Vital Records, Broome (1838, 1874) & Chenango (1879) Counties, NY

Broome Republican, Binghamton, NY, February 1, 1838

Marriage 

On the 30th of January by the Rev. Mr. Haws, Mr. Ansel Phinney of Lee, Mass., to Miss Abigal Piersall of North Bainbridge, Chenango Co. [NY].

Broome Republican, Binghamton, NY, February 22, 1838

Marriage

Married in this village [Binghamton, Broome Co. NY] on the 15th inst. by the Rev. Mr. Row, Mr. Lewis Seymour to Mrs. Aurelia Newel both of this village.

Union News, Union, NY, August 1, 1874

Deaths

In Union [Broome Co. NY] Thursday morning, July 30th, 1874, William J. Stephrnson aged 43 years.

In the town of Owego, Tioga Co., N.Y., july 23d, 1874, Albert R. Adriance in the 52d year of his age.

Union News, Union, NY, August 22, 1874

Marriages

At the residence of Mr. Rockwell, Esq. in this village [Union, Broome Co. NY] August 19th, 1874, by Rev. C.S. Dewing, Mr. Daniel J. Palmer to Miss Ida May Cafferty all of Union, N.Y.

In Milford, N.Y. [Otsego Co.], August 13, 1874, at the house of J. Shute, Esq. by Rev. H.N. Van Dusen, Mr. Walter R. Place of Maine, Broome County, N.Y. and Mrs. Emolene Wilcox of Milford.

Death

William Lees, a switchman in the employ of the Erie Railway Company at Owego was run over and killed on Sunday morning.  Lees was engaged in switching cars and jumped on a train while it was in motion.  His foot slipped and he fell, the wheels passing over his legs near the thighs.  The unfortunate man, after suffering terribly for a few hours, expired.

Union News, Union, NY, august 29, 1874

Death

In the town of Owego [Tioga Co. NY] Saturday, Aug. 22, 1874, Catharine [Davidson] wife of Josiah L. Davidson, in the 75th year of her age.

Sherburne News, Sherburne, NY, December 13, 1879

Deaths

TAYLOR:  In San Francisco, Cal. Nov. 3, 1879, William C.H. [Taylor] son of William C. and Clementina Taylor and grandchild of Mr. and Mrs. William Edmonds, aged 7 months and three days.

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A fatal accident occurred near Clayville [Oneida Co. NY] this forenoon by which John Thomas was instantly killed.  At 8:50 this morning, a special train left Utica for New York.  On board were President Sloan, A.E. Reasoner, Superintendent of the Morris & Essex division, W.F. Halstead, General Superintendent of the main line, and employes to run the train, which was in charge of Conductor Collins, and was drawn by engine No. 7 with Engineer Kuhn at the throttle.  When near S.A. Millard's hoe factory about a quarter of a mile south of Clayville, a man was suddenly seen to appear on the track.  The engine was so close upon him that it was impossible to stop the train in time to save his life, and he was struck by the locomotive and instantly killed.  Coroner Hunt was immediately notified and an extra engine placed at his disposal, which speeded him swiftly to the scene of the accident, leaving here shortly after 11 o'clock.  He is holding an inquest as we go to press.

The victim of the accident was in the employ of Mr. Millaard as coachman and is said to have been driving some cattle across the track at the time.  There is no regular crossing at that point, only what is termed a "farmer's crossing."  Persons acquainted with the road in that locality will remember a sharp curve and a sidetrack.  On the sidetrack stood a number of cars that hid the main track from view. Thomas is said to have come suddenly upon the main track from behind those cars directly in front of the special train and no blame is attached to the engineer in the matter.  

We are also informed that every employee along the line had been notified by telegraph of the coming of the special and every possible precaution taken to avoid accidents.  It is also stated that Thomas had lived some time in the vicinity and was well acquainted with the dangerous curve, on account of which an engineer can see but little ways ahead, or a person on the track see an approaching train but a short distance.  From all particulars that it is possible to learn at the present writing, there does not seem to have been any neglect on the part of the Company, or any blame attaching to its employees.  Utica Observer, 9th

Vital Records, Otsego County, NY (1807, 1861, 1891)

 Otsego Herald, Cooperstown, NY, July 2, 1807

Deaths

Died in Palatine [Montgomery Co. NY] on the 7th of June, inst. of the consumption, Joseph Simonds, Esq. Attorney at Law of Paris, Oneida County [NY], aged 30 years, a man eminent in his profession while living, and his death much lamented by community.

At New Haven [Oswego Co. NY], Mrs. Mary Wooster aged 78.  She was the widow of General David Wooster who fell in defense of his country, between Dadbury and Ridgefield during the American Revolution.  She was a daughter and only surviving child of Dr. Clapp, formerly president of Yale College.

Otsego Herald, Cooperstown, NY, July 16, 1807

Deaths

Died at East Hartford [Washington Co. NY] on the 17th inst. Mr. Seth Montague, formerly of Hadly (Mass.) aged 33.\

Suddenly, at Colchester [Delaware Co. NY] on the 15th inst. of an apoplectic fit, Mrs. Rhoda Buckley, wife of Maj. Roger Buckley, aged 56 years.

In Norway, Maine, on the 22d ult. by the split of a rock, William Stevens, aged 19.  When we cry peace and safety, many times destruction is nigh.  He had been fishing with two others. When they had finished, they retired to a large stone of about 27 feet in circumference to rest and refresh themselves, when shortly after, the stone burst and lodged a piece weighing about three tons, on Mr. S's hips, which inflicted a wound that baffled the aid of medicine.  He survived only five hours after sustaining the most excruciating pain.

In England, Admiral Sir Hyde Parker

At Delhi, Shaw Allum, King of Hindollan, aged 78 years, a lineal descendant of the house of Timur.  In the revolution of 1794, effected by Golland Mahomen, he was inhumanly deprived of his eyes.

At No. 4, Plattsburgh [Clinton Co. NY], on the afternoon of the 17 inst. was killed by the fall of a tree, Lieut John D. Fisk, in the 30th year of his age.  The public have to lament the loss of one of its most active and industrious citizens, the wife of the deceased a kind and tender husband, and his infant children their protector and guardian.  His many virtues endeared him to his family and gave him a conspicuous place in the affections of his country.  His usefulness is too well known to require any comment.  His memory, we trust, will not be entombed with his mortal body, but a generous public will revere his virtue when his flesh shall have mingled with its native dust.

Otsego Herald, Cooperstown, NY, july 2 3, 1807

Run Away

From the Subscriber, a boy named Comfort S. Nash, about thirteen years of age; had on a brown tow cloth frock, trowsers and vest.  Any person who will take up and return said boy to the subscriber shall receive six cents reward and no charges paid.  All persons are forbid harboring or trusting said boy.  David G. Coburn, Lisbon, Otsego County, July 7, 1807.

Oneonta Herald, Oneonta, NY, December 25, 1861

Marriages

On the 18th inst. by Rev. J. Smith, Jr. Mr. Wiolliam F. Ford of Davenport [Delaware Co. NY] to Miss Hellen J. Couse of Oneonta [Otsego Co. NY].

In Oneonta [Otsego Co. NY], Dec. 18th, by Rev. E.C. Hodge, Mr. Andrew Ferguson of Laurens [Otsego Co. NY] to Miss Hellen Cooke of West Oneonta.

At Otsdawa [Otsego Co. NY], Dec. 19th, at the house of the bride's father, by Rev. M.C. Bronson, Eugene Thayer of Laurens [Otsego Co. NY] to Julia Brisack.

Deaths

In Bennettsville [Chenango Co. NY] Dec. 16th, Mrs. Lois Northup wife of Mr. A.S. Northup, formerly of this place [Oneonta, Otsego Co. NY], after a long and painful illness which she bore with becoming patience and Christian resignation.  She has at last found rest.

Editor of Herald, Sir:  The Bloomville Mirror published in Delaware County [NY] contains an obituary notice of the death of George Alger of Oneonta [Otsego Co. NY], on the 1st of October last, stated that he died "by a blow willfully inflicted by a female with an iron bar."  I was his attending physician for a long time previous to his death and know that statement to be utterly false and evidently communicated opt the Mirror by some evil disposed person for the purpose of gratifying malice and causing sad pain and grief to a large and respectable circle of the mourning friends and relatives of the deceased.  I therefore deem it my duty not only to denounce the obituary statement scandalously false, but to give the cause of his death, which was a scrofulous disease, ending in lumbar abscess.  Please give this one insertion in your paper and oblige many friends and relatives of the deceased.  Samujel H. Case, M.D., Oneonta, Dec. 17, 1861.

Unadilla Times, Unadilla, NY, July 23, 1891

Birth

Born July 22, 1891, to Mr. and Mrs. J. Frank White, a daughter.

Marriages

Married at the residence of Mr. Will Telon in this village [Unadilla Otsego Co. NY], Sunday July 19, 1891, by Rev. C.E. Fay, Miss Emma Ida Brink of Otego [Otsego Co. NY] to William L. Jones of Masonville [Delaware Co. NY].

From the Oxford Times we learn that a very pleasant social event occurred at that village last week Tuesday evening, the occasion being the marriage of Miss Anna Van Wagenen to Mr. Jared C Estelo.  Mr. Estelo has many friends in this immediate vicinity who extend congratulations and who wish for the newly married couple a long life of matrimonial felicity.

Vital Records, Madison (1854) & Otsego (1873) Counties, NY

 Cazenovia Republican, Cazenovia, NY, May 17, 1854

Marriages

In Eaton [Madison Co. NY] on the 3d inst. by William F. Bonney, Esq. Mr. Benjamin Crawford and Mrs. Philena Tennant both of the former place.

In Stockbridge, on Tuesday evening, the 16th inst., by Rev. E.G. Andrews, Rev. Richard Clark of Morrisville [Madison Co. NY] and Miss Mary A. Horton of the former place.

Death

In this village on Saturday night, the 13th inst., Mr. David Babcock, aged about 53 years.

Cazenovia Republican, Cazenovia, NY, May 24, 1854

Deaths

In the village of Hamilton [Madison Co. NY] May 16th, Dea. Elijah Buell aged 61 years.

In the village of Hamilton [Madison Co. NY] May 12th at the residence of her son, Mrs. Hannah Curry aged 77 years.

At his residence in the town of Hamilton [Madison Co. NY] May 17, Mr. Heman Bonney, aged 65 years.

Cazenovia Republican, Cazenovia, NY, May 31, 1854

Marriages

In this village [Cazenovia, Madison Co. NY] on the 28th inst. by I. Leonard, D.D., Mr. John W. Leonard and Miss Sylvia R. Tucker both of New Bedford, Mass.

On the same day, by Rev. William Clarke, Mr. John Lockhan and Mrs. H. Burhans, all of this village [Cazenovia, Madison Co. NY].

In West Eaton [Madison Co. NY] on the 18th inst. by Rev. George Bridge, Mr. Philo Walden and Miss Mary Jane Wellington both of that place.

Deaths

In this village [Cazenovia, Madison Co. NY] on the 25th inst. at the residence of E.D. Loomis, Allen H. [DeClerco] oldest son of Hendrick and Aseneth DeClerco, aged 9 years.  He was an active, interesting child, ever thoughtful, beyond his years.  During the long and severe illness which terminated his existence, he bore all his sufferings patiently and often wearied himself with thoughts of the trouble he was giving those around him.  His friends can but mourn that they may cherish no more fond hopes of the good he might have accomplished.  Still, they realize that the kind God hath ordered it, and when they remember that their little Allie only slept to awaken amid the angels, they say, the Father loved him best.  It is well.

In Nelson [Madison Co. NY] on the 21st inst. Mrs. Ann E. Hearsey aged thirty years, widow of Sherman Hearsey and daughter of Asa Bumbus.

In this village [Cazenovia, Madison Co. NY], on Sunday afternoon last, Mrs. Cynthia Babcock relict of David Babcock, aged 52 years.

Morris Chronicle, Morris, NY, June 11, 1873

Marriages

June 3d, At the residence of Thomas Hall, Morris [Otsego Co. NY] by Rev. L.B. Ford, Mr. A.P. Palmer of Beaver Meadow [Chenango Co. NY], to Miss Nettie Hall.

June 3d, At the residence of Samuel Barrett, Morris [Otsego Co. NY], by Rev. W.H. Harrington, Mr. Albert A. Lull of New Lisbon [Otsego Co. NY] to Miss A.A. Barrett.

June 3d, At the residence of the bride's parents in Laurens [Otsego Co. NY] by Rev. Henry brown, Mr. William F. Wanzer of Morris [Otsego Co. NY] to Miss Emily K. Brown, daughter of John Brown, Esq.

June 3d, At New Berlin [Chenango Co. NY] by Rev. W. Burnside, Mr. Charles D. Bingham to Miss Abigail A Wheeler both of Garrattsville [Otsego Co. NY].

Deaths

May 30th, In West Morris [Otsego Co. NY] Mr. Lewis, aged 73 years.

May 19th, In New Lisbon [Otsego Co. NY] Mrs. Elsie Young wife of Robert Young in t he 66th year of her age.

June 2d, It Otego [Otsego Co. NY] Mrs. Emily Hale widow of Levi Hale in the 63d year of her age.

June 4th, At Deoevux, Fulton Co. N.Y., Mrs. Mary Bradt aged 94 years 3 months and 13 days.

On Saturday, May 31 st, Mr. Robert Beatty an old resident of this section, started from this village [Morris, Otsego Co. NY] for his farm on the west hill and had gone as far as the hill just this side of Mr. B.F. Waits residence, when the bottom board to the wagon slid against the horse starting it into a run down the hill, throwing Mr. Beatty out upon the ground and so injuring him that he remained in an insensible state till Tuesday when he expired.  We are informed that he was intoxicated to such an extent when he started form the village, that he had to be helped into the wagon and his untimely end speaks in accents that cannot be misunderstood; "touch not, taste not, handle not." The funeral services were held at St. Andrew's church on Thursday and his remains were followed to the grave by a large concourse of relatives and friends.  New Berlin Gazette, We learn that Mr. Beatty owned a farm in Pittsfield [Otsego Co. NY] and some part of the time resided there.

When the Saturday five o'clock train (May 31) on the Albany & Susquehanna Railroad was between Unadilla and Well's Bridge, the engineer saw a boy lying on the track fast asleep.  Before he could stop, the engine passed over him, and he was cut to fragments.  The boy was about 10 years of age and had evidently been picking up coal on the track.  His name was John Bray.

Willard Smith was killed by the cars near the Midland Depot at Norwich [Chenango Co. NY], June 3d.  His horse became frightened, ran and tipped him out directly in front of a passing locomotive.  His body was completely severed in two.  The deceased was a well-known businessman, having always lived in that place.

News Item

The Delaware Republican says:  Cook St. John of Walton [Delaware Co. NY] will be one hundred years old the first day of June, and he is now in good health, with mind and memory but little impaired.  He is living with his oldest son, who is 75 years old.  His grandson is 51 years old, his great-grandson is 27 and his great-great-grandson is 7 years old, and each one is the oldest son of each successive family, and all are living within easy call of each other in the same village.  The descendants of the centenarian are one hundred and three living and including his two wives are thirty-two dead.

Vital Records, Cortland (1849) & Madison (1854) Counties, NY

 McGrawville Express, McGrawville, NY, May 3, 1849

Marriage

In Solon [Cortland Co. NY] at the Baptist Church on the 29th ult. by Rev. D. Pease, Mr. Olney Perkins to Miss Larinda Wheeler, all of Solon.

Deaths

In Hastings, Oswego Co. [NY] March 9th, Alvin [Pierce] son of William S. Pierce, aged 6 mo. and 2 days.

In the same place, 15th April, Fidelia L. [Pierce], daughter of the parents above named, aged 4 years 7 months 5 days.

On the 22 April, William H. [Pierce], son of the same persons, aged 2 years 9 months 18d.

On the 27 April, George G. [Pierce] aged 6y 6 months 9 days.

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Death of Dr. Roberts: We are pained to announce the death of this estimable and very promising young physician.  He was taken two or three days ago with the erysipelas of the head, which, assuming a most aggravating form, ended his life on Thursday night, at the Syracuse House [Onondaga Co. NY].

Dr. Roberts came to this city from Kelloggsville, Cayuga County [NY] and was very rapidly advancing in his profession and securing the esteem and respect of our citizens.  But in the midst of his usefulness and in the flower of his youth, the King of Terrors laid his icy scepter upon his breast, freezing the warm blood and stopping its pulsation forever.

We learn that Dr. Roberts' death was occasioned by touching a pimple on his forehead, which was bleeding with some matter from a vaccine, which he had just removed from the arm of a child.  The poison appeared to operate instantly, as in a few hours, he was delirious.  His remains were taken yesterday afternoon to Kelloggsville for interment.  

[Dr. Elisha Roberts, d. 27 April 1849, aged 30y; buried Kelloggsville Cemetery]

McGrawville Express, McGrawville, NY, May 17, 1849

Marriages

In Preble, on the 9th inst. by Rev. N. Camp of Tully, Mr. Lieurendus B. Dodge of Cortlandville [Cortland Co. NY] and Miss Maria C. Warner of Preble.

Also, in the same place at the same time, by the same, Mr. Timothny Keen and Miss Susan A. Parks, both of Cortlandville. [Cortland Co. NY].

Deaths

In this village [McGrawville, Cortland Co. NY] on the 13th inst. Susan Austin wife of Asa Austin, aged 63 years.

The deceased was born in Leyden, Mass.  She had resided in this county upwards of fifty-three years, and in this village for six years.  

Her family and friends, while lamenting the melancholy providence which has thus afflicted them, mourn not without hope.  For since in life, she was a bright example of Christian excellence, in death they may surely hope that she has met with the Christian's reward.  Death is the Christian's triumphal hour, the hour of victory over the sorrows and temptations of this world.  It is only in such an hour that we can really perceive the excellence of that faith which has taught us that the Christian's death is the dawn of a purer and holier existence; the darkness of nature is pierced by a light from Heaven.

Then, while we mourn the melancholy stroke that has thus afflicted us, let us rejoice with Christian faith that the spirit that dwelt with us, dwells now in a better world.  Let us remember the virtues which crowned her life; her kindness as a friend; her affection as a wife and mother and strive to imitate an example, the remembrance of which in her, is so full of consolation.

"Bright view of death; a sleep and then a dream; / An awful night; a blest unfolding morn!"

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In this village [McGrawville, Cortland Co. NY] on the 16th inst. Mr. Harry McGraw in the 52d year of his age.

Mr. McGraw was one of the most active businessmen in this county and his loss will be deeply felt by all classes of our citizens.  He has been a resident of this town 47 years, having removed from Herkimer, his native county, while quite young.  For about 30 years past he has been engaged in memorable pursuits and has officiated as Postmaster 20 years.  In his business relations, he has sustained a reputation for uprightness, worthy of emulation.

This sudden and afflictive stroke of Providence was quite unlooked for by us.  It is only one short week since the deceased was moving amid the busy scenes of life, to all appearance in his usual health.  But he has sickened; he has died!; and, as we fully hope, has gone to share in the scenes of a blissful immortality.  Mr. McGraw has ever been a believer in the Christian religion, but he manifested, during his illness, regret that he had not publicly professed his faith and exerted greater religious influence over the circle in which he moved.  It must have been a source of great consolation to his family, and the many friends that visited him, to witness the support which he derived in his hour of trial from confidence reposed in his Redeemer. Both under the surgeon's knife and in the agony of death, God was his supporter and his hope.

The funeral will be attended in this Presbyterian Church tomorrow at 10 o'clock A.M.  It is the arrangement among the businessmen of the place to close their establishments during the funeral services.  

McGrawville Express, McGrawville, NY, May 31, 1849

Death

In Homer village [Cortland Co. NY] on the 24th inst. Sally Wilcox wife of Silvenius Wilcox, aged 75 years.

The deceased was born in Sandersfield, Mass.  She had lived in Montgomery County [NY] upwards of fifty years.  For the last two years she had resided in Homer, and had suffered under paralysis, which she bore with patience and resignation. She often expressed her readiness to depart and be with Christ and the redeemed.

When about thirty years of age she obtained hope in Christ, which appeared to grow brighter in view of a blessed immortality.

" tis Finished; the conflict is past, / The heaven born spirit is fled, / Her wish is accomplished at last, / And now she's entombed with the dead.

The months of affliction are oer, / The days and the nights of distress, / We see her in anguish no more, / She has gained a happy release.

Cazenovia Republican, Cazenovia, NY, May 3, 1854

Marriage

In this village [Cazenovia, Madison Co. NY] by Rev. L.L. Swan, Mr. P. Collier Wessel and Miss Martha Nichols both of Chittenango [Madison Co. NY].

Deaths

In this village [Cazenovia, Madison Co. NY] on Monday morning last, Mrs. Mary Maria Ryan wife of John C. Ryan and daughter of Dr. Stephen M. Potter, aged 31 years.

In Fenner [Madison Co. NY], on the 24th ult. Col. John Needham aged 83 years.  Col. Needham emigrated to Fenner about 1796, when there was but three houses in what is now Cazenovia [Madison Co. NY].

Cazenovia Republican, Cazenovia, NY, May 10, 1854

Death

At Canastota, N.Y. [Madison Co. NY] on the 9th ult. Caroline [Brush] wife of Aaron B. Brush and daughter of Elisha and Betsey Beebe of Cannan, Conn., in her 52d year.

Vital Records, Chenango County, NY (1880)

 Chenango American, Greene, NY, April 15, 1880

Marriages

In Mason City, Iowa, March 25th, by Rev. E.C. Moulton, Mr. Lucius A. Barnard and Miss Mary E. Doud all of that city.

In Oxford [Chenango Co. NY] April 7th, by Rev. William R. Baldwin, Mr. Francis A. Brazee of Norwich [Chenango Co. NY] and Miss Clara E. Potter of Oxford.

In Smithville [Chenango Co. NY] April 11th, by Rev. H.N. Van Deusen, Mr. David W. Pike of McDonough [Chenango Co. NY] and Miss Alice M. Card of Smithville.

Deaths

In Coventry [Chenango Co. NY] suddenly, April 2d, Mrs. Rose [Wedge] wife of George Wedge, aged 32 years.

In Binghamton [Broome Co. NY] March 26th, of scarlet fever, Willis S. [Fling] son of Walter and Eliza Fling, aged 2 years, 2 months and 26 days.

In Norwich [Chenango Co. NY] April 4th, Mrs. Susan B. Fifield of Waterloo [Seneca Co. NY], aged 92 years.

In Mt. Upton [Chenango Co. NY] April 4th, Mrs. Laura Shepard widow of Jerry Shepard, aged 76 years.

In Coventry [Chenango Co. NY] March 27th, Mr. Abel Doolittle, aged 54 years.

In Barker [Chenango Co. NY] April 7th, Mrs. Sarah A. Stevens widow of the late Obediah Stevens in the 88th year of her age.

In Coventry [Chenango Co. NY] April 1st, Miss Minnie Marvin aged 21 years.

In this town [Greene, Chenango Co. NY] April 4th, Leroy [English] son of Merritt and Caroline English, aged 6 months.

At the residence of her daughter, Mrs. Samuel G. Courtney, High Bridge, N.Y. [Bronx, NYC], April 8th, Lydia Knapp Dickinson widow of Daniel S. Dickinson, aged 77 years.

Near Guilford Centre [Chenango Co. NY], April 8th of diptheria, Flora [Burlison] wife of Ervin Burlison.

In Brisbin [Chenango Co. NY] April 7th, Mary A. [Wells] only child of Albert and Margaret  Wells, aged 13 years.

Mrs. J.B. Kirkhuff of Afton [Chenango Co. NY] committed suicide on Sunday last by throwing herself into a well.  Her husband was a lawyer of that place.

News Items

Reminiscences of Fifty Years Ago

On the 7th of February in the year of Grace 1814, I first saw the light.  The place of my nativity was in the good old town of Greene [Chenango Co. NY] about 2-1/2 miles southwest of the village on the Genegantslet and near the old "Norton farm."  During my infancy my father bought 100 acres of land on the river, one-half mile below the village and there was where my earliest recollections commence.  The farm was entirely new and heavily timbered, except perhaps an acre or two, and a man of less energy than my father would have hesitated long before undertaking the Herculean task of clearing up, single handed, a farm thickly covered (as was that portion of it lying on the river) with gigantic hemlocks. The boys, two of whom were older than myself, were still too young to be of any service.  But being young and hopeful, and possessing in my now sainted mother, "Heaven's best gift to man," he, nothing daunted, commenced operations. The result was that before I left home at the age of 16, he had under cultivation, perhaps 60 acres of as good land as could be found in the Chenango Valley.  He had also built a substantial house 18x18 with an L attached and a good barn 30x40 feet, both of which I believe are still standing.  Besides this, he had an excellent young apple orchard, just coming into bearing.  At the time of my leaving home to serve the balance of my minority as an apprentice, my two older brothers had already gone from under the dear old rooftree, thus leaving my father still without help, except from a young brother of 14.

But, never discouraged, he labored on, till failing health and a broken-down constitution compelled him to dispose of his farm and pursue one requiring less labor.  He lived but two or three years after leaving this lovely farm.  Consumption had long contended for the mastery with his naturally robust constitution, and at last, in May 1832, he was called to his reward. Before succumbing, however, to the fell destroyer, he had the satisfaction of knowing that by the labor of his own hands, he had created, as it were, one of the most delightful homesteads in that delightful valley.

Here, Messrs. Editors, was where I spent my happy childhood.  Here was where occurred a thousand and one little incidents in my own experience and that of my family and associates which, though trifling in themselves, yet go to make up a series of events, which I love to recall.

It is my purpose (with your approval Messrs. Editors) in perhaps two or three future letters, to recall some of these incidents of half a century ago, hoping that a few, at least of your readers may find something that will remind them of the "Long, long ago."

If I succeed in giving my old friends a tithe of the pleasure I have enjoyed in merely seeing their names in the American I shall feel amply repaid.  Or, if they or others, should peruse these random sketches with half the pleasure with which I write them, I shall not have striven in vain.

There are still living in Greene some of my old schoolmates, by whom I am perhaps long since forgotten, but who are still dear to my memory.  Others, and by far the larger number, perhaps, have crossed the flood.  yet a little while and we too shall have passed away.  Let us therefore try while here to contribute a trifle to the enjoyment of those whom we shall so soon leave behind us.  

Lewis Hoyt, Hammonton, N.J., April 8, 1880

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In his large family of boarders of all classes, he has one who was one hundred years old on Thursday last.  His name is William Lavee, who was born in New London County, Conn., April 1, 1780, and settled in this county in 1814 where he has since resided a period of sixty-six years. By trade he was a shoemaker, but he at one time owned and cultivated a farm in the town of Preston [Chenango Co. NY].  In his old age, reverses came upon him, and he was reduced to want, at last becoming an inmate of the asylum for the poor.  He early embraced the cause of Christ and all these years he has lived an exemplary Christian.  His mental faculties he retains to a remarkable degree.

Mr. Leach has now about one hundred and thirty boarders [Chenango County Poor House, Preston, NY] and the aggregate of the ages of the thirty between 70 and 100 is 2,288 years; of the next twenty-eight, between 60 and 70, they aggregate is 1,797 years.  During these five years, fifty-six have died, of these the ages of twenty-nine aggregated 2,337 years and of the remaining twenty-seven, 1,344 years.  Union

Vital Records, Otsego (1821) & Chenango (1847) Counties, NY

 Cherry Valley Gazette, Cherry Valley, NY, April 17, 1821

Deaths

Died in this town [Cherry Valley, Otsego Co. NY] on the 14th inst. Mrs. Catharine Duffen, aged 23 years, wife of Mr. James Duffen.

At Hartford, Conn. Major Elisha Babcock, senior editor of the American Mercury, aged 68 years.

At Boston, Miss Eliza Simmons, youngest daughter of Mr. George Simmons of Dorchester [MA] in the 20th year of her age.  The deceased, while residing with a family in Boston, fell a victim to a sudden and awful calamity in consequence of her clothes having accidentally taken fire,  When instantly divested of all self-collection or presence of mind, she rushed wild and frantic into the street, enveloped in flames, where, before her fate could be prevented by several humane individuals who flew to her assistance, the unfortunate sufferer had received such injuries as no attention could repair, and after lingering nearly three weeks in a state of hopeless and agonizing distress, an object of commiseration and sympathy to every beholder, she expired, an impressive instance of the acuteness of human suffering, as well as of exemplary fortitude and resignation.

Cherry Valley Gazette, Cherry Valley, NY, May 22, 1821

News Item

Run away from the subscriber on the 1st inst., a negro man named Tom, a slave under the statute.  He is about 5 feet 7 inches high, 28 or 30 years of age.  Whoever will return him to me shall receive six cents reward, but no charges.  All persons are hereby forbid harboring him.  Joseph White, Cherry Valley [Otsego Co. NY] May 15th, 1821

Cherry Valley Gazette, Cherry Valley, NY, May 29, 1821

Marriage

In this village [Cherry Valley, Otsego Co. NY] on Tuesday last, by the Rev. Mr. Smith, Mr. John Howard of New Berlin [Chenango Co. NY] to Miss Laura Mather daughter of Mr. S. Mather of this village.

Death

In Sharon, Schoharie County [NY] on Sunday morning last after a long and distressing illness, which he bore with Christian fortitude and resignation, Capt. Hezekiah Adams in the 57th year of his age.

"My God, the steps of pious men, / Are ordered by thy will / Tho' they should fall, they rise again, / Thy hand suppoorts them still"

Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, March 3, 1847

Marriages

In this town [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY] on the 25th ult. by the Rev. C.W. Giddings, Mr. Seth Chapin to Mrs. Anna Wells, all of this place.

At Hamilton [Madison Co. NY] on the 25th ult. by the Rev. M.N. Tuske, Mr. John T. Barnes to Miss Sophronia Davis both of Plymouth [Chenango Co. NY].

At Pharsalia [Chenango Co. NY] on the 21st ult. by Erastus Brown, Esq. Col. Erasmas Brown son of Gen. Brown, to Miss Phidella White, daughter of Joseph White.

At Burlington [Otsego Co. NY] on the 17th ult. by the Rev. L. Bostler, Mr. Charles D. Cobb of Guilford [Chenango Co. NY] to Mrs. Lucy C. Balcom daughter of Origin Church of Burlington.

Deaths

In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY] on Sunday evening last, very suddenly, Mrs. Polly Thompson wife of Dr. James Thompson, aged 47 years.

At Plymouth [Chenango Co. NY] on the 2d inst. Mr. Thomas Merrell aged 68 years.

In this town [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY] on Wednesday morning the 24th ult. Mary [Adams] relict of the late Mr. Uriah Adams, aged 79 years.

Her last illness was short; of only three days continuance; but very painful.  A singular coincidence occurred in the death of this aged pair.  Mr. Adams having died one year and seven days previous, very suddenly.  Mrs. Adams was a member of the Baptist church.  Her end was peaceful, o'er death triumphant.  Thus, the father and mother are removed from this world's changeful drama, leaving the eventful stage of life to be occupied by their less hardy progenitors.

Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, March 17, 1847

Death

In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY] on Tuesday, the 9th inst. of consuption, Mr. Clark Warner, aged 27 years.

The slow but sure approach of his relentless destroyer was borne through months of lingering sickness, with the calm resignation of a manly heart, subdued and softened by the kindly offices and attention of devoted friends; and in his last hours, the consolations of a holy religion, affected to him and to his relatives and friends a substantial alleviation of the untold sorrows which gather thick about the bed of death.  During his life he was uniformly esteemed for his industry and business habits and for social qualities which endeared him to his friends and companions, and his death will be felt and lamented throughout the wide circle in which he was known Norwich Journal.

Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, March 24, 1847

Deaths

At Willington (Conn.) on the 2d inst. Miss Olive P. Rider daughter of Hon. Hiram Rider and late preceptress of the Norwich Academy, aged 30 years.

Can it be that she is dead, who but one short year ago was with us as our loved and respected teacher?  Aye, 'tis even so. She had fled from earth in all its beauty and loveliness to that better land, where the blighting frost, the fading leaf are never known. she has left an earthly for a heavenly home, and shall we mourn?  Nay, for tho' the casket be shattered, the gem is secure.  But we may weep, for Jesus wept.  Our tears are but the tribute nature brings and they befit earth's pastings. But let us not forget that while she guided our minds in the pursuit of knowledge, she bade us seek that wisdom which cometh from above, and may her parting words echo in our ears.

"May we all meet in heaven / O would we had lover her more." Young Ladies' Paper of Norwich Academy\

In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY] on Saturday morning last, Mary Jay [Walt], infant daughter of John Walt, Esq. aged 1 month and 14 days.

In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY] on Monday morning last, very suddenly of congestion of the brain, Mary Willis [Truair] daughter of Mr. J.G.K. Truair, aged 1 year 11 months and 4 days.

Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, March 31, 1847

Death

At the House of Luman Miles in Coventry [Chenango Co. NY], on the 23d inst. Mr. John Coates a resident of Jerusalem, Yates Co. [NY] aged [22] years.  

The deceased came to this place in the stage on the morning of the 23d, too ill to travel further.  Medical aid was immediately called, but the violence of his illness (bilious cholic) defied all attempts, and he died in the evening of that day.

[Buried Lower Page Brook Cemetery, Greene, Chenango Co. NY]

Vital Records, Broome (1838) & Chenango (1880) Counties, NY

 Broome Republican, Binghamton, NY, January 4, 1838

Deaths

Died in this village [Binghamton, Broome Co. NY] on Thursday last, Mr. Selah Squires aged 84 years.

Also on the same day, Jeanette M. [Cushman] daughter of Mr. Eugenio Cushman, of the town of Barker [Broome Co. NY] aged 3 years.

________________________

The Upper Canada papers announce the death at the Mohawk Village on the Grand River, of Catharine Brant, relict of Joseph Brant, the celebrated leader of the Six Nations, aged 78 years.  This Indian Princess was a remarkable woman.  She was the third wife of the distinguished Chief, whose name during the war of the American Revolution carried terror into every border hamlet and was moreover, in her own right by birth, the head of the great Indian confederacy of the Six Nations.  Hence, on the death of her husband in 1807, upon her devolved the naming of a successor to the head Chieftaincy of the Alliance. The post was conferred on her youngest son, the late John Brant, who died of the cholera in 1832.  On the death of this noble fellow, who was her favorite son, she appointed to the Chieftaincy an infant grandchild, the son of Colonel William J. Kerr, of Brant House, Wellington Square, who married the youngest daughter of Joseph Brant.  The Chief is a sprightly little fellow; three quarters Mohawk, and inheriting his white blood from Sir William Johnson, of whom he is the great grandson.  

Mrs. Brant, the deceased, was a true Mohawk.  She was very handsome when young and was married to Captain Joseph Brant at Niagara in the spring of 1780.  When the old chief visited England the first time in 1775-6, having resolved to take up the hatchet in the cause of the crown, he procured a large gold finger ring, upon which his name "Joseph Brant Thayendantgea," was engraved, in order that in the event of his fall, his body might be known.  Soon after his death, this ring was lost and was not seen again until ploughed up in the field two years ago.  Its recovery gave great joy to the old lady, who happened to be on a visit to her daughter when it was found.

After the war, her husband built a mansion at the head of Lake Ontario, where he adopted the English style of living to a considerable extent.  But on his death, Mrs. Brant resumed the Indian mode of life and returned among her people on the Grand River where she resided ever since, with the exception of occasional visits to her accomplished daughter at the Brant House.  Commercial Advertiser

Broome Republican, Binghamton, NY, January 11, 1838

Marriage

In the town of Conklin [Broome Co. NY] on the 3d inst. by the Rev. Mr. Row, Mr. Daniel Newton to Miss Eliza Jane Bostwick.

Freeman's Journal, Cooperstown, NY, February 5, 1880

Marriages

At the residence of Mr. and Mrs. J.H. Shaul in Otsego [Otsego Co. NY] Jan. 290, by Rev. S.M. Cook, Deloss M. Harrington of Hartwick [Otsego Co. NY] and Cora A. Robinson of Otsego.

In Edmeston [Otsego Co. NY] Jan. 28, by Rev. C. Venton, Patterson, Everett Simmons and Miss Ida V. Ray, both of Edmeston.

Deaths

In Fly Creek [Otsego Co. NY] Jan'y 27, Clara May [Decker] aged 1 year 11 months and 8 days.

In Richfield Springs [Otsego Co. NY] Jan. 25th, of consumption, Mary A. [Schooley] aged 43 years and 4 months.

In Morris [Otsego Co. NY] Jan. 20th, Ann Eliza A. Tillson daughter of Cehas S. Tillson, aged 35 years.

In New Lisbon [Otsego Co. NY] Jan. 18, Mrs. Mahala Abbey aged 80 years 8 mos. and 22 days.

Rev. J.B. Pixley for many years pastor of different Baptist churches in this county, and recently of Worcester [Otsego Co. NY] died at Preston Hollow in Albany County [NY] of apoplexy on Saturday last, aged 67 years.  He had prepared his sermon for the next morning.  Mr. Pixley was  held in high esteem by his brethren and friends of other denominations.