Vital Records, Cortland County, NY (1850)

 McGrawville Express, McGrawville, NY, March 14, 1850

Deaths

At McGrawville [Cortland Co. NY], March 11th, Mr. Coman Cheats aged 20 years.

The death of this young man was very sudden and unexpected.  On Friday he took his dinner as usual and went to his employment in the Mill.  Late in the afternoon, Mr. Austin, his employer, found him insensible upon the floor.  He was taken up and a physician immediately called.  But no efforts to save his life were availing.  He lingered in this unconscious state until Monday morning at 6 o'clock, when he expired.

All was done for him by the kind friends among whom he dwelt that could be done, and particularly by the family with whom he resided.  An own son could not have called forth any more anxious solicitude and tender care, and for this the father repeatedly expressed his thanks and desired that some public testimonial might be given that he was not unmindful of the kindness and sympathy that he had received in his affliction and the interest and care taken of his dying son.

The affliction will be very severe to his family, as they reside some 30 or 40 miles distant.  His father arrived on Saturday evening and remained with him until he died.  But who can tell the feelings of that father as he pursues his lonely way with the body of his son to his anxious and afflicted family?  or of that mother, and sisters, and brothers, when the lifeless remains of the son and brother arrive at their desolate abode.  May God give them strength sufficient for their day.

With regard to the character of the young man, we have only to say that his disposition was amiable, kind and obliging, and he had gained in an unusual degree for a young man, the respect and confidence of the community in which he dwelt and endeared himself to those who knew him more intimately by his obliging and generous disposition.

As he was industrious, of a good business tact, enjoyed good health, and possessed a fine constitution, he looked forward to the future with hope and perhaps would have realized, as far as any are permitted to realize, the consummation of his earthly plans.  But now suddenly the whole is changed and changed forever!  Oh, what are our anticipations of future earthly good? What all our earthly plans?  How suddenly may they be cut off!  How soon perish!

"Oh how fleeting! Oh how cheating! / They're like the mists of wintry weather, / Gathered in an hour together, / And as soon dispersed forever."

It is to be observed that this is but one of a series of providences of this character in this neighborhood.  Three young men, in as many months, within a mile and a half of each other, have thus suddenly fallen.  And if we reckon years that are past, the providence is still more marked.  Let me be permitted to ask this question affectionately of this numerous and interesting class or our population.  Is there not some meaning in all this?  Oh, today if you will hear His voice harden not your hearts.  For while the Lord thus speaks from his throne, He speaks still invitingly from his word.  For the spirit and the Bride say "come."  And let him that is athirst "come." And whosever will let him take the water of life freely.

E.B. Fancher

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At Little York [Cortland Co. NY], March 4th, Mrs. Floretta Warner aged 24 years.

The deceased has been a great sufferer, especially for the last 4 or 5 months.  During her painful hours she often remarked that she was ready and willing to leave this world of sorrow and pain for that where disease and anguish never enter.  A few hours before her death, she seemed easy and remarked she thanked God that she could live a few moments free from pain.  The funeral was held in the Presbyterian Church in Preble [Cortland Co. NY] and a very appropriate and interesting sermon by Mr. Ives, the Methodist minister of Preble Corners, was preached from Deut. 5, 29.  She regretted that she had swerved away from duty and her manner of living had brought a wound on the cause of Christ.  Yet, she felt that God for Christ's sake had forgiven her sins, and she was ready and willing to leave this world of pain and trouble and be with Christ which was far better.  She leaves two children to wander through this unfriendly world, without a mother's watchful care, a mother's tears and empathy in the hour of trouble.

McGrawville Express, McGrawville, NY, March 28, 1850

Marriage

In Georgetown, Madison Co. [NY], March 5, 1850, by Rev. R. Persons, Mr. Benjamin Wesgate and Miss Betsey Crumb both of DeRuyter [Madison Co. NY].

Vital Records, Otsego (1825/26), Chenango (1880) Counties, NY

 Cherry Valley Gazette, Cherry Valley, NY, December 27, 1825

Deaths

In this village [Cherry Valley, Otsego Co. NY] on the 23d inst. Mrs. Kezia Holt in the 91st year of her age.  She had been a member of the church rising of sixty years and was very much esteemed for her exemplary and good conduct.  Had 60 grandchildren, 120 great-grandchildren, and had lived to see the fourth generation.

At Sharon [Schoharie Co., NY] on the 19th inst. Mr. Hezekiah Calkins, aged 61.  He has left a numerous family to mourn the loss of a husband, a father, and a brother.  The church is called to mourn the loss of a worthy member and faithful servant of Christ.  But since our loss is his infinite gain, we cannot mourn as those that have no hope, for we believe he died as he lived, a Christian in heart and in life.

In the village of Bethel, Ontario County [NY] on the 15th instant, George D. Stewart, Esq. aged forty-three years.

Cherry Valley Gazette, Cherry Valley, NY, January 3, 1826

Marriage

Married on the 29th ult. by the Rev. Mr. Ambler, Mr. John Spreaker to Miss Nancy Swain both of this town [Cherry Valley, Otsego Co. NY].

Deaths

In Sharon [Schoharie Co. NY] on the 26th ult. Mrs. Adna Eldredge in the 91st year of her age, consort of the late Edward Eldredge.

At Sharon [Schoharie Co. NY] on Monday morning the 26th ult. Mr. Judson Thomas, aged 22 years, a highly respectable youth of an unblemished character and is deeply regretted for his public and private virtues.

Cherry Valley Gazette, Cherry Valley, NY, January 24, 1826

Marriages

On the 11th inst. by the Rev. Andrew Oliver, Mr. Alexander Van Horn of Danube [Herkimer Co. NY] to Miss Catharine Conklin of Springfield [Otsego Co. NY].

At Sharon [Schoharie Co. NY] on Wednesday evening last by the Rev. Mr. Bellinger, Mr. Seth Eldredge to Miss Emma Cook daughter of Mr. Richard Cook, of Sharon.

In this town [Cherry Valley, Otsego Co. NY] on Wednesday evening last, Mr. James Davie to Miss Sally Sissam.

Cherry Valley Gazette, Cherry Valley, NY, January 31, 1826

Marriages

In this town [Cherry Valley, Otsego Co. NY] on the 23d inst. by Elder Sawin, Mr. Stuben Clyde to Miss Susan Sherman.

In Sharon [Schoharie Co. NY] on the 25th inst. by the Rev. Mr. Rexford, Mr. John Moore to Miss Margaret Friz.

Bainbridge Republican, Bainbridge, NY, March 12, 1880

Births

South New Berlin, Chenango Co. NY:  George Ford has taken a gentleman and lady to board.  Their weight together was fifteen pounds.  George and Cary are happy, and all their friends rejoice with them.

South New Berlin, Chenango Co. NY:  Among the later arrivals in town is a little grandson of W.T. Gage. l He is a welcome visitor.

South New Berlin, Chenango Co. NY:  Oren Wightman is a happy man.  It is a boy.  

South New Berlin, Chenango Co. NY: Benjamin Miller rejoices over another one in his family circle.

Marriages

JOHNSON - DYER:  By Rev. Hurd of Knoxville, Pa., March 3d, Munroe Johnson of Bainbridge [Chenango Co. NY] and Miss Dell R. Dyer of Woodhull, Pa.

Mt. Upton, Chenango Co. NY:  Rev. T.P. Halsted united Mr. Ken Wheeler and Miss Mary Jewell in the holy bonds of matrimony at the residence of Hiram Jewell, Wednesday, March 3d, at 5 p.m.  The presents were numerous and costly.  The happy pair left for Binghamton and other places to visit friends. A long life and a happy one is our wish.

Deaths

Oscar Tensler of Thurston [Steuben Co. NY] was killed on Wednesday of last week, while working in the woods.  A limb fell on his head, crushing his skull.  He lived only thirty minutes after the fatal blow.  His age was 37.  He leaves a wife and three children.

Richard Kilpatrick, a well-known and respected farmer, died near South Kortright [Delaware Co. NY] February 23d, aged fifty-four years.

William S. Foote, hardware merchant and postmaster at Hobart [Delaware Co. NY], died Tuesday aged about fifty-six years.  He has spent an active business life and his decease is regretted.

A man by the name of Pollard, about a mile west of this village [Marathon, Cortland Co. NY] fell down in a fit on Wednesday and died soon after.  He was in the cellar when attacked.  Help was called and he was removed to the room above and a physician summoned, but all of no avail.  He died soon after.  He was about sixty years of age.  [possibly Richard Pollard, 18 Dec. 1823 - 3 Mar. 1880, buried Marathon Cemetery]

Another about the same age, at Texas [Oswego Co. NY], about five miles from here, by the name of Jones while out after wood, was attacked in a like manner and died soon after.  He spent the day, Saturday, in Marathon, as well as usual.  Binghamton Republican

Nineveh, Broome Co. NY:  Joel Wedge an old resident of this vicinity, died last week Wednesday.

Nineveh, Broome co. NY: Fletcher Moon died last Saturday evening.  His funeral was held at the house, Tuesday of this week.  he was buried in Coventry [Chenango Co. NY].

Unadilla Valley, Chenango Co. NY:  Mr. Gregory an old and esteemed inhabitant, died on Thursday, and his remains were taken to Deposit [Delaware Co. NY] for burial.

Vital Records, Otsego (1809), Broome (1875) Counties, NY

 Otsego Herald, Cooperstown, NY, March 18, 1809

Death

Died, at Herkimer village, on the 1st inst. after about four weeks illness, Gaylord Griswold, Esq. in the 42d year of his age.  He was justly esteemed for his social virtues and in his death the village has lost one of its best friends, the town and county an active and useful citizen, and the bar one of its brightest ornaments.

Otsego Herald, Cooperstown, NY, March 25, 1809

Whereas Betsey [Van Brockler] my wife, did on the 23d ult. elope from my bed and board, without any just cause of provocation; this is to forbid any persons harboring or trusting her or her child on my account, as I will pay no debts of her contracting after the date hereof.  Jacob Van Brockler, Cherry Valley [Otsego Co. NY] March 2.

Otsego Herald, Cooperstown, NY, April 1, 1809

Marriage

In the town of Hartwick [Otsego Co. NY] by elder Bostwick, Mr. Ira Wheeler to Miss Lucerne Murdock, all of that place.

Death

Died in this town [Cooperstown, Otsego Co. NY] on the 14th inst., at the advanced age of 70, Mr. Joseph Sprague.  He sustained the character of an honest, upright and useful man.  In him the neighborhood have lost a valuable citizen, his religious friends a good member, and his family a kind parent and benefactor.

Otsego Herald, Cooperstown, NY, April 8, 1809

Death

At Canaan [Columbia Co. NY], March 6, Mrs. Lydia Whiting, consort of John Whiting, Esq. and daughter of Christopher Leffingwell, Esq. of Norwich (Conn.) leaving an affectionate and disconsolate partner and six children, the pledges of their once mutual affection.  the afflicted survivor may well say;

"Off from my side the dearest half is torn, / The rest lies bleeding and but lives to mourn."

Otsego Herald, Cooperstown, NY, April 29, 1809

Marriage

Married at Metcalf Hill in this town [Cooperstown, Otsego Co. NY] on the evening of the 16th inst, Mr. John Dowse to Miss Violate Pabody.

Union News, Union, NY, May 7, 1875

Death

On Friday, a son of Mr. Sidney White aged ten years, who lives in Windsor [Broome Co. NY] was instantly killed while walking over a pile of lumber at Pulse's sawmill.  He stepped on the lower log of the pile and it rolled from under his feet throwing him backwards, and the logs above being loosened, rolled down upon him crushing him and breaking his neck.

News Item

On Saturday, 24th inst., Ann Canan of Apalachin [Tioga Co. NY] complained that her husband, Edward Canan was deranged and had threatened violence.  An officer was sent for her husband for the purpose of talking to him in order to test his sanity, and he became satisfied that he was deranged.  Mrs. Canan made the proper affidavit and the court made out a warrant against Canan for threatening to kill.  He was arrested and in default of bail, was sent to the county jail at Owego [Tioga Co. NY].

Union News, Union, NY, May 14, 1875

Deaths

Thomas A. Sedgwick, a well-known citizen of Binghamton [Broome Co. NY] died at his residence on North Street about one o'clock last Sunday afternoon, in the fifty-seventh year of his age.

Margaret Quick, aged 99 years, three months, and fifteen days, died on Monday last in Oakland [PA] about three miles from Susquehanna Depot [PA].

Union News, Union, NY, May 21, 1875

Marriage

CARMAN - OWENS:  At the Abwadcta House in Union, N.Y. May 17, 1875, by Rev. O.M. Martin, Ellis Carman to Miss Alice Owens, all of Binghamton, N.Y. [Broome Co.

News Item

Mortimer Livingston, son of our neighbor John Livingston, having graduated in Columbia College Law School and passed his examination, was last week admitted to the Bar by the General Term of the Supreme Court in the City of New York.  Although possessed by inheritance of such ample fortune as to render the labor of active practice for subsistence unnecessary, yet he is not willing to lead a life of "inglorious case," but designs devoting himself sedulously to practice.  Of good legal stock, he ought to succeed.  His father, admitted in 1847, has ever since practiced in New York.  His paternal grandfather, Peter Livingston, whose ancestors removed from the Hudson River to Schoharie County [NY] and subsequently, in 1836 to that part of the Susquehanna Valley opposite Apalachin in this county [Broome co. NY] where he purchased a homestead, still occupied by descendants, was a valuable and highly respected citizen.  His maternal grandfather, Gabriel Winter, was graduated at Columbia College in 1802, was admitted to the bar in 1805, and from that time until February, a period of fifty-seven consecutive years, continued an uninterrupted practice in the city of New York.  His maternal great-grandfather Joseph Winter, who was also a lawyer, practiced and died there, and was known as the owner of a small farm between Pine and Wall Streets, the cobble stone house upon which is still remembered by some of the older inhabitants.  The Winters came from England more than 100 years ago, and the Livingstons near Edinburgh, in Scotland, 200 years ago.  Mortimer designs devoting himself to Railway Law and Practice as a specialty.

Vital Records, Otsego (1880), Chenango (1880) Counties, NY

 Freeman's Journal, Cooperstown, NY, April 1, 1880

Marriage

In the Presbyterian Church at Richfield Springs [Otsego Co. NY] March 25th, by Rev. F.H. Seeley, Ashton W. Caney of Ilion [Herkimer Co. NY] and Miss Jennie E. Crumley of the former place.

Deaths

In Gilbertsville [Otsego Co. NY] March 11 of consumption, Mary [Burton] wife of John Burton, aged 30 years.

In Butternuts [Otsego Co. NY], March 14 of pneumonia, William Bailey aged 51 years.

In West Laurens [Otsego Co. NY] March 12, of pneumonia Julia E. [Deitz] wife of William Deitz, aged 46 years and 11 mos.

At Chaseville [Otsego Co. NY], March 16, Mrs. Mary McIntyre sister of Dr. E.E. Houghston.

In Otego [Otsego Co. NY] March 22, Henry Birdsall aged about 40 years.

In New Lisbon [Otsego Co. NY] March 4, Meribah [Hinman] widow of the late Eben Hinman, aged 71 years.

In this town [Cooperstown, Otsego Co. NY] March 25th, 1880, Russell Warren aged 83 years and two months.  Mr. W. lived and died on the farm on which he was born.  he was an excellent and successful farmer, prompt in all business matters, liberal to the poor, a strict observer of the Sabbath, and a firm believer in the great truths of Christianity.  He had the respect and good will of all his neighbors.  He was the last but one of the older race of the Pierstown Warrens.  A sister, Mrs. Johnson, survives him.  Mr. W. was four times married, the first and fourth wife and the second and third ones being sisters.  All were members of the Baptist church of this village.  He leaves four children.

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In regard to the man, Benjamin F. Benson who last week met his death at Poughkeepsie [Dutchess Co. NY] and whose wife resides at Toddsville [Otsego Co. NY] the Telegraph of that city says:

The above party registered at Devendorf's hotel Saturday afternoon and remained there until 11 o'clock Monday morning, when he told the proprietor that he would return in half an hour and pay his bill.  But he failed to call.  Yesterday afternoon, he, in company of Lorenzo Welker was walking on the P.H. & B.R.R. track, when they reached a point about one mile west of Pleasant Valley and when reaching a culvert that is on the farm of Samuel J. Landis, Benson told Welker that he was a cattle broker and said that he was going to sell Mr. Landis some cattle.  Welker walked down the steps to the culvert first and Benson started and fell from the top to the roadway beneath, a distance of 18 feet, striking on his head which rendered him unconscious.  Mr. Landis and Dr. McLaury, of Pleasant Valley, were summoned.  Benson was carried to Mr. Landis' home, where he remained unconscious until this morning, when he died about nine o'clock.  Dr. McLaury says he thinks the cause of his death was concussion of the brain, as only a slight bruise is to be seen on the right side of his face.

There was a hole made in the ground by his head, five inches deep.  It is rumored that he has relatives living at Clinton Corners and in Dover.  Coroner Frost brought the body to this city and will hold an inquest Tuesday morning at ten o'clock.  A trunk left a Devendorf's Coroner Frost took in charge and opened, but could not find anything to identify the man, only a lot of soiled clothes being found. 

In its issue of the next day the same paper says:  The man Benson, who died from injuries received on the P.H. & B.R.R. Tuesday by a fall from a bridge, is supposed to have met his death under suspicious circumstances.  A man in whose company he was at the time of the injury is absent0 from town and a warrant has been issued for him. 

Oxford Times, Oxford, NY, February 4, 1880

Marriages

FOSGATE - TRACY:  In Norwich [Chenango Co. NY] Jan. 25th, by Rev. D.R. Carrier, Mr. Frank M. Fosgate of Norwich and Miss Bertha A. Tracy of Preston [Chenango Co. NY].

WINSOR - WINSOR:  In Greene [Chenango Co. NY] Jan. 22d by Rev. H.N. Van Deusen, Mr. Merritt L. Winsor of Guilford [Chenango Co. NY] and Miss Carrie L. Winsor of the former place.

Guilford, Chenango Co. NY:  The surprise given to K.E. Bunnell and wife on the tenth anniversary of their marriage, was a genuine one.  The presents were elegant and appropriate and good feeling everywhere manifest.  May their friends never be fewer than now.

_________________________

Variety Wedding:  Quite a nice family festival took place last Thursday at the house of George Miller in South Oxford [Chenango Co. NY].  It was the crystal or, as called by card, variety wedding of George and Amanda Miller.

Since they had been prevented by severe sickness of one of the party from celebrating their 10th anniversary, they concluded not to let the 15th pass unnoticed.  Therefore on Jan. 29th, favored with beautiful weather, a host of relatives, neighbors and friends gathered there in the afternoon, to the number of fifty or more, to congratulate them upon the happy return of their marriage day, not forgetting some little offerings as tokens of their good will, which certainly was as pure as the crystal vases.  The assembled multitude were hospitably treated to a bountiful repast, carefully prepared, and at the conclusion of the feast, a poem written for the occasion, was read by one of the guests.  The evening was spent in friendly conversation and many good wishes were bestowed on the worthy couple at the parting. 

Deaths

LAMB:  In Sherburne [Chenango Co. NY] Jan. 25th, Hon. Truxton G. Lamb aged 68 years.

SEELEY:  In Bennettsville [Chenango Co. NY] Jan. 19th, Mrs. Ely Seeley aged 62 years.

ABBEY:  In New Berlin [Chenango Co. NY] Jan. 18th, Mrs. Mahala Abbey aged 80 years.

GREEN:  Abbie S. [Green] wife of Charles H. Green, a former resident, and daughter of Mr. Charles Walker, of this village [Oxford, Chenango Co. NY], committed suicide at Rixford, Pa., on the 27th ult. by taking morphine.  The deceased had been in poor health for some time.  Among other troubles was a brain affection and she had acted strangely at times. We have seen a letter form the physician who attended her, in which he states the facts as given above and denies the rumors that the family were in destitute circumstances, which led the lady to commit the rash act. Her age was 45 years and she leaves four children.

Mt. Upton, Chenango Co. NY:  Three funeral in a few days have occurred in our vicinity.  Grace Owens aged 20 months, died of scarlet fever.  Mrs. Rosealthea Coon was buried on the 27th ult, and Mrs. Betsey Place on the 28th ult.  The Place family have buried four of their number in six months.

Vital Records, Madison County, NY (1855)

 Cazenovia Republican, Cazenovia, NY, April 4, 1855

Marriages

In this village [Cazenovia, Madison Co. NY] March 26th by Rev. William Clarke, Mr. Rufus Weaver of Nelson [Madison Co. NY] and Miss Almira Bryan of this village.

By the same, March 27th, Mr. Jeremiah Bump of Smithfield [Madison Co. NY] and Miss Sophia R. Fitch of Cazenovia [Madison Co. NY].

In this village [Cazenovia, Madison Co. NY] on the 29th ult. by the Rev. T.L. Clarke, Mr. D.L. Mulliner of Nelson [Madison Co. NY] to Miss Ann Chesebro of Cazenovia

On the 20th ult by Rev. J.W. Armstrong, Mr. W.B. Herrick of Baldwinsville [Onondaga Co. NY] to Miss Charlotte E. Foot of Phoenix, Oswego County [NY]. 

Deaths

At Ithaca, N.Y. [Tompkins Co.] on the 28th ult. Martin Root, aged 31 years, son of Charles and Abagail Root, of Fenner [Madison Co. NY].

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At his residence in Peterboro [Madison Co. NY] on the 26th ult., Nehemiah Huntington aged 79 years.

At a public meeting of his neighbors, held the following day, Perry G. Palmer, Esq. was appointed Chairman and James Barnett Secretary.  The following resolutions, offered by Gerrit Smith were spoken upon by several persons and unanimously adopted:

Resolved:  That the death of Nehemiah Huntington, who has resided in our village nearly 48 years, is a fit occasion, not only for expressing as we do most sincerely, our sympathy with his excellent wife and nearest friends, but a fit occasion also for speaking of his virtues, for impressing our hearts with their value, and for honoring the memory of the wise and good man, whose life so beautifully illustrated those virtues.

Resolved: That our deceased neighbor was a Christian, not in words only, but in deeds also; an eminent example of truthfulness, sincerity, modesty, prudence, trustworthiness, benevolence and peace making.

Resolved: that we bid ourselves, our children, and our children's children, never to forget Nehemiah Huntington; his pure and honest life, his kindness to his fellow men, and his humility before his God.

Cazenovia Republican, Cazenovia, NY, April 11, 1855

Marriage

In this town [Cazenovia, Madison Co. NY] on the 4th inst. by Rev. E.G. Andrews, Mr. Joseph F. Crawford to Miss Betsey [Porter] daughter of Mr. Ebenezer Porter of Cazenovia.

Death

Joseph Centreville was executed at Plattsburgh [Clinton Co. NY] on Thursday for the murder of his sister-in-law.  He requested that a brass band might perform while the "ceremony", as he termed it, was going on.

Cazenovia Republican, Cazenovia, NY, April 18, 1855

Death

Mr. John H. Parmely, as aged and respected citizen of Munnsville [Madison Co., NY], suddenly dropped dead upon the floor beside the bed of his sick wife on Sunday the 1st inst.  Mrs. Parmely, his wife, who was aged 70 years, had been for a long time unwell, and her death was daily looked for.  His constant watching and over excitement had enfeebled him and shortly before he died, he had hastened for a doctor to attend her, being alarmed by symptoms of her failing.  He had just returned and was standing by her side, when he fell and expired.  His death was followed on the succeeding day by that of Mrs. Parmely, which took place within a period of less than twenty-0four hours.  Democratic Reflector

News Item

Riot in Oxford

A riot occurred at his place yesterday, among the Catholics, while assembled in their church for worship.  It appears that one of the faithful had bene married by a Protestant clergyman, and, in consequence thereof, he was excommunicated.  Yesterday, he, in company with a Protestant friend, entered the church, whereupon the Priest, Father Callan, ordered him to be put out, which order was faithfully executed.

At the door a fight commenced in which the Priest is said to be implicated.  The exercises in the church were suspended and the crowd adjourned to the nearest hotel where a most general fight ensued between the Protestants and Roman Catholics in which the latter came off second best.

No firearms were used, nor any lives lost, though many persons were badly injured in the affray.  The Priest was arrested and is now in custody, as are also several of the rioters.  All is quiet this A.M. The examination of those arrested is now proceeding.

Later:  The Priest has, with several others, been held to bail in the sum of one thousand dollars to keep the peace.  He has since been taken with a Supreme Court writ for private damages by one of his countrymen.

Much excitement still prevails.  Several more arrests are to be made this P.M.

Cazenovia Republican, Cazenovia, NY, April 25, 1 855

Deaths

In the town of Fenner [Madison Co. NY] on the 17th inst. Mr. Edward Root aged 61 years.

He was at the time of his death an Elder in the Presbyterian Church in this village and was highly esteemed.  He came into this vicinity nearly forty years ago from Connecticut.  He was one of those energetic men who convert the wilderness into a fruitful field and are prospered in their ways. The love of God and hope of eternal life through Jesus Christ comforted and sustained him in his passage to the grave.

Morrisville, Madison Co. NY:  The little son of Mr. George E. Cummings of this village, an only and a deeply cherished child, three years of age, while playing on an upper floor of the barn on the premises where Mr. C. resides, Thursday of last week, fell through a doorway a distance of twelve feet to the ground, striking upon its head on a plank and causing its death after about twenty-four hours intense suffering.  [George Daniels Cummings, d. April 13, 1855, aged 3y]

Vital Records, Otsego County, NY (1862)

 Oneonta Herald, Oneonta, NY, July 2, 1862

Marriage

In this village [Oneonta, Otsego Co. NY] on the 20th ult. by Rev. D.L. Pendell, Mr. Charles J. Alger to Miss Roxy A. Spencer both of Oneonta.

News Item

Capt. R.T. Johnson of the gallant 72d Regiment is home for a short time for the benefit of his health and to recruit more men for his company.  We are glad to see (says the Delaware Republican) that he is in good spirits and, although his wound, received at Williamsburg, is not yet healed, in nearly as good health as when he led his company, the first offering of Delaware County, out from among us.  Since that day, what momentous events have marked the history of our country!  The brave boys who followed his leadership have won laurels, and on one hotly contested field, sealed with blood their devotion to the Constitution and the Union.

Oneonta Herald, Oneonta, NY, July 16, 1862

Marriage

At the Hotel of Mr. Barton in East Oneonta [Otsego Co. NY] on the 2d of July, by Rev. E.C. Hodge, Mr. George P. Parish of Oneonta and Miss Rulannah Chamberlain of Maryland [Otsego Co. NY].

Death

Coronel Dr. Thomas J. Bailey was called on the 5th inst. to hold an inquest upon the body of John Curtis, an aged citizen, lately resident in the town of New Berlin [Chenango Co. NY], near Ambler's Settlement.  From the testimony before the Coroner's Jury it appeared that deceased was 68 years of age; that he had been for several years afflicted with aggravated hernia, which caused him much distress; that for three days previous to his death, he had eaten nothing and had grown weak, and during that time he had heard the intelligence of the death of a favorite grandson; that he got out of bed about 2 o'clock on Saturday morning, put on his pants and shoes and started for the kitchen.  His wife awakened and alarmed, went into an adjoining room for a light and when she and her aroused daughter reached the kitchen, Mr. Curtis was found upon his knees, his throat cut from ear to ear, the windpipe and carotid artery complete severed.  His razor lay upon the floor.  He died in a very few minutes.  Dr. Gibson was the physician in attendance.  The verdict of the Jury was, suicide in a fit of mental abstraction.

Dr. Bailey held another inquest in the afternoon upon the body of Gaius C. Brooks in Plymouth [Chenango Co. NY].  The evidence showed that Mr. Brooks had for some time past been troubled with short breathing and palpitation; that he attended the celebration in Norwich [Chenango Co., NY] on Friday, and stayed until after the fireworks.  The last that was seen of him on that day was about 11 o'clock at night, when he was noticed walking homeward, very slowly, in the road near Coxville.  He was found dead in his bed next morning near 6 o'clock, his body yet warm.  He was not heard to enter his house, but there is no doubt that he went directly home.  A supper which had been placed upon a table for him had been partially eaten.  Dr. Blin Harris, (Drs. Baker and Beecher attending) made a postmortem examination of the body.  From his testimony the jury rendered a verdict of death by enlargement of the heart, occasioned by a mass of fat three inches in length in the cavities of the heart.  Mr. Brooks was in his 67th year.

Oneonta Herald, Oneonta, NY, july 30, 1862

Deaths

Killed in battle, near Richmond, Va. Alonzo Jenks of Laurens, Otsego Co., N.Y., a member of the 61st Regiment and son of John G. Jenks of Laurens.

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Died near Humbolt, Tennessee of fever contracted while camping in a swamp, Benjamin B. Comstock of Laurens, Otsego Co. N.Y.

"By feeble hands their shallow graves were made; / No stone memorial o'er their corpses laid.  / In barren lands and far from home they lie, / No friend to shed a tear when passing by."

Laurens weeps for her honored dead.  She is called to mourn the loss of one of her noble sons.  Benjamin B. Comstock died July 16th, from disease contracted by exposure to the swamps of Tennessee.  But a short time since he left his native town, to go forth into the world and brave the rugged storms of life.  He went forth with bright visions of future happiness, leaving all the fond endearments of home and its loved associations.  His future career promised to be one, not only of honor to himself, but of usefulness to his fellow man, and it was while laboring for the welfare of others that he heard the call of his country for aid.  He was among the first to respond to that call.  He could not forget his country and while toiling manfully for her, he did not forget his God.  He prayed fervently for his country. He labored earnestly for her and for her, he nobly died. The fever contracted while camping in the swamps of Tennessee was too much for his feeble constitution and in a few short weeks it hurried him from earth.  Yet when the summons came it found him ready to go.  No fear blanched his cheek, but all was peace.  He told his weeping comrade, who gathered around his dying couch, to write to his mother and tell her that he was willing and ready to die.  In his death that mother has lost an affectionate son, and our country one of its gallant defenders.

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We regret to learn the death of Lieut Washington B. Fairman, who with other young men of this village [Cooperstown, Otsego Co. NY] joined the Ellsworth Regiment as a private.  He was soon chosen 2d Lieutenant in the 25th N.Y. Regiment, where he served with courage and fidelity.  He was wounded in the recent battles before Richmond and taken prisoner.  On the 17th inst. he died in a hospital in Richmond from the effect of his wound.  He was a young man of fine character, whose loss is mourned by many friends here and elsewhere.  Cooperstown Journal.