Good Old times, by Effie Johnson (1868)

 Telegraph & Chronicle, Norwich, NY, April 8, 1868

Good Old Times

by Effie Johnson

About the time - we have not the exact date - that the south part of Guilford was thus being settled, the valley of the Unadilla River, which forms its eastern boundary began to attract attention.  People in general were shy of the valley with its enormous pines, its low flat lands, and its river, which during the Spring freshets overflowed its banks even worse than it now does, and therefore purchased farms at a safe distance back upon the hills.  Mr. L. Cornell, of Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], and Mr. Pettengill of Butternuts [Otsego Co. NY], were of this number.  Mr. Ezekiel Wheeler purchased a farm directly upon the river and built a large house, famous in the days of our grandfathers for its honey parties.  Emboldened perhaps by his example, or about this time, we hear the names of Hayes, Richmond, Winsor, Chamberlain and Smith, mingled with the stories of "good old times." A log tavern kept by Mr. Smith was the forerunner of the present old Latham stand [in 1868]. A log schoolhouse across the street was the first schoolhouse in the town. Religious services were often held here, so this may be considered the first nucleus of a church, in a town which now contains 14 church edifices in most of which weekly services are held. 

We must believe that the young people of those days were rather gay by their own showing, for we hear of the merry husking bees and quiltings and dancing parties held in the old Richmond house which contained the only dancing hall for miles around. They tell us of the rare old current wine, which never maddened people as the poisoned liquors of today do; of the famous mince pies made of the great yellow apples which grew in the corn field, yet so skillfully seasoned that the good old Connecticut settler smacked their lips rejoicing that they were once more permitted to taste the old fashioned apple mince pie.  It seems strange to us, to think of the dear old silver haired people so serene and good and maybe a very little intolerant of youthful follies to think of these same old people, skipping around in the very lively dances of those days, cutting the pigeon wing, dancing the Virginia reel, the country dance, &c, &c.  Well, it must be that wisdom comes with riper years.  

Rafting in those days was an exciting employment.  Thousands of feet of the grand old pine lumber which this section of country produced, were lashed together into enormous rafts, a cabin well stocked with provisions, was built and then when the river was very high, during the spring freshets, these rafts were started for Baltimore, each raft carrying men enough to manage it.  It was rapid riding enough, even if steamboats were unknown.  

Norwich was not much like the wide-awake thriving village it is now [in 1868]. A small "settlement" consisting of a few houses was all of Norwich and the "highway" between the valleys of the Chenango and Unadilla, was only a bridle path. The same mode of communication existed between Norwich and New Berlin.  People might ride on horseback or walk, as best suited their inclination.  Ladies might be permitted to ride behind their liege lords upon the same horse if they chose to, or they might ride alone. 

A lady belonging to one of the families whose names I have mentioned, started on horseback, in company with a lady friend to visit an acquaintance who lived some five or six miles distant. They were rather late on their return, and the shadows of the old forest were pretty dim long before they had reached the clearing in which their house was situated.  Mrs. R. became conscious that they were pursued and the stealthy pattering of the footfalls which now and then reached her ear, she knew too well. She was aware also of the excessive timidity of her companion and knew if she should tell her a wolf was following them, she would perhaps faint and fall from her horse, thus rendering her doom certain.  So, laughing gaily and speaking very loud, she challenged her for a race, and no one would have imagined from the manner of the gay laughing girl, that her heart was quaking with mortal fear.  It was only after they had reached the clearing around their home, and she turned and pointed to the dim figure of a hugh black wolf, who, with fiery eyes stood watching them just within the wood, that her friend knew of the fearful peril they had escaped.

"I had a little adventure which I did not care to have repeated," said old Mr. R., whose reminiscences of the olden time had beguiled many a weary hour.  "Do let us hear it," said his auditors, for Grandpa R's stories were always worth the hearing.  "I was a young man in those days and my chief and almost my only possessions consisted in a fine young horse, which I was riding across the hills from Norwich to New Berlin. It was late and I hurried on fearing the night would overtake me, and a knew that to pick my way down the hillside in the narrow path I was riding would be almost an impossibility.  My fears were realized.  Night came on dark enough while I was yet far from any dwelling.  What could I do?  Wild beasts were plenty; even now I could hear the distant howl of the wolf and without a light, with no means to build a fire to frighten them away, camping out was not to be thought of.

So, I gave my horse his head, and for a while he carried me on safely.  When just as I began to hope, his feet went from under him, and I found, on trying to get him up, that he had slipped partly under a large log, which I could not move anymore than I could the mountain.  Poor fellow, he tried hard to get on his feet again, but it was of no avail.  I began to fear he was fatally injured.  I had not much faith but thought I would try the power of my lungs, as it was my only resort.  How long I had halloed, I cannot tell, but it seemed a long time, when I fancied I heard an answering shout.  Then I shouted with redoubled energy and heard an answering halloa.

Soon after, a light appeared in the distance and help, yes, surely was coming, two strong men with a lantern, who helped me get up my horse, which was unhurt and took us to their hospitable home.  It certainly seemed like a providence that this man whose home was almost a mile away, should open the door of his house and stand awhile looking out before retiring for the night, which he was about to do, and it seems providential too, that he should have heard my voice which was not the loudest (though I did do my best) calling for help just at that moment.  Altogether, I felt very grateful and happy.  Grateful to my heavenly Father as well as to my earthly friends, as I laid my head upon a soft pillow, instead of the frozen ground and enjoyed one of the best night's rest of my life."

Vital Records, Chenango County, NY (1880)

 Sherburne News, Sherburne, NY, January 10, 1880

Marriages

BUCHANAN - GILADETT:  At the M.E. Parsonage, Nov. 22, 1879, by Rev. O.H. McAnuity, Mr. Charles Buchanan and Miss Emma A. Giladett.

O'BRIEN - BULGER:  At St. Malachi Church in this village [Sherburne, Chenango Co. NY] on the 6th inst. by Rev. Father Ludden, Mr. Michael O'Brien and Miss Bridget Bulger, both of Hamilton [Madison Co. NY].

O'BRIEN - GANLEY: In Hamilton [Madison Co. NY] on the 7th inst. by Rev. Father Ludden, Mr. Michael O'Brien and Miss Mary Ganley, both of Sherburne [Chenango Co. NY].

Last evening the spacious farmhouse of Mr. and Mrs. Leroy S. Wilcox above Ridge Mills, was filled with people who had gladly come together in response to an invitation to join in celebrating the fifteenth wedding anniversary of Mr. and Mrs. W.  The occasion proved a very pleasant one for all present, and their number was, not exactly legion, but over two hundred.  As the guests entered, they were heartily received, and in evergreen letters, suspended from an arch, they were bid a "welcome" that was mute, but as full of meaning as if it had been a thousand times orally repeated.  The company included, besides neighbors, a large number of persons from the city and the surrounding country.  Among those present were Mr. and Mrs. E.W. Walker, of Sherburne, parents of Mrs. Wilcox.  They were accompanied by sixteen others from Chenango County [NY]. Camden was also largely represented.  In social converse, at the festal board, and with vocal and instrumental music the time was passed in pleasure until the smaller hand of the clock began the approach to the smaller figures on the dial.  A sumptuous feast was spread, under the experienced leadership of Mrs. D. Wallace. The tables accommodating sixty at each sitting, were filled a third and partly a fourth time.  The bride and groom of fifteen years were made the recipients of numerous valuable presents, including an elegant set of parlor furniture, a China tea service, articles of silver ware, etc.  Thus was friendship affirmed on both sides, and all were glad of it.  the good wishes of their many friends will always be with Mr. and Mrs. Wilcox, not simply by a large majority, but by a unanimous vote.  Rome Sentinel Jan. 6.

Death

WILLIAMS:  In this town [Sherburne, Chenango Co. NY] January 3, 1880, Mr. Oscar Williams, aged 54 years.

The decease of Mr. Oscar Williams which we are compelled to record this week leaves a vacuum in our community that cannot be easily supplied.  Mr. Williams was an honest, industrious and intelligent farmer, a good citizen and kind and obliging neighbor.  He had filled several offices of public trust with satisfaction to his constituents and credit to himself.  He had been in poor health for some months but was thought to be recovering, when seized by a second attack about a week preceding his death which suddenly terminated his earthly existence.  He leaves a widow and two daughters (the eldest Mrs. Walter Pudney) who have the earnest sympathy of a large circle of friends in their bereavement.  His funeral was held at his late residence on Tuesday, Rev. Mr. Ballou conducting the services and the large concourse of friends who attended and followed the remains to their last resting place attested the esteem in which the deceased was held.

Chenango American, Greene, NY, May 20, 1880

Marriages

In Norwich [Chenango Co. NY], May 16th, by Rev. C.E. Brockway, Linn L. Biggs and Carrie May Watts of Norwich.

On Thursday evening of the Free Methodist, General Quarterly Meeting at Smyrna [Chenango Co. NY] May 13-16, by Chairman Moses N. Dunning of Rome, Mr. O.A. Pratt of Smithville [Chenango Co. NY] and Miss Emily G. Stearns of Plymouth [Chenango Co. NY].

In East Pharsalia [Chenango Co. NY] May 16th by Rev. A.B. Jones, Jesse E. Trumtic of Norwich [Chenango Co. NY] and Flora M. Wright of Pharsalia.

Deaths

In this town (Page Brook) [Greene, Chenango Co. NY] May 7th Mrs. Esther Scott mother of Mrs. john Wilson, aged 73 years.

In Kansas May 8th, Mrs. Antoinette [Beardsley] wife of Bronson Beardsley, formerly of Coventry [Chenango Co. NY] aged about 65 years.

In Norwich [Chenango Co. NY] May 10th after a lingering illness, Sarah M. [Sinclair], wife of James H. Sinclair, in the 55th year of her age.

Mrs. James H. Sinclair, the wife of the associate editor of the Chenango Union, died in Norwich on Monday of last week.  Mrs. Sinclair was a noble woman and highly respected and very much beloved by a large circle of personal friends.  We extend to Mr. Sinclair, the bereaved husband, our heartfelt sympathy in this hour of deep affliction.

In Norwich [Chenango Co. NY] May 10th, Mary O. [Clary] wife of Michael Clary, aged 70 years.

In Norwich [Chenango Co. NY] May 8th, Marcie E. [Wilson] daughter of William and Ann Wilson, aged 3years, 8 months and 10 days.

In Norwich [Chenango Co. NY] Cynthia L. [Bushley]\ daughter of Norman and Thankful Bushley, aged 19 years.

In Preston [Chenango Co. NY] May 6th, Mary L. [Brewer] wife of Byron Brewer, aged 20 years.

In McDonough [Chenango Co. NY] May 4th, of cancer, Mrs. Celinda Rogers, widow of the late Dea. Sanford P. Rogers of Lincklaen [Chenango Co. NY] aged 65 years.

In Smithville Flats [Chenango Co. NY] Saturday May 3d, Mrs. Malinda Partridge aged 66 years.

Deceased was born in the town of Triangle [Broome Co. NY] in the year 1814 and passed her entire life in this vicinity.  In the year 1838 she was married to the late Avery B. Partridge, formerly from Connecticut and since that time she was for the most part a resident of this village.  She was a person of excellent character in all the relations of life, respected by her friends and neighbors and now leaves a good reputation behind her to testify to her worth.  One son, Mr. Ell T. Partridge of this place, survives to mourn her loss.

Vital Records, Chenango (1847), Cortland (1849) Counties, NY

 Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, September 1, 1847

Deaths

In Plymouth [Chenango Co. NY] on Friday last, George Oliver [Bement] aged three years, and Charlotte [Bement] aged one year, children of Mr. George Bement.

The Springfield Republican reports that Charles O'Brien, an assistant Conductor on the Western railroad, fell between the cars while the train was in motion near Palmer [Saratoga Co NY], and one of his legs was severed from his body near the hip.  He was conveyed to Springfield [Otsego Co. NY] and his wound was dressed int he hope that his life would be preserved.

Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, September 15, 1847

Marriage

In Smyrna [Chenango Co. NY] on the 7th inst., Mr. Asa M. Wilber, to Miss Mary R. [Dimmick] daughter of Eber Dimmick, Esq. all of Smyrna.

Deaths

In Sempronius, Cayuga County [NY] on Wednesday morning, the 8th inst., Mrs. Eliza K. [Robbins] wife of J.W. Robbins, M.D. and daughter of B.B. Kingsley of Triangle, Broome co. [NY] formerly of Cincinnatus, Cortland co. [NY].

In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY] on the 7th inst. after an illness of 22 days, Henry M. [Hurlbut] eldest son of Dr. H. Hurlbut, aged 14 years.

Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, September 22, 1847

Marriages

On Monday, 20th inst. by Rev. C.P. Jennings, Mr. William Eaton to Miss Amarinthe E.T. Carr all of this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY].

At Geneva, W.T. by the Rev. Mr. Henson, Mr. Sidney Buell formerly of Plymouth [Chenango Co. NY] to Miss Mary L. Maynard of the former place.

Deaths

In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY] on the 6th inst. Mrs. Anna Wagner wife of Fredrick Wagner, in the 70th year of her age.  Mrs. W. had for many years been a communicant of the Presbyterian Church and died in the triumphant hope of a glorious immortality.

In this town [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY] on the 11th inst. Lucinda M. Holmes of Moscow, Genesee Co. [NY] aged 21 years.

Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, September 29, 1847

Marriage

On the 23d inst. by Rev. J.S. Mitchell, Mr. James Mahan of Pine Grove, Warren Co., Pa., to Miss Catharine Brooks of Guilford [Chenango Co, NY].

Death

On the 6th inst. at his residence in Cambridge City, Ia., Leander Hurd formerly of this place [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], aged 25 years.

McGrawville Express, McGrawville, NY, September 6, 1849

Marriage

In McGrawville [Cortland Co. NY] on the 1st inst. Mr. William R. Stephens to Miss Dorcas E. Seacord, both of Solon [Cortland Co. NY].

McGrawville Express, McGrawville, NY, September 13, 1849

Deaths

In Cortlandville [Cortland Co NY] on the 11th inst., Mrs. Rebecca Case aged 64 years.

In Cortlandville [Cortland Co. NY] on the 12th inst., Mrs. Lucy Gilbert, aged 85 years,

McGrawville Express, McGrawville, NY, September 27, 1849

Marriages

In McGrawville [Cortland Co. NY] by Rev. E.S. Bush, on the 19th inst. Mr. Lafayette Tripp of Floyd, [Oneida Co NY] and Miss Orrilla Rowe daughter of Mr. Rufus Rowe of the former place.

In Homer [Cortland Co. NY] on the 23d inst. by Rev. Hezekiah Harvey, Mr. Olive Root of Toledo, Ohio, and Miss Mary Roberts of the former place.

Civil War Letter, Benjamin B. Comstock, February 1862

 Oneonta Herald, Oneonta, NY, February 19, 1862

Civil War Letter, Benjamin B. Comstock, 12th Wisconsin Infantry

Weston, Mo., Feb. 6, 1862

Editor Herald:  The preparations for the Lane expedition are progressing slowly.  Difficulties and delay have thus far marked its progress and no doubt will continue to do so.  Among those difficulties are the lack of means of transportation, the unfavorable weather and those nameless hindrances which have been laid in the way of those who have went to war in earnest, from the first.

The 12th Wisconsin Regiment, to which I am attached, reached Weston, opposite Fort Leavenworth, on the 16th of January.  We were the advance guard of the "grand army" about to be raised.  Our little excursion from Camp Randall to the Missouri River was rather more marked than such trips usually are. We expected to cross the Missouri at Quincy Ill., and take the cars for St. Joseph, but when we reached Quincy, we learned that the railroad bridges, burned between that town and Palmyra had not been fully repaired and we were obliged to march to Hannibal, a distance to twenty-two miles. We made the distance in six hours, but when we reached the banks of the river opposite Hannibal, our hearts failed us when we saw the ferry boat frozen in on the opposite side and between us and the anchor, ice which was piled around it ran three currents and hundred rods in width. For twenty-four hours we remained there without shelter and almost without food, in the piercing wind, with the thermometer fifteen degrees below zero, and just before us lay Hannibal with food, warmth and shelter, and we looked up on it with more wishful eyes, than the poet on the stormy banks of Jordan ever cast to the happy fields beyond.

We passed over the Hannibal and St. Joseph railroad in cattle cars; the rolling stock of the road having been mostly destroyed by rebels.  The weather still continued intensely cold and the men suffered beyond description, and if it attempted to recall a day and night of pure misery, I would single out of my experience that passage across the State of Missouri, pent up in narrow, dark cages, every ray of light excluded, without fire and no food except half a dozen crackers per man.

Our journey was not without its incidents.  We would sometimes peep out and catch a glimpse of a beautiful country, enriched with everything that Heaven could bestow on it, but desolated by the madness of man.  Troops were quartered at all the stations along the road, who gave us accounts of their scouts and skirmishes and of the Battle of Silver Creek, in which some of them had just been engaged.  Almost every mile of the road had its story.  Here a train had been fired into, and there a bridge burned.  In one place a station house and rolling stock had been destroyed, in another the track torn up and in yet another, a train with its living freight had been precipitated through a broken bridge.  Once we saw a dozen men attempting to tear up the track, but they were too late.  We were close upon them and they fled.

When we reached this place, we found that no quarters had been provided for us at the Fort, so we were quartered in the various churches in the place. We found here the 18th Wisconsin, Col. Morgan.  Their sole business seems to be, nabbing jayhawkers and runaway negroes, and swearing in rebels.  The negroes are far from being loyal to their masters.  They accuse them of being rebels and run off by dozens and scores when an opportunity is offered.  I asked a squad of fine-looking fellows the other day why they did not run away?  and they answered, "We'd go dreffle quick, massa, if it was'nt for the women and children. We hate to leave em, though dey're not ours either."  Not ours either!  What a commentary on Southern rights!

Since we come, the 9th and 13th Wisconsin, 2d Ohio Cavalry and 1st Kansas regiments have followed.  Jim Lane too has been here and seemed in high spirits and said he would have work for us soon.  The next day we received General Hunter's orders saying he should take command in person, unless expressly ordered to do otherwise; that the expedition would start without tents or baggage; That he had applied for six brigades to accompany him, and that the troops must hold themselves in readiness at an hour's notice.  An expedition begun under such auspices could not fail to be more injurious to us than to the rebels.  It would be simply murderous. A soldier must submit to the powers that be, and if from fear that someone will be hurt or a negro turned loose, Hunter takes command, we have nothing to say, but to march forth at this season of the year without tents or transportation is another thing.

I have seen several of the Kansas 1st today. they have seen service that puts to shame all that I had yet seen or heard of soldiering.  The Kansas 5th and 6th are ordered to be ready to join our expedition at Fort Scott.  The 4th Iowa Cavalry are on their way here across the country.  Heavy Artillery and ordnance stores are soon arriving.  Something may be done yet and somebody may possibly get hurt.

Yours, B.D. Comstock

Vital Records, Broome (1838), Otsego (1862) Counties, NY

 Broome Republican, Binghamton, NY, July 5, 1838

Death

William Butler a soldier of the Revolution, died at Philadelphia a few days since, aged 108 years. [d. May 26, 1838]

Public Ledger, Philadelphia, PA, May 29, 1838:  Mr. William Butler, "the oldest inhabitant of Philadelphia," closed his mortal career on Saturday last at the great age of 108 years.  He continued to walk about the streets till very lately before his decease.  Born in 1730, he had witnessed the progress of Pennsylvania from only 46 years after its foundation by the immortal Penn, to its present condition as a powerful and flourishing commonwealth.  He was a soldier in the Revolution and had therefore lived long enough to behold a mighty nation, with brighter prospects than those of any other, rise from a few feeble colonies, contending for the great principles of civil liberty, with what was then the most powerful nation in the world.  We have not learned that he was a soldier in the "Old French war," as it is commonly called, but we suppose that he was, he being 26 years of age at the commence of that contest in 1756.  Our readers will remember that this contest, which terminated in 1763, left Great Britain mistress of the ocean and the most powerful nation in Europe; that in this very contest the thirteen colonies, with that liberality, that devotion which had always characterized their movements in support of the miscalled mother county, had incurred a very heavy debt and sacrificed thousands of valuable lives in aiding this mother country to subdue the French colonies in North America and that our revolutionary contest began while the thirteen colonies were thus enfeebled and their enemy thus triumphant and powerful.  All this had been witnessed by Mr. Butler, and we may truly say that very few men in any age had seen so much.

Broome Republican, Binghamton, NY, July 10, 1838

Marriages

At Owego [Tioga Co. NY] on the 10th inst. by the Rev. Mr. Ford, Stephen Strong Esq. to Mrs. Abigail Camp.

In the town of Vestal [Broome Co. NY] on the 3d instant, by the Rev. Mr. Rowland, Mr. William Mersereau of Union [Broome Co. NY] to Miss Harriet E. [Dunbar] daughter of John Dunbar, Esq. of the former place.

Broome Republican, Binghamton, NY, July 26, 1838

Marriage

On the 17th inst. by the Rev. Solon Stocking, Mr. Alvin Burt of Macomb County, Michigan, to Miss Harriet Amsbry of this town [Binghamton, Broome Co. NY].

Death

Mr. Daniel Wood of Pompey [Onondaga Co. NY] while on his way home on Saturday last in a wagon in company with his wife, suddenly fell out and expired, it is supposed, in an apoplectic fit.  He was about 50 years of age.  A curious circumstance is mentioned in connection with the death of Mr. W. which bears upon the marvelous.  It is that about 20 years since, Mr. W's father, while riding home on horseback suddenly fell from his horse, dead, not more than three rods from the same spot.  Syracuse Whig

Oneonta Herald, Oneonta, NY, February 5, 1862

Marriage

In Otego [Otsego Co. NY] on the 29th inst. at the house of the bride's father, by Rev. E.C. Hodge, Mr. David H. Washbon of West Laurens [Otsego Co. NY] to Miss Ellen A. Weatherly of Otego

Oneonta Herald, Oneonta, NY, February 12, 1862

Marriage

On Oneonta [Otsego Co. NY] Feb. 5th, by Rev. E.C. Hodge, Mr. John Douglas to Miss Sarah Ann Coe both of East Meredith [Delaware Co NY].

Deaths

In this town [Oneonta, Otsego Co. NY] on the 7th inst. of diptheria, Malissa [Houghtaling] daughter of Elias and Mary Ann Houghtaling aged 12 years.

__________________________

Headquarters 6th Div. N.Y.S.M., Oneonta, February 5th, 1862, To the Officers of the 5th Division:  Gentlemen:  It is with the most painful emotions that I am compelled to announce to you the death of one of our most esteemed and accomplished officers. Col. A.F. Ingold, late Division inspector is no more.  He died at his residence in the city of Brooklyn [NY] on Sunday morning the 2d inst., aged 24 years and 8 months.

He endured his long and painful sickness for years with Christian resignation.  For a young man, he had seen much of life in its various forms.  By birth a Frenchman, by education an American.  Inheriting the patriotism of the French, he became warmly and ardently attached to our institutions.  He had not only seen service in the National Guards of New York, but in the French Army.  His exemplary habits, his respect for his superior officers, his kindness to his subordinates, rendered him esteemed and beloved by all.  His last military labors (when nearly worn out by disease) were for the restoration of the Union, and his devotion to the Stars and Stripes was unbounded.

His last visit to my quarters in November last, will never be forgotten by me while life lasts.  In behalf of the Division, I acknowledge the obligations we are under to Maj. S.A. Caryl, Aid de Camp, for his kind attentions to Col. Ingold, and to the Military escort that paid the last tribute of respect to his remains.

As a token of respect and the respect we owe to his memory and to his friends, it is hereby ordered that the officers of the Ddivision wear the usual badge of mourning for thirty days after the receipt of this order.  Maj. S.A. Caryl will present a copy of the above order to the widow and friends of the deceased.

Maj. D.M. Miller will promulgate this order to the officers of the Division.

By order of Maj Gen S.S. Burnside, Com the 5th Div N.Y.S.M.; Maj W.H Bunn, Aid De Camp

Oneonta Herald, Oneonta, NY, February 19, 1862

Death

In Oneonta [Otsego Co. NY] Feb. 12th, Mrs. Ann Barret aged 85 years.

Vital Records, Madison (1854), Chenango (1880) Counties, NY

 Cazenovia Republican, Cazenovia, NY, September 6, 1854

Deaths

The express train which arrived in this city [Syracuse, Onondaga Co. NY] at 4 P.M. yesterday, when at Canastota [Madison Co. NY], halted for a moment.  Two ladies, who it is supposed did not hear the station announced, remained in their seats until the train was just about starting when they made inquiry as to what station it was, and being informed, they started to get off, but not until the train was under slow headway.  Just at this time, the express train for Albany, which leaves this city at one P.M. was passing under full headway.  The ladies jumped from the car, not hearing the train and landed upon the track over which the train for the east was furiously passing and were caught by the cow catcher and torn almost to atoms.  No blame is attached to the conductor or anyone connected with the road.  The names of the ladies were Mrs. Rachel Keller and Mrs. Sally Dickinson, mother and daughter.  They both have husbands living.  The place of their residence was about two miles from Little Falls [Herkimer Co. NY], so they took the train from that place.  Syracuse Journal

An accident occurred near Tully [Onondaga Co. NY] on the Syracuse and Binghamton Railroad on Monday evening owing to some rails being thrown across the road, whereby seven cars were thrown off the track.  A German by the name of John Seymour was severely injured and died from the effects of his wounds in a short time.  Syracuse Journal.

Cazenovia Republican, Cazenovia, NY, September 13, 1854

Marriage

In this village [Cazenovia, Madison Co., NY] on the 10th inst. by the Rev. A.P. Smith at the house of W.H Warner, Mr. Frank Potter to Miss Eliza Washburn, both of Manlius [Onondaga Co NY].

Deaths

In Oran [Onondaga Co. NY], on Thursday, the 7thg inst., Hon. Daniel Dennison, aged 67 years.

The following we find in the Ohio State Journal.  Mr. Hall, formerly resided in Fenner, in this county [Madison Co. NY] and is undoubtedly remembered by many in this vicinity: "Mr. Charles Hall of this city and conductor of the freight train on the Xenia Road, was instantly killed at the bridge across Little Darby on Saturday afternoon, the 2d instant.  The back of his head came in contact with the beams, and he was precipitated from the cars into the water.  The train was instantly stopped, but when reached, he was dead.  Mr. Hall is a son of Mrs. Hall of the firm of Shaply & Hall of this city and was a young man of good character and much energy and promise.  He leaves a young wife to mourn his premature death."

Cazenovia Republican, Cazenovia, NY, September 20, 1854

Marriage

In Susquehanna Depot [PA], on the 9th inst. by the Rev. Mr. Allen, Mr. John Hall of Virginia, to Miss Joanna Pyne of Cazenovia [Madison Co. NY].

Deaths

At the residence of her son, Lewis Rayner, Esq., of this town [Cazenovia, Madison Co., NY] on the 13th inst., Mrs. Raynor at the advanced age of 92 years.  [Phebe Raynor, wife of James Raynor]

Dr. J. Knight of Sauquoit, Oneida County [NY] had just returned from a public meeting on Monday evening, when he was stricken down by paralysis and died before midnight.  He was highly respected and his sudden death is sincerely mourned.

Cazenovia Republican, Cazenovia, NY, September 27, 1854

Deaths

In this village [Cazenovia, Madison Co. NY] on the 24th inst. Mr. John Lockman aged 60 years.

In Morrisville [Madison Co. NY] Sept. 11th, Mrs. E. [Lewis] wife of Hiram Lewis, Esq. aged 29 years. [Emeline Johnstone Lewis, 1825-1854]

Bainbridge Republican, Bainbridge, NY, January 23, 1880

Marriages

KEELER - PORTER: At the home of W. Hazen, Esq. by the Rev. W. Burnside, Mr. Charles J. Keeler to Miss Henrietta F. Porter both of Coventry, N.Y. [Chenango Co.]

PALEN - COLE:  At the Coles Hill, Broome County [NY], Wednesday, January 14th by the Rev. A.W. Cornell, James F. Palen of Tioga County, Pa, and Miss Sarah K. Cole of Colesville [Broome Co. NY].

Deaths

Afton, Chenango Co. NY:  Last Wednesday evening, death entered the household at the M.E. parsonage and removed little Anna Hawley, a child two years of age from the family aisle.  The funeral services took place at the parsonage on Friday at 11 o'clock a.m., Rev. Mr. Ryder of Bainbridge officiating.  The remains were afterwards taken to Brooklyn for burial.

Harpersville, Broome Co NY:  Mr. McCullough and lady have been afflicted by the loss of their youngest child, an infant.

Miss Peckham, an aged maiden lady, living below Centre Village [Broome Co. NY], was found dead in her bed last Saturday morning.

Coventry, Chenango Co. NY:  Mrs. Rachel McAdams was buried on Tuesday, this week.

 T.M. Williams' mother of Brookfield [Madison Co. NY] was buried on Monday of this week. [Kezia G. Williams, d. 17 Jan. 1880, aged 72y, buried Brookfield Rural Cemetery]

Nineveh, Broome Co. NY:  Martin Abbot's mother was buried here in this cemetery last week Wednesday. [Sophronia Mae Kingsley Abbott, wife of James P. Abbott, d. 12 Jan. 1880, aged 87y, buried Nineveh Presbyterian Cemetery]

Vital Records, Madison County, NY (1867)

 Oneida Dispatch, Oneida, NY, April 13, 1867

Marriages

ROWLEY - DOWD:  In Lenox [Madison Co. NY], April 11th, by the Rev. Leander Hall, Mr. E. Rowley to Miss Lovina S Dowd, all of Lenox.

GRIFFEN - GAGE:  In West Eaton [Madison Co. NY], March 30, by Rev. J.W. Mitchell, Mr. J. Vermilye Griffin to Miss Lucia A. Gage, both of Pierceville [Madison Co. NY].

ROUNDS - SEAVER:  In West Eaton [Madison Co. NY], April 2, by Rev. O. Taynter, Mr. Orlando W Rounds to Miss Sarah M. Seaver, both of Erieville [Madison Co. NY].

SMITH - NEAR:  In Canastota [Chenango Co. NY], March 15, by Rev. J.T. Crippen, Mr. Anthony Smith to Miss Julia A Near, both of Canastota.

SHELDON - HOLLENBECK:  In Canastota [Madison Co. NY] March 28 by the same, Mr. George W Sheldon to Mrs. Cordelia Hollenbeck both of Canastota.

TALBOT - CRANDALL:  In Brookfield [Madison Co. NY] by Rev. Mr. Clark, Mr. Gilda Talbot of Edmeston [Otsego Co. NY] to Miss C.C. Crandall of Brookfield.

DEAN - OTTER:  In Auburn [Cayuga Co. NY], March 26, by Rev. W.C. Steel, Mr. Thomas R. Dean, formerly of Cazenovia [Madison Co. NY], to Miss Eva Utter of Auburn.

JENNINGS - EMMONS:  In Morrisville [Madison Co. NY] April 3, by Rev. S.S. Utter, Mr. Dwight F.Jennings  to Miss Lucy J. Emmons, both of Morrisville.

Deaths

DENLEY:  In Alderbrook [Franklin Co. NY], April 3, Lena [Denley] infant daughter of Mr. George Denley, aged 1 year.

BURCHARD:  In Madison [Madison Co. NY] March 19, Frank S. Burchard aged 10 months.

BECKER:  In Canastota [Madison Co. NY], April 2, James H. Becker, aged 49 years.

SEARS:  In Homer [Cortland Co. NY] March 27, Delia [Sears] wife of Francis Sears, formerly of DeRuyter [Madison Co. NY], aged 42 years.

RUSSELL:  In Poolville [Madison Co. NY] March 26(?), Eveline [Russell] wife of William Russell, aged 34(?) years.

COMPTON:  In Lenox [Madison Co. NY] March 27, Mr. Ashman Compton, formerly of Hamilton [Madison Co. NY], aged 74 years.

News Items

Our Legislators

The following sketches of our Senator and representatives are taken from "Life Sketches of the State Officers and Members of the Legislature" by S. Harlow and H.H. Boone.

James Barnett

Mr. Barnett was born in Orange County, Vermont, May 18th, 1810.  His ancestors were among the one hundred families, mostly Presbyterian, that emigrated from the north of Ireland in 1719 and settled the town of Londonderry, New Hampshire, an industrious and thrifty people.  His father, after his marriage in 1799, removed to the mountain State of Vermont and from thence in 1817 migrated to Madison County, New York.  Having a large family to support, his struggles, like those of all pioneers of that time, in a new country which was almost a wilderness, were severe and trying, and though he was enabled to rear his children to be the possessors of rugged constitutions and to instill into their minds high notions of uprightness of character, he could afford them but few opportunities for an education.  His son, James Barnett, attended the common schools of that day, during the winter months, laboring on the farm with his father in the summer, until eighteen years of age, when he engaged in teaching school in the winter, continuing his labors upon the farm during the summer.  In 1832, he accepted a clerkship in the mercantile business, and in 1836, engaged in that business upon his own account in Fayetteville, Onondaga County [NY]. He removed to Peterboro [Madison Co.. NY] in 1838 and has continued the same business until the present time.

From his early political education and training, he was led to espouse the principles of the Democratic party, giving his first vote, in 1831 for Enos T. Throop for Governor; his first vote for President being for Andrew Jackson in 1832.  On the formation of the Liberty party, he became a convert to its principles and was an active and leading member until the organization of the Republican party, at which time adjoined its fortunes and has ever since been an earnest advocate of its principles and measures.

He was several times chosen Supervisor of his town by the liberal party, which, by the influence of Hon. Gerrit Smith (a resident of the same town), Hon. Mr. Barnett and a few other zealous advocates had acquired quite an ascendancy in that immediate section.

Mr. Barnett was elected to the Legislature in 1859, from the Second District of Madison county [NY] by the Republican organization, and in 1860 was chosen justice of the Peace by the electors of his town.

In 1865, he was elected by the Republican Union party to the Senate of the State of New York from the Twenty-third Senatorial District, comprising the counties of Madison, Chenango and Cortland. The first session of his present term as Senator, he served as Chairman of the Committees on Indian Affairs and Charitable and Religious Societies, also as a member of the Committee on Retrenchment. During the late war for the suppression of the rebellion, he gave largely of his time and means actively and effectively encouraging enlistments, and with a heart warmly enlisted in the cause, did much to sustain the Government.  Under his encouraging influence, his two sons became volunteers in the Union army. The eldest, bravely representing the stock from which he sprag, going forth at the first call to meet a hero's death at Antietam.

Mr. Barnett is a man of strong convictions in religious sentiments and, and from his earliest years have been, of the Puritan orthodox type of his New England ancestors, adopting the radical Congregational views of church policy.  He is a devoted friend of Sabbath Schools, and has labored in the cause as Sabbath School Superintendent, for more than thirty years.

He is a valuable public servant.  Utterly incapable of duplicity, carefully scrutinizing all measures which come before him for decision, bringing to his aid, in solving their merits, a clear head, sound judgment and rigid uprightness, he discharges his duties with a fidelity and wisdom which cause him to be highly respected.

[James Barnett died 18 July 1874 at the age of 64 years.  He was buried in Peterboro Cemetery, Madison Co. NY]

[To be continued with sketches of Benjamin F. Bruce and Bushrod E. Hoppin]

Vital Records, Otsego (1807), Delaware (1835) Counties, NY

 Otsego Herald, Cooperstown, NY, November 28, 1807

Death

Died at Norwich, Chenango County [NY] on the 15th inst., Sarah Reynolds, wife of Jacob Reynolds, in the 52nd year of her age. 

Otsego Herald, Cooperstown, NY, December 6, 1807

Death

Died in this village [Cooperstown, Otsego Co. NY] on Wednesday last, Mrs. Holt, consort of Mr. Joseph Holt.

Otsego Herald, Cooperstown, NY, December 12, 1807

Murder!

On Wednesday last at Columbus in Chenango County [NY], a man named Hill was taken into custody for the supposed murder of a young child on the preceding evening.  The circumstances, as far as we have been able to ascertain them are substantially as follows:

On Tuesday evening, about eight or nine o'clock, Mrs. Hill set out to go to a neighbor's, at the distance of about forty or fifty rods, in company with another woman, leaving a young child of hers by a former husband, sitting in a small chair by the fire.  Just as they had reached the door of the neighbor's house, Hill called to them and said the child was dying; on which they immediately returned and reached the house a few minutes before it expired.  Early the next morning Hill went and bespoke a coffin and gave particular charge to have it done by nine o'clock.  On laying out the body, strong marks of violence were discovered on the neck, which together with other circumstances, excited a suspicion that the child war murdered.  When Hill went to see if the coffin was done, the body was further examined and several large bruises were discovered on the side.  It was therefore thought expedient to defer burying it, and a coroner was called, who formed a jury of inquest, which sat on Thursday, attended by four physicians, who on examining and opening the body found that its neck and four of its ribs were broke and evident marks of person's knuckles were discovered on its side.  The jury of inquest returned a verdict of "Willful Murder," and Hill was thereupon sent to jail.

News Item

Elopement

Eloped from my bed and board, on the 25th day of November, last, my wife Hannah Mather, without any just cause or provocation.  This is therefore to forbid any and all persons, from harboring or trusting said Hannah on my account, as i will pay no debts of her contracting, after this date.  Moses Mather.  Burlington [Otsego Co NY] Nov. 25, 1807.

Otsego Herald, Cooperstown, NY, December 19, 1807

Deaths

Of no distemper, of no blast he died, / But fell like autumn fruit, that mellow'd long; / Ev'n wondered at because he dropt no sooner, / Fate seem'd to wind him up for seventy years. / Yet freshly ran he on twenty-four winters more; / Till, like a clock, worn out with eating time, / the wheels of weary life at last stood still.

Died In Mansfield, Township, Burlington County State of New Jersey, James Craft Senior, on the 20th day of November, 1807, born Aug 12th, 1712, aged 95 years and 3 months.

His social and religious sentiments and habits were correct and useful, which merited the esteem and friendship of his numerous acquaintance, rendered his mind tranquil and his future prospects hopeful.  

Grain sown in earth is still its Owner's Care.  Treat. fed.

Delaware Gazette, Delhi, NY, August 5, 1835

Marriage

In this village [Delhi, Delaware Co. NY] yesterday morning, by the Rev. O.L. Kirtland, Mr. Christopher Field, to Miss Charlotte De Graff, daughter of Mr. Abraham De Graff.

Deaths

On the 19th day of June at Lenox Massachusetts, Doctor Phinehas R. Cooley, formerly a resident of Harpersfield [Delaware co. NY] aged 81 years.

At Albany [Albany Co. NY] on the 28th inst. Harriet [Schuyler] infant daughter of Mr. Cushing Schuyler, Esq of Roxbury in this county [Delaware Co NY], aged 1 year 1 month and 9 days.

Delaware Gazette, Delhi, NY, August 12, 1835

Marriage

At Chatham, Columbia County [NY], on Wednesday morning last, by the Rev. Mr. Poor, Mr. E. H. Cressehy, Principal of Delaware Academy, to Miss Amanda Wilbur of the former place.

Delaware Gazette, Delhi, NY, August 19, 1835

Death

At Litchfield, Medina Co., Ohio, on the 25th July last, Mrs. Esther L. Nickerson, wife of Mr.  Hiram Nickerson late of Sanford, Broome Co, N.Y.  aged 24 years.  While her bereaved husband and helpless orphans and a numerous circle of friends and acquaintances mourn their loss they are not left to mourn as those that have no hope, for they feel that their loss is her gain.  In early life she had consecrated herself to the service of her Redeemer, and died as she had lived, sustained by Him, with a confident assurance of a glorious immortality.

Delaware Gazette, Delhi, NY, August 26, 1835

Marriages

In Delhi [Delaware Co. NY] on the 19th inst. by the Rev. O.L. Kirtland, Col. Samuel Eells of Walton [Delaware co. NY] to Miss Nancy B. Webster of the former place.

In Walton [Delaware Co. NY] on the 20th inst. by the Rev. F. Shipherd, Mr. Thomas Heath to Miss Fanny Johnson all of the former place.

Vital Records, Otsego County, NY (1880)

 Freeman's Journal, Cooperstown, NY, February 26, 1880

Marriages

At the residence of the bride's father in West Burlington [Otsego Co. NY], Feb. 17, by Rev. C. Venton Patterson, Mr. Charles H. Burgess of Winfield [Otsego Co. NY] and Miss Kittie L. Roze Sisson, recently of New York. 

In Milford [Otsego Co. NY] Feb. 10th, by Rev. James D. Webster, Helmas Osburn to Miss Mary Kimble all of Milford.

In Mount Vision  [Otsego Co. NY] Feb. 22d, by rev. James D. Webster, Adelbert L. Schermerhorn to Miss Ida B Still both of Milford [Otsego Co. NY].

At the residence of the bride's mother Feb. 19th by Rev. H.G. Harned, Lewis E. Niles of Schuyler's Lake [Otsego Co. NY] and Miss Ella Judson of Fly Creek [Otsego Co. NY].

Deaths

At Hope Factory [Otsego Co. NY], Feb. 18th Mary [Shaul] daughter of Robert Shaul aged 2 years 11 months and 13 days.

In Otsego [Otsego Co. NY] Feb. 18th, Rosa [Irish] only child of Raselas and Elizabeth Irish, aged 1 year and 6 months.

In Springfield [Otsego Co. NY] February 12th, Patrick O. Connell aged 64 years.

In Hartwick [Otsego Co NY] Feb. 12th, Harris Windsor aged 82 years.

In Gilbertsville [Otsego Co. NY] Feb. 4th, Ezra Hoag, aged 65 years.

At the residence of her daughter in Castle Rock, Minn., Feb. 15th, 1880, Prudence N. [Sprague] widow of J.S. Sprague, MD., formerly of this village [Cooperstown, Otsego Co. NY] in the 79th year of her age.

In Frankfort, Herkimer Co. [NY] Feb. 11th, Harriet [Sherman] wife of Oliver Sherman in the 77th year of her age. Mrs. S. was a native of, and for many years, a resident in the town of Otsego [Otsego Co. NY].  She was the eldest daughter of the late Ozias L. Williams.  Her death occurred on the 56th anniversary of her marriage and during this long period of married life, no unkind words were ever heard to pass between herself and husband.

At Michigan City, Ind., Sunday Feb. 8th, of dropsy and erysipelas, Hon George M. Smith, aged 39 years.  Mr. Smith was a native of Springfield in this county [Otsego Co. NY]. He was at one time Superintendent of the entire great Western Telegraph line.  In 1867 he removed to Michigan, where he was identified with large business interests.  In 1877 he was elected to the Legislature by a large majority, and the next year declined a re-election.  He was a resident of Whitehall, Mich. at the time of his death, where he was held in high esteem as a citizen.  He was a son of William B. Smith, formerly of the Cooperstown Railroad Company.

Oneonta, Otsego Co. NY:  During the past week, two children of Mr. and Mrs. A. Fancher, residing of West Street, have died of diphtheria and a third now lies in a critical condition.  Comrades of the G.A.R. (of which Mr. Fancher is a member) and several kind-hearted ladies of the village, have rendered every possible assistance to the bereaved family.

___________________________

In Hartwick [Otsego Co. NY] on the 21st inst. William M. Clinton aged 67 years and 9 months.

This well-known gentleman died at his home in Hartwick on Saturday evening last of typhoid pneumonia.  He was in New York on the 9th when he froze his feet but did not know it until he took off his stockings that night.  He also took a cold at the same time.  He had previously expressed the belief to one or two of his children that he should not survive this winter, as he had for some time suffered from diabetes.  On discovering the condition of his feet, as he stated on his return, he became strongly impressed with the idea that he could not live long and he hastened to complete some business matters of importance in the city.  He returned home on the 16th and lived but six days.  He was in the 67th year of his age.

Mr. Clinton was a native of this town, having been born in Fly Creek [Otsego Co. NY]. For a time, he was engaged in business at Smith Adams, Mass., where he resided about ten years.  For about 32 years he engaged in manufacturing cotton goods at Clinton Mills.  At times he dealt largely in hops and during the war he made a large amount of money by buying cotton at the South.

In 1863, Mr. Clinton bought the Seminary building here; put it in excellent condition under the charge of Rev. Dr. Kerr as Principal and it was continued as a school until 1857.  In this operation Mr. C. lost about $40,000.  The village derived considerable advantage from it during a portion of the time.

After Mr. Clinton's failure, friends assisted him to run the cotton mill, and last year it was bought of those who had to bid it in at the forced sale in his daughter's name, Miss Ellen E. Clinton, who has long been his trusted business assistant, for the sum of $35,000 and $5,000 has since been earned and paid up on it.  She and other members of the family will continue the business.  In this they will be aided by a life insurance taken out for their special benefit of about $13,000.  Other parties held a policy on his life for their own benefit in about the same amount.

Mr. Clinton was a man of great energy of character, very decided in his opinions, warm in his attachment, strong in his resentments, when able to be so, generous to his friends and enterprising as a citizen.  He will be much missed in his locality.

News Items

Gardner Sloan of the town of Richfield [Otsego Co NY] will be 103 years old in April and is still hale and hearty, though sightless.

Editor of Freeman' Journal: Your correspondent from Garrattsville [Otsego Co. NY], in mentioning the ages of old people in this town, made a mistake of three years in the age of Thankful Pattengill, mother of William Pattengill.  She will be 97 the 24th inst.  She has lost her eyesight but enjoys sound health and retains her mental faculties remarkable.  She, with her husband Horatio Pattengill, moved from Brooklin, Conn. in 1814 and located on the farm where she now resides, 66 years ago.