Saturday, April 18, 2026

Vital Records, Chenango County, NY (1879)

 Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, August 21, 1879

Marriages

NICHOLSON - LEACH:  In Oxford [Chenango Co. NY] august 6th, by Rev. H.N. Payne, Mr. Willis V. Nicholson to Miss Katie H. Leach both of Preston [Chenango Co. NY].

MARTIN - KITTELL:  In Derrick City, Pa., August 18th by Rev. Mr. Davis, Mr. Henry B. Martin of North Bay, N.Y. [Oneida Co.] o Miss Flora H. Kittell of Oneida, N.Y. [Madison Co.].

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Brilliant Wedding; Fort - Olendorf

The marriage of Mr. Gerrit A. Fort of Fulton, N.Y. [Oswego Co.] to Miss Julia F. Olendorf, only daughter of Charles W; Olendorf, Esq. of this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], which was solemnized on Wednesday afternoon of last week, was in every respect a brilliant and interesting event.  The hour for the ceremony was fixed for two o'clock and previous to that time the relatives and a few friends of the parties, to the number of about fifty, gathered at the residence of the bride's parents on East Street, to witness the service.  The ushers, Messrs. Ed. Nach, Will Allen, E.C. DeLavan and George Barens, gave polite attention to the arrangements and presented the guests.  The elegant parlors were richly decked with a profusion of rare flowers and plants, the gifts of many dear friends of the family and with the rich dresses of the ladies and elegant surroundings, the whole presented a scene both animated and beautiful. 

A few minutes past two o'clock the bridal party passed into the front parlor, where the ceremony was promptly and impressively performed by Rev. E. Bayard Smith, Rector of Emmanual Church. The dress of the bride was of golden brocade and cameo satin, richly and elaborately trimmed with point applique lace, which set off her charms to fine advantage and called forth many admiring comments. After the ceremony, the warmest congratulations were tendered and the refreshments were served, to which all did ample justice.  At three o'clock the newly wedded couple took their position to receive their friends and were kept completely occupied for nearly two hours by the hosts of well-wishers who called to offer congratulations. A table in the dining room, loaded with rich delicacies for the occasion, drew around it the newly arrived guests as they passed form the reception parlor and all were bountifully served. Before the close of the reception, not less than three hundred ladies and gentlemen called to pay their respects, and the merry hum of voices and smiling countenances of all as they chatted together concerning the happy event, added excitement and additional pleasure to the occasion.  

It was indeed an occasion that will be long remembered by all who were present, for no pains were spared by Mr. and Mrs.  Olendorf to make all their guests happy. The guests from abroad were numerous, but by careful attention they were presented to most of those present and before the assemblage broke up the whole party appeared to be quite well acquainted and mutually interested in a joyous and happy life for the newly married couple.

Mr. Fort is the son of Hon. D.G. Fort, of Oswego and for several years occupied a position in the Midland offices in this place [Norwich].  He has hosts of friends in Norwich, who will join with the lifelong friends of the bride in wishing them a happy and prosperous journey down the river of life.  The happy couple took the evening train for Utica enroute for Montreal, Lake Chaplain, Saratoga and other points.  Many of the Oswego friends were compelled to remain over until the next day, and in the evening enjoyed a merry time with mgr. and Mrs. Olendorf, making the house ring with merriment, in order that their host and hostess might not grow lonesome and sad at the absence of their loved one.

Deaths

NEWTON:  In Sherburne [Chenango Co. NY] August 13th Mr. William Newton aged 93 years and 10 months.

MUNSON:  In Oxford [Chenango Co. NY] August 13th, Miss Sara A. Munson aged 79 years.

RATHBUN:  In Oxford [Chenango Co. NY] August 10th, Maudie E. [Rathbun], daughter of Eli T. and Mary L. Rathbun, aged 2 years and 10 months.

WELSH:  In Smyrna [Chenango Co. NY] August 13th, Miss Emma Welsh aged 26 years.

POWERS:  In Smyrna [Chenango Co. NY] August 14th, Miss Jennie E. Powers aged 13 years.

ROYCE:  In Sherburne [Chenango Co. NY] August 2d, D. Ernest [Royce] son of Edwin and Martha Royce, aged 4 years and 4 months.

DALTON:  In Columbus [Chenango Co. NY] August 4th, Mr. Patrick Dalton aged 67 years.

SWEET:  In Greene [Chenango Co. NY] August 10th, Miss Miranda Sweet aged 55 years.

BAXTER:  In Smithville [Chenango Co. NY] august 2d, Mrs. Amy E. Baxter aged 84 years and 3 months.

OLIN:  In Lincklaen [Chenango Co. NY] August 10th, Temperance A. [Olin] wife oof Schuyler Olin, aged 57 years.

McMANUS:  In DeRuyter [Madison Co. NY] August 13th, Mr.Thomas McManus, aged 90 years.

WOOD:  In Quaker Basin, N.Y. [Madison Co.] August 14th, Mr. Luke C. Wood aged 64 years.

LAWRENCE:  In Burlington, Calhoun Co. Mich. July 24th, Mr. W.R. Lawrence formerly of Smyrna.

KNAPP:  In Cameron, N.Y. August 2d, Mr. Simeon Knapp aged 61 years.  Deceased was formerly a resident of Chenango County [NY] and was a brother of Mrs. John Shattuck of this town [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY].

TOTMAN:  At Zero, Lucas Co., Iowa, August 11th, 1879, of cholera infantum, Harvey L. [Totman] son of Edsel and Lillie A. Totman, aged 4 months and 27 days.

WATERS:  Mr. Waters an old resident of New Berlin [Chenango Co. NY] died last Thursday evening, and was buried Saturday afternoon.  He had been sick for a long time.  His funeral occurred in the M.E. Church and was well attended.  Mr. Shelland preached an excellent sermon as he always does upon such occasions.  Mr. Waters left many friends and relatives.

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Master Mechanic John Minshull of the Midland Railroad, met with a distressing accident on Wednesday afternoon of last week.  While riding with others on a steam hand car, near East Branch, a team was seen on the crossing and a collision appearing imminent.  Minshull jumped off, striking upon his head, and rolling down a bank.  He was insensible for some time and is seriously, if not fatally injured.  It is believed his skull is fractured with concussion of the brain, and on Thursday he hovered between life and death, but his symptoms are since more favorable and hopes are entertained of his recovery.

Later:  Since the above was in type, we learn the Mr. Minshull died at half-past four o'clock on Tuesday morning, a sudden change for the worse having taken place a few hours previous.  Deceased was a gentleman universally respected and very popular with the employees of the road.  He leaves a wife, but no children.  The funeral will be held at Middletown at 2 P.M. of Thursday.

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While the steamer Lake View was on its way from the campground to Cazenovia village [Madison Co., NY], about eleven o'clock on Monday morning last, little Charlie Waters whose parents reside in Elmira [Chemung Co. NY] fell from the deck of the steamer into the lake. George Johnson, the pilot, whose parents reside in Cortland [Cortland Co. NY] jumped into the lake to rescue the lad and after a brave struggle and before assistance could be rendered, both were drowned. the bodies were recovered after they had been in the water an hour and a half. Johnson was a good swimmer, and it is supposed he was strangled by the boy grasping him around the neck. The steamer was unprovided with small boats, life preservers or floats of any description, else the two lives might have been saved.

Speaking of the death of an old gentleman named Bicknell of Great Bend, Ohio, an account of whose walking from the train near Elmira [Chemung Co. NY] while on his way to Greene [Chenango Co. NY] in company with his daughter, we published last week, the Green American says deceased was formerly a resident of Central Smithville [Chenango Co. NY] and buried his father there about 1815.  About that time he moved to Southern Ohio and was on his way here to erect a monument to his father's memory, when he met with the sad accident.

Friday, April 17, 2026

Vital Records, Otsego (1873) & New York (1802) counties, NY

 Morris Chronicle, Morris, NY, February 26, 1873

Deaths

In Morris [Otsego Co. NY] Wednesday, Feb. 12th, Christine Kean Griffin [Morris] youngest child of J. Rutherford and Elizabeth Morris, aged 11 months and 21 days.

E.A. Burlingame, a wagon maker, died at the Richfield Hotel, Richfield Springs [Otsego Co. NY].  Mr. B. was on his way to his shop from dinner and stopped into the hotel, sat down and while conversing with a neighbor, suddenly fell back in his chair and instantly expired.

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On Otsdawa Hill [Otsego Co. NY] Jan. 17th, 1873, Mrs. Julia Houghton wife of Luther Houghton, aged 33 years, after an illness of four days of brain fever.

The deceased was an exemplary member of the Christian church.  she leaves a family of four small children to mourn the loss of a mother's care and protection.  May our Heavenly Father keep that family from the many snares and temptations which are ever placed in the way of the young and may they be directed in the pathway of virtue and obedience to our Heavenly Father's will; and to the bereaved husband, I feel to drop the sympathizing tear with him in his deep affliction; and I feel that this community has lost one of its brightest lights and the church one of its brightest members.  I hope that God will give the husband grace in his deep afflictions and trials which he may have to encounter, to bear manfully, this chastening rod of affliction.

I know I must die; my departure is at hand, / To leave this vain world at God's command; / My journey is ended, my work is now done, / My passport is sealed for a joyful home.

What though I must pass through death's dark vale, / I fear not its gloom, nor its terror to assail; / And quickly I'll sing a glorious song, / For Jesus has saved me, to him I belong.

Farewell dear companion, for a season farewell, / The Lord is my portion and all is well; / For I hope that beyond the great swelling river, / To meet with you and live forever.

Farewell dear father that has passed on before, / I am coming to join you on the evergreen shore, / And soon I shall pass beyond the tide, / To live with my Saviour, the crucified.

Farewell dear mother that I almost adore, / I am going to leave you for heaven's bright shore; / And when I am gone, O, drop not a tear, / Far better to weep for those that are here.

Farewell dear brother, you cling to my heart, / Sometimes I am sad to think we must part; / Yet soon we may meet in the land of the blest, / Where no tears are shed and the weary are at rest.

Farewell dear sisters so loving and true, / I would almost stay to be a sister to you, / But 'tis Jesus that calls, and I must obey, / While angels are beckoning me away.

Farewell dear neighbors that have been so kind, / I now must go and leave you behind; / O meet me in heaven in glory to stay, / And with angels to sing in an endless day.

N.D.Y. Otsdawa, Feb. 1st 1873

New York Evening Post, NYC, January 2, 1802

Deaths

On Thursday evening last, in the 23d year of his age, after a short illness of three days, William M. Mooney Esq. of this city, Attorney at Law.

Last evening, of a lingering illness, Mr. James Williams of this city [NYC]; a young gentleman of amiable disposition, engaging manners, and a thinking mind.  His friends are requested to attend the funeral at 3 o'clock tomorrow afternoon, at the house of Capt. Billy Dodge, Duane Street.

The New York Federal Guards are invited to the Funeral of Mr. Williams, late a member of the company, tomorrow afternoon at 3 o'clock, at Captain Billy Dodge's in Duane Street.

New York Evening Post, NYC, January 5, 1802

Marriages

On Friday evening, by the Rev. Dr. Rodgers, Mr. Edward I. Schieffelin son of Jacob Schieffelin, Druggist of this city [NYC] to the amiable Miss Ann Susan Stewart daughter of Alexander Stewart, Merchant.

At Baltimore [MD] on Tuesday evening last, by the Rev. Mr. Bend, Mr. John F. Kennedy to Miss Marcy Grey both of that city.

In Liberty County, Georgia, John Lawson, Esq. to Mrs. Eliza Farrer.

At Philadelphia on Wednesday evening last, by the Rev. Mr. Abercrombie, Capt. William Taylor of New York to Miss Esther Rhinedollar of Southwark, daughter of Emmanuel Rhinedollar.

Deaths

Lately at Falmouth, Jamaica, Captain Lemuel Stanwood of the American Schooner Union from New York.

At Savannah, Captain H.P. Smith of the Danish ship Helsinger 

Mr. William Davidson of Kilmarnock, Scotland.

New York Evening Post, NYC, January 7, 1802

Marriages

At Hartford [CT] on Wednesday evening the 31st ult. Mr. Thomas Glover merchant of this city [NYC] to Miss Wealthy Ann Morgan daughter of John Morgan, Esq of that place.

On the 27th, Mr. John Russ merchant to Miss Sally Dodd.

At Enfield (Con.) Mr. Elisha Kirbe aged 70 years, to Miss Polly Ayres aged 20 years.

Deaths

At Ryerssburgh (Stanten Island) on the evening of the 6th instant, Gozen Ryerss Esq. first judge of the county of Richmond [NY].

At Bethlehem (Pen.) on the 2d inst. after a short sickness of four days, the Rev. John Ettwein Bishop of the Protestant Episcopal Church of Unilax Fratrum, or the United Brethren in the 81st year of his age.

At Hartford [CT] Mr. John Calder aged 60 years.

New York Evening Post, NYC, January 9, 1802

Marriage

At Philadelphia [PA] by the Rev. Bishop White, Mr. William S. Willing son of Thomas Willing, Esq. to Miss Maria W. Peters daughter of the Hon. Judge Peter

Thursday, April 16, 2026

Vital Records, Madison County, NY (1822)

 The Pilot, Cazenovia, NY, May 9, 1822

Death

In this town [Cazenovia, Madison Co. NY] on Monday last, Mrs. Hannah Williams aged 54.

The Pilot, Cazenovia, NY, May 16, 1822

Deaths

'Tis the kind hand of death unlocks the chain, / Which clogs the noble and aspiring soul, / And then the Christian lives.

On Wednesday the 8th inst. in New Hartford, Oneida Co. [NY] after a short but severe illness, Mrs. Martha Day consort of Mr. Daniel Day, formerly of Williamstown, Berkshire Co. [NY] in the 66th year of her age.

In this village [Cazenovia, Madison Co. NY] very suddenly on Saturday last, Clinton [Nickerson] eldest son of elder J. Nickerson, aged 4 years.

On Sunday morning last, Lemuel [White] son of Mr. L. white, aged six months.

The Pilot, Cazenovia, NY, May 23, 1822

Death

Another Revolutionary Patriot gone:  Died, at his residence in Manchester, N.H. Gen. John Stark.  He was born at Londonderry, N.H. on the 28th of August 1728, old style, and was aged 93 years, 8 months & 24 days when he died.  the New Hampshire Patriot contains a long and interesting biographical sketch of the life of this venerable hero of our glorious revolution, preceded by the following account of his funeral.  Reg.

"His funeral obsequies were attended by a large concourse of people at his late residence in Manchester, on the bank of the Merrimack, on Friday last.  The Rev. Dr. Dana of Londonderry addressed the throne of grace in a fervent and excellent prayer.  His remains were interred with military honors in the cemetery which, within a few years, had been enclosed at his own request.  It is situated on a mound, being the second rise from the river, and can be seen for a distance of 4 or 5 miles up and down the Merrimack."

The Patriot, Concord, NH, May 13, 1822

Death of Gen. Stark

The immortal Stark is no more!  He surrendered his mighty soul to the God who gave it on Wednesday, May 8, 1822, aged 93 years, 8 months and 24 days.  His last illness was short, but extremely distressing.  Fourteen days previous to his death, he sustained, as was supposed, a paralytic shock, which discovered itself in choking and inability to swallow while eating. After this he ate no more, and during his remaining time, he was speechless, although it was apparent to his watchful friends and relations who stood around him, that he retained his senses to the last.  Until the last attack, he had ever been able to walk about the house and in pleasant weather out of doors.

John Stark was born at Londonderry, N.H. Aug. 28, 1728, old style, corresponding with April 17, N.S.  His father was a native of Scotland and was educated at the University of Edinburgh; married in Ireland and emigrated to America at the beginning of the last century.  He made his first settlement at Londonderry, but soon after removed to Derryfield (now Manchester) and settled on the east bank of the Merrimack, near Amoskeag Falls.  On the breaking out of the seven years' war, John Stark, then 21 years of age, his brother William, Amos Eastman of this town, and John Stinson of Londonderry, while out on a hunting excursion on the upper branches of this river, were surprised by the Indians. Stinson was killed on the spot.  Eastman and John Stark were taken prisoners and William Stark escaped.  Stark was conducted by the Indians to St. François and from thence to Montreal, where, after remaining four months in captivity, he was purchased by Mr. Wheelright of Boston and returned home by way of Albany. Soon after he engaged in a company of Rangers, of whom he was first commissioned lieutenant and afterwards, Captain.  Here he found a field suited to his daring and adventurous spirit.  He remained in this service until the close of that war, during which he retained the confidence and friendship of the British general, Lord Howe, until the death of that nobleman who was killed while storming the French lines. In that sanguinary and doubtful contest, Stark was always found cautious on a march, vigilant in camp and undaunted in battle, and it was probably owing to the experience he here acquired that invariable success attended, so far as he was concerned, his battles of the subsequent revolution which separated these States from Britain.

At the close of the French war, he returned to his father's house, was soon after married and remained in the enjoyment of domestic life, until the report of the battle of Lexington spread like an electric shock through the country.  When this report reached Stark, he was at work in his sawmill at Amoskeag Falls.  He stopped his mill, went immediately to his house, took his musket and with a band of heroes proceeded to Cambridge. The morning after his arrival, he received a colonel's commission, and in less than two hours he enlisted eight hundred men!  On the memorable 17th of June at Breed's Hill, the British soldiery first felt the destructive hand of the backwoodsmen of New Hampshire.  Stark, during the whole of this engagement, evinced the most consummate bravery and intrepid zeal for his country and his name and heroism will live forever in the annals of that eventful period.  The night after this battle, the works on Winter Hill were commenced and so zealous were the soldiery that on the morrow they presented a hold and commanding front, that kept the British in awe and prevented further depredations.

After the British evacuation of Boston, Stark went to the northern posts to assist the retreating army from Quebec.  On the arrival of the army at Ticonderoga, the important point of Mount Independence was assigned to his command and the arduous task of fortifying that peninsula.  After the British quit the lakes, he joined Gen.  Washington in Pennsylvania, preparatory to the battle of Trenton.  and here it may be important to notice an event which was related on the day of his funeral by a venerable companion in arms then present, and in whose veracity the most implicit reliance may be placed.  It is well known that just previous to this important action, the American army was on the point of being broken up by suffering, desertion and the expiration of the term of enlistment of a great portion of the troops. A few days previous, the term of the New Hampshire troops expired. Stark was the first to propose a reengagement for six weeks.  He, for the moment, left his station as commander and engaged as recruiting officer, and it is added that not a man failed to re-engage.  He led the van of that attack, and the event is well known. Seven days after, he was with Gen. Washington at Trenton, when lord Cornwallis with 12,000 men nearly hemmed them in. By consummate address, the impending fate of the Americans was avoided.  Washington fell on the enemy's rear at Princeton and so broke up the British plans that the enfeebled American army was enabled in turn to hem up the British in the environs of New York.

In 1777, the overwhelming force of Burgoyne drove the Americans from their strong post at Ticonderoga.  Universal alarm prevailed in the North at the rapid approach of the British. Stark was found ready to meet and conquer them.  He voluntarily marched to Vermont and at the head of undisciplined but ardent troops, he immortalized his name by planning and consummating the attack at Bennington -- the most extraordinary and least expected event of the whole revolution, in which two different corps of British, Hessian and Indian "Invincibles" were attacked and beaten in rapid succession.  The first in their redoubts, and the second while coming up onto the relief of the other. This victory, from a state of the lowest depression, inspired Americans with the highest confidence.  Stark, with myriads of other volunteers, joined Gen. Gates at Saratoga and by his exertions aided in the overthrow of Burgoyne.   He was of the convention which negotiated the British surrender but was decidedly averse to any other treaty than a surrender at discretion.

The following year, the northern frontier was assigned to his command with a feeble force.  Still, his old friends, the militia, prompt at his call, presented such an attitude as secured the frontier from assault.  In '79 he was at Rhode Island and principally employed with Gen. Gates in surveying the country from Tiverton to Point Judith to guard against attack.  Late in the season, however, he joined Washington with the northern army, who was enabled to make good his winter quarters.  In the year '80 he was with Washington at Morristown and in the battle of Springfield's that season terminated with Gen. Lincoln's disaster at Charleston and the treason of Arnold.  In '81 he again had charge of the northern department and kept the enemy in close quarters with a small body of militia.  the surrender of Cornwallis this year closed the war.

For the materials of this hasty sketch, our obligations are due to Major Caleb Stark, his eldest son, who participated with his illustrious father in many of the perils of the revolution. 

At the conclusion of the war, Gen. Stark, like the Roman Cincinnatus, retired to the pursuits of domestic life, mingling with the industrious and hardy yeomanry of New England and aspiring to none of the honors or emoluments of public office, but reaping, in common with his countrymen, the fruits of that immortal struggle, which made us a free people. For the last few years of his life, he enjoyed a pecuniary bounty from government - a free will offering of the nation to one of its most distinguished defenders.

Such was Gen. Stark - the last surviving general officer of the revolution - the first and most intrepid hero of our State, of whom she may justly boast as unsurpassed in cool and determined bravery.  He has gone the way of all the living.  His character in private life was unblemished.  His manners were frank and artless, though tinged with an eccentricity peculiar to his family alone.  To sum up all, he was that "noblest work of God," an honest man.

Wednesday, April 15, 2026

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

 Otsego Herald, Cooperstown, NY, May 1, 1906

Deaths

At Carmel [Putnam Co. NY] on the 13th ult of a short but severe illness, which he endured with a calm resignation.  Col. Caleb Hazen in the 57th year of his age.  In him were united the Christian and Social virtues.  He lived beloved and died lamented by a numerous circle of relatives and acquaintance, in confidence of a glorious resurrection.

His political principles were uniform and correct Republicanism.  A few hours before his death, he enquired, What the Legislature were doing? And expressed an apprehension "that they had made the case of the unhappy Arnold more a subject of partyism, than of impartial investigation."  This was after the assembly had passed the bill for the execution of Arnold and before the respite was prolonged.  Pol. Bar

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At Hartford, Washington County [NY] on the 17th inst. Capt. Nathan Douglas printer, in the 48th year of his age, formerly of Danbury, Connecticut.  His remains were interred on the 19th inst. with masonic honors.

Otsego Herald, Cooperstown, NY, May 8, 1806

Elopement

Whereas Elizabeth [Cone], my wife, hath eloped from my bed and board and hath behaved in a very indecent and unbecoming manner, these are therefore to forbid all persons trusting or harboring her on my account as I will pay no debts of her contracting after this date.  John Cone Pittsfield [Otsego Co. NY] April 19, 1806.

Otsego Herald, Cooperstown, NY, May 22, 1806

Death

Died in Newburyport, (Mass.) Timothy Dexter, Esq. community called Lord Dexter; a man not more distinguished for his immense riches, than for those mean and groveling qualities which sunk him to a level with the brutes and whose ignorance was almost without a parallel in the United States of America.

Otsego Herald, Cooperstown, NY, May 29, 1806

Deaths

On the 16th inst. at his house in State Street, N.Y. in the 56th year of his age, James Watson, Esq who, for many years, sustained with unsullied reputation, several very important offices under the State and general government of this country.

At Cadiz [Spain] the 9th of April of the wounds he received in the battle of Trafalgar, Admiral Gravina Commander in chief of the Spanish fleet.

At Philadelphia [PA] on the 8th inst. after a tedious and lingering illness Robert Morris Esq whose signal and important services to his country during our revolutionary struggle with Great Britain are well known throughtou the United States.

Oxford Times, Oxford, NY, July 23, 1879

Marriages

STRATTON - COPELAND:  On July 3d, at Chenango Forks [Broome Co. NY] by Rev. T.H. Griffith, Mr. C.B. Stratton of Oxford [Chenango Co. NY] and Miss J.A. Copeland of the former place.

BUTLER:  SKINNER:  At South New Berlin [Chenango Co. NY] July 3d by Rev. W. Scott, Mr. William E. Butler and Miss Mary E. Skinner.

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MILLER - PEARNE:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co. NY] July 17th, by Rev. H.N. Payne, Mr. William M. Miller and Miss Emma E. Pearne.

The marriage of Mr. William M. Miller to Miss Emma Pearne, daughter of Postmaster B.M. Pearne, was solemnized at the residence of the bride's parents on Thursday evening last, in the presence of a large circle of relatives.  Only relatives were invited, with two exceptions, and the occasion was a happy one. The bridal presents were numerous and costly.

Mr. and Mrs. Miller left on the 8:28 train that evening for New York and will sail today for Europe in the steamship Abyssinia of the Cunard line, intending to be absent about three months. The best wishes of their friends, who are numbered by scores, accompany them and may they have a pleasant tour and a safe return home.

Deaths

FINNELL:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co. NY] July 3d, Mrs. Margaret Finnell aged 74 years.

KETCHUM:  In Greene [Chenango Co. NY] July 16th, George H. Ketchum aged 19 years.

FRENCH:  In Norwich [Chenango Co. NY] July 11th, Mary [French] wife of James French, aged 63 years.

CHANDLER:  In Coventry [Chenango Co. NY] July 11th, Laura [Chandler] wife of Col. Rufus Chandler, aged 80 years.

ECCLESTON:  In McDonough [Chenango Co. NY] July 2d, Mrs. Sally Eccleston aged 89 years.

CARTER:  In Greene [Chenango Co. NY] July 14th, Mr. Orrin D. Carter aged 71 years.

ADAMS:  In Greene [Chenango Co. NY] July 12th, Mr. Calvin Adams aged 73 years.

PECK:  In New Berlin [Chenango Co. NY] July 14, Mrs. Sally M. Peck aged 80 years.

Tuesday, April 14, 2026

Civil War Letter - October 1961

 Oneonta Herald, Oneonta, NY, October 9, 1861

Civil War Letter

Albany Barracks, Oct. 3d, 1861:

Dear Sir: As more of my friends in Oneonta [Otsego Co. NY] than I can correspond with personally, want to hear from me, if you will permit, I will say a few words to them thro' your columns.  

When we were home last week, we expected to have been out of this before now.  But no one can ever tell about the movements of these regiments until they are past.  The yarn now is that we are waiting for our fatigue suit, which the Committee are going to furnish with the money from the towns.  A very appropriate name. We will be fatigued when we have carried it a while, in addition to our other traps.  I think, if I may be permitted to judge, that it [is] a very foolish way of spending our money.  A rubber blanket would be worth more to us than ten fatigue suits and yet, would not cost more than one third as much.  Of course it will be nice to dress up when we leave Albany and when we pass through the cities en-route to the seat of war, but, once there and they are a burden to us, and it looks silly for sensible men to spend from $8,000 to $10,000 to show off one regiment in such times as these and let them want for what would make them comfortable when in the field.  But we will not complain, it may result better than we expect.  The clothing already furnished by the government is good enough and we have enough of it, with the exception of shoes, many of those furnished at first are very poor and our officers objected and those who are coming in now get good ones.  It is evident that some scoundrel has been trying to get gain by gouging the soldiers.

Things in general are going on very much as with "sodier boys" everywhere, with the exception that we are better boys and get more marks of respect from the press and the people than other regiments. We do not wish you to go pouting because we do not appreciate the favors bestowed by the press.  We can but acknowledge we are under many obligations, but when we receive compliments in the form of bags, boxes, baskets, satchels &c. crammed with apples, cheese, cakes, pies, pickles &c. you will not blame  us for believing we have very kind friends among the people. At any rate we did think that some of them were very kind as we gathered today with about twenty other favored ones in a by place to give a hearty reception to some of these expressions of regard from some of the "dear ones at home." Such scenes occur almost daily, and we feel that if we do not deport ourselves like men, we are not worthy of such honors and dear ones.

The Christians of the regiment have sustained or rather enjoyed a prayer meeting from the first.  Of late, a movement has been made to organize a Christian Association, and it has succeeded admirably.  A constitution has been adopted and the necessary officers elected, about twenty-five names were put down at once, probably one hundred others will subscribe, and we hope to do much good by uniting our efforts.  

But my time is up.  Perhaps you may hear from us again.

Yours Truly,  Q.

Vital Records, Cortland (1848) & Chenango (1873) Counties, NY

 McGrawville Express, McGrawville, NY, July 6, 1848

Marriages

By Eld. A. Caldwell of Homer in Scott [Cortland Co. NY] on the 9th ult. Franklin Hobert and Eunice Hull of Scott.

By the same in Homer [Cortland Co. NY] on the 22d ult., Nelson Bush of Newfield [Tompkins Co. NY], and Margaret C. Deremer of Ulysses [Tompkins Co. NY],

By the same, at the same time and place, A.V. Deremer of Ulysses [Tompkins Co. NY] and Nancyt J. Caldwell of Newfield [Tompkins Co. NY].

Death

In Truxton [Cortland Co. NY] May20th, Capt. T. Hulbert aged 58 years.

McGrawville Express, McGrawville, NY, July 13, 1848

Marriages

In Darien, Walworth Co. Wisconsin on the 1st of June by Rev. J.H. Dudley, Mr. Danjiel Salisbury and Miss Lucinda Bryant.

In Cortlandville [Cortland Co. NY] June 26th, by Rev. J./P. Simmons, Mr. James O. Foster and Miss Catharine M. Van Housen.

In Cortlandville [Cortland Co. NY] on the 4th inst. by the same, Mr. Alfred L. Baldwin and Miss Frances A. Newton both of Homer [Cortland Co. NY].

McGrawville Express, McGrawville, NY, July 20, 1848

Marriages

In Virgil [Cortland Co. NY] on the 16th inst. by the Rev. H. Green, Mr. Allen Potter of McGrawville [Cortland Co. NY] and Miss A. Parker of the former place.

In the city of New York on the 10th inst. by the Rev. Mr. Sing, Dr. W.F. Deming of Cortlandville [Cortland Co. NY] and Miss Emma L. Lewis of the former place.

Deaths

In Cortland Village [Cortland Co. NY] of putrid sore throat, two very interesting and promising children, only son and eldest daughter of B.W. and C.A. Baum, Cynthia Jane [Baum] died June 27th aged 5 years and 5 months; Oliver Stanton [Baum] July 10th aged 4 years and 2 months.

McGrawville Express, McGrawville, NY, July 27, 1848

Marriage

In Solon [Cortland Co. NY] on the 13th inst. by Rev. E.B. Fancher, Mr. Giles Martyn and Miss Jane Burlingham daughter of George Burlingham, both of Solon.

New Berlin Gazette, New Berlin, NY, June 28, 1873

Death

A son of Volentine Pope was drowned on Friday night last.  It seems that the little boy, with his younger brother, was in the habit of bathing in the river and upon this occasion by some means got into deep water.  Although the alarm was given immediately, it was nearly an hour before the body could be found.  He age was nearly 12 years.  This is a sad blow to his afflicted parents.

We were shocked to learn of a sad and fatal accident that occurred a few miles from this village in the town of Columbus [Chenango Co. NY] on Tuesday evening last.  Byron Simmons a young man aged about 20 years, who was in the employ of George Pardee upon the John Low farm, had just finished doing the chores and while Mr. Pardee had gone to the cheese factory, went into the house and was seen by a passerby loading his rifle.  A short time thereafter, Mrs. Pardee hearing the report of the gun as well as a noise as if something had fallen upon the floor, called him by name and receiving no answer, she went to the room and found Byron bleeding upon the floor. Being frightened she ran to a neighbors for help, and when they returned they found him dead.  It is supposed that he was watching for the purpose of shooting a woodchuck, whose hole was a short distance from the house and in direct range of the window.  Probably he had loaded his gun and had laid it upon the bar that still stands in the old barroom and having got sight of the woodchuck, had reached for the gun and on drawing it towards him, it was by some means discharged the ball passing through his head.  He was a steady, industrious young man and his sad end has cast a gloom throughout the entire neighborhood.  The funeral was held at the house of his parents on Thursday, on account of his sick mother, who was unable to go out and was attended by a large concourse of friends and connections.

_____________________

About half past 1 p.m. on Monday last, another shocking and fatal accident happened on the Midland between the bridge over the river to south part of the village and the Burlingame crossing.  In coming towards the village on a slight downgrade, a train of -?- separated from the locomotive and tender when the brakeman, Frederick Flake stepped across to the tender to procure a pin for again coupling the train.  While doing this the brakes were applied to the coal cars which probably separated them from the locomotive.  Whether Flake again stepped to set upon the coal car without looking and so went to the ground or whether he slipped while stooping to drop the pin as the train came up is unknown. The attempt to couple the train while in motion was an extremely hazardous one and apparently unnecessary, as the train was approaching a point where it could stop and the coupling effected without danger. The man fell across the track and the whole train passed over his body. completely dissecting it and rolling the portions apart.  The legs were broken the head badly bruised and the scalp turned back.  Mr. Flake resided at Oneida [Madison "Co. NY] where he leaves a wife and two children.  He was about twenty-five years of age and had been in the employment of the company only a few weeks. although he had previously been a brakeman.  

Dr. Handle held an inquest, and the verdict was in accordance with the facts as above stated.  The nature of the accident precludes the idea of blame on no one of the party. Telegraph.

Monday, April 13, 2026

Vital Records, Madison (1867) & Otsego (1879) Counties, NY

 Oneida Dispatch, Oneida, NY, January 19, 1867

Marriages

WINCHELL - INGOLS:  At Bacon's Hotel in this village [Oneida, Madison Co. NY], Jan. 16, by Rev. D. McFarland, Mr. Franklin Winchell of Chittenango Falls [Madison Co. NY] to Miss Nancy Ingols of Lenox [Madison Co. NY].

DAVIS - PHELPS:  In Bouckville [Madison Co. NY], Jan. 9, by Rev. A.H. Marshall, Mr. George W. Davis of Westmorland [Oneida Co. NY] to Miss Alvira L. Phelps of Bouckville.

TRUAX - COLLINS:  In Durhamville [Oneida Co. NY], Jan. 16, by Rev. R.D. Phillips, of Vernon [Oneida Co. NY], to Miss Helen R. Collins of the former place.

GREEN - WILLIAMS:  In Henrietta [Monroe Co. NY], Dec. 26, by Rev. Isaac Gifford, Mr. Ira W. Green of Rush [Monroe Co. NY] to Miss Ellen M. Williams, formerly of Cazenovia [Madison Co. NY].

JONES - PAYNE:  In Canastota [Madison Co. NY] Jan. 7, by Rev. W.A. Wurtz, Mr. John E. Jones to Miss Laura Payne both of "West Eaton [Madison Co. NY].

NORTHROP - MINER:  In Friendship [Allegany Co. NY], Dec. 27 by Rev. J.J. Roberts, Mr. John W. Northrop of Georgetown [Madison Co. NY] to Miss Flavilla Miner of Friendship.

FRANCIS - PIERCE:  In Otselic [Chenango Co. NY] Jan. 1 by Rev. S.P. Way, Mr. A.W. Francis of Georgetown [Madison Co. NY] to Miss Sarah M. Pierce of Otselic.

RAMSDALE - CLARK:  In Brookfield [Madison Co. NY] Jan. 9, by rev. J.M. Todd, Mr. Sidney Ramsdale to Miss Lucinda Clark daughter of David Clark, all of Brookfield.

FOLLET - WICKWIRE:  In Hamilton [Madison Co. NY] Jan. 9, by Rev. W.R. Brooks, Mr. Judson L. Follet of Sioux City, Iowa to Miss Viola "Wickwire of Hamilton. 

BOLAND - SHANNAN:  In Oneida [Oneida Co. NY] by Rev. Charles Robinson, Mr. Frederick A. Boland of Cazenovia [Madison Co. NY] to Miss Mary Shannan.

OSTRANDER - WOODBURY: In Peterboro [Madison Co. NY] Jan. 3, by Rev. Mr. Bridge, Mr. Charles Ostrander to Miss Mary Woodbury, both of Peterboro.

JOHNSTON - JOHNSTON:  In Smithfield [Madison Co. NY] Jan. 10. by Rev. M.S. Hard, Mr. Anderson Johnston to Miss Isabella Johnston.

Deaths

BAKER:  In Oshkosh Wisconsin, Nov. 10 of inflammation of the bowels, Mr. James Baker formerly of this town [Oneida, Madison Co. NY], aged 87 years.

KINNEY:  In Fenner [Madison Co. NY], January 4, Florence Lilian [Kinney] daughter of B.G. and Mary E. Kinney aged 1 year and 28 days.

BRAND:  In Brookfield [Madison Co. NY] Jan. 7, of heart disease, Mr. Barton Brand aged 76 years.

PARKER: In Bouckville [Madison Co. NY], Jan. 11, Mrs. Betsey T. Parker aged 80 years and 10 months.

BRAINARD:  In Hamilton [Madison Co. NY] Jan. 5, Mrs. Olive Brainard aged 86 years.

STEVENS:  In Morrisville [Madison Co. NY] Jan. 15, Mr. Warren Stevens a soldier in the late war, aged 35 years.

RICHARDSON:  In Poolville [Madison Co. NY], Jan. 9, Mrs. Polly Richardson wife of Willard Richardson, aged 75 years.

SWETT:  In Hamilton [Madison Co. NY] Jan. 4, Mrs. Tryphosa Sweet aged 75 years.

HAIGHT:  In Fenner [Madison Co. NY] Dec. 31, Orvilla Ballou [Haight]wife of David E. Haight aged 58 years.

Oneonta Herald & Democrat, Oneonta, NY, September 12, 1879

Marriages

At the residence of the bride's father, in Otego [Otsego Co. NY] Sept. 3, by Rev. J.N. Lee, Cyrus Hunt  and Anna L. Glegg.

In Kortright [Delaware Co. NY] Sept. 23 by Rev. J.C. Bayles, N.M. Beers of Maryland [Otsego Co. NY]  and Miss H.E. Jones of Kortright.

Deaths

At West Meredith [Delaware Co. NY], Sept. 6, Nancy Leet an aged and highly respected resident of that place.

In Castle Creek, Mich Aug 25, Mr. Ezra Munn, formerly of Meredith [Delaware Co. NY] aged 73 years.

In Delhi [Delaware Co. NY] Sept. 8, Dexter Pattengill aged 58 years.  Mr. Pattengill was a native of Morris, Otsego Co. [NY].

In Davenport [Delaware Co. NY] Sept. 11, Harmon Rowe aged 74 years.

In Kortright [Delaware Co. NY] Sept. 6, of epidemic dysentery John McCracken aged 23 years.

In Kortright [Delaware Co. NY] Aug. 24 of epidemic dysentery, Freddie McCracken, aged 5 years.

In Kortright [Delaware Co. NY] Sept. 8, of epidemic dysentery, Maggie McCraken aged 63 years.

Near Edmeston Centre [Otsego Co. NY], Sept. 3d, Mrs. Charlotte Doolittle aged 71 years and 11 months.

In Morris [Otsego Co. NY] Sept. 5th James Y. Phelps aged 72 years.

In Butternuts [Otsego Co. NY] Sept. 7th, Mary [Wilson] wife of E. Wilson aged 58 years. [buried Unadilla Center Cemetery]

Sunday, April 12, 2026

Vital Records, Otsego County, NY (1861)

 Oneonta Herald, Oneonta, NY, September 4, 1861

Death

In Davenport [Delaware Co. NY] Sept. 1st, David W. Couse son of Frederick Couse, aged 2 years, 3 months and 10 days.

News Item

Friend Carpenter: Were you ever in the town of Plymouth [Chenango Co. NY]?  If not, you would find it a pleasant place for rambles, especially if you found yourself on the hills either side of the stream (with that barbarous name, I cannot think of it at present.  It enters the valley of the Chenango River and enters into that river near the village of Norwich [Chenango Co. NY]) which runs through the town, and forms a valley so deep and narrow, it almost seems possible to be spanned from height to height, with a suspension bridge and which still presents so much surface to the eye, it is readily known to be deceptive in consequence of the long steep declivity.  It proffers a delightful prospect to the rambling stranger, at least.  But he will be fortunate indeed if he remains on the one summit and gazes across the intermediate to the other, instead of enduring the real tug of war in going down into or up from the deep valley below.  It requires an effort, second only to traversing some of the beautiful hills of your neighboring Delaware.  

Your humble correspondent might never have found the delightful hills and valley of Plymouth (there may be valleys, but this one is all I know of) - but for the commencement - a Sabbath school picnic [was] held on the old ground near South Plymouth, Aug. 2d.  

Wending our way to the forementioned place, we found ourselves ahead of the participants in the scene, for the schools were to meet at "the settlement," a place some three miles about South Plymouth, and ride to the ground in procession, and they were to start in procession at 9 o'clock - delays which are always incident of such occasions, caused them to be until after noon before they were upon the ground, on which account the speeches were so limited as to detract from the interest of that part of the program. But they were short and sweet, delivered by Rev. Messrs. Halstead, Wrights, Everetts and Andrews, interspersed with music, instrumental and vocal.  Two bands of martial music and one brass band, discoursed music that made the welkins ring and reminded us of like music on very different occasions in some parts of our land.

The occasion was an interesting one, and in the arrangements generally, and especially at the table, which was the real picnic, a favorable impression was given to the enterprise of the town.  The Stars and Stripes floated over the speakers stand and, in the congregation and crowd, while many banners expressed Union sentiments - a favorable omen for the future of our country.

Oneonta Herald, Oneonta, NY, September 18, 1861

Marriages

In Roseboom [Otsego Co. NY] on the 8th inst. by Rev. A. Martin, Mr. Ensign Nichols to Miss Abigail Herring both of Laurens [Otsego Co. NY].

At Middlefield [Otsego Co. NY], on the 16th inst. by Rev. L.E. Marvin, Mr. Henry C. Parks to Miss Mary M. Sloan both of Oneonta [Otsego Co. NY].

Deaths

In Milford [Otsego Co. NY] of diptheria, Aug. 28th, Ida [Still], in the 8th year of her age.  Aug. 28th, Charles [Still] in the 9th year of his age.  Sept. 2d, Hersey [Still] in the 2d year of his age; all children of Joseph and Eliza Still.

Kind parents, in your great loss, be comforted in remembering that Christ said while here upon earth, suffer little children to come unto me, and found them notk, for such is the kingdom of Heaven.

In New Lisbon [Otsego Co. NY] on the 1st inst., Mrs. Elizabeth Wright aged 48 years.

Oneonta Herald, Oneonta, NY, September 25, 1861

Marriage

At Otsdawa [Otsego Co. NY], Aug. 28th, by Rev. E.C. Hodge, Mr. Lory Jenks to Miss Belvindera Baker both of Oneonta [Otsego Co. NY]

Death

In Corning, Sept. 8th, of diptheria, Clarence [Edson] only son of Mr. H .L. Edson, aged 9 years 4 months and eight days.