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.

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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.

Vital Records, Otsego (1824), Chenango (1880) Counties, NY

 Cherry Valley Gazette, Cherry Valley, NY, October 12, 1824

Marriages

At Bowman's Creek on Sunday the 3d inst. by the Rev. Mr. Rexford, Mr. Isaac Orr, principal of the Deaf and Dumb Asylum to Miss Mary Morris, daughter of Rufus Morris, esq. both of the above place.

In this town [Cherry Valley, Otsego Co. NY] on Thursday last, by the Rev. Andrew Oliver, Mr. Moses Adams of Chautauqua County [NY] to Miss Clarissa Dickson of this town.

Cherry Valley Gazette, Cherry Valley, NY, November 9, 1824

Deaths

Of a bilious fever at Fort St. Philips, 70 miles below New Orleans [LA] on the 14th of September last, Lieutenant Charles Holt of the U.S. army, aged 23 years, son of Major Holt of this village [Cherry Valley, Otsego Co. NY], much lamented and respected.

In this village [Cherry Valley, Otsego Co. NY] on Tuesday the 26th ult. Martha Ripley [Craft] youngest child of Alfred Craft's aged one year.

Happy the babe, who privileged by fate / To shorten labour and a lighter weight. / Received but yesterday the gift of breath, / Ordered tomorrow to return to death.

Cherry Valley Gazette, Cherry Valley, NY, November 23, 1824

Death

At Utica [Oneida Co. NY] on Tuesday morning last, the Hon. Morris S. Miller First Judge of Oneida County in the 46th year of his age.

Cherry Valley Gazette, Cherry Valley, NY, December 21, 1824

Marriages

On the 15th inst. by George Clyde, Esq. Mr. Hugh R. Thompson to Miss Anna Malintha Ferris both of this town [Cherry Valley, Otsego Co. NY].

At Sharon [Schoharie Co. NY] on the 16th inst. by the Rev. John Finegan, Mr. Kirtland Handy to the amiable Miss Betsy Petrie, all of Sharon.

Death

Died in Canajoharie, Montgomery County [NY] Mrs. Abigail K. Adsit on the 15th of November last at the very advanced age of a hundred years and one month.  She lived more than sixty years in the married state with her husband Samuel Adsit, who died in Stanford, Dutchess County [NY] inthe year 1806; to which place many years ago he emigrated from the state of Connecticut with the deceased.  for several years before her decease, she was afflicted with blindness.  Otherwise, she enjoyed uniformly good health and great mental competence and serenity.  In a word, having brought up a large family and having seen her descendants to the third and fourth generation flourishing to prosperity around her, she died as she had lived in the firm belief of the Christian religion and which no better example and practice of the various duties which it required.

Cherry Valley Gazette, Cherry Valley, NY, December 28, 1824

Marriage

On the 23d instant by the Rev. C. Fitch, Captain Oren Thompson to Miss Nancy Hutchinson, both of this town [Cherry Valley, Otsego Co. NY].

Death

At Springfield [Otsego Col NY] on Thursday last, Mr. Daniel Rathbun aged 50 years.

Chenango American, Greene, NY, May 13, 1880

Marriages

At the residence of the bride's parents in Brooklyn, April 28th, by Rev. Dr. E. Lord, Mr. Franklin B. Mitchell of Norwich [Chenango Co. NY] and Miss Helen [Sage] daughter of Col. Clinton H. Sage.

In Bainbridge [Chenango Co. NY] April 21st by Rev. S. Johnson, Mr. Ransom Gregory to Miss Sue J Douglass both of Bainbridge.

In Derby, Conn., April 18th, by Rev. H.T. Widdemer, Mr. Edward Smith and Mrs. S.A. Rowley, formerly of Oxford [Chenango Co. NY].

Deaths

In Norwich [Chenango Co. NY] May 3d, Dea. Lester Turner, aged 72 years.

In Norwich [Chenango Co. NY] May 2d, Mrs. Augusta A. Phillips aged 25 years, 4 months 4 days.

In the Insane Asylum, Preston [Chenango Co. NY], May 1st, Mrs. Lovina Cole aged 39 years, formerly of New Berlin [Chenango Co. NY].

In Bainbridge [Chenango Co. NY] April 27th, of apoplexy, Joan [Hymphrey] wife of Nelson A Humphrey, aged 55 years.

In Unadilla [Otsego Co. NY] May 5th, Mr. Henry B. Hoyt aged 64 years, formerly of Norwich [Chenango Co. NY].  

William Zimmerman, a German, aged sixty-four years, residing about three miles north of Sherburne [Chenango Co. NY] , on the highway leading to Earlville, while returning home the other evening with a load of bones he had collected during the day, was upset when entering his yard, the load falling upon him and breaking his spine in two places.  Life was extinct when discovered.  Sentinel

Aaron Thompson of Lincklaen [Chenango Co. NY] died very suddenly one day last week.  While in the act of building a fire, he fell and beathed but a few times. The cause of his sudden death was heart disease.  He was an old and respected citizen of the town and will be greatly missed.

In this village [Greene, Chenango Co. NY] May 10th, after a long and painful illness, Mrs. Elizabeth [Terwilliger] wife of David Terwilliger, aged 65 years.

"In my father's house there is many mansions.  If it were not so I would have told you. / I go to prepare a place for you; and if I go, I will come again and take you to myself, that where I am, there you may be also."

In the village of Greene / On the tenth day of May, / A sister beloved has passed away, / To her place in those mansions / Where loved ones are gone; / And Orra, dear angel / Will welcome her home.

How pleasant to think of / As onward we go; / She served her dear Master / In weal and in woe, / And though we'l not see her / In the Prayer room again / We know that she loved Him / With heart all aflame.

The friends of the Saviour, / Who tarry behind, / May their light shine the brighter / As they keep her in mind, / And walking in steps / That sister has trod / The path straight and narrow, / That leads up to God.

We thank thee, dear Saviour, / For the evidence shown / When they're done with earth, / Thou will take thy friends home, / where the mansion so fair, / and the place that's all light, / where father and son is, / There can be no night.

The church, they will miss her, / All earthly things fade;/ A treasure in heaven / Long since she had laid; / And sleeping in Jesus / Much better to be / From sins; not her own / And from sufferings free.

Vital Records, Chenango County, NY (1879)

 Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, November 6, 1879

Marriages

COOK - PORT:  At the residence of George Port in this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY] on Wednesday, November 5th by Rev. J.O. Woodruff, Mr. W.H. Cook to Miss Mattie A. Port.

MEDBURY - HORSTMAN:  At the M.E. Parsonage in King's Settlement [Chenango Co. NY] Nov. 1st, by Rev. C.C. Williams, Mr. Sylvester S. Medbury to Miss Theresa A. Horstman both of New Berlin [Chenango Co. NY].

FOX - BROWN:  In Coventry [Chenango Co. NY] Oct. 13th by Rev. W. Burnside, Mr. Charles A. Fox of Plymouth [Chenango Co. NY]to Miss Jennie L. Brown of Great Bend, Pa.

PARSDONS - WYLIE:  At the Chenango house in Greene [Chenango Co. NY], Nov. 2d, by Rev. S.T. Ford, Mr. Hobart D. Parsons of Afton [Chenango Co. NY] to Miss Jennie M. Wylie of Coventry [Chenango Co. NY].

MOREHEAD - MOWK:  In Triangle [Broome Co. NY] Oct. 11th, by Rev. D. Reese, Mr. Morehead of Greene [Chenango Co. NY] to Miss Sarah Mowk of Smithville [Chenango Co. NY].

MOORE - CONROOD:  In Greene [Chenango Co. NY] Oct. 27th by Rev. H.N. Van Deusen, Mr. Dell Moore of Greene to Miss Anna Conrood of North Brookfield [Madison Co. NY].

BUTTS - TAYLOR:  In North Pitcher [Chenango Co. NY] Oct. 19th by Rev. S. Miller, Mr. James O. Butts to Miss Libbie D. Taylor, both of North Pitcher.

PECK - BOYNTON:  In Barker [Broome Co. NY] Oct, 26th by Rev. R.A. Clark, Mr. Dana M. Peck of Greene [Chenango Co. NY] to Miss Ella A. Boynton of Barker.

NORTHRUP - DUNNING:  In Binghamton [Broome Co. NY] Oct. 29th by Rev. IT. Walker, Mr. John W. Northrup of Bainbridge [Chenango Co. NY] to Miss M. Rose Dunning of East Windsor, N.Y. [Broome Co.].

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WESCOTT - BELLOWS:  In Dunkirk [Chautauqua Co. NY], Oct. 28th, by Rev. Mr. Adams, Mr. Charles Wescott, formerly of Norwich [Chenango Co. NY] to Miss Mary Bellows all of Dunkirk.

The Dunkirk Journal of the 29th ult makes the following mention of an interesting ceremony which took place in that village last week, in which a young gentleman formerly of this village took an important part.

"Married on Tuesday afternoon, Mr. Charles Wescott, train dispatcher for the Erie Road at the Division Superintendent's office in this city, and Miss Mary Bellows, eldest daughter of Mrs. S.A. Bellows, of this place.  the ceremony was at the residence of the bride's mother, who is very low it is feared with a fatal illness. Both parties have large circles of friends, who had anticipated their marriage under happier circumstances and who now hope that the dark cloud of affliction which shadows them may be lifted. That their future may be bright, happy and prosperous is an earnest wish, the fulfillment of which they richly deserve. The bride is one who had ever been the life of social circles, admired and esteemed for a hundred best qualities of mind and heart by everyone who has met her.  Mr. Wescott is a young man who is highly respected and both are sincerely congratulated on the wisdom of their choice."

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North Norwich, Chenango Co. NY:  Frank Zellers formerly telegraph operator in this village, is to be united in marriage to Miss Cepha Harris of this village at the M.E. Church today (Wednesday) November 5th.  May sunshine strew their pathway and prosperity attend them.

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Tuesday October 28th was a day of rejoicing at the home of Fayette Carpenter and wife, in the east part of the town [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], their numerous friends and relatives gathering there to celebrate the fifth anniversary of their marriage in a variety wedding. The day being stormy did not seem to depress the spirits of any, as each and every one tried to make tic a day of pleasure. Almost every town in the county was represented, there being nearly one hundred guests in all.

Among the numerous presents we noticed a fine crystal set and all wool carpet, a Canary singer and gilded cage, tea and coffee pot, preserve dishes and many others, too numerous to mention.

Six ample tables loaded with all the "goodies," which the inner man craves (even the epicurean smiled as he feasted) satisfied the many hungry ones.

The evening was ushered in with a merry dance, in which the laddies and lassies "tripped the light fantastic" until the wee small hours when they parted to meet again at the next fifth anniversary.

Deaths

DIMMICK:  In Smyrna [Chenango Co. NY] Oct. 29th, 1879, Sarah E. [Dimmick] wife of F.H. Dimmick and daughter of Albert Munson, aged 31 years 4 months and 15 days.

BURDICK:  In Lincklaen [Chenango Co. NY] Oct. 29th, Gertie Burdick aged 10 years.

SWEET:  In Smithville [Chenango Co. NY] Oct. 23d, Mr. Joseph Sweet aged 63(?) years.

HUTCHINSON:  At Sheel Rock, Iowa Sept. 14th, Mrs. Jennie M. Hutchinson daughter of Samuel Winsor, formerly of Guilford [Chenango Co. NY] aged 33(?) years and 8 months.

Vital Records, Otsego (1873), Chenango (1877) Counties, NY

Morris Chronicle, Morris NY, August 6, 1873

Birth

The wife of Andrew Eldred presented him with a daughter last Friday, weight 12 pounds.  Andrew (notwithstanding age) is carrying out Scripture injunction to increase and multiply the earth.  [Lily Eldred]

Marriages

July 3d: At West Winfield [Herkimer Co. NY] by Rev. H. Garlick, Lester L. Rose to Ida M. Wright, both of Schuyler's Lake [Otsego Co. NY].

July 26th: At Risendorf's Hotel by Rev. H.N. Van Dusen, Mr. David E Robinson of Phoenix Mills [Otsego Co. NY] to Miss Hattie E. Ismond of Schenevus [Otsego Co. NY].

Deaths

July 29th: In Morris [Otsego Co. NY] of lockjaw, Hiram Dewitt [Hammond] oldest son of Henry T. and Mary E. Hammond, and grandson of Dewitt Clinton of this place [Morris Otsego Co. NY], aged 7 years.

A little son of Henry Hammond, living in the west part of this town [Morris] about the middle of June while running, bruised his right foot by stepping on a stone.  As it was not a bad bruise, not much was thought of it.  The usual curatives were applied, but he walked on his toes and occasionally complained of his foot. About two weeks since, he could not open his mouth but a little and it hurt him to swallow.  On Thursday night, the 18th ult., he also complained of pain in the leg and shoulder, had spasms through the night, but seemed as well as usual the succeeding day. The spasms returned again on Friday night and caused some alarm. Dr Gibson was called and pronounced it a case of lockjaw caused by the stone bruise. Dr. Kennier was called as counsel,  He probed the stone bruise and found a small gravel stone and small piece of rotten wood.  Dr. Fox and Hazzard were also called as counsel, but all of no avail. The little sufferer lingered until Tuesday, the 29th, when death closed the scene.

July 31st:  In this village [Morris, Otsego Co. NY] William Turner, aged 48 years and 2 months.

William Turner died on Wednesday evening last after an illness of but a few days.  Mr. Turner has been troubled with the Rheumatism for a number of years, but most of the time has been able to work at his business (shoemaking).  He was upon the street the Saturday before his death, but that day was taken sick. He was a kind neighbor and a much-respected townsman and was in the 49th year of his age.  His funeral was attended from the Baptist church on Friday afternoon by a large concourse of friends and neighbors. Sermon by Rev. E.M. Blanchard of Bainbridge.

Oneonta, Otsego Co. NY:  The death of Mrs. Dr. E.J. Morgan on Sunday night last, created great sadness in this village.  She died of childbirth and passed away without knowing that she died a mother. The child lived but a few moments and like a waxen image in appearance, resting on its mother's arm, passed with her to the portal gates of heaven.  Mrs. Morgan was eminently a Christian woman, kind, considerate and affectionate with those who happily possessed her friendship.

We learn that Mrs. Hubbell wife of AR. Hubbell, formerly of this village [Morris, Otsego Co. NY], died at Norwich [Chenango Co. NY] last Friday evening, August 1st. [Julia M. Hubbell, aged 35y]

New Berlin Gazette, New Berlin, NY, January 20, 1877

Deaths

Norwich, Chenango Co. NY:  Jan. 16, 1877, Nelson B. Hale a prominent citizen and banker, died this morning at 4 o'clock.  He has been for a number of years President of the Bank of Norwich and was recently re-elected to that place.

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Ed. Gazette:  Many of the readers of your paper would like to know the facts in the case of Irvin L. Montgomery who was found frozen to death near Clayville [Oneida Co. NY] on the 22d of Dec. last, which are as follows as near as I can learn:

Montgomery went to Utica [Oneida Co. NY] on the morning of Dec. 18th to purchase a wedding suit, as he was to be married in two weeks form that day.  While in Utica, he came across an old friend who was an officer in the late war, when together they took a social glass.  He finally took the return cars for Clayville, and the conductor calls for his ticket, which he has in his pocket, but is too much under the influence of liquor to bring it forth or even tell his destination, but names Sauquoit and pays his fare to that place.  Not getting out at that station, the conductor calls again and he pays to Clayville.  He passes this station and goes on to Richfield Junction, having paid three different times. The cars then moved towards Waterville and the conductor tells him how much the fare will be to that place.  He refused to pay any more. The conductor than asked him once more if he was going to pay, and he still refused when the train was stopped and taking Montgomery by the collar, led him out of the car.  This was about 150 rods west of Clayville, on a heavy hill where he would be obliged to go down a steep embankment.  As the conductor returned to the cars, one man says to him "Major, you have done wrong, that man will freeze to death."  To which the conductor replied, "there is no danger of that, for he is too full of whiskey to freeze."

Three good witnesses saw him put off the cars and have testified to it before the grand jury at Utica last week.  Montgomery must have wandered about 60 rods to a high knoll near the track where he lays down and freezes to death, and it is four nights and three days before the body is found.  He leaves three children at the age of four, six and eight years, as their mother died thirteen months before. Sad is the thought of three children at that age without means of support, being thrown upon the charity of a cold world.  It is hoped that the day may come when the R.R. Company will have to pay what is right for the benefit of these children.

Yours, Joseph W Gallop

New Berlin Gazette, New Berlin, NY, February 3, 1877

Marriage

JACKSON - BOSTWICK:  In Edmeston [Otsego Co. NY] Jan. 25th, by Rev. Muzzy, Mr. L. Judson Jackson to DeEtte L. Bostwick all of the above place.

Vital Records, Chenango (1847, 1880) County, NY

Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, August 4, 1847

Death

Died in this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY] on the 29th ult., Rufus A. [Utley] only son of Mr. Rufus Utley, aged 11 months and 18 days.

 Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, August 11, 1847

Deaths

In Plymouth [Chenango Co. NY] on the 3d inst. Isaac Slater aged 82 years.

In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY] on Saturday last, Nelson Brooks, aged 9 years.

Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, August 18, 1847

Death

In Greene [Chenango Co. NY] on Thursday the 12th instant, Joseph Augustus [Lyon] infant child of Mr. S.V. Lyon of Greene.

Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY August 25, 1847

Deaths

In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY] on the 19th inst. infant son of L.H. Clogston of Boston [MA] aged two months and fourteen days.

In Smyrna [Chenango Co. NY] on the 19th inst. Mr. Gordon Weaver aged 61 years.

Sherburne News, Sherburne, NY, January 3, 1880

Marriage

GIFFORD - STEVENSON:  In this village [Sherburne, Chenango Co. NY] Dec. 31, 1879, by Rev. Mr. McAnulty, Mr. Alvah Gifford of Groton [Tompkins Co. NY] and Miss Annie Stevenson of this place.

Deaths

WYMAN:  In this village [Sherburne, Chenango Co. NY] Dec. 30, 1879, Miss Susan Wyman aged 16 years.

BRIGGS:  In Smyrna [Chenango Co. NY] Dec. 30, 1879, Mrs. Minnie E. [Briggs] wife of William P. Briggs, aged 19 years.

BROWN:  In Earlville [Madison Co. NY] December 31, 1879, Mr. Frank Brown, son of N. Brown. [aged 22 years]

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BALCOM:  Last week we copied a notice from an Elmira daily announcing the sudden death from heart disease of Rev. Benjamin F. Balcom near Corning, Steuben County, N.Y.  A letter from his brother confirmed the sad intelligence and was followed in a few hours by a postal card announcing that on the next morning Rev George Balcom of Cawker City, Kansas, had died from hernia after a protracted illness, so that Dec. 20th and 21st, 1879, must be a day of sad memories to the relatives and friends.

Benjamin F Balcom was born at Oxford [Chenango Co. NY] Jan. 10th, 1810, and spent his early years in this town [Sherburne, Chenango Co. NY] and Greene [Chenango Co. NY], but the great pine woods of Steuben County offered strong inducements to all lumbermen, and he with his family, left here to make a home in an almost unbroken section of that county, and his strong right arm and indomitable industry soon cleared the way, and he lived to see beautiful homesteads taking the place of the woods which fell swiftly before the axe of the pioneers, while the wolves and panthers were driven to seek safer localities out of range of unerring marksmen.

George Balcom, the youngest of nine children, was born at Oxford, in February 1822, and lived in this county most of the time until within the past fifteen years.  Neither of these brothers in early life evinced any desire to enter the ministry, but both of them entered upon the work soon after conversion.  Benjamin was not a settled pastor but widely and favorably known, was often called to attend funerals or officiate at weddings and kindred occasions among his townsmen and carried the same earnestness and will to do good to the service of his Master. George took a wider field and traversed a great portion of the North and West in his mission as an evangelist.

Hon. Ransom Balcom, late Justice of the Supreme Court, died Jan. 6th, 1879, in Binghamton [Broome Co. NY] and was brought to Oxford for interment.  Mrs. Calvin Cole, sister of these three, died April 1st, 1879, in Oxford and is buried near her brother and Benjamin is buried in Steuben County, while George sleeps the last sleep in  the historic soil of Kansas, where he leaves a widow and the three younger children, a son residing in New York.

Two brothers, Lyman of Painted Post, and Uri T. of Chicago, and two sisters, Mrs. Pearsall of Owego and Mrs. Rhodes of Fond du Lac, Wis. are the survivors of this family and may truthfully say:

"And we on divers shores now cast, / Shall meet when life's dark storm is passed / Safe in our Father's home at last."

Civil War Letter, January 1862 - Benjamin B. Comstock, 12th Wisconsin Infantry

 Oneonta Herald, Oneonta, NY, January 22, 1862

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

Camp Randall, Wis., Jan. 8th, 1862

Many long and anxious weeks have passed since I wrote you.  Rainy and chilly November has given way to December snows and December in turn has swept by on the blast and in her train has come a new month and a new year, and still the 12th Wisconsin Regiment remain in Camp Randall, wasting their strength, lounging away their time, and nursing and reserving their wrath for rebels in Secessia, but pouring it out without stint or reserve upon the powers that be, for detaining them here in a forty acre lot, in a land of peace. We are spending the winter in tents and find them very comfortable in all weather, nevertheless, we regard the "tented field" as a very good joke.

After many promises, and equal number of privations and long delay, we received our pay on the 3d inst. in bright new Treasury notes and on the following day, thousands of dollars and many New Year's gifts and tokens of affection were speeding on their way to absent friends, while many little comforts and luxuries were cheering the tent of the soldier.  And how little of worldly cheer it takes to make him happy while waiting and watching for his country's weal!

There are at present in Camp Randall about two thousand and five hundred men, comprising the 12th, 15th and 16th Regiments.  The 12th and 16th are fully armed and equipped and ready for service. The 15th, a Scandinavian Regiment is recruiting rapidly.

There is a healthy, moral and religious influence in camp.  A regimental church, composed of members of all orthodox churches, has been formed and numbers seventy-five members and often the Reverend Captain in gilt and broadcloth and the private in his coarse blouse, occupy the same desk and speak to us of the "things that accompany salvation."

A Sabbath in camp is not what it is in country homes or yet in our towns and villages.  In the thousands of men who inhabit our crowded canvas city; every temperament and shade of character are represented and when the Sabbath comes, releasing them from drill and fatiguing duty, each one seeks to enjoy himself in his own way, unrestrained by the customs of society and caring not a fig for "what Mrs. Grundy may say."

But the music of the camp!  How shall I describe it? Or what shall I say of those golden evening hours of song, hallowed to everyone who remembers childhood, the old family Bible and the music of the household; hours when the tired and listless soldier flings himself upon his straw to repose, while his thoughts fly backward, far backward to distant friends and more pleasing associations; hours when memory visits the soul with balm and refreshing, and Hope points forward to a better future.  'Tis then that music is in the heart if ever and it will swell to the lips and pour forth every joy and sorrow, desire and emotion in song.  From one tent swells "The Red White and Blue," and "Dixie for the Union," from another in tender tones comes the trite old song "Do they miss me at home." Here a dozen voices join in some religious hymn, generally with a spirit stirring chorus, such as "Homeward Bound," "Come Sing to me of Heaven," and "Come thou Fount of Every Blessing," while a clear voice in the distance echoes the notes of "Marching along."  As this is our marching song, I will transcribe it for publication, hoping that many soldiers will see it, sing it and take courage.  The words are slightly altered from a hymn in the September number of the "Young Reaper."

The armies are gathering from near and from far / The trumpet is sounding the call for the war: / The conflict is raging, 'twill be fearful and long; / Well gird on the armor and be marching along.

Marching along, we are marching along; / Gird on the armor and be marching along; / The conflict is raging, 'twill be fearful and long, / Then gird on the armor and be marching along.

The foe is before us in battle array, / But let us not waver nor turn from the way; / The Lord is our strength, be this our song; / With courage and faith we are marching along.

Marching along, &c.

We list for the war and we'll camp on the field, / With Right for our watchword, we never will yield, / The sword of the Union both tausty and strang, / We'll hold in our hand as we're marching along.  

Marching along, &c.

Though night thick with dangers hangs over our way, / Soon the morning will dawn on a glorious day; Then onward to conquer and shout the glad song; in God will be triumph while marching along.

Marching along, &c.

On Monday, the Governor elect of this State was inaugurated.  the 12th and 16th were out fully armed and equipped. The inaugural exercises were brief and without ceremony.  The oath was administered by the Chief Justice on the porch of the Capitol.  Then Gov. Randall in a very pertinent speech took leave of the people and the public station he had filled so long and well and introduced his successor, Gov. L.P. Harvey, who made a few remarks to the soldiers, after which the band played the Marseillaise, the cannon roared and we went back to camp, escorting the Governor and suit, who dined with our officers.

On Saturday the 11th inst., we are ordered to strike our tents and start for Kansas, to join Jim Lanes division.  If anything turns up, you will hear from Comstock.  [Benjamin B. Comstock]

_______________________________

Benjamin B.. Comstock, originally from Laurens, Otsego Co. NY, enlisted 21 Sept. 1861 as a private in Company A, 12th Wisconsin Infantry Regiment.  Died of disease in Humbolt, TN 17 July 1862.  Originally buried in Humbolt, TN.  Later buried Corinth National Cemetery, Corinth, Alcom County, Mississippi, findagrave.com memorial #3176278.

Oneonta Herald, Oneonta, NY, July 30, 1862

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

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

Soldiers Budget, Humbolt, TN

Soldier's Death roll: Benjamin B. Comstock, a member of Co. A 12th Reg't Wis. Vols, departed this life on July 17th inst., and was interred near Humboldt, Tennessee. He was a native of New York, but had spent a few years in the west. Twenty-four years old when he died noble-hearted and patriotic, beloved by his, held as a standard of knowledge and purity he died as the Christian death, calm, peaceful and serene. Long had he been a soldier in the cause of his Lord and Master, and had labored all his life, not for mere selfish ends, but for the good of his fellow men. Murmuring "all is well," he passed away. 22 July 1862.

When he was reinterred, the crew found a looking glass with him and his name was carved into a tree at the head of the grave.

Vital Records, Cortland (1849), Otsego (1862) Counties, NY

 McGrawville Express, McGrawville, NY, August 2, 1849

Marriage

In Homer [Cortland Co. NY] on the 31 ult by Rev. J.P. Simmons, Mr. Burton B. Hubbell of Lafayett, Onondaga County [NY] and Miss Orclia S. Crandall of the former place.

McGrawville Express, McGrawville, NY, August 9, 1849

Deaths

In Homer [Cortland Co. NY] 24th, Magdalene [Hanks] wife of Zebina Hanks, aged 56 years.

In Homer [Cortland Co. NY] on the 28th of July after a short illness of three days, Joseph Newton [Van Hoesen], only son of George and Mariah Van Hoesen, aged 2 years 2 months and 9 days.

So faded the lovely blooming flower, / Frail smiling solace of an hour, / So soon our transient comforts fly, / And Newton only bloomed to die.

In Cortlandville [Cortland Co. NY] on the 4th inst. Jane Hellon [Darby] daughter of Edwin and Hellen Darby, aged 1 year and 21 days.

McGrawville Express, McGrawville, NY, August 16, 1849

Marriage

In McGrawville [Cortland Co. NY] on the 1`4th inst. by Rev. S.J. Decker, Mr. Thomas W. More and Miss Eliza Ann Gross all of the above place.

The fair Eliza is so fleet, / She makes e'en Thomas own he's beat / Did ever race end thus before? / He caught a Gross but she caught More.

McGrawville Express, McGrawville, NY, August 23, 1849

Death

In Solon [Cortland Co. NY] on the 9th inst. Caroline M. Bullock, after a long and painful illness, aged 31 years.

"Dearest daughter, thou hast left us, / Here thy loss we deeply feel; / But 'tis God that hath bereft us / He can all our sorrows heal."

McGrawville Express, McGrawville, NY, August 30, 1849

Death

In Pompey [Onondaga Co. NY] on the 24th inst., Adaline M. [Bull] wife of Calvin S Bull in the 39th year of her age.

In her death the bereaved family and the society in which she moved have sustained an irreparable loss.  The disease which terminated her life was consumption.  Her sufferings for a year past have been great, but she bore them with Christian fortitude and looked with calmness on her approach to the bright world of disembodied spirits.

Oneonta Herald, Oneonta, NY, January 29, 1862

Marriage

At the residence of the bride's father on the 27th inst. by Rev. David L. Pendell, Mr. Harvey J Wescott of Oneonta [Otsego Co. NY] and Miss Adaline A Pearsall of Bainbridge, N.Y. [Chenango Co. NY].

Deaths

In Laurens [Otsego Co. NY] Jan. 25th, Ira Whitmarsh aged 23 years 9 months and 27 days.

In Oneonta [Otsego Co. NY] on the 17th inst. Orpha Jane [Houghtailing] daughter of Elias and Mary Ann Houghtailing, aged 10 years.

Dearest daughter, though thou hast left us, / And thy loss we deeply feel. / But tis God that has bereft us, / He can all our sorrows heal.

Vital Records, Chenango (1880), Otsego (1891) Counties, NY

 Bainbridge Republican, Bainbridge, NY, January 16, 1880

Birth

Wilkins Settlement, Chenango Co. NY:  Mr. and Mrs. James Laman were presented with a valuable Christmas gift.  It was a girl.

Marriages

CLARK - BLULER:  At the home of the bride's parents in Harpersville [Broome Co. NY] Jan. 14th, 1880, by Rev. A.W. Cornell, Mr. Luman B. Clark of Bainbridge [Chenango Co. NY] and Miss Nancy Bluler.

Under our marriage head will be found a notice of the nuptials of Luman B Clark, the popular grocer of this village [Bainbridge] and Miss Nancy Bluler, of Harpursville.  They were married at the home of the bride's parents about a mile from Belden Station.  The ceremony was happily rendered by the Rev. A.W. Cornell of Harpersville. After the ceremony, which was attended by several from Bainbridge, among whom were Mr. B.L. Sherwood and wife, the friends present sat down to a fine collation and enjoyed a merry feast. The newly wedded pair have our heartiest congratulations for a happy future. We now see why "Lume" has been enlarging and beautifying his store and surroundings - that he might have a pretty cage for his bird.  May her imprisonment be a happy one.

SHERWOOD - ESTERBROOKS:  January 11th at the residence of the bride's parents in Bainbridge [Chenango Co. NY] by the Rev. L.E. wheeler, Mr. Charles W. Sherwood of Oxford [Chenango Co. NY] to Miss Annie Esterbrooks of Greene [Chenango Co. NY].

SEARLES - MERRIMAN:  At Afton [Chenango Co. NY] on the 30th of December 1879, by the Rev. N.J. Hawley, Burton M. Searles of Bainbridge [Chenango Co. NY] and Miss Viola Merriman of North Colesville, N.Y. [Broome co.].

BURGDOFF -BLISS:  Afton, Chenango Co. NY:  On Wednesday of last week, Mr. George Burgdoff and Miss Mary Bliss both of Afton, were united int he bonds of matrimony by Rev E.T. Jacobs. 

Deaths

HIGLEY:  In Gurnee, Illinois, December 29th Luther B. Higley aged 58 years, brother of Truman Higley of this place [Bainbridge, Chenango Co. NY].

NEWTON:  At Sharon, Potter Co. Pa. January 6th, 1880, Ellen [Newton] youngest daughter of Alonzo S. Newton, formerly of Bainbridge [Chenango Co. NY], aged 15 years of diphtheria.

LYON:  In this village [Bainbridge, Chenango Co. NY] Wednesday, Jan. 14th, 1880, Mrs. Lois Lyon, aged 65 years.

CHAMBERLIN:  At Dalton, Berkshire County, Mass., Friday, January 9th of pneumonia, Sally C. Chamberlin aged 64 years.

PAYNE:  Mrs. Payne, mother of Rev. H.N. Payne, pastor of the Presbyterian church, was found dead in her bed at his residence on Tuesday morning, the 6th inst. She had been in failing health since her residence here, arriving about two months after Mr. Payne was permanently settled. That morning he visited her room and found her dead, the body was warm, showing that death had occurred but a short time previous. A disease of the heart is thought to have been the cause of her death.  Her age was 76 years.  Her remains were taken to Janesville, Wisconsin, and interred beside those of her husband. [Elizabeth Sarah Nelson Payne, wife of Dr. John Payne, buried Oak Hill Cemetery, Janesville]

SEARLES:  Another of the pioneers of the county has passed away in the death Friday last of Reuben Searles.  Mr. Searles was born in Dutchess County [NY] but removed with his parents when about ten years of age to Bainbridge [Chenango Co. NY] and until the day of his death, for over seventy years, he has resided on the farm on which he died, situated on what is known as Searles Hill.  The old gentleman was a member for many years of the Methodist church and has always been regarded by neighbors and acquaintances as a man of honor, probity and industry, and ever willing to help with work or charity the deserving poor.  He raised a family of five sons and one daughter.  Of the sons, Arvine, Abner and Thomas reside near the old homestead; Burton resides in Iowa; George has been in Deadwood for the past three years, and intends locating in the early future in California; the one daughter, Lephia, the wife of George W. Davis, and resides in Greene. A circumstance that has not happened for years was the fact that all the children and grandchildren of which latter there are nine, were at home at the time of the aged parent's death, as though the old gentleman had waited for a final parting with all his children. There are few men who live to the old age of Mr. Searles with so blameless a character and leaving behind so worthy an example. The remains were taken to the Union Valley Cemetery [West Bainbridge] for interment and were followed thither by many friends.

ELDRIDGE:  David P. Eldridge died of dropsy at his residence in North Pitcher, Chenango County, N.Y., November 29th, 1879, in the eighty-first year of his age.  He was born at Willington, Conn., October 10th, 1799, and came here with his father's family in 1802.  He was married in 1822 to Betsy West, by whom he had eleven children, of whom eight are now living, one son, Rev. Enoch Eldredge, being a member of the Wyoming conference. Brother Eldredge was converted in 1831 and remained until the day of his death a faithful member of the M.E. church.  He retained his mental faculties until the last, and died trusting in the same God who had been his support and abiding strength for nearly half a century.  He leaves an aged companion who expects soon to join him in that home where partings are unknown.  Telegraph. C.D. Smith

YAGER:  James Yager, son of Henry Yager of this town [Oneonta, Otsego Co. NY], resided in Albany [Albany Co. NY], and has recently been employed about the new Capitol as laborer.  On Dec, 22d, he went upon the roof to clear the snow and ice from the gutters.  While thus engaged, he slipped and fell to the pavement below, a distance of ninety feet. when discovered, he was a lifeless mass of bruised flesh. From portions of the skull and brain were found near the building, it was thought he had struck the projecting cornice of a lower story widow in the descent.  He leaves a wife and three children.  This is the first death in a family of eight boys, and the news fell with crushing force upon the aged parents.  Oneonta Press [aged 32 years, buried St. Agnes Cemetery, Menands, Albany Co. NY].

LAKIN:  Gus Lakin, a farmer and lumberman, living between Fish Eddy and Hancock stations [Delaware Co. NY] on the Midland, met with a sad and fatal accident, Friday, December 26th.  He was drawing logs from the woods when accidently one rolled over him and crushed him to the ground, breaking his hip bone and otherwise seriously injuring him.  He had an axe in his hand at the time which by the rolling of the log was forced into his stomach, cutting a gash nine or ten inches long.  His friends wished to move him immediately to his house, but he insisted that he be left on the ground until after death.  He was taken to the house soon afterward, where he suffered terribly until Wednesday, the 30th, when death relieved the agony.  Liberty Register. [Augustus Lakin, aged 44 y, buried Partridge Island Cemetery, Hancock, NY]

BONIAR:  On Saturday last we were compelled to announce a sad accident to William Kirby, who, while slitting some lumber at Rowlingson's planing mill, had a hand taken off by a buzz saw.  Mr. Kirby has a sister residing at Cherry Valley, Otsego county [NY] named Mrs. F. Boniar. They had a beautiful little girl name Essie [Boniar], nine years of age, who met with a horrible accident and death before the sad news had reached there of Mr. Kirby's accident.  Little Essie, we are told, was standing near a wood pile, watching the hired man chopping wood, when the axe slipped in such a way as to nearly sever the child's head from her body.  Binghamton Leader

SEARLES:  Afton, Chenango Co. NY:  The funeral of Mr. Harry Searles, an aged and respected citizen of this village, was largely attended at the Baptist church on Sunday last. The deceased selected as a text for the occasion, Psalms, 23 4.

Unadilla Times, Unadilla, NY, August 6, 1891

Death

Mrs. Polly Gilbert, stepmother to Mrs. R.S. Frear, died at the residence of Mr. Frear, where she has been living for the past fifteen months, about 2 o'clock Tuesday morning, aged 67 years.  Most of her life was spent at Carr's Creek.  Burial at poplar Hill.

News Item

The children and neighbors of Mrs. Frank Palmer to the number of about forty, made her a birthday surprise at her home Saturday evening, August 1, it being the fifty-fourth anniversary of her birth.  Her children presented her with a large willow rocker. The rooms were decorated with vines and flowers. After a social chat, ice cream and cake were served and about twelve o'clock the company returned to their homes having passed a pleasant evening. [Clarinda M. Winans Palmer, b. 1837]