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

 Cherry Valley Gazette, Cherry Valley, NY, July 9, 1822

Death

Suddenly, in this village [Cherry Valley, Otsego Co. NY] on Friday last, Mr. Christopher West of Hartwick [Otsego Co. NY], in the 48th year of his age.

Cherry Valley Gazette, Cherry Valley, NY, July 16, 1822

Marriage

In Canajoharie, Montgomery County [NY], on the 11th inst. by the Rev. Mr. McElfresh. Mr. Henry Reuey of Cherry Valley [Otsego Co. NY] to Miss Christeen Helmer of the former place.

Cherry Valley Gazette, Cherry Valley, NY, July 23, 1822

Marriages

On Wednesday last in this town [Cherry Valley, Otsego Co. NY] by the Rev. Mr. Putnam the Rev. Washington Thacher of Eaton, Madison County [NY], to Miss Maria M. Johnson of this place.

On Thursday last, in this town [Cherry Valley, Otsego Co. NY] by the Rev. Mr. Oliver, Mr. Dellon Campbell of Pompey, Onondaga Co. [NY] to Miss Eleanor Campbell of this place.

Death

In this town [Cherry Valley, Otsego Co. NY] on the 17th inst., Mr. Coonradt Spreacker aged 61 years.

Cherry Valley Gazette, Cherry Valley, NY, July 30, 1822

Death

On Sunday evening, the 21st inst. the Rev. Dr. Jonas Coe, Pastor of the Presbyterian Church in Troy [Rensselaer Co. NY] aged about 64 years.  In his death the church has met with an irreparable loss and Christianity an able and faithful defender.  He was a man of the strictest piety and without an enemy, led a life void of reproach.

The sweet remembrance of the just / Shall flourish, though they sleep in dust.  Northern Budget

The following communication on the death of the Rev. Dr. Coe is copied from the last Farmers Register, printed at Troy:

"It has seldom fallen to our lot to record the death of a man so much beloved and so extensively useful.  He has been a faithful and laborious servant in the vineyard of his Lord and Master.  He has been a practical, an everyday preacher of the gospel.  In the sacred desk, he has faithfully exhibited the humbling and purifying doctrines of the cross.  In his daily walk and conversation, he has given a constant and living reproof to the profane, to the worldly-minded citizen and the cold professor.  In his life, he exemplified the Christian duties; in his death, the Christian graces.  His private character was truly amiable.  He was an affectionate husband, the tenderest of parents.  In his intercourse with society, he was truly polite, for his actions were regulated by the essence of politeness, true benevolence.  In his last illness, he manifested the most perfect resignation to the will of heaven.  After taking a most affectionate leave of his family, he died, or rather fell asleep in Jesus about 8 o'clock, without a struggle or a groan.

"His mind was tranquil and serene, / No terror in his looks were seen."

Well may an eyewitness say, "let me die the death of the righteous, and let my last end be like his."  His loss will be deplored not only by his own church and congregation, to whose hearts he was very dear, but by many neighboring churches to whom he has been a father; by many neighboring pastors to whom he has been a counsellor and a friend, and by the Presbyterian church100 at large, in whose councils he has often presided."

Sherburne News, Sherburne, NY, May 3, 1879

Death

BRUSHELL:  In Norwich [Chenango Co. NY] May 1, 1879, Amos Brushell Jr. aged 60 years.

Bainbridge Republican, Bainbridge, NY, June 5, 1879

Marriage

On Wednesday evening of this week, at the home of the bride in this village [Bainbridge, Chenango Co. NY], Mr. Emmet J. Fish was united in marriage to Miss Lovina Waldorf, only daughter of Peter Waldorf.  the ceremony was performed by Rev. D.N. Grummon.  The bride was dressed in a very elegant costume, and we noticed at the reception some very costly presents were given them. We are sorry to lose our friend, Lovina, but we trust they never will be disturbed in its present harmonies - a union which the friends of both will unite in expressions of congratulation and wishes for their future prosperity through all their walk in life.  On Thursday they departed for their future home in Oxford [Chenango Co. NY].

Vital Records, Chenango County, NY (1879)

 Chenango Semi-Weekly Telegraph, Norwich, NY, April 30, 1879

Deaths

BROWNELL:  In Earlville [Madison Co. NY] on the 14th inst. of dropsy of the brain, Mrs. Carrie M. Brownell, wife of Nathan Brownell, aged 21 years.

SPRAGUE:  In Earlville [Madison Co. NY] April 23 of pneumonia, Dillie Sprague aged 70 years and for 40 years, a resident of Earlville.

WAKELY:  In McLean, N.Y. [Tompkins Co.] on the 23d of April Emeline [Wakely] wife of Benajah Wakely.

KELSEY:  Hon. William H. Kelsey born in Smyrna [Chenango Co. NY], Oct. 2, 1812, died suddenly at his residence in Geneseo last week.  He once represented his district in Congress, was publisher of the Livingston Democrat a Whig paper, until 1837, when he entered upon the study and practice of the law.  He died as he had lived, honored and respected by all who knew him.

PETRIE:  On Monday morning, Thomas Petrie a lad fourteen years of age, employed in the Oneida knitting mill [Madison Co. NY], was instantly killed in a most terrible and shocking manner.  He was adjusting a belt, when his clothing caught in it and he was drawn around the shafting which revolved at a speed of two hundred revolutions per minute, his head striking the ceiling and dashing his brains out.  His body was fearfully mangled.

LAKE:  On Monday afternoon, while Wallace Lake was adjusting a belt in Tyler & Lyon's mill at Millville, Broome County [NY], he was caught in the shafting and hurled with terrible force against the timbers overhead.  The mill was stopped as soon as possible, but life was almost extinct before he was got loose and he only survived a few minutes in an insensible condition.  Young Lake had only been married a week.

Chenango Semi-Weekly Telegraph, Norwich, NY, May 3, 1879

Death

TINKER:  In Pittsfield, N.Y. [Otsego Co.] on April 20, 1879, of pneumonia, Permelia [Tinker] wife of Charles Tinker, aged 61 years.

GROVER:  Ezra Grover was found dead in his bed on the morning of the 25th at his residence of E.T. Webb, Esq.  Although an invalid for a number of years, his sudden death was a sad surprise to his many friends.  He was nearly 84 years of age.

TRUESDALE:  Mt. Upton, Chenango Co. NY:  A gloom of sadness has been thrown over our community by the sudden death of Ruby Chamberlain Truesdell.  A large concourse of heartfelt mourners assembled at the M.E. Church on the 29th to pay their last sad respects.  Mother and child were buried in one grave.  during the last four months, we have buried the two most perfect specimens of health our village afforded.  Maria Post and Ruby Truesdell.  Mr. and Mrs. H.W. Curtis of Bainbridge, D. Brown and wife, of Guilford and many representatives from other places were present at the funeral. The bereaved husband has the sympathy of many warm friends.

Vital Records, Chenango County, NY (1879)

 Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, May 1, 1879

Marriages

FRYER - LENNON:  At -?- Church, Minneapolis, Minn. April 22d(?), by Rev. Dr. Knickerbocker, Mr. John Fryer, Jr. of St. Paul [MN] formerly of Norwich [Chenango Co. NY] to Miss Kate Lennon daughter of John Lennon of Minneapolis.

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

PRENTICE - GRAVES:  At the residence of George Graves, at Mt. Upton [Chenango Co. NY], April 23d, by Rev. T.P. Halstead, Mr. Truman C. Prentice to Miss Chana M. Graves both of Guilford [Chenango Co. NY].

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

Deaths

SPERRY:  In Oxford [Chenango Co. NY] April 23d, Miss Almira Sperry aged 54 years.

WOODRUFF:  In Guilford [Chenango Co. NY] April 23d, Mrs. Frances Woodruff aged 37 years.

BREED:  In Pharsalia [Chenango Co. NY] April 23d, Mrs. Phebe Breed widow of Henry Breed, aged 45 years.

PERKINS:  In Bainbridge [Chenango Co. NY] April 19th, Mrs. Lucretia Perkins, aged 62(?) years.

HANDY:  In Coventry [Chenango Co. NY] April 13th Alice May [Handy] daughter of A.J. Handy, aged 18 months.

HAVEN:  In Afton [Chenango Co. NY] April 18th, Mr. Frederick Haven aged 58 years.

CUMMINGS:  In Coventry [Chenango Co. NY] April 20th, Mrs. Hannah Cummings aged 72 years.

DEMARSE:  In Sherburne [Chenango Co. NY] April 19th, Amelia [Demarse] wife of Francis DeMarse, aged 63 years.

EGGLESTON:  At Sidney Plains [Delaware Co. NY] suddenly, April 18th, Miss Lillian Eggleston, aged 21 years.

PORTER:  In Gilbertsville [Otsego Co. NY] suddenly April 18th, Mr. Jacob G. Porter aged 77 years.

FREDENBURG:  In Schenevus, N.Y. [Otsego Co.] April 10th, Matilda [Fredenburg] wife of Charles Fredenburg, aged 47 years.  Deceased was a cousin of the late Mrs. Horatio Babcock of this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY].

LAKE:  Wallace Lake a young man about twenty-five years old, employed about Taylor & Lyon's lumber mill at Millville, near Binghamton [Broome Co. NY] was fatally injured on Monday afternoon of this week by being caught upon a revolving pulley shaft and hurled against floor timbers with the speed of one hundred and fifty revolutions a minute.  His head and body were fearfully mangled, and he lived but three hours after the accident.  Deceased was married on Monday of Last week.

CHAMPLIN:  East Pharsalia, Chenango Co. NY:  The funeral services of Mishael Champlin an aged man of this town, were held at the Congregational Church, April 21st.  Rev. A.P. Merrills preached a deeply interesting sermon, from these words, "Enoch walked with God; and he was not; for God took him."  Thus, our Father calls His children home.  "Be ye also ready."

News Items

The remains of Harry Burrell a well-known cheese buyer of Little Falls [Herkimer Co. NY], who died in March last, were stolen from the receiving vault in the little Falls cemetery, on Monday night of last week and great excitement prevailed throughout that section.  On the following Wednesday morning the remains were found secreted under a barn at Jacksonburg [Herkimer Co. NY], a canal lock station, three miles west of the Falls.  Several arrests have been made and it is believed the officers have nabbed the guilty parties, who are suspected of committing the crime in hope of a reward.

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Alleged Abortion, Death of the Victim, Coroner's Inquest

Our Guilford [Chenango Co. NY] correspondent furnishes us with the following particulars of a dark transaction which is being brought to light in that town.  the report contains all of importance developed up to Tuesday evening.  The examination was continued on Wednesday morning.

For some weeks past the friends of Miss Elizabeth Belden of Guilford have been exercised as to her whereabouts.  It seems that about twelve weeks ago she left her friends there to make a visit to the family of Mr. C.F. Horton, near Gilbertsville, in Otsego County, and with whom she had previously lived when they resided in Norwich, with the understanding that she would return shortly after completing her visit to Guilford and resume her labors in the family where she has formerly resided.  Her stay having been protracted and accidentally learning that she had left Mr. Horton's some time before, at once led her friends to conjecture that something wrong was underlying the mystery.  Nothing, however, was definitely learned as to where she was until Thursday the 22d inst., When Dr. J.D. Meacham, of Bainbridge [Chenango Co. NY] proceeded to Guilford in quest of a sister of Miss Belden, who immediately went to her sister's dying bedside.  She continued to sink and died on Saturday the 26th.  Her remains were brought to Guilford and so much mystery was enveloping the case that Dr. M.D. Spencer, the coroner, at once took steps for the holding of an inquest.  District Attorney Church and Dr. Avery, from Norwich, were present on Monday, when a Coroner's jury was summoned and an autopsy made by Dr. Avery in the presence of Coroner Spencer, his son and Dr. Ingersoll. At 9 o'clock Tuesday morning the jury was convened, and up to that night the following important evidence brought out.

The case naturally excites a great deal of interest and feeling in the vicinity where the unfortunate person had lived and the people are desirous that justice shall be meted out to all the guilty parties, whoever they may be.  Dr. Meacham is represented by counsel in the person of C.B. Sumner, Esq. of Bainbridge.

Dr. D.M. Lee of Oxford, happening to be in Guilford on Tuesday, a second, and in some respects more extended autopsy was held upon the body, in which Dr. Lee participated.  The funeral took place immediately after, and the body was buried by the side of her father and mother - the former having died last summer = in our cemetery.  The deceased was some thirty-four years of gee and leaves one child, some six years old, two sisters and a brother.  She was quite intelligent, having formerly taught school for a number of terms, and her naturally kind and cheerful disposition had won for her a large circle of friends, which her untimely death will cause to mourn.  If she had failings and had erred, charity should step in under all the circumstances.

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The First Wedding in New England

Among the victims of the famine and hardships closely following the landing of the Pilgrims of the May Flower, was Rose Standish, wife of Captain Miles Standish. The Captain, after a brief period of mourning, and feeling that it was "not good for man to be alone," concluded to seek consolation from Priscilla Mullins, daughter of William Mullins, one of the passengers of the May Flower.  She was just blooming into womanhood, while the Captain was nearly forty years of age.  With soldierly dignity the Captain sent John Alden, a young man living in his family, as an ambassador to Priscilla's father to ask his consent for the Captain to visit her with matrimonial intent.  He discharged his missive faithfully.  The father readily consented, but added, "Priscilla must be consulted."  She was summoned into the presence of John, who, a young man of graceful form, handsome face and sparkling eyes, and well known to her, modestly repeated his message.  It was leap year and Priscilla fixing her mischievous eyes upon him said "Prithee, John, why do you not speak for yourself?"  John blushed and retired.  It was not long, however, before he returned, and his accepted visits resulted in the celebration of their nuptials by all in the settlement, except Captain Standish.  Tradition has it that John Alden went to his nuptials on a young bull, richly caparisoned, and as he returned led the animal whilst his bride rode like a queen upon its back.  Longfellow, in his "Courtship of Miles Standish" has vividly pictured this first New England marriage. The courtship of Miles Standish : and other poems : Longfellow, Henry Wadsworth, 1807-1882 : Free Download, Borrow, and Streaming : Internet Archive

Vital Records, Madison County, NY (1866)

 Oneida Weekly Dispatch, Oneida, NY, December 8, 1866

Marriages

HATCH - SMITH:  In New Woodstock [Madison Co. NY] on Thanksgiving morning by the Rev. N. Mumford, Joseph L. Hatch and Mrs. Ann Smith widow of the late Moses Smith, all of New Woodstock.

FITCH - WALRATH:  On Wednesday, Nov. 28th, at the R.D. Church in Chittenango [Madison Co. NY] by Rev. J. Talmage, E. Dwight Fitch of New York City, to Miss Emma Walrath daughter of James Walrath, Esq. of the former place.

MILLER - RUSSELL:  On Wednesday, Nov. 26th at St. Paul's Church in Chittenango [Madison Co. NY] by Rev. Dr. Smith, Theodore Miller, Esq. of Ottawa, Ill., to Miss Martha F. Russell of Chittenango.

CATER - SANFORD:  At the home of the bride, Nov. 29, by rev. J.T. Crippen, Reuben G. Cater of Macedon, Wayne Co. [NY] and Miss Electa Sanford of Wampsville [Madison Co. NY].

SEEBER - LAKE:  Also, by the same at the parsonage in Canastota [Madison Co. NY], Dec. 1st, Henry Seeber of Vernon [Oneida Co. NY] and Miss Calista Lake of Madison [Madison Co. NY].

BURDEN - JEWETT:  At Exchange Hotel, in Morrisville [Madison Co. NY] Nov. 8th, by Rev. M.S. Hard, Mr. Samuel B. Burden of Nelson [Madison Co. NY] to Miss Rosetta A. Jewett of Fenner [Madison Co. NY].

MOSHER - OLCUTT:  At Exchange Hotel, Nov. 19th, by Rev. M.S. Hard, Mr. Leander Mosher of Munnsville [Madison Co. NY], to Ellen Olcutt of the same place.

BISHOP - STONE:  In Cazenovia [Madison Co. NY] Nov. 22 by Rev. N.P. Campfield, Hon. Thomas P. Bishop to Mrs. Charity Stone both of that village.

NEWTON - COLLINS:  In Utica [Oneida Co. NY] Nov. 13, by Rev. P.H. Fowler Mr. Morris P. Newton to Miss Jennie M. Collins of Brookfield [Madison Co. NY].

JOHNSON - BENNETT:  In Fabius [Onondaga Co. NY] Nov. 29, by Rev. Mr. Barker, Mr. Eugene E. Johnson of DeRuyter [Madison Co. NY] to Miss Franc D. Bennett eldest daughter of Carloss Bennett of Fabius.

MORRISON - ASHTENAU:  In Vernon [Oneida Co. NY] on the 29th ult. by Rev. J.H. Barnard, Mr. Edwin E. Morrison of Lenox [Madison Co. NY] and Miss Maggie Ashtenau of Vernon.

HELMER - GROSS:  In Oneida [Madison Co. NY] on the 3d inst. by Rev. C.N. Stowers, Mr. Elvin Helmer of Lenox [Madison Co. NY] and Miss Charlotte M. Gross of Stockbridge [Madison Co. NY].

CASH - HUGHES:  In Hamilton [Madison Co. NY] on the 18th ult. by Rev. Theron Cooper, Mr. Corydon E. Cash of Smyrna [Chenango Co. NY] and Miss Sarah E. Hughes of Madison [Madison Co. NY].

BALL - ROWLAND:  In Utica [Oneida Co. NY] on the 29th ult. by Rev. D.G. Corey, Mr. James Ball of Hamilton [Madison Co. NY] and Miss Eliza Rowland of Madison [Madison Co. NY].

ALLEN - NICHOLS:  In South Otselic [Chenango Co. NY] on the 2d inst. by Rev. Mr. Beebe, Mr. Morell L. Allen and Miss Julia Nichols both of Georgetown [Madison Co. NY].

Deaths

NORTON:  In Nelson [Madison Co. NY] on the 27th ult. very suddenly, Lydia [Norton] wife of Davis Norton, aged 52 years.

HOUGHTON:  In Morrisville [Madison Co. NY] on the 25th ult. Mrs. Joanna Houghton widow of the late Henry Houghton, aged 87 years.

BALLOU:  In DeRuiter [Madison Co. NY] Nov. 10th, Dr. Russell Ballou aged 73 years.  Dr. Ballou had long been a resident of DeRuyter and a successful practitioner for years.  He was the oldest physician in town.

BARBER:  In the town of Fenner [Madison Co. NY] Aug. 31st, Mrs. Lovina Thompson [Barber] wife of John Barber, aged 86 years.

WIMMETT:  At the Railroad house in this village [Oneida, Madison Co. NY] on the 4th inst. of consumption, Samuel Wimmett aged 33 years.

FRINK:  In Brookfield [Madison Co. NY] on the 29th ult. of typhoid fever, Mr. Louis Frink aged 56 years.

FRINK:  In Watertown [Jefferson Co. NY] on the 26th ult. Miss Prudence Frink formerly of Brookfield [Madison Co. NY] aged 70 years.

GATES:  In Brookfield [Madison Co. NY] on the 30th(?) ult. David H. [Gates] son of Darius and Marion Gates, aged 3 months.

SAVAGE:  New Woodstock, Madison Co. NY:  Seth Savage Esq. a well-known and highly esteemed citizen of this town, was found lying on his barn floor in an insensible condition by his son, on Tuesday night, Nov. 27th.  It appears that he had been up in the loft and fell through a hole in the scaffold about 14 feet above the floor, striking upon his feet and severely injuring his spine and brain.  No external bruises were discovered.  He remained insensible until his death, which occurred on Friday morning.

BENJAMIN:  DeRuyter, Madison Co. NY:  Hon Elias Paddock Benjamin died at his residence in DeRuyter Nov. 27th aged 83 years.  the family of Mr. Benjamin's father was one of the first three families that settled in the town of DeRuyter in 1793.  Mr. B. has resided in this town nearly all of the time since.  He was for several years Town Clerk; also, Justice of the Peace, and was Supervisor several terms.  He was chosen Member of Assembly in 1825.  One week ago, we sent you a notice of the decease of his wife, with whom he lived nearly 55 years, and now, he too is gone.

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It is a sad, a painful duty, to pay the last tribute to the memory of the departed.  All along the journey of life this solemn task, however, is demanded at our hands.  Many in life's glad morn - away out of the jutting promontory of existence, where tenderest years gaze wistfully at the rising sun of hope - are called away.  Others that follow that sun in his course as he travels up the sky, are overtaken by the fell destroyer.  Some on the plains, some in the valley foo life's crystal river, some while climbing the foothills of opening manhood, some on the meridian mountain tops of success and some whilst tottering with cautious steps down the western slope of declining years, are signaled to join the army above.

The sad bereavement of Mr. Morgan Lewis of Canastota [Madison Co. NY] makes its solemn call upon us.  A short time since, Mr. Lewis followed the companion of his life, the friend of his bosom, the realization of the ardent hopes of youth's buoyant, joyous longings, to her last resting place.  Scarcely had he returned from the burial of his beloved wife, when he received the sad intelligence that his only son, Daniel H. Lewis had expired on the 13th of October, at Chattanooga, of smallpox, while in the service of his country, having enlisted in the regular army in March 1864, and left his home and friends to aid his country, and faithfully did he discharge his duties.  Up to the time of his confinement and decease, he held the position of clerk in the 16th Regiment of U.S. Infantry.  He worked at the printing business at Fayetteville and Canastota for some time and for one year held the position of clerk in the post office at the latter place.  Possessing an unblemished character, kind, courteous, warm hearted and true he was highly esteemed in the community.  His age was 21 years. thus has, in a brief space of time, a husband and father been deprived of all that seemed dear to him, just at the time when he most needed the comforts and companionship of these beloved ones.

Vital Records, Chenango (1840) & Otsego (1879) Counties, NY

 Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, September 2, 1840

Marriages

In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY] on the 1st inst. by the Rev. A. Wheelock, Col. S.R. Per Lee of the firm of Wood & Per Lee, to Miss Mary Mitchell daughter of the Hon. Henry Mitchell.

In Bainbridge [Chenango Co. NY] on the 1st inst. Mr. David T. Phetteplace of Guilford [Chenango Co. NY] to Miss Sarah Redfield of the former place.

Deaths

In this town [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY] on the 26th ult. Horace [Ballou] youngest son of Amasa Ballou, aged 1 year and 4 months.

"Happy infant, early blest, / Rest in peaceful slumber, rest."

In this town [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY] on Friday last, Mrs. Jerusha Brookins aged 43 years.

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In this town [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY] on the 7th ult. Vienna Munroe daughter of Josiah Munroe, aged 19 years.

The deceased was a native of the town where she resided till her death.  Nurtured from infancy in the bosom of maternal tenderness, guarded from vice, and instructed in religion and virtue by parental affection and shielded from the chill blast of an unfeeling world by the care of watchful friends, and the sweets of domestic retirement; her youth was passed in these innocent amusements, which are so well adapted to the playful season of childhood.  At the early age of 12 years, she publicly professed her attachment to her Saviour and with several of her young companions, entered, we believe, upon a Christian career.  In the May of '39 she was attacked with a disease which threatened her speedy removal from time, but during the summer so far recovered as to be able to walk about the house and occasionally to go into the street.  But her disease, though apparently checked, was nevertheless making silent but fearful ravages and preparing her for an early grave.  During the following winter it again broke forth with increased violence, and it was soon discovered that the art of man was vain in attempting to check the ravages of the destroyer.  She expressed the most perfect resignation of her fate, and her willingness to exchange the pleasure of earth, although linked to them by a thousand ties, for more exalted joys of heaven.  As her disease increased, her confidence in God and her hopes of heaven also increased, and during the last three months of her life, no cloud obscured the horizon of her mind, no desire for earthly joys brought down her soul from that sublime elevation which it had attained, to mingle again with sordid earth.  Death, which  has been so emphatically styled the "king of terrors," was to her merely a kind messenger, sent to release her captive soul, and consign her body to a peaceful rest in the slumbers of the tomb.  She met not his frowns with trembling fear, for to her he came clad in smiles.  

The last words she was heard to utter as she sank into his cold embrace were, "I am happy."  But how weak and impotent are earthly charms, when endeavoring to suppress the aspirings of an immortal mind, longing for and anticipating the joys of heaven. She left a large circle of friends to mourn her early departure, yet they mourn "not as those without hope."  From the tomb of such a one, "there is a voice sweeter than song," that dries the falling tear, suppresses the rising murmur and even imparts a mournful joy.  When contemplating the death of such a one, who is not led to exclaim "Let me die the death of the righteous." Let my last end be like hers!  N.B.K.

Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, September 9, 1840

Marriages

In this town, on the 8th inst. by the Rev. L. A. Barrows, Mr. Elisha B. Smith of the firm of E.B. Smith & Co. to Miss Lucinda P. [Willcox] daughter of Col. Whitman Willcox.

Champaigne and wedding cake in abundance!  Who would not be a chronicler of happy unions and a well-wisher to the newly wedded pari?

In Lebanon, Madison Co. [NY] by the Rev. L. Pomeroy, Mr. Isaac Foote, 3d of Smyrna [Chenango Co. NY] to Miss Jerusha Merrick of the former place.

In South New Berlin [Chenango Co. NY] on the 3d inst. by the Rev. Charles Sturr, Mr. Daniel Gifford of Butternuts, Otsego Co. [NY] to Marcia M. Calkins of the former place.

Death

In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY] on the 3d inst. George McDuffie [Boyd] son of Edward J. and Julia E. Boyd, aged 6 years.

George was a member of the S. School connected with the Baptist Church in this place, and in the same class with little Gerald Smith and Fayette York, those lovely boys whose deaths you have so recently noticed in your paper.  Three brighter, lovelier children have rarely been known.  How melancholy and yet how glorious in prospect their early exit -- gone, we confidently trust from their association in studying the Bible on earth, to be associated in a clearer study of their God and Saviour in heaven.  George's sickness was protracted and severe, but he bore it with a meekness and patience that would be commendable to one of middle age.  He has gone, lamented, not only by his bereaved parents and circle of relatives, but by many of our villagers.  May his death be sanctified to us all.  

Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, September 16, 1840

Marriage

In Oxford [Chenango Co. NY] on the 9th inst. by the Rev. Mr. Goodrich, Mr. Titus Benedict of North Norwich [Chenango Co. NY] to Miss Martha Newton of this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY].

Death

In this town [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY] on Saturday last of scarlet fever, Enos Case eldest son of J.W. Case aged 8 years.

Death, indeed, loves a shining mark. In the sudden removal of this little lad, his parents sustain a keen affliction.  In possession of an amiable disposition and a promising future, he was beloved by all who knew him.

Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, September 30, 1840

Death

In this town [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY] on the 20th inst. of scarlet fever, Wiley [Case] only son of J.W. Case aged 16 months.

Morris Chronicle, Morris, NY, June 25, 1879

Marriage

QUINCY - BROWN:  At the residence of Deacon S.L. Brown, June 10th, by Rev. T.A. Batson, W.J. Quincy of Morris [Otsego Co. NY] and Miss Ida E. Brown of Columbus [Chenango Co. NY].

Deaths

EMMONS:  In Oneonta [Otsego Co. NY] June 12, Carlton Emmons aged 75 years.

PATCHIN:  In Oneonta [Otsego Co. NY] June 7, Emeline [Patchin] wife of David Patchin, aged about 40 years.

PALMER:  In Unadilla [Otsego Co. NY] June 12, Mrs. Stephen Palmer aged 79 years.

HAWKS:  At Sand Hill, Unadilla [Otsego Co. NY] June 15, Miss Ella A. Hawks aged 15 years.

GREGORY:  Mount Vision, Otsego Co. NY:  Last Wednesday Irving Gregory died after a brief illness, aged about 24 years.  He had been a consistent member of the Baptist church here for a number of years and he will be greatly missed by a large circle of relatives and friends.

SPENCER:  Dr. William Spencer of Edmeston [Otsego Co. NY] was buried last Friday, having died on the 18th.  He gave up business last fall and has been gradually going out.  His loss is much regreted in his own and neighboring towns, where he so many years administered relief to the sick.

News Item

On Saturday June 14th, a very pleasant event transpired at the old homestead of the Steere family, in Hartwick [Otsego Co. NY[ who met to celebrate the 81st birthday of their mother, Mrs. James Steere.  Children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren gathered to greet relatives form neighboring towns and distant States beneath the roof which sheltered them in "auld lang syne." Under the grand old maple where mother used to watch her children at play, they now gathered to partake of the bountiful dinner, prepared by loving hands.  Among the guests were two aged sisters, of Mrs. Steere; also, a Mr. Winsor, an aged gentleman form Indiana, who is visiting the scenes of his early life and renewing old acquaintances.  It was an occasion long to be remembered, and that Mother Steere may live to see many returns of the happy day, to grace with her genial presence the family circle and the church of her choice is the wish of a host of warm friends.

Vital Records, Otsego County, NY (1860 & 1871)

 Oneonta Herald, Oneonta, NY, January 4, 1860

Marriages

On Thursday, the 25th ult., at the home of the bride's father, John M. Watkins, by the Rev. John Smith Jr., Mr. Horatio G. Strong of Laurens [Otsego Co. NY] to Miss Caroline Watkins of this village [Oneonta, Otsego Co. NY].

In Oneonta [Otsego Co. NY] Dec. 27th by Rev. E.C. Hodge, Mr. Elson J. De Forest of West Laurens [Otsego Co. nY] to Miss Mary J.k Cook of West Oneonta.

Also at the same place by the same, Mr. William S. Row to Miss Mary C. Butts all of Davenport [Delaware Co. NY].

Deaths

At West Davenport [Delaware Co. NY] Dec. 28th, Betsey Coonley wife of Daniel Coonley, aged 29 years 9 months and 18 days.

At Davenport Center [Delaware Co. NY] on the 18th ult. Marcus L. Brown aged 23 years.

On Monday the 12th ult. while Waterman Curtis was engaged with a son in felling trees for J.F. Billings of Smyrna [Chenango Co. NY] he was struck on the head and rendered senseless by a falling limb.  surgical aid was at once procured and on examination, the skull bone was found fractured in several places and the case hopeless for life.  The unfortunate man lingered twenty-four hours, when death intervened.  He was a man much respected, sixty-six years old, leaves a wife and family, and was a former resident of North Norwich [Chenango Co. NY].  Chenango Telegraph.

Oneonta Herald, Oneonta, NY, January 11, 1860

Marriages

At Watkins' Hotel in this village [Oneonta, Otsego Co. NY] on the 4th inst., by Rev. D.L. Pendell, Mr. B.G. Allen to Miss H.E. Jester both of South Franklin [Delaware Co. NY].

In West Laurens [Otsego Co. NY] on the 5th inst. at the house of the bride's father, S. Merrill, by the Rev. E.C. Hodge, Mr. Milton C. Frost of Pompey, Onondaga Co. [NY] to Miss Eliza Merril of West Laurens.

In Delhi [Delaware Co. NY] Jan. 1st at the Parsonage by Rev. L.B. Andrus, Mr. Mark Vanleuvan of Oneonta [Otsego Co. NY] to Miss Harriet C. Howard of Delhi [Delaware Co. NY].

Oneonta Herald, Oneonta, NY, January 18, 1860

Marriages

In Oneonta [Otsego Co. NY] Jan. 12th, by Rev. E.C. Hodge, Mr. Albert H. Rockwell of Otego [Otsego Co. NY] to Miss Mary A. Jenks of West Oneonta.

In Maryland [Otsego Co. NY] on the 2d inst. by Rev. E.E. Orwin Mr. Charles E. Stewart of Oneonta [Otsego Co. NY] to Miss Fanny E. Cass of the former place.

Oneonta Herald, Oneonta, NY, January 25, 1860

Marriage

By Elder J. Cook at his residence in Portlandville on the 18th inst. Mr. George Talmadge of Maryland [Otsego Co. NY] to Miss Patty Boswick(?) of West Davenport [Delaware Co. NY].

Morris Chronicle, Morris, NY, October 4, 1871

Marriages

In this village [Morris, Otsego Co. NY] at the house of the bride's parents, on Wednesday evening, Sept 27th, by Bishop Daniel S. Tuttle of Salt Lake City Utah, Mr. Charles L. Whitcomb to Miss Jennie Leonard daughter of Russell Leonard, esq.

At the M.E. Parsonage in Cooperstown [Otsego Co. NY] Sept. 20th, by Rev. H.M. Crydenwise, Dorr Bates to Miss Lina Pierce both of Middlefield [Otsego Co. NY].

At the M.E. Parsonage in Butternuts [Otsego Co. NY], Sept. 12th by Rev. A.M. Colegrove, William Park to Miss Jane E. Boardman all of Westford [Otsego Co. NY].

At Butternuts [Otsego Co. NY] Sept. 19th by Rev. A.M. Colegrove, Francis E. Green of Butternuts to Miss Julia S. Ireland of Easton Corners, C.W.

Deaths

In Cooperstown [Otsego Co. NY] Sept. 28th, William G. Cooley brother of Richard Cooley of this village [Morris, Otsego Co. NY] aged 38 years.

In West Oneonta [Otsego Co. NY] Sept. 23d, Ephram H. Sleeper in the 84th year of his age.  He was a member of the society of Friends and lived and died a Christian.  He was a friend to all, helping the poor whenever he had a chance.

In Oaksville [Otsego Co. NY] Sept.18, Harvey Kenyon [Steere] youngest son of James Harvey and Rosa P. Steere aged 6 months and 26 days.

In Garrattsville [Otsego Co. NY] Sept. 26th, Ezra Mather aged 57 years.

In Maryland [Otsego Co. NY] Sept. 12th, Ira O. [Tallmadge] son of A.E. Tallmadge, aged 2 years.

In Butternuts [Otsego Co. NY] Sept. 29th, Mrs. George Gadsby, after a short but painful illness.  She had been married only one short year.  She was an amiable Christian woman and was beloved by all who knew her.

In New Lisbon [Otsego Co. NY] on the 25th day of Aug., Walter C. Krundell in the 78th year of his age.

Mr. Krundell was born in the town of North Salem, Westchester County [NY] in the year 1798, and settled in New Lisbon in 1815, which was then almost a wilderness and has occupied the farm on which he settled ever since.  After suffering all the inconveniences of an early settler's life, where nothing could be heard but the distant howl of wild beasts and the woodman's ax, Walter, with his ambitious nature, struggled on until he accomplished his object in clearing up one of the best farms on old New Lisbon Hills.  For honesty, integrity and virtue, he was noted among his townsmen.  He was peculiar in all his habits and seemed to choose a life of single blessedness rather than be obligated to anyone that he could pay with dollars and cents; very obliging in his manners; always willing to aid the needy and he will ever be held in sweet remembrance by all his friends and neighbors of the town in which he lived.

Vital Records, Madison County, NY (1873)

 Democratic Union, Oneida, NY, January 9, 1873

Marriages

STARK - LOOMIS:  In Oneida [Madison Co. NY] Jan. 7, by Rev. Samuel Jessup, Mr. Elberton C. Stark and Miss Flora Loomis all of Oneida.

CRANDALL - VARIAN:  At the Madison House in Oneida [Madison Co. NY] Jan. 8, by rev. G.B. Pierce, Byron Crandall and Mary Jane Varian both of North Bay [Oneida Co. NY].

JACKSON - TAFFT:  Dec. 10, by Rev. George G. Odiorne, Mr. Richard S. Jackson of Rochester, Wis., and Miss Florence Tafft of Verona, N.Y. [Oneida Co. NY].

MOREY - RICHARDSON:  In Hartland [Niagara Co. NY], Dec. 25, by Rev. G.C. Walker, William H. Morey of Royalton, Niagara County [NY] and Laura L. Richardson formerly of Nelson [Madison Co. NY].

EASTMAN - MAY:  In Cazenovia [Madison Co. NY], Jan. 1, by Rev. L.A. Eddy, E.C. Delaven Eastman of Peterboro [Madison Co. NY], and R. Maria May of Cazenovia [Madison Co. NY].

PETRIE - WATERS:  In Clinton, Dec. 25, by the Rev. Mr. Ayers, Mr. Jerome R. Petrie of Augusta [Oneida Co. NY] and Miss Hattie Waters of Clinton, Oneida Co. [NY].

KENYON - DREW:  At the residence of the bride's father, Jan. 1, by Rev. T.F. Harris, Mr. Denison C. Kenyon of Otselic [Chenango Co. NY] and Miss Emma J. Drew of Georgetown [Madison Co. NY].

IRISH - WEBBER:  In Cazenovia [Madison Co. NY] Jan. 1, by Rev. John C. Ward, our respected and esteemed young townsman, Charles M. Irish of Nelson [Madison Co. NY] and Mary J. Webber only daughter of A.C. Webber of New Woodstock [Madison Co. NY] Hosts of friends unite in wishing them a life of prosperity and happiness.

LANGLEY - LAMBERT:  In Lee [Oneida Co. NY], Dec. 29, by Rev. R. Flint, Mr. Edward W. Langley and Miss Elizabeth Lambert both of Verona [Oneida Co. NY]

BEEBE - CHATFIELD:  In Albany [Albany Co. NY] Dec. 30 by Rev. Charles Morgan, Samuel W. Beebe of Constantia, Oswego County [NY] and Olive L. Chatfield of Vienna Oneida County [NY].

COMSTOCK - GRAHAM:  In Paris [Oneida Co. NY] Jan. 1 by Rev. John B. Wicks, Mr. Merrit Comstock of Kirkland [Oneida Co. NY] and Miss Nettie Graham of Paris.

WASHBURN - CALDWELL:  In Hamilton [Madison Co. NY] Jan. 2, by Rev. D. Watson, Andrew W. Washburn of Worcenter, Mass. and Agnes Cadwell of Hamilton.

BRIGGS - VAN DEUSEN:  In Michigan City, Ind., Dec. 8, by Rev. N.D. Brakeman, Mr. Edwin C. Briggs, Esq. and Miss Estella Van Deusen formerly of Morrisville [Madison Co. NY].

TERPENNY - TERPENNY:  In Fayetteville [Onondaga Co. NY] Dec. 29, by Rev. L.B. Wells, John Terpenny of North Manlius [Onondaga Co. NY] and Amanda Terpenny of Manlius Station.

BOLSTER - BELLMORE:  In Chittenango [Madison Co.  NY], Dec. 31, by Rev. J.B. Longstreet, Orville Bolster of Berne, N.Y. [Albany Co.] and Harriet Bellmore of Chittenango.

LONG - KINNEY:  In Chittenango [Madison Co. NY], Jan. 2, by Rev. J.B. Longstreet, Benjamin F. Long of Bridgeport [Onondaga Co. NY], and Adelia E. Kinney of New Woodstock [Madison Co. NY].

FOSTER - WINCHESTER:  In Eaton [Madison Co. NY] Dec. 24, by Rev. Judson Davis, Mr. H.J. Foster of Hamilton [Madison Co. NY] and Miss Mary A. Winchester of Eaton.

SMITH - BROOKS:  In Hamilton [Madison Co. NY] Jan. 12 by Rev. W.R. Brooks, Mr. J. Moss Smith of Danbury, Conn., and Miss Adelaide G. Brooks of Hamilton.

BARBER - SWIFT:  In Hamilton [Madison Co. NY] Jan. 1 by Rev. Mr. Pyne, Mr. Charles A. Barber and Miss Mary Swift all of Hamilton.

BURDICK - PETERSON:  In DeRuyter [Madison Co. NY] Dec. 24, by Rev. J. Clarke, Mr. Frank H. Burdick of DeRuyter and Miss Ella Peterson of Lincklaen [Chenango Co. NY].

BENJAMIN - RIDER:  In DeRuyter [Madison Co. NY] Dec. 10, by Rev. I.D. Clark, Mr. Deforest Benjamin of Cuyler, and Miss E. Rider of DeRuyter.

MUNCY - CRANDALL:  In Brookfield [Madison Co. NY] Dec. 20 by Rev. A. Todd, Mr. Orson J. Muncy of DeRuyter [Madison Co. NY] and Miss Lotta Crandall of Brookfield.

KIMBELL - HAKES:  In DeRuyter [Madison Co. NY] Jan. 2 by Rev. A.G. Clark, Mr. H.A. Kimbell of Oswego [Oswego Co. NY] and Miss Frank A. Hakes of DeRuyter.

ROSE - BURDICK:  In DeRuyter [Madison Co. NY] Dec. 26, by Rev. J. Clarke, Mr. George Rose and Miss Hattie Burdick, both of DeRuyter.

PLUMB - COLMAN:  In Smyrna [Chenango Co. NY] Dec. 31 by Rev. H.S. Jones, Mr. Charles Plumb of Earlville [Madison Co. NY] and Miss Jennie Colman of the former place.

FISKE - JONES:  In Smyrna [Chenango Co. NY] Dec. 24, by Rev. S. Moore, Horace Fiske of Oxford [Chenango Co. NY] and Miss Emma M. Jones of Smyrna.

BELLINGER - CLEAVELAND:  In Smyrna [Chenango Co. NY] Dec. 25, by Rev. H. Carpenter, Mr. John H. Bellinger of Sherburne [Chenango Co. NY] and Miss Addie Cleaveland of Smyrna.

SMITH - NORTHRUP:  On Sherburne West Hill [Chenango Co. NY] Dec. 23 by Rev. H.S. Jones, Mr. Henry Smith and Miss Hattie Northrup.

SACKET - STROUD:  In Canastota [Madison Co. NY], Dec. 26, by Rev. John H. Lockwood, pastor of the Reformed Church, Orson L. Sackett and Carrie E. Stroud all of Canastota.

ROCKWELL - LYMAN:  Nov. 28, Mr. William M. Rockwell, M.D. of Johnstown, Wis., formerly of Stockbridge [Madison Co. NY] and Miss Mary Lyman of Palmyra, Wis.

JURDEN - WETTLING:  In Peekskill [Westchester Co. NY], Dec. 26 by Rev. A. Cochran, Mr. Thomas H. Jurden of Higginsville [Oneida Co. NY] and Miss Josephine L. Wettling of the Wettling Institute, Peekskill.

Deaths

CADY:  In the town of Hamilton [Madison Co. NY] Jan. 3, [Susan E. Cady] wife of A. J. Cady, aged 62 years.

MORROW:  In Augusta [Oneida Co. NY] Jan. 5, William Morrow aged 83 years.

WILLIAMS:  In Knoxboro [Oneida Co. NY], Jan. 1, Lewis Williams aged 38 years.

GILLETT:  In Fenner [Madison Co. NY] Dec. 21, D. miner Gillett aged 68 years.

KNIGHT:  In New Woodstock [Madison Co. NY] Dec. 29, Ralph Knight aged 76 years.

STANTON:  In Cazenovia [Madison Co. NY], Jan. 1, Miss Mary Stanton 

PAYNE:  In Nelson [Madison Co. NY] Dec. 30, Mrs. Sarah Ann Payne, widow of the late Lyman Payne int he 60th year of her age.

RAY:  In Smyrna [Chenango Co. NY] Dec. 29, Mrs. Lucretia Ray aged 80 years.

KENYON:  In Smyrna [Chenango Co. NY] Dec. 19, James D. Kenyon aged 19 years.

CRUMB:  In DeRuyter [Madison Co. NY] Dec. 27, Mrs. Mary L.J. [Crumb] wife of William C. Crumb, Esq. aged about 35 years.

PHELPS:  Dec. 30 of consumption, Hattie Eva [Phelps] only daughter of Wallace T. and Hattie S. Phelps, aged 3 years, 2 months and 3 days.

PELLETT:  Col. W.B. Pellet cashier of the Bank of Chenango, died suddenly on Friday noon last.  Mr. Pellet was sitting at the dinner table, when he fell back and died within five minutes.  He was an old resident of Norwich [Chenango Co. Ny] and had from his youth bene connected with the bank of which Mr. Conkey - who died a few days since quite as suddenly - was president.  It seems remarkably strange that there are so many sudden deaths among the most prominent businessmen of Norwich of late.

News Item

On New Years, Willard Nash and lady [Minerva Nash] were agreeably surprised by their children calling upon them to the number of nine, with their children to the number of sixteen and other relatives, all told amounting to seventy.  The age of the father is seventy-eight, and the mother's age seventy-seven.  All of the aged couple's children were gathered around the old homestead with the exception of one daughter who sleeps the long sleep that knows no waking. She died many miles from her father's house, in the far off State of Missouri, away from those she loved so well, away from a father's and mother's councils and a sister's tender care.  With the exception of the thought that would come unbidden of the lost one, all was pleasant and agreeable. Even Uncle Willard, who of late has been somewhat troubled with lameness, bobbed around among his children and grandchildren to their great delight.  Corpulent Elick and the staid Mr. Berry tripped around among the fair ladies, as young apparently as in days of yore, while the younger members of the party, Frank O. and several others, with scented mustaches, were enjoying the several corners of the well-lighted rooms, apparently to the great delight of the young ladies.  Mr. Nash and lady were presented with two large easy chairs, a center-table and other things, both useful and ornamental. The tables fairly groaned under the weight of the good things spread upon them, and allowing us to be a judge, we should say that ample justice was done to the viands.  We should say to our dear friends, Mr. Nach and lady, may time deal gently with you and as you have entrusted to your son and daughter the privilege of steadying your tottering footsteps down towards the "dark valley," and while they thus gently guide you along with the tenderest care, never permitting your weary steps to stumble, remember them in your prayers to your maker, that they too may glide down the hillside of this life peacefully and happy.