Vital Records, Broome County, NY (1845 & 1859)

 Binghamton Courier, Binghamton, NY, November 5, 1845

Marriages

In Conklin [Broome Co. NY] Oct. 30th, by Rev. Mr. Gregory, Mr. Elkanah Pierce of Lisle [Broome Co. NY] to Miss Catharine Colier of Conklin.

In Union [Broome Co. NY] October 29th by S.M. Hunt Esq., Mr. Robert Hatfield to Miss Sarah Ann Stimpson all of Union.

Binghamton Courier, Binghamton, NY, November 12, 1845

Marriages

In this town [Binghamton, Broome Co. NY] on Thursday the 6th inst. by the Rev. Mr. Gregory, Mr. Calvin Shepherd of Union [Broome Co. NY] to Miss Sarah Bullock.

In Conklin [Broome Co. NY] on the 5th inst. by the Rev. Mr. Dyer, Mr. Morgan L. Wood to Miss Sarah Norton all of Conklin.

In Clinton, Dutchess County [NY] on the 27th inst. by Daniel H. Schultz, Esq., Mr. John F.B. Stoutenburg to Miss Maria [Conger] daughter of Benjamin Conger Esq., both of the former place.

Binghamton Courier, Binghamton, NY, November 19, 1845

Marriage

In this village [Binghamton, Broome Co. NY] on the 15th inst. by the Rev. T.M. Pearne, Mr. Samuel Shaw to Miss Catharine C. Quick, all of this place.

Union News, Union, NY, February 3, 1859

Death

On Friday Jan. 21st, 1859, of scarlet fever, Jennie May [Kellogg] youngest daughter of H.A. and D.E. Kellogg, aged 8 years and 4 months.

In the death of Jennie, one so young and joyous, parents' fond hopes have been blasted, and many who had known her in life as they gathered around her remains and saw the little hands meekly clasping the fresh flowers, which she had loved to watch unfolding their leaves, wept that one so lovely should have a life so brief.  She was beloved by all who knew her and before we thought it possible, "death loves a shining mark," and when she was apparently in the midst of health, the little heart filled with joy, and the sunbeams nestling on her locks, that a shadow fell and even then, the dark messenger was hovering around.

"And the angel softly whispered in her ear; / Child, thy Father calls thee, stay not here"

Then the little maiden was weary and soon went to rest on the bosom of Him "whose blessing makes the soul rich and added no sorrow therewith."  There is always something beautiful about the friendship and love of a confiding child, whose eye grows brighter when we come and who pluck for us the flowers we love best.  Such kindness leaves a fragrant memory.  This is another instance where the light of New Years' morn shone bright with golden hope on the brow of youth and before the greetings were hardly over, the radiant eye was dimmed and the heart that beat with gladness moulders in the cold bed of death.  Binghamton Democrat  C.E.L.

Union News, Union, NY, February 10, 1859

Marriage

In this village [Union, Broome Co. NY], on the 3d instant by Rev. S.Y. Bacon, Mr. William Ward Mersereau and Miss Eunice A. Dutcher, both of Union.  

We received with the above notice the handsome present of One Dollar and in return we truly wish the fortunate and happy pair much joy, together with a long, happy and prosperous life.

Union News, Union, NY, February 17, 1859

Marriage

At the home of the bride, Feb. 1st, 1859, by Rev. E.W. Breckenridge, Mr. Paul M. Engle to Miss Alizina Nelson, both of Vestal [Broome Co. NY].

Union News, Union, NY, February 24, 1859

Death

In Spencer, Tioga Co. [NY] Feb. 2d, James S. Ramsey aged 64 years.  Mr. Ramsey left home about 2 o'clock P.M. in good health to go to his work and was found on the ground in a fit of apoplexy at 5 o'clock.

Union News, Union, NY, March 3, 1859

Deaths

On Boswell Hill in this town [Union, Broome Co. NY] on Sunday morning Feb. 27th, 1859, of inflammation of the brain after a short illness of about three days, Mr. Benjamin Mason aged 49 years.

Mr. Mason has been a professor of religion for the last twenty-seven years and much of that time he has been a class leader in the Methodist Church.  He has been an active, faithful, zealous Christian, always ready and willing to work in the vineyard of his Lord and master, and as he lived so he died, in the triumph of the gospel and has gone home to receive his reward.  "Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord."

In Binghamton [Broome Co. NY] February 23d, Mr. Joseph Congdon in the 72d year of his age.

Union News, Union, NY, MEXH 10, 1859

Marriages

In Vestal [Broome Co. NY] Feb. 8th, 1859, by Asa Harris, Esq. Mr. Charles W. Murphy to Miss Esther Grippen both of Vestal.

In this village [Union, Broome Co. NY] on the evening of March 3d, at the residence of Dr. Hall, by Rev. N.S. DeWise, Mr. Abram Tilbury of Owego to Mrs. Catharine Bolton of Union.

In Newark Valley [Tioga Co. NY] on Tuesday eve, March 1st, 1859, by Rev. S.F. Bacon, Mr. Henry J. Hayne of New Brunswick, N.J. to Miss Polly E. Rays of Newark Valley.

Also, by the same at the same time and place, Mr. C. Harpur Moore to Miss B. Estelle Rays both of Newark Valley [Tioga Co. NY].

Death

In Apalachin [Tioga Co. NY] Feb. 26th Willis Bates only child of George T. And Ella B. Pearsall, aged 7 months and 20 days.

Union News, Union, NY, March 17, 1859

Death

In Union [Broome Co. NY] Feb. 23, 1859, Mr. Peter Broas aged 96 years and 4 months.  Mr. Broas lived to a good old age, much beyond the average age of man, and is now gathered home, like a "shock of corn fully ripe."

Union News, Union, NY, March 31, 1859

Marriage

At the parsonage in Vestal [Broome Co. NY] on the 24th instant by Rev. E.W. Breckenridge, Mr. James LaGrange to Miss Adula Randall both of Vestal.

Deaths

In Maine, Broome County [NY] on the 25th of March instant, of inflammation of the brain, Mrs. Susan Ball wife of Mr. D.S. Ball, aged 36 years.

In Vestal, Broome Co., N.Y., March 21st 1859 of consumption, Mr. Warren Russell son of Washington and Hannah Russell aged 15 years and 7 months.

Passed away, has gentle Warren, / to the cold and silent tomb. / Like some rare and tender floweret / Stricken in its early bloom.

We gathered around his pillow / For we thought that he must die, / I am dying now he murmured / While his bosom heaved a sigh 

Your child is taken in his youth, / And you are left behind. / Remember soon your turn will come, / Enstamp it on your mind.

Oh parents dear, now I am gone / Forever from your sight. / When others have forgotten me, / Don't you forget me quite.

My vacant garments speak my loss, / They seem to say with mournful voice / Your child is gone--his spirit's fled-- / The grave his active limbs have hid.

Then while we go from place to place / Objects though small his memory trace. / In vain we talk -- in vain we tell -- / He bids us all a long farewell.

My brothers dear and sisters too, / I now have ceased to stay with you, / Thy kind Saviour hath bereft you / Of a brother, kind and true.

He never spares the old or young / His heart is cold and chill / He speaks our doom with iron tongue / He speaks and we are still.   E.H.G.

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The Dunkirk Express on the N.Y. & Erie Railroad, bound West on Wednesday 23d inst. after leaving Deposit [Broome Co. NY], found that the Westward bound track was closed and they were compelled to return to Deposit, where they received orders to proceed on the Eastern bound track. At Underwood's Crossing they ran over and killed one of the watchmen of the track.  Scott Harris, the conductor of the train, stopped the train and left two men to stay with the body and one to give information to the man's family of the accident. 

Upon returning towards Deposit at Sheldon's Cut, he found another watchman who had been run over by the same train - both of his legs being broken and otherwise injured.  It is supposed that he cannot live. We have not been able to learn the names of either of the Watchmen.  Binghamton Republican

Vital Records, Delaware (1833) & Chenango (1880) Counties, NY

 Delaware Gazette, Delhi, NY, February 6, 1833

Marriage

In Meredith [Delaware Co. NY] on the 31st ult. by the Rev. Mr. Fisher, Mr. David Dales of Kortright [Delaware Co. NY] to Miss Eliza Wiard of Meredith.

Death

In Franklin [Delaware Co. NY] on the 22d ult. Mrs. Damaris Hurd aged 98 years.  

Delaware Gazette, Delhi, NY, February 20, 1833

Marriage

In Harpersfield [Delaware Co. NY] on the 19th inst. by the Rev. Mr. Boger, Mr. William B. Hendry to Miss Emma Smith all of the town of Harpersfield.

Delaware Gazette, Delhi, NY, February 27, 1833

Marriages

In Kortright [Delaware Co. NY] on the 20th inst. by Elder Westcott of Delhi [Delaware Co., NY] Mr. Samuel Kiff to Miss Susan Kenyon both of Kortright.

In Florida, Montgomery County [NY] on the 14th inst. by the Rev. Mr. Stevenson, Mr. William James Slingerland, a merchant of the city of Albany [Albany Co. NY] to Miss Sarah Maria [Schuyler] eldest daughter of John Jay Schuyler, Esq. of the former place.

Oxford Times, Oxford, NY, May 5, 1880

Marriages

TITUS - GREEN:  In Utica, April 24th, by Rev. J.L. Humphrey, Mr. Solomon J. Titus, 2d and Miss Isabella Green both of North Norwich [Chenango Co. NY].

TARBELL - ROUNDS:  In Afton [Chenango Co. NY] April 27th by Rev. D.N. Grummon, Charles E. Tarbell and Ellen J. Rounds.

Deaths

CAMPBELL:  In Bainbridge [Chenango Co. NY] April 28th, Mrs. Daniel Campbell aged 71 years.

SQUIRES:  In Titusville, Penn., April 6th, suddenly, Mr. Thomas J. Squires aged 46 years, formerly of Smithville [Chenango Co. NY].

GATES:  In Norwich [Chenango Co. NY] April 24th, Mr. Newman Gates aged 74 years.

EELLS:  In Coventry [Chenango Co., NY] April 22d, Miss Juliet Eells, aged 12 years.

TYLER:  In Smithville [Chenango Co. NY] April 27th, Mr. Thomas Tyler aged 66 years.

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WINSOR:  In Guilford [Chenango Co. NY] April 25th, Merton H. [Winsor] son of Edson and Mary Winsor, aged 17 years.

Mt. Upton, Chenango Co. NY:  Death has again invaded our quiet valley and claimed for its victims the young and the middle-aged.  Merton, son of Edson Winsor, aged 18 years, died of inflammation of the bowels on the 25th ult.  His funeral was largely attended by young people, the interment taking place at White Store [Chenango Co. NY].  Very unexpected was the announcement on the morning of the 27th ult, that Mrs. [Elizabeth Ann] Corker was dead.  She attended church on Sunday and on her return had a hemorrhage of the lungs, but her physician and family did not fear a return as she felt better than usual on Monday.  Soon after retiring she was again taken with bleeding and died almost instantly.  She had been a resident of this place but a year but had endeared herself to many by her gentle spirit. She was a devoted Christian and leaves a husband and three daughters, one the wife of Rev. Mr. Boman.  Her father, a minister in his 90th year, resides at Seneca Falls.  Her remains were taken to Lincklean [Chenango Co. NY] for interment, her former home.  

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Saturday night, 24th ult. at about seven o'clock, William Zimmerman, a German (known as the bone-picker) was on his way from Earlville [Madison Co. Ny] with a load of bones.  When opposite his son's house, where he resided, he was about to turn to drive into the yard. At that point there is an embankment of some ten or twelve feet off the road descending towards the canal.  Zimmerman was on foot and on the side next to the embankment.  In turning the wagon was cramped and overturned, throwing the load onto him and crushing him down the embankment.  His back was broken either by the load or fall, and when taken up he was found to be dead.  His age was sixty-four.  He was a widower but leaves two sons surviving him.  Sherburne News

Mrs. Joan [Humphrey] wife of N.A. Humphrey, was seized with apoplexy on Tuesday evening last, between five and six o'clock, and expired about one o'clock, a.m.  She was apparently as well as usual at the time of the attack.  Her age was fifty-five years.  Bainbridge Republican 

James Rourke died in Binghamton [Broome Co. NY] on Sunday of pneumonia, after a short illness.  He was the gentleman who did the stonework on James B. Brown's block in this village [Oxford, Chenango Co. NY] this spring.

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

 Sherburne News, Sherburne, NY, April 26, 1879

Deaths

DeMARSE:  In this village [Sherburne, Chenango Co. NY] on the 19th inst., Mrs. Amelia DeMarse wife of Mr. Francis DeMarse, aged 62 years.

WINCHELL:   Joseph W. Winchell a well-known citizen of Sangerfield [Oneida Co. NY], died last Thursday night.  He had lived in that town for sixty-six years and bore an unblemished character.  He died of dropsy and had been sick eighteen months.

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SMITH:  In Sherburne [Chenango Co. NY], March 24th, Mrs. Ruth Ballou Smith, aged 96 years, 1 month and 6 days.  

She was the daughter of one of the early settlers of the colony of Rhode Island and not remotely related to Rev. Hosea Ballou.  After her marriage to Mr. Smith they came to Columbus, N.Y. [Chenango Co.] in 1816.  She was identified with the organization of the Universalist church in Columbus and was one of its exemplary members up to the time of her death.  Her temperament was remarkably placid and quiet.  Her trust in the ultimate triumph of good over evil was an anchor to her soul amid the storm and struggles of life.  Few, very few, have lived so long and so worthily as this mother in Israel.  Her affectionate tenderness as a mother was well repaid by the loving kindness with which her children cared for her in her declining years.  She died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. H.M. Sabin, calmly and sweetly trusting in the faith which for fourscore years has been her strength and salvation.  Her funeral was attended and appropriate discourse given by Rev. D. Ballou.

Bainbridge Republican, Bainbridge, NY, May 29, 1879

Marriage

RYAN - PRICE:  In Newburgh [Orange Co. NY], May 20, by Rev. J.R. Thompson, James Ryan, Editor of the Newburgh Temperance Herald to Jennie May Price, Profess of Elocution in the Gormly Institute in that city.  She is a sister of Mrs. G.S. Graves of this village [Bainbridge, Chenango Co. NY].

Death

In Sand Hill [Otsego Co. NY] on Friday May 23, Henry Wilsey father of James Wilsey of this village [Bainbridge, Chenango Co. NY] aged 76 years.

News Item

Mr. L.B. Clark has had his child removed from the old cemetery and placed beside its mother in the new one, where he has purchased a fine plot and is now having a handsome monument manufactured to place upon the same.

Freeman's Journal, Cooperstown, NY, July 3, 1879

Marriage

At the residence of William F. Wheeler, Little Falls, NY, June -?-, by Rev. Albert Danker, Albert S Pomes(?) of Cooperstown, [Otsego Co. NY] and Miss Genevieve L. Bigby of Little Falls.

Deaths

In Richfield Springs [Otsego Co. NY on the 24th ult. Rosa L. [Gano] wife of Charles Gano and daughter of William Hopkins aged 21 years and 4 days.

In Laurens [Otsego Co. NY] June 20th, Hannah [Peet] widow of Bassett Peet, aged 82 years.

In Maryland [Otsego Co. NY] June 20th, David Broadwell aged 65 years.

At Mt. Vision [Otsego Co. NY], June 18th, Irving Gregory aged 22 years.

________________________

At a regular meeting of Ehrenbreitstein Lodge No. 153, I.O.O.F., held at their lodge room June 28, the following preamble and resolutions were adopted:

Whereas it has pleased the Almighty Ruler of the Universe to remove from our midst our beloved brother, Dr. William M. Spencer; and

Whereas the hand of death was laid upon our beloved brother over one year ago and the best medical skill was called into requisition to avert its effect, but without avail, therefore be it unanimously

Resolved that it becomes the duty of the members of this Lodge to bow in humble submission to a calamity that no human power could avert.

Resolved, that in the death of Dr Spencer our Lodge loses one of its most useful and respected members, society one of its most skillful physicians, and his loss will long be deeply deplored not only by the members of this Lodge, but by the community in which he has always lived.

Resolved, that the family of the deceased have the sympathy of the members of this Lodge and we can only commend them to the Being who tempers the wind to the shorn lamb and who had promised to be Father to the fatherless and the widow's God.

Resolved, that out of respect to the memory of our deceased brother, our lodge room be draped in mourning for the next thirty days.

Resolved that a copy of these resolutions be presented to the family of the deceased and published in the Freeman's Journal and New Berlin Gazette.

Committee: David B. St. John, O.L. Smith, Sol. C. St. John.

Vital Records, Otsego County, NY (1879)

 Oneonta Herald & Democrat, Oneonta, NY, June 6, 1879

Marriages

At the residence of Herrick Searles in Bainbridge [Chenango Co. NY] May 29, by rev. A.B. Richardson of Oneonta, Fred K. Hopkins of Oxford [Chenango Co. NY] and Miss Phebe L. Coy of Bainbridge.

At Fergusonville [Delaware Co. NY], May 29, by Rev. S.I. Ferguson, Phillip Mitchell of south Worcester [Otsego Co. NY] and Mrs. Heman Copley of Fergusonville.

At Fergusonville [Delaware Co. NY], May 28th, by Rev. T. Elliott, J.G. Grippen of Worcester [Otsego Co. NY] and Sarah L. Ketchum of Fergusonville.

At Oneonta [Otsego Co. NY] May 30th, by Seymour Scott, J.P. Union Osterhout and Miss Ida Merrill both of Oneonta.

At Croton [Delaware Co. NY], June 3d, by Rev. F.N. Chase, Waldo D. Backus of Franklin [Delaware Co. NY] and Miss Addie Georgia of the former place.

On Tuesday last, in West Meredith, Waldo D Backus was united in the bonds of matrimony to Miss Addie Georgia.  Mr. B. is one of Franklin's finest young men, and deserves much credit for the success he has made of life.  A small company of relatives and friends witnessed the ceremony, and all who know them join in crowning their new life with the heartfelt wishes for their future happiness and prosperity.

At Middlefield Center [Otsego Co. NY] May 29th by Rev. W. Fry, Emmet J. Chase and Miss Alice D. Misson of Middlefield.

At Schenevus [Otsego Co. NY] June 4, Walter Mitchell and Miss Celia Robinson.

At Charlottville [Schoharie Co. NY], June 4, John Graham of Schenevus [Otsego Co. NY] and Miss Spencer of the former place.

In Walton [Delaware Co. NY] June 3 by Rev. H.M. Ladd, S.F. Steele and Miss Ella J. [Hoyt] daughter of A.L. Hoyt, Esq. all of Walton.

Deaths

At Morrisville [Madison Co. NY] May 23, Elvenah M. Yates of Morris [Otsego Co. NY].

In Otego [Otsego Co. NY] on the 25th ult. Stephen Averill aged 89 years.

It is with regret that we record the death of our esteemed neighbor, Stephen Averill, who died at his residence in this village, Sunday May 25.  Mr. Averill was born in Springfield, Otsego Co. [NY], April 1st 1790, where he resided until 1836, when he moved to Oneonta [Otsego Co. NY].  He lived there until 1850 and then moved to this place [Otego].  He leaves a wife and three children to mourn a great loss.

In Morris [Otsego Co. NY] May 27th Mrs. Betsy Pope wife of James Pope, aged 68 years.

In North Franklin [Delaware Co. NY], June 5, Robert Ballantine aged 43 years.

At Colliers [Erie Co. NY], June 5, Penbroke S. Barnes aged about 46 years.

At Richfield [Otsego Co. NY], June 3, John Fish aged 89 years.

At Worcester [Otsego Co. NY] May 31, Rose Waters [Bunker] wife of Charles Bunker.

In Pittsfield [Otsego Co. NY] May 21st, Ruth Herrington aged 53 years.

At Utica [Oneida Co. NY] June 1st, Mrs. Mary Skinner aged 86 years, formerly of Cooperstown [Otsego Co. NY].

Judge Charles Mason of Madison County [NY] clerk of the United States Circuit Court, died in Utica [Oneida Co. NY] Saturday night.  He was 69 years of age and had held office since 1870.

Vital Records, Otsego (1822) & Chenango (1879) Counties, NY

 Cherry Valley Gazette, Cherry Valley, NY, May 21, 1822

News Item

Six Cents Reward:  Ran away from the subscriber on the 19th inst. an indented Boy, named Anson Owen Bull, about 14 years of age.  All persons are forbid harboring or trusting said Boy on penalty of the law.  The above reward will be paid to any person returning said boy.  Ephraim Hanson Cherry Valley [Otsego Co. NY] May 21, 1822.

Cherry Valley Gazette, Cherry Valley, NY, May 28, 1822

Marriage

On the 23d inst. in the town of Butternuts [Otsego Co. NY] by the Rev. Mr. Wheeler, Mr. Bethel Todd of Hartwick [Otsego Co. NY] to Miss Elizabeth Maria Hull of the former place.

Death

At Oxford [Chenango Co. NY] on the 16th inst. of a short illness, Col. Benjamin Throop AEt. 80.  The deceased was one of the few remaining patriots who gave liberty and independence to his country.

Cherry Valley Gazette, Cherry Valley, NY, June 4, 1822

Marriages

At Princeton, N.J. on the 16th ult. by the Rev. Mr. Woodhull, Mr. Charles Fitch Pastor elect of the Presbyterian Church and Congregation in Cherry Valley [Otsego Co. NY], to Miss Sarah Hamilton.

On the 30th April by the Rev. Joshua Leonard, the Rev. Ira Dunning to Miss Cemantha Crocker all of German, Chenango [Co. NY].

At Coeymans [Albany Co. NY] on the 28th ult by the Rev. Mr. Shipman the Rev. George B. Lisker of Albany [Albany Co. NY] to Miss Elizabeth Babcock of the former place.

Cherry Valley Gazette, Cherry Valley, NY, June 11, 1822

Marriages

On the 6th inst. by the Rev. Mr. Nash, the Rev. Nathaniel Huse rector of St Luke's Church, Richfield [Otsego Co. NY] to Miss Olive Beardsley daughter of Obadiah Beardsley, Esq. of the same place.

At Middlefield [Otsego Co. NY] on the 6th instant, by the Rev. Mr. Oliver, Mr. Charles Brandon to Miss Clarissa Willson, daughter of Mr. Andrew Willson.

Cherry Valley Gazette, Cherry Valley, NY, June 18, 1822

Deaths

In this village [Cherry Valley, Otsego Co., NY] on Thursday last, Mr. Edward Renoff aged 76 years.

At Herkimer [Herkimer Co. NY], after seven days severe illness, Dr. Abijah Tombling aged 45, leaving a wife and four small children to deplore his death.  His remains were yesterday committed to the earth, in Masonic form, attended by a large number of Masonic brethren.  In his various social and domestic relations, he was highly and deservedly esteemed, and his worth was attested by the long train of sympathizing friends who attended his body to the house appointed for all living.  With his dying lips, as he had previously done, he gave assurances that his only hope and trust was in the merits of his Redeemer and that he was bound to  another and a better world.  Herkimer American, June 13.

Cherry Valley Gazette, Cherry Valley, NY, June 25, 1822

Death

In this village [Cherry Valley, Otsego Co. NY] on Thursday last, Mrs. Anna Prentiss aged 38 years, consort of Captain Thomas Prentiss.

____________________________

As the western stage on Friday last was descending a long hill in Springfield [Otsego Co. NY], three and a half miles west of this village, the driver perceived an old man traveling on foot just before him in the center of the traveled part of the road. As the stage approached near to the old man's back, the driver spoke very loud to him to get out of the way, but unfortunately the old man was very deaf and probably did not hear him, as he seemed to pay no attention to it, although the driver was heard by a man at the distance of near forty rods. The stage was under full speed with eight passengers in it and an unusual quantity of baggage.  As soon as the forward horses came near to the man, the driver seeing him still keep in the center of the traveled path, reined his horses to the right in order to pass around him, and at that moment the man also inclined several feet to the right, which still kept him directly in front of the forward horses, and the horses continuing to advance notwithstanding the greatest efforts of the driver to stop them, the man was knocked down and one of the wheels of the stage passed directly over his body and crushed him to death.

On Saturday a coroner was called, and a jury was summoned and impaneled, but every effort to ascertain the name of the deceased and where he was from proved unavailing. He was a man between 70 and 80 years of age, poorly clothed, had with him a small parcel of old clothes and things of no value, tied up in a kind of pack.  He had no money, nor any papers by which anything concerning him could be learned.  Two sealed letters were found in his pack, the one directed to Benjamin Walworth, Shelby, Genesee Co. and the other to Benjamin Bonel, Elbridge, N.Y. which letters will be forwarded to the persons to whom they are addressed.  The passengers in the stage and others who saw the accident and every person who has been on the spot agree in saying that no blame can attach to the driver and the coroner's Jury also state this fact in their verdict.  The driver in order to pass around the man reined so far that the right-hand wheels of the carriage went some ways down the bank of the road, which was quite steep.  Had he gone any farther to the right he must have overturned the stage.  Had the deceased kept his position in the center of the road he would have escaped unhurt. The verdict of the Jury was "accidental death."

Oxford Times, Oxford, NY, April 30, 1879

Another Dark Crime

The little village of Guilford [Chenango Co. NY] is somewhat excited over a case that bids fair to add to the list of crimes that have stirred Chenango County within the past year.

On Sunday last at about 2 P.M. the body of Elizabeth Belden, an unmarried woman, was brought to Guilford, her late residence, for burial, from Bainbridge [Chenango Co. NY] where her death occurred on the Friday night previous. The funeral was to have been held on Monday and preparations were made therefore.  But Coroner Spencer of Guilford, whose suspicions led him to suspect foul play, forbid the funeral, took charge of the corpse and proceeded to hold an inquest that day. A jury was impaneled, who after viewing the body adjourned the inquest until 9 o'clock this (Tuesday) morning.  In the meantime, Dr. Avery of Norwich [Chenango Co. NY] made an autopsy of the body.  Dist. Att'y Church was present, and will attend the inquest.

The circumstances that have called for the inquest are, as near as our reporter could learn, substantially as follows:  Some three or four months ago, Miss Belden left Guilford, having been in the employ of Mr. Edward Bradley, to go to Gilbertsville [Otsego Co. NY], saying she was going to visit or work for a man by the name of C.F. Horton, a former resident of Norwich, and for whom she had previously worked.  Her brother shortly after, having some papers necessary for her to sign, went to Gilbertsville and was informed that his sister had left for Guilford that day.  He returned home, but found no traces of his sister, and supposed that she had gone to visit relatives in Broome County [NY].  The next thing that was heard of her, we believe, was the appearance of a doctor from Bainbridge, in Guilford on Tuesday of last week, who went to a sister of Elizabeth's and said that she was very sick and wanted to see her. The sister accompanied the doctor to Bainbridge, who on the way said that Elizabeth had had a severe attack of cholera morbus and was very weak. She found her sister at the house of George Marsh in Bainbridge, and remained with her until she died, the same doctor saying she died of pneumonia.  She died Friday night and her remains were taken to Guilford Sunday, as stated above.

The autopsy was finished at 4:30 Monday afternoon and plainly showed that the woman was a victim of an abortion which caused her death.  There were no signs of pneumonia or any other disease.

No arrests had been made Monday, but the coroner is determined to make a thorough investigation, and, in all probability, the guilty parties will be apprehended and brought to justice. There are many rumors afloat, and names coupled with this terrible crime, which might be given, but we are in duty bound to withhold them until after the conclusion of the inquest.

The deceased was aged 34 years and has two sisters and a brother living in Guilford.  Some four or five years ago, she gave birth to an illegitimate child, which is now living.  The sisters and brother own a house and lot in Guilford, left them by their parents, who are dead, and bear good reputations. The victim's character has been fair for the past four or five years.

Vital Records, Chenango County, NY (1879)

 Chenango Semi-Weekly Telegraph, Norwich, NY, April 9, 1879

Marriage

Bainbridge, Chenango Co., NY:  Another wedding in town. Will Myers and Miss Hattie Evans Friday evening last.  Rev. Mr. Grammon performed the ceremony.

Deaths

Olin Rood died of diphtheria Thursday morning at Mt Upton [Chenango Co. NY] and was buried the same afternoon at three o'clock.  Funeral services were held in the M.E. church, Sunday at the usual hour of preaching.

Rockwell's Mills, Chenango Co., NY:  The long and severe illness of Mrs. George Bowen terminated in death, Thursday, Apr. 2d. The funeral services took place in the Union church at 12:30, Rev. G.P. Halstead conducted the services assisted by Rev B.B. Carruth.

Beaver Meadow, Chenango Co. NY:  Dr. James Stanbro died suddenly at his residence, a short distance from this place on the 4th inst.  He leaves a wife, son and a host of friends to mourn his sad death.  Mr. S. was a worthy member of Canasawacta lodge, I.O.O.F. No 205, Norwich.

Chenango Semi-Weekly Telegraph, Norwich, NY, April 12, 1879

Deaths

NAGEL:  At Macon Co., Mo., Jan. 29, 1879, Mrs. Margaret H. Nagel widow of the late John Nagel, formerly of Norwich [Chenango Co. NY]

BLAKESLEE:  At Unadilla [Otsego Co. NY] April 6, 1879. Effie O. Blakeslee aged 2 years and 4 months.

WILLIAMS:  At Unadilla [Otsego Co. NY] April 6, 1879, Ida Williams aged 18 years.

CAMPBELL:  In Afton [Chenango Co. NY] April 7th, 1879, Mrs. Susan Cam[pbell aged 22 years.

Chenango Semi-Weekly Telegraph, Norwich, NY, April 23, 1879

Marriage

SKILLMAN - FERNALD:  At the residence of the bride's father in McDonough [Chenango Co. NY] April 17, 1879, by Rev. I.P. Towner, B.F. Skillman and Miss Jennie Fernald.

Deaths

GALE:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY] on the 16th inst., Dorothy Gale aged 81 years.

HOWARD:  In Preston [Chenango Co. NY] March 31st, Lucy M. [Howard] daughter of Charles R. and Hattie E Howard, aged 2 years, 3 months and 24 days.

TAYLOR:  In Smyrna [Chenango Co. NY] April 19, of cancer of lip, Amos Taylor aged 74 years.

BAKER:  In New York City suddenly on the night of the 20th inst. Mrs. Hattie Newman wife of Dr. Clarence M. Baker of that city, aged 42 years.  She was a sister of Mrs. Daniel Noyes.

CHAFEY:  In North Norwich [Chenango Co. NY] April 21, at the residence of C.S. Brookins, an infant son of Wilson S. and Almeda L. Chafey, aged 11 months and 21 days.

Chenango Semi-Weekly Telegraph, Norwich, NY, April 26, 1879

Marriages

PRENTICE - FINCH:  At the residence of Mr. Finch at Rockwell's Mills [Chenango Co. NY], April 23d, by Rev. T.P. Halsted, Mr. Charles M. Prentice and Miss Cora U. Finch, both of Guilford, N.Y. [Chenango Co.].

PRENTICE - GRAVES:  At the residence of Mr. George Graves at Mt. Upton, N.Y. [Chenango Co.], April 23d, by Rev. T.P. Halsted, Mr. Truman C. Prentice and Miss Chana(?) Graves, both of Guilford [Chenango Co. NY].

RICHARDS - WILSON:  At the parsonage in Gilbertsville [Otsego Co. NY] on the 26th inst. by the Rev. J.V.C. Nellis, Mr. Squire W. Richards and Miss Nettie A. Wilson both of Rockdale, Chenango County, N.Y.

Chenango Forks, Broome Co. NY:  Our village was again the scene of an exceedingly happy event in the nuptials of Gaylord Dann, for some time past night operator at this place, and Miss Cornelia Lakey daughter of T.R. Lakey, which were solemnized at her home, Wednesday evening.  A large number of near friends and relatives of the contracting parties were present.  Rev. R. Todd performed the ceremony according to the Episcopal Ritual, at 7:30. They were the recipients of many elegant gifts and expressions of good cheer.  The happy pair departed on the 9:45 train for New York, leaving there Monday for Hubbard, Ohio, the residence of his sister, thence to Blue Earth City, Minnesota, where they will permanently reside. We wish them continued prosperity and happiness in their walk together down the pathway of life.

Deaths

PITTSLEY:  In Coventry [Chenango Co. NY], April 14th, Mrs. Asenith Pittsley, aged 60(?) years.

HANDY:  In Coventry [Chenango Co. NY], April 12th, Alice May [Handy] daughter of A.J.  Handy, aged 18 months.

CUMMINGS:  In Coventry [Chenango Co. NY], April 20th, Mrs. Hannah Cummings aged 73(?) years.

HAYNES:  Afton, Chenango Co. NY:  F.L. Havens died at his residence on Friday last, aged 57 years.  The funeral services were held at the house on Sunday last.  Mr. Havens passed through a very eventful life.  He lost his eyesight while year a young man, and by [persistent] industry and perseverance he supported himself and family and [unreadable].  He was a man of sterling habits and very -?- in his opinions.  He leaves a wife and one daughter.  His presence among us will be missed by many.

Hon. William H. Kelsey of Geneseo, NY [Livingston Co.] who died on Sunday night last, was a native of Smyrna, this county [Chenango Co. NY], where he was born October 2d, 1812.  He has several relatives still living in the latter town.

Crime in Chenango County, nY - Part 4

                                      Chenango Semi-Weekly Telegraph, Norwich, NY, March 26, 1879

Crime in Chenango County, NY - Part 4

Horace R. Burlison

In the nighttime of Monday, June 25, 1860, John S. White, Orlando Utter and Samuel Robinson, having previously blackened their faces and otherwise disguised themselves, went to the dwelling house of Horace R Burlison and his family.  The house was located about a mile east of Oxford [Chenango Co. NY] near the old turnpike gate.  Having reached the house, they pushed open the door, ascended to the chamber floor and commenced tearing off the roof, with the intention of razing the house to the ground.  White used a bar.  Robinson an axe and Utter held a lantern.  While they were at work, Burlison seized a gun and shot Robinson through the body, killing him instantly.  The gun used was loaded with a bullet and forty-two shot.  Burlison's intention was to shoot White, but owing to the darkness and the disguises, he killed Robinson. The coroner's jury brought in a verdict of murder. Burlison was arrested and lodged in jail.  The Grand Jury, however, failed to indict him and he was discharged.

Lavinia Leach

In 1864, a detachment of the Invalid corps was stationed in our village, as provost marshal's guard, and occupied the storehouse on Mechanic Street for barracks.  On the morning of July 6, of that year, at about half past seven, at these barracks, a young man named George W. Harkins was shot in the forehead.  He lived till about one in the afternoon without gaining consciousness when he died.  At first there was not the slightest clue to the murderer. Though Walter O'Shea the corporal of the Guard was asleep on a bed in the room in which Harkins was shot, and a boy was also present, yet they claimed to be entirely ignorant of the whole matter. At last, several hands of Maydole's Hammer Factory asserted that after hearing the report of the pistol, they saw a noted cyprian, Lavinia Leach running from the barracks.  She was arrested and confessed that she had shot Harkins but claimed that she did it accidentally.  A coroner's inquest was held and the evidence as brought out substantiated the girl's story.  It showed that she had passed the night at the barracks; that in the early morning she was talking and laughing with Shea, Pratt, Harkins and another named Waters; that Shea went out to breakfast, when she and Pratt got into a conversation about revolvers, that she went and took Waters' revolver out of his pocket and pointed laughingly at Harkins, when it went off and the bullet struck him in the forehead.  All the other testimony confirmed the above. The verdict of the jury was "that the death of George W. Harkins was the result of the inexcusable carelessness of Lavinia Hilliard alias Leach."  However, the general impression in the community was that Harkins was shot in a quarrel over a game of euchre and that the person who did the shooting was never discovered.

Vital Records, Chenango County, NY (1879)

 Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, April 24, 1879

Marriages

WHIPPLE - RICE:  In North Norwich [Chenango Co. NY] April 17th, by Rev. C.C. Williams, Mr. William A. Whipple to Miss Abby A. Rice both of Norwich.

SKILLMAN - FERNALD:  At the residence of the bride's father in Mcdonough [Chenango Co NY], April 14th, by rev. I.P. Towner, Mr. B.F. Skillman, to Miss Jennie Fernald.

TEFFT - FREEMAN:  In Williamstown, N.Y. [Oswego Co.], April 13th, by Rev. A.M. Shaw, Mr. LaDell S. Tefft formerly of Sherburne [Chenango Co. NY] to Miss Nellie L. Freeman all of Williamstown.

Smyrna, Chenango Co. NY:  We learn that Ladell S. Tefft, formerly of this village, but now of Williamstown, N.Y. was married on the 13th inst. to Miss Nellie Freeman of that town.  His many friends here send congratulations.

Deaths

GALE:  At the residence of her son-in-law, Walter Scott, in this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], April 16th, Mrs. Dorothy Gale aged 87 years.

CLARK:  In Watertown, N.Y. [Jefferson Co.], April 16th, Marion Lee [Clark] only child of Charles E. and lizzie M. Clark, formerly of this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], aged 1 years, 3 months and 8 days.

BAKER:  In New York City, suddenly on the night of April 20th, Mrs. Hattie Newman [Baker] wife of Dr Clarence M Baker and sister of Mrs. Daniel Noyes of this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], aged 42 years.

CHAFEY:  In North Norwich [Chenango Co. NY] April 21st, an infant son of Wilson S. and Almeda L Chafey, aged 11 months and 21 days.

CHAMPLIN:  In Pharsalia [Chenango Co. NY] suddenly, April 19th, Mr. Michael Champlin, aged 82 years.

TAYLOR:  In Smyrna [Chenango Co. NY] April 19th, Mr. Amon Taylor aged 74 years.

Amon Taylor died at his home on Smyrna Hill on Saturday at the advanced age of 74 years.  A few years since he removed to this town from Otsego County [NY] where he had always resided.  He was a lifelong Democrat and will be missed in the community in which he resided.  He has suffered with a cancer for a number of years past, which was the cause of his death.

HOWARD:  In Preston [Chenango Co. NY] March 31st, of typhoid pneumonia, Lucy E. [Howard] daughter of Charles R and Hattie E Howard, aged 2 years, 3 months and 24 days.

PARKER:  In Sherburne [Chenango Co. NY] April 13th, Asa J. Parker aged 2 years, 11 months and 14 days.

GLAZIER:  In North Norwich [Chenango Co. NY] April 15th, Olive A. Glazier aged 47 years and 10 months.

McLAUGHLIN:  In Sherburne [Chenango Co. NY], April 13th, Mrs. Margaret McLaughlin aged 65 years.

PITTSLEY:  In Coventry [Chenango Co. NY], April 14th, Mrs. Asenith Pittsley aged 60 years.

BROWNELL:  In Earlville [Madison Co. NY] April 14th, Mrs. Carrie N. Brownell, aged 21 years and 3 months.

WETMORE:  In Butternuts [Otsego Co. NY April 1st, Mrs. Ann Wetmore aged 82 years.

COY:  In Kanesville, Ill., April 7th, Mr. John Coy aged 90 years and 6 months, formerly of Pitcher [Chenango Co. NY] and a soldier of the war of 1812.

RICE:  In Cincinnatus [Cortland Co. NY] April 10th, of pneumonia, Mr. Stillman Rice aged 86 years.

KELSEY:  In Geneseo, N.Y. [Livingston Co.] April 20th, Hon. William H. Kelsey aged 67 years, formerly of Smyrna [Chenango Co. NY].

Hon. William H. Kelsey, of Geneseo, N.Y., who died on Sunday night last, was a native of Smyrna, this County, where he was born October 2d, 1812.  He engaged in the practice of law.  In 1840 was elected Surrogate of Livingston County [NY] and ten years later District Attorney of the same.  He was a member of the 34th, 35th, 40th and 41st Congresses, being elected first as a Whig and later as a Republican.

GREENE:  At Granite Falls, Minn., April 8th, of paralysis, Mr. Elisha Greene aged 61 years, formerly of McDonough [Chenango Co. NY]

WIDGER:  At Browning, Iowa, suddenly of apoplexy, Ralph D. [Widger] son of William and Betsey Widger, aged 36 years, formerly of Oxford [Chenango Co. NY].

New Berlin, Chenango Co. NY:  On Monday last, Mr. Festus Button an old resident of this place, breathed his last, and about the same time, Mrs. W. Sholes also crossed over the river.  On Tuesday, Mr. Orimel Hall, familiarly called "Uncle Or," who had been confined to the house but a few days, breathed his last.  Gazette

_________________________

From the Tampico (Ill.) Tornado of April 10th, we learn of the sad death of the eldest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. A.S. Brewer of that place.  Mrs. Brewer is better known to her many Norwich friends as Mrs. Proctor, who from eight to ten years ago was the loved preceptress in Norwich Academy [Chenango Co. NY].  From an extended notice we clip the following:

"Every heart in this community has been wrung by the sad fate that befell little Hattie Brewer on Tuesday of this week, April 15th.  Mr. A.S. Brewer, who lives about two miles from town, set fire to some prairie grass on his farm, and went to the house for dinner, leaving his children playing at a safe distance from the burning grass.  He was soon startled by hearing the most piercing cries of distress and hastening out, he was horrified to see Hattie, his oldest child, a lovely little girl about eight years of age, running towards the house with her clothing in a mass of flames.  In an instant he sprung to her aid and with his bare hands attempted to smother the fire, but it was not until Mr. Morse, who was taking dinner with him, came with his coat that the fire was put out.  The little sufferer was taken to the house and Dr. Smith called, who, when he saw the deep burns about the body and limbs, pronounced the injuries dangerous if not fatal.  It was too true, and after much suffering, death came to the relief of the innocent child at midnight.  Mr. Brewer sustained fearful burns on his hands and it will be weeks before he can use them, if indeed, he ever regains the full use of them.

"Sympathizing friends showed their willingness to do all that friends can do in such a calamity, and the heart of every person in the community is filled with compassion for the misery and bereavement of the afflicted family."