of the Schoharie Danforth family. The engagement has been known to the two families for some time but has bene kept entirely private.

Mrs. Becker-Mitchell is a cousin of Hon. James Stewart and Mrs. Dr. Ireland of this village [Oneonta, Otsego Co. NY].

Deaths

In Cherry Valley [Otsego Co. NY] July 8, Mrs. Mary Wikoff relict of the late John Wikoff in the 75th year of her age.

In East Davenport [Delaware Co. NY], Henry TenEyck, aged nearly 81 years.

In Roxbury [Delaware Co. NY], July 9, Patty [Chase] wife of Nathan Chase aged 75 years.

In Stamford [Delaware Co. NY] July 13, Mrs. Betsy Churchill, aged 86 years.

In Delhi [Delaware Co. NY] July 13, Mrs. Mattie Stewart [Robinson] wife of Rev. J.H. Robinson, aged 31 years.

In West Burlington [Otsego Co. NY], July 9th, Mary Adelia Bonnar of Boston, aged 23 years and 10 months.

In Unadilla [Otsego Co. NY], July 10th, Richard Webb aged 74 years.

In Norwich [Chenango Co. NY], July 16th, Alphonso D. Nash aged 55 years.

In Norwich [Chenango Co. NY], July 17th, William Pendleton, Esq. aged 83 years.

Mrs. Green of Hancock [Delaware Co. NY], died suddenly at the depot while waiting to take the train.

Hon. William H. Blakeley, brother of Hon. Ebenezer Blakeley of Otego [Otsego Co. NY], died at Effingham, Ill., July 5th.  Mr. Blakeley's parents moved from New England to Otego when he was four years of age. There he grew to manhood.  In 1834 he journeyed to Illinois on horseback.  In 1839 Mr. Blakely was appointed clerk of the circuit Court by the late Judge Sidney Breese and held that office until 1847.  In 1847 he was a member of the State Constitutional Convention and in 1853 and 1873 served in the Legislature.  The Effingham Republican says of Mr. Blakeley:  "He was a kind neighbor, a high-toned and courteous gentleman.  The esteem in which he was held was manifested by the constant attendance of his neighbors during his long sickness and the long procession of friends that followed his remains to their last resting place.  Good judgment, thrift, economy and genuine good sense were marked traits of his character."

News Item

The divorce suit of Adelbert Mackey against his wife, Electa Mackey has been on trial before D. T. Arbuckle Esq., referee, for the past few days.  Adultery and other matrimonial infelicities are set up and sought to be established as grounds for the divorce. the parties have not cohabited for several years, the defendant living in Cortland Co. [NY] and the plaintiff in that part of Meredith [Delaware Co. NY] which was recently divorced from Davenport. W.H. Johnson and C. McPhail for plaintiff; George Adee and Judge A.P. Smith of Cortland, for defendant.  Delhi Republican

Vital Recored, Chenango (1878) & Broome ( 1837) Counties, NY

 Chenango American, Greene, NY July 11, 1878

Marriage

At the Baptist Parsonage in Marathon [Cortland Co. NY], June 26th, by Rev. J.H. Sage, Mr. William Church, to Miss Clara Rose of Chyler [Schyler, Herkimer Co. NY?].

Deaths

In Norwich [Chenango Co. NY], June 30th, Minnie E. [Colson] daughter of Mrs. A.H. Colson, aged 20 years and 11 months.

In Norwich [Chenango Co. NY], July 1st, Kate Louisa [Stack] daughter of James and Ellen Stack, aged 4 years.

In German [Chenango Co. NY], May 25th, Mr. James H. Green, aged 68 years.

In Oxford [Chenango Co. NY], June 27th, Mr. Matthew O. Wells aged 70 years, formerly of Preston [Chenango Co. NY].

In Oxford [Chenango Co. NY], June 17th, Mr.s Mary Troy, aged 84 years.

In Guilford [Chenango Co. NY], June 22d, Mr. Dexter Hunt, aged 76 years.

In Utica [Oneida Co. NY], June 28th, Mr. Jared Fisher, aged 74 years, formerly of Norwich [Chenanog Co. NY].

Hon. Giles W. Hotchkiss died at his residence in Binghamton [Broome Co. NY] on Friday last.  He was stricken with paralysis in November and had never recovered from the shock, but gradually failed up to the time of his death.  He was in his 63d  year.  He represented his Congressional District in the XXXVIII, XXXIX and XLI Congresses in which he served with distinction and honor to himself and his constituents.

Jared Fisher for many years a resident of this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], died in Utica [Oneida Co. NY], June 28th, at the advanced age of seventy-four years.  he will be remembered by many of our citizens, as an upright man, a sincere Christian, and one whom all respected for his virtues, his kindness of heart, and geniality in his daily intercourse with his neighbors and friends.  he was the father of Hon. F.B. Fisher, of Brooklyn.  UnionI

Bainbridge Republican, Bainbridge, NY, July 11, 1 878

Marriages

STOWELL - GREGORY:  At the residence of B.F. Gregory in Guilford [Chenango Co. NY] June 25th, by Rev. T.P{. Halstead, Mr. Charles C. Stowell of Mexico, N.Y., [Oswego Co.] to Miss Alice L. Gregory.

UTTER - PARSONS:  At the M.E. Parsonage, Bainbridge [Chenango Co. NY], July 3, 1878, by Rev. A.F. Brown, Rinald Utter of Bainbridge and Miss Lauretta Parsons of East Guilford [Chenango Co. NY].

Deaths

BENTON & LOURIE:  In Dacota, Iowa, June 30, 1878, Mrs. Esther Benton, aged 61 years.  At East Hebern, Penn, June 11, 1878, Polly Lourie, aged 54 years.  The above persons were formerly of this place [Bainbridge, Chenango Co. NY] and were daughters of the late James Landers of Afton [Chenango Co. NY].  They died within a short time of each other, and of the same disease, typhoid fever, although they had not seen each other for years.

Broome Republican, Binghamton, NY, July 6, 1837

Marriage

In St. Luke's Church, Detroit (MI] on Wednesday the 21st June last, by the Rt. Rev. Bishop McCostry, Mr. Thomas Evans, merchant, to Miss Nancy Doty, both of this village [Binghamton, Broome Co. NY].

Broome Republican, Binghamton, NY, July 13, 1837

Marriage

In this village [Binghamton, Broome Co. NY], on Thursday morning last, by the Rev. Edward Andrews, P.J. Fish, Esq. of New York to Miss Eliza  Howland, of Barnstable, Mass.

Broome Republican, Binghamton, NY, July 20, 1837

Death

We are pained to record the death, by drowning, on Saturday the 1st inst. at Greene village [Chenango Co. NY] of the Rev. Mr. Foote, a son of Amasa Foote, Esq. of Smyrna [Chenango Co. NY] and a recent graduate of the Auburn Theological Seminary.  Mr. F. had but just arrived at Greene, upon a visit to the Rev. Mr. Raymond, the Presbyterian clergyman of that place, who was his classmate in college, and for whom he intended to preach the next day. After taking tea together, the two friends went out into the river to bathe, when Mr. Foote, being an indifferent swimmer, was drawn over a rift in the stream, into very deep water, and before any assistance could be rendered was drowned.  Chenango Telegraph

Vital Records, Chenango County, NY, July 1878

 Chenango Semi-Weekly Telegraph, Norwich, NY, July 13, 1878

Marriages

MILLER - OLNEY:  In Plymouth [Chenango Co. NY] at the residence of W.A. Duren, July 9th, by Rev. W.G. Queal, Mr. Alonza E. Miller to Miss Celia Olney, both of Columbus, N.Y. [Chenango Co. NY].

FITCH - GROSS:  At the M.E. Parsonage in Greene [Chenango Co. NY], July 3d, by Rev. H.N. Van Deusen, Miletus Fitch and Ella A. Gross both of Greene.

Deaths

BROWN:  In Binghamton [Broome Co. NY], June 24th, Mrs. Elizabeth Brown, aged 75 years, formerly of Preston [Chenango Co. NY].

KNAPP:  In Guilford [Chenango Co. NY], July 3d, of cancer, Mr. Geo. Knapp, aged 76 years, father of David H. Knapp, Esq. of this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY].

NICHOLSON:  In Triangle [Broome Co. NY], July 5th, Rev. I.P. Nicholson, aged 61 years, formerly of McDonough [Chenango Co. NY].

Oxford Times, Oxford, NY, July 10, 1878

Marriage

TILLOTSON - MERCHANT:  June 27th, by Rev. G.A. Severson, Mr. C.S. Tillotson of Whitney's Point [Broome County, NY] to Miss Rose Merchant of Binghamton [Broome Co. NY].

Deaths

HARRINGTON:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co. NY], at the home of her parents, June 30th, of consumption, Miss Helen M. Harrington, aged 33 years and 8 months.

For more than eight years, has this fatal disease been following its victim, a resort to water cures, and then to the far west, seemed to drive it away for a time.  Yet upon a return to the east, and to the duties of school life, its presence was surely found to be preying upon her - yet with her great perseverance she succeeded in finishing her course and graduating at Maple Wood Music School in Connecticut.  Returning to her home in Oxford with anticipation high and with far more zeal and perseverance than strength, she commenced her work, only to be stopped suddenly - for she found that disease was fast overcoming her.  But not until after spending one season in the South and some time in other localities did she become assured of her inevitable fate. Acting upon this assurance, she spent the last eighteen months of her life with her friends at her home in Oxford.

PLUMB:  In Norwich [Chenango Co. NY], on July 1st, Mr. Justus Plumb, aged 73 years.

Sherburne News, Sherburne, NY, July 13, 1978

Marriages

COOK - BENNET:  At the residence of the bride's father's, Newark, Wayne Co. N.Y., Mr. Cook of Pittsburg, Pa. to Miss Marion Bennet formerly of Sherburne [Chenango Co. NY].

Deaths

COLE:  In this village [Sherburne, Chenango Co. NY], on the 7th inst. Mr. Rufus Cole, aged 64 years.

GARDINER:  In Columbus [Chenango Co. NY], on the 6th inst. Mrs. J. Gardiner.

ALLEN:  In this town [Chenango Co. NY], July 10, Mrs. Mary P. Allen wife of Henry Allen, aged 21 years.

REXFORD:  A fine monument of sarcophagus pattern, costing $2,500, has been erected in the Quarter cemetery to the memory of Nelson C. Rexford, who died at Naples, Italy, three years ago. The burial plot is fifty feet in diameter, and is surrounded by an ornamental railing, designed and manufactured in New York. The plot was chosen by Mr. Rexford some years before he died, for his last resting place and is situated in one of the most beautiful portions of the cemetery.

News Item

About 9 o'clock Thursday night, a fire broke out in the house owned and occupied by Mrs. Levisee, about two miles south of this village, at the foot of what is known as Church Hill.  A report reached the village about 10 o'clock that a man and child had been fatally burned and a number of people immediately left for the scene.  The following are the facts as were given to us by Mrs. Levisee:

Mrs. Robinson and son, Floyd, aged four years, of Otselic [Chenango Co. NY], had arrived in the morning, bringing with them Mrs. Higgins, an aged lady, mother of Mrs. Levisee.  Early in the evening Mrs. Robinson, Mrs. Levisee and daughter went on a visit to Mrs. Church, living at a little distance, leaving Mrs. Higgins and the child alone in the house.  The child had been put to bed and Mrs. Higgins was alone in the lower room.  In some unexplained manner the curtain took fire from the candle which she had been using, and she immediately endeavored to extinguish the flames. Thinking she had, she supposed there was no more danger.  She soon discovered, however, that the house was on fire, and being an old lady, was unable to save the house.  An alarm was immediately given and before help arrived, the house was enveloped in flames.  It was soon ascertained that the little boy was still in the house and an effort was made to reach him.  Mr. Charles Peckham, a neighbor, heroically tried to reach the little one, but was driven back by the flames and smoke.  He made a second attempt and this time was successful in reaching him, but not until after the child had been fatally burned.  Mr. Peckham was badly burned about the head and arms, and at the time we left he was suffering intense pain.  Dr. Henry Lyman was called and did all in his power to relieve their sufferings.  He found the child so fearfully burned than no hopes were entertained for its recovery.  A terrible gash was found on its forehead, supposed to have been cut while being carried from the house.  The little fellow was conscious and was suffering the most intense agony; the skin peeling from its face and body.  The little sufferer was gradually sinking. and at 12:30 o'clock death came to its relief.  Mr. Peckham, though not fatally burned, was in a terrible condition.  Too much praise cannot be given him for his noble act, and although he did not reach the child in time to save its life, he did all that human aid could do.  The grief-stricken mother, who but a short time before left her child in perfect health and strength, was nearly crazed with grief. Word was sent to Mr. Robinson at Otselic, and he arrived about 6 o'clock Friday morning.

Nothing was saved except a melodeon and a few household articles.  The greatest sympathy was expressed for the unfortunate ones and the neighbors did all in their power to comfort them. We have visited homes of suffering and sorrow, but never before witnessed such a sad scene as this.  Mr. and Mrs. Robinson have the sympathy of the entire community in their sad bereavement.  Drs. A.J. Mitchell and C.L. Easton, of this village, who were present, assisted Dr. Lyman in dressing the wounds and rendered him great service. We learn there was no insurance on the house.

Vital Records, Chenango County, NY July 1878

 Chenango Semi-Weekly Telegraph, Norwich, NY, July 10, 1878

Marriage

RAY - DAVENPORT:  In Smyrna [Chenango Co. NY] at the residence of the officiating clergyman, Rev. Charles Welch, July 1st, Mr. Leland D. Ray to Miss Annie Davenport, both of Georgetown, Madison County, N.Y.

Deaths

BICKFORD:  At sea, off Cape St. Roque, June 11, 1878, Jamie [Bickford] youngest son of the late Rev. E.J. Bickford, aged 1 year and 6 months.

The death of Mr. Bickford at Marash, Turkey, was announced through the Telegraph several months since.  Mrs. Bickford was returning to this country with her two little boys, when baby Jamie took a sudden cold and after two days' illness, died of capillary bronchitis.  Officers, passengers, and sailors of the English steamship on which they were, vied with each other in their delicate attentions to the stricken mother and everything was done that could be to make death beautiful.  At the order of the captain, flowers were brought, the little form was placed on a bed of them, and then covered with the sweet blossoms.  A lady artist among the passengers made a drawing of the sleeping darling and a landscape artist sketched the surrounding scenery - the finest in all the voyage - and presented it to her.  Bereft of her husband and two children, Mrs. Bickford returns to her native  land, from which she went out less than four years ago, mourning, yet rejoicing that she has been permitted to give of her greatest treasures for the cause which she so much loves.

DOWELL:  Earlville, Madison Co. NY:  The funeral of Lena [Dowell] only child of John and Mary Dowell, was attended by a large concourse of her friends and playmates on Tuesday July 2d.  She was taken with a severe attack of peritonitis the previous Wednesday and lived only four days.  Thus, at the age of thirteen, there has gone out one of the most brilliant and most promising, young lives in our community, its loss being deeply felt by all of her acquaintances, for "to know was but to love."

PEARSALL:  Coventry, Chenango Co. NY:  On the 4th inst., the mother of Charles and Reuben Pearsall, died at the residence of the former, at the advanced age of eighty-three years.  The good old age had brought its infirmities, and the deceased had been gradually failing in both mind and body for some time, until at length death brought relief and ushered her, we trust, into the presence of the beloved Savior, whose glory and goodness had been a staff and comfort to her old age. The funeral was attended at the house on Friday afternoon and the remains were taken to Bainbridge cemetery for interment.

News Item

In our brevities in our last issue as we stated that Frederick Barrows, of McDonough [Chenango Co. NY], had died from the effects of an accident in this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY] on Barnum's show day.  Seeing the statement in the columns of our contemporary, we made enquiry and finding it reasonably confirmed we gave it credence.  We are glad to be able to state that Fred has not "passed in his checks," but on the contrary was able to dance all night on the Fourth of July, a feat he certainly could not have accomplished had he died as stated.  He has however had the rare opportunity of reading his own obituary.  The warning however should not be lost upon him to be careful how he gets hit on circus day by careless drivers.

Murder of Mrs. Dennison Crandall, Madison County, NY, 1865

 Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, July 11, 1878

Murder Will Out

The Rome correspondent of the Utica Observer gives the following particulars of the identification of a murderer now confined in the Rome jail [Oneida Co. NY].

It is a very true saying that "murder will out." An instance showing this fact has now come to light, which will prove the unveiling of a mystery of many years and reveal to the public and to the law tribunal the perpetrators of a most bloody and horrible deed.

This crime was committed on the Unadilla River, south of Clarksville, in the town of Brookfield, Madison County [NY], in 1865.  In that vicinity lived an old man and his wife, named Crandall.  The old gentleman's name was Dennison Crandall.  They had lived there for many years, were quite aged and had succeeded in accumulating a handsome fortune.  In December 1865, the old gentleman had in his possession a large amount of money.  This fact became known to quite a number.  One night an attempt was made to rob them. At the time the robbers came to the house, there was no one in but the old lady.  The villains demanded the money, threatening her life.  She possessed a pocketbook containing about $30, which was forthcoming.  About the time she had delivered over the amount, the old gentleman appeared on the scene, and they then demanded the remainder of the money from him.  He pretended to the villains that he would surrender it up to them.  He went into an adjacent room after the money, as they supposed.  Instead of returning with that, he returned with a weapon of defense.  He kept a flail swingle in his room, with which he appeared. When they saw that he was prepared for an attack they backed away from him.  While he and the villains were defying each other, someone whom they had not seen came from a place of concealment and dealt the old lady a blow on the head which felled her to the floor.  The robbers then fired on the old gentleman and his wife, and both were left for dead.  It is thought that while a portion of the gang were at work on the inside, others got into the cellar and came up the stairway and dealt the blow on the head of the old lady.  She was found dead.  Either the blow or the bullet would have been sufficient to produce death.  The old gentleman fought bravely, but when he was shot he had to yield to their force, and he was thought to be dead. After they had accomplished what they supposed a work that would prevent detection they made good their escape.

After several hours of unconsciousness, the old gentleman recovered his senses and the news of the terrible deed was spread, which caused the wildest excitement in that vicinity.  A reward of $1,000 was offered for the fiends who committed the crime, and vigilant search was made for them.  Although grave suspicions rested upon parties and a close description was given, yet their whereabouts could not be ascertained.

The old gentleman described one of them - the one who took the most active part in the tragedy - as being slim, with stooping shoulders, large eyes, sandy complexion and curly hair.  This described a young man by the name of George Belville who was stopping at the Loomises at the time, but who was missing immediately thereafter.  He has never been seen in this country since, until last spring.  He then participated in the attempt to dispossess the administrator of the property which was left by Grove.  His arrest for that crime and his confinement in the Rome jail was communicated to Dennison Crandall, and he and his son came to Rome to see him.  Upon entering the jail, the old man picked him out as one of the gang.  As soon as he discovered the old man, he made for the washing place and wet his hair and completed as many alternations as the limited conveniences in the jail would allow.  After this the old gentleman followed him to the cell and interviewed him for some time and upon close inspection, the old gentleman declared that he answered the description perfectly.  Belville denied all knowledge of the murder.  His visitors seemed to be a source of great annoyance to him and he showed signs of great uneasiness after their departure.  Soon after they were here, he made an unsuccessful attempt to break jail.  With his close identification, his attempt to break jail, &c, it would seem that the people have been successful in getting a hold upon another of the worst desperadoes ever known in this vicinity. The old gentleman believes that one of his relatives assisted in plotting the robbery. Belville is a hardened criminal and has escaped justice for many years.  There are other crimes of which he is guilty and for which he will be punished He is watched very closely to prevent his escaping from his present confinement.  The present walls to the old jail are not sufficiently secure to hold him without a constant watch.

Hyer Family Reunion, Chenango County, NY, 1878

 Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, July 11, 1878

Hyer Family Reunion

June 19th, 1878 seems to have had its full share of festal gatherings, but I shall confine my pen to the full account of a reunion of the descendants of, and those related by marriage, to William Hyer who was the first of the name in Chenango County [NY], which was held on land owned by Irving Hyer, a great-grandson of William.

The day was lovely, and at an early hour those interested began to gather at the place mentioned above, which was chosen in order to be as near as possible to the last resting place of those of the name who had been buried in this vicinity.  At 10:30 it was believed all were present who would be, and the tables were nearly arranged for dinner, when all were rejoiced by the arrival of Frank Hyer and his daughter, Celia, from Corry, Penn., and Mrs. Leroy Haynes, daughter and son, from Norwich.  Greetings were again the order of the time.  The  croquet players left their game, and the ring of the quoits was unheard in the pleasure of welcoming them.  The dinner hour arrived at last and led by Schuyler, the last surviving son of William, and Rev. Mr. Ripley of Masonville, to head one table, and the widows of William G. and Elijah, his first and fourth sons and Nathaniel R. (son of William's brother, Nathaniel R. (who would be remembered better if I say, "Uncle Natty," the preacher) to preside at the other, both were soon circled by the guests.  After a blessing by Rev. Mr. Ripley (who is the minister who has buried many of those departed), Henry, son of Nathaniel (whose total deafness excused him from filling the place) was called upon for a history of the family's earlier days.  We repeat here the most important of his remarks:

"Though the name of Hyer has been represented in this section from very early times, this is our first reunion.  Owing to shortness of time, facts and incidents are left to our next gathering, except such as bear upon matters of family record.  The earliest records show that two brothers of the name landed in New York, direct from Holland, one of whom is said to be the grandfather of Tom Hyer, the prize fighter.  the other, Nathaniel Rosco, went up the Hudson River to Fishkill, where he worked at coopering, and some of his tools are here for inspection.  He was twice married, having four children, William, Nathaniel, David and Sylvia, by his first wife.  By the second he had seven - Walter, Frederic, and John, Betsy, Louisa, Sally Maria and Mary.  The oldest son, William lived in Columbia county [NY] until he was thirty-two; had been ten years married to Lucretia Griswold, and his family numbered six children.  Then he got the western fever and moved to Chenango County [NY] in 1800.  Only think of "going West," now and then.  The Gilberts and Shaws had located at Gilbertsville [Otsego Co. NY].  Gurdon and Wyatt Chamberlain, John Secor and Isaac Fuller at or near Mt. Upton [Chenango Co. NY], and he bought what is now [in 1878] the south half of William S. Moore's farm.  They lived a short time in a log house while they were building the house now standing deserted, with the front lawn grown up to a locust grove.  The log house stood in the north-west corner of the lawn, nearer the road.  There six more children first saw the light.  The older ones were married from there and many of the grandchildren played in and around that house, still lovingly remembered as "grandpa's." There they lived, cared for their children, suffered the hardships of pioneer life, William and "the boys" clearing land and getting in crops &c, while his wife and daughters dressed the family in homespun, sending it to New Berlin to be dyed and pressed, it if was wanted extra nice.  "Mercereau's Mill" at the mouth of Guilford Creek, or a mill afterwards built up at Holmesville was the nearest place to go for grinding and William's oldest boy, William G., were he here today, could tell some wild tales of returning from mill after dark, with owl hoots and wolf barks for company.

"Nathaniel, brother to William, came with four children, (the youngest of whom is present, aged seventy-one) to this County in June 1807.  He was well known as a preacher in the town of Unadilla [Otsego Co. NY].  Himself and wife lie down yonder with his brother and wife and many others (fifty-one in all, I think).  Of his family are present Nathan and wife, his son, Henry, and wife, son and daughter, six in all. The north half of the Moore farm was his, and the house opposite William S. Moore's was built by him.  Six of his grandchildren and about ten great-grandchildren are now living.  Sylvia, own sister of William and N. married a Shaw, and lived and died in Butternuts [Otsego Co. NY].  David, Walter and Betsey came here for a time but went to other parts of the country.  David died in Wisconsin last year.  Walter and Betsey are supposed to have settled in Oneida County.  Sally Maria married a Morgan and resided in New York City.  Of this company, sixty-four persons are descendants of William Hyer.  Sixteen are related to those sixty-four by marriage.  Four are descendants of Nathaniel, and two related to them by marriage.  Hoping this may be the first of many more reunions and but a prelude to our long reunion "over there," I close this history of our ancestors in America.

Henry J. Hyer