Civil War Letter - Homer Brewer - May 1861

 Oneonta Herald, Oneonta, NY, May 29, 1861

Letter from the War

Headquarters, 71st Regiment, N.Y. S.V.; Washington Navy Yard, Sunday, May 12, 1861

Friend James:  Now look out for a bore - one of the first magnitude.  This is the first time I have taken a pen in my hand since leaving New York and I shall make up for lost time with a vengeance.  However, you are like all other unfortunates, you brought it all on yourself - you requested me to write to you; you have cause to return thanks for one thing, that is, that this is all the paper I possess.

It's a fine thing to be a soldier - a very fine thing.  It accustoms a person to eating sour victuals without making wry faces.  For instance, when I drew my first rations of sull hose aboard the R.R. Culver (the vessel we came to Annapolis in) I walked aft, inspected it on all sides and then deliberately gave it to the sharks.  Now, I am like the patron saint of the craft in America, Ben Franklin.  I eat everything set before me, whether fish, flesh or fowl, amphibious or otherwise, then lick my fingers and plate and cry "more," with more fervency than ever Oliver Twist did.  When I "return from the wars" I shall on no condition sleep on a bed.  I will give it to some poor person.  You don't know what a huge amount of softness can be extracted from mother earth by a little persuasion and it's something of a knack to tell at first feel which is the softest side of a hemlock plant.  Planks were luxuries on [-unreadable-].

If I had the pen, ink, paper, time and inclination, I would give you in detail the joys and sorrows of a soldier's life in my usual graphic style.  But as they will all simultaneously give out at the end of this sheet, I must confine myself to moderate brevity.  Besides, "brevity is the soul of wit." Therefore I'm going to be witty (sage conclusion).

Humpty, Dumpty - I've seen the Capitol - individually - also, Washington - also Abe Lincoln - also Billy Seward - the two last named objects I have shaken hands with.  If the Almighty lets us live long enough - say 1800 years - the Capitol and Washington will be fine places to visit. At present they are both unfinished.  The former will possibly get finished in fifty years, the latter never.

In my youthful days, before I was a military man, I thought Troy could boast as much dirt and filth as any city could well afford.  I have changed my opinions - change is a great thing - all things are liable to change - nothing is mutable (sotto voce by Brewer).  I wish I had a little of it in my pocket.  Change is a great thing.  It's like all of Mrs. Toodle's purchases - so handy to have in the house.  Seriously the Capitol is a fine building, and at present if any artist could paint it as it is, he could make his fortune.  On the outside the entrances are choked up with barrels - pork, four and everything.  But the most interesting portion of it lies in the Representative and Congressional Chambers. The last time I saw it (Thursday) in the house of Representatives, a man from Massachusetts occupied the seat made vacant by Billy Seward, with his feet on the desk and a cigar in his mouth.  I think it was occupied in a manner extremely unique and original.  In the Congressional Chamber, the scene from above was splendid - Soldiers from Massachusetts, from New York, from Pennsylvania, from New jersey, &c., every regiment having a different uniform, all presenting a variety of color and posture never before seen in the Capitol.  

The last time I saw Lincoln was one week ago today.  He and Billy Seward came down to inspect the Sloop-of-War Pensacola - a vessel that has cost $600,000 and is not completed yet.  Its equipment is now at a standstill, owing to the Chief Engineer's leaving, who was a Secessionist, and who left soon after the 71st took possession of the yard.  The President looked like a man who was completely fagged out.  A lot of us, who were inspecting the large guns, saw him get out of his carriage and go aboard her.  We drew up in line and when he returned, uncovered.  He chatted with us familiarly.  I had the impudence to ask him to order a detachment of the 71st to go down to Alexandria, seven miles from here, to pull down the Secession flag flying there.  He replied that he should be happy to do anything to please us boys, but really that was out of his jurisdictions.  "My orders," continued he, "will be very general. General Scott will attend to all details."  I informed him that the 71st were just the boys to do it.  He laughed and said he presumed so.  I think he must have thought that I was blessed with a goodly amount of cheek.  It's a fine thing to have cheek, every printer possesses it and why not use it.

Our regiment is now the star regiment here and they are just beginning to find it out at home.  One day last week there was a flag flying in the City Hall New York with "71" and a star on it.  We meant more men on guard duty (some 49), have held a harder march, and have had tougher exertions than all regiments in Washington, combined.  These are the sentiments of the people in Washington, and we have pretty good evidence that they are General Scott's, for he assigned this, the Navy Yard, as a post of honor to us and we are not to leave it unless it is our expressed wish to do so.  The 7th of New York, produced a good deal of eclat (French you will perceive) the first week they were here, owing to the fact that they were the first regular uniformed regiment here (a Pennsylvania regiment of volunteers were the first body of troops here), but now the general impression is that they are "paper soldiers."  The Massachusetts 8th regiment and the 7th of N.Y. came here together. The 8th did the work of rebuilding the railroad and the 7th stood like gentlemen with muskets in their hands and guarded them against imaginary Secession mobs. 

A good yarn is told against the Secessionists at Annapolis. When the Massachusetts 8th arrived at Annapolis and took possession of the railroad, they found the locomotive (there were only two locomotives on the road) all taken apart to the smallest screw with the calculation that they could not put it together again.  The men went to work, got it out from its hiding place, when one of the men exclaimed "why what's this? why, d--m my eyes, if this isn't the same locomotive I helped make, way down in Portland, Maine, four years ago!" And it was.  In less than half a day they had the locomotive up, with a full head of steam on and running between Annapolis and the Junction, rebuilding the road.

But this, like all other earthly things is drawing to a close.  It has existed longer than I anticipated when I sat down to commence it.  

Yours ever, Homer Brewer

Vital Records, Otsego County, NY (1861)

 Oneonta Herald, Oneonta, NY, April 3, 1861

Marriage

At the residence of the bride's father in West Davenport [Delaware Co. NY] on the 26th ult. by the Rev. L. C. Morehouse, Mr. J. Wilson Kinyon to Miss Helen M. Smith daughter of Geroge H. smith, Esq. all of Davenport.

Deaths

At McConnellsville, Oneida County [NY] on the 13th ult. Maryette [Yager] eldest daughter of Edmund and Julina Yager, aged 16 years.

In Franklin [Delaware Co. NY] on the 19th ult. at the residence of her son, David Blanchard, Mrs. Mary Blanchard widow of the late James Blanchard in the 78th year of her age.

We learn that a woman by the name of Wilcox residing in the town of Milford (near Edson Corners) [Otsego Co. NY] died very suddenly last week.  She was washing, and the other members of the family were absent, save a boy who was chopping wood at the door, and he having occasion to go into the house, found the woman lying dead on the floor near the washtub, her last work having been an attempt to wring out a shirt, which was partly in the tub.  She died of disease of the heart. [Abigail Wilcox, d. 28 Mar. 1861, wife of John Wilcox, buried Wilcox Family Cemetery, Milford, NY]

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In the death of Joseph Lindsay M.D. a long and eventful life has been closed.  He recollected the administration of every President that has been elected since the government was formed.  He had seen the rising glory and the meridian splendor of his country and now when doubt and despair weigh down the heart of the patriot he "is gathered to his fathers."  His ancestors were Scotch and fled their native land to escape the vengeance of the enemies of the Stuarts.  His father evinced the same patriotism here, that his grandfather had "amid Scotias hills and dales," and became a soldier in the French War, was one of the intrepid band who scaled the heights of Abraham, at the battle of Quebec. When the American Revolution began, he joined the "Minute Men" of Massachusetts and helped to bear up the banner of his country at Bunker hill on the Memorable 17th of June 1775.  When Burgoyne surrendered at Saratoga, Capt. John Lindsay was on duty under Gates.  The subject of this notice, Dr. Joseph Lindsay, was born in Pelham, Massachusetts, Nov. 4th, 1776, just four months from the day the Declaration of Independence was signed.  He commenced his classical studies under the Rev. Mr. Guzierre of Pelham, and completed his academical course at William's College, then under the presidency of the Rev. Dr. Fitch.

He Subsequently studied Medicine, probably with the intention of practicing in some eastern town, but excited by the reports that had reached him of the beauty and fertility of the Susquehanna and Schoharie valleys he turned his face westward to seek for a home.  Delighted with the country about Schoharie [NY] he opened an office in that place, but becoming disgusted with the ignorant and stupid Dutch who had settled there in swarms, in 1807 he removed to Oneonta [Otsego Co. NY], which then contained only eight or ten scattered dwellings not a soul of whose inhabitants could speak the English language so as to be understood.  Here he lived fifty-four years, practicing his profession as a means of support for his family, till the declining years of his life rendered it impossible for him to endure the long rides and hardships that only a physician can know.  He has ever been true to his fellow men and to his God, giving to the widow and the fatherless what he could spare, scattering the blessings of education all around him.

A patriot, a gentleman and a scholar, his traits were all good.  Memory will throw a sacred charm over his virtues which were so well known by the community of which he was an honored member.

Oneonta Herald, Oneonta, NY, April 10, 1861

News Item

The news today is just mysteriously sensational enough to worry the fearful and shake the timid.  "Pickens is to be taken!"   "Fort Sumter is to be assailed!"   "Large Southern Army in motion!"  "War at Hand!" &c, &c are among the startling announcement made by those whose vocation it is to keep the credulous public in a frenzy.

In all that has come to us, we see nothing very different from what has been talked about or conjectured for a fortnight.  Something specific must be done with Fort Sumter very soon, from necessity.  And the army investing Fort Pickens are not likely to "do nothing" much longer.

But what is to be done, or by whom or when is as much a mystery today as it was a week ago.  Those who deem stocks the infallible barometer will see unusual signs of a squall in our report today.  Aside from that, however, there is nothing tangible.

Oneonta Herald, Oneonta, NY, April 17, 1861

Marriages

In this town [Oneonta, Otsego Co. NY]. on the 10th inst. by Rev. David L. Pendell, Mr. John Furbush of Morris, N.Y. [Otsego Co. NY] and Miss Mary E. Beams of the former place.

At Lexington, Greene Co. N.Y. March 29th, by Rev. M.L. Pendell, Mr. Lemuel L. Pendell, Jr.  of Callicoon, Sullivan Co. [NY] and Miss Lydis L. Edsell of Roxbury, Del. Co. [NY].

At Sidney [Delaware Co. NY] March 27, by R.W. Courtney, Esq. Mr. George W. McMullen and Miss Philena E. Evans both of Sidney.

News Item

Surrender of Fort Sumter

Maj. Anderson, after passing through a terrible ordeal and fighting for two days, was compelled to surrender to the South Carolinians the -?- as the batteries poured out their iron hail upon him.  Fort Sumter was set on fire, and burned to a mere shell, not a particle of woodwork can be found.  The guns on one side of the parapet are entirely demolished, others split, while the guns carriages are knocked into splinters.  Fort Moultrie is badly damaged. The officers' quarters and barracks are torn to pieces. The frame houses on the island are riddled with shot in many instances and whole sides of houses are torn out. 

The visitors reported that Major Anderson surrendered because his quarters and barracks were destroyed and he had no hope of reinforcements.  The fleet lay idly by during the thirty hours of the bombardment and either could not, or would not, help him. Besides, his men were prostrated from over exertion. There were but five of them hurt, four badly, and one of them, it is thought. mortally, but the rest were worn out.

The last act in the drama of Fort Sumter has been concluded.  Major Anderson had evacuated and with his command, departed by the steamer Isabel from the harbor for New York.  He saluted his flag and the company then forming on the parade ground, marched out upon the wharf with drum and fife playing "Yankee Doodle."

Vital Records, Madison County, NY (1873)

 Democratic Union, Oneida, NY, March 27, 1873

Marriages

CADY - CLAYSON:  In Lebanon Centre [Madison Co. NY], March 20, by Rev. E.D. Reed, Mr. H.P. Cady and Miss E.M. Clayson.

WARD - SNOW:  In Cazenovia [Madison Co. NY] March 19 by Rev. John C. Ward, Hiram L. Ward, A.M. Principal of Oxford Academy [Chenango Co. NY] and Mrs. Sarah E. Snow, daughter of James Beckwith, Esq. Cazenovia.

WILLIAMS - BROWN:  In Canastota [Madison Co. NY] Feb. 20, by Rev. E. S. Davis, H,P. Williams Esq. of Rome [Oneida Co. NY] and Helen M. [Brown] daughter of Ol. Brown, Esq. of Canastota.

WHITE - TIBBITTS:  In Hamilton [Madison Co. NY] Feb. 15, by Rev. I.D. Peaslee, Mr. Asa P. White of Bouckville (Madison Co NY] and Miss Fannie E. Tibbitts of Hamilton.

SANDERS - BUTLER:  In Cazenovia [Madison Co. NY] Feb. 12 by Rev. Dr. Torrey, Romane Sanders of Peterboro [Madison Co. NY] and Carrie Butler of Wampsville [Madison Co. NY].

ASH - EVANS:  In Oneida [Madison Co. NY] March 11, by the Rev. J.S. Wetmore, Mr. Joseph Ash of Carthage, N.Y. [Jefferson Co.] and Miss Mary Evans of Stittville [Oneida Co. NY].

KLOCK - FAY:  In Cazenovia [Madison Co. NY] March 19 by Rev. Mr. Torrey, Mr. Calvin E. Klock of Little Falls [Herkimer Co. NY] and Miss Fannie A. Fay of Cazenovia.

WOLF - TIMMONS:  In Canastota [Madison Co. NY] March 17, by Edwin R. White, Esq., Mr. Frederick Wolf of Canastota and Miss Amanda Timmons of Syracuse [Onondaga Co. NY].

SWEET - WILCOX:  In Smyrna [Chenango Co. NY] March 20 Mr. Dwight L. Sweet of Delaware, Ohio and Miss Dorcas Wilcox of the former place.

WRIGHT -CRANDALL:  In Smyrna [Chenango Co. NY] March 19 Mr. George Wright of Exeter, Otsego Co. [NY] and Miss Rosa Crandall of Smyrna.

BUSCH - SHEPARD:  In Carthage, Mo., by Rev. H.B. Fry, Mr. Lyman J. Burch of the Carthage Banner and Miss Geraldine Shepard formerly of Smyrna [Chenango Co. NY].

MEEDER - ELWOOD:  In Smyrna [Chenango Co. NY] Feb. 25, by Rev. S. Moore, Mr. Harvey Meeder, Esq of Westfield, N.Y [Chautauqua Co.] and Miss Lizzie Elwood of Smyrna.

ROE - HAZARD:  In Smyrna [Chenango Co. NY] March 3 by Rev. H. Carpenter, Mr. S. Edwin Roe and Miss Ruth H. Hazard only daughter of Benjamin Hazard, Esq. all of Smyrna.

BROOKS - BAKER:  In Smyrna [Chenango Co. NY] March 12 by Rev. J.L. Burrows, Mr. William A. Brooks and Miss Delia G. Baker all of Sherburne [Chenango Co. NY]

WEST - BUSH:  In Sangerfield [Oneida Co. NY], March 12, by Rev. A.H. Marshall, Mr. M.J. West and Miss Ella Bush.

Deaths

PALMER:  Near East Hamilton [Madison Co. NY] March 11, after a short but severe illness, Miss Alice V. Palmer aged 16 years.

NORTHRUP:  In Canastota [Madison Co. NY] March 14, Lillian [Northrup] oldest daughter of William T. and Margarett Northrup, aged 14 years and 4 months.

NICHOLS:  In Stockbridge [Madison Co. NY], March 18, Benjamin W. Nicholsb aged 35 years 6 months and 8 days.

DUMIGAN:  In Pine Woods [Madison Co. NY], March 20, Elizabeth [Dumigan] wife of Lawrence Dumigan, aged 34 years.

BEST:  In DeRuyter [Madison Co. NY] March 16, of consumption, Elizabeth Best aged 70 years.

MARKS:  In Chittenango [Madison Co. NY] March 17, at the residence of his mother, S. Newton Marks aged 36 years.

HIGGINS:  In Higginsville [Oneida Co. NY], March 17, Mrs. Lydia Higgins relict of the late Christopher Higgins and mother of Mrs. James S. Whaley of Rome [Oneida Co. NY] aged 82 years 7 months and 10 days.

SMITH:  In Vernon [Oneida Co. NY], March 6, Marvey Smith aged 79 years and 21 days.

NORTON:  In Vernon [Oneida Co. NY] March 20, Harlem Norton aged 63 years 2 months and 17 days.

KELLEY:  In Oriskany Falls [Oneida Co. NY], March 12 of paralysis, Angeline Kelley aged 66 years and 11 months.

KEELER: In North Manlius [Onondaga Co. NY] March 15, Ada Keeler wife of Dea. John Keeler aged 69 years.

JAQUETH:  In Smyrna [Chenango Co. NY] March 7, Freddie [Jaqueth] infant son of Frank and Hattie Jaqueth, aged 3 months.

WELLS:  In Oxford [Chenango Co. NY] Feb. 21 of consumption, Mrs. Sarah M Wells daughter of Mrs. Samuel Palmer, of Waterville [Oneida Co. NY] and widow of the late Addison T. Wells of Oriskany Falls [Oneida Co. NY] aged 40 years.

AVERY:  Near Chicago, Mrs. Abigail Avery widow of the late Oren S. Avery of Perryville [Madison Co. NY] aged 75 yrs.

HATCH:  In Oxford [Chenango Co. NY] March 17, Julia May [Hatch] infant daughter of Lewis and Eva Hatch, aged 7 weeks.

MITCHELL:  In Cazenovia [Madison Co. NY] Feb. 25 of consumption, Mrs. Christy Mitchell aged 56 years.  Mrs. M. was for more than twenty years a resident of Oneida [Madison Co. NY] and was a respected member of the Presbyterian Church. she leaves three children - Mrs. Emery E. Healer of Cazenovia, J.W. Stewart of Jordan [Onondaga Co. NY] and Mrs. John Lillie of Chittenango [Madison Co. NY].

BURKE:  In Cook's Corners [Chautauqua Co. NY], March 21, Mary Burke aged 27 years.

PEASE:  At Quality Hill [Madison Co. NY], March 24, Henry Pease aged 26 years.

COGGSHALL: In Stockbridge [Madison Co. NY] March 22, James S. Coggshall aged about 55 years.

DEXTER:  In Stockbridge [Madison Co. NY] March 18, Eunice Dexter aged about 14 years.

DUFFY:  In Erieville [Madison Co. NY] March 18, Helen M. [Duffy] wife of Peter R. Duffy, aged 40 years and 3 months.  Mrs. D. was an amiable lady, a kind and affectionate wife, of industrious and economical habits, retiring in manners and respected by all who enjoyed her acquaintance.  Being naturally frail in form, her system readily yielded to the gradual encroachment of her disease (consumption) which she bore with patient fortitude till life became extinct.

MATHEWS:  On Friday morning last, G.W. Mathews formerly station agent on the Midland at Stockbridge [Madison Co., NY] was killed at Norwich [Chenango Co. NY].  He has been recently engaged as brakeman on a gravel train on the DeRuyter branch and on Friday morning it is supposed that he went between the wall and the engine in the roundhouse to attach a link and that the engineer drew out of the house without knowing that Mathews was nearby.  the train went out on duty, Matthews' absence being unaccounted for at that time, and his lifeless remains were not discovered until nearly two hours afterwards.  He leaves a wife and one child in dependent circumstances.

KERN:  Erieville, Madison Co. NY:  Mrs. John Kern died suddenly last Thursday.  It appears she trusted to an old lady to do for her what she failed to do as she should, so Mrs. K. died, but her child and six others are living yet.

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MARTIN:  Mrs. Martin an aged lady, got up last Sunday morning, apparently in usual health, and in a few moments expired.  she was living with her son, John, in Georgetown [Madison Co. NY].

In Georgetown March 23, 1873, at the residence of her son, J.J. martin, Dolly Smith [Martin] relict of John Martin, aged 89 years and 8 months. [Cazenovia Republican, Cazenovia, NY, mar. 27, 1873]

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STEBBINS:  In Cazenovia [Madison Co. NY] March 23, Charles Stebbins in the 84th year of his age.

Hon. Charles Stebbins, one of the oldest and most highly respected citizens of Cazenovia, died at his residence in that village on Sunday last, in the 84th year of his age.  Mr. Stebbins had the early advantages of a fine education, having graduated at William's College, Massachusetts in which State he was reared.  At an early day he adopted New York as the State of his choice and took up his abode at Cazenovia where in company with the late Perry Childs he entered into the practice of law, where by diligence and general usefulness, won the esteem of the surrounding community, and so early as 1825 was chosen to represent the old Fifth District in the State Senate.  His opponent in that contest was no less a distinguished gentleman than Hon. Gerrit Smith.  In 1829, on Lieut. Governor Throop's taking the place of Mr. Van Buren, who was appointed Secretary of State, Mr. Stebbins was chosen to preside over the Senate. Since that time he has occupied several honorable positions within the gift of the people, also having twice been chosen to represent his town as Supervisor.  For the past few years of his life, he had not taken an active part in public affairs, although he watched with not entire satisfaction the trestle-board of politics which for fair dealings has so degenerated since his days of statesmanship.  Integrity in politics as in the transactions of private life was his motto.  How much better for mankind had his examples of virtue been imitated by the later class of aspiring politicians.

Vital Records, Cortland (1848) & Otsego (1879) Counties, NY

 McGrawville Express McGrawville, NY, February 10, 1848

Death

In McGrawville [Cortland Co. NY] on the 1`st inst. Cornelia E. Graves, infant daughter of Lester Graves, after an illness of five days, aged 5 months and 14 days.

McGrawville Express, McGrawville, NY, February 17, 1848

Marriage

In this town [McGrawville, Cortland Co. NY], on the 30th ult. by Rev. H. Colburn, Mr. Moses Kinney to Mrs. Hannah Kinney, all of this town.

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Died in Cortlandville [Cortland Co. NY] on the 30th of Oct. Mary Jane [Eldrige] aged 7 years and 5 months.  she was a delight to her father and a comfort to her mother, mild in her temper and lovely in her ways.  She was beloved by all who knew her and a peacemaker among her associates.

She was of a delicate constitution, yet was patient under suffering, and through her sickness, her anxious friends watched over her, neighbors lent a helping hand, but the summons had gone forth.  The Lord saw fit to call her from this world of pain to that of eternal rest.  While we stood around the death bed of the little sufferer, and death was feeling for her heartstrings, tearing one by one asunder, and the soul fluttering to be gone, to dwell forever with the Lord. While we mourn our loss we will remember that it is her gain.  She was lovely in life and in death, there was a heavenly sweetness upon her countenance.

Sister thou art mild and lovely, / Gentle as the summer breeze, / Pleasant as the air of evening, / When it floats among the trees.

Peaceful be thy silent slumbers, / Peaceful in the grave so low, / Thous no more will join our number, / Thou no more our sorrows know.

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

Yet again we hope to meet thee, / When the day of life is fled, / There in heaven with joy to greet thee, / Where no farewell tear is shed.

McGrawville Express, McGrawville, NY, February 24, 1848

Marriage

At Castle Creek [Broome Co. NY], on the 17 inst. Mr. Alanzo Swift and Miss Amanda L. Smith formerly of Cortland Village [Cortland Co. NY].

Death

In McGrawville [Cortland Co. NY] on the 22d inst. Mrs. Fanny Call consort of Joseph P. Call, aged 38 years.

Morris Chronicle, Morris, NY, October 1, 1879

Marriage

COUSE -BUGBY:  Morris [Otsego Co. NY] Sept. 18. By the Rev. Hobart Cooke, Mr. Birt Couse and Miss Lucinda A. Bugby, both of Morris.

Deaths

Jesse Beardsley of New Berlin [Chenango Co. NY] father of Mrs. A.G. Moore of this village [Morris, Otsego Co. NY] died at his residence last Sunday.

Last Saturday evening, Chauncey Beardsley went to the village of Gilbertsville [Otsego Co. NY] with his milk.  On returning home, when crossing the creek near Mr. Hakes', where a new bridge is being built, he fell from his wagon into the water and was drowned.  His horse went home without a driver and search was immediately made by his family for Mr. B., who was found in the water dead.  It is reported that he had been drinking and was under the influence of liquor at the time.

On Saturday, Sept. 20th, between 11 and 12 A.M., George Tunnicliff, son of Mr. Tunnicliff at the Five-Mile Point, Otsego Lake, was found in the road near the residence of Mr. Hoke.  He left home that morning in apparent good health and was running when he fell. When found, he was breathing slightly and in a few minutes expired.  He has been subject to heart disease for many years, which ultimately caused death.  He was 26 years of age and was a printer by trade.  Republican

Vital Records, Otsego (1821) & Chenango (1879) Counties, NY

 Cherry Valley Gazette, Cherry Valley, NY, December 11, 1821

Information Wanted

Sybel Campbell aged about 17 years, daughter of John Campbell, residing on East Hill in the town of Cherry Valley [Otsego Co. NY], left her father's house on the 21st of November last for the purpose of going to Cherry Valley village and has not been heard of since.  Any person giving information where said girl is, so that she can be obtained again, will be compensated for their trouble and receive the thanks of her distressed parents.  John Campbell, Dec. 10, 1821

Cherry Valley Gazette, Cherry Valley, NY, December 18, 1821

Elopement

Whereas my wife Susanna [Wood] has eloped from my bed and board, this is to forbid all persons harboring or trusting her on my account, as I will pay no debt of her contracting after this date.  Thomas B. Wood.  Cherry Valley, Dec. 17, 1821.

Death

Died in the city of Albany [Albany Co. NY] on the 8th inst. after a long and painful illness, Leonard H. Gansevoort Esq. late sheriff of Albany.

The funeral solemnities took place yesterday afternoon at 3 o'clock at his late residence in North Market Street, and his remains were followed to the grave by a very numerous concourse of citizens.

In the death of this gentleman, the community has been deprived of one of its most active and valuable members and his family and friends have sustained an irreparable loss.

He has gone down to the grave at the meridian of life and in the midst of his usefulness. The integrity and purity of his character, both in a public and private capacity, his promptness, accuracy, and uprightness in the transaction of business, the native benevolence of his heart and his mild and unassuming manners had procured for him the confidence, respect and esteem of all with whom he was acquainted.  To his moral and social virtues, he added a firm, practical, but unostentatious belief in the Christian religion which, as he once informed the writer of this brief notice, rendered him content and happy amidst the vicissitudes of short, but chequered life.  Statesman

Oxford Times, Oxford, NY, June 25, 1879

Marriages

CROSBY - FAULK:  In Preston [Chenango Co. NY] June 4th by Rev. J.B. Santee, Mr. Frank A. Crosby of New Berlin [Chenango Co. NY] to Miss Eliza M. Faulk of Preston.

CORNELL - DUNBAR:  In Mt. Upton [Chenango Co. NY] June 10th, by Rev. J.H. Chamberlin, Mr. George Cornell to Miss Miriam E. Dunbar.

Deaths

MORSE:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co. NY] June 16th Mr. Hexekiah B. Morse aged 68 years.

One by one they are vanishing from our sight, one by one, those who for years have seemed a part and parcel of our lives; identified with our history, our prosperity, as a community; whose integrity and honest dealings no one ever presumed to doubt; are taken from hearts that loved them, and the places that have known them so long are desolate.  In the death of Mr. Morse, a wide chasm has been left.  He seemed necessary to our well-being.  From earliest childhood his name has been a familiar word, his kind and pleasant face had always a charm for us, and though never demonstrative in manner and a man of few words, yet we never heard of his saying anything to grieve or wound the heart of another.  From that house, his life-long abode, he has been carried to the house appointed for all living.  May the mantle of his gracious benevolent spirit fall upon his children, his two sons, so dear to him, and may the old homestead never lack one of the name to dispense its kind hospitalities to the neighbors and friends who see in these children the representatives of one they loved while living and sorrow for in death.

BUTTON:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co. NY] June 4th, Jerry Button aged 3 years.  June 15th, Fred C. Button aged 10 years, children of Consider Button.

STEERE:  In McDonough [Chenango Co. NY] June 21st, Martha W. [Steere] wife of Arthur A. Steere, aged 61 years.

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SEELEY:  In Smithville [Chenango Co. NY] June 18th, Adeline [Seeley] wife of Mr. Abel Seeley, aged 55 years.

On Wednesday morning last, the wife of Abel Seeley, a farmer, residing in the town of Smithville, about six miles west of here, met her death by drowning, having been found dead in a hogshead of water.  An inquest was deemed necessary and coroner Avery was summoned, who impaneled a jury to this village and they together visited the place in the afternoon and held an inquest.

The evidence taken before the jury showed that on the morning of Wednesday after breakfast Mr. Seeley went to the barn to do the chores and the last he saw of his wife alive she was at work about a flower bed in the front yard.  He was at the barn an hour or so and then returned to the house and not seeing his wife began looking for her.  After searching about the house, he went to a hogshead at the side of a back door, which was used as a cistern to catch rainwater and found his wife had fallen into the hogshead and lay on her face and knees on the bottom, entirely covered by water.  He was unable to remove her or to tip the hogshead over, and calling his nearest neighbors they removed the body, which was nearly cold, she having evidently been dead some time.  In the hogshead was found a pan, the water was quite low, and it is thought that Mrs. Seeley in reaching to dip out water lost her balance and fell in.

The coroner's jury rendered a verdict of accidental drowning.

At first there were suspicions that Mrs. Seeley might have committed suicide. she has at times showed signs of mental aberrations, and about a year since parted from her husband in consequence of some difficulties real or fancied and resided with her daughter, Mrs. John Morris in this village [Oxford].  She returned to her husband in December and from that time up to her death their relations had been amicable and pleasant so far as is known.

Vital Records, Delaware County, NY (1834)

 Delaware Gazette, Delhi, NY, April 2, 1834

Marriage

On Wednesday, March 19th, by the Rev. E.K. Maxwell, Mr. Gurdon P. Maxwell to Miss Elizabeth [Hall] daughter of Mr. Adam Hall, both of Delhi [Delaware Co. NY]

Deaths

In Bovina [Delaware Co. NY] on the 27th ult. Mrs. Douglas of a pulmonary illness, which she bore with becoming Christian resignation.  The unremitting kindness of a circle of female acquaintance, during her long troubles shows the high respect in which she was held, especially in the last five weeks of her earthly existence, during which time she must be attended every night, yet so kind and friendly were attendants, that often more came than were requisite.  To all of whom her partner returns a grateful acknowledgement.

At Colombia, Bradford County, Pa., on the 27th of February, after a short but severe illness, Mrs. Harriet Baldwin in the 34th year of her age, wife of Mr. Aaron Baldwin, formerly of Meredith [Delaware Co., NY].

Delaware Gazette, Delhi, NY, April 9, 1834

Deaths

In this town [Delhi, Delaware Co. NY] on the 18th ult., after a severe illness of but three days, Mr. William Blair a worthy & exemplary member of society in the 69th year of his age.

Mr. Blair was a native of Perthshire in Scotland, he emigrated to this Country about 30 years ago and has resided in this town nearly that length of time.

Delaware Gazette, Delhi, NY, April 16, 1834

Marriages

At Roxbury [Delaware Co. NY] on Thursday evening, March 27, by Harvey Keator, Esq. Mr. Levi Jenkins to Miss Angeline Ellis, all of Roxbury.

At the same place on the 28th ult. by the same, Mr. Harvey Whipple to Miss Polly Ellis all of Roxbury [Delaware Co. NY].

At Andes [Delaware Co. NY] on the 3d inst. by the rev. Mr. Scott, Mr. Adam Minzey to Miss Margaret Elder, all of Andes.

At Harpersfield [Delaware Co. NY] on Thursday morning the 8th inst. by the Rev. Robert Forest, Mr. David McMurdy of Kortright [Delaware Co. NY] to Miss Eleanor [Campbell] youngest daughter of Mr. James Campbell of the former place.

In the Union church at Stamford [Delaware Co. NY] on Tuesday afternoon, 8th inst., by the Rev. Mr. Howard, Mr. Homer W. Hamilton to Miss Elizabet [Campbell] an elder daughter of Mr. Campbell, all of Harpersfield [Delaware Co. NY].

Deaths

In this town [Delhi, Delaware Co. NY] on the 9th of April inst., Joseph B. Denio son of Doctor D.S. Denio, aged 13 mo. and 4 days.

At South Worcester, Otsego Co. [NY], on the evening of the 28th ult. of consumption, Stephen R. Olmsted in the 52d year of his age.  Mr. Olmsted by possessing a frank, independent and generous disposition had endeared himself to a large circle of friends who while they deeply and sincerely sympathize with his bereaved and afflicted relatives in his loss, bow with submission to the decrees of that all wise and Supreme Being, who gave and who hath taken away.

On the 30th ult at the same place of Pleurisy, David Sowle in the 45th year of his age, after an illness of only eleven days, which he bore with humble resignation to the Devine will. As a citizen, father, friend, he will be long lamented.

Another of our old Revolutionary heroes gone to rest.  Died at Harpersfield [Delaware Co. NY] on Tuesday evening, the 8th inst. Mr. Robert Watkins aged 68 years.

Delaware Gazette, Delhi, NY, April 23, 1834

Marriage

Under this head last week, we published the names of Mr. Adam Minzey and Miss Margaret Elder of Andes [Delaware Co. NY].  We are requested to state that no such marriage has taken place.  The assertion was grounded on public rumors.

Deaths

At her paternal residence in Middletown [Delaware Co. NY] on the 14th inst. Mrs. Rebecca [Hurd](?) consort of Mr. Edward P. Hurd in the 23d year of her age.  Called away in the morning of life, she has left a bereaved husband and a numerous train of relations and acquaintances to mourn her early departure.  Yet, we sorrow not as those that have no hope, as we doubt not but our loss is her gain believing she left this world in bright hopes of a blissful immortality beyond the tomb. During a long and painful sickness, in which she manifested much patience, resignation and Christian fortitude, she was never heard to utter one murmur but seemed to be perfectly resigned to the will of God.  And now we doubt not but a life of humble piety and a death in peace and triumph, have their eternal reward in the kingdom of glory and of God.

Another Revolutionary Patriot is gone!  Isaac Goodrich is no more!  He died at his residence in Hamden in this county [Delaware Co. NY] on the 17th inst. aged 81 years.  He was a native of the town of Sharon in the state of Connecticut; acted his part honorably and usefully to his country in the Revolutionary war.  During a long life he was always a zealous Whig, ardently devoted to the principles of civil and religious liberty as intended to be served by our republican institutions.  Nearly forty years ago he emigrated to this county where he has since resided, gaining and preserving for himself a character as enduring as the remembrance of his name and moral worth shall be respected.

In Montreal, on Friday evening 11th inst. after a short but severe illness, the Hon. Horatio Gates, Member of the Legislative Council of the province, and for many years one of the most eminent merchants.  Mr. Gates was a native of Barre in Massachusetts and was in the 54th years of his age.

Delaware Gazette, Delhi, NY, April 30,1834

Marriage

At Bovina [Delaware Co. NY] on the 23d inst. by John M. Landon, Esq., Mr. Joseph A. Carman to Miss Sally Ann Lyon all of Bovina.

Death

In this town [Delhi, Delaware Co. NY] on the 15th inst. Miss Emmerline Lattin aged 25 years daughter of Gideon Lattin, of Hartwick, Otsego County [NY].

Vital Records, Broome County, NY (1846)

Binghamton Courier, Binghamton, NY, November 4, 1846\

Marriages 

In Otego, Otsego County [NY] on the 20th inst. by the Rev. M.M. Wakeman, Col. William T. Broadfoot of Conklin [Broome Co. NY] to Miss Lodema [Smith] daughter of Mr. John Smith of the former place.

In Milford, Otsego Co. [NY] on the 22d inst. by Rev. L. Bolton, Mr. Leroy Hollister of Colesville [Broome Co. NY] to Miss J. Hellon Rosk adopted daughter of Mr. Alvin Lyon of Milford [Otsego Co. NY].

In Colesville [Broome Co. NY] Oct 29th, by the Rev. M. Dyer, Mr. A.S. Vosbury of Windsor [Broome Co. NY] to Miss Harriet E. [Tyrrell] daughter of Harmon R. Tyrrell foo the former place.  In Orwell, Vt. on the 6th inst. by the Rev. R.S. Cuhman, Mr. B.H. Overmiser of this village [Binghamton, Broome Co. NY] to Lucretia Griswold of the former place.

In Colesville [Broome Co. NY] Oct. 29th by the Rev. M. Dyer, Mr. Aaron Willson to Miss Randall both of Chenango [Broome Co. NY].

Death

George Mannering Jr. who was found dead at the house of Nancy Cady, four miles from Oxford, Chenango County [NY] on Sunday morning, is supposed to have been murdered by some members of the family.  He came to the house intoxicated and slept with Russel Cady, a son, who says that at 12 o'clock he found that he was dead.  On a postmortem examination, his neck was found to have been broken by a blow from a stick of wood or head of an axe and marks of throttling were found on his throat, either sufficient to have caused death.  Mrs. Cady and her son have been arrested. The deceased was a material witness in a lawsuit between Mrs. Cady and her father.

Binghamton Courier, Binghamton, NY, November 11, 1846

Marriages

In Colesville [Broome Co. NY] Nov. 1st by the Rev. M. Dyer, Mr. Lewis H. Draper of the same  place to Miss Deborah B. Maben of Lysander, Onondaga Co. N.Y.

In Union village [Broome Co. NY] on the 4th inst. at the residence of Allen Cowdrey, Mr. Chauncey Wade to Miss Hannah Cowdrey, both of Lisle [Broome Co. NY].

In this village [Binghamton, Broome Co. NY] on the7th inst. by B.N. Loomis, Esq. Mr. Caleb N. Soule to Elizabeth Haynes all of this village.

Deaths

In this village [Binghamton, Broome Co. NY] on Tuesday last, at the residence of his son, Mr. Isaac Lanterman aged 52 years and 6 months.

In Hudson, Ohio, Oct. 3d of chill fever, Mr. Cydus Tenny aged 34 years.

In Binghamton [Broome Co. NY] Oct. 30th of consumption, Mr. Joel B. Starkweather aged 27 years.

The deceased was the second son of Dea. Reuben Starkweather of this village, and a young man of great worth and exemplary piety.  He leaves a wife and one child and a large circle of friends to mourn his departure, who are consoled however by the reflection that he died in the triumphs of the Christian's faith.

Binghamton Courier, Binghamton, NY, November 18, 1846

Death

On Thursday last in the town of Barker [Broome Co. NY] a son of Mr. Elias Newman, five or six years old, was killed instantly by being thrown from a wagon.  He was riding with Mr. Jonathan Stickland, who stopped a moment at Mr. Love's blacksmith's shop, leaving the boy alone in the wagon, when the horses suddenly took fright, whirled around the shop and the wagon coming in contact with a block of wood, the lad was thrown out with great violence, and it is supposed his neck was broken.  He breathed once or twice only after he was taken up and expired.

Vital Records, Madison (1821) & Chenango (1842) Counties, NY

 The Pilot, Cazenovia, NY, August 23, 1821

Death

In this village [Cazenovia, Madison Co. NY] on Thursday morning last, Edward [Allis] [11 Dec. 1815 - 16 Aug. 1821] eldest son of Mr. Jere Allis, aged 6 years. [Jeremiah & Mary Allis]

The Pilot, Cazenovia, NY, August 30, 1821

Deaths

In this village [Cazenovia, Madison Co. NY] on Thursday last of the prevailing disorder (dysentery), an infant of Mr. Benjamin Tuttle.  [Henry Tuttle, Feb. 1820 - 23 Aug. 1821]

Same day, an infant of Mr. Johnson. [d. 23 Aug. 1821, unmarked burial, Evergreen Cemetery, Cazenovia, Madison Co. NY].

Same day, an infant of Mr. Fitch. [Gilbert Livingston Fitch, 1 Jan. 1821 - 24 Aug. 1821, son of Capt. Derrick & Jerusha Fitch]

On Saturday last, Elisha [Allis] son of Mr. Jere Allis, aged 3 years. [26 Aug. 1819 - 25 Aug. 1821, son of Jeremiah & Mary Allis]

On Monday last, an infant of Mr. Loomis. [Mary Jane Loomis, d. 27 Aug. 1821]

News Item

Notice:  Whereas John Prentice, an indented apprentice has left my employ, I hereby forbid all persons harboring or trusting said boy on my account.  John Brevoort, Aug. 29, 1821

The Pilot, Cazenovia, NY, September 6, 1821

Death

In this village [Cazenovia, Madison Co. NY] yesterday morning, of the dysentery, Ebenezer [Knowlton] son of E. Knowlton, aged 4 years.

The Pilot, Cazenovia, NY, September 13, 1821

Marriage

On Thursday the 30th of August by the Reverend Calvin Bushnell, Mr. Lemuel Hodskin of Sullivan [Madison Co. NY] to Miss Cynthia Dean of Westmorland [Oneida Co. NY].

Deaths

In this village [Cazenovia, Madison Co. NY] on the 1st instant of the prevailing disorder (dysentery) an infant of Mr. Washburn.

Same day, an infant of Mr. Tillison.

On Tuesday last an infant of Mr. Scott. [John Scott, 2 June 1820 - 11 Sept. 1821, son of Samuel & Rozina Scott].

The Pilot, Cazenovia, NY, September 20, 1821

Marriage

In this village [Cazenovia, Madison Co. NY] on the 23d ult. by the Rev. J. Brown, Mr. Horace Munson to Miss Electa Kingsbury all of this place.

Two gentlest souls alone should meet, / Their union makes the bondage sweet.

Deaths

In this village [Cazenovia, Madison Co. NY] on Thursday last of the dysentery, Susan [Gillett] aged 6 years and Thomas [Gillett] aged 2 y'rs, children of Mr. J. Gillett.

On Monday & Tuesday last, two children of Mr. Scott. [17&18 Sept. 1821, Helen L. Scott, b. 3 Feb. 1819; Willis Scott, b. 22 May 1817, Children of Samuel & Rozina Scott]

The Pilot, Cazenovia, NY, September 27, 1821

Marriage

At Woodstock settlement [Ulster Co. NY] on the 20th inst. by elder John Peck, Mr. John Fisk to Miss Polley Peck all of this town [Cazenovia, Madison Co. NY].

Death

In this town [Cazenovia, Madison Co. NY] on Wednesday last Elizabeth Dorr aged 70.

Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, January 19, 1842

Marriages

In this town [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY] on Wednesday evening, the 12th inst. by the Rev. J. Sessions, Mr. Francis N. Grant to Miss Lydia Davis all of this town.

In this town [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY] on Wednesday last by the Rev. L. Howard, Mr. Eliab G. Ford of Louisville, Otsego Co. [NY], to Miss Lorinda Thompson of the former place.

In Plymouth [Chenango Co. NY] on the 12th inst. by the Rev. E. D. Willis of Eaton, Madison Co. [NY], Mr. George Allen of Lebanon, Madison Co. [NY] to Miss Harriet A. Buel of the former place.

In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY] on the evening of the 17th inst., by the Rev. V.M. Coryell, Mr. Paris O. Davis, to Miss Emily Parker all of this town.

On Tuesday morning, the 4th inst. by the rev. Henry Tullige, Mr. Johgn Henry McNeil of the firm of Henry, Sheldon & co., New York, to Miss Helen Reed daughter of Gen. Charles M. Reed of this city.  Erie Gazette

Death

Died in South New Berlin [Chenango Co. NY] Dec. 19th, John S. Bell aged 34, of a severe illness which he bore with patient resignation.  He was a member of the Baptist Church.  He united at the age of 12 years and even to the day of his death was a firm believer in that doctrine.  He was an orphan at 14, and his dying Father's request was for him to be particularly kind to his feeble mother and young brothers and sisters, which trust he faithfully discharged.  He was a dutiful son, a kind and loving brother, a tender husband and father.  He has left a wife and two children and a numerous circle of friends to mourn the loss of his society, and the Church to which he was attached will morun, but not without hope that he has joined the Church Triumphant and is now singing praises to that God and Saviour that he loved and adored.  He was always mild and amiable and humane in his feelings to others. He was often afflicted but met it with placid submission without a murmur - God's ways are in the mighty deep.  

Adieu! 'till Gabirel's trump shall sound. / Then wake to life and burst the tomb.

Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, January 26, 1842

Marriages

In Preston [Chenango Co. NY] on the 19th inst. by the Rev. A.G. Clark, Mr. Wesley Powers of Plymouth [Chenango Co. NY] to Miss Electa Z. Clark of the former place.

In South New Berlin [Chenango Co. NY] on the 16th inst. by Austin Clark, Esq. Mr. John Woods of Newport, N.H. to Miss Mary Ann Stiles of this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY].

Death

In Sherburne [Chenango Co. NY] on the 4th inst. of consumption, Mr. Adnah Bullock aged 27 years.  He was a young man of unexceptionable character, bore his illness with Christian fortitude and died in entire resignation to the will of his Heavenly Father.