Vital Records, Madison County, NY (1867)

 Oneida Dispatch, Oneida, NY, February 16, 1867

Birth

Peterboro [Madison Co. NY]:  Another citizen was added to our little community, viz, a son to the family of John N. Woodbury, Esq.

Marriages

STAPLETON - SKINNER:  In Madison, [Madison Co. NY], Feb. 2 by the Rev. Theron Cooper, Mr. Thomas Stapleton to Miss Mary M. Skinner, both of Madison.

HUBBARD - WILBER:  In East Hamilton [Madison Co. NY] Jan. 31st, by Rev. W.R. Brooks, Mr. Wescott Hubbard to Miss Mary Wilber, both of the town of Hamilton.

MANCHESTER - WHITELEY:  In Knoxboro [Oneida Co. NY], Feb. 7th, by Rev. William E. Knox, Mr. Edward D. Manchester to Miss Fannie C. Whiteley all of Knoxboro.

EVANS - FROST:  In Sherburne [Chenango Co. NY] Jan. 24th, by the Rev. M.G. Wadsworth, Mr. Robert Evans of Morrisville [Madison Co. NY] to Miss Adella A. Frost of Sherburne.

MacKENZIE - STERLING:  At Trinity Church, Utica [Oneida Co. NY], Feb. 12, by Rev. S.H. Coxe, D.D. Mr. Augustus C. MacKenzie to Miss Helen M. Sterling both of Utica.

PABODIE - TYLER:  In Augusta [Oneida Co. NY] Jan. 16th, by Rev. B.F. Willoughby, Mr. George A. Pabodie of Preston [Chenango Co. NY] to Miss Jennie M. Tyler of Augusta.

Deaths

MOYER:  At Manlius, Onondaga County {NY], on Monday Feb. 11th, [Getty Alida] Moyer wife of Lewis Moyer of Sullivan, aged 22 years.

Sullivan, Madison Co. NY: Our townsman, Lewis Moyer, who has for the past two years kept a grocery store at Chittenango Landing [Madison Co. NY], has been most severely afflicted.  Some two months since an affray occurred at his store in which he was brutally and shamefully beaten.  For several weeks Mr. Moyer was in a critical condition.  He had got fully recovered when on Monday morning, the 4th inst. at about 2 o'clock, his store was discovered on fire. The building, stock of goods and Mr. M's furniture were entirely destroyed, the family not being able to save their clothing.  The loss was about $3,000, insured for $1,800.  Mrs. Moyer, who was in delicate health, in consequence of exposure at the time of the fire, was taken seriously ill and died on Monday the 11th inst.  Her age was 22 years. She was a very amiable lady and much respected.  Mr. Moyer has the sympathy of the community in his terrible affliction.

HART:  At her son-in-law's, W.E. Griswold, in Knoxboro [Oneida Co. NY], Mrs. Polly Hart, relict of Eldad Hart, aged 88 yrs.

MORSE:  On Feb. 11th, Mary Lorn Morse eldest child of Rev. Andrew E and Mary C. Morse, in the 10th year of her age.  The remains were taken to Eaton [Madison Co. NY] for interment.

KEECH:  In Brooklyn Jan. 28th of congestion of the brain, Elisha Keech formerly of Hamilton [Madison Co. NY], aged 35.

HAMILTON:  At Oneida Community [Madison Co. NY] Jan. 6th, [Mrs.] Sylvia Hapgood Hamilton aged 66 years.

LUCAS:  In Cazenovia [Madison Co. NY] Jan. 23d, of bilious fever, Mr. Lovader Lucas aged 53 years.

MOON: Leroy Moon died in Wisconsin of typhoid fever, Jan. 26th, aged 28 years.  He has left a large circle of friends to mourn his loss.  The deceased left Munnsville [Madison Co. NY] on the 14th of January to go home to his father, and he lived but a few days after is arrival there.

________________________

McCURLEY:  At Peterboro [Madison Co. NY] on Sunday Jan. 10, Edwin McCurley, aged 24 years.

Edwin McCurley, a soldier of the 157th Regiment N.Y.S.V. who was wounded in the Battle of Gettysburg and has never known good health since.  His death, though at this late period and by consumption, was attributed (we know not how justly) to a shot through his wrist in that eventful fight.  Perhaps the treatment of the wound might have been different with different results, but be that as it may, we have regarded him as another victim to the rebellion; another sacrifice laid upon the altar of his country. Though of Democratic education, he volunteered and fought bravely for his country, and the large audience which attended his funeral, as well as the remarks and prayers made over his remains, showed that our people saw in him not simply an industrious, well-behaved young man, but a champion of freedom and human rights also.  he drew a pension from the government while he lived, and his name, now that he is dead, will swell that "Roll of Honor" of which we heard E.H. Chapin discourse so eloquently in your village a while since.

The funeral of Edwin McCurley took place on Tuesday, the 12th inst. at the Free Church.  The attendance was very large, and the exercises were deeply interesting and impressive. Appropriate passages of Scripture read and a heartfelt prayer offered by the pastor, Rev. Mr. Bridge. Remarks were also made by Hon. Caleb Calkins and G.W. Putnam and a select choir, under the direction of Mr. Cutler, sang the funeral hymns in a beautiful manner.  

Edwin McCurley was but 24 years of age.  He was remarkable for his kind and amiable disposition and correct and industrious habits.  Though not robust and strong, yet at the call of his country, he volunteered as a soldier in the late war and was a member of Company H, 157th Regiment.  He was severely wounded at the Battle of Gettysburg, and from that time has been gradually sinking, till death has at last released him from pain, and opened for him, we doubt not, the portals of a higher and more glorious existence.  Like many others of our brave young men, he gave his life for the salvation of his country, and we should never forget the vast debt of gratitude we owe to all those who in the hour of our nation's utmost need went forth to save [for] their country and the world the priceless boon of free institutions. The pall bearers on this occasion were his comrades in the army.  Brave young men who, like him, had many times faced death upon the battlefield.  

After a solemn benediction by the pastor, the remains of the young soldier were conveyed to their last resting place in the cemetery.  He has left a widowed mother and several brothers and sisters to mourn his early departure.  His memory will ever be held by our citizens in grateful remembrance.

The following hymn by George W. Putnam, was written for the occasion:"

The funeral bells are toiling slow, / And amid the winter's gloom, / A brave young soldier of the line / is passing to the tomb.

Not long ago, for you and me, / The eyes in death now sealed / Looked in the faces of the foe, / Upon the battlefield.

He heard and bravely answered when / The drumroll shook the land; / And at his bleeding country's call / Marched forth with Freedom's band.

'Tis sweet to know his good right arm / The nation helped to save, / And ever let our grateful tears / Bedew his early grave.

Hark! angel voices from the skies / Where glows his setting sun, / Bid us remember while we weep / How well life's work was done.

That he who heard his country's call, / Nor feared for her to die, / Hath also heard the Master's voice, / And "Welcome!" from on high.

Vital Records, Delaware (1834) & Otsego (1879) Counties, NY

 Delaware Gazette, Delhi, NY, December 3, 1834

Marriages

In this town [Delhi, Delaware Co. NY] on the 30th October last, by the Rev. Mr. Kirtland, Mr. Jesse Betts of Kortright [Delaware Co. NY] to Miss Sally F. [Beardsley] daughter of Patrict Beardsley, Esq.

In New York on Monday evening 24th ult. by the Rev. Doct. Leasing, Mr. Albert M. Clark, merchant of the above place, to Miss Harriet F. Clark, formerly of Hudson [Columbia Co. NY].

Death

At Fort Gibson, Arkansas Territory on the 6th of October ult. Lieut E.G. Eastman of the 2d Regiment of United States' Infantry.

Delaware Gazette, Delhi, NY, December 17, 1834

Deaths

In this village [Delhi, Delaware Co. NY] on the morning of the 16th inst. Mrs. Polly A. [Bristol] consort of Mr. John Bristol of this village, aged 30 years.

At his residence in Middletown [Delaware Co. NY] on Wednesday the 26th of Nov. Mr. John Dickson aged 71 years.

Mr. Dickson emigrated from Scotland in early life & has long been a respectable member of society in this town.  His high regard for the holy Bible as the rule of our faith & guide of our conduct was manifest as well in his manner of educating a respectable family as in his general intercourse with society. The family feel the loss of an affectionate husband and a tender father but have reason to hope that he is gone where the weary are at rest.

Delaware Gazette, Delhi, NY, December 24, 1834

Marriages

 In Bovina [Delaware Co. NY] on the 11th ult. by John Landon, Esq. Mr. John Palmer to Miss Amelia Tuttle all of the former place.

In Bovina [Delaware Co. NY] on the 12th ult. by the Rev. John Graham, Mr. James Felter of Andes [Delaware Co. NY] to Miss C. Miller of Bovina.

Death

In the village of Vallatia, town of Kinderhook, Columbia County [NY] on Wednesday the10th inst. Miss Laura Leal, youngest daughter of Mr. David Leal, formerly of this town [Delhi, Delaware Co. NY] in the 20th year of her age.  She died of typhus fever after an illness of fifteen days, which she bore with Christian fortitude and resignation.  She resigned her spirit into the hands of God who gave it and left this world rejoicing in the hope of a blessed immortality beyond the grave. Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord.

Delaware Gazette, Delhi, NY, December 31, 1834

Death

In this town [Delhi, Delaware Co. NY] on the 21st inst. William G. [Fish] son of Mr. Daniel Fish Jr. aged 5 years.

Oxford Times, Oxford, NY, August 6, 1879

Deaths

Patrick Morse a mason of Binghamton [Broome Co. NY] fell from a scaffold in the new Catholic church in Towanda in which he was engaged in plastering, on July 31st and was instantly killed.  The distance was thirty feet and the fall broke his neck.  Morse plastered W.H. Van Wagonen's house and did other jobs in this village [Oxford, Chenango Co. NY] where he was quite well known.

Russel Boyce who died suddenly at Nineveh [Delaware Co. NY] of paralysis recently, to which place he had walked on a visit, will be greatly missed in this community.  His funeral was held in the Methodist church of which he was a member on Sunday, July 27th, all other services being discontinued

Vital Records, Otsego County, NY (1822 & 1873)

 Cherry Valley Gazette, Cherry Valley, NY, October 1, 1822

Deaths

At Hartford, Conn. Mr. John McLean, aged 79 late of Windsor [Broome Co. NY].

At Edwardsville, Illinois, Gen Reuben Hopkins, formerly of Goshen in this state [Orange Co. NY], in the 75th year of his age. 

At Phelps, Ontario Co. [NY], Major Joseph Hall aged 45.,

At Hudson [Columbia Co, NY], Mr. James Elting aged 87, leaving 89 living descendants, most of whom were present at his funeral.

At Manlius, Onondaga Co. [NY], Mrs. Eunice Rust wife of Elijah Rust, Esq. in the 49th year of her age.

The coroner was called on Friday last to view the body of James Anderson, son of Mr. David Anderson, of this town [Cherry Valley, Otsego Co. NY] who was found dead in his father's field.  The deceased had for many years been subject to fits and has at different periods been bereft of his reason.  It is probable that he died in a fit.  He was found lying on his face with his head downhill. Verdict of the jury, that he died by the visitation of God.

Cherry Valley Gazette, Cherry Valley, NY, October 8, 1822

Death

In Sharon, Schoharie County [NY] on Saturday evening last, Miss Elizabeth Moyer in the 18th year of her age, eldest daughter of Mr. Andrew Moyer.

Cherry Valley Gazette, Cherry Valley, NY, October 29, 1822

Marriage

In Sharon [Schoharie Co. NY] on Tuesday evening last, by the Rev. Mr. Austin, Mr. Seth Eldredge son of Barnabas Eldredge, Esq. to Miss Elizabeth Engell, eldest daughter of Mr. Jacob Engell, all of the former place.

Deaths

In this village [Polaski, Oswego Co. NY] yesterday morning, Mrs. Sally Knowlton wife of Mr. Leonard Knowlton, in the 20th year of her age.

In this village [Cherry Valley, Otsego Co. NY], on the 13th inst. of a fever, John Seeber, Esq. late Judge of the court of common pleas in this county.  His character and standing in society is too well known to need any encomiums, especially in his official capacity as a magistrate.  Suffice it to say, his loss is severely felt by his neighbors and friends and particularly by the writer of this article.

Morris Chronicle, Morris, NY, March 26, 1873

Deaths

March 6th, in Butternuts [Otsego Co. NY] Mr. Seth D. Richmond aged 73 years.

March 5th, in Burlington Flats [Otsego Co. NY] Mrs. Desire Hubbell aged 74 years, 7 months.

March 13th, in New Lisbon [Otsego Co. NY] Mr. Joel Porter aged 81 years.

Feb. 19th, in New Lisbon [Otsego Co. NY], Hannah [Gardner] wife of Jonathan Gardner in her 84th year.

March 18th, in Unadilla [Otsego Co. NY] at the residence of her son-in-law, Clifford S. Arms, Mrs. Sarah Williams aged 69 years.

March 12th, in Otego [Otsego Co. NY] Mrs. Desire Wood aged 60 years, 11 months and 13 days.

A man named Nelson Reisdorf met his death on the 7th inst. by falling backwards from the steps of the Petrolia House, at Petrolia, Pa., striking the walk in such a manner as to break his neck.  Mr. Reisdorf formerly kept hotel in Morris [Otsego Co. NY].

Butternuts, Otsego Co. NY:  Died at the residence of John Hurlbutt, in this town, a few days since, Miss Sarah Donaldson sister of Lewis Donaldson, Esq.

Vital Records, Broome (1847) & Cortland (1848) Counties, NY

 Broome Republican, Binghamton, NY, December 1, 1847

Marriages

At Lisle [Broome Co. NY] Oct. 19th, 1847, by the Rev. J.N. Lewis, Mr. Joseph Shaw of Chenango [Broome Co. NY] to Miss Jane A. Mitchell of Lisle.

In the town of Chenango [Broome Co. NY] Nov. 28th by Rev. W.M. DeLong, Mr. Peleg Butts of Liberty, Pa., and Mrs. Judy Duel of the former place.

Broome Republican, Binghamton, NY, December 8, 1847

Marriage

In this town [Binghamton, Broome Co. NY] on Sunday 28th ult. by the Rev. Mr. Hanagan, James Hussey of Smithport, Penn., and Miss Bridget Greenin of this town.

Death

In this town [Binghamton, Broome Co. NY] on the 28th ult. Mrs. Mary Hashbrouck wife of Methusalem Hasbrouck, aged 61 years.

Broome Republican, Binghamton, NY, December 15, 1847

Marriage

In Colesville [Broome Co. NY] on the 1st inst. by Rev. H.W. Gilbert, Morris R. Barteau A.B. Principal of the Windsor Academy and Miss Julia S. [Osborn] daughter of Joseph Osborn, Esq. of Colesville.

Broome Republican, Binghamton, NY, December 22, 1847

Death

At Chenango Forks, Broome Co. [NY] after an illness of 36 hours, Mrs. Abigail Comstock wife of Mr. John Comstock, aged 34 years and 6 months.

Chenango Semi-Weekly Telegraph, Norwich, NY, August 27, 1879

Marriage

Mt. Upton, Chenango Co. NY:  The marriage of Miss Catharine [Colburn], only daughter of Amasa Colburn to William [Wadsworth] oldest son of the late Rev. William Wadsworth of Cazenovia [Madison Co. NY] was

McGrawville Express, McGrawville, NY, November 2, 1848

Marriages

In Homer [Cortland Co. NY] on the 23d Oct., by Rev. Mr. Colegrove, Mr. Newel Rowley of Fabius [Onondaga Co. NY] and Miss Genett Hibbard of the former place.

In Cortlandville [Cortland Co. NY] on the 15th Oct. by Rev. J.P. Simmons, Mr. William Fisk and Miss Mary Ann Burlingame.

In West Cortland [Cortland Co. NY] on the 25th ult by Rev. Alonzo Wood, Mr. Loring F. Thompson to Miss Hariett F. Gager, both of this town [McGrawville, Cortland Co. NY].

By the same, on the morning of the 26th ult. Charles Wales of Wisconsin, to Miss Eliza Ann Crandall of Cortlandville [Cortland Co. NY].

Death

In Cincinnatus [Cortland Co. NY] on the 29th ult of consumption, Sally [Greene] wife of Henry Greene, aged 66 years.

McGrawville Express, McGrawville, NY, November 9, 1848

Marriages

At V..na on the 15th ult. Mr. Giles Mead of Cortlandville [Cortland Co. NY] and Miss Louisa Fish of Cincinnatus [Cortland Co. NY].

In Solon [Cortland Co. NY] on the 5th isnt. Mr. Edwin Terry of Cortlandville [Cortland Co. NY] and Miss Nancy Matteson of the former place.

In Homer [Cortland Co. NY] on the 6th inst. Mr. George Mason of Jordon [Onondaga Co. NY] and Miss Esther Turner of the former place.

McGrawville Express, McGrawville, NY, November 16, 1848

Death

In McGrawville [Cortland Co. NY] on the 7th inst. John Haughton aged 74.

McGrawville Express, McGrawville, NY, November 23, 1848

Marriage

In Groton [Tompkins Co. NY] on the 16th inst. by Rev. Mr. Sacket, Gen. Samuel G. Hathaway of Solon [Cortland Co. NY] and Miss Catharine Saxton of the former place.

McGrawville Express, McGrawville, NY, November 30, 1848

Marriage

 In Solon [Cortland Co. NY] on the 29th inst. by Rev. P.G. Bridgeman, of McGrawville [Cortland Co. NY], Mr. Alamanson Cheesbro and Miss Abby Ann Wight of the former place.

Death

In Cortland Village [Cortland Co. NY] on the 24th inst. Mrs. Orrel Crandall aged 38 years.

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

 New Berlin Gazette, New Berlin, NY, July 15, 1876

Deaths

The funeral of Mr. Jones took place this afternoon from his late residence.  He was buried with Masonic honors.  Many people from adjoining towns attended.  He was a member of Hamilton Lodge F. and A.M.  Cor. Bing. Times

[William H. Jones of Earlville was shot by Matthew Brady on July 5, 1876]

Cazenovia Republican, Cazenovia, NY, July 13, 1876:  The animus appears, according to his story to come from a love affair in Canada twenty-five years ago, with which he says his name was unjustly connected.  He thinks there was a combination against him; that he was in danger of assassination and that the Jones senior of Boonville was a party to it.  He says he had some words with the father of the deceased on one occasion. Says he did not know William Jones, his victim, until five years ago. After being misused, as he thought, water was thrown in his face at the Earlville House.  He considered that the deceased was in league with the party hunting him and the animus was revived.  Upon reflection, he says he is penitent for the crime, and expresses regrets, but is resigned to his fate.

William H. Jones, the victim of this tragedy, was born in Boonville, Oneida County [NY] April 21st, 1843.  On the 31st of December 1867, he was married to Ida, daughter of Hon. M.N. Campbell of Lebanon [Madison Co. NY], member of Assembly from Madison County.  By this terrible stroke, a beloved wife, with the suddenness and severity of a thunder bolt has been left a widow, and two children, a son aged seven and a daughter about two years of age, have been left without a father.  A year ago, a darling child, aged three years, died.  Mr. Jones was engaged with Landlord Kibbie, of the Clinton House, Clinton, about twelve or fourteen years ago and was a great favorite there.  He went from Clinton to Hamilton and was associated with Paul Miner at the Wickwire House in that place. About eight years ago, he became proprietor of the Earlville house, which he had owned and occupied.  He was a most estimable citizen and highly respected and esteemed in Earlville [Madison Co. NY] and vicinity and wherever known.  He was a member of the Hamilton lodge F and A.M. and will be buried with Masonic honors at 2 P.M. Saturday.

____________________________

A sad case of drowning occurred in this village last Sunday.  The facts are as follows:  At about 3 o'clock Sunday afternoon, four or five little girls were bathing in the Butternut Creek, a few rods above the Broad Street bridge and one of them ventured out where the water was seven or eight feet deep.  The children all commenced screaming, which attracted the attention of C.L. Whitcomb, who with Will Leonard, immediately ran to the spot and plunged in and with the aid of a rake succeeded in bringing the body out of the water.  It was at once removed to Mr. Leonard's house, where a doctor had already arrived, and all was done that could be to restore her to consciousness, but life was extinct. The body was taken to the house of her parents on the upper Factory ground.  The girl's name was Hattie Bogart, aged about eleven years.  Her parents had gone to New Berlin, but were immediately sent for. The family have the sympathy of the entire community. A sister of the drowned girl, aged 13 years, attempted three times to save her and barely escaped with her own life.  Chronicle.

Unadilla Times, Unadilla, NY, June 11, 1891

Birth

Born June 8,1891, to Mr. and Mrs. W.A. Warfield, a daughter.

Marriage

In Masonville, N.Y. [Delaware Co.] May 30,1891, by Rev. J.M. Berry, Mr. Stephen Gifford of Masonville and Miss Alta Allen of Masonville.

Death

The Hon. Frederick A. Bolles died at his residence in this village [Unadilla, Otsego Co. NY] Wednesday June 10, 1891, at 4 o'clock p.m.  He was born February 5, 1811, at Vernon, Oneida County, N.Y.  After passing some years at his native place and at Oxford [Chenango Co. NY] he came to Unadilla, in 1838, when about 27 years of age and purchased the Unadilla House which he conducted three or four years.  In June 1839 he married Julia A. Cone, who died Feb'y 14, 1868.  Disposig of his hotel property to Col. Thomas Heath about 1841, he engaged in the hardware business with L.G. Cone on the present site of H.E. Bailey's Drug store [in 1891].  the partnership with Mr. Cone was continued with but one or two interruptions for a period of nearly forty years until 1878 when owing to the failing health of Mr. Cone, the business was continued with F.L. Cone as member of the firm.  Mr. Bolles also engaged quite extensively as a contractor and builder.

In 1845, he took an active part in the Anti-Rent disturbances as captain of a company from this village, stationed a few months at the village of Delhi [Delaware Co. NY].

Mr. Bolles always took great interest in public affairs.  He represented his town in the Board of Supervisors and in 1861 was in the State Legislature ad Member of Assembly from the 2nd district of Otsego County.  His legislative career was marked by the utmost conscientious discharge of every duty and the most patient attention to every detail connected therewith. At the raising of the 121st N.Y. Regiment he was offered a colonelcy which honor he declined.

In 1871, he married Mrs. W.S. Bryant of Guilford [Chenango Co. NY] who survives him.

Owing to failing health and declining years he retired from business in 1889.

Mr. Bolles was a man of many remarkable qualities, showing force of character and a decided personality.  He was positive, open and aggressive in his opinions and beliefs, but withal, he had a warm sympathetic heart, a genial sunny disposition.  In private and social life he was always the same large-hearted generous kind friend.  With him always there was a benevolent and kindly charity which was a principle and rule of his life.

During the past few years, the condition of his physical health has not been good.  Uncomplainingly, however, he has borne the burden of disease and resolutely and cheerfully struggled against the infirmities with which he contended.  Having filled the measure of his days, he has passed away with life accomplished. A life devoted to usefulness, rewarded by success and crowned with honor. The highest tribute that can be paid to his memory is that none knew him but to love him.

The funeral will be held from his late residence Friday morning at 8 o'clock and the remains will be taken to Oxford for interment.

Vital Records, Otsego County, NY (1880)

 Freeman's Journal, Cooperstown, NY, January 1, 1880

Marriages

At the residence of the bride's parents, Cooperstown [Otsego Co. NY] the 24th by Rev. F.J. Parry, Walter C. Lloyd to Miss Belle Ve Dere Bice

At the M.E. Parsonage, Fly Creek [Otsego Co. NY] Dec. 24 by Rev. H.G. Harned, F.W. Johnson and Kate A. Lewis, both of the town of Otsego, N.Y. [Otsego Co.]

Death

Says a Unadilla [Otsego Co. NY] letter: "Mrs. Thomas Noble, one of Unadilla's oldest citizens, died at the residence of Postmaster E.M. Packard Friday, Dec. 26th.  Mrs. Noble was a daughter of Judge Beach, one of the first settlers here, and has spent her whole life, nearly eighty-three years, in Unadilla. She has two sons now living in California and one, Capt. Henry B. noble, of the U.S. Army, who is a resident of New York City."

Freeman's Journal, Cooperstown, NY, January 8, 1880

Marriage

At the residence of Mr. W.H. Lynes in Middlefield [Otsego Co. NY], Dec. 31, by Rev. D.C. Olmstead, George R. Sampson of Starrucca, Pa. to Miss Fannie I. Cook of Brandt, Susquehanna Co. Pa.

Deaths

At Toddsville [Otsego Co. NY] Jan. 1st, '80, Eva A. [Collier] daughter of Melvin and Jane A. Collier, aged 4 years.

The dreaded scourge diphtheria has at length made its appearance in this place [Toddville], seizing for its early victims the two bright children of Melvin A. Collier, aged respectively 10 and 4 years.  Irwin was an intelligent, active and winsome little fellow and will be very much missed. Death ensued after an illness of only four days.  Little Eva, who was then in rosy bloom, was stricken with the dread disease and in a week's time the angel of death came and beckoned her over the river to join Irvin in the spirit land. The afflicted parents have the sympathy of the w hole community in their great sorrow.

In Plymouth, Mich. Dec. 1st, Lucy A. [Eddy] wife of Otis Eddy, formerly of Richfield [Otsego Co. NY] in the 62d year of her age.

In Springfield [Otsego Co. NY] Dec. 21, 1879, Calvin P. Smith aged 76 years.  

News Item

Forty Years Ago -the Way Things Were Done in 1840 or There Abouts

"Yes," said the man who wasn't afraid of telling his age, "You young fellows of 35 don't really know how old we of 45 are.  You can't realize the changes that have come over this land in so short a time.  Look at our railroad system, even that in our neighborhoods.  

Forty-one years ago, I traveled with my father up the whole north side of Long Island from Greenport in a carriage.  The mail was three days getting to New York.  A single railroad track extended from Jamica into Brooklyn.  We crossed from Brooklyn to New York in a horse ferryboat.  They were playing 'King John' in the old Park Theatre.  Fanny Ellsler was the star of the ballet, and one-horse cabs, with a step and door behind, plied on Broadway.  the Astor House was in its glory, and I saw the unfinished walls of Trinity Church.  

My father took a paper called the Express and the Journal of Commerce, out of which I vainly sought for something to interest a four-year-old boy.  I can recollect but one sentence in either of those papers. It read at intervals in very big letters, 'Arrival of the Great Western from Europe,' and it seemed to me as if no ocean steamer, save the Great Western, crossed the Atlantic for years and years. Beside these headlines, they used on each arrival to get out a woodcut of the vessel.  A man who had been to Europe in those days was somebody.  Noted ministers used to go, and they always on returning wrote books of their travels.  It would be a good plan to compile a ministerial library of travel in Europe and Asia.

 A man with beard and mustache then was at once a curiosity and monstrosity.  I well recollect hearing one of our village magnates gravely advising a young New York doctor to shave off these appendages.  They were clean shavers in those days, and almost everybody shaved themselves.  The razor case and strop formed part of every man's traveling equipment.  

Illinois was the farthest Western State. 

Letter postage was 10 cents.

The Knickerbocker was the sterling magazine of the time.

Sam Slick's and Maj. Jack Downing's letters the only very funny reading.

Gentleman wore swallow-tailed coats at all hours. 

Tomatoes were called 'love apples' and suspected of being poisonous.

All temperance people were known as Washingtonians.

Circuses traveled with very small negro minstrel bands who sang 'Jump, Jim Crow.' 

Fiddles made a row among the older people when introduced in the country church choirs

The Methodists wouldn't tolerate a cross in evergreens on Christmas, or anything else, or at any other time. 

Everybody chewed and spit and built their houses with Grecian porticos.

Photographs were daguerreotypes and would rub off the plates.

Whale oil was the only lighting fluid.

All shirt collars stood up.

Doctors bled and gave calomel for almost everything.

Lung fever hadn't turned into pneumonia.

Everybody had a barrel of rum or hard cider in the cellar.

Nobody had put a -?- appendage on our first parents.

All schoolmasters came from Connecticut and licked with a cowhide

Girls hadn't learned to skate.

A man worth a million was rich.

The Democrats were called 'loco-focus,' and so were the matches.

The Presbyterians preached down the Methodists and Episcopalians.

The country papers abounded in advertisements of runaway apprentice boys bound out to serve until of age, represented pictorially by a young man seeking tracks, with his bundle slung on a stick over his shoulder.  

Good butter was only a shilling a pound, good cigars 3 cents apiece.  

Rum was the favorite drink, the best of liqueur 6 cents a glass.  

Infant damnation, predestination and election were the favorite pulpit topics.

Eclipse the fastest horse in America

Bunker Hill monument a big thing just done.

Nobody lectured.

Round dances hadn't come over,

Lager-beer was unknown.

General training was held yearly.

The muskets had flint locks.

Every householder was required by law to keep two leather buckets in case of fire.

Ladies wore bustles.

Gentleman strapped their pantaloons under their boots.

Trousers were cut with horizontal instead of perpendicular flaps in front.

Henry Clay and Daniel Webster were the greatest men in the United States.  

I tell you those were times now."

Vital Records, Otsego (1806) & Chenango (1879) Counties, NY

 Otsego Herald, Cooperstown, NY, September 11, 1806

Marriage

On Thursday, August the 28th, by the Rev. Dr. Linn, Mr. Paschal Franchot of Otsego County [NY] to Miss Catharine Hansen of this city [Albany, Albany Co., NY]. Albany Cent.I

Otsego Herald, Cooperstown, NY, October 9, 1806

Death

In Cherry Valley [Otsego Co. NY] on Tuesday last, Joel B. Potter Esq. Attorney at Law, of a typhus fever after about three weeks illness.

Otsego Herald, Cooperstown, NY, October 16, 1806

Death

Departed this life at Burlington [Otsego Co. NY] on Wednesday the 1st instant, Mrs. Dolfy Blanchard wife of Capt. John Blanchard in the 41st year of her age, leaving a disconsolate husband and nine children to lament their loss.  Mrs. Blanchard was truly an amiable, worthy woman; a kind wife, a tender mother and an obliging friend and neighbor.  She left an infant not two weeks old.  She was afflicted with excruciating pains and a violent fever from the time of her delivery, until death gave her relief, which she bore with Christian fortitude and died lamented by all her acquaintance.

News Item

A very extraordinary circumstance lately occurred in this town [Burlington, Otsego Co. NY].  One Elisha Peck, an enthusiastic preacher, has declared that he has had an extraordinary vision and that he should certainly die last Tuesday night, between the hours of 9 and 12 o'clock.  He gave a public invitation to all around to attend at his house on Tuesday, the last day of his life as he said and hear him tell his experience from his childhood to that time, and then he would preach to them his farewell sermon.  Vast number attended on the occasion, more out of curiosity, I believe, than from a belief that his prediction would be fulfilled.  However, he began his discourse early in the forenoon to a vast audience collected on the occasion, talked about six hours and declared it was his firm belief that he should be a dead man by 12 o'clock that night.  He fixed the day for his funeral and invited the people to attend it on the Friday following for the purpose of burying him and told who was to preach his funeral sermon, and the place where his grave was to be dug by a man he had agreed with.  Towards the close of his discourse, he said he felt as if he had done his work and had no more to say and desired a minister present to make a concluding prayer, which he did in a very solemn pathetic manner.  Peck than rose and sung a sort of farewell hymn and immediately dismounted the wagon on which he stood and went to his house.  Dr. Ross and a number of others, staid till after midnight.  Sometime in the evening he stripped and went to bed and gave orders to those present to let him die in peace and not disturb him. After the time was expired, he arose and sung very merrily, and said his reprieve was effected by the prayers of his faithful brethren, some of which had repaired to the groves for the purpose of making intercession for his life.  An eyewitness to part of the scene.  Burlington, Oct. 11,1806

Otsego Herald, Cooperstown, NY, October 23, 1806

Marriage

At Walton, Delaware County [NY] on the 4th instant, Col. Erastus Root of Delhi [Delaware Co. NY] to Miss Eliza Stockton, daughter of Mr. C.W. Stockton of Walton.

Elopement

Whereas my wife Eunice [Miller] has behaved in such an indecent manner that I am determined not to live with her any longer; these are therefore to forbid all persons harboring or trusting her on my account, as I am determined to pay no debts she may contract after this date.  Daniel miller, Burlington [Otsego Co. NY], Oct. 21, 1806

Otsego Herald, Cooperstown, NY, October 30, 1806

Elopement

Whereas my wife Faitha [Allen] has eloped form my bed and board; this is therefore to forbid all persons trusting or harboring her on my acc't, as I am determined not to pay any debts she may contract.  Barnabas Allen, Jun., Springfield [Otsego Co. NY], October 30, 1806.

Sherburne News, Sherburne, NY, October 18, 1879

Death of a Pioneer

On Friday morning last [Oct. 10, 1879], after a brief illness, Benjamin Barber expired at his residence, four miles south of this village in the seventy-ninth year of his age.  One of the pioneers of Chenango Valley, his death calls for more than a passing notice.

Deceased was born at Richmondville, R.I., June 1st, 1801.  In May 1806, he moved with his parents to this county [Chenango Co. NY], settling upon the farm which he afterwards owned and upon which he died.  The only house on the farm at that time was a log one, which stood near the site of the present homestead.  It was occupied at the time by Ezra Huntley, and the newly arrived family for two weeks lived in a frame barn just across the road, cooking their victuals by the side of a pine stump.  The barn was afterwards used as a church. At that time there were only about ten acres of cleared land in that neighborhood.  George Knapp lived on the farm afterwards owned by John Shattuck, Ebenezer Wilcox on the first farm north, and Rathbone Gates where the Halfway House is.  Bears and wolves were plenty, and the settlers were compelled to shut their sheep up every night to keep them from these pests. About the time of the arrival of the Barber family, a grist and sawmill was put up. Before that the people had to go to Chenango Forks [Broome Co. NY] to get their grain ground.

He remained upon the farm with his parents until he was twenty-one years of age, when he went to work for Isaac Pendleton, who lived north of there, for nine dollars a month and the third year he worked eight months for twelve dollars and a half per month, which in those times was considered high wages. At the age of twenty-six he married his wife, who was then eighteen, with whom he lived happily throughout his life and who survives him. Eight months after their marriage they commenced keeping house, Mr. Barber working for William Mygatt of Oxford for two years, for eleven dollars a month and boarding himself.  Then he hired the Darwin Davis farm for three years, after which (1830) he moved upon the home farm, upon which he has since resided.  He kept a dairy and made cheese and in the fall of the first year, failing to sell his dairy for five cents per pound, he drew it to Honesdale, Pa., where he disposed of the lot at six cents - a very satisfactory venture for him. Afterwards he turned his attention to butter, which then sold at ten cents per pound, but in 1837, when the canal was opened through the valley, butter went up to fourteen cents and potatoes rose from twenty to fifty cents a bushel.  By strict economy and abstemious habits, he accumulated property and added to his farm, until he was the owner of some four hundred acres of as fine farming land as lies in the Chenango Valley.

Twenty-one children have been born to this worthy couple, seventeen of whom are still living - twelve girls and five boys - and nearly all of them are married and have families growing up.  All have profited by the teachings of their venerable parents and become useful members of society.

For many years deceased has been a consistent member of the Baptist Church in Oxford [Chenango Co. NY].  His funeral was largely attended on Sunday afternoon, Rev. Dr. Haynes of this village officiating in the absence of the pastor of the Oxford Church.

[Buried Mount Hope Cemetery, Norwich, Chenango Co. NY]