Vital Records, Otsego County, NY (1870)

 Morris Chronicle, Morris, NY, December 7, 1870

Marriages

At Franklin [Delaware Co. NY] Nov. 17th, by Rev. A. Gaylord, J. S. Thurston of Butternuts [Otsego Co. NY] to Mrs. C.A. Fenno of Unadilla [Otsego Co. NY].

At Mt. Upton [Chenango Co. NY] Nov. 24th, by Rev. M.K. Shaw, S.D. Richmond of Butternuts [Otsego Co. NY] to Mrs. Mary Ann Barnes of the former place.

Deaths

In Garrattsville [Otsego Co. NY] Dec. 3d, Thomas Dargaviel aged 60 years.

Mr. Noyes Patrick of Butternuts [Otsego Co. NY] arrived at Bainbridge [Chenango Co. NY] last Wednesday on the 1 P.M. train.  He was overcome with fatigue by his walk from the depot and stopped at the "Marsh House" and sent for Dr. Yale, under whose care he had been for some time past.  While conversing he remarked that it was "growing dark," and immediately fell into the arms of the Doctor.  An examination showed that his pulse had stopped beating and that life had departed.  Mr. Patrick was 52 years of age and had been afflicted with a disease of the heart for some time.  He leaves a wife and four children.  Democrat.

Morris Chronicle, Morris, NY, December 14, 1870

Marriages

At Binghamton [Broome Co. NY], December 5th, at the residence of the officiating clergyman by Rev. Edward Taylor, D.D., William A. Teiler to Miss Dell M. Collins both of Whitney's Point [Broome Co. NY].

At Oneonta [Otsego Co. NY] Dec. 1st by Rev. A. Griffin, Daniel E. Potter to Miss Mattie B. Sergents all of Oneonta.

In Portlandville [Otsego Co. NY] Dec. 1st, by Rev. A. Griffin, Clayton Weeks to Miss Louisa A. Siser all of Portlandville.

At Oneonta [Otsego Co. NY] Nov. 29th, by the same, E. Deming, of Oneonta to Miss Adeline Every of Colliersville [Otsego Co. NY].

At Oneonta [Otsego Co. NY] Nov. 29th, at the residence of Burton Yager, by Rev. H.H. Allen, James R.L. Wailing to Miss Aleviaette Yager all of Oneonta.

Deaths

In Butternuts [Otsego Co. NY] Nov. 27th Mrs. Nareissa Hendrix in the 83d year of her age.

In Morris [Otsego Co. NY] Dec. 11th, Mary [Foote] wife of moses W. Foote, aged 39 years.

Charles Thurston, one of the oldest inhabitants of this town [Cooperstown, Otsego Co. NY], died at the residence of his son-in-law, N.W. Cole, in this village on Friday night last, at the age of about 90 years and 6 months.  He was buried on Sunday with Masonic honors of which fraternity he was one of the oldest members, his connection with the order extending back long anterior to the Morgan Furore.  His funeral was numerously attended, and his remains were borne to their last resting place in our beautiful "Lakewood." Rep. & Dem.

Dr. McClintock, a much respected citizen of this village [Morris, Otsego Co. NY], died at Payne's hotel on Friday last, having been sick for several months with consumption.  He was 32 years old.

_______________________________

A dear mother died at the residence of George Benjamin, Morris [Otsego Co. NY], on the 15th of December 1869.

This sad story I will tell / to all that wish to hear it; / Tis very true and known quite well, / By those who try to cheer it.

I know 'tis sad to lose a friend, / Though I have only lost one brother; / But now her work is at an end, / For God has taken home a mother.

She's standing on the peaceful shore, / While we for her are weeping; / And we shall see her here no more, / For her body in the grave is sleeping.

But in the parlor is a treasure yet, / 'Tis her picture in its place; / And I will often go and sit, / And gaze upon her face.

The morning that she went away, / She kissed us all good-bye / And then she went away to stay, / And went away to die.

Now the time seems so very long, / My tongue can scarcely tell, / And I often sing the good old song, / She used to love so well.

Annie M. Birdsill

Morris Chronicle, Morris, NY, December 21, 1870

Marriage

At the residence of the bride's father in Davenport [Delaware Co. NY] 15th inst., by Rev. A.P. Bunnell, Nathan H. Briggs of Laurens [Otsego Co. NY] to  Miss Hannah E. Conger of Davenport.

Deaths

In New Lisbon [Otsego Co. NY] Dec. 14th, Mrs. Sarah A. Sewell aged 37 years and 9 months.

In Schuyler's Lake [Otsego Co. NY] Dec.15th, Adelbert [Garlick] only son of Rev. H. Garlick, aged 9 years.

In Fly Creek [Otsego Co. NY] October 31st, Chester Taylor in the 90th year of his age.

In Fly Creek [Otsego Co. NY] Nov. 24th, Thomas Taylor, in the 70th year of his age.

Silas Kelsey, an old resident of the town of Edmeston [Otsego Co. NY], came to Edmeston village on business on Tuesday, Nov. 23d and feeling somewhat unwell, he went into the office of Dr. Wm. M. Spencer for medical advice. While sitting in a chair he was taken with an apoplectic fit.  He, however came to so as to speak and say that he felt cold and in some ten or fifteen minutes he went into another fit, from which he never recovered.  Mr. Kelsey was about seventy years of age and had always been remarkably healthy.  Rep. & Dem.

Morris Chronicle, Morris, NY, December 28, 1870

Marriages

At the residence of the bride's father, in Morris [Otsego Co. NY] Dec. 21st by Rev. J.W. Mevis, Darwin E. Goodnow of Columbus [Chenango Co. NY] to Miss Marietta Haight of Morris.

At the residence of Francis Rotch, Esq. in Morris [Otsego Co. NY] Dec. 22d, by Rev. C. Ayer, Charles H. Taylor to Miss Adelle Turner.

At Gilbertsville [Otsego Co. NY] Dec. 22d, by Rev. C. Ayer, Charles Perkins of Chicago, Ill to Miss Carrie J. Wallin of Butternuts [Otsego Co. NY]

Deaths

In West Laurens [Otsego Co. NY] Dec. 25th, Mrs. Olive Georgia, wife of Charles Georgia.

In Laurens [Otsego Co. NY], Dec. 20th, of consumption Mrs. Fowlston, widow of the late William Fowlston.

In New Lisbon [Otsego Co. NY], Dec. 21st, Mr. John Nailor.

In Cooperstown [Otsego Co. NY] Dec. 14th, Rev. Charles S. Stewart, D.D. Senior Chaplain of the U.S. Navy, aged 75 years.

In Schuyler's Lake [Otsego Co. NY] Nov. 8th, Mrs. Sarah Brewer aged 82 years and 7 months.

In Laurens [Otsego Co. NY] Dec. 7th, Johnnie [Windsor] eldest son of Lester H. and Julia A. Windsor.

Mr. Lyman Beach, an aged and respected citizen of Greene [Chenango Co. NY], met his death on Saturday, Dec. 17th, by poison accidentally taken.  It seems that he entered a store and procuring a glass which had contained an acid, washed it out and filled it with hot tea or medicine and drank it off. The glass still contained enough of the acid to produce death and he died within half an hour.  the usual remedies were given and everything done for the unfortunate man, but of no avail.

_______________________

A Terrible Calamity

A frightful accident occurred in a deep cut on the Syracuse and Chenango Valley Railroad, about one and a half miles north of Earlville [Madison Co. NY] on Monday morning [the] 19th.  A large gang of men were at work in the cut, which is on the side of a hill, and on one side is forty or fifty feet deep, when, without a moment's warning, the steep bank caved in, burying about twenty of the men and injuring many who were not caught under the bank.  The bank was composed of loose shell rock, with many large boulders which in rolling struck several of the workmen, doing them serious injury.  As soon as possible all the available force was set to work to exhume to bodies of those buried under the bank.  Of those taken out on Monday, three were dead and one so badly injured that he cannot possibly live.  One more is known to be still under the bank and of course must be dead.  Of those killed, two were horribly mutilated, the head of one being crushed into a shapeless mass and the body of the other having been caught between two large rocks, mangling him beyond description. Several of those who escaped with their lives had legs or arms broken and many are otherwise severely injured.  It is said that the survivors are terribly excited and lay the responsibility of the terrible accident upon the "boss," who refused to listen to those who warned him that the bank was unsafe. We are informed that Hogan, one of the killed, remonstrated against the danger on the morning of the accident, but was informed by the "boss" that if he did not choose to work in the cut he could quit.  Chenango Union

Vital Records, Chenango [1879) & Otsego (1863) Counties, NY

 Chenango American, Greene, NY, January 30, 1979

Death

Page Brook, Chenango Co. NY:  Mary A. [Page] wife of J.W. Page, died Jan. 24, aged 28 years.

Bainbridge Republican, Bainbridge, NY, February 6, 1879

Marriage

GARDNER - HAWKS:  In the Mitchell House, Sidney Plains [Delaware Co. NY], Feb. 4tyh, by Rev. Samuel Johnson, Charles H. Gardner of Otego [Otsego Co. NY] and Miss Kittie M. Hawks of Masonville [Delaware Co. NY].

News Item

Our Business Men

Mr. T.G. Smith, whose name stands prominently connected with the head of this article and which forms the subject of this short and interesting biographical sketch, was born May 29th, 1831, in Colesville, Broome Co., N.Y.  His father David Smith was a farmer by occupation and a man of limited means.  His son who was born with a weakly constitution was kept in school until he arrived at the age of 18 years when he had an application and taught the village school at Coventry [Chenango Co. NY ].  In 1851 he entered the State normal School at Albany where he graduated July 1852.  He then returned home and followed school teaching for five years in Potter County, Pa. and applied his earning towards a home for his parents.  But in 1857 he left home and started out in life for himself with only $50 at his command.  He was married in June of the same year to Miss Sophia Chase, daughter of Nathan B. Chase Esq. of Windsor [Broome Co. NY] who was engaged in the tanning business and by whom he was employed as an assistant for four years, when he became a partner and at the death of his father-0in-law, Mr. Smith succeeded him in the business which he continued till 1869, when he came to Sidney Plains [Delaware Co. NY], which was then just opened up as a Railroad town, with business prospects.  Mr. Smith purchased a lot and built a fine residence and also contracted for the use of a portion of the Hodgins Block then building by paying rent in advance and when completed, he formed a copartnership with Frank T. Abbot and engaged in the mercantile business which was continued for 4-1/2 years being the time specified by agreement as the limitation of the firm. At the expiration of that time, Mr. Abbott retired.  Mr. Smith having purchased his interest, continued the business in his own name, assisted by his son and only child. Mr. Smith seems peculiarly fitted for this class of business.  He is a close buyer and as we understand his credit among the mercantile class of New York and other cities stand A No. 1 and he is what may be properly termed, a close seller, and possesses good judgement in selecting goods suited to the wants of the people.  

His store is a model of neatness, with every article arranged with care, order, and precision, and his sales room is usually free from loungers which forms an important feature in a first-class store.  Mr. Smith is also what may be termed a diligent worker in his business and by his close attention and good management has succeeded in placing himself at the head of the dry goods trade in this village and is an honor to the town.  

In his habits, he is temperate, frugal, and possessed of good morals, pleasant in his manners, pleased to see customers and always willing to show goods, but he is at the same time cautious in contracting bad debts.  He is also charitable and kind to the unfortunate and is always willing to aid in any enterprise which he thinks will prove an advantage to the community.  In his personal appearance Mr. Smith Stands about 5 feet 10 inches high, with dark hair and whiskers and black eyes and his usual weight is 125 lbs.  He has a somewhat stooping form and walks with rather a swinging and indifferent gait and dresses neat but plainly with no special attempt at display, excepting in wearing a shirt stud of the very cheapest pattern and commonly regarded as worth about 25 cents, but really in its flashes may be detected a valuable diamond of the first water.

Unadilla Times, Unadilla, NY, July 16, 1863

Marriages

HAWLEY - MILLARD:  At the residence of the bride's brother, N. Millard, esq., Brooklyn, July 1, by the Rev. Nelson Millard of Montclair, N.J., Wm. S. Hawley editor of the Cayuga Spirit of the Times, Auburn [Cayuga Co. NY] to Mary [Millard] daughter of the late Wm. millard, esq. of Delhi, N.Y. [Delaware Co. NY].

SOUTHWORTH - BISSELL:  At Franklin [Delaware Co. NY], july 1, by Rev. T.S. Potwin, Mr. Albert Southworth of Dryden [Tompkins Co. NY] to Miss Diantha Bissell of Franklin.

Deaths

DARROW:  In Oneonta [Otsego Co. NY] July 5, Dr. B. Darrow aged 49 years.

ARNOLD:  In Otego [Otsego Co. NY], June 20 from the effects of paralysis, Deacon Elias Arnold for the last twelve years colporteur of the American Tract Society for this county, aged 79 years and 10 months.

McELHONE:  In Walton [Delaware Co. NY] June 25, Charles D. [McElhone] only son of William and Henrietta McElhone aged 2 years 10 months and 24 days.

CLARK:  In East Masonville [Delaware Co. NY] June 29, Hannah M. [Clark] wife of S.M. Clark, aged 18 years.

DARLING: In Sidney [Delaware Co. NY] June 24, Miss Harriet Darling aged 19 years and 6 months.

Vital Records, Chenango County, NY (1822 & 1879)

 Oxford Gazette, Oxford, NY, August 7, 1822

Death

A child aged 9 years, son of the widow Bacon of West Bloomfield [Ontario Co. NY], was accidentally killed on the 4th inst. by being run over by the mail stage.

Oxford Gazette, Oxford, NY, August 14, 1822

News Item

On the 23d of June last Mr. Andrew Nichols, formerly of Lenox, Madison County [NY], left the service of Mr. John Adams of Oxford [Chenango Co. NY] without any assignable cause and without any previous intimation of his departure.  His is a Shoemaker by profession, about 32 years of age, dark complexion and wore away a snuff-colored surtout [overcoat], dark pantaloons and vest.  He left 30 or 40 dollars' worth of new clothing, a balance of upwards to 20 dollars of wages and was free from debt.  He was supposed to be deranged, which was probably the cause of his sudden and unaccountable departure.  Any information of him communicated to this office will alleviate the suffering anxiety of his friends and subserve the cause of humanity.  He was last heard of traveling in a southwestern direction and is probably in the western part of this State or Pennsylvania.

Oxford Gazette, Oxford, NY, August 28, 1822

News Item

Three Cents Reward

Ran away from the subscriber on the 2d inst. an indented servant by the name of Edward Nickerson.  All persons are forbid harboring or trusting said boy on my account.  The above reward but no charges will be paid on his being returned to the subscriber.  Peter Gilmore Coventry [Chenango Co. NY] August 25, 1822.

Oxford Gazette, Oxford, NY, September 4, 1822

Deaths

On Friday last Major Thomas Brooks of Plymouth [Chenango Co. NY] in this county, was killed by the falling of a tree.  Major Brooks was an old and respectable inhabitant of this county.

Died in Norwich [Chenango Co. NY] very suddenly on the 22d ult. Mrs. Thompson wife of Joel Thompson Esq of Sherburne [Chenango Co. NY].  [Catherine Thompson, 62 years, Sherburne West Hill Cemetery]

Oxford Gazette, Oxford, NY, September 11, 1822

Death

At Montezuma [Cayuga Co. NY], on the 27th ult. Mr. Otis W. Hovey AEt about 40.  Mr. H. was well known as a limner of distinguished talents. [A limner is a painter, especially of portraits and miniatures.] 

Oxford Gazette, Oxford, NY, September 18, 1822

Marriages

At Norwich [Chenango Co. NY] on Thursday evening last by the Rev. Mr. Andrus, Mr. Seymor to Miss lucy Anne Perkins.

At Bainbridge [Chenango Co. NY] on Wednesday evening last, Mr. Kissam Merchant of New York to Miss Sally Betts daughter of Peter Betts Esq of Bainbridge.

Oxford Times, Oxford, NY, January 29, 1879

Marriage

ALDRICH - DEAN: At Sidney Plains [Delaware Co. NY] Jan. 16th by Rev. Mr. Flint, Haskall Aldrich of Essex, Iowa and Miss Emma R. Dean of the former place.

Death

KNOTT:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co. NY] Jan. 27th, Mr. L.W. Knott, aged 74 years.

Mr. Luke Knott died at his residence in this village on Monday forenoon after a few days' illness, the disease being typhoid pneumonia.  Mr. Knott has been proprietor of the harness shop in this village for a number of years.  He was a quiet, upright gentleman, a good citizen and universally respected in our community.  His age was seventy-four years. The funeral will take place from his late residence, this Wednesday afternoon at two o'clock.

Sherburne News, Sherburne, NY, February 1, 1879

News Item

Chanceller Livingston Pierce is the oldest man in the town of Lebanon [Madison Co. NY], he being 91 years old.  James Cooledge in the town of Madison [Madison Co. NY] being 93 years of age.  Isaac Mason of the town of Eaton [Madison Co. NY] scores 97 years.  John Foote of Hamilton [Madison Co. NY] will be 93 next April.  George Hull of DeRuyter [Madison Co. NY] is also in his 93d year.  He settled in that village in 1805.  Courier

Vital Records, Chenango County, NY (1879)

 Chenango Semi-Weekly Telegraph, Norwich, NY, January 29, 1879

Deaths

Chenango Forks, Broome Co., NY:  The wife of John Page of Page Brook [Broome Co. NY], died last Friday evening.  The funeral was attended at the M.E. Church at North Fenton [Broome Co., NY] Sunday at 2 o'clock.

Chenango Semi-Weekly Telegraph, Norwich, NY, February 1, 1879

Marriages

Silver Wedding:  Messrs. Editors:  I have failed to see an account of a very enjoyable affair that occurred recently in Coventry [Chenango Co. NY] on the edge of Oxford [Chenango Co. NY].  The occasion was the 25th anniversary of Mr. and Mrs. Ira Scott's wedding day, which occurred January the 18th inst.  Sixty guests were invited but owing to the inclemency of the weather only about half that number were able to attend. But those who braved the storm were in good spirits and gave good proof their social qualities long before the festival began. When all had arrived, the company were called together by Hon. Romeo Warren. The worthy couple were led to the hymeneal altar, as of yore, where they were addressed by the Rev. Mr. Stewart, their newly arrived minister, in words most fitting and appropriate, followed by prayer by the Rev. G.D. Horton of Bainbridge.

After the usual congratulations the happy couple led the way to the dining room which was tastefully decorated with evergreens and on either side the dates 1854 and 1879 appeared.  The company were seated in groups of four and six at tables and served to a feast of such variety and abundance as "beggars description."  They received some very fine presents and many letters of regret from friends unable to be present.

Mr. Scott, so long and favorably known as a successful businessman, a practical and thriving farmer, was born and reared in the vicinity of his present home.  He and his wife are still in their prime; age and grief have dealt gently with them and no grey hairs have as yet sprinkled their looks, and they bid fair to live to celebrate their golden wedding.  Two dutiful children, a son and daughter, share the duties and honors of their cheerful home, while a loved one sleeping in the church yard, reminds them of the home above.

May health, happiness and usefulness attend them for another twenty-five years, is the best wish of their numerous friends.

_______________________________

More orange blossoms:  The coming event in our village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], was the wedding, which came off at the Congregational Church, on Wednesday evening. The parties to the marriage contract, were Mr. DeWitt C. More, a young and enterprising merchant of Whitney's Point [Broome Co. NY] and Miss Grace Smith, oldest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Clark Smith of this place [Norwich].  The large auditorium of the church was densely packed.  The ceremonies were performed by Rev. T. H. Griffith and was very impressive.  Six young men acted as ushers, and Miss Stella Smith, bridesmaid, and Mr. Merchant of Whitney' Point, groomsman. C.N. Hollister presided at the organ, playing the wedding march before and after the ceremonies.  About one hundred and fifty relatives and friends attended the reception at the house and partook of the hospitality of the genial host and hostess.  All were profuse with congratulations and the occasion will be a time honored one. The refreshments were sumptuous. The collection of presents was quite large and comprised many valuable articles in silverware, etc. Vocal and instrumental music of a very high order, and pleasant social intercourse completed the evening's program, when the party dispersed. They have the best of good wishes of their many friends here, in which we unite.

Deaths

TURNER:  In Versailles, Woodford Co. Ky., Jan. 19, 1879, Ulysses Turner in the 60th year of his age.  Deceased was the only brother of Dea. Lester Turner of this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY].

WILKES:  In Plymouth [Chenango Co. NY], Jan. 20, Mrs. Elizabeth S. Wilkes wife of Horace Wilkes, aged 48 years two months and 10 days.

We loved her, yes, no tongue can tell, / How much we loved her and how well, / God loved her too, and he thought best, / To take her home to be at rest.

McCRAY:  Smithville Flats, Chenango Co. NY:  Robert McCray died last Sunday morning, gradually wasting away with a lingering disease.  His funeral was attended at the Presbyterian Church. Wednesday Services were conducted by Rev. Mr. Congdon.  Robert was the only surviving son of the late Wm. McCray, an early settler in town, one of the first Irish settlers. Robert has been a hard laboring man, a kind and loving husband and father, and was highly respected in the community.  He leaves a wife and four children.  His age was fifty-seven.

GILLESPIE:  Our people were pained to learn on Monday last, the 27th, of the death of David Gillespie, one of our old, respected citizens.  In the death of Mr. Gillespie, our town loses one of the three oldest inhabitants which remain with us, his age being over eighty-three.  For nearly forty years he has been a resident of Lincklaen [Chenango Co. NY] where he died, and it will be no discredit to others to say that he was foremost in all good work.  Mr. G.  has, all within about one year and a half, been a remarkable instance of one who, to an extreme old age, retained not only his vigor of mind but youthfulness and buoyancy of feeling.  As a father, he was kind and indulgent and while we all shall miss him, in his family circle where his virtues were best known, his loss will be keenest felt.  Mr. G. has for several years resided with his son and daughters at Burdick Settlement who have exercised a watchful and tender care towards their father.

_____________________________

BENTON:  At his home near Earlville [Madison Co. NY], in the town of Sherburne [Chenango Co. NY] Jan. 15, 1879, of malignant scarlet fever, Jason M. Benton, aged 30 years and nine months.

A Tribute to the Memory of Jason M. Benton; Delivered in the Baptist Church at Earlville, N.Y. by the Rev. W.W. Staples, Jan. 26, 1879

"None knew thee but to love thee, / None named thee but to praise."

Dear Friends:  That was a memorable scene, as Abner, Saul's great general, was borne to his last resting place in the tomb.  Not only did a multitude of the people join in that funeral train but "King David himself followed the bier.  And they buried Abner in Hebron, and the King lifted up his voice and wept at the grave of Abner, and all the people wept."

Why, we may ask, was all this grief in Israel?  David answers this question by saying to his servants, "Know ye not that there is a prince and a great man fallen this day in Israel?"

Death is indeed a ruthless destroyer.  He takes whom he will, and none can let or hinder, even,

"The flower that smiles today, Tomorrow dies, / All that we wish to stay, tempts and then flies. / What is this world's delight, Lightning that Brief, even, as bright."

Brethren and Friends, Do you ask why we sorrow today? "Know ye not that there is a prince and a great man fallen this day in Israel?"  Tried by the standards set before us in the world of God, our brother, whose loss we mourn today, was a very prince, a great man in Israel.  Brother Jason M. Benton was born on the 15th day of April 1848. On the 15th day of July, 1866, he was baptized upon a profession of his faith in the lord Jesus and became a member of this church. After a brief illness he fell asleep in Jesus on Jan. 15th, 1879.  His age therefore was but 30 years and nine months.  For 12 years he was a faithful member of the church on earth, and then the Great Head of the church transferred him to the church triumphant above.  As an officer in the church, and as a teacher in the Sabbath school, he leaves a large place vacant, but thanks be to God, our loss is his eternal gain.  And So:

"I blame not Death, because he bare the use of Virtue out of earth; / I know transplanted human worth will bloom to profit otherwhere.  / For this alone on Death I wreak the grief that garners in my heart; / He put out lives so far apart we cannot hear each other speak."

Life is made up, not of years but of deeds. these may not be the deeds that make us call their doers heroes, but though known to few, they are heroic deeds.  Not every hero has had his name emblazoned on the sky of fame.   He who in the strife of life "acts well his part" is a hero, for there the honor lies.

The man who is what we call an "everyday man," that is, one who is upright and just today, and we believe will be tomorrow as he was yesterday, such a man is the real hero.  Heroes are they who do well the work that [is] placed before them. Those who know our brother Benton know him an everyday hero.  Life was -?- him and he did well his work.

As I looked upon his calm, cold face as he lay in his last sleep, prepared for his narrow couch in mother earth, I could only say to myself, "Oh my brother!  Your heart shall live forever.  It is well with thee, for the Saviour has said, "Happy, the pure in heart; for they shall see God."  We have said before that the heart makes the man.  Our brother had a large heart.  He loved his friends.   His heart was warm and sympathetic, and when he made a new friend his heart was opened to receive him.  He loved his father and mother and the whole circle of family relatives.  His heart held them all.  But double dear to him were the tender ties and loving hearts of his own pleasant home.  Affectionate and tender as a father, he was kind and loving as a husband.  He loved the church of God with a love that never failed, but, higher than this he loved God.  In youth he gave his love to God in a covenant that manhood made more strong.  He had a large heart.  A man is what his heart is my friends, therefore there is a prince and a great man fallen this day in Israel.  like every other one, his heart must live forever.  How shall it live!  Ah. thanks be unto God who gave him the victory "his heart shall live forever in the presence of the God he loved, for he was pure in heart. As you can at times look down through the clear sparkling water of a brook and see the clear pebbles at the bottom, so one could look into brother Benton's eye, and be sure he saw a pure soul beneath.  His heart was not a dark and hidden recess, a place in which to treasure up evil thoughts, hatred and deceit. Those bright eyes of his always seemed to be the windows of his soul.  His soul was pure, not spotless of course, but he was everyday more and more learning to love what God loves, and to hate what God hates.  His prayer was "Oh, God, put iniquity far from me."  He loved honestly, earnestly, everything that is lovely and of good report.  His life, his words, his works are ended, but his heart shall live forever.  Gone in his early manhood, gone long ere he had seemed to us to have finished his work, gone from his home below to the mansions above, gone from the church in bondage to the church triumphant, gone from the Sabbath school to join the great company that acts at the feet of the Master, gone from his place among those who sing God's praises here to unite in the song that the great choir above shall sing forever.  Oh, we shall miss him.

Dear friends, the call that came to him was unexpected, but his life tells us he was ready.  As suddenly may our call come.  May our life be hid with Christ in God and may that happiness be ours that is the promised inheritance of the pure in heart.

Tears fell, when thou wert dying / From eyes unused to weep. / And long where thou are lying, / Will tears the cold turf steep.

When hearts whose truth was proven, / Like thine are laid in earth, / There should a wreath be woven / To tell the world their worth.

It should be mine to weave it / Around thy faded brow, / But I've in vain essayed it / And feel I cannot now.

While memory bids me weep thee / Nor thoughts, nor words are free, / The grief is fixed too deeply / That mourns a man like thee.

The above followed an impressive memorial sermon from the text found in Psalms XXII, 24; "Your heart shall live forever."

Vital Records, Chenango County, NY (1879)

 Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, February 6, 1879

Marriages

COOK - RIDER:  In Afton [Chenango Co. NY], Jan. 29th, by Rev. D.N. Grummon, Mr. William B. Cook to Miss Anna F. Rider both of Afton.

SACKETT - OTTMAN: In Carlisle, N.Y. [Schoharie Co.] Jan. 20th, by Rev. M. Kling, Mr. O.E. Sackett of Afton [Chenango Co. NY] to Miss Mary E. Ottman of Carlisle.

Deaths

COLEMAN: In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY] Feb. 1st, John M. [Coleman] son of John and Mary Coleman, aged 10 months.

BOWEN:  At Rockwells Mills, Guilford [Chenango Co. NY] Jan. 30th, Mr. Ollis Bowen aged 73 years a, father-in-law of Rev. L.C. Hayes of this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY].

ADSIT:  In North Norwich [Chenango Co. NY] Jan. 28th Mrs. Sally Ann Adsit wife of Edward Adsit, aged 56 years and 9 months.

WILKES:  In Plymouth [Chenango Co. NY] Jan. 29th, Mrs. Elizabeth S. Wilkes wife of Horace Wilkes, aged 48 years, 2 months and 10 days.

GILLESPIE:  In Lincklean Centre [Chenango Co. NY] Jan. 26th, Mr. David Gillespie aged 32 years.

KIRTLAND:  In Bainbridge [Chenango Co. NY] Jan. 25th Mrs. John Kirtland aged 38 years.

OWENS:  In Charles City, Iowa Jan. 4th, Mr. J. Evans Owens aged 75 years, formerly of Bainbridge [Chenango Co. NY].

TURNER:  In Versailles, KY., Jan. 19th, Mr. Ulysses Turner aged 50 years, only brother of Dea. Lester Turner, of this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY].

McLEAN:  Guilford, Chenango Co. NY:  The baby of John McLean was found dead in bed last Sunday morning and was buried yesterday.  As it had the whooping cough, it is thought that it strangled to death. It was about two months old.

UTLEY:  In Rome [Oneida Co. NY] Jan. 30th of paralysis, Mrs. Laura Mills Utley aged 71 years, formerly of this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY].

Mrs. Laura Mills-Utley, wife of Rufus Utley, formerly a resident of this village, died of paralysis on Thursday evening of last week at the residence of her daughter, Mrs. B.N. Huntington, in Rome.  She was seventy-one years of age and universally respected.

__________________________

RICHARDSON:  At her home on Smyrna Hill, Jan. 28th, 1879, Mrs. A.C. Richardson aged 36 years.

We cannot make it seem she's dead / A few days since and she was here. / Now the body lies in its narrow bed, / But the spirit dwells with angels dear.

Smyrna, Chenango Co. NY:  Mrs. Albert Richardson, residing on Smyrna Hill, died very suddenly of heart disease last Wednesday morning.  Her husband and three children have the sympathy of the whole community.

______________________

CASE:  In North Norwich [Chenango Co. NY] Jan. 30th, Ora Bell [Case] daughter of Cyrus and Mary G. Case, aged 1 year, 4 months and 18 days

Our darling little Ora / Has climbed the golden stair, / O, how we miss her little prattle / But now she's free from care.

Weep not, lonely parents, / But let this your comfort be. / Little Ora is an angel / Awaiting now for thee.

______________________

ROLPH:  Died at Sparta, Va. January 11th, 1879, Mr. Reuben Rolph, formerly of the town of Coventry, N.Y. [Chenango Co. NY] aged 67 years and 6 months.

The subject of this notice was a native of Suffolk County, N.Y., and moved to Chenango County [NY] in 1835.  He was a subscriber to the Norwich Journal before the writer of this notice was a reader, probably very soon after Thurlow Weed's connection with it, and has ever since been its patron and an unfaltering supporter of the political principles which it has advocated.

A man of unyielding energy and unimpeachable integrity, supported by shrewd sound sense and courteous deportment, he was successful beyond the average of his fellow citizens and accumulated a considerable fortune, owning at one time the finest dairy farm in his township, if not in the County. during the term of his residence there, the town of Coventry was transformed from a crude and struggling community into a well-organized and wealthy agricultural township, taking to itself all the advantages that nature permitted in the way of public improvement. Reuben Rolph did well his part in all her struggles of that period, and his name is honorably associated with her achievements of his day.

In 1870 he emigrated to Virginia and invested considerably in farming lands there and has fallen a victim to a long and painful malady.  His business ability though blunted somewhat by disease, never succumbed until thirty-six hours before his end.

Vital Records, Madison County NY (1816 & 1872)

 The Pilot, Cazenovia, NY, July 3, 1816

Death

On Saturday last, after a short illness, Mrs. Lydia Bishop aged 40 years, consort of Thomas Bishop of this Town [Cazenovia, Madison Co. NY].

The Pilot, Cazenovia, NY, July 17, 1816

Marriages

On Thursday last by Elder John Peck, Mr. Eastman Billings to Miss Olive Webber all of this town [Cazenovia, Madison Co. NY].

At Delphi [Madison Co. NY], Pompey Hollow on Monday last, Mr. Lawrence to Mrs. Townsend of this village [Cazenovia, Madison Co., NY]

The Pilot, Cazenovia, NY, July 31, 1816

Marriage

By the Rev. J Brown, on Monday evening the 29th inst. Mr. Oran Chandler to Miss Ann Day all of this village [Cazenovia, Madison Co. NY].

The Pilot, Cazenovia, NY, August 21, 1816

Death

In this town [Cazenovia, Madison Co. NY] on Sunday last, Mr. Ebenezer Castle aged seventy-four years.

The Pilot, Cazenovia, NY, august 28, 1816

Death

In Nelson [Madison Co. NY], on Saturday morning last, Capt. Daniel Bicknell late of the U.S. army, aged 38.  His remains were conveyed to Eaton [Madison Col. NY] followed by a large number of friends and relatives.  The brethren of the different Masonic lodges of this county, of which society he was a bright ornament, had previously assembled and from the house of B. Bicknell, Esq. preceded his body to the church where an excellent discourse was pronounced by Elder Wheeler, after which his remains were committed to its mother earth, in the usual masonic order.

Democratic Union, Oneida, NY, October 3, 1872

Marriages

SMITH - JURDEN:  In Stacy's Basin [Oneida Co. NY], Sept 18 by Rev. A. Cochran, Mr. Grove A. Smith of Verona [Oneida Co. NY] and Miss Rebecca R. Jurdan of the former place.

COLTON - MARSH:  At the residence of A.M. Marsh, Esq. in Morrisville [Madison Co. NY] Sept 18, by Rev. S.S. Bidwell, Mr. Bela H. Colton of Norwich [Chenango Co. NY] and Miss Louisa S. Marsh of Morrisville.

KIMBERLY - POTTER:  In Hamilton [Madison Co. NY] Sept. 18 by the Rev. I.D. Peaslee, Mr. J. Sherman Kimberly and Miss Hattie M. Potter all of Hamilton.

WICKWIRE - SANFORD:  In Hamilton [Madison Co. NY] Sept. 19, at the St. Thomas Church by the rector, Henry Pyne, Mr. Frank Wickwire of Hamilton and Miss Mary Sanford of Bouckville [Madison Co. NY].

ANDREWS - ALDRICH:  In Sherburne [Chenango Co. NY] Sept. 26, by Rev. A.H. Marshall, Mr. Geo. W. Andrews of Clinton [Oneida Co. NY] and Miss Alpha M. Aldrich of Sherburne.

DAVIS - WALKER:  In Sherburne [Chenango Co. NY] Sept. 18, by Rev. T.P. Halstead, Mr. Irvin W Davis and Miss Carrie E. Walker all of Sherburne.

SMITH - CHAPMAN:  In Keokuk, Iowa, Sept. 12, by Rev. R.C. McIlwane, Yale E. Smith formerly of Cazenovia [Madison Co. NY] and Fannie C. Chapman all of Keokuk.

PEARSON - RICHARDSON:  In Hartland, Sept. 17, by Rev. S.S. Utter, George Pearson of Hartland, Niagara Co. [NY] and Nancyt L. Richardson formerly of Nelson [Madison Co. NY].

HOLT - PIERCE:  At the residence of the bridegroom's mother, Sept. 22 by Rev. J.H. McGahan, Mr. William E. Holt of South Hamilton [Madison Co. NY] and Miss Adell B. Pierce of Columbus [Chenango Co. NY].

BLUNT - HARVEY:  At the Eagle hotel, Hamilton [Madison Co. NY] Sept. 21, by Rev. I.D. Peaslee, Mr. Albert J. Blunt of Madison [Madison Co. NY] and Miss Martha A. Harvey of Detroit [MI].

DERMOTT - DREW:  In Georgetown [Madison Co. NY] Oct. 1 by Rev. T.F Marris, Mr. George Dermott of Otselic [Chenango Co. NY] and Miss Rosetta Drew of Georgetown.

WARNER - GRISWOLD:  In Georgetown [Madison Co. NY] Oct. 1 by Rev. C.S. Craine, Avery Warner and Eliza Griswold both of Cincinnatus, N.Y. [Cortland Co. NY].

Deaths

KNOWLTON:  In Cazenovia [Madison Co. NY] Sept. 18, Caroline Parson [Knowlton] wife of Edmund Knowlton, aged 71 years.

YOUNG:  In East Hamilton [Madison Co. NY] Sept. 18, at the residence of her son, miler Young, Mrs. Deborah Young, aged 92 years.

FAIRCHILD:  In Quaker Basin [Madison Co. NY] Sept. 15, Frank J. [Fairchild] son of J.W. and Mary B. Fairchild, aged 12 years 5 months and 12 days.

ROOT:  In Verona [Oneida Co. NY] Sep. 13, at the residence of Henry Root, Jay E Root son of Eliakim and Caroline Root aged 27 years and 9 months.

REYNOLDS: In Sherburne [Chenango Co. NY] Sept.23, Miss Mary Reynolds aged 30 years.

KNOWLES:  In Smyrna [Chenango Co. NY] Sept 12, Barney Knowles of Erie, Ill. aged 68 years.

HULAN:  In Smyrna [Chenango Co. NY] Miss Delia Ann Hulan aged 21 years.

SWIFT:  In Hamilton [Madison Co. NY] Sept. 28, Lansing Swift aged 49 years.

Vital Records, Chenango (1838) Broome (1858) Counties, NY

 Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, December 5, 1838

Marriages

On the evening of the 26th ult by the Rev. A. Wheelock, Mr. Wm. R. Breed to Miss M. Caroline Packer all of this town [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY].

In Plymouth [Chenango Co. NY] on the 29th ult. by James M. D. Carr, Esq. Mr. Simon W. Sheldon of Sherburne [Chenango Co. NY] to Miss Sarah Ann Davis of the former place.

Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, December 12, 1838

Marriages

On the 28th ult by the Rev. John Sessions, Mr. Isaac McMurdy of Albany [Albany Co. NY] to Miss Rachael Smith of this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY].

On the 2d inst. by the Rev. Mr. Sperry, Mr. L. Winton to Miss Jane Pabodie all of this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY].

Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, December 19, 1838

Marriage

In Vernon, Oneida County [NY] on the 11th instant, by the Rev. Mr. Bogue, Mr. Elihu Barber of Vernon to Miss Fanny M. Hinkley of this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY].

Union News, Union, NY, February 4, 1858

Marriages

In Maine [Broome Co. NY] Jan. 28th, by Rev. B.G. Bridgeman, Mr. Samuel Bostwick to Miss Roxanna Moore, both of Maine.

By Rev. S.P. Bacon at the Major House in this village [Union, Broome Co. NY] on Monday evening, Feb. 1st, Mr. Alonzo Davis to Miss Julia E. Beard both of Binghamton [Broome Co. NY].

Union News, Union, NY, February 11, 1858

Marriages

On Friday evening Feb. 5th, at the house of Richard Garrison in Vestal [Broome Co. NY] by Rev. S.F. Bacon, Mr. Elias S. Harvey of Union [Broome Co. NY] to Miss Ann Eliza Randall of Vestal.

For very kindly and handsomely remembering the Printer, the above couple has our best wishes for their future happiness and prosperity.  May joy attend them all their days.

Death

Died in Chicago, on Thursday evening the 28th ult Mrs. Eunice Johnson Hammond wife of Rev. H.L. Hammond, one of the Editors of the Herald, aged 31 years.  She was the daughter of Samuel and Mary Brigham of Binghamton, Broome County, N.Y.

Union News, Union, NY, February 18, 1858

Marriage

On Wednesday evening, Feb. 10th at the house of Richard Garrison in Vestal [Broome Co. NY] by Rev. F.S. Bacon, Mr. John M. Seilman of Union [Broome Co. NY] to Miss Angeline Randall of Vestal.

Death

In this town [Union, Broome Co. NY] on Friday, Feb. 12th, Emma [Clark] wife of Jesse W. Clark and oldest daughter of Edmund Titchener of Binghamton aged 40 years and 9 months.

Union News, Union, NY, February 25, 1858

Marriage

In Union [Broome Co. NY] at the residence of William Norton, Esq. Feb. 18th, 1858, by John K. Edwards, Esq. Mr. Norman Brigham of Union [Broome Co. NY] to Miss Eliza Edson of Maine [Broome Co. NY].