Vital Records, Chenange (1846), Cortland (1848) & New York (1802) Counties, NY

 Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, October 22, 1846

Marriages

In Christ's Church, Binghamton [Broome Co. NY] on the 20th inst., by the Rev. Dr. Andrews, Mr. Henry K. Murray of the firm of Carter, Murray &Co., of this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY] to Miss Virginia Eliza [Dickinson] eldest daughter of Hon. D.S. Diockinson.

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

In the same place, on the 21st inst. by the Rev. Mr. Smith, Mr. Chauncy Smith to Miss Lavincia Shepherd all fo Otego [Otsego Co. NY].

Deaths

In this town [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY] on Monday morning, Miss Stella Pellet aged 20 years.

In Preston [Chenango Co. NY] on the first inst., Mary T. [Avery] daughter of Hubbard B Avery in the 21st year of her age.

Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, November 11, 1846

Marriages

In Oxford [Chenango Co. NY] on the 29th ult., by the Rev. J.T. Goodrich, Mr. Ebenezer R. Stratton to Miss Hannah A. Simonds both of Oxford.

In Emanuel Church at Little Falls, Herkimer Co. [NY] on the 28th ult. by the Rev. Mr. Livermore Horace Packer, Esq. of Oxford [Chenango Co. NY] to Miss Mary Adelia Tisdale of the former place.

In Smithville [Chenango Co. NY] on the 4th inst. by the Rev. J.T. Goodrich, Mr. James Haynes to Miss Emeline Cole both of that place.

In Pharsalia [Chenango Co. NY] on the 21st ult. by the Rev. Mr. Lee, Major Charles D. Brown to Miss Mary C. Browing, both of Pharsalia.

Deaths

In Oxford [Chenango Co. NY] on the 16th inst., Orin N. [Reys] son of Loyal and Mary A. Reys, aged 1 year and 6 months.

At his residence in the town of German [Chenango Co. NY] Jon Rockwell, Esq., on the 15th ult., aged 79 years and 6 months.

In Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on the 20th ult. Mrs. Magaret A. [Shumway] consort of Charles N. Shumway, and daughter of Deacon William Gile of Oxford, Chenango Co. [NY] aged 31 years.

In South Bainbridge [Chenango Co. NY] on the 26th ult. Mr. John Caswell of inflammatory bilious fever, aged 65 years.

At Mt. Clemmons, Macomb Co. Michigan, at the residence of Oliver E. West on the 19th ult., of the disease of the lungs, Mr. Daniel Belden late of this town [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY] aged 77 years. 

Far from his native home, he rests in peace.

Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, November 25, 1846

Marriage

In Oxford [Chenango Co. NY] on the 19th(?) inst. by the Rev. J.T. Goodrich, Mr. Noyes Gray to Miss Caroline F. Haines both of that town.

McGrawville Express, McGrawville, NY, December 14, 1848

Marriage

In Cortlandville [Chenango Co. NY] on the 28th ult. Mr. Michael Haley of Solon [Cortland Co. NY] to Miss Caroline Hall of the former place.

Death

In Homer [Cortland Co. NY] on the 10th inst. Mr. John Smith aged 76 years.

McGrawville Express, McGrawville, NY, December 28, 1848

Death

In McGrawville [Cortland Co. NY] on the 24th inst. Albert Holmes aged 35 years. 

New York Evening Post, New York, January 13, 1802

Death

At Burlington [NJ], on Monday, the 4th inst. James Kinsey Esq. L.L.D., Chief Justice of the State of New Jersey, in the 70th year of his age.

New York Evening Post, New York, January 15, 1802

Marriages

On Monday evening last by the Rev. Dr. Pilmore, Mr. John Doysin of Yorkshire, England, to Mrs. Angelic McBride of Stillwater [Saratoga Co.], state of New York, relict of the late John McBride, formerly of this city [NYC].

At Alexandria, Mr. Samuel Snowden, editor fo the Alexandria Advertiser to Miss Nancy Langden of that place.

New York Evening Post, New York, January 16, 1802

Deserted

 From the Barracks in New York, George Howell, a Marine, on the night of the 12th inst.  He was born in Ireland; 23 years of age; 5 feet 11 inches high; grey eyes; auburn hair, and fair complexion.  Ten Dollars reward will be given for apprehending said deserter and delivering him to me, or any officer of the Marine Corps.  V.N. O'Baunor, Lieut. Marines Commanding, Jan. 16.

Vital Records, Otsego (1873), Broome (1874) & New York (1797) Counties, NY

 Morris Chronicle, Morris, NY, april 2, 1873

Marriages

March 19 - At Exeter [Otsego Co. NY] by Rev. H. Garlick, Richard J. Smith to Miss Frances A. Hatch.

March 6 - At Plainfield Centre [Otsego Co. NY] by Rev. H.R. Williams, Lewis T. Lewis to Miss Sarah Ann Roberts, both of Plainfield.

March 19 - At Hartwick [Otsego Co. NY] by Rev. D.L. Pendell, J. Emory Weeks to Miss Kate A. Luce, both of Hartwick.

March 20 - At Hartwick [Otsego Co. NY] by Rev. D.L. Pendell, James O. Smith of Cooperstown [Otsego Co. NY] to Miss Mattie Widgee of Rochester [Monroe Co. NY].

Deaths

March 12 - In Plainfield [Otsego Co. NY] Rebecca Davis in the 18th year of her age.

March 22 - In Canada Lake [Fulton Co. NY], William R. Tunnicliff aged 36 years.

March 19 - In Hartwick [Otsego Co. NY] Peter Caulkins aged 70 years.

March 18 - In Hartwick [Otsego Co. NY] Freddie [Caulkins] son of Abel and Conelia Caulkins, aged 12 years.

March 30 - In this village [Morris, Otsego Co. NY] Mrs. Joanna Van Rensselaer widow of the late Colonel V.P. Van Rensselaer int he 85th years.  the funeral will be attended today (April 2d) at 3 o'clock p.m. from the residence of R.H. Van Rensselaer.

An exchange says Rev. T.B. Hudson, pastor of the M.E. Church in Clyde, was stricken down with paralysis while in the pulpit, Sunday before last.  He had read about fifteen minutes, his voice as firm and distinct as on previous occasions.  Suddenly he stopped and requested that the windows be let down to admit the fresh air.  For a moment he stood pressing his hands to his forehead and leaning forward on the desk, then as if rallying all his strength for the effort, he began again and uttered the words of his sermon, "These days are passing away", and as the last syllable left his lips  he sank back on the sofa insensible.  A physician was called, but the clergyman was dead. For a period of thirty-three years in the active work of the ministry, he had become widely known throughout Central and Western New York.

News Item

On Monday afternoon, week before last, Ida Spencer, aged 12 years, was murdered at the residence of her mother in Syracuse [Onondaga Co. NY] by Albert J. Keeler, a young man of nineteen, nephew of Mrs. Spencer.  The deed was done with a small bar of iron, a sort of poker, two feet in length.  The girl lived about an hour after receiving the blow but gave no signs of intelligence. After committing the murder, the young man fled to the Central R.R. a short distance west of the depot, where he attempted at half-past five to jump on the forward end of an eastward bound freight train, missed his hold and fell to the ground with such force as to break his neck.  No reason is ascribed for the murder.

Union News, Union, NY, June 6, 1874

Marriage

In this village [Union, Broome Co. NY] June 4 by Rev. Edward Taylor, D.D., Mr. Calvin Cranska of Binghamton [Broome Co. NY] to Miss Eva Mersereau of Union.

Death

In Albany [Albany Co. NY] May 30th, 1874, Julian Clark in the 47th year of his age.

Julian Clark, son of E.H. Clark, Esq., of this village [Morris, Otsego Co. NY], died in Albany last Saturday afternoon from an aggravated attack of bronchitis, complicated with typhoid fever.

Mr. Clark was born December 3rd, 1828, in Otsego County, N.Y., and at the time of his death was in the forty-seventh year of his age.

Many years of his life were devoted to railway interests.  In 1866 and '67 he was General Superintendent of the Canandaigua & Niagara Falls Railroad.  For several years he was General Auditor of the Williamsport & Elmira Railroad (now the northern Central) and at the time of his death was General Superintendent of the Albany & Susquehanna Railroad, having been elected to that office a short time ago.  For three or four years he had been assistant Superintendent of that road.

In 1857, Mr. Clark's health failing him, he visited England, with the hope of recovering, but the trip proved of little or no benefit and for many years he was afflicted with rheumatism, which disease possibly might have had much to do in causing his death.

The deceased was a gentleman of marked intelligence and rare executive ability, a man of fine moral sensibilities, one who was admired and respected by all who came in contact with him either in social or business relations.  We would not attempt to eulogize the dead.  Mr. Clark was well known and all we might say would not add to nor take from the bright record of a life so exemplary as was his.

The remains, accompanied by an escort of railway officials, arrived here Sunday by special train from the A&S Railroad.  The funeral took place Monday afternoon from the residence of his parents in this village [Morris] Revs. Henry Benson and D.A. Shepard officiating.  Interment in the village cemetery.

While we deeply sympathize with those who were bound to the departed by the nearest and dearest ties, we share with them the hope of a reunion in that better world where there are no more partings and -?- forbids all tears.

Commercial Advertiser, New York, October 10, 1797

Deaths

Died at Wilbraham [MA] on the 1st inst. Mr. Anson Brewer, aged 18.

At Brimfield [MA], master Josiah Arms, aged 3 years.

At Northampton [MA], Mr. Ebenezer Clapp aged 74.

At Hatfield [PA], Mr. Eleazer Cole aged 34

At Gall, Mr. O. Foot, aged 56.

At Boston [MA] Mrs. M. Young, Mr. Gray, Mr. John Jinks, aged 114.

At Stockbridge [MA], a daughter of Mr. N. Lynch aged 6 years.

At Norwich [CT], Mr. William King, aged 81.

At Boston [MA] Capt. Samuel Paine, aged 63

At Charleston, S.C. Mrs. Ana Wall.

Vital Records, Madison (1822), Chenango (1876) & Otsego (1891) Counties, NY

 The Pilot, Cazenovia, NY, October 31, 1822

Marriage

At Lenox [Madison Co. NY] on Wednesday the 2d inst. by the Rev. Ira M. Olds, Doct. Samuel Fuller of Sullivan [Madison Co. NY] to Miss Sophia Clark daughter of Oliver Clark, Esq. of the former place.

New Berlin Gazette, New Berlin, NY, July 22, 1876

Deaths

Edmeston, Otsego Co. NY:  Darling Stephens who has been lingering between life and death for the past year with a cancer, died last evening the 17th.

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New Berlin Centre [Chenango Co. NY]:  A sad and painful accident occurred here on Saturday last at about 5 o'clock p.m. in the Unadilla River, near the farm of L.W. & George Vail by the drowning of a young lady by the name of Smith aged 17 years, whose parents live some 15 miles distant from the scene of the accident.  The facts in the case as near as I can learn are as follows:

Mr. William Beatty had the day previous hired Miss Smith to work in his family and on Saturday in the afternoon, she, Mrs. Beatty, and some other friends went to the river for recreation and to have a good time.  Miss Smith it was said was an excellent swimmer, and for quite a while amused herself and friends by swimming in deep water.  After she had been in some time, and much longer than the company deemed it prudent for her to remain in the water, entreated her to come out as it was getting near teatime.  She requested them to stay five minutes longer, and then she would be willing to return with them.  But alas, the next five minutes witnessed the death of Miss Smith.  she had sunk in the deep waters of the Unadilla, beyond the reach of her anxious friends.  Alarm was given and Mr. Beatty, the Vail brothers, the Caswell's and many others that were at work nearby, were soon on the ground near the scene of the accident, doing all in their power to recover the body.  The water being deep and no boat at hand, it was some two hours before the body was found and which had floated down stream some little distance. As soon as possible, boats were brought to the spot and the one manned by Mr. Hill was the first to discover the dead body of the unfortunate young lady, in water some ten or twelve feet deep.  Mr. Melvin Secor, a former resident of Mt. Upton and now living with John Foote, being present, being an excellent swimmer and good diver, went to the bottom and brought her up to the surface. The remains were taken to the residence of A.S. Skinner, awaiting the arrival of friends. The parents of the deceased have the sympathy of the entire community.

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The funeral of the late John D. Lottridge took place from his late residence on T Street at two o'clock yesterday afternoon (July 2d, 1876).  the services were conducted by Rev. Lewis Gregory of the Congregational Church, who made some appropriate remarks, saying that he was not well acquainted with the deceased and the large number of friends assembled to do the last -?- to the memory of the deceased were a greater panegyric of his virtues and his life than he could preach.  There was a [large] attendance of friends at he house and a long line of carriages followed the remains to their last resting place.

Mr. Lottridge was born in Columbus, N.Y. (Chenango Co.) January 8, 1835 and was therefore 41 years, 5 months and 22 days old at the time of his death.  His father's name was William Lottridge and his mother's Hannah Wilcox, and he had three brothers and eight sisters.  He was married to Mary M. Hurly, September 2, 1856, and had two children by her, both of whom are dead, as well as their mother.  On October 8, 1867, he was married to Julia H. Nash, by whom he has three children, all living, two boys and a girl, aged respectively, five and three years and eight months.

Mr. Lottridge, while in New York, carried on a large wholesale grocery in Cuba, continuing in that business for about fifteen years.  He was sheriff of Alleghany County [NY] for three years and served in the late war as a lieutenant of the 15th N.Y. Volunteers.

Mr. Lottridge came here in 1870, on account of failing health.  His history since his residence here is known to all.  He has been Land Commissioner of the M.P. Railway since the organization of that road and served three years as County Commissioner.  Some time since, in connection with Messrs. N.B. Kendall and C.D. Smith, he became proprietor of the Westlawn mills and cheese factory and has been successfully operating that business.  Mr. Lottridge was a man of stirring energy, and we yesterday took occasion to speak of the benevolence and charitableness of his disposition.  He was a Universalist of the old school, a man who will be remembered for his good acts, and whose memory will live in the hearts of many who had occasion to profit by his goodness of heart. [State Journal, Lincoln, Nebraska]

Unadilla Times, Unadilla, NY, June 18, 1891

Birth

Born, June 16, 1891, to Mr. and Mrs. W.H. Heslon, a son.

Death

At his home in Bainbridge [Chenango Co. NY], Wednesday morning, June 10th, 1891, Dr. Gervis Prince, aged 74 years, 10 months and 16 days.

Dr. Prince was the son of Noble and Cynthia Prince and was born at Springfield, Otsego County, N.Y. August 24, 1816.  He studied medicine at Geneva, N.Y. and graduated in New York City in 1842(?).  For ten years he practiced medicine and was a most successful physician in New York City.  He then retired from active practice of his profession and became engaged in the sale of drugs and medicinal supplies in the same city.  For many years he was one of the directors of the East River Savings institution and while acting in that capacity, acquired a sound knowledge of the art of finance.

He removed to Chenango County in 1865, settling in Bainbridge.  He has been most prominent in all the business interests of the village and has done much to encourage the growth of the place which he fixed upon as his permanent home.  Bainbridge Republican

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Sand Hill, Otsego Co. NY:  Samuel Coon a resident of this place, passed quietly away last Friday afternoon, June 12, after a few weeks' illness.  He was very unexpectedly called from time to eternity.  He has left a large circle of friends to mourn his loss.  Although they mourn, yet not without hope, for brother Coon died happy in Christ. when health would admit he was found at the house of God, and the prayer circle, where his confessions and prayers impressed all with a deep conviction that he was a child of God.  Brother Coon has been a sufferer for a few years in some ways, yet complained not, trusting in God, expecting all to work for the best. The funeral was held Sunday, June 14, interment in the Sand Hill cemetery. The funeral sermon was preached by Rev. H.A. Blanchard to a very large and sympathizing audience from 1 Cor. 15:26.  "The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death."

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The funeral services of Samuel Coon, of Sand Hill were held at the Methodist Church, Sunday, the 14th, and a well filled church it was.  Rev. H.A. Blanchard officiated.  Mr. Coon had been confined to the house but a few day, although he had been in poor health for some time.  It was not expected that he would go so soon.  He was a kind husband, a good neighbor and a very industrious, Christian man, without an enemy in the world.  He leaves a wife and granddaughter.

Settlement of the town of New Berlin, Chenango County, NY

 New Berlin Gazette, New Berlin, NY, July 22, 1876

Historic Sketch - Settlement of the Town of New Berlin

by John Hyde

Daniel Scribner was one of the first emigrants who settled in the 16th township.  He came with his family into the town in 1790 and settled on a lot on the west side of the Unadilla River and opposite the place called the Indian Fields and near the celebrated sheet of water called Shacktown Pond.  And a Jew who had a tract of land called the Jew's Patent, had laid out a city in embryo adjoining the pond, which project, had it been carried into execution, would have made Mr. Scribner's location an important situation in process of time, being on the opposite bank of the river.  But the Jew died and the city advanced no farther in the process of civilization than to become a cow pasture.

Mr. Scribner built a large and commodious log house on a high piece of ground, a short distance from the river, commanding a fine view of the valley up and down the river and the scenery on the other side.  He kept a tavern several years.  The 16th township at that time was part of Norwich and town meetings and elections were held at his house part of the time and at Amasa Mead's or Hascal Ransford's taverns on the Chenango River at other times.  Mr. Scribner was an industrious, prudent farmer, and with the help of his two sons, Samuel [Scribner] and Gamaliel [Scribner], who were nearly grown up, he soon cleared up his farm.

Neighbors were "few and far between" in those days but were kind and friendly.  Among the many inconveniences attendant upon and fully realized by the first settlers was the difficulty of procuring their corn ground into meal, the nearest grist mill being at a far-off distance up the Susquehanna River, and no road but water communication to the mill.  To lessen the burden of this domestic grand grinding necessity, the neighbors united together and brought their bags of grain to Mr. Scribner's house. A canoe, dug out of an immense pine tree, was duly launched into the Unadilla River and the grists put on board.

Two men, though sometimes only one, took charge of the cargo and away they sped down the crooked Unadilla River into the Susquehanna and up that river to the grist mill, situated on Oake's Creek about two miles from its mouth, where it empties into the Susquehanna River. This creek is the outlet of Schuyler's lake, and this mill was erected in 1790. The voyage to and back from the grist grinding expedition took about a week and sometimes longer.  In fair weather, the voyage was pleasant sailing along the river current under the branches of the overhanging forest trees and when could be seen on the distant hillside the antlered deer sporting in their native wilds with their young fawns, or the white lake gulls floating in the air winging their flight from one lake to another, and cheering on in their peculiar sounding voices flocks of wild ducks might be seen in the coves swimming about heedless of the passing canoe, for yet they had not learned the danger and inhumanity of man. But sometimes adverse weather met the inland mariners and compelled them to take shelter on the shore during the dark and tempestuous night.  Then might be heard the muttered growling of the wolf, and other wild beasts sounded discordant notes on the unwilling ear and too near to permit quiet sleep to the weary travelers. But escaping "the period of flood and field," the inhabitants were made glad by the safe arrival of provisions to revive their half-famished families when the voyage was of a protracted length of two weeks duration as sometimes happened.

Incidents sometimes occurred among the early settlers partaking of the inductions in the development, as well as difficult and dangerous in the performance.  An instance of the kind took place on Doctor Dan Foote's farm about two miles as the river runs below Mr. Scribner's.  Doctor Dan Foote was one of the first settlers, an amiable man, a good neighbor and skillful in his profession, and was possessed of a strong and determined resolution, well calculated to meet and surmount the difficulties and dangers of a frontier and any jeopardy, come how it might.

At considerable expense and trouble, he had become the owner of a valuable porker, an animal detested by the Jews, but liked by Christians, as well as certain savage roamers of the forest.  This porker was installed in a tenement with a nice litter of pigs almost full grown.  A dense swamp was on one side of the pen and a high steep hill on the other. This pig family, on one eventful summer's day, gave the alarm that a savage foe had broken in upon them, by boisterous loud squealing rages of distress.  It was a favorable opportunity for the pilfered, the Doctor and his men, Esq. Marvin and Elisha Marvin were absent in a distant hayfield to work and none but women left to guard the premises. The women on hearing the commotion went out to discover the cause and soon found that a huge black bear, the monarch of the forest, who in right of his forest law, had seized and taken possession on one of the best members of the hog family and was in the very act of pulling the unwilling member out of the pen.  The signal horn was immediately rung, but before the expected aid arrived, the ravenous prowler had dragged his bleeding victim away up the mountain path and into the sheltering woods where undisturbed, he could feed on swine flesh, his favorite food, at his leisure.  But the avengers were on his track and found him in his lair before had finished his dinner.

The doctor came, armed with a shotgun and immediately discharged it at the bear. As the gun was fired, the doctor's dog rushed in, and the bear pulled him in under.  Doctor Foote than struck the bear with his unloaded gun to save the dog. The bear, good at gymnastic exercises, warded off the blow and hauled under Doctor Foote.  

Elisha Marvin came to the rescue and was put under.  Esquire Marvin followed in to help and shared like fate with the rest.  All under by the supreme strength of the bear.  So far, the "wager of battle" between civilized man and brute force in regard to the question of title to the hog appeared to be in favor of the captor, and the bear be allowed to finish his dinner without further interruptions.  The dog in the confusion had extricated himself and ingloriously fled howling home covered with blood.  In the meanwhile, the bear had his three assailants down and apparently at his mercy, but Dr. Foote managed to get his pocket knife out and with one hand and his teeth to open it, his other hand being confined, and with a dexterity and sharp edge of a practical surgeon, struck one vigorous blow aimed at the heart.  the blow was fatal.  The old bear arose off his wounded assailants, left them, staggered down the hill a few rods and fell dead.  Civilized arts of war were victorious over brute force.  Then the dog arrived home, covered with wounds and blood.  The women, anxious for the fate of their friends, sent a young man by the name of Franklin to ascertain. [He] met the bear in the midst of its last struggle in the agonies of death and as the bear fell and began to roll downhill, the messenger turned and fled back, supposing the bear to be in pursuit of him and told the women that the men were all dead.  He was then sent to ask Elder Camp who lived on the other side of the river to come over and help them. The young man, when he came to the bank of the river, the canoe being on the other side, yelled to the Elder and told his errand and said that there were four men dead, "Dr. Foote, Esq. Marvin, Elisha Marvin and myself, all killed by a bear."  Stronger minds than this boy had, have conceived more irrational things by illusion of the imagination than this boy did when he included himself among the number "killed" because he was chased by a dead bear.  

Soon after, Elder Camp came over to assist in performing the last sad duty the living owed to the dead. The supposed dead men arrived home from the battlefield somewhat disfigured by the casualties of war, blood stained by wounds, limbs torn and scratched, clothes rent, fingers bitten, but all safe from serious danger.

They received the congratulations of friends for the narrow escape, and much rejoicing was had over the carcass of the grim old dead bear, who, while living, had been the pest and terror to the whole neighborhood, as much as was the wolf killed by "Old Put" of Revolutionary memory, and for this noble, hazardous and perilous undertaking of Dr. Dan Foote, he deserves to go down to posterity with as much credit for killing the ferocious bear, as did Gen. Putnam for killing the wolf.  Let their names be associated in the narration and the stories of the wolf and the bear be told on the same page in the future schoolbook editions.

[Note:  The legend of "General Putnam and the wolf" is a tale of colonial frontier grit.  It tells how a young Israel Putnam, who later became a prominent major General in the American Revolutionary War, crawled into a cramped, dark cavern in Pomfret, CT, in the winter of 1742 to kill a notorious, sheep-killing she-wolf.] 

Vital Records, Madison County, NY (1873)

 Democratic Union, Oneida, NY, May 15, 1873

Marriages

WHITE - ESTILL:  In Mount Holly, N.J., May 7, at the residence of the bride's parents by Rev. T.J.B. House, Mr. A. Lee White of New York, formerly of Oneida [Madison Co. NY] and Miss Cornelie Estill of Mount Holly.

WHEELER - CLIFFORD:  In Munnsville [Madison Co. NY], May 10, by Rev. Charles Rudduck, Mr. George T. Wheeler and Miss Elta Clifford both of Munnsville.

DEWEY - COWLES:  In Oneida Castle [Oneida Co. NY] May 6 by Rev. Mr. Crain, Mr. Frank Dewey, M.D. and Miss Mary Cowles of Oneida Castle.

BROWNELL - THROOP:  In Hamilton [Madison Co. NY] May 5 by Rev. W.R. Brooks, D.D., Mr. James B. Brownell of Madison [Madison Co. NY] and Miss Mary M. Throop of Hamilton.

STAFFORD - SMITH:  In Westmorland, Oneida County [NY], bye Rev. A.W. Cornell, Mr. Norman Stafford of Clockville [Madison Co. NY] and Miss Nettie M. Smith of Westmoreland.

ALDRICH - PECK:  At the residence of the bride's parents, May 7, by Rev. J.B. Longstreet, Albert Aldrich and Libbie Peck all of Chittenango [Madison Co. NY].

GREEN - WELLS:  Om Chittenango [Madison Co. NY] May 6, by the Rev. J.B. Longstreet, Mr. Milton G. Green of Syracuse [Onondaga Co. NY] and Miss Cornelia A. Wells of Chittenango [Madison Co. NY].

BELLINGER - SWEETING:  In Westmoreland [Oneida Co. NY] May 8, by Rev. James Deane, George W Bellinger, Esq. and Miss Addie S. Sweeting all of Westmoreland.

Deaths

SMITH:  In West Eaton [Madison Co. NY] May 12, Rev. George W. Smith aged 57 years.

The Rev. George W. Smith died at his residence in this place at 11 o'clock a.m. on Monday the 12th inst.  The deceased removed to this place in November last, being compelled to relinquish preaching on account of poor health, after having been for ten consecutive conference years pastor of the M.E. Church at Bennett's Corners [Madison Co. NY] and missionary to the Oneida Indians.  About two years since he entered into the mercantile business at this place in company with his nephew, G.W. Bedell, which continued until a few weeks since, when his health, continuing to decline, he withdrew from the firm. As a preacher, he was earnest, instructive and eminently successful, for his whole soul was enlisted in the cause for which he labored. As a friend and brother kind and affectionate, always trying by wise counsel and good advice to stimulate others to do right. But he has gone to his reward.

CANFIELD:  In Oneida [Madison Co. NY] May 1, Coryell Canfield aged 15 years and 7 months.

CLARKE:  In Brookfield [Madison Co. NY] May 11, Hon. Joseph Clarke aged 85 years.

ALLING:  In Lebanon [Madison Co. NY] May 8, Nathan Alling aged 75 years.

FLETCHER:  In Georgetown [Madison Co. NY] May 9, Mercy [Fletcher] wife of Isaac Fletcher.

Mrs. Isaac Fletcher of Georgetown was taken ill on Tuesday of last week and died on Friday evening.  She was delirious most of the time from the hour she was attacked.

CROSS:  In Cazenovia [Madison Co. NY] A[ro; 27. at the residence of her son, A. Tyler  Cross, Mrs. Betsey Cross aged 90 years.

BRIGGS:  In Durhamville [Oneida Co. NY], May 1, in the 60th year of her age, Mrs. P. Briggs wife of Albert Briggs and daughter of the late Eliphelet Fraxee, the first settler of Durhamville.

MOWREY:  In West Eaton [Madison Co. NY] April 29, Miss Mowrey aged 23 years.

ROBERTS:  In Lenox [Madison Co. NY], April 29, Peleg Y. Roberts aged 72 years and 8 months.

SCHRYVER:  In Waterville [Oneida Co. NY] May 5, Jerred Schryver aged 68 years.

TERRY:  In Morrisville [Madison Co. NY] May 2, at the residence of his sister, Mrs. C.R. Holmes, Scott Terry eldest son of the late Horace Terry Jr. aged 18 years.

BARBER:  In Smyrna [Chenango Co. NY] April 30, Joshua Barber, aged 92 years.

STODDARD:  In Otselic, Chenango Co. [NY], May 2 of pneumonia, Harrison Stoddard aged about 76 years.

BROCKETT:  In Westmorland [Oneida Co. NY] May 5, Catharine Ford [Brockett] widow of the late Dea. Eli Brockett, in the 82d year of her age.

COBB:  In Hamilton [Madison Co. NY] May 7, Mrs. Catherine Hubell Cobb aged 68 years.

JUDGE:  Brookfield, Madison Co. NY:  Old Mr. Judge an Englishman over eighty years old, died last Sunday of apoplexy.  He was father of David and Ebenezer Judge of this town.

ALLING:  Nathan Alling died at his residence in Lebanon [Madison Co. NY] on the 5th instant, aged 75 years.  He was found in his barn on Sunday morning, suffering from a stroke of apoplexy, and was removed to the house at once, but all that could be done for him by friends and skillful physicians was of no avail, as the shock was too severe.  He never rallied form it, although he lived until afternoon on Monday.  Mr. Alling leaves a family, among which can be reckoned 27 grandchildren and ten great grandchildren.

ROGERS:  Levi Rogers, an old inhabitant and highly respected citizen of this town [Oneida Madison Co. NY], died at his residence at Oneida Lake of Cancer on the 6th inst.  Mr. Rogers was known to nearly all the old inhabitants as an early settler, having lived in the vicinity of Oneida Lake for fifty-five years.  He was born in Massachusetts but came to this town from Vermont when twelve years old, when our now thickly settled town was a dense wilderness.  He was one of a family of four children, all of whom are dead except a brother, Asa Rogers, who lives at Winslow, Ill. He served several years as captain in the State militia, having had commissions from ex-Gov. William L. Marcy and William H. Seward.  he was a man widely known an esteemed.  He endured patiently untold suffering for nearly two years for a terrible cancer in his mouth, from which he died.  He leaves a wife, three sons and a large circle of friends and acquaintances to mourn his loss.

News Item

Probably the oldest person in this town is John McCarthy, an old peddler well known to old residents of this vicinity and commonly known as "Irish Johnny."  He claims to have been born on the second day of November, 1765, in the County of Armah, Ireland, and was a soldier in the Irish revolution of 1798, in which he received a wound, the scar of which he still exhibits.  He claims to have served under Captain Mulholland in that revolution, who a few years since died at a very old age, after having lived at Canastota many years. The old man boasts of having slept many a night in the house of Robert Burns. Since his emigration to this country, he has lived about thirty years in the town of Lenox [Oneida Co., NY], and although now in his one hundred and eighth year, is as merry as a lad; can read and write without the aid of glasses.

Vital Records, Chenango (1879) & Otsego (1880) Counties, NY

 Sherburne News, Sherburne, NY, October 25, 1879

Deaths

CLARK:  Mr. Abram Clark of Norwich [Chenango Co. NY] was instantly killed last Friday on the Midland Railroad, between Norwich and Lyon Brook Bridge, by the New York excursion train running into a hand car upon which he was riding with Martin Adams, John Lynch and Richard Allen who had been at work on the road.  When the train came around the curve, they were discovered in front by the engineer and the danger signal given, all efforts being made to stop the train, but in vain.  All the men on the hand car but Clark saved themselves by jumping, but he seemed to have been somewhat confused, being a man 65 years of age, and neglected to jump and when the hand car was struck by the locomotive he was thrown several feet in the air and fell back striking a tie.  His skull and one leg were broken.  His remains were carried to Norwich and inquest held by Coroner Avery.  Mr. Clark was an industrious and respectable citizen, a plater by trade and had resided in Norwich many years.  he leaves a wife, three daughters and two sons.

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ROWLAND:  In this village [Sherburne, Chenango Co. NY] on the 18th inst., Mr. Eli E. Rowland aged 58 years, 5 months and 15 days.

Sherburne News, Sherburne, NY, November 8, 1879:  The death of Eli E. Rowland, which occurred on the 18th of October 1879 was the removal of another landmark from our midst that should not pass away without notice.  Eli E. Rowland was the son of the late Rev. Benjamin Rowland and Seraph Rowland, who survives him.  He was born in this town [Sherburne] May 23, 1821.  He learned the trade of carpenter and joiner when a boy and became an excellent mechanic.  He followed the business until about 1860, when, his health failing, he was compelled to abandon it.  He had a strong and active intellect and was of more than ordinary intelligence.  He spent some time in reading law at the office of the late Ira Barnes, and though he never completed his studies, he frequently engaged in the trial of suits in justice's courts and was quite successful.  But prevented by his health from steadily pursuing either study or physical labor, during the latter part of his life he engaged in whatever pursuits he could best endure, sometimes in the way of trying petty lawsuits, sometimes he -?- and sometimes light work pertaining to his trade as carpenter.

About three years ago, under the preaching of Rev. Mr. Earle, the distinguished evangelist, he made a public profession of religion and was baptized by Rev. Mr. Maraden of the Freewill Baptist connection and since that time was an active worker in the cause of religion, though he did not unite with any church organization.  In the great temperance revival, or blue-ribbon movement, two years ago he was an earnest and efficient worker, aiding in the initiation of the work in this town and was the first president of the society in this village, during which time upwards of one thousand names were obtained to the pledge.  Much of the time he spent in lecturing and in conference in this and adjoining towns until his declining health compelled him to forego public speaking, and in his last address exhibited his solicitude and zeal for the cause by urging that weekly meetings should be held. During the last weeks of his illness, he was a severe sufferer but bore it with remarkable fortitude and an unwavering trust that all would be well "beyond the veil."

He was a brother of Mrs. Enos Alcott of Wyoming, Mrs. A.H. Leet of Binghamton, and Gen. Rowland and Mrs. Alfred Babcock of this village [Sherburne]. With the latter and his mother, he resided at the time of his death, and their bereavement falls on them with crushing weight.  It is remarkable that the clock which stood in the room at the moment of his death ceased to tick, the pendulum stopping still.  May it not be considered an indication that a higher and invisible power made a note of his passage from time to eternity?

Freeman's Journal, Cooperstown, NY, January 15, 1880

Marriages

In New York on Thursday, January 5th, at St. Thomas' Church by the Right Rev. John Williams, D.D. Bishop of Connecticut, assisted by the Rector the Rev. Dr. Morgan, William Vlall Chapin and Mary Worth, daughter of Loomis L. White all of New York.

At Baptist Parsonage, Milford Center [Otsego Co. NY], Dec. 31st, '79, by Rev. D.H. Cooper, Howard S. Green and Mary A. Terry both of Oneonta [Otsego Co. NY].

At Milford Center [Otsego Co. NY] at the Baptist Parsonage, Jan. 7th, by Rev D.H. Cooper, Thomas Gurney of Westville [Franklin Co. NY] and Jessie Haskins of Portlandville [Otsego Co. NY].

Deaths

Near Fly Creek [Otsego Co. NY] on the 9th inst. Hattie A. [Cook] adopted and only daughter of Francis M. and Sarah Cook, aged 5 years and 7 days.

In Springfield [Otsego Co. NY] on the 7th inst. Andrew Gilchrist aged 92 years, 10 months and 14 days.  Mr. G. had resided fifty-eight years upon the farm on which he died; reared a large family and was honored and respected by all who knew him.

At Fly Creek [Otsego Co. NY] Jan. 9th, 1880, Olin C. [Barned] son of Rev. H. Barned, aged 20 months.

At Schuyler's Lake, Dec. 15th, Sabina [Lidell] wife of B.W. Lidell, aged 40 years, 9 months and 7 days.

In Cherry Valley [Otsego Co. NY], Jan. 4th, Harriet [Thompson] wife of Jayson Thompson, in the 68th year of her age.

News Item

We have with interest heard Mrs. A.C. Parshall of this village [Cooperstown, Otsego Co. NY] speak of her grandmother Mrs. Pinney of Owego [Tioga Co. NY], now in her 95th year.  She is the only person now living who united in forming the Baptist church at Clarksville in this county [Albany Co. NY].  A few days since we met Mrs. P. on her way to Owego to visit this grandmother, having with her an only grandson.  Of this visit a letter from Owego to the Albany Knickerbocker says:

Everybody in this section knows "Grandma" Pinney, who is now in her ninety-fifth year, and all are deeply interested in everything that concerns her welfare.  A little more than three years ago, she received the happy intelligence that in the village of Middlefield, Otsego County [NY] there was born a son to her great-granddaughter, Mrs. R. Palmer.  The advent of this boy ushered in the first representative of the fifth generation in her family and increased the number of her lineal descendants to one hundred and four.  Notwithstanding her extreme age, "Grandma" Pinney is far from being childish or infirm but is able to wait upon herself and read the New York Tribune daily, which pleasant task she has performed since its first issue.  She, however, entertained an ardent desire to see the face of her great-great-grandson, and so earnestly did she set her mind upon the accomplishment of this end, that the fact was imparted to the parents of the boy. 

A few days since, the boy, who has been named Guy Ely Palmer, was brought to this place by his grandmother and introduced to his aged progenitress.  the pleasure experienced by "Grandma" Pinney by this meeting may be better imagined than described.  In return for this compliment conferred upon her, she presented the boy with a handsome Bible, in which was recorded the name of the recipient, the date of his birth and the fact of his being the first and only one of the fifth generation of the Pinney family and the 104th descendant.  After the boy's visit had been sufficiently prolonged to secure the impression upon his memory of this rare interview, he was returned to his parents at Cooperstown.  It is the wish of "Grandma" Pinney's numerous friends that she be spared in health and life to gaze upon the faces of others of the fifth and even sixth generation.

Vital Records, Otsego (1806) & Broome (1837) Counties, NY

 Otsego Herald, Cooperstown, NY, November 6, 1806

Death 

Died the 31st October in the 57th year of his age in the town of Hartwick [Otsego Co. NY], Mr. Isaac Mallery, of an asthmatic complaint of many years standing, leaving a bereaved consort and a number of children to deplore the loss of a kind husband and parent, in which their neighbors will unite in sympathetic grief.

In the formation of Mr. Mallery, nature seems to have deviated from her usual uniformity.  He was born without feet; the stumps on which he stood or walked exhibited an appearance as if his feet had been separated by an amputation, square and perpendicular to the front of his legs.  Wanting the usual spring, wherewith to poise himself, he could not walk with that ease and dignity so natural to others and could never stand in a fixed posture, but could, in the prime of life, step a hornpipe with grace and exactness.  He had but one arm, and but a deficient hand, which lacked one joint in all the fingers as well as the thumb.  His fingers were webbed or joined together to within an inch of the ends.  He was nevertheless a beautiful writer and an excellent schoolmaster.  From his left shoulder projected a part of an arm about eight inches in length and without an elbow, which however he made a shift to render, occasionally very useful and could handle an ax, a hoe and even a scythe to considerable advantage.  By his industry he acquired a decent competence for his family and has left them in a situation to procure a decent subsistence by common industry.  

"I am fearfully and wonderfully made. / How manifold are thy works!"

News Item

Whereas my husband Barnabas [Allen] has abused me in shipping and turning me out of doors, with out any just cause.  This is to let all persons know the reason of my eloping.  Faitha Allen.

Otsego Herald, Cooperstown, NY, November 27, 1806

Marriage

Married at Cherry Valley [Otsego Co. NY] on the 20th inst. by the Rev. Mr. Nash, Dr. R. David of Chillicothe, Ohio to the amiable Miss Elizabeth Hudson daughter of the late Judge Hudson.

Otsego Herald, Cooperstown, NY December 11, 1806

Marriages

Married in this town [Cooperstown, Otsego Co. NY] on Sunday evening last, Mr. Elisha Foot to Miss Polly Squier.

On Thursday, the 27th ult. Mr. Enoch Sill to Miss Polly Potter

Death

Died in this village [Cooperstown, Otsego Co. NY] on Friday morning last, Mrs. Sally Huntington, the consort of Samuel Huntington in the prime of life, after about six months sickness.  In her, society has lost an amiable, useful and valuable member.  On Sunday last her remains were committed to the bosom of her mother earth, attended by a large number of afflicted relatives and friends.\

The green turf covers her cold clay; / Her soul has left its earthly jail; / Her friends will sigh, who pass that way; / But rather envy than bewail.

Otsego Herald, Cooperstown, NY, December 18, 1806

Death

Died in this village [Cooperstown, Otsego Co. NY] on Saturday last, Col. Richard Cary.  The Sunday preceding, he had the misfortune to fracture one of his legs badly, which, with other bruises, occasioned a fever, which terminated his existence.  He was one of the early Aids-de-camp to General Washington; an upright, well-bred and agreeable gentleman, possessed of wit, genius and humor.  His friends will long feel and regret his calamitous and sudden departure.  His many good qualities will be recollected with approbation, while his foibles, and what human being is free from them, will be buried with his ashes.  "Alas poor Yorick!"  

"I knew him well, a person of infinite jest; of most excellent fancy.  Where be his gibes now?  His songs? his flashes of merriment that were wont to set the table in a roar? not one now? Get you to my lady's chamber and tell her, let her paint an inch thick, to this favor she must come."

Broome Republican, Binghamton, NY, September 14, 1837

Death

In this village [Binghamton, Broome Co. NY] on the 12th inst. Mrs. Partheny [Campbell] wife of Mr. Archibald Campbell, aged 39 years.

Broome Republican, Binghamton, NY, September 21, 1837

Death

In this village [Binghamton, Broome Co., NY] on Monday morning last of consumption, Mrs. Abigail [Seymour] wife of Mr. James Seymour, aged 43 years.

Broome Republican, Binghamton, NY, September 28, 1837

Deaths

On the 26th of August last, near Peoria, Illinois, Mr. Lewis Squires aged 60 years and on the 6th inst. Mr. Barzillai Gray aged 36 years.  In noticing the death of these individuals, we are forcibly reminded of the uncertainty of life.  Mr. Squires was one of our most respected citizens, having been a resident of this village [Binghamton, Broome Co. NY] from an early day.  About a year since he removed to the state of Illinois, where he has now been called to bid adieu to all earthly scenes.  Mr. Gray was reared in our midst and bid fair for a long life of usefulness.  He bade us adieu with prospects truly flattering. But the destroyer came and the earth now covers his remains.

At Fairfield, Conn., on the 20th instant, Samuel Rowland, Esq. father of the Rev. Mr. Rowland, of Union [Broome Co. NY] in the 69th year of his age.

Vital Records, Chenango County, NY (1879)

 Bainbridge Republican, Bainbridge, NY, October 24 1879

Marriages

HUNGERFORD - LOUNSBERRY:  Married at the M.E. Parsonage in Coventry [Chenango Co. NY], Oct. 19th, 1879 by the Rev. W. Burnside, Mr. Chauncy Hungerford of Coventry to Miss Eva Lounsberry of Greene [Chenango Co. NY].

LOUNSBERRY - BURROWS:  At the M.E. Parsonage in Coventry [Chenango Col. NY] Oct. 19th, 1879, by the Rev. W. Burnside, Mr. Eugene Lounsberry of Greene [Chenango Co. NY] to Miss Nettie Burrows of North Fenton [Broome Co. NY].

Wednesday last, being the thirtieth anniversary of Mr. and Mrs. Paschal Merchant, their many friends decided to give them one of their popular surprises for which Guilford [Chenango Co. NY] is noted.  The reception was held at the residence of A.P. Merchant, owing to Mrs. Merchant's health.  The surprise was genuine and the attendance was large.  The good things left behind attested well the high regard in which the worthy pair are held.

Deaths

HUFFCUTT:  In Bainbridge [Chenango Co. NY] Oct. 18th, 1879, Leon Henry [Huffcutt] son of John and Minnie Huffcutt, aged 3 months.

HARRIS:  Died, in Unadilla [Otsego Co. NY] Oct. 15th, Miss Agnes Harris of Norwich [Chenango Co. NY] aged 21 years.

BRAINARD:  Harpersville, Broome Co., NY:  David H. Brainard, aged 84 years, died Oct. 12.

GALLUP:  Afton, Chenango Co. NY:  The funeral services of R.M. Gallup took place at his late residence on Thursday, Oct. 16th at 10 o'clock a.m., after which the remains were taken to Unadilla [Otsego Co. NY] for burial.

NORTH:  Unadilla Valley, Otsego Co. NY:  Mr. and Mrs. Howard North of Troy [Rensselaer Co. NY] on Thursday deposited the remains of their only son in the Upton Cemetery [Chenango Co. NY].  It is a sad loss to them, and we extend our sympathy to them in their bereavement.  Mrs. N. is the daughter of Mr. Prentice.  [Dean C. North aged about one year, buried Maplewood Cemetery, Mt. Upton, NY]

PERRIN:  Monday morning last a most distressing accident happened by which a little five-year-old daughter of William Perrin, residing near the railroad bridge about three miles east of this village [Bainbridge, Chenango Co. NY].  Little Addie [Perrin] was alone in the house and while endeavoring to climb upon the stove hearth to dip a piece of paper into a boiler of water which stood upon the front of the stove, her light dress caught fire and in an instant, she was wrapped in flames. There being no one near to help the little sufferer, she ran screaming into the street, when she was seen by Frank Smith, who extinguished the flames.  Dr. Thompson of Sidney Plains was immediately summoned, and everything possible done to ease the pain of the suffering child, but all in vain.  All the upper portion of the body was so terribly burned as to leave the surface nerves exposed and the shock was so great that death ensued at 10 o'clock the same night, after twelve hours of terrible suffering.  She was a bright, intelligent child, and the afflicted family have the sympathy of all who know them.

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BAKER:  Harpersville, Broome Co. NY: Smith Baker died quite suddenly Oct. 17 aged eighty-three years.

One by one the pioneers of the country are dropping away and, but a few years will intervene ere those men who lived when the country hereabouts was new will be as scarce as are Revolutionary heroes now.  This time we are called upon to chronicle the death of Smith Baker, who died the 17th inst. at the advanced age of 83 years at Center Village, Broome County [NY].  Mr. Baker was born in Hunter, Greene County [NY], but at the early age of nine years, removed with his parents onto the farm on which he died, having for over 74 years made it his home.  Here he married and raised a family of five children; two sons and three daughters, all of whom are now living and with a widow mourn the departure of a kind father and husband.  Although not a professed Christian nor member of any particular church organization, Mr. Baker belonged to that class of men whose Christianity consists in deeds, not words bolstered by the cloak of pretension.  He was a good neighbor, charitable to the deserving poor and universally liked by all who knew him.  By industry and economy, added to careful business habits, he had amassed wealth, which he used liberally to make those happy connected with him.  There were four generations of his family present at the funeral obsequies, numbering seventy-eight persons.  The remains were interred in the cemetery on the Plains at Center Village and were followed to their last resting place by a large concourse of relatives and friends.

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BARBER:  Benjamin Barber, one of the pioneers of Chenango County [NY] died at his residence about four miles south of Norwich [Chenango Co. NY] on Friday morning the 10th inst., in the seventy-ninth year of his age.

BENEDICT:  Ex-Sheriff Alexander N. Benedict was buried last Sunday in Prospect Hill cemetery at Sidney Plains [Delaware Co. NY].  A large concourse of relatives and friends were present, making one of the largest processions that has been seen in this section for a long time.  Mr. Beedict was a large-hearted man, generous and liberal in all his dealings and is one that will be greatly missed in this community.

News Item

A much married woman of Smyrna [Chenango Co. NY] has just lost her seventh husband by the death of Benjamin Abbott in the 82d year of his age.  Mr. and Mrs. Abbott were wedded four years ago in June 1875, the event being the second matrimonial venture for the former and the seventh of the latter.  He was 78 years of age and she was then 82.

On Thursday night, a man named Lucas, from Morris [Otsego Co. NY] accompanied by three others took supper at the Chenango Lake House.  Lucas stated to Mr. Shoales that he had been digging in the hole near the Plaster Mill on a previous night. that he dug until he reached a large iron box in which the coveted treasure was supposed to be.  At this juncture, he asserts that the apparition of a white doe and three Indians dressed in white emerged from the hole and told him he should not disturb the place anymore.  He stated that he was very much frightened and left after partially filling the hole.  he went to Morris and obtained the services of his three companions and armed with picks, shovels and crow bars that started for their night's labor in search of the buried riches.  Mr. Shoales came by the Plaster Mill early Friday morning and found the hole very much enlarged, with evidence of recent digging in the fresh earth.  We give the story as it was told to us but can offer no solution of the mystery.

Another railroad accident, resulting in one man's terrible death from somebody's carelessness, occurred just beyond Lyon Brook bridge on the Midland Railroad about four miles south of Norwich [Chenango Co. NY], at six o'clock Friday evening, last.  The bridge carpenters were returning from their work on their hand car and having a strong wind behind them and going down grade, they had no necessity of pumping, so all three, Richard Allen, John Flynn and Abraham Clark, sat down and the car went along at a rapid rate.  Just as they were turning the curve the north side of the bridge, the excursion train returning from New York City came thundering along, and before the men had fairly time to turn around, the engine struck the car and smashed it into a hundred pieces.  Abraham Clark was killed outright, the other two, Allen and Flynn, having a miraculous escape, receiving only a few scratches and bruises. The mangle body of Clark was taken to Norwich.  No blame can be attached to the engineer.  It was about dusk at the time and this fact taken with the fact that the train was going around a curve at the time makes it probably that the engineer did not see the workmen until the train was upon them.