Vital Records, Otsego (1807), Chenango (1880) Counties, NY

 Otsego Herald, Cooperstown, NY, September 3, 1807

Marriage

Married, At Coventry, Connecticut, by John Spier, Esq. the 17th ult. Mr. Asa Harris of Otsego [Otsego Co. NY] to Mrs. Alice Dowe of the former place.  Mr. Harris has within the space of three years three months and seventeen days been the husband of three different wives - his present one is his fourth.  He is seventy years of age and his present wife fifty.  He had never seen her until the middle of the last month.  He left home on the 4th and in seventeen days returned with his bride, distance of about 200 miles.

"Two kindest souls alone must wed, / Tis friendship makes the bondage sweet, / And feeds their mutual loves; / Bright Venus, on her rolling throne, / Is drawn by gentlest birds alone, / and Cupids yoke the doves."

Otsego Herald, Cooperstown, NY, September 10, 1807

Death

Died suddenly in Hartwick [Otsego Co. NY] on the evening of the 30th of August, Mrs. Nancy Skiff consort of Mr. Joseph Skiff in the 24th year of her age.  She was interred Sept. the 1st.  A pathetic discourse was delivered by the Rev. John Bostwick from Job 23d 2d, to a large number of her relations and neighbors who might with propriety say with the text, "Even today is my complaint bitter, my stroke is heavier than my groaning."  She was virtuous in life and lamented in death by all who knew her.  How transient is all sublimary felicity!  We bloom like the rose at noon and are swept away with the evening breeze.  Mrs. Skiff was a kind partner, an obedient child, a tender mother, a good neighbor & pleasant friend.  We might well say why was life so fair cut down so soon, but God is wise and good, although this stroke is superlatively afflictive to the disconsolate husband and mother whom we will address in the language of the poet.

Otsego Herald, Cooperstown, NY, September 17, 1807

Elopement

Whereas my wife Mary [Harrington] has eloped from my bed and board, this is therefore to forbid all persons harboring or trusting her on my account, as I am determined to pay no debts she may contract after the date hereof.  Stephen Harrington, Burlington [Otsego Co. NY] Sept. 15, 1807.

Otsego Herald, Cooperstown, NY, September 24,  1807

Death

Died in Milford [Otsego Co. NY] on the 11th inst. Mrs. Jerusa Lee consort to Lieut. Daniel Lee, aged 43 years.

Mrs. Lee was an amiable matron, a tender mother, and an affectionate wife.  She has left a large family and a tender partner to lament her loss.  Her funeral obsequies were attended on the Sunday following with great solemnity and a large concourse of people who let fall a tear of sympathy.

Chenango American, Greene, NY, April 29, 1880

Marriage

In Smyrna [Chenango Co. NY] April 21st by Rev. O.L. Severson, Mr. John W. Shepardson to Miss Maria B. Per Lee all of Smyrna.

Deaths

In Coventry [Chenango Co. NY] April 22d, Miss Juliet Eells aged 12 years.

In Smithville [Chenango Co. NY] April 27th, Mr. Thomas Tyler aged 86 years.

In East Norwich [Chenango Co. NY] April 16th, Mrs. Polly Burdick aged 74 years.

In McDonough [Chenango Co. NY] April 18th, Mr. Seth Curtiss aged 87 years 11 months and 11 days.

News Item

Reminiscences of Fifty Years Ago [about 1830]

Among my earliest acquaintances in Greene [Chenango Co. NY] were the old-time mercantile firms of C.&A. Squires, Barnard & Hatch and Rathbone & Hunt.  My father traded mostly with C.&A. Squires.  He always kept "debt and credit," and many a time I have seen him on a rainy day take his account book under his arm, and start for "the village," to settle with Mr. Squires.  They were always willing to trust anyone in whom they had confidence, as witness the fact that at one time while at school, I wanted a sheet of paper.  I had no penny and had not time to go home, so I went to Mr. Charles Squires and asked him to trust me.  He was willing to do so if I would promise to pay him in a "fortnight." This I readily promised and got the paper.  I am happy to say, that I redeemed my promise by paying him out of the proceeds of the sale of some rags, which I carried to the store for my mother.  My father always kept his accounts in pounds, shillings and pence. Twelve and a half cents made one shilling and twenty of those shillings made a pound.  I believe this was common, fifty years ago.

We never traded much with Messrs. Barnard & Hatch.  I, however, used to have some boyish difficulties with a young clerk of theirs, one Rowland Jenkins.  You see, I was but a farmer's boy and store clerks in those primitive days, reckoned themselves among the aristocracy.

One little incident connected with the firm of Rathbone & Hunt, or rather I should say, with Mr. Alvah Hunt, left a shade of guilt on my conscience, which is not wholly eradicated to this day.  Mr. Hunt had a fine lot of plums in the yard behind the store, which was enclosed by a high board fence. The boys were in the habit of stealing the fruit.  One evening, a few of my comrades and myself, collected in front of the store and agreed to ask Mr. Hunt for a few plums. I was chosen as a committee of one to ask him. Accordingly, I presented our petition and received a very decided "No; I haven't got any."  In a few minutes after making my report, Mr. Hunt called me to one side and said he was glad to find one honest boy; that the boys kept stealing his plums, even before they were ripe, but just as soon as there were any ripe ones, I should come and he would give me some good ones.  In a few days,  he sent me, by my father, nearly a hat and of as nice plums as I ever saw, saying, it was for being honest.  I took them and ate them, and here was where the guilt came in.  I was not a whit more honest than my mates, who merely made me spokesman.

Another of our storekeepers, and a lifelong friend of my father, was Mr. Benjamin Perkins. He was rather an odd genius as I remember him.  I never saw him but twice without his long overcoat on.  One of those occasions was at my father's funeral, which by the way, was the only time I ever saw him in church.  Nevertheless, he was a good man in his way.

Mr. Peck the grocer was another of our tradesmen.  He was the first to introduce candies and sugarplums for sale, causing a sensation among the girls and boys.  He also kept the "ardent [bar]!" I have often seen some of the most honored men of Greene sitting there cracking hickory nuts with a glass of whisky beside them.  Not much temperance in those days. At another time, if agreeable, I may have a little to say about the drink but not now.

Not long after the Congregationalist Church was built (which I remember very well, we were surprised to find carpenters framing a building not far above Barnard's store. We boys asked them what it was to be and the answer was "a meeting house."  We believed it, of course, and so reported it at home.  What was our indignation, however, to find afterwards that it was only a blacksmith shop.  But such was the case, and it was soon ornamented with a splendid sign across the front, with the names of G.R. & A.F. Lyon in big capitals. We boys translated the initials thus "Great African."

The only drug store in town was that of Dr. Joslyn.  My old friend, Dr. Purple, read medicine there, and I believe Dr. Willard, also.  The last I ever saw of the Joslyn family was Frederick and he was lying on his deathbed in Eaton, Pa.  He had commenced the study of law in that city and was stricken down in his prime.

Not many, I presume, of the active businessmen of fifty years ago, are now living.  But, oh! how familiar their names appear to me now as I write.  There was Rev. J.B. Hoyt (or Birt Hoyt, as we used to call him); his brother Chauncey, the chair maker; Mr. John Winter, the tanner; Mr. Henry Beals, the carpenter; Oramel Austin, the blacksmith; Mr. Samuel Williams, the shoemaker; Mr. Henry Maloy, the cooper; B. Elisha Smith and Horace Green, the hatters; Orrin Sharp, the cabinet maker; Mr. John S. Avery, the wagonmaker; Mr. Ira Watson, the harness maker; Mr. Trumbal, the distiller; the brothers Juliand; my uncle, Stephen Ketchum, Mr. Charles Cameron, Mr. Jesse Scoville, Dr. Levi Farr, Col. M. Birdsall and sons, Mr. William Root and sons G.W. and Orson, Mr. Andrew Race, at the toll bridge; Mr. Pliny Nichols, of the Chenango House, and others whose names I cannot at the moment recall.

Of these, part have crossed the flood and part are "only waiting."  Younger than most I have named, I yet feel like an old man.  I have drifted away into South Jersey, as fair a land as the sun shines upon, where I shall probably finish my course.

Lewis Hoyt, Hammonton, N.J., April 20, 1880

Vital Records, Chenango (1847, 1879),. Otsego (1880) Counties, NY

 Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, June 9, 1847

Marriage

In this town [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], on the 1st inst., by the Rev. J.H. Chamberlin, Mr. Robert Walsworth to Miss Harriet A. Snow.

Deaths

In Pharsalia [Chenango Co. NY] on the 3d inst. Captain Nathan Brown aged 83 years.  Mr. B. was one of the earliest settlers on the town of Pharsalia and was universally esteemed for his intelligence, integrity of character and goodness of heart.  

In this town [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY] on the same day [3d inst.], Jacob Skinner aged 80 years.

Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, June 16, 1847

Death

In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY] of consumption on Monday morning last, Julia [Smith] aged 18 years.

Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, June 30, 1847

Marriage

At New Woodstock, Madison Co. [NY] on the 23d inst. by Rev. D. Putman, Mr. David Bedford, merchant, of this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY] to Miss Clarissa V. [Walker] of the former place.

Deaths

In Plymouth [Chenango Co. NY] on the 19th inst., very suddenly, Mrs. Mary Van Deusen wife of Mr. John Van Deusen and daughter of Mr. Steward McKibbin of the former place, aged 31 years.

In Norwich [Chenango Co. NY] on Monday the 21st inst. John Olney [Monroe] son of John Monroe, Jr. aged two years.

Oxford Times, Oxford, NY, December 10, 1879

Marriage

RACE - UNDERWOOD:  In Greene [Chenango Co. NY] Nov. 26th, by Rev. D.D. MacLarin, Mr. George T. Race and Miss Frances l. Underwood.

GREACON - HETRICK: Smithville Flats, Chenango Co. NY:  Mr. Thomas Greacon and Miss Sarah Hetrick were married on the 4th inst.  The best wishes of their many friends attend them.  

Deaths

DICKINSON:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co. NY] Dec. 8th, Mr. John Dickinson aged 66 years.  Funeral on Greene Street, Wednesday, at 9 A.M.

PRATT:  In Smithville [Chenango Co. NY] Dec. 2d, Wealthy Ann [Pratt] wife of O.A. Pratt and daughter of Daniel W. Hough, Esq., aged 48 years.

"Her toils are past, her work is done, / And she is full blest; / She fought the fight, the victory won, / And enters into rest."

LYMAN:  In Sherburne [Chenango Co. NY] Dec. 1st, Mercy [Lyman] wife of Dr. E.S. Lyman, aged 68 years.

CASEY:  In Preston [Chenango Co. NY] Nov. 28th, Mrs. Bridget Casey aged 86 years.

PARSONS:  In Bainbridge [Chenango Co. NY] Nov. 28th, Abigail [Parsons] wife of Mr. John Parsons, aged 51 years.

OWEN:  At her residence, near Oxford [Chenango Co. NY], Dec. 4th, Mrs. S.W. Owen, aged 79 years. [Sally Sherwood Owen, wife of Solomon W. Owen]

Thus, has passed away from earth the gentle spirit that has entwined around her in life, the tenderest affections and love of a large circle of friends.  In her character were harmoniously blended the true Christian virtues with decision, kindness, meekness, and love, and leaving to all the clear example of Christian hope; and the peace and light of a blessed immortality seemed to have settled upon her soul as she neared the close of life's journey; and as if breathing the sweet music of Heaven to her expiring moments, she sang praises to him who received her spirit, and all, to her, of earth was over.

Thou art gone, and thy home, oh! how lonely without thee; / The hillside, the valley, the landscape how lone; / Mid scenes now so assuredly dreary, how oft we / Shall miss the dear music of love's tender tone.

Thou art gone, but thy path thro the dark narrow valley / Was bright with the beams of thy Saviour's own love; / And cheered with sweet visions of angels and glory, / Thy song hid thy sufferings in death's cold embrace.

Freeman's Journal, Cooperstown, NY, February 12, 1880

Marriages

In this village [Cooperstown, Otsego Co. NY] at the residence of the bride's parents, Feb. 4th, by the rev. J.J. -?-_, Mr. Oraeles A. Sweet of Milford [Otsego Col. NY] and Miss Minnie E. Hyde of Cooperstown.

In Hartwick [Otsego Co. NY] Feb. 6, by Rev. S.M. Cook, George H. Chase and Hattie S. Chase all of Hartwick, N.Y.

Deaths

At Mount Vision [Otsego Co. NY], February 8th, of infantile convulsions, Charles Byram Green second son of Herman and Fannie Hillman Green, aged two years four months and twenty-three days.

In Brooklyn [Kings Co. NY], Feb. 8th, Ada [Beals] only daughter of Frederick F. and Frederica B. Beals aged 1 year and 19 days.

In Otsego [Otsego Co. NY] Feb. 3d, 1880, Marilla [Irish] wife of T.S. Irish, aged 48 years. [Marilla Taylor Irish, wife of Thomas Spencer Irish]

In Butternuts [Otsego Co. NY] Feb. 8(?), Elias Leigt aged 77 years.

Frank Morse, son of the late Oliver Morse, died in Cherry valley on Monday morning.  He was about 40 years of age.

Vital Records, Delaware (1835), Madison (1873) Counties, NY

 Delaware Gazette, Delhi, NY, June 3, 1835

Marriages

In Middletown [Delaware Co. NY], on the 17th inst. by the Rev. Mr. Fenton, Mr. Abraham Beadle to Mrs. Eunice Ellis, all of that place.

In Meredith [Delaware Co. NY] on Sunday morning, 31st ult. by Elder Roberson, Mr. Murdock to Miss Sadah Reynolds, all of the above place.

On Sunday evening, 31st ult. by the Rev. Mr. Fisher, Mr. Henry Anthony to Miss Sarah Olmstead, all of Meredith [Delaware Co. NY].

Delaware Gazette, Delhi, NY, June 17, 1835

Marriage

In Meredith [Delaware Co. NY] Thursday the 11th inst. by the Rev. Mr. Fisher, Mr. William Dean to Miss Paulina Brailey, all of Meredith.

Deaths

In Meredith [Delaware Co. NY] on Saturday the 13th instant, Charles B. [Brooks] son of Mr. Silas Brooks, aged about 18 years.  He has left a large circle of relatives and friends to mourn over his untimely departure.  While a lingering disease was preying upon his earthly tabernacle he bore it with Christian fortitude, and when under the most excruciating pains, he was perfectly submissive to the will of his heavenly Father.  Who would not exclaim, "Let me die the death of the righteous and let my last end be like his?"

"Be ye also ready for in such an hour as ye think not the son of man cometh."

At Stamford [Delaware Co. NY] on the 15th inst. Mrs. Hannah W. Foote wife of Mr. George B. Foote, aged 26 years.

Delaware Gazette, Delhi, NY, June 24, 1835

Death

In Bovina [Delaware Co. NY] on the 11th ult. Miles L. Tuttle aged about 5 years.

On the 19th ult. Joshua S. Tuttle, aged about 9 years.

And on the 13th inst., Close L. Tuttle 

All three son of Mr. Solomon Tuttle.

Democratic Union, Oneida, NY, June 5, 1873

Marriages

BUTTON - FREEMAN:  At Oak Hill [Greene Co. NY], April 12 at the residence of the bride's parents, by Rev. A. Freeman Hailey, Romaine(?) D. Button of Chittenango [Madison Co. NY] and Emma Adele [Freeman}, youngest daughter of H.H. Freeman

GOODRICH - BACKUS:  In New York May 20, by the Rev. E.O. Flagg, D.D., A.J. Goodrich of New York and Florence Ada [Backus] daughter of Azel Backus, of Cazenovia [Madison Co. NY].

WAKEFIELD - HOSMER:  In Greenbush, N.Y. [Rensselaer Co] May 19, by the pastor of the M.E. Church, Mr. Adelbert Wakefield of Waterville [Oneida Co. NY] and Miss Dora A. Hosmer of the former place.

LOOMIS - KNOWLES:  In Waterville [Oneida Co. NY] May 17 by Rev. S.N. Westcott, Mr. Hiram Loomis of North Brookfield [Madison Co. NY] and Miss Ansella(?) Knowles of Smyrna [Chenango Co. NY].

DAVIS - WING:  In Waterville [Oneida Co. NY] by Rev. S.N. Westcott, Mr. William W. Davis and Miss Helen A. Wing all of Waterville.

BELLOWS - LOOMIS:  In North Bay [MI], June 1 by Rev. J.O. Perkins, Mr. Alfred D. Bellows of Morrisville [Madison Co. NY] and Miss Laura L. Loomis of Lansing, Mich.

Deaths

KHLE:  In Chittenango [Madison Co. NY] May 24, at the residence of his son, Elijah Khle, David Ehle, aged 83 years.

ALLEN:  In Morrisville [Madison Co. NY] May 20, Juna Allen an old resident, aged 82 years.

ALLEN:  In Milwaukee {WI], May 12, Rufus Allen formerly of Cazenovia [Madison Co NY], aged 84 years.

JEROME:  In Clinton [Clinton Co. NY], May 31, Rev. Charles Jeerome aged 68 years.

LEWIS:  Late intelligence has reached here announcing the death of Barnard Lewis at the residence of his daughter, Mrs. Durdy, in the town of Benton, Yates Co. [NY] on the 17th ult. in the 84th year of his age.  Mr. Lewis was for a long time a resident of this town [Oneida, Madison Co. NY], and a man of irreproachable character and while here gained many warm friends.  In his personal appearance he was jovial, cheerful, though discreet and sensible and always acting the part of a true gentleman when coming in contact with others.  He, with his family, moved to Yates Co. about the year 1837 where he spent the remaining part of his life with his three children.  He was a mason by trade and belonged to the fraternity of Free and Accepted Masons for about seventy years. There appeared to be no immediate cause of his death except that of old age.

PEARSON:  Ex-alderman George Pearson of Utica [Oneida Co. NY] a man widely known and much respected in that city, committed suicide near Holland Patent [Oneida Co. NY] on Friday last.  He had been in the State lunatic asylum, and it was believed last winter when he was released that he had almost entirely recovered his reason.  He leaves a wife, four sons and six daughters.  Mrs. Menzie of Canastota and Mrs. Andrews of Perryville are sisters of the deceased.

Vital Records, Otsego (1823), Chenango (1876) Counties, NY

 Cherry Valley Gazette, Cherry Valley, NY, July 1, 1823

Marriage

In Danube [Herkimer Co. NY], on the 5th inst. by the Rev. Aaron Putnam, Mr. Evan Cotes of Springfield [Otsego Co. NY] to Miss Laurania Hawskins of the former place.

Death

In this village [Cherry Valley, Otsego Co. NY] on Saturday morning last, Mr. Josiah Grout late of Rome, Oneida Co. [NY] aged about 26 years.

Cherry Valley Gazette, Cherry Valley, NY, July 22, 1823

Death

Died in this village [Cherry Valley, Otsego Co. NY] on Wednesday last, Mr. Ebenezer Granger, aged 66.

Cherry Valley Gazette, Cherry Valley, NY, August 5, 1823

Marriage

Married, at Penn-Yan, Yates County [NY] on the 19th ult. Mr. Eben Smith, merchant, of that place, to Miss Eliza Ellsworth.

Death

In Sullivan, Madison County [NY], on the 17th ult, the widow Martha Page, aged 92 years, formerly of North Branford, Connecticut, where she has left numerous connections and friends, as well as in this state.  Mrs. Page had her senses to her last moments, has been a professor of religion for 70 years, and appeared to have died in the full belief of a resurrection and of the Saint's final perseverance in the world to come.  Her funeral was attended in the village of Chittenango, by a great number of her kindred and of the respectable inhabitants of said village. an appropriate sermon was delivered by the Rev. Mr. Olds, of Lenox, from 2d Corinthians, 5, 1  "For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, a house not made with hands eternal in the heavens."

Cherry Valley Gazette, Cherry Valley, NY, August 12, 1823

Death

At Manlius, Onondaga County [NY] on the 4th instant, after a few days' illness, Capt. James Farquaharson of this town [Cherry Valley, Otsego Co. NY], aged about 55 years.  Mr. F. was on his return to his family in this town, when taken ill.

Cherry Valley Gazette, Cherry Valley, NY, August 19, 1823

Marriage

At Indianapolis, Indiana, on the 11th of July last, Dr. H.G.L. Dunlap formerly of this village [Cherry Valley, Otsego Co. NY] to Miss Geogiana McDougal.

Cherry Valley Gazette, Cherry Valley, NY, August 26, 1823

Deaths

In Cooperstown [Otsego Co. NY] on Thursday last, Thomas Shankland, Esq. aged 63 years.

In the city of Albany [Albany Co. NY], suddenly, on the 21st inst. Mr. John Cook, State librarian and proprietor of the city reading rooms.  To a life of probity and respectability, Mr. Cook added that of a most useful and obliging citizen. His death is a severe deprivation to his family and a general loss to the public.  Argus

New Berlin Gazette, New Berlin, NY, December 23, 1876

Marriages

CHASE - BLISS:  In Springfield [Otsego Co. NY] on the 13th inst. at the house of Horace Slyter, Esq. Mr. L.H. Chase of Pittsfield [Otsego Co. NY] and Miss E.G. Bliss of Schuyler's Lake [Otsego Co. NY].

HORTON - VAN SCHOICK: In New Berlin [Chenango Co. NY] Dec. 20th, 1876 by Rev. N.J. Hawley, Mr. Cyrus Horton of Montrose, Pa and Mrs. Van Schoick of New Berlin, N.Y.

Death

Horace (Plim) Thompson died suddenly last Wednesday night of strangulation from bleeding at the lungs.  He was sitting in a chair at Chamberlain's store at about 6 o'clock in the evening, when he commenced coughing, said he was bleeding and expired immediately. He was 57 years old, belonged to a thrifty family, was a master mechanic, and proprietor of the Norwich Foundry [Chenango Co. NY]

Vital Records, Chenango County, NY (1879)

 Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, October 23, 1879

Marriages

The Minneapolis Tribune has a pleasant paragraph on the ninth anniversary wedding day of J.H. McDermott and wife which occurred in that city on the 3d inst. Several friends gathered at their residence in the evening, when a finely gotten up repast was disposed of, congratulatory remarks were made, and the night spent in a most enjoyable manner generally.  "Mac" will be remembered by friends in this section as a former popular conductor on the Midland, and he now holds the responsible position of Yardmaster of the Minneapolis and St. Louis Railroad.

Deaths

Miss Agnes Harris of Norwich [Chenango Co. NY] while visiting the family of Rev. Mr. Loveridge, was taken very sick with diphtheria, which resulted fatally after an illness of only a few days.  Her remains were taken to Norwich on Tuesday for interment.  She had been in our village [Unadilla, Otsego Co. NY] about two weeks and had made many friends among the young people, and her untimely death has cast a shadow over our village - a gloom in the hearts of her young friends that cannot be erased in a long time.  She was a sister of Miss Mary Harris, for several years a teacher in the Bainbridge Academy.

_______________________

Rev. Gideon Babcock Perry, D.D., M.D. died at his residence Hopkinsville, Ky September 29, 1879 in his 79th year and was buried from Grace Episcopal Church of which he was rector in this city since 1867, till of late for some time past having been altogether incapacitated from duty by reason of continued and extreme sickness.

The Rev. Dr. Perry was a native of South Kingston, R.I. and particular interest may be particularly noted of the old Perry stock as the last surviving kinsman, contemporary of the battle of Lake Erie's hero Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry.  Their fathers being brothers and the sons born on the same homestead, the two were brought together.  Thus, boy relatives attached to each other from the first, the incipient navy commander in fact at one time so won upon his younger kinsman, that but for parental interference, he had joined him to the American Marine in this country's service, mere youth as he was, yet full of the "fire of 76."  To this Dr. Perry made pointed reference when asked to act as he did some score of years since, Chaplin at the "Perry Statue Inauguration," Cleveland, Ohio with the Hon. George Bancroft, historian, orator of the day.

To resume, however, home persuasions prevailed, and the subject of this sketch having duly prepared, was sent to Hamilton College, New York [Madison Co.].  After his graduation and theological course, as minister taking charge at Brookfield, N.Y. [Madison Co.], in 1823, The Rev. Perry married Miss Abby Brown, youngest daughter of Nathan Stewart, Esq. of that place.  In 1824 Dr. Perry was called to the broader field of Stonington borough, Conn. and officiated there till in 1827, assuming the important charge to which he was chosen in New Bedford, Mass, and thence, three years later to the old Spruce Street Church, Philadelphia, Pa., retiring from his ministry there in 1834, on account of impaired health and seeking the West.

Renewing his labors in 1837, having removed to Canton, Ill. where a place of worship was established by him, the Rev. Dr. Perry successively ministered also at Alton, Ill. for a number of years and in 1843, was recalled to Philadelphia, remaining in that city till taking residence in the diocese of Ohio.  Admitted to orders by the Bishop in 1846, the Rev Dr. took charge of St. Paul's Parish, Cleveland O., and as its first rector, rebuilding the Church he had just but lost by fire, was in office some ten years up to 1854, from there officiating at Grace Church in the same city, till 1857 when the Rev. Dr. Perry had organized under him as pastor St. James' parish of Cleveland, also now one of its attractive churches of over twenty odd years' steady growth and prominence. As next called to Natchez, Miss, in 1858, he became the rector of Trinity Church and resided there as such till his resignation in 1866, the year subsequent to accepting a call from Grace church, Hopkinsville, Ky. his last parochial charge and place of decease.

More than fifty years in the Christian ministry, it is impossible to enumerate the host of services and offices, baptisms, communions, marriages, burials and the like by him rendered in over half a century's vigorous occupation.  By those tied to him in friendship, as to thousands throughout the land from Massachusetts to Mississippi and Pennsylvania to Missouri, who met and heard him with admiration, the Rev. Dr. Perry was known as a man of marked power, religious culture and ability.  It was the expression of Bishop McIlvaine, himself eminent for golden speech and graceful mien, that the Rev. Dr. Perry, as a natural orator and logician to whom he accorded most hearty attention, was rarely excelled, if equaled.  But few of its divines stood higher in the church, especially for pulpit eloquence, clear commanding gospel exposition and forensic force and notwithstanding his deafness, for energy and influence in almost every variety of work.  He was sought and esteemed for these, aside from love and devotion to him for his many manly virtues in a long, busy life, not devoid of opposition at times befalling many another, and above all one of so positive character for good with executive will that feared not the face of man, nor mere opinion of multitude.  

As noteworthy, at the farewell service, April 19th, 1874 (ere occupying the new magnificent structure) of St. Paul's Church, Cleveland, Ohio, after its first quarter century's existence, the Rev. Dr. Perry was present from a distant diocese and preached the last sermon, as he had the first, within its sacred walls, at the church's express request of its first pastor.  It is instanced as one of the finest of the veteran rector's most interesting efforts so many came to hear and then for the last time in his former home parish of the Forest city.  In addition to customary first degrees, those of D.D. and L.L.D. were conferred upon him by the respective colleges and after due course of study and lectures in medicine and surgery, that of M.D. from Jefferson college, Philadelphia.  Dr. Perry for some years practicing both with success and distinction.

The Masonic Mirror long published in Philadelphia, contains discourses from him, while as Knight Templar he gave the address upon occasions of assembly by the Order in Ohio and for other Masonic bodies at intervals in New England and various places with great acceptability.  Among his most popular efforts were those at institutions of learning and before literary societies, by members of which he was elected to honorary membership and for his interest in behalf of education ever an active work, public spirited and practical in his view.  His life in Fino, was full of earnest for the common good. Through fifty-six mature, eventful years a kind husband, the exemplary citizen, loving father, true man, pastor and friend, pursued his way, and kept the Faith. At his obsequies the Priest of the church (Rev Charles Morris), with him almost daily during final illness, testified to his triumphant death.  "A true soldier of the Cross - I believe if ever one was most fully prepared to meet his Maker and find rest in the bosom of God our Saviour it is the beloved and reverend brother whose form is in the casket before us!"

The attendance was crowded at the funeral services in the Parish Church, which was heavily draped about the chancel and columns and the altar, lectern and pulpit arranged with choice floral designs and emblems appropriate to the high office of the venerable deceased. During the hymns "Asleep in Jesus," and "How firm a foundation, ye Saints of the Lord," and anthems chanted, and at the eulogy, the congregation was visibly affected. Every class and denomination of people were present, a tribute of unfeigned regret for the loss that was felt. The bearers, ten in number, from the best members of the parish and large community, friends, neighbors, and brethren, with their own hands prepared the last rites of the Christian sepulture. At the grave during the committal office, a rainbow of singular beauty appeared in the sunny sky, and, overarching, remained so, resplendent, till, after the concluding services, the cortege left the cemetery.

The Rev. Dr. Perry leaves as sincere mourners, a widow and three children; the Rev. Henry C. Perry of the city Episcopal clergy, Chicago, and a son and daughter residing in Hopkinsville, with their surviving parent.

News Item

Fifty years ago, there were few better-known families in Northern Chenango than those of Chester and George Hammond of Smyrna [Chenango Co. NY].  They came to the town in 1808 from the little town of Bolton, Tolland County, Ct. about fifteen miles east of Hartford.  Chester was a farmer, and George a woolen manufacturer whose carding machine and manufacturing establishment was on the south side of Pleasant Brook in Smyrna village.  Such establishments are now almost unknown in the country and this one long since disappeared.  Half a century ago they were common.  The oldest in the town was started by Joseph Collins, father of Levi B. Collins, Esq., in the north part of the town, and there were others two and three miles west of the village, one operated by Montgomery Percival and another at a later day by William Sprague, at Upperville [Chenango Co. NY].

George Hammond buried a number of his children in Smyrna and then followed the others who removed to Sweden and Bergen.  He long since passed away and only one son and one daughter survive; Lemuel who lives in Clarendon, Orleans County [NY] and Mrs. Joseph Staples, of Sweden, Monroe County [NY].

Chester Hannond lived upon the hill southeast of the village and from his residence looking north could be seen the narrow valley of Pleasant Brook and the broader and more extensive flats upon the Chenango towards Earlville and Hamilton.  His house and farm were in full view from the village, and while more than half a century has passed away, I remember how delighted were my boy eyes when they looked across the little valley to Deacon Hammond's home.  I suppose his stately form, his godly life and example had something to do with the impressions made upon me, and I used to look over to the spot as almost holy ground and in passing it, as I sometimes did, feel something akin to reverence even for the place, and as for its noble proprietor, I used to think he could not be far from heaven, and this in spite of the fact that the information he felt it his duty to give of my going in swimming on Sunday, between the forenoon and afternoon service, cost me the very last whipping I receive3d from my father.  Dea. Hammond largely aided in building the Congregational "meetinghouse" in Smyrna, was elected a deacon on the organization of the church and continued in the office until his removal to Michigan in 1835.

On Tuesday, October 7th, the oldest child of Deacon Hammond died near Mumford, Monroe County [NY] at the ripe age of seventy-seven.  Many of the older class of people in Smyrna will remember Anna M. Hammond [Brown], although it is forty-six years since she was married to Gen. Theron Brown and went with him to his home in Wheatland, where she died.  It was the sad privilege of the writer to be at the funeral on the 10th.  It took place where all her married life was spent upon an eminence as sightly as that where she lived in her early years and was largely attended by people from Wheatland and Caledonia.  Her oldest brother, Hon. Charles G. Hammond, of Chicago, who was at the meeting of the America Board in Syracuse, when her death took place, was present, together with her two sons and two stepsons and their families. The services were conducted by Rev. Mr. Taylor of Leroy and the remains interred in the Baptist church cemetery where she had long been a worshiper.

Mrs. Brown suffered a fracture of her hip about ten weeks previous to her death and was a great sufferer until death called her away.  From very early life she had been a devoted Christian and throughout the community where her later years were passed, she was universally esteemed.  "The memory of the just is blessed."

In the vicinity where Mrs. Brown so long resided, quite a number of Smyrna people have lived.  Noah and Lewis Hutchinson resided near Mumford, but I do not know that any of their families are now living.  Nathan Sutliff died at Mumford, many years ago, but his remains were taken to Sherburne Hill for interment by the side of his wife.  A daughter, Mrs. Harmon, also resided there, but died in Tennessee.  Mr. Sutliff's only surviving child, Mrs. Lusk, who is now entirely blind, is visiting in Smyrna.  The late Hollom Hutchinson, who represented Livingston County in the Assembly in 1835, was also from Smyrna. Ephraim Finch of Wheatland, married a sister of Hollom Hutchinson, and his son married the widow of Thomas Milner, of Norwich - a daughter of the late Harvey Talcott, of Smyrna.

S.P.A.

Vital Records, Chenango County, NY (1879)

 Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, October 23, 1879

Marriages

SCOTT - SHERMAN:  At the residence of H.C. Rockwell, Rockwell's Mills [Chenango Co. NY], Oct. 21st, by Rev. T.P. Halstead, Mr. Tracy O. Scott of Norwich [Chenango Co. NY] to Miss Alice A. Sherman of the former place.

SCOTT - ROBINSON:  In South Oxford [Chenango Co. NY] Oct. 16th by Rev. R.M. Duff, Warren Scott, M.D. of Traer, Iowa, to Miss Emogene Robinson, daughter of S.M. Robinson, Esq.

DARLING - ADAMS:  In Oxford [Chenango Co. NY] Oct. 15th, by Rev. H.N. Payne, Mr. Nelson W.D Darling of Preston [Chenango Co. NY] to Miss Cora B. Adams of Smithville [Chenango Co. NY].

MOSHER - BENEDICT:  In Smithville [Chenango Co. NY] Oct. 8th, by Rev. H.N. Van Deusen, Mr. George H. Mosher to Miss Clara M. Benedict, both of Smithville.

SMITH COOK:  In Greene [Chenango Co. NY] Oct. 12th, by Rev. H.N. Van Deusen, Mr. Arthur W Smith of Union [Broome Co. NY] to Miss Sarah Cook of Greene.

SANFORD - JACKSON:  In Greene [Chenango Co. NY] Oct. 8th by Rev. A.W. Hood, Mr. George W Sanford of Triangle [Broome Co. NY] to Miss Almira M. Jackson of Greene.

WEEKS - HYDE:  In Afton [Chenango Co. NY] Oct. 8th, by Rev. A.W. Cornell Mr. Lewis A. Weeks to Miss Lena Florence Hyde all of Afton.

SYMONDS - AUSTEN:  Oct. 14th 1879, on the platform of the depot at the Tunnel Station [Broome Co. NY] by Rev. A.F. Harding, Mr. George Symonds of South Oxford [Chenango Co. NY] to Mrs. Sarah M. Austen of Colesville, Broome County (NY].

GREEN - SPAULDING:  In Brookfield [Madison Co. NY] Sept. 30th, by Rev. J.M. Todd, Mr. William M. Green of Poolville [Madison Co. NY] to Miss Addie H. Spaulding of Columbus [Chenango Co. NY]

HARVEY - RAYMOND:  In South Otselic [Chenango Co. NY] Oct. 7th, by Rev. H.C. Leach, Mr. Emmett Harvey of Georgetown [Madison Co. NY] to Miss Addie Raymond of Otselic.

DELEVAN - GRIFFITH:  In Marathon, Oct. 8th, by Rev. J.H. Harris, Mr. Adelbert Delavan of Cincinnatus [Cortland Co. NY] to Miss Mary Griffith of Marathon [Cortland Co. NY]

Deaths

BUELL:  In King Settlement [Chenango Co. NY], Oct. 21st, after a brief illness of pleuro pneumonia, Julia [Buell] wife of Simon Buell, aged 55 years.  Funeral at her late residence on Friday at 11 A.M.

CLARK:  Killed by the cars, near this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY] on Friday evening, Oct. 17th, Mr. Abram Clark aged 61 years.

RILEY:  In Coventry [Chenango Co. NY] Oct. 11th Emily [Riley] wife of John Riley, aged 56 years.

GALLUP:  In Afton [Chenango Co. NY] Oct. 15th, Mr. R.M. Gallup aged 71 years.

NICHOLS:  At the residence of his brother, Erastus Nichols, in Lincklaen Centre [Chenango Co. NY] Oct. 13th of apoplexy, Mr. Estrus P. Nichols of Albion, Wisconsin, formerly of Lincklaen, aged 65 years.

SIONDS:  In Baltimore, Md., Sept 28th Mr. John L. Simonds aged 45 years, formerly of New Berlin [Chenango Co. NY].

HOYT:  In Middleport, N.Y. [Niagara Co.], Oct. 9th, Mrs. E. Louisa Hoyt, aged 38 years and 9 months, wife of William D Hoyt, formerly of Greene [Chenango Co. NY].

ALLYN:  In Potterville, Bradford Co. Pa., Oct. 2d Mr. J. Billings Allyn aged 61 years and 2 months, formerly of Mcdonough [Chenango Co. NY].

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Death on the Rail

A fatal railroad accident occurred on the Midland, about four miles south of this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], a few minutes before six o'clock on Friday evening last.  A gang of bridge men, consisting of Martin Adams, John Flynn, Richard Allen and Abram Clark, were returning on a hand car from their work on the Oxford Trestle and when about a mile and a half this side of Lyon Brook bridge, the whistle of the excursion train returning from New York was heard and the train was seen rounding the curve some thirty rods behind them.  Flynn and Allen at once jumped form the car and rolled down the bank, while Foreman Adams attempted to get Clark from his seat on the forward end of the car, but was compelled to leave him, having barely time to leap and save his own life.  In the meantime efforts were being made on the train to check its speed, but as it consisted of four well filled coaches and the grade being heavy, this was almost useless.  When the car was struck, Clark was thrown several feet in the air, and in falling his head struck the end of a tie, crushing the back of his skull in a horrid manner, the brains oozing upon the ground.  One of his legs was also badly broken and his death was instantaneous.  The train was stopped, the body brought to the depot and an inquest held by Coroner Avery. Conductor Coburn and engineer Finch, of the excursion train, Superintendent Laupher, Train Dispatcher Hankins, John Flynn and Martin Adams, were sworn and the jury found that Clark "came to his death by a wound received on the back of the head, by a collision between the locomotive of an excursion train and a hand car upon which he was riding."

Deceased came to this village [Norwich], from Newark, N.J. about the year 1853, and worked for Goodrich & Brown, at silver plating, three years, and for E.&E.L. Brown, their successors in business, thirteen years, and what is a little remarkable, during the thirteen years he was in the employ of the last named firm, he lost but three days and that on account of sickness.  For some years past he has worked as a laborer, on the railroads and elsewhere and was a faithful, hard-working man, well-disposed quiet and inoffensive in his manner. A widow and five children - two sons and three daughters - survive him.  His funeral was held at the residence of his son-in-law, Henry C. Hughson on Sunday afternoon.  His age was sixty-one years.

News Item

The following soldier's tribute to Rev. Samuel Scoville by a member of the 114th Regiment, written directly after he left Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], with his family for his new field of labor, was unavoidably crowded out of our last week's issue by the pressure upon our columns.  It has lost nothing by standing over and will be read with interest by the multitude of Mr. Scoville's friends.  (Editor)

Now that everybody, as it would seem, have voiced their praises, their regrets and sorrows, and now that the dearest of pastors has gone, so that he will not be likely to feel "like a first class funeral," or know what it is to be "an unresisting corpse" anymore, by anything further that might be said, I desire to give expression to a sentiment which is shared by a large and not unimportant class in whose behalf, I am sorry to say, not a word has been publicly uttered among all the many good things that have been said - I refer to the veteran soldiers.

Mr. Scoville's residence in Norwich runs nearly parallel with the writer's - that is, in respect to time.  Beyond that, the analogy ends.  I remember his coming to this place, an enthusiastic young man fresh with college honors and some theology in his brain, whose advent, it appeared to me, was fortunate to the church and society for which he came to minister, and to the community at large, if not to himself.  It was my fortune to hear some of his first sermons preached in a small apartment in the old furniture building on South Broad Street, when I discovered, or thought I did, traits and qualifications for a minister, which in the end would tell.  How nearly the prediction then or subsequently made upon a certain occasion, when the writer chanced to be present, when the young preacher was up for discussion and when some of the elders "wagged their heads," has been verified, I leave for those to answer who used to sit upon the straggling benches in the little room in Close's building, or on the naked seats in Concert Hall, who were present Sunday evening in that elegant edifice, with its every appointment the very height of perfection and who were of that vast assemblage who came to do homage to the retiring pastor.

Soon the sound of battle from afar, and the call for more men took me with hundreds of the bravest and best of the community to the front, and for nearly three years I never saw Mr. Scoville's face again.  Although lost to sight he was not lost to sense. The boys of the army, and particularly of the one hundred and Fourteenth Regiment read the local newspapers as never before, till the print became blurred and the worn and wrinkled sheets almost as black as the camp kettles in which they cooked their mess and knew what was going on at home, who were their friends and sympathizers in the many dangers and hardships to which they were exposed.

Mr. Scoville had spoken noble words for our dear dead Colonel, borne home upon his shield from that pen of fearful slaughter at Port Hudson, three thousand miles away, to be buried in this beautiful valley and among his kindred.  We all loved him for that.  He had spoken noble works for others, brought home to sleep in the graves of their fathers, beside their loved ones, or who had been hid away upon the battlefield, laid to rest in hospital grounds, or borne from the loathsome prison cell. We all loved him for that.  He had spoken earnest, encouraging, patriotic words for the living, during those times which tried men's souls. We all loved and honored him for that.

Mr. Scoville was among the first and foremost to welcome our noble Regiment, when, with thinned ranks, its bronzed and scarred veterans came back one lovely June day fourteen years ago, bearing aloft their tattered, bullet-riddled banners, begrimed with the smoke and dust of battle, and we have never forgotten him for that.  My first genuine acquaintance with Mr. Scoville - having met only casually before - and the first time I ever felt the warm pressure of his friendly hand, was when introduced to him at the table of the banquet prepared by the patriotic ladies of Norwich on the occasion of that glad "Welcome Home." There may have been - I know there was - much in the magnitude and thronging memories of the event to produce and intensify impression.  Sure it was, while the hands and thoughts of noble women were busy serving their royal feast, the genial opened-souled pastor took possession of many a veteran's heart.  In one, verily, the possession having never been disputed, he "Holds the fort."

Not by members of the 114th Regiment alone, but by the soldier element of society generally, wherever he is known, is Mr. Scoville especially regarded as "The Soldier's Friend."  He will be missed at our Reunions, on Decoration Day occasions, at the last sad rites at the soldier's grave - everywhere, save in the affections of the people.  For his good cheer, his many kind offices of charity and mercy, beautiful, profuse and varied as the leaves of Autumn, will be the preacher who served eighteen years in Norwich, be long and gratefully remembered.

H.H.B. (Dr. Harrison H. Beecher)

Vital Records, Madison County, NY (1867)

 Oneida Dispatch, Oneida, NY, March 30, 1867

Marriages

BUMPUS - LUMBARD:  March 27th, 1867, at the National Hotel, By Rev. David McFarland, of Oneida, Mr. Augustus H. Bumpus to Miss Eliza M. Lumbard, both of Fenner, N.Y. [Madison Co.].

WHITMAN - WILCOX:  In Clockville [Madison Co. NY] on the 20th inst. at the residence of the bride's father, by Rev. Leander Hall, Mr. Allen S. Whitman and Miss Mary Wilcox all of Clockville.

SHAPLEY - STEWART:  At the residence of the bride's father in Georgetown [Madison Co. NY], March 14th, 1867, by Rev. James H. Sage, Mr. Spencer B. Shapley of Lebanon [Madison Co. NY] to Miss Dora C. Stewart.

WARD - COOK: Thursday, March 21st, 1867, at the residence of the bride's mother, by the Rev A.G. Fargo, Waulatean B. Ward of Madison, N.Y. [Madison Co.] to Miss Lottie A. Cook of Bouckville, N.Y. [Madison Co.].

VEDDER - MAINE:  In Perryville [Madison Co. NY], March 29th, 1867, by Rev. E.F. Maine of Walworth, Mr. Horatio K. Vedder of Oppenheim [Fulton Co. NY] to Miss Marion A.Maine of Perryville.

BARLOW - SHERWOOD: On March 21, 1867, by Rev. Wm. Reddy, Mr. William Barlow of Canaseraga [Allegany Co. NY] to Mrs. Jane Ann Sherwood of Oneida Valley.

HUNT - TUTTLE:  In Georgetown [Madison Co. NY] on the 6th inst. Mr. George H. Hunt of DeRuyter [Madison Co. NY] and Miss Dorlesca Tuttle of Georgetown.

BROWN - BACON:  In Otselic [Chenango Co. NY] on the 12th inst. Mr. George Brown and Mary E. Bacon, all of Otselic. 

McCARTNEY - MIX:  In Sangerfield [Oneida Co. NY] on the 6th inst. by the Rev. C. Morgan, Mr. John McCartney and Miss Ellen C. Mix.

MORTON - WHEELER:  In Georgetown [Madison Co. NY] on the 6th inst. by Rev. Mr. Brooks, Mr. Reuben Morton of Herkimer Co. [NY] and Miss Mary Wheeler of Otselic [Chenango Co. NY].

The relatives and friends of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Clark of Eaton [Madison Co. NY] met at their residence on Wednesday evening, the 20th inst. to celebrate their twenty-fifth marriage anniversary.  It was a pleasant and happy gathering.  Mr. and Mrs. Clark were the recipients of numerous handsome and appropriate presents, amounting in value to $175.  There were about sixty guests present, and they all gathered round a table filled with the good things the worthy hostess knows so well how to prepare.  All united in doing these good things ample justice. Then followed music, song and dancing, till the small hours of the night came round, and admonished all to seek their homes.  And thus, the happy company broke up, pleased and highly gratified with the evening's entertainment and hoping long life may bless the host and hostess, whose house has always been the welcome, cordial home of all callers, whether rich or poor.  that they might live to enjoy their golden wedding, when twenty-five more years have rolled away, was the earnest wish of all.

Deaths

COPPINS:  In DeRuyter [Madison Co. NY], March 20th, George Coppins aged 21 years 10 months and 20 days.

CROSS:  In Georgetown [Madison Co. NY]m, on the 9th inst., Mrs. Betsey Cross aged 76 years

_________________________

DENISON:  In Oneida [Madison Co. NY] March 23, at the residence of her mother, Mrs. N.B. Wilbur, Mrs. Mary W. Denison, wife of Lyman Denison, Esq. of New York, aged 40 years.

No brief obituary notice can do justice to the memory of one who possessed such a rare combination of personal beauty with exquisite culture of mind and heart.  Whether we refer to her kind and gentle spirit, by which she won the affection of all who knew her, to intellectual gifts, her perfect taste and fine execution in painting and music, by which she challenged their admiration, or her ardent childish love for all things beautiful in nature, by which the world of beauty in sight and sound was open to the sensitive soul, or to that Christian faith which consecrated and sanctified there gifts and graces, we are embarrassed by the limits of this notice.  In the prime of her life and beauty she fell a victim to disease.  For several years she bravely resisted its inroad, receiving all the loving care which the devoted ministry of her loving family could render, but it becoming evident the past winter that she was failing, she left the city for the quiet repose of the country, to die in her mother's house.  There, in perfect quiet and peace, grateful as a child for every kindness shown her, looking to her Savior with that entire reliance which removed all fear or dread of death, she lay for several weeks, waiting the summons to depart.  And when, in the early watch her Savior called, she, asking for her husband and mother, smiled sweetly saying:

"So fades a summer cloud away; / So sinks the gale when storms are o'er; / So gently shuts the eye of day; / So dies a wave along the shore."