Vital Records, Otsego County NY (1860 & 1879)

 Oneonta Herald, Oneonta, NY, October 3, 1860

Death

At Ballards Hotel in this village [Oneonta, Otsego Co. NY] on the morning of Monday the 1st inst. after a brief illness, Willard L. Crosier aged 30 years and 24 days.  His remains were taken to Norwich [Chenango Co. NY] for interment.

Oneonta Herald, Oneonta, NY, October 10, 1860

Marriage

On the 3d inst. at the home of the bride's father, by Rev. O.T. Moulton, Mr. S.S. Kilborn to Miss Delilah [Shepherd] daughter of Isaac Shepherd, all of Oneonta Plains [Otsego Co. NY].

Deaths

At Maryland [Otsego Co. NY] on the 6th inst. Edgar O. Spencer oldest son of Horace D. and Margaret Spencer, aged 22 years 7 months and 29 days.

A much beloved son, an amiable brother and friend, his memory will ever be cherished by all who know him and appreciated his many excellent qualities.  Death was to him a kind release from protracted sickness and suffering, though he would gladly have lived to be a comfort and support to his parents in their declining years.  He died calmly and trustingly supported in that faith in which he had been instructed from his childhood. May that same gospel hope be a source of rich consolation to the afflicted family and friends.  May faith enable them to say:

"Dear as thou wast and justly dear, / We would not weep for thee. / One thought shall check the starting tear / It is that thou art free."

News Item

Mr. Ralph Farnham, the last survivor of the heroes of Bunker Hill, who is now in his one hundred and fifth year, will visit Boston at the invitation of Gen. Banks, and a number of other prominent gentlemen of the city on the 8th inst. 

In his letter accepting the invitation, he states that he was eighteen years of age when he enlisted in the American Army and added "It seems strange that out of all who were at Bunker Hill, I alone should be living. It appears to me, though so long ago, as if it was but yesterday. I can't remember the particulars of the march after I enlisted. How the people cheered and when near Andover, Col. Abbott came out and said, "Well done, my lads," and sent out cider and grog in pails. We got to Cambridge the day before the battle.  O, it was a terrible affair to me, for it was the first time I ever engaged in fighting.  I served with the army through three campaigns and was present on guard when Burgoyne surrendered.  I don't think I deserve any special praise for the part I took in the Revolution.  I felt and acted only as others."  

Mr. Paran Stevens has tendered to him free quarters at the Revere House for himself and family during his stay in Boston.  It is intended to give him a grand reception at the Music Hall on the 9th, with addresses by Mr. Everett and other eloquent speakers.  A copy of Turnbull's large painting representing the Battle of Bunker Hill will be exhibited on the platform.  The escort duty from the Revere House to the Hall will be performed by the Ancient and Honorable Artillery.  At the recent election in Marne, Mr. Farnham walked six miles to deposit his vote.  He has voted at every Presidential election since the adoption of the Constitution.

Oneonta Herald, Oneonta, NY October 24, 1860

Marriage

In this place [Oneonta, Otsego Co. NY] on the 22d inst. by Rev. D.L. Pendell, Rev. Henry Nichols of East Worcester [Otsego Co. NY] to Miss Elizabeth White of Davenport, N.Y. [Delaware Co.]

Death

Very suddenly at West Oneonta [Otsego Co. NY] on the morning of Tuesday, October 9th, Mrs. Lydia Hodge wife of Joseph Hodge, aged 76 years and 9 months.

Oneonta Herald, Oneonta, NY, October 31, 1860

Marriage

In Oneonta [Otsego Co. NY] on the 28th inst. by Rev. D.L. Pendell, Mr. Edmund H. Whitney to Miss Rhoda B. Sloan both of Oneonta.

Oneonta Herald & Democrat, Oneonta, NY, July 25, 1879

Marriages

In Oxford [Chenango Co. NY] July 17th by Rev. H.N. Payne, William M. Miller and Miss Emma E. Pearne.  The parties sailed for Europe on the 18th.

At the Presbyterian parsonage in Laurens [Otsego Co. NY] July 17th by Rev. H.W. Lee, Marzy J. Ward and Miss Mattie E. Lee daughter of the officiating clergyman, all of Laurens.

A very quiet and unpretentious wedding occurred in Laurens last Thursday evening.  Marzy J. Ward and Miss Mattie E. Lee were united in marriage by the Rev. Mr. Lee, father of the bride, at his residence, at eight o'clock p.m.  Among those present from out of town were Dr. Lee and family and Mr. Bennett and wife, all of Oxford. We wish the bride and groom a prosperous happy life, surrounded by that greatest of blessings - many friends.

Deaths

In Greene [Chenango Co. NY] July 17, George H. Ketchum aged 19 years.

At Margaretville [Delaware Co. NY], July 19, Henry T. Becker editor of the Utilitarian aged about 33 years of brain fever.

At the residence of Richard Van Dyke in Stanford [Dutchess Co. NY] July 19, Eleanora [Maynard] widow of Coley Maynard, aged 91 years.

In Sidney [Delaware Co. NY] July 16, Nathaniel Cooper aged 50 years.

In Schenevus [Otsego Co. NY] July 19, A.C. Delong. 

Davenport, Delaware Co. NY:  David Winslow died on the 15thinst of heart disease at Peter Smith's. 

Laurens, Otsego Co. NY:  We have a very hard subject to write of this week, the death of Mrs. William Carr.  A young wife of but twenty-two, the mother of two fine children, with the fair prospect of a long and happy life before her, to be thus suddenly taken away, was indeed a great shock to her husband and many friends. We tender our sincere sympathy to the husband in his great loss.  [Alma Frink Carr, 1857-1879]

Gilbertsville, Otsego Co. NY:  Another of our respected citizens has passed away very suddenly.  John A. Sturgess who from all indications seemed hale and healthy, died suddenly at his residence on Friday morning, July 11th.