Saturday, September 7, 2024

The Burnside Picnic, August 1878

 The Burnside Picnic

Oneonta Herald & Democrat, Oneonta, NY, August 16, 1878

The annual picnic of the Burnside family occurred Wednesday in Miss Ella Lyman's grove at Colliersville [Otsego Co. NY].  The day was pleasant, and enough air was stirring to compromise the effects of heat.  About 600 people were present.  The oldest member of the family there was Mrs. Patta Talmadge, aged 83 and the youngest, Russell O. Burnside, two years old.  Of the thousand persons who claim kindred, only one has died during the past year.  It shows a pretty well-organized family that this fact could be known. The Schenevus band furnished music.  Gen. Burnside read the following letter from his friend of many years, Hon. Horatio Seymour:

Utica, August 7th, 1878:  My Dear Sir:  I am gratified with your invitation to attend your family gathering on the 13th inst.  I wish I could accept it, but it is not in my power to do so.  Such meetings are of great value, as they keep alive the sentiments of regard and affection which make the great pleasure and interests of life.  I should be glad to meet your relatives.  I hope they are numerous.  From what I know of the family there cannot be too many of them.  I hope you will express to them my sentiments of respect and hopes for their happiness on that and all other occasions.  I am truly yours, Horatio Seymour.

Gen.  S.S. Burnside:  J. Stanley Browne, of Schenevus and Rev. William Burnside of Covington made interesting remarks, after which President S.S. Burnside introduced Willard E. Yager of Oneonta, as orator of the day.  As the complete history of the Burnside family has been the subject of addresses already delivered, Mr. Yager hit upon the happy idea of considering the life and character of an early ancestor, Sir William Wallace, a Scottish patriot who died in 1805.  Probably no other of the clan has ever been so famous in history as he, and we are not surprised that Mr. Yager, with a good degree of pride, selected the subject he did.  In historical facts the address is valuable.  It is elegant in composition, and a pleasant document to read.  Mr. Yager's delivery is good.  He made a favorable impression upon all who heard him.  He said:

I

Let me sketch for you a picture of the past, of Scotland at the close of the thirteenth century.

Ill fared it then with our bonny motherland, that kind of heroes and of song.  Over the border king Edward and his knights had come, sweeping all before them.  At Berwick, mown down in desperate resistance, eight thousand brave burghers had perished; at Edinburgh, city of the kings, fair Perth, and Stirling Castle the ancient gates in bitter shame had silently swung open to the foe.  Balliol, that should have sat a Scottish throne, pined in an English prison; the miscreant Bruce, forgetful alike of duty and high lineage, had cast his fortunes with the invaders.  What wonder, then, that monk and knight, bishop and prince, looked idly on whilst Surrey and his regents drew tight the bonds of conquest?  What wonder that swords were mute as fair-haired Edward, in scornful pride, called Scotland the fief of England, forfeited by the disloyalty of her king?

But, though priests and nobles despaired, the great heart of the commons of the despised yeomen and burghers, deemed unworthy the steel of a gallant knight, grew stern with high resolve; they waited but a leader to rise in the might of vengeance.  And the leader came, a man raised by the hand of Providence for the salvation of this country, whom men wall William Wallace.  He was no noble blood; from the ranks of the people, God called him to his trust, and nobly did he serve them.

It is in the region twixt Lowland and Highlands, near the source of the Tay, that first we note him.  There with a few kin spirits he lurked and watched, swooping forth from time to time on the outlying bands of Saxon marauders, in swift and terrible retribution.  Months passed, his little band swelled to an army, a stronghold was stormed, another and another, till marking the impending tempest, the Regent took the field.

They met at Stirling, the Lexington of Scottish history, and a name great not only in the annals of Scotland, but in the records of all time.  For there first did common meet cavalier; there first did he shake the power of feudalism and vindicate his claim to those rights which are now a common inheritance.  At noon they met, beside the Forth; at night, beneath the autumn moon, full half the English troops lay stark in woeful slaughter.

Scotland, for the time, was free.  But fresh victories, crowned by the fall of Stirling Castle, roused Edward himself at last.  Northward he swept with a bitter curse of vengeance, and at his heels rode a forest of eager spears. Brief words may tell the tale.  Nor would I more; for who can speak without a tear of Falkirk's bloody field?  The treachery that bore it, the malignant fate that brooded over it, the terrible disaster in which it ended.  Of all the gallant host he led to battle, scarce Wallace and a handful else survived that fatal day.

The dream of liberty was past.  A time, indeed, the fear of French invasion stayed the hand of the conqueror.  That past, he overran the land, despite the desperate struggles of the patriots, with scarce an effort.  Wallace, noble Wallace, whose chivalrous soul would no mercy at the hand of this country's slayer, they carried captive to Westminster.  There in the gray of an August morning, condemned by the strange irony of fate to a "traitor's " doom, he perished at the block.  His gory head, crowned in mockery, like His of Nazareth, the placed on London bridge, for scoffing crowds to jeer at.

But his mission was fulfilled.  Dark as was the night, a golden morning was soon to dawn.  The Scots were roused and ere ten years had passed, by Bannock's burn, the blood of thirty thousand English knights baptized a new born Scotland.

Vital Records, Otsego County, NY, 1810 &1848

 Cooperstown Federalist, Cooperstown, NY, March 31, 1810

Marriages

At Middlefield [Otsego Co. NY] on Sunday evening the 18 inst. Mr. Abijah Knapp to Miss Hulda Day.

On Wednesday the 21st inst. Mr. Josua Griffin to Mrs. Martha Finch.

Death

In Otsego [Otsego Co. NY] on the 16th inst. of a scrofulous tumor, Ezra Stetson, jun. aged 18 years, after an illness of thirteen months.

Cooperstown Federalist, Cooperstown, NY, June 16, 1810

Marriage

On the 27th ult at East Greenwich, R.I., Mr. Henry Olin aged ninety-three years, to Miss Sally Aylesworth, aged seventy-five!

Cooperstown Federalist, Cooperstown, NY, June 23, 1810

Marriages

At Rowley, Mass., Philemon Howe, Esq., aged eighty-nine to Miss Mary Wise aged ninety-eight.

At Scipio, N.Y., Mr. Jonathan Woodworth aged nineteen to Miss Ellen Cummings, aged eleven.

Cooperstown Federalist, Cooperstown, NY, June 30,1810

Marriage

At Londonderry, N.H. Master Samuel Wallace, aged 15 to Miss Betsey Coffin, aged 57.

News Item

Six Cents Reward:  Ran away from the subscriber, after having stolen and destroyed his indenture, an indented apprentice by the name of Peleg B. Folger, nineteen years of age, of a swarthy complexion, short dark hair about five feet eight or nine inches high; had on when he went away a butternut colored coat vest and trousers, a napt hat part worn and a pair of thick leather shoes.  Whoever will take up said boy and return him to the subscriber, shall receive the above reward, but no charges.  All persons are forbid harboring, trusting, or employing him on penalty of the law, and they are also cautioned on their own account, as no dependence can be placed on his honesty or integrity.  Samuel Gillet.  Butternuts [Otsego Co. NY], 21st may 1810.

Otsego Democrat, Cooperstown, NY, May 6, 1848

Marriage

At Schuyler's Lake [Otsego Co. NY], on the 24th ult., by Rev. H. Clark, Mr. John Fishbeck of Mohawk [Herkimer Co. NY], to Miss Malvina Brewer of the former place.

Deaths

In this village [Cooperstown, Otsego Co. NY] on the 30th ult. Mrs. Eliza Rice in the 47th year of her age.

In Oaksville [Otsego Co. NY], on the 14th ult. Ellen M. [Fish] infant daughter of Cornelius C. and Jane Fish, aged nine months.

In the town of Middlefield [Otsego Co. NY], on the 29th ult. Mr. Warren Johnson formerly of Cherry Valley [Otsego Co. NY] aged 63 years.

Otsego Democrat, Cooperstown, NY, May 13, 1848

Marriage

In New Lisbon [Otsego Co. NY] on the 8th inst. by Rev. L.C. Pattengill, Mr. Abel Card and Miss Angeline Merrikew.

Otsego Democrat, Cooperstown, NY May 20, 1848

Marriage

In New Berlin [Chenango Co. NY], on the 11th inst. by the Rev. Henry Peck, Dr. James Secor, of Mount Upton, Chenango County [NY] and Miss Mary G. [Fenno] youngest daughter of the late  Hon. Geo. Fenno, of Butternuts, Otsego Co. [NY]

Otsego Democrat, Cooperstown, NY, May 27, 1848

Marriages

In Sunderland, Mass. on the 10th inst. by the Rev Austin Cary, Mr. Erastus S. Josylin of Enfield, Mass. to Miss Mary L. [Warner] daughter of Seth Warner, Esq. of the former place.

In this village [Cooperstown, Otsego Co. NY], on the 24th inst. by HS. 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. W.S. Bowdish, aged 46 years.

Friday, September 6, 2024

Vital Records, Otsego County, NY, August 1878

 Freeman's Journal, Cooperstown, NY, August 15, 1878

Marriage

At Springfield Center [Otsego Co. NY] on the 7th inst. by Rev. L. Casler, Willis G. Tunnicliff and Miss M. Addie Wemple of the above place.

Deaths

At Fly Creek [Otsego Co. NY], August 9th, 1878, Alexander LeRow in the 86th year of his age.  The deceased was a veteran of the war of 1812.  He served three years in the army at that time and took part in one battle.  He leaves an aged widow and seven children.

At Oaksville [Otsego Co. NY], July 27th, '78, Hugh M. Seaton, aged 56 years.

At Schuyler's Lake [Otsego Co. NY], July 25th, Lester Dygert in the 61st year of his age.

At Richfield Springs [Otsego Co. NY], August 6th, Lydia B. [Keeler] wife of J.M. keeler, aged 52 years and 6 months.

Oneonta Herald & Democrat, Oneonta, NY, August 16, 1878

Deaths

In Delhi [Delaware Co. NY] Aug. 12, Geo.  Andrews aged 30 years.

In Davenport [Delaware Co. NY] Aug. 3d, of consumption, Wm. McNee Jr. son of Wm. McNee, aged 21 years.

In Gilbertsville [Otsego Co. NY] Aug. 9, Daniel Caulkins aged 20 years.

Last Saturday, Michael Galer of Middlefield [Otsego Co. NY], aged about 79 years, died suddenly while upon a load of hay.  On Sunday morning following Mrs. Galer, the wife of the deceased, who had been sick for some time also died.  They were both buried on Monday.

Saturday last Jehiel Beach aged 70 years, of Walton [Delaware Co. NY], was found dead in a lot where he had gone to repair fence.  He was a son of Wm. Beach, a grandson of Timothy Beach, who settled in Sidney [Delaware Co. NY] in 1789, and an uncle of Asa Strong of this village.

Mrs. Harry Radeker of Colchester [Delaware Co. NY], was found dead in the milking yard, where she had gone to milk cows.

On Tuesday of last week, Henry Bartlett an aged citizen of Franklin [Delaware Co. NY] went to his nephew's, Dwight Bartlett, for the purpose of picking berries.  Not returning, his family supposed he was visiting, and Dwight Bartlett supposed he had returned home.  Last Thursday it became known that Henry Bartlett was undoubtedly lost, and an extensive search was made by citizens.  He was found toward evening in a berry lot on the old Walton Road, dead and much decomposed.  He was buried that evening, his body being in a condition that forbid of examination or change of apparel.

News Items

Epitaph on a young babe:  He came, he saw, he stopped a day, / And then in silence went away; / It seemed to us his act confessed / He liked the place he came from best.

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Murder and Suicide at Unadilla

The past week has been one of great excitement in our usually quiet village and, perhaps with the exception of the sad Goodrich and Morehouse drowning affair, by which four persons lost their lives in the Susquehanna river at this place, some some two years ago, no event in the history of the town has so startled our citizens as the report that ran through our streets like wildfire last Thursday evening a little after eight o'clock, that Marshall Grannis had just murdered his wife, and then finished the tragedy by shooting himself.  Upon hearing the report, your correspondent hurried to the scene, found Grannis dead and his wife just breathing her last. As there are many reports flying around, some of which have found their way into the paper, I will endeavor, briefly as possible, to lay before your readers a true history of the whole affair.

Grannis has been a resident of this town [Unadilla, Otsego Co. NY] from a child and has always borne a bad reputation.  He has been in the habit of drinking intoxicating liquors to excess for many years, and when under its influence was of a quarrelsome disposition.  Some few months since, he was arrested on a charge of "drunkenness and disorderly conduct," and at the time made threats of dire vengeance against Officer Tupper who arrested him.  On this charge he was sent to Cooperstown jail and on his return, it being about the time the Murphy temperance movement was flourishing here, he became a temporary convert to that doctrine and for a few weeks wore the blue ribbon, and religiously adhered to his pledge.  His career as a temperance man soon gave way to his appetite for drink and his old habits returned, seemingly aggravated by his temporary abstinence.  It appears that in his domestic affairs like all others, he was arbitrary and brutal, often abusing his wife with blows and kicks, so that on several occasions they had separated, but after a short interval had "made up," and with many promises on his part had been united again.  The immediate cause of the last separation which culminated in this fearful tragedy of Thursday evening was his discovering in his house a young man or boy by the name of Warner, under what appeared to him very suspicious circumstances.  A fearful row immediately ensued, which ended in his turning his wife out of doors and forbidding her return.  Mrs. Grannis, after a few days, hired rooms in E.C. Belknap's building and commenced housekeeping with her two youngest children, a boy and girl.  One older boy is living with an uncle on the Unadilla River road, and another in Rochester at the House of Refuge, having been sent there about a year ago for being engaged in a burglary in this village.  

On the day of the tragedy, Mrs. Grannis had been working for Mr. Mulford at Sidney Plains [Delaware Co. NY].  On her return in the evening, she met her husband in the street opposite Mattice's Hotel, and had a short conversation, Grannis asking her to come down to C.D. Fellow & son's store within half an hour and he would make her a present.  She promised to meet him there and immediately passed on to her rooms in the Belknap building, near where the conversation took place.  A few moments later she came down stairs accompanied by her little girl and immediately proceeded to Fellows & Son's store, where she had been but a few moments when Grannis came in, asked the little girl to "kiss papa" and stooped down for the purpose, and upon arising, thrust his revolver, a small Empire, twenty-two caliber, into his wife's face and fired, the ball entering her right eye and burying itself in the brain.  Geo. B. Fellows, the only other person in the store, being behind the counter at the time, started toward Grannis saying, "Marsh, what are you doing?" when Grannis turned toward him, and Mr. Fellows wisely thinking "discretion the better part of valor," started for the door to summon assistance, but before he could get outside another report followed and Grannis fell to the floor with a bullet in his right temple, which result in almost instant death.  A number of persons immediately rushed in and found the murderer and suicide with his victim stretched on the floor welting in their own blood and presenting as ghastly and frightful a spectacle as one often sees in a rural village like Unadilla in an ordinary lifetime.

The two were buried at five o'clock Friday afternoon in the Episcopal Church cemetery.  It is thought by many that Grannis had designs upon other persons beside his wife, as he had been making threats in a vague manner against several others, among whom was Major C.D. Fellows, who had befriended his wife since the separation by assisting her in obtaining the means to commence housekeeping, but fortunately Mr. Fellows was not in the store at the time, which, perhaps saved a third victim from being added to the number.  As to the numerous versions of the causes that led to this affair, we will make no comments, but will -- "Think of her mournfully, / Gently and humanly, / Not of the stains of her; / All that remains of her / Now, is pure, womanly."

Thursday, September 5, 2024

Vital Records, Chenango (1813/14), Delaware (1826) & Broome (1837/8) Counties, NY

 Oxford Gazette, Oxford, NY, December 7, 1813

Deaths

At Preston [Chenango Co. NY], on the 4th of September last, Miss Melissant Punderson daughter of Deacon Punderson, AEt. 16.  Miss Punderson was keeping school in an adjoining town, when hearing of the illness of a beloved sister, her ever ready feelings took the alarm, and with the many kindnesses of which she was capable, she hoped to be an instrument in restoring her sister in health to her aged parents.  How mysterious are the ways of Providence!  Her sister was indeed restored - But the amiable Melissant was attacked with the disease, and after a sickness of sixteen days, her pure, spirit ascended to the God which gave it, and her body was consigned to the house appointed for all the living.

On the 23d ult. Mr. Charles Punderson, only son of Deacon Punderson, AEt .  In the death of Mr. Punderson, we have an evidence of the lively faith which can actuate those who place their hopes on the God of Israel.  Among the many proofs which he gave of an interest in the Redeemer, a few moments before his death he broke out in the following animating lines--"Now to the wisdom of my lord and master, / Do I commit all that I have or wish for; / sweetly as babes sleep will I give my life up, / When call'd to yield it."

On the next day (24th) and while the remains of her husband were interring, Mrs. Polly Punderson AEt 23.  All of the typhus fever.  Mr. and Mrs. Punderson have left three young children to lament their loss.

Oxford Gazette, Oxford, NY, March 1, 1814

Deaths

At Columbia [Herkimer Co. NY] on the 11th ult., D.V.W. Golden, Esquire, first judge of the county of Herkimer (NY].

At Herkimer [Herkimer Co. NY], Michael Myers, formerly first Judge of that county.

Delaware Gazette, Delhi, NY, April 12, 1826

Marriage

In this town [Delhi, Delaware Co. NY], on Thursday last by Elder Cummings. Mr. Henry More Jun. to Miss Betsey Ann Farrington all of Delhi.

Elopement

Whereas my wife Betsey [Ogden] has eloped from my bed and board.  This is to forbid all persons from harboring or trusting her on my account, as i will pay no debts of her contracting after this date.  Abna Ogden Franklin [Delaware Co. NY], April 15, 1826.

Delaware Gazette, Delhi, NY, April 26, 1826

Marriages

In Hamden [Delaware Co. NY], on Thursday last, by Smith St. John, Esq. Mr. Michael Goodrich to Miss Polly Cable.

At the same time and place, by the same, Mr. Nathan Bennett to Miss Sally Cable.

Delaware Gazette, Delhi, NY, May 3, 1826

Death

At Walton [Delaware Co. NY], on the 26th April, Col. Gabriel North Jun. in the 36th year of his age.  The hand of a lingering and painful illness had been laid upon him for a long time past, and has at last bowed him to the tomb at an age of life when that solemn dispensation is the most severely afflicting, bereaving a wife and a family of small children of that domestic companionship, that support, solace and protection so greatly needed and so reasonably expected from him for many years to come and depriving society of one whom having sufficiently tried, it could so confidently rely upon as being qualified to fill with usefulness its various relations.  Col. North was a man of exemplary propriety of conduct and goodness of heart - modest, amiable, liberal and intelligent, and on the moral virtues he had engrafted the faith and hopes of Christianity.

Delaware Gazette, Delhi, NY, May 31, 1826

Death

Died Suddenly in the town of Hamden [Delaware Co. NY], on the 24th inst. Mr. Abel Stockwell, aged 55 years.

Broome Republican, Binghamton, NY, December 7, 1837

Marriage

In Conklin [Broome Co. NY], on the 30th ult by the Rev. Mr. Row, Mr. Henry Allard to Miss Rhoda Newton, both of Conklin.

Broome Republican, Binghamton, NY, December 14, 1837

Marriages

In this village [Binghamton, Broome Co. NY], on the evening of the 7th instant, by the Rev. Mr. Starkweather, Mr. Sidney Mayhew, merchant, of Montgomery, Alabama, to Miss Rosalinda S. Wood, daughter of the late John Wood, Esq. of Boston.

At Fair Port, Chemung County [NY] on the 5th instant, by the Rev. Mr. Vogle, Mr. E.S. Hart, merchant, of this village [Binghamton, Broome Co. NY] to Angelina [Underhill] daughter of Charles Underhill, Esq.

Deaths

At Portsmouth, Scioto County, Ohio, on the 18th ult. Mrs. Delclutha [Randall] wife of Mr. Peres Randall, formerly of this village [Binghamton, Broome Co. NY], aged 32 years.

In this village [Binghamton, Broome Co. NY], on Monday last, David [Woolsey], aged 2 years and 7 months.

Broome Republican, Binghamton, NY, December 28, 1837

Death

In this village [Binghamton, Broome Co. NY], on Friday, the 22d inst., Mr. William H. Pratt aged 29 years.

Broome Republican, Binghamton, NY, January 4, 1838

Deaths

In this village [Binghamton, Broome Co. NY] on Thursday last, Mr. Selah Squires aged 84 years.

Also, on the same day, Jeanette M. [Cushman] daughter of Mr. Eugenio Cushman of the town of Barker [Broome Co. NY], aged 3 years.

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Death of Catharine Brant (from the Commercial Advertiser)

The Upper Canada papers announce the death, at the Mohawk Village, on the Grand River of Catharine Brant, relict of Joseph Brant, the celebrated leader of the Six Nations, aged 78 years. this Indian Princess was a remarkable woman.  She was the third wife of the distinguished Chief, whose name during the war of the America Revolution carried terror into every border hamlet, and was moreover in her own right, by birth, the head of the great Indian confederacy of the Six Nations.  Hence, on the death of her husband, in 1807, upon her devolved the naming of a successor to the head Chieftaincy of the Alliance.  The post was conferred on her youngest son, the late John Brant, who died of the cholera, in 1832.

On the death of this noble fellow, who was her favorite son, she appointed to the Chieftaincy an infant grandchild, the son of Colonel William J. Kerr, of Brant House, Wellington Square, who married the youngest daughter of Joseph Brant. The Chief is a sprightly little fellow - three quarter Mohawk, and inheriting his white blood from Sir William Johnson, of whom he is the great-grandson.  Mrs. Brant, the deceased, was a true Mohawk. She was very handsome when young, and was married to Captain Joseph Brant at Niagara, in the spring of 1780.  When the old Chief visited England the first time, in 1775-6, having resolved to take up the hatchet in the cause of the crown, he procured a large gold finger ring, upon which the name Joseph Brant Thayendanygea was engraved, in order that, in the event of his fall, his body might be known. Soon after his death, this ring was lost and was not seen again until ploughed up in the field, two years ago.  Its recovery gave great joy to the old lady, who happened to be on a visit to her daughter when it was found.  After the war, her husband built a mansion at the head of Lake Ontario, where he adopted the English style of living to a considerable extent.  But on his death, Mrs. Brant resumed the Indian mode of life, and returned among her people, on the Grand River, where she resided ever since, with the exception of occasional visits to her accomplished daughter at the Brant House.

Wednesday, September 4, 2024

Vital Records, Chenango County, NY, August 1878

 Oxford Times, Oxford, NY, August 7, 1878

Deaths

BOSS:  In Smyrna [Chenango Co. NY], July 30th, Mr. Benjamin Boss, aged 85 years.

GIBSON:  In Plymouth [Chenango Co. NY], July 14th, Mrs. Betsey Gibson, aged 93 years.

 FERRIS:  In Smyrna [Chenango Co. NY], july 25th, Lydia [Ferris] wife of the late Benjamin Ferris, aged 83 years.

Chenango American, Greene, NY, August 8, 1878

Deaths

In Unadilla [Otsego Co. NY], April 13th, Mr. Isaiah Maynard, aged 84 years, father-in-law of William Dent, of this town [Greene, Chenango Co. NY].

In Preston [Chenango Co. NY], july 22d, Mary [Doolan] wife of Patrick Doolan, aged 54 years.

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Chenango American, Greene, NY, August 1, 1878:  A Delicate Operation:  Last week while working in the hay field, Mr. Edward M. Horton of this town, was troubled very much with a bad breach [probable hernia].  He went home and put the breach back himself but suffered so much with it that he sent for medical aid.  He received no relief, however, and it was decided to have an operation performed.  Accordingly, on Monday Drs. Johnson, Wood, and Bartoo of this village, visited Mr. Horton for this purpose, and an operation was performed, resulting in discovering the difficulty.  A flap resembling a V was cut at the point where the breach made its appearance, and it was discovered that one of the intestines was doubled and that the lining of the bowel had closed about it as tightly as a string could be tied around it, and consequently there was no passage through the intestine.  this was cut away, and the intestine dropped back into its natural position. This of course, was a delicate operation, but it was successfully performed by Dr. J.E. Bartoo, assisted by Drs. Johnson and Wood and the patient now has many chances of getting well, where on the other hand he had none whatever.  But for all this, inflammation may set in, and death claim its own.

Chenango American, Greene, NY, August 8, 1878:  Last week we spoke of an operation having been performed upon Edward M. Horton, to relieve him from the suffering caused by a bad breach, &c.  It is now our painful duty to record his death, which took place Thursday evening of last week.  Mr. Horton died of exhaustion, not having the strength to rally from the operation.  His funeral was very largely attended on Saturday last, thirty-three teams containing friends and neighbors escorting the remains to their last resting place in Sylvan Lawn Cemetery [Greene, Chenango Co. NY].  Mr. Horton will be missed in this community, he having been all through his life an active businessman and a kind and obliging neighbor.

Sherburne News, Sherburne, NY, August 17, 1878

Marriages

JUDGE - BENNETT:  At Edmeston, N.Y. [Otsego Co.], Aug. 11th, by Rev. H.G. Meeker, Mr. Ebenezer Judge of Brookfield [Madison Co. NY] and Mrs. Ursula A. Bennett of Plainfield [Otsego Co. NY].

BROWN - GREEN:  At the Church in North  Norwich [Chenango Co. NY], on the 13th inst. by Rev. C.O. Williams, Mr. J. Ernest Brown and Miss Eliza Green, both of this village [Sherburne, Chenango Co. NY].

Deaths

SMITH:  In North Norwich [Chenango Co. NY] on the 10th inst. Mr. William G. Smith, aged 68 years

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Death of Ambrose Clark

On Saturday morning, Mr. Ambrose Clark the well-known contractor, died at his residence in this city, aged sixty-two years.  The deceased gentleman has been a resident of Buffalo [Erie Co. NY] thirty-five years and was highly respected by the large circle of our citizens to whom he was known.  He was born in Sherburne, Chenango County, in 1816, and has been in business as a contractor ever since he settled in Buffalo.  He entered into partnership with Messrs. Wood & Douglass under the firm name of Wood, Clark and Douglass.  Mr. Wood subsequently retired, but Messrs. Wood and Douglass continued in partnership until the latter died in 1875.  The firm was engaged in the construction of many important public works, among them the Welland Canal, the Ohio Basin, the Buffalo Water Works Tunnel, the Harlem Railroad and the Canandaigua and Niagra Falls Railroad.  Among their other notable contracts were completion of the Erie Canal from Slip No. 3 to the guard lock at Black Rock, and the removal of the rock from the bed of Buffalo River, opposite the Union Iron Works. At the time of his death Mr. Clark had a large contract on the Welland Canal.  He was also Treasurer of the Union Cement Company.

Mr. Clark was a man of marked ability, combining the utmost energy with perseverance, enterprise and a well-balanced judgment.  He was of a kindly nature, with a warm heart and generous impulses.  He was, in fact, a most estimable man, in his business as well as his social relations, and his death will be sincerely regretted.  Buffalo Express, Aug. 12.

Bainbridge Republican, Bainbridge, NY, August 8, 1878

Marriage

SHEPHERD - ROWE:  At the M.E. Parsonage, Bainbridge [Chenango Co. NY], Aug. 7, 1878, by Rev. A.F. Brown, Frank A. Shepherd of Otego [Otsego Co. NY] and Miss Chloe K. Rowe of Colesville [Broome Co. NY].

Deaths

BENNETT:  In Bainbridge [Chenango Co. NY], Aug. 4th, Rev. Edwin Bennett, aged 36 years.

Rev. Edwin I. Bennett was buried from the Bennett homestead on Tuesday.  He has been Pastor of several Baptist Churches in the States of New York and Michigan and came home from the South, where he had been in pursuit of health, to die.  His disease was bronchial consumption.  He has been a useful minister of the Gospel and was forty-six at the time of his death.  The funeral service was held at the residence of his mother, instead of the Church, at his request.  He also directed that the funeral should be simple and unostentatious. Rev. D.C. Haynes, his Pastor since he returned to Bainbridge, officiated, and other ministers were in attendance.

SCOTT:  Masonville, Delaware Co. NY:  William Scott died very suddenly evening.  He is supposed to have had the heart disease.

Tuesday, September 3, 2024

Vital Records, Chenango County, NY August 1878

 Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, August 8, 1878

Marriages

PECK - MEDBURY:  In Pittsfield N.Y. [Otsego Co.], July 22d by Rev. H.B. Cook, Mr. William G. Peck of New Berlin [Chenango Co. NY] to Miss Mary C. Medbury of Pittsfield.

BOWERS - MALLOY:  In St. Patrick's Church, Norwich [Chenango Co. NY], June 27th, by Rev. Father Harrigan, Mr. Frank K. Bowers to Miss Mary A. Malloy both of North Norwich.

Deaths

NASH:  At the residence of her daughter-in-law, Mrs. A.D. Nash in this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], August 7th, after a lingering illness, Mrs. Sophia Nash, widow of the late Lewis A. Nash, aged 78 years.  funeral services will be held at her late residence on Elm Street, on Thursday at 5 P.M.

In this village, on the 7th inst. Mrs. Sophia Nash widow of the late Lewis Nash, aged 78 years. [Chenango Semi-Weekly Telegraph, Norwich, NY, Aug. 10, 1878]

SMITH:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], August 3d of cancer in the stomach, Mr. Elijah Smith aged 60 years and 5 months.

Elijah Smith of this village who has suffered so long from that terrible disease, cancer of the stomach, died on Saturday last.  He was a kind father, a good mechanic and industrious citizen.  His funeral was attended on Monday by a large number of relatives and friends. [Chenango Semi-Weekly Telegraph, Norwich, NY, Aug. 7, 1878]

BRADLEY:  In Guilford [Chenango Co. NY], July 22d, Adelia [Bradley] wife of Uri Bradley, aged 46 years.

MILLER:  In East Guilford [Chenango Co. NY], July 29th, Laura [Miller] wife of Matthew Miller, aged 82 years and 5 months.

HOLLINGWORTH:  In McDonough [Chenango Co. NY] July 25th, William E. Hollingworth, aged 19 years.

ANGELL:  In Oxford [Chenango Co. NY], August 4th, Mrs. A. Angell of New Berlin [Chenango Co. NY], aged 20 years. 

A lady, wife of Mr. Angell, of New Berlin, died at the residence of J.B. Wheeler on Sunday.  She came here to receive treatment for her eyesight and was stricken with Bright's disease which proved fatal.  Though comparatively among strangers, kind hands administered to her wants, and her brief illness was made as comfortable as possible.

In Oxford, Aug. 4th, Mrs. Maria A. Angell, of New Berlin, aged 20 years.  [Chenango Semi-Weekly Telegraph, Norwich, NY, Aug. 10, 1878]

BECKWITH:  In McDonough [Chenango Co. NY] July 17th, of cholera Infantum, Rena May [Beckwith] youngest child of Gilbert and Melissa Beckwith, aged 2 years, 8 months and 22 days.

BOLLES:  In Binghamton [Broome Co. NY], August 4th, Eunice [Bolles] wife of Lemuel Bolles, formerly of Oxford [Chenango Co. NY], aged 60 years.

BENNETT:  In Bainbridge [Chenango Co. NY], August 4th, Rev. Edwin Bennett, aged about 48 years.

NEWTON:  The funeral of Mrs. Albro Newton was attended in Brooklyn on Monday by relatives from this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY] and Sherburne [Chenango Co. NY].  She died suddenly on Friday.  Mr. Newton is a brother of Warren and Isaac Newton of this village.

The wife of Mr. Albro Newton of Brooklyn, brother of Warren and Isaac Newton of this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], died suddenly on Friday last at her home in Brooklyn. She was a most estimable lady, beloved and respected by all her acquaintances.  Her funeral was attended on Monday last, several of the relatives from this village and Sherburne being present. [Chenango Semi-Weekly Telegraph, Norwich, NY, August 7, 1878]

Chenango Semi-Weekly Telegraph, Norwich, NY, August 7, 1878

Deaths

The funerals of Erastus Hitt and Wm. Stimpson were attended on Thursday last, at the respective residences of the deceased and both burials took place at Coventry Cemetery [Chenango Co. NY].

A fine monument of Quincy granite has recently been erected at Coventry cemetery [Chenango Co. NY] in memory of the late Frederick Martin.

Smithville, Chenango Co. NY:  Henry Fitch while working in the hay field last Monday, the 29th with his stepson, Hiram Beadle, complained of not feeling well.  They soon got a load of hay up and Mr. Fitch went into the barn to mow away.  Beadle noticed he did not take the hay away. He went up onto the mow and found him lying down, fork in hand.  He drew one breath and died without a struggle.  Mr. Fitch was 69 years old, had been a member of the Baptist church over forty years and will be greatly missed by the church and community.  Funeral was held at the Baptist church, Wednesday 31st.  A very large attendance.

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

Marriage

PAYNE - TIGHE:  In Greene [Chenango Co. NY], Sunday evening Aug. 4th, by Rev. H.N. Van Deusen, Mr. Herbert Payne to Miss Mary Tighe, all of Greene.

Deaths

HORTON:  In Greene [Chenango Co. NY], Aug. 1st, Mr. Edward Horton aged 55 years.

DUNLEVY:  In East Guilford [Chenango Co. NY], July 20th, Delia A. Dunlevy, aged 38 years.

Monday, September 2, 2024

Vital Records, Madison County, NY, 1872

 Democratic Union, Oneida, NY, March 28, 1872

Marriages

DERMOTT - KINGSLEY:  In DeRuyter [Madison Co. NY] March 9, by Rev. Clark, Mr. John Dermott and Miss Susan Kingsley both of Otselic, N.Y. [Chenango Co.].

NEWTON - SMITH:  In Poolville [Madison Co. NY], March 11?, by Rev. S. Miller, Mr. Parker Newton of Sherburne [Chenango Co. NY] and Miss Minnie A. Smith of Poolville.

BASHER - ANDREWS:  In Madison [Madison Co. NY], March 17 by Rev. C.E. Babcock, Mr. Peter Basher of Augusta [Oneida Co. NY] and Miss Fannie Andrews of Remsen, N.Y. [Oneida Co. NY].

DURFEE - DEAN:  In Cazenovia [Madison Co. NY], march 14, by Rev. A.P. Smith, Franklin W. Durfee and Kittie L. Dean, all of Cazenovia.

PEET - PHELPS:  March 16, by Rev. Mr. Mar....., Mr. Edwin Peet of Bouckville [Madison Co. NY] and Miss Mary A. Phelps of Solsville [Madison Co. NY].

GROWER - PHILLIPS:  [unreadable] by Rev. W.S. Titus, Mr. Wallace G Grower, Esq. and Miss Mary L. Phillips both of Vernon [Oneida Co. NY].

CARTER - TAYLOR:  In Lincklean [Chenango Co. NY], March 10, by Rev. A. Lawton, Lieut. A. Lyman Carter of Pitcher N.Y. [Chenango Co.] and Miss Mary B. Taylor of DeRuyter [Madison Co. NY].

McGUINNESS - RAY:  In Oneida [Madison Co. NY], March 19, by Rev. S. Ball, Harrison McGuinness of Utica [Oneida Co. NY] and Mary M. Ray of Oneida.

KNOX - SMITH:  At the bride's residence in Nelson [Madison Co. NY] on Sunday morning, March 24, by Rev. L.A. Eddy, Mr. Lucius D. Knox, Esq., and Mrs. Helen M. Smith.

Deaths

SMITH:  In Nelson? [Madison Co. NY] March 14, Miranda Smith, wife of S. Perry Smith, aged 42 years, 4 months and 14 days.

EASTMAN:  In Peterboro [Madison Co. NY], Feb. 24, Mrs. F. Eastman wife of Phillip Eastman, aged 83 years.

EASTMAN:  In Peterboro [Madison Co. NY], March 15, Phillip Eastman aged 86 years, 10 months and 18 days.

Mr. E. was born in Glastenbury, Mass. and at the age of 13 years removed to Washington county, in this State [NY], where he married, and when his only son, Neil Eastman was 14 years old, came to Nelson, where he resided for many years.  The last twenty years of his life he spent in Peterboro.  He was a member of the old Baptist church of Nelson. [Findagrave.com memorial #335890158]

ADAMS:  In Cazenovia [Madison Co. NY], March 10, Amos Adams in the 89th year of his age.

ANNAS:  In Cazenovia [Madison Co. NY], March 16, Mrs. Sarah L. Wellington [Annas] wife of George W. Annas, aged 23 years.

NEY:  In Oneida Castle [Madison Co. NY], March 12?, Mrs. Cathrine Ney, aged 65 years.

KNOX:  In Nelson [Madison Co. NY], March 15, Charles H. Knox aged 54 years.

KING:  In Augusta [Oneida Co. NY], March 17, Phineas King aged 93 years, 11 months and 4 days.

COLSON:  In Hubbardsville [Madison Co. NY], Feb. 28, Charles Colson, aged 14 years.

RISLEY:  In Brookfield [Madison Co. NY], March 16, Nora A. Risley, aged 13 years.

PRIOR:  In Chittenango [Madison Co. NY], March 16, Harriet E. Prior aged 41 years.

KNOWLES:  In Smyrna [Chenango Co. NY], March 15, William Knowles aged 23 years -?- months and 8 days.

BELLOWS:  In Morrisville [Madison Co. NY], March 25, Mrs. Abigail Bellows aged 56 years, 2 months and 11 days.

TIDD:  In Morrisville [Madison Co. NY], March 26, of pneumonia, Elbridge R. Tidd, aged 69 years.

MORRIS:  In Nelson [Madison Co. NY], March 25, Mrs. Ellen E. Morris, aged 33 years.  Mrs. Morris returned on Sunday evening in usual health, and about five o'clock in the morning she made some unusual noise which alarmed her husband who got up immediately and before he could procure such domestic remedies as were at hand, she was dead.  Her husband and children who are yet quite young, will receive the sympathy of all who are acquainted with them.

WALRATH:  In Syracuse [Onondaga Co. NY] March 22, at 8 o'clock, P.M. at the residence of her son-in-law, Doct. H.W. Plant, Mrs. Katura Walrath, aged about 75 years.  Mrs. Walrath was the consort of the late Hon. John I. Walrath, of Chittenango [Madison Co. NY].  She was long a consistent member of the Reformed Dutch Church and to her womanly virtues added the graces of the Christian.

WALRATH:  In Chittenango [Madison Co. NY] March 22, at 10 o'clock, Mr. William H. Walrath Esq. aged about 48 years.  He was the son of the late Hon. John L. and Katura Walrath and was separated from his lamented mother but two hours upon earth.  A civil engineer by profession and a splendid, cultivated mind, he added the powers of an expressive eloquence.  A lifelong Democrat from principle, he honored the party which, if it had been in power, would have honored him.  As a communicant of the Reformed Dutch Church, he let his light shine before men and as a worthy member of the "ancient orders of Free Masons," his loss will be severely felt, not only by his family, but by a large circle of friends throughout the county.

CARLISLE:  In Clockville [Madison Co. NY], March 12, Mary Carlisle in the 17th year of her age.

Her presence was like sunshine, / Sent down to gladden earth; / To comfort parents in their grief, / And join in all their mirth.

Weep not mother for they child, / It is surely for the best, / To go where wicked cease from troubling / And the weary are at rest.

THOMPSON:  On Friday afternoon of last week, a young man by the name of Thompson was instantly killed, and his limbs and body shockingly mangled by a train on the Central RR at Rome [Oneida Co. NY].  The young man was a stranger in town, and it seems was endeavoring to cross the trestle bridge in the midst of a snow squall at the time of the accident.

___________________________

Death of the Hon. John Snow

The Hon. John Snow was born in the town of Cazenovia, Madison County, N.Y., on the 9th day of November 1822.  He departed this life on the 13th day of March 1872, being in the 50th year of his age.  

Few young men had better advantages for education than the deceased.  While yet a lad, he enjoyed the facilities for mental culture within his native town, at the select school and the seminary at Cazenovia.  Early evincing an aptitude for learning and a love of books, his parents encouraged him in the pursuit of knowledge and having prepared himself while very young to enter College, before he had passed his 18th year he was graduated at Hamilton College with the highest honors on the 29th day of July 1840. 

Subsequently and not long after his graduation, Mr. Snow commenced the study of law in the office of Hon. Chas. B. Sedgwick of Syracuse where he remained some one or two years, when he left Mr. Sedgwick's office and took charge of the Academy at Oneida Castle.  His scholarly attainments and social nature fitted him for an instructor of the youth and in the capacity of teacher he excelled.  No one ever gave better satisfaction to the trustees and patrons of an academic school than did Mr. Snow.   In the meantime, while engaged in teaching, he prosecuted his study of law in the office of the late Hon. Timothy Jenkins of Oneida Castle, who was then standing in the first rank in the legal profession.  The deceased was admitted to the practice of the law in 1846, remaining awhile thereafter with Mr. Jenkins and then moved to Canastota where, for several years as a partner of Judge Barlow, and then of Loring Fowler, Esq. he practiced his profession.  In the month of Nov. 1853, he removed to Oneida, and formed a co-partnership with M.J. Shoecraft, with whom he continued for fourteen years in active practice. During which time he was considered one of the ablest men in the legal profession in Madison Co., cool, self-possessed with a mind at once logical and comprehensive.  Possessing a fine physical appearance and a mind well stored with legal learning and trained to analytical investigation, he became successful and prominent in his profession.  

On the formation of the Republican party in 1853, Mr. Snow was chosen delegate to the Saratoga Convention, took a leading part in its proceedings and exerted a commanding influence in shaping its policy. The formation of the Republican party brought a large portion of the Freesoil element of the Democratic party with it, and among the number who helped organize the party was the deceased who had been an ardent Freesoiler in the Democratic party.  

In the fall of 1855, he was elected a member of the Assembly from the Second Assembly District of Madison County, in which body he at once became a leading member and perhaps no one during the session of 1865 possessed better legislative talent or had more influence with the members of the Assembly, than Mr. Snow.  With the Republican party he continued to act until, as he frequently expressed himself, "the party had departed from the principles first proclaimed by it when it as organized."  He then saw, what many conservative Republicans now see, that it was not only impolitic, but dangerous and subversive of constitutional liberty for the administration under any pretext, to usurp powers which are not contained in the federal compact.  

From the fall of 1862, when he advocated the election of Gov. Seymour, to the time of his death, he acted with the Democratic party, taking an active part in all the primary meetings and conventions and was one of the party's able speakers in the last two Presidential campaigns. 

The deceased was twice married. The first marriage was with Mrs. Elizabeth Eldridge, a highly educated lady, with whom he lived but a few brief years, when she was removed by death, leaving two children, a son and daughter, with her husband to mourn her loss, and a sad loss it was to both - the children and their father - whose death they now mourn.  His second marriage, after living a widower some fifteen years, was with Miss Sarah Beckwith, of his native town of Cazenovia, who, like his former wife, is a highly educated and accomplished lady.  

No one acquainted with our deceased friend (and his acquaintance was not confined to a narrow circle) will differ from him who pens this brief sketch of a professional brother and friend, in reference to the native kindness of his heart, his high intellectual endowment, his sterling integrity and common sense, his acquirements as a scholar, his legal ability and professional standing.  And while we thus express ourselves in reference to the native goodness of his heart, and the great mental endowments of the deceased, as well as his great social qualities, candor and truth, impel us to state the fact - sad indeed, - and one which he himself confessed and deplored, and so well known to all his friends and acquaintances - that the poisoned makeup during several years of his past life, circumscribed his usefulness and influence and obscured the fame of him who might have left a brilliant name upon the page of history.  The deceased had many warm friends who did not desert him in his waning fortunes and who manifested their kindness and friendship during his last illness.  

Some three years since, Mr. Snow was stricken down with partial paralysis while attending the District Court of the United States at Albany from which he never fully recovered. Would to Heaven that all who knew our deceased brother would take warning from the misfortune which befell him, and do at once what he did, but a brief period before his death, when he resolved to conquer an appetite which had for several years obtained the mastery of him, and he had given proof that he had accomplished so great an undertaking.  But his time had come.  On the 22d day of February last he went to Morrisville where the Circuit Court was then in session and there for the last time beheld his professional brethren. Returning from court the same day, he came to Oneida and put up with his brother, and feeling fatigued he sent for a physician, who on seeing his patient, informed his friends and relatives that the work of the deceased was nearly done.  His wife and kind brother and sister, with the aid of friendly neighbors, did all that could be done for the suffering patient.  

We are glad to state that several days previous to this death he professed faith in the Redeemer and was baptized by the Rev. Mr. Perrino of the Episcopal Church.  His mind failing with his body, after an illness of three weeks, the spirit took its flight at 1 P.M., March 13th, 1872, to the spirit land.  On Friday, March 15th, the funeral was held at the residence of the deceased's brother at Oneida, Rev. Mr. Perrino officiating.  And they deposited his mortal remains in the grave. "Earth to earth, dust to dust." Where, unheeded by the storm of life they will repose till the rising dead will be brought to life again in the resurrection morning.  

Sunday, September 1, 2024

Historical Sketch, Settlement of New Berlin, NY

 Historical Sketch of the Settlement of the Town of New Berlin

by John Hyde

New Berlin Gazette, New Berlin, Chenango Co. NY, September 22, 1877

Doctor Dean Foote was the first professor in the art of healing "the ills that the flesh is heir to," who settled in New Berlin [Chenango Co. NY].  In the matter of the old bear conflict he has already been mentioned about, we will only add he was a useful and meritorious citizen among the early inhabitants. [Local History Notes: Search results for "Doctor Foote" (smdlocalhistoryblog.blogspot.com)]

Doctor Ebenezer Ross succeeded him in practice.  His home was in New Berlin village.  He built his dwelling house on the north side of East Street, now owned [in 1877] and occupied by Henry Tew.  Doct. Ross was a careful and successful practitioner; dealt out the pills and yielded the lance with skill.  Royal Ross took the place of his uncle, the old doctor, on his decease.  He purchased and lived in the dwelling house now owned [in 1877] by Frederick Firman, on the east side of North Street, and built the brick office on the premises.  After the decease of his first wife, he married the widow of Nathan Beardslee, deceased, and lived in the house formerly owned by his uncle, already mentioned, during the remainder of his days.  Dr. Royal Ross was an active, energetic and skillful physician and took much interest in town affairs and in common school business.

Dr. Hand, a student in Doctor Mitchell's office of Norwich [Chenango Co. NY] practiced as a physician a short period in New Berlin and then went to Oswego [Oswego Co. NY].  He was a man of superior ability in the medical profession.  Dr. Hermon Gray resided in the house now owned [in 1877] and occupied by Widow Howard a few years, and gave medical aid to the sick, then moved into one of the Western States.  [He] also changed his occupation into a cultivator of the soil.  Doctor Russell B. Burch settled on South Street near the bank and built the dwelling house in which his widow now resides [in 1877]; was a good physician and a useful member of society.

Dr. Dyer Loomis purchased the dwelling house, which Amos Matteson built on the east side of South Street, adjoining the Episcopal parsonage house, where he still resides.  His extensive practice manifested the confidence of the community in his mode and skill in the treatment of patients.

Dr. Knight and Dr. Bellows were early settlers in South New Berlin and were worthy members of the medical department.  The foregoing named professors of medicine were admitted to practice under the old order, appertaining to the regulation of the medical department, and when diplomas were given under rules and regulations requiring a competent knowledge of the healing art, before the student was admitted to deal out medicine to patients and before patent medicines found way into public notice through the channel of a common almanac or the columns of some country newspaper.

Amongst the pioneer lawyers, Abijah Bennett was the first lawyer who settled in New Berlin, but in the war of 1812, his law license was exchanged for a captain's military commission, under which he enlisted soldiers, formed a military recruiting camp in the then pine woods on the east side of the village North Street near where the Masonic Hall now stands [in 1877], where he taught soldiers the art of war, instead of pleading the cause of clients in our courts of justice.

Noah Ely a lawyer, built his family residence on the west side of North Street, where he resided until his decease, his family still occupying the place [in 1877].  He was some time town clerk, a member of the State Legislature one term and was judge advocate in Gen. Augustus C. Welch's brigade of infantry.

John Hyde, a lawyer, built his dwelling house on the east side of North Street, near the old elm tree, venerable for its integrity, and remarkable for its long drooping limbs as if mourning for the absence of its early associate forest trees.  Its age dates back to the period when the Redmen were the owners of the ground on which it stands.  J. Hyde was some times town clerk, a justice of the peace, and also held the commission of judge advocate in General Henry DeForest's brigade of horse artillery.

Charles A. Thorp a lawyer was with Hyde in the practice of law a short time and went to Oxford [Chenango Co. NY] as a partner with John Tracy.

Nathan Beardslee, a lawyer, settled in New Berlin, purchased the dwelling house built by Ebenezer Ross, deceased, and lived there until his decease.  He held the office of supervisor one term.

Henry Southworth, a lawyer when the wooden Episcopal Church building was pulled down to make a place for the stone edifice, purchased the Vestry Room and moved it on to the ground now occupied [in 1877] by Hazard & Dykes' drug and apothecary store and converted it into a law office in which he transacted law business during his sojourn in New Berlin.  He is now [in 1877] in law practice in the city of New York.  A village wag on hearing that the old-time honored vestry room had been transformed into a law shop said it reminded him of a certain other event recorded in scripture that Christ charged upon the Jews that they had -?- the [unreadable].

Samuel S. Randall, a lawyer, practiced law in the village [and was] engaged in other business.  He now [in 1877] resides in the city of New York occupied in literary pursuits.

Alonzo Johnson a lawyer, practiced the law business in the village [then] changed his profession for a clerkship in one of the public offices in the city of Washington where he ended his days.

Albert L. Pritchard practiced law in New Berlin, went into the banking business in one of the western states and is now in business in the city of New York.

Henry Bennett, a lawyer, purchased the brick dwelling house on North Street, now owned [in 1877] and occupied by Ira Butterfield and lived there during the remainder of his days.  He was a member of Congress a number of successive terms and was an industrious and energetic member in the discharge of his official duty.  Charles W. Sumner, his brother-in-law, was his partner in law business and owned and lived in the dwelling house on North Street at the junction of Academy Street. He was justice of the Peace, sometime a United States Postmaster and was a member of the State Legislature two terms in succession.  His fate, however, was sad, for soon after the expiration of his second term of office while taking a pleasure excursion with some friends on one of the small lakes in the western part of the state, the boat suddenly was overturned and in attempting to swim ashore he was drowned.

Vital Records, Madison (1808) & Otsego (1848, 1854) counties, NY

 The Pilot, Cazenovia, NY, December 21, 1808

Marriages

In Pompey [Onondaga Co. NY] on the 6th ult. by William Cook, Esquire, Mr. Stephen Jackson to Miss Polly Shields.

On Wednesday, the 7th inst. by the Rev. Joshua Leonard, Mr. Caleb Case to Miss Deborah Jackson.

Death

In this village [Cazenovia, Madison Co. NY], on Friday last, Mrs. Martha Smith aged 42, consort of Israel Smith.

The Pilot, Cazenovia, NY, December 28, 1808

Marriages

On Tuesday the 20th instant by the Rev. Ebenezer Cowls, Levi Love, Esq. to Mrs. Rebecca Cory all of Madison [Madison Co. NY].

In Manlius [Onondaga Co. NY], on Sunday the 10th instant, by Elder Nathan Baker, Mr. Sylvanus Warner to Miss Olive Hough.

Cherry Valley Gazette, Cherry Valley, NY, October 25, 1848

Connubial Bonds

In Brooklyn on the 7th inst. by the Rev. Mr. Johnston, Mr. George Beatty of this village [Cherry Valley, Otsego Co. NY], to Miss Martha Holmes of Brooklyn.

In Middlefield [Otsego Co. NY], on the 12th inst. by the Rev. Charles K. McHarg. Mr. John W. Bowen to Miss Jane Bowen of Middlefield.

The Sepulchral Hrn.

At Esperance, Schoharie Co. [NY] on Tuesday the 17th inst., Mr. John Van Etten formerly of this village [Cherry Valley, Otsego Co. NY] in the 35th year of his age.

In this village [Cherry Valley, Otsego Co. NY] on the 18th inst. Julia H. [Waldron] daughter of Mr. Stephen and Sarah Waldron, aged 6 weeks.

At West Burlington [Otsego Co. NY], on the 23d ult. Mrs. Phebe [Simmons] wife of Mr. George Simmons, in the 35th year of her age.

In Middlefield [Otsego Co. NY] on the 25th ult. Sally Ann [Still] aged 36 years, wife of Mr. Joseph Still.

In Butternuts [Otsego Co. NY], on the 13th inst. Lydia Barton aged 47 years, wife of Stafford Barton.

Oneonta Herald, Oneonta, NY, February 2, 1854

Marriage

In Oneonta [Otsego Co. NY] Jan. 24th by Rev. E.C. Hodge, Mr. William J. Means to Miss Sarah M. Saunders both of Saulsbur's Corners, Herkimer Co. [NY].

Deaths

In this village [Oneonta, Otsego Co. NY], Jan. 26th, at the residence of her brother Charlotte M. Bissell aged 37 years.

In Binghamton [Broome Co. NY], on the 25th ult. Eunice Angelia [Whitcomb] youngest daughter of W.W. Whitcomb, aged 1 year and 9 months.

Lines on the Death of a Child

By Mrs. Sigourney

You mourn the sweetest loss / Plucked from your garden bower. / A sunbeam blotted from your sky / To gild the lonely hour; / You miss a voice of song / A brow, no frown that wore, / A fairy footstep from the hall, / that must return no more.

Yet think of all her bliss, / The angel robe who wears, / So early called to soar above / Earth's company of cares; / Think how her warbled hymn / In ecstasy doth arise / And in the arms of faith embrace / Your darling in the skies.

Oneonta Herald, Oneonta, NY, February 22, 1854

Death

In this town at the residence of Joel Losee on the 18th inst., Mrs. Z. Barnes in the 75th year of her age.