Vital Records, Madison County, NY (1880)

 Democratic Union, Oneida, NY, May 29, 1873

Marriages

ELWOOD - SEABROOK:  In Stockbridge [Madison Co. NY], May 21, at the residence of the bride's parents by Rev. H.H. Brown, Miss Emma J. Elwood and Mr. Charles C Seabrook, both of Stockbridge.

KNAPP - REYNOLDS:  In Smyrna [Chenango Co. NY] May 19 at the residence of t he bride's parents by Rev. A.F. Brown, Mr. Horace Knapp of Sherburne [Chenango Co. NY] and Miss Flora Reynolds of Smyrna.

TAYLOR - EARLE:  In Syracuse [Onondaga Co. NY] May 14 by Rev. L.M. Clarke, D.D. Mr. James O. Taylor and Miss Alice Earle both of Canastota [Madison Co. NY].

SKINNER - HARRINGTON:  At the residence of the bride's mother, Mrs. P.D. Harrington, by Rev. J.H Enders, Mr. LeGrand Skinner of Chicago, Ill. and Miss Hannah Rachel Harrington of Chittenango [Madison Co. NY].

HUGHS - BAILEY:  May 20, by Rev. T.H. McClenathan, Mr. Thomas Hughs and Miss Oello A. Bailey all of Westmoreland [Oneida Co. NY].

Deaths

FRENCH:  In Oneida [Madison Co. NY] May 22 of consumption, Miss Francis A. [French] youngest daughter of Bartlet and Ruth French.

BARKER:  In Oriskany Falls [Oneida Co. NY], May 22, Juliette C. [Barker] wife of Milo C. Barker, aged 48 years and 7 months.

Died at Oriskany Falls, on May 22d, Juliette C., wife of Supervisor Milo C. Barker, aged 48 years and 7 months.  Such the brief mortuary announcement that brings grief and aching void to the hearts of many.  the once happy husband need watch no more as he returns from his business.  He will miss the cheerful voice and winning smile of her who had been the sharer of his fortunes.  For more than a quarter of a century they had lived in happiness together.  But the clear ringing laugh, echoing through the house, filling it with melody, is now hushed forever. Think not, fond husband and loving children, that there be not other watchers as eager as thou to clasp the departed one in arms more tender and loving than thine, to bear the freed spirit to realms of everlasting peace and joy. as placid and serene as the starlight from Heaven, where angels are keeping watch, she is secure in the vigils which her celestial guardians keep over her.

FLETCHER:  In Georgetown [Madison Co. NY] May 9, Mrs. Isaac Fletlcher, aged 55 years.

DRAKE:  In Georgetown [Madison Co. NY] May 17, Mrs. Theron O. Drake aged 66 years.

HEULETT:  In Oneida [Madison Co. NY] May 23, Allock Heulett aged 39 years.

DE CLERCQ:  In Cazenovia [Madison Co. NY] May 15, Gilbert G. [De Clereq] son of I. Ledyard and Cecile De Clercq, aged 6 years and five months.

DANA:  In the town of Cazenovia [Madison Co. NY] May 20, Polly Dana aged 90 years.

BAIRD:  In Clinton [Clinton Co. NY] May 14, William S. Baird aged 50 years.

FOOT:  In Clinton [Clinton Co. NY] May 18, at the residence of A.W. Mills, Esq. Henry Bronson Foot aged 37 years.

PHELPS:  Near Morrisville [Madison Co. NY] May 22, Mrs. Sarah Phelps wife of William Phelps, aged 67 years.

ALLEN:  The Observer says: Juna Allen, an old and well-known resident of our village [Morrisville, Madison Co. NY], died on Tuesday morning of last week, after a brief illness, aged 82 years.  Mr. Allen came to this place in the year 1817, and established the cabinet-making business, which he continued until a few years ago.  He was probably our oldest resident, having had his home here for fifty-six years, and his name is among the original members of the Congregational Church of this village, and he has continued to hold that relation up to the time of his decease.

DARROW:  The funeral of the widow Caroline Darrow, who died at Buffalo [Erie Co. NY] on Saturday, the 17th inst., was held at the M.E. Church in this place [Oneida, Madison Co. NY] on Tuesday, the 20th. She was buried in the family burying ground, adjoining the public cemetery, by the side of her late husband, George W. Darrow, who, it will be remembered, was murdered at Buffalo on the evening of October 3d, 1871.   The family cemetery is on land owned by D.M. Darrow, which is being tastefully fitted up, and is designed as a burial place for the numerous Darrow family.

PARSONS:  We learn from the Republican that Thomas D. Parsons a former resident of Cazenovia [Madison Co. NY], died of pneumonia at his home in Kenosha, Wis., May 3, aged 73 years.  Mr. Parsons was a brother of Messers, Cyrus, Reuben and Francis Parsons of this village [Cazenovia].

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HOMAN:  James Homan died at Pleasant Valley, Mo., March 9th, aged 83 years.  Although a relative, I know but a little of his history.  For many years he lived at Cape Vincent, St Lawrence Co. [NY], respected by all who knew him.  His name is remembered as being associated with every measure calculated to promote the interests of his county.  Although not called to fill public places, his impulses were so great and strong for free institutions and good government that his whole influence and means were exerted for their permanent establishment and perpetuity.  the following stanza was written by him last December:

Fair Zion, when I think of thee / I wish for pinions like the dove, / And mourn to think that still I be / So distant from the place I love.

A captive here and far from home, / For Zion's sacred walks I sigh, / Whither the ransomed natives come / And see their Savior eye to eye.

While here I walk on hostile ground / The few that I can call my friends /Are like myself in fetters bound, / And weariness our steps attend.

But we shall yet behold the day / When Zion's children shall return, / Our sorrows then will flee away / And we again shall never mourn.

The hope that such a day will come / Makes e'en the captive's future sweet;/ Though now we wander far from home, / In Zion soon we all shall meet.

While yet life's feeble candle shines / We should our powers employ / In deeds good, lovely, and divine, / Which give peace, hope and joy.

Still, let us ne'er in darkest hour / Forget what Christ hath done, / But patiently in calm hope wait / The resurrection sun.

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The body of Wales Fairbank who was drowned during the freshet in April last, was on Thursday of last week found by Dr. George B Bentley, dentist, of DeRuyter [Madison Co. NY], while fishing in the Tioughnioga river in Cuyler [Cortland Co. NY].  It was some distance below the old pond known as Hull's mill dam, and about two miles from the place where he went into the water in the deep gorge nearly opposite the Barker cut on the railroad.  The body was two-thirds or more imbedded in the debris and gravel where the water had become shallow since the subsidence of the flood.  One arm and hand with mitten still on, one of the lower limbs and a small part of the body about the hip were exposed.  The soldier's overcoat, which deceased had on at his death, was also found nearby. Whilst treading the stream at this point, Mr. Bentley accidentally recognized the body of the missing man.  He communicated his discovery to young Mr. Mathewson, a fishing companion further up the stream and they together made such reconnaissance of the locality as enabled them next day to identify the spot, when the body was recovered in a state of tolerable preservation, New Era.

Civil War letter from the Confederacy, 1861

 The Lancaster Ledger, Lancaster, South Carolina, September 4, 1861

Letter from the Confederacy

August 16th, [1861]

Yesterday in company with Col. Blanding, I visited the camp of Col. Kurshaw's Regiment, now about   2-1/2 miles from us.  I was sorry to find a great deal of sickness in that regiment also. Their sick have been sent off to the Hospital at Culpepper, Orange and Charlottesville, and some to Fairfax Court House, which is nearby.  Better attention and more comforts can be given them at these places.  Not more than a half, if that many, of Capt. McManus' company [remain] in camp.  All who were there [unreadable] were looking well and [unreadable].  Capt. M. had not returned from Richmond, whither he had gone on business.  Lieut. Welsh is with his son who was wounded in the battle of the 21st; Lieuts. Clyburn and Perry are in command. Both were well. After the sick are sent off to the Hospital, it is difficult to hear from them. There is so little communication with those places, and they are so distant in the rear.  Many of the cases are Typhoid Fever.  With that disease, attention and good nursing is all important and saves many a life.

In the evening Co. B. and myself returned by way of Fairfax C.H.  The churches are used for general hospitals.  Nearly all the private residences have as many sick soldiers as they can attend to.  I visited the sick of Capt. McManus Company and found them comfortable and out of danger.  We also called to see Mrs. Jackson, the widow of the martyr and hero who killed Col. Ellsworth, of the Zouave Regiment, for entering his house in Alexandria and pulling down the Confederate Flag which proudly floated from its dome.  She now resides at Fairfax C.H.  Our visit was received in the spirit which dictated it.  She very kindly and cordially offered us her house and attention in case of sickness. She has three sweet and interesting children, all girls, aged from seven to thirteen. She is now engaged in ministering to the wants and comforts of the poor sick soldier, having several patients under her hospitable roof and receiving her kind and cordial attention. The fund which a generous South and her public-spirited citizens have contributed for her relief, comfort and support, has been most worthily bestowed.  Her three daughters have yet to be educated. A small contribution from each will never be missed. The aggregate would confer immense blessing.  Think of it, sympathizing friends who have not contributed and support your sympathy with an actual contribution.  It will never give you a pain on your deathbed.

This morning's report shows the sick list [at] 204 in our Regiment.  Provisions [are] rather scarce in this locality. So many soldiers to be fed.  Thousands are now about here, and thousands have been about here. The people say the Federal troops killed, destroyed and eat up all, in most cases without paying.  Abuse is now piled up on the Lincoln forces for what they did in passing to Bull Run.  No complaint for what was done in the retreat, for that was made in 2.40 time, the double-quick being not fast enough. they had no time to eat or destroy. What was said when they were encamped about here, I know not.  I doubt whether the abuse was piled up as strong as it now is.  Do not infer we do not get enough to eat. The Government takes care of the substantials and provides accordingly. That is brought up from Richmond.  For some days, and in fact all the time we were at Camp Petius, eggs, butter, chickens and vegetables could not be had for love or money.  But since our encampment here, we have had a taste.  It is amusing to witness the scrambling when a one-horse wagon comes in freighted with such delicacies.

The nights here are cool with heavy dews.  Warm clothing, socks and shoes will soon be needed, the latter wanted now.  Neither can be had in this region at any price.  Any contributions of from Lancaster would be thankfully received.  It will save the life of many a patriotic soldier and useful man. The want of it will cause many to sicken and die.  When we will advance again is not known.  Our men are getting impatient. Forward and onward of the 9th is the wish of all. We can hear distinctly the guns at Alexandria, Arlington Heights and Washington, and hope soon to be there. We are always ready for an advance movement and for this purpose the commissary is requested to keep on hand three days rations of hard bread and salt meat.  

[unsigned]

Vital Records, Madison (1823) & Otsego (1891 Counties, NY

 The Pilot, Cazenovia, NY, April 3, 1823

Death

At Brooklyn, Con. March 20th, Mr. Gurdon Brown, aged 26, brother of the Rev. Mr. Brown, of this place [Cazenovia, Madison Co., NY].

"The living go to the dead." II. Sam. XII, 28

The Pilot, Cazenovia, NY, April 10, 1823

Deaths

In this town [Cazenovia, Madison Co. NY], on the first inst. Mrs. Laura Billings, consort of Mr. Silas Billings, aged 26.  Same day, Susan [Billings] an infant of Mrs. B.

The Pilot, Cazenovia, NY, May 8, 1823

News Item

Notice:  Ran away from the subscriber on the 16th inst., an apprentice boy, 17 years of age, named M.J. H. Huccainson(?) whom all persons are forbid harboring or trusting.  F. Dana, Smithfield [Madison Co. NY], 17 April 1823.

The Pilot, Cazenovia, NY, May 15, 1823

Half Cent Reward

Ran away from the subscriber the 25th inst. an indented apprentice girl by the name of Eliza Ann Williams, fourteen years of age.  All persons are hereby forbid harboring or trusting her on my account, as I will pay no debts of her contracting. Joseph White, Cazenovia [Madison Co. NY] Feb. 25th, 1823.

Unadilla Times, Unadilla, NY, July 2, 1891

Birth

Born, June 29, 1891, to Mr. and Mrs. J.A. Fisk, a daughter.

Deaths

Died at Masonville [Delaware Co. NY] June 29, 1891, Albert D.  Hoyt of heart disease.

Unadilla Center, Otsego Co. NY:  The funeral of Mrs. Laura Palmer will be held Wednesday at 10 o'clock a.m. at her late residence.

Mrs. Mead Martindale was struck and instantly killed by train No. 8 last Thursday evening, near her residence about one-half mile west of Wells Bridge [Otsego Co. NY].  She was walking on the track, going to a place known as the old Schofield place, it is stated after pio-plant.  The train, which was fifteen minutes late, was running at a high rate of speed and at the point of the road where she was struck, trains from the east cannot be seen a great distance.  The engineer of the train saw Mrs. Martindale when only four or five rods away, too late to stop the train.  He, however, blew the whistle and put on the air brakes and did all in his power to avert the catastrophe but of no avail.  She appeared to be paralyzed with horror and unable to move, and as the engine struck her, she was hurled about twenty feet.  She was about 23 years of age.  Her death strikes with terrible force upon the husband, who with three little children is left to mourn her loss.

Mrs. Adaline Briggs widow of Henry Briggs, died at her residence in this village [Unadilla, Otsego Co. NY], Saturday, June 27, 1891.  About a year ago, when returning from a visit among relatives in Milford [Otsego Co. NY] she fell in the depot at Cooperstown Junction [Otsego Co. NY] through the floor which was torn up to be re-laid.  she sustained severe injuries from the effects of which she never recovered.  The funeral was held form her late residence Monday, June 29, Rev. B.F. Ripley officiating. The remains were interred in St. Matthew's Church cemetery.

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Henry Slaven fell into the river at the upper bridge last Monday afternoon between the hours of four and five and before assistance could reach him was drowned.

He, in company with his sister, was fishing from one of the piers when he was taken with an epileptic fit, to which he was subject, thus causing him to fall in.  His sister did all in her power to rescue him, not giving up the attempt until there was danger of herself being drowned.

The boy, who was in his fourteenth year, was deaf and dumb, though his hearing was beginning to come to him and he could speak a few words.  For some years past, he has been in a New York institute for the deaf and dumb and had reached home only a few days before the sad termination of his life.  He was a bright, intelligent boy and had  acquired considerable proficiency in the trade he was learning which was that of a tailor.  His mother, who is a widow, has the sympathy of the entire community in her sudden bereavement.

The funeral was held from St. Matthew's church, Tuesday afternoon at 4 o'clock.

Civil War Letter from Warren Cutshaw, December 1861

 Oneonta Herald, Oneonta, NY, December 11, 1861

Civil War Letter from Warren Cutshaw

Upton's Hill, Va., Headquarters, 30th Regiment N.Y.S.V., December 1st, 1861

Friend Carpenter: I am seated in my tent with a good fire in my stove and everything around me looks comfortable.  We are prepared for the cold, and let the winds blow high or low, we will sit in our shanty and take our ease.  It has been and is quite cold here in Virginia.  We have had considerable rain which makes it very muddy and hard getting about.  Our Regiment has gone out on Picket today, with the exception of yesterday's and today's guard, I having been on guard yesterday, accounts for my being in camp today.  I am thankful that I did not have to go out on picket, for it is not very pleasant, but on the contrary, it is very unpleasant. I have been about Washington and the State of Virginia for nearly six months and I have not missed a guard of any description when it came my turn.  This is saying a good deal, but it is nevertheless true.

Homer Brewer has been here today, and we had a good visit.  Homer is a soldier all over.  He says he likes it well but would like it better if they would give him a little better "grub" and better conveniences for sleeping.  I would not be surprised if that was a very seasonable remark.  I think I can prove it by many.  But Homer is a soldier and you could not make anything else out of him at the present time if you should try.  He dined with me and among other things, I made him, as the old "wimen" would say, a strong cup of tea and some toast.  Perhaps you may think this high living for a private, but this is nothing to what we once had.  Finally, we had a good time, and I trust we shall have many more such visits, as it does me good to meet an Oneonta boy.  The old saying proves true among soldiers as in everything else, "that birds of a feather will flock together." Within the past two weeks, Dr. Meigs Case and Homer Breadwell have called on me.  So, you see that I see some of the boys from that way occasionally.

A short time since, we had quite an exciting time.  We lost some of our best men.  I think it was two weeks ago last Saturday that Capt. Lansing, of one of the Troy Companies and Lieut. Andrews from Saratoga, with fifty men were detailed to act as guard for a foraging party.  These, with six four horse teams, went to the house of a farmer, named Dolin, about two miles beyond Fall's Church and while filling the wagons with corn and had nearly completed their work, they were surprised by about two hundred secesh Cavalry.  Our men were scattered in various directions, and the attack was so sudden that they could not get together, and each done the best they could. The consequence was that we lost Capt. Lansing, Lieut. Andrews and twenty-eight privates, besides the teams, wagons and corn!  Our company had eight men and a sergeant by the name of Webster in the party, and all escaped except Webster, whom we all regret to lose.  But we have the consolation of knowing that he was not wounded, and we pray that our enemies will use him and all our comrades with that respect the rules of war entitle them.  This is all we can ask.  Had our men been a little more cautious and kept together as they should have done, it would have turned out very differently from what it did.  Capt. Hodge, the Brigade quarter master is blamed very much for notifying this Dolin that he would go out on Saturday for the corn. There is no doubt that that Dolin informed the Rebels of the day our men were to be there. The transaction shows it. The prisoners have all been taken to Richmond.

You have no idea of the excitement in camp when the news came.  Col. Frisby went to headquarters and procured orders for his regiment to go out to the rescue of our men.  I never saw them get into line quicker. We marched out into the road, just then Col. Sullivan, the acting Brigadier General, ordered us back to camp, he having seen fit for some cause or other best known to himself, to send the left wing of the 24th Regt, of which he is Colonel, to the rescue. This we did not think was exactly the think, for we thought the right belonged to our regiment. But obeyed orders and marched back into camp, when a sad accident occurred by the premature discharge of a musket, which caused the death of Henry Clum of Company G.  He was a fine fellow and his sudden death cast a gloom over all.  His remains have been sent to Stockport, N.Y., his former home for burial.

The following Sunday, after the foragers had been taken prisoners, Capt. King, Lt. Campbell, with company A and volunteers from other companies, numbering in all 110 men, were ordered to Dolin's house to reconnoiter. We took a roundabout way and came in the rear of the house, when we discovered a body of men in the woods, whom we supposed to be Rebels. We made our plans to attack them.  When finding they were in large numbers, we concluded to retire to Dolin's house and use it for a fort in case they should see fit to attack us.  But our supposed rebels turned out to be the 8th Regt. of N.Y.V.  This was very pleasing to us, as we should have been very sorry had we fired into our friends. The boys were all ready and anxious to meet the enemy, and there is no doubt but that they would have made a good fight. We scouted all around the premises of Dolin, and picked up three muskets and other traps lost by the boys the day before.  Dolin has been arrested and will be placed where he will not inform the Rebels again of our movements.

The following Tuesday, the 14 Brooklyn Zouaves were out on Picket when the same Cavalry attacked them. They killed two of the 14th and took eleven prisoners.  How many of the enemy were killed it is difficult to say, for the moment one of them are shot, the one next to him holds him on his horse and he is taken out. They do not allow him to fall to the ground if it is a possible thing to help it.  I think they got all they wanted of the Zouaves, for they left them on the field. But I must say that Stewart's secesh cavalry are a smart lot of fellows as ever belonged to any company.  They have a fine lot of horses and know well how to use them and to wind up with them, as the darkies out here say.  They are a right smart lot of chaps I reckon.

The 20th of last month, we had a big review about a mile and a half from here, at what is called Bailey's Cross Roads.  There was eighty-seven Regiments of Infantry, twenty Batteries of Artillery and ten Regiments of Cavalry, making in all somewhere near 100,000 soldiers. This is about one half of the army of the Potomac. Could you have been here and seen it, you would have thought with me that it was a sight worth seeing.

We have had our thanksgiving.  It was a day of rest with a portion of the army of the Potomac and I can truly say that I was thankful for this day of rest.  It is true that the fatted calf was not slain, as in days of old. but still we were all thankful that things look as favorable as they do.  Soldiers are thankful for small favors, especially just about now.  But I will close hoping that the present difficulties will be soon brought to a close, so that I can be with you again.

Yours, &c.  W.C.

Vital Records, Otsego (1823) & Broome (1837) Counties, NY

 Cherry Valley Gazette, Cherry Valley, NY, January 7, 1823

Marriages

Married, in Sharon [Schoharie Co. NY] on the 24th ult. by the Rev. A. Welton, Mr. Minard Vanderbogart to Miss Elizabeth Snider daughter of H. Snider.

In this town [Cherry Valley, Otsego Co. NY], on the 1st inst. by the Rev. C. Fitch, Mr. Charles Thomas to Miss Sarah Marks, both of Cherry Valley.

Death

In Canajoharie [Montgomery Co. NY] on the 25th ult the wife of Mr. J. Alton, aged 29 years.

In this town [Cherry Valley, Otsego Co. NY] on the 30th ult. Miss Gannett Wilson aged 14 years, daughter of Mr. John Wilson.

Cherry Valley Gazette, Cherry Valley, NY, January 21, 1823

Death

At Mansfield, Connecticut, on the 28th of December last, Mrs. Lucy Ensworth, relict of Doctor Jedediah Ensworth, aged 60.

Cherry Valley Gazette, Cherry Valley, NY, January 28, 1823

Death

Died suddenly at Albany [Albany Co. NY] last week, Moses I. Cantine, Esq. one of the editors of the Albany Argus.

Cherry Valley Gazette, Cherry Valley, NY, February 4, 1823

Marriage

Married in this town [Cherry Valley, Otsego Co. NY] on the 23d ult. by the Rev. Mr. McElfresh, Mr. Elisha Avery of Sharon [Schoharie Co. NY] to Miss Lydia Clark, youngest daughter of Mr. Stephen Clark, of this place.

Death

In this village [Cherry Valley, Otsego Co. NY] on Saturday, the 1st inst. Mrs. Sarah Gray wife of Mr. Joel Gray, aged 26 years.  Also, died a few days previous, her infant, aged 3 months.

Cherry Valley Gazette, Cherry Valley, NY, February 11, 1823

Death

In this village [Cherry Valley, Otsego Co. NY] on Thursday last, Elizabeth [Morse] youngest child of Mr. James O. Morse, aged three months and 16 days.

"And shall our bleeding hearts arraign / That God, whose ways are love? / Or vainly cherish anxious pain, / For her who rest above."

Cherry Valley Gazette, Cherry Valley, NY, February 25, 1823

Marriages

Married at Cherry Valley [Otsego Co. NY] on the 20th inst. by the Rev. C. Fitch, Mr. Gurdon Guile to Miss Sarah Haskell.

Also, on the 23d inst. by the same, Mr. Lawrence Cardinier to Miss Citty Ploss both of Sharon [Schoharie Co. NY].

At Washington City, by the Rev. Mr. Matthews and the Rev. Mr. Lowrie, Charles Joseph de Bresson, Secretary of the Legation of his most Christian Majesty to the United States, to Miss Catharine Livingston Thompson eldest daughter of the Hon. Smith Thompson, Secretary of the Navy.

Broome Republican, Binghamton, NY, November 9, 1837

Death

In Windsor [Broome Co. NY] on the 29th ult. Mrs. Sally Hotchkiss widow of the late Cyrus Hotchkiss, of that place, aged 60 years.

Mr. H. was a member of the Presbyterian Church in Windsor.  She was a woman of an energetic and noble mind and consistent Christian character.  Some years since, she suffered from a paralytic stroke, which left her in mind and body but the wreck of what she was before; till at length, in God's good time, after intense and protracted sufferings, she has been called, as we trust, to a brighter and a better world.

Broome Republican, Binghamton, NY, November 23, 1837

Marriages

Married, in this village [Binghamton, Broome Co. NY] on Sunday evening last by the Rev. Mr. Andrews, Mr. Chauncy Davis to Miss Charity Sparks both of Conklin [Broome Co. NY].

In Harpersville [Broome Co. NY] on the 12th inst. by the Rev. Mr. Keeler, Mr. William Wentz of th is village [Binghamton, Broome Co. NY] to Miss Beulah Williams of Colesville [Broome Co. NY].

Death

Died in this village [Binghamton, Broome Co., NY] on the 16th inst. at the residence of his son, A.G. Ransom, Esq. Mr. Jacob Ransom aged 67 years.

Broome Republican, Binghamton, NY, November 30, 1837

Deaths

Died, at Marathon [Cortland Co. NY], on the 31st of October, Mrs. Nancy Comstock wife of the Hon. Cephas Comstock, aged 49 years.  This truly worthy woman died beloved and regretted by a large circle of friends and acquaintances, to whom she had endeared herself by her kind and benevolent disposition. Throughout a long and protracted illness she exhibited a fortitude and strength of mind rarely to be met with.  Her disease was pulmonary consumption.  Cortland Republican.

At Bath, Steuben County [NY] on the 18th inst. George C. Edwards Esq. First Judge of Steuben County, aged about 50 years.

Vital Records, Otsego (1807) & Chenango (1879) Counties, NY

 Otsego Herald Cooperstown, NY, April 2, 1807

Marriage

Married, March -?- ultimo, Mr. Adam Cook to Miss Elizabeth Farrington, both of Milford [Otsego Co. NY].

Death

Died in the town of Hartwick [Otsego Co. NY] on Wednesday the 25th ult. Mrs. Sally Bradford, consort of Perez Bradford.  She has left a large family to bemoan her loss.

Otsego Herald, Cooperstown, NY, April 23, 1807

Death

In this village [Cooperstown, Otsego Co. NY] on Tuesday last, Ephraim Hudson, son of the late judge Hudson of Cherry Valley [Otsego Co. NY], fifteen years of age, after six days illness.  He was an active honest and promising lad, and his disconsolate mother and sisters will poignantly feel the loss of a son and brother.

Otsego Herald, Cooperstown, NY, April 30, 1807

Death

Died on Wednesday last, in his 40th year, John Beckley, Esquire, Clerk of the House of Representatives of the United States.  He was born in Great Britain, but, when only eleven y ears old, came, under to protection of his uncle, to this country, where he has continued to reside ever since.  

Our contest with Great Britain no sooner began to unfold itself than, yielding to the most ardent enquiries of patriotism, he took an active part in it, and assumed the discharge of duties full of responsibility and danger and particularly the Mayoralty of Richmond, a place assigned him, notwithstanding his youth, by the confidence of his fellow citizens, and at a period when the British army was overrunning the state of Virginia.

Having been educated to the bar, he pursued that profession with reputation, so far as various public duties admitted, until the organization of the General Government, when he was chosen Clerk of the House of Representatives, a place which he filled with rare, perhaps unprecedented distinction, with the intermission of a term of two years, until his decease.  His articulation was distinct, his elocution commanding and his parliamentary knowledge accurate and extensive.  But his highest distinction was his inflexible patriotism and adherence to republican principles.  Through the whole period of his life he pursued an unbending course.  Devoted to the cause of liberty, much of his happiness flowed from its triumph, and the zeal which prompted him in the ardor of youth to resist external tyranny remained unbated during the more mature period of life, against internal oppression.  National Intel.

Bainbridge Republican, Bainbridge, NY, November 7, 1879

Birth

Unadilla Valley, Chenango Co. NY:  Not long since, our quiet community was startled by the announcement that our citizen, Mr. Garrity and estimable wife had another little jaw.  Too true; It is a girl!

Death

Masonville, Delaware Co. NY:  Diphtheria is raging to some extent although not proving fatal except in two instances, those being Jennie Patten and a child of Andrew Brown's.

Bainbridge Republican, Bainbridge, nY, November 14, 1879

Marriages

WOODWARD - ESTERBROOK:  At the parsonage at Nineveh [Broome Co. NY], Nov. 5, 1879, by Rev. W.H. Sawtell, Mr. Commodore Woodward and Miss Minnie A. Esterbrook, all of Afton [Chenango Co. NY].

HARPER - RICHARDS:  At Harpersville [Broome Co. NY] Nov. 5, 1879, by Rev. A.W. Cornell, Mr. Robert Harper, of Washington, D.C., and Miss Emma A. Richards, eldest daughter of Charles M. Richards of Harpersville.

Harpursville, Broome Co. NY:  A wedding took place on Wednesday the 5th inst., in this place at the home of the bride, in which Mr. Robert Harper, of Washington, D.C. and Miss Emma Richards, a young lady quite well known to Harpersville friends, were the principal parties. They left town the same day for Washington where they are to reside.

ROOD - MILLS:  At Masonville [Delaware Co. NY] Nov. 2, 1879, by Rev. Mr. Mandeville, Mr. George Rood of Tompkins [Delaware Co. NY], and Miss Lizzie Mills of Masonville.

Harpersville, Broome Co. NY:  Eli B. Pratt and wife of Harpersville celebrated the fifteenth year of their married life on Tuesday last by a crystal wedding at the residence of J.S. Wakeman.  Numerous guests were present from Coventry, Binghamton, Windsor and Harpersville and vicinity.  Various presents were made to Mr. Pratt and wife, after which the guests, fifty in number, were seated at the table loaded with the bounties of the season. The evening was spent very pleasantly by those that remained until the parting hour came, when they all bid adieu to Mr. Pratt and wife and parted with their best wishes for a long life and a happy one.

Death

PRATT:  At Belden [Broome Co. NY] Tuesday, Nov. 4, 1879, Mr. Levi Pratt aged 76 years.

FRANCIS:  Daniel Francis, an old resident of Greene [Chenango Co. NY] and father of Mrs. Daniël Bradley, of that town, died on the 20th of October at the residence of his son, Stephen Francis, in Barton Co., Mo.

LEITH:  Alexander A. Leith of Brooklyn, aged sixteen, recently while wading in the water at Sheepshead Bay [King's County, NY], stepped upon the bones of decayed blue fish and died Saturday from tetanus, commonly called lockjaw.

SMITH:  Mrs. Edgar O. Smith wife of one of the most prominent citizens of the town of Windsor [Broome Co. NY] died at four o'clock.  She had recovered from an attack of diphtheria and was in Windsor village a week before her sudden death.  Mr. Smith and his children have the sympathy of the community in this, their time of bereavement.  Standard, Windsor

GETTER:  Masonville, Delaware Co. NY:  Mr. C. Getter an old and respected resident of this town, passed away on Saturday evening, Nov. 8th, in his 80th year.  He was a faithful member of the methodist church. [John Christman Getter, buried Whitman Cemetery, Masonville]

FERRIS:  We are pained to announce the death of Charles Ferris a young man 18 years of age, son of George Ferris, of Guilford [Chenango Co. NY]. [Charles M. Ferris, d. 15 Nov. 1879, aged 17, buried Guilford Center Cemetery]

News Items

DeForest Rose, a married man aged about 35 years and his wife, took a young man named Edward Harris and a girl named Sadie Bliss to Union [Broome Co. NY], and persuaded Harris to marry Mrs. Rose and Miss Bliss to marry Rose. The ceremonies were performed by a Baptist clergyman, according to the wishes of all concerned.  Harris claims that he did not know Rose was married.  Rose has disappeared and Harris remains with the woman he married.

_________________

Harpersville, Broome Co. NY:  A very pleasant episode occurred at the residence of Mr. C.W. Hare on Nov. 5th, the occasion being the eighty-fourth anniversary of the birth of Mr. Fenner Brown, a worthy gentleman who boards at Mr. Hare's.  There were over twenty persons, all relatives, present, of whom three were brothers and one sister, the only ones of the family now living - three having died - David Brown, a brother, living at Centerville, who is 75 years old; Polly Thompson aged 72 years, living about two miles west from this place; Edward Brown, living at Nineveh, 70 years old, and Mrs. Rachael Hare, aged 66 years, living with her on, Mr. Hare, so that their combined ages amounts to 367 years.  Mr. Fenner Brown was born in Rhode Island.  His ancestors came from England.  His grandmother, Mrs. Dinah Wethersly, brought with her from England a coat-of-arms, which she received from the clerk of the county where she resided, which constituted her an heir to an estate, but someone stole this from her.  Mr. Brown's ancestors were here to witness and take a part in the struggle of the colonies, in the war of the Revolution.  The friends of Mr. Brown present at Mr. Hare's, made him several presents which he will prize very highly as long as he shall live.  His daughter, Mrs. Lucy Hayens, of Cortland, and Mrs. Koons of Cooperstown, a granddaughter, who could not attend the gathering, sent presents.  May God spare him to receive similar favors in years to come.

Vital Records, Chenango County, NY (1879)

 Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, September 25, 1879

Marriages

BUNDY - NICHOLS:  At the Congregational Parsonage in this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], Sept. 11th, by Rev. S. Scoville, Mr. Benjamin B. Bundy of Rock Rift, Delaware Co., N.Y. to Miss Parnie Nichols of Buffalo, N.Y. [Erie County].

HILLS-OWENS:  At the home of the bride's mother, Sept. 16th, by Rev. A.B. Jones, Mr. Charles Hills to Miss Hattie E. Owens all of Plymouth, N.Y. [Chenango Co.].

ROCKWELL - WEDGE:  At the residence of the bride's parents, in Mt. Upton [Chenango Co. NY], Sept. 17th, by Rev. J.H. Sage, Mr. Sumner Rockwell of Mt. Upton to Miss Flora E. Wedge, formerly of Binghamton [Broome Co. NY].

OLIN - OLIN:  At the residence of George W. Beardsley in Binghamton [Broome Co. NY] Sept. 17th, by Rev. Dr. Parke, Mr. William W. Olin of Steuben County (NY] to Mrs. Rosalla C. Olin of Greene [Chenango Co. NY].

WARREN - HOLCOMB:  At the home of the bride, in Bainbridge [Chenango Co. NY] Sept. 18th, by Rev. D.N. Grummon, Mr. Elisha M. Warren to Mrs. Julia M. Holcomb, all of Bainbridge.

CLARK - ELLIOTT:  In Sherburne [Chenango Co. NY] Sept. 12th, by Rev. G.R. Burnside, Mr. G.A. Clark of Oxford [Chenango Co. NY] to Miss Alice Elliott of Greene [Chenango Co. NY].

BATTERSON - SCHLLEECKA:  At the Baptist Parsonage in Gilbertsville, N.Y., Sept. 15th, by Rev. J.H. Sage, Mr. Adelbert N. Batterson of Unadilla, N.Y. [Otsego Co. NY] to Miss Fredericka A. Schlleecka of Jeffersonville, N.Y. [Sullivan Co.].

DREW - WHEELER:  In Cincinnatus [Cortland Co. NY] Sept. 17th, by Rev. A.C. Smith, Mr. Frank L. Drew to Miss Mary Wheeler all of Cincinnatus.

Deaths

WELLS:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY] Sept. 17th, Elisa S. [Wells] wife of Rufus Wells, aged 63 years.

LOTHRIDGE:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY] Sept. 23d, Mr. Erastus Lothridge aged 72 years.

ROUNDS:  In Oxford [Chenango Co. NY] Sept. 8th, Elisa [Rounds] wife of Peter Rounds, aged 24 years.

WELLS:  At Preston [Chenango Co. NY] on Friday morning, Sept. 19th, 1879, after a long and severe illness, Charlotte E. Wells only daughter of the late Matthew O. Wells, deceased, in the 37th year of her age.

QUINCY:  In Columbus [Chenango Co. NY] Sept. 14th, at the residence of her father, Dea. S. Brown, Mrs. Ida E. Quincy, wife of Rev. W.J. Quincy, pastor of the Baptist church in Morris [Otsego Co. NY, in the 23d year of her age.

FINN:  In East Pharsalia [Chenango Co. NY] Sept. 16th, Mrs. Sally Finn, aged 37 years.

NASH:  In DeRuyter [Madison Co. NY], Sept. 16th, of consumption, W. Penn Nash aged 19 years and 10 months.

SCOTT:  In Masonville, N.Y [Delaware Co. NY] Sept. 15th, Mrs. Orpha P. Scott, wife of Lewis Scott, deceased, aged 73 years and 11 months..

SKILLMANN:  In Mazeppa, Minn. Sept. 6th, Julia A. [Skillman] wife of Francis M. Skillman, aged 63 years and 9 months, formerly of Grman, Chenango Co. [NY],

LOOMIS:   In south Creek, Pal. Sept. 29th, Betsey [Loomis] wife of Sinson Lomis, aged 60 years, formerly of Smithville [Chenango Co. NY}

Vital Records, Chenango County, NY (1880)

 Chenango American, Greene, NY, April 1, 1880

Marriages

At the residence of the bride's parents (Page Brook [Chenango Co. NY]). on Tuesday evening, March 30th, by Rev. J.F. Taunt, Mr. Leroy Kelley to Miss Mary E. [Wilson], only daughter of William Wilson, Esq. all of this town [Greene, Chenango Co. NY].

In Smithville [Chenango Co. NY] March 3d, at the residence fo the brtide's parents, by Rev. H.W. Condon, Mr. charl;es M. Eggleston to Miss Carrie M. Rose.

In Norwich [Chenango Co. NY] March 16th, by Rev. E.V. Wilson, Dr. T.B. Taylor to Mrs. Alice E. Foster, both of Norwich.

March 16th, by Rev. G.B. Bell, Mr. Walter A. Potts of Norwich [Chenango Co. NY] to Miss Cornelia Gibson of Napanock, Ulster Co. [NY].

In Oneonta [Otsego Co. NY] March 16th by H. Brotherton, Mr. Frank M. Davis of Norwich [Chenango Co. NY] to Miss Rita M. Sperry of Oneonta.

In McDonough [Chenango Co. NY] March 21st, by Rev. A.W. Barrows, Mr. E.W. Thornton of Georgetown [Madison Co. NY] to Miss Elizabeth Graves of McDonough.

In Gaines, N.Y. [Orleans Co.], March 16th, by Rev. G.C. Walker, Mr. Daniel L. Raymond of McDonough [Chenango Co. NY] to Emma J. Vosburgh formerly of Pitcher [Chenango Co. NY].

At the home of the bride's parents, March 11th by Rev. A.C. Smith, Mr. William T. Hall and Miss Ella L. Tice both of German [Chenango Co. NY].

At the residence of the bride's sister, in New York City, March 24th, by Rev. S.T. Ford of this place, assisted by Rev. William N. Richie, Prof. W.R. Rowlands, Principal of the Union School, at Hamilton, N.Y. [Madison Co.] to Miss Agnes Grant of this village [Greene, Chenango Co. NY].

On February 19, 1879, in Greene, Chenango County [NY], three sisters took upon themselves the bonds of wedlock at the same time.  They were the Misses Jennie L., Flora F., and Mary H. Grant and they were married respectively to the Rev. William N. Richie, pastor of the Forty-fourth St. Presbyterian Church of this city [NYC]; H.H. Scott, an Eighth Avenue shoe dealer, and Rev. Smith T. Ford pastor of the Baptist Church at Greene [Chenango Co. NY].  The story of the wedding and the merry making at Greene was published in the World at the time.  Miss Agnes Grant, the only remaining unmarried sister, was left at the old homestead.  On Wednesday evening last she was married to Professor W..R. Rowlands, Principal of the Union School at Hamilton, N.Y. [Madison Co.]. The ceremony took place at the residence of the Rev. Mr. Richie, No. 442 West Forty-fourth street and the services were read by the Rev. Mr. Ford, assisted by Mr. Richie.  The ushers were Messrs. J.H. Allen, George H. Rowe, Charles F. Searles and Richard Morton.  There were no bridesmaids. The bride's dress was made of brocaded satin and gros grain silk, light ashes of roses color, trimmed with duchesse lace. She wore a wreath of orange blossoms and diamond ornaments. After the ceremony there was a collation and dancing and at 11 o'clock the bride and groom left for Philadelphia. The three brides of last year in their bridal dresses and with their husbands were present.  N.Y. World, March 27.

Deaths

In Oxford [Chenango Co. NY] March 22d, Mr. Hiram E. Lewis aged 42 years.

In Oxford [Chenango Co. NY] March 27th, Mr. Henry Loomis aged 69 years.

In Coventry [Chenango Co. NY] March 27th, Mr. Abel Doolittle aged 54 years.

In Preston [Chenango Co. NY] March 21st, Mr. michael Daniels aged 65 years.

Suddenly, in Norwich [Chenango Co. NY] March 26th, Hannah M. [Little] wife of B.F. Little, aged 50 years.

In McDonough [Chenango Co. NY] March 24th, Mr. Ephraim T. Wells aged 75 years. 

Abel R.  Corbin, General Grant's brother-in-law, died at Jersey City [NJ], Sunday, aged 71.  He was born in Otsego County [NY], but the family subsequently moved to the town of McDonough in this county [Chenango Co. NY].  He has a brother now residing in Oxford [Chenango Co. NY]. The deceased, says the Utica Herald, spent a large part of his life in the west where he was married.  He founded what is now the St. louis Globe-Democrat.  Outside of the field of journalism, he was very successful and accumulated a large property.  He will be buried in the family lot at McDonough.

News Item

The Sherburne Poisoning Case

The following report of the inquest in the Spencer case in taken from the Binghamton Republican of Saturday, being written by Mr. G.E. Tarbell of this village [Greene, Chenango Co. NY], who was foreman of the jury.  It will be read with interest and is probably as correct, or more so than anything we could furnish, Mr. Tarbell taking all the evidence in the case and knowing all the facts in general:

On Monday, December 15th, 1879, John B. Spencer a resident of Sherburne [Chenango Co. NY] came to his death after an illness of only twenty-eight hours under circumstances that were very peculiar and very similar to those in cases of poisoning by arsenic.  He was at that time living with Lydia Scott, alias Lydia Root, and had been the most of the time for four or five years.

Mrs. Lodema Spencer, of this village, the divorced wife of the deceased, Mrs. Bixby, a sister of Mrs. Spencer, and Eugene Spencer, his son, were notified by friends of theirs in Sherburne of Mr. Spencer's death and went to Sherburne on the following day to attend the funeral.  Mrs. Spencer then believed that there had been foul play and desired a postmortem examination of the body and wished to bring the body to Greene for interment, to all of which Mrs. Scott objected very emphatically and declared at first that Mrs. Spencer should not be present at the funeral but finally allowed her to go to the house. The body was then buried in Sherburne, and remained there until about two weeks ago, when the same three persons caused it to be exhumed and brought to this village.  Coroner George W. Avery, of Norwich, was notified and came here on Monday, the 15th inst. to hold an inquest over the body. The following jury were summoned: G.E. Tarbell, Henry D. Race, B.B. Read, A.G. Rose, John Moncrief, Jr., Nathan Smith, Calvin Hotchkiss, L.E. Chase, A.W. Taft, James Shoals, Richard Ten Broeck and Frank Trowbridge.  Some evidence was taken that afternoon relative to the identity of the body. The body was viewed by the jury and an autopsy made by the Coroner and Dr. J.E. Bartoo. The inquest was then adjourned until Friday, the 19th inst., when about a dozen witnesses from Sherburne, and several from this town were sworn. The evidence was principally relative to the manner in which Spencer and Mrs. Scott had lived together, the threats made by her and the manner in which Spencer died. The testimony showed that Spencer had left Mrs. Scott once about two years ago and said that he did not dare live with her any longer, as he was afraid that she would  poison him; that they had always lived unpleasantly together, and that she had repeatedly threatened his life by shooting and poisoning. The testimony of the witnesses also established that Mrs. Scott is a woman with a very low character and terrible temper.

The inquest was again adjourned until 1 o'clock today. A portion of the liver of the deceased was given to Dr. G.O. Williams of this place to be analyzed and the heart, stomach, remainder of the liver and some of the muscles of the thigh were taken to Dr. Jacob S. Mosher, a practicing physician and analytical chemist of Albany, by Coroner Avery to get an analysis of the same.

Dr. Williams was sworn today before the jury and testified that in the analysis made by him of the liver, arsenic was found, and the following affidavit made by Dr. Mosher was read to the jury and offered in evidence:

"Albany City and County as: I, Jacob S. Mosher, of the city of Albany, practicing physician and analytical chemist have examined the stomach and viscera of John B. Spencer, furnished me by Dr. George W. Avery, Coroner and find arsenic contained therein.  Jacob S. Mosher.  Sworn to before me this 24th day of March 1880, Joseph W. Russell, Notary Public"

The evidence was then closed and after a few moments deliberation the following verdict was rendered by the jury:

John B. Spencer came to his death on the morning of the 15th of December last, in the town of Sherburne, County of Chenango, and State of New York, by arsenical poison, and in the opinion of this jury the said poison was administered to him by Lydia Scott, alias Root, who was then living with him and in no other way.

Mrs. Scott is confined in Chenango County jail and will have to remain there to await the action of the grand jury.

Vital Records, Madison County, NY (1867)

 Oneida Dispatch, Oneida, NY, March 2, 1867

Marriages

PROSSER-CRAYTOR:  In Bolivar [Allegany Co. NY], Feb. 19, by Rev. F. W. Tooke, Mr. Charles N. Prosser to Miss Kittie C. Craytor, both of Sullivan [Madison Co. NY].

CRAYTON - JONES:  In Bolivar [Allegany Co. NY] Feb. 20, by the same, Mr. Edward H. Crayton to Miss Emma J. Jones, both of Sullivan [Madison Co. NY].

 UTTER - CARD:  In Otselic [Chenango Co. NY] by Rev. R.O. Beebe, Mr. William O. Utter of Georgetown [Madison Co. NY] to Miss Lettie I. Card of Otselic, Chenango Co.

HUNTINGTON - CAMPBELL:  In San Francisco, Cal. Dec. 25, by Rev. Dr. Scudder, Mr. Harvey S. Huntington to Miss Eusebia N. Campbell, daughter of H.A. Campbell, Esq. of Earlville, Madison Co., N.Y.

DAGUE - REDFIELD:  In Vinton, Iowa, Jan. 29 by Rev. S.C. Freer, Capt. J.B. Dague of Columbus, Ohio, (late Lieut. Commander, U.S.N.), to Miss Rosa Redfield daughter of S.D. Redfield, formerly of Cazenovia [Madison Co. NY].

Bridgeport, Madison Co. NY:  On the 126th inst. Mr. S. Allen, merchant of Bridgeport, was married to a lady residing in the town of Constantia [OSwego Co. NY] where they have gone on a bridal tour and from there, we learn they will go to Niagara Falls to spend a week or two before returning home.

Deaths

BROOKS:  In Verona [Oneida Co. NY] Feb. 25, Hezekiah Brooks aged 66 years.

BUYEA:  In Bennett's Corners [Madison Co. NY], Feb. 23, of heart disease, Mary [Buyea] wife of Moses Buyea, aged 51 years.

SMITH:  In Lenox [Madison Co. NY] Feb. 21, William A. Smith aged 24 years and 11 months.

MORSOPN:  In Georgetown [Madison Co. NY] Feb. 18, Mrs. Morson, mother of Reuben Morson, aged 81 years.

LOVETTE:  In Canastota [Madison Co. NY], Feb. 20 at the residence of J. F. Tansing(?), her father, Mrs. Sophia Lovette.

BROOKS:  We learn, by the way of a subscriber, at Pitcher, Chenango County [NY] that on Saturday evening, the16th ult., a young girl by the name of Kate Brooks, who had been at work in the tavern at Pitcher for several months, was so badly burned by fire from a kerosene lamp that she died the following day.  She was doing some light work by a stand, and leaning back so far that she caught the stand cloth to same herself from falling.  This brought the lamp down upon her chest, which immediately enveloped her in flames.  In this state she dashed into the barroom, where the fire was smothered and extinguished, but not till she was burned so badly as to cause her death as above stated.

WILSON: A man by the name of Elias Wilson was found dead on the north shore of Oneida Lake , at North Bay [Oneida Co. NY], on the 20th ult., under the following circumstances:  The unfortunate man had been working at the glass works at Dunbarton and started on the stormy Tuesday, January 29th to go to Cleveland, Oswego County [NY] at -?- where he had a family.  In traveling through the deep snow and severe storm he became exhausted and froze when within a few rods of the village of North Bay.  He had traveled about eleven miles, his family hearing of his departure from Dunbarton and not arriving at home when expected, they became alarmed about him, and, on making a search, his body was found that morning as above stated.  There was $25 found in his pocket, all the money had had when he left Dunbarton.  A coroner's inquest was held by James Rae, a Justice of the Peace of the town of Vienna, and the verdict of the jury was accorded to the facts above stated.