Vital Records, Madison County, NY (1873)

 Democratic Union, Oneida, NY, June 26, 1873

Marriages

BORTLE - SHANDLRY:  At the residence of John Butler in Oneida [Madison Co. NY], May 18, by the Rev. R.C. Fox, Mr. William Bortle and Mrs. Angeline Shandlry, both of Oneida.

STRINGER - RICHARDS:  In Utica [Oneida Co. NY] June 19, by Rev. Beriah Green, William H. Stringer of Munnsville [Madison Co. NY] and Lydia R. Richards of Utica.

TOBIN - BACON:  In Earlville [Madison Co. NY] June 15, at the M.E. parsonage by Rev.  H.S. Williams, Mr. Richard Tobin and Mrs. J.A. Bacon, both of Earlville.

HOWE - RICHARDSON:  In West Eaton [Madison Co. NY] Mr. C.H. Howe and Miss Jennie E. Richardson both of West Eaton.

PROCTER - HOLMES:  In South Hamilton [Madison Co. NY] June 15, by Rev. J.M. McGahen, Mr. William Procter and Miss Grace Hoilmes, both of Earlville [Madison Co. NY].

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GROSVENOR - DARROW:  In West Eaton [Madison Co. NY] June 18 by Rev. B.W. Hamilton, Mr. Eugene F. Grosvenor and Miss Mary E. Darrow, daughter of David M. Darrow, Esq.

The occasion of the marriage of Miss M.E. Darrow, only daughter of D.M. Darrow, Esq., of this place [West Eaton], to E.F. Grosvenor of Hamilton on Wednesday the 18th inst. was a splendid affair.  A very large number of invitations were sent out and aside from our own town, where a majority of the relatives reside, Lebanon, Georgetown and Hamilton were well represented, with quite a number from Cazenovia, Nelson and Fenner; also, several from the cities of Buffalo and Binghamton.

The services were performed by the Rev. B.W. Hamilton of Canastota, but formerly pastor of the M.E. Church in this place, and by-the-way, it has been suggested that a petition be sent to the next annual conference requesting that the Rev. B.W.H. be set apart for the express purpose of doing up the marrying business generally, for he seems to be the almost universal choice for those contemplating matrimony, especially in this locality.  On the occasion referred to, the weather was delightful, just warm enough and just cool enough, and we venture to say that never did a more happy and joyous company meet together; neither were the thousands who feasted on loaves and fishes better filled.  The bride being an only child, no pains were spared on the part of the parents to make the entertainment all that could be desired, and if a single doubt remained in the minds of any of those present in relation to the success of the enterprise after partaking of the sumptuous repast, the distribution of a box of choice and highly flavored Havanas settled the question at once.  The bridal presents were rich and numerous and could not have fell short of several hundred dollars in value.  

The happy pair left on the 4:20 P.M. train on the Midland for a bridal tour through the western part of the State. A large company of young people escorted them as far as Eaton station.

Deaths

HEARSEY:  In Cazenovia [Madison Co. NY] June 9, Mrs. Fanny Hearsey, wife of John Hearsey, deceased, aged 84 yrs.

JOHNSON:  In Brookfield [Madison Co. NY] June 9, Levi Johnson aged 80 years.

CRANDALL:  In New Woodstock [Madison Co. NY] June 10, Mrs. Lydia Crandall, aged 73 years.

SMITH:  In South Augusta [Oneida Co. NY], June11, Rev. Sheldon N. Smith of Rochester, Minn., formerly a resident of Augusta, aged 65 years.

MAYDOLE:  In Morrisville [Madison Co. NY] June 19, Clara M. [Maydole] wife of A.D. Maydole, aged 38 years.

WIMETT:  Near Durhamville [Oneida Co. NY], June 24, Isaac Wimett aged 19 years.

BENDER:  At his residence in East Boston [MA], June 23 at 1 o'clock A.M., Daniel Bender, aged 54 years, 10 months and 21 days.  He bore his protracted illness with Christian fortitude.  He was an industrious man, good citizen, and lived a consistent Christian life, and died in the faith of the gospel and a blessed immortality.

KELSEY:  In Bouckville, Madison Co., N.Y. June 10, of pulmonary consumption, after a painful illness of about eight months, David J. Kelsey aged 32 years.  Mr. Kelsey was known as a gentleman and citizen only to be esteemed and respected.  Cut down in the vigor and beauty of early manhood,  his loss is deeply mourned by a large circle of friends and relatives.  Some time before his death he experienced a happy change of heart through faith in Christ and from that time, while voice and strength remained, his conversation respecting his hope of Heaven, his desire for the conversion of his friends and associates, and his remarkable resignation in view of coming dissolution was deeply affecting and highly cheering.  His friends are comforted in their sorrow and hope to meet him in the fadeless beauty and brightness of a better world.

These cords which into finite hands / Are freely given, / Are never broken, only lengthened out, / Uniting earth with heaven.

A.D.W.

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Frederick Flake, a brakeman on the Midland RR, who has made Oneida [Madison Co. NY] his home for four or five years past, was instantly killed at Norwich [Chenango Co. NY] on Monday night last, by a coal train passing over his body.  It seems that the train became disconnected while under motion and the unfortunate man stepped off while walking on the top of the cars towards the rear of the train.  Some twenty-five cars passed over his body, mutilating it in a most frightful manner.  His remains were brought to Oneida on Tuesday morning.  He was a son of William Flake, who was formerly engaged as a cabinet manufacturer in this place. The deceased was a member of the Oneida Fire Department and leaves a wife in this place.

On Sunday evening last, Charles Bannister, a little boy aged nearly eight years and son of Alfred Bannister, who has for some time resided on Cherry St. in this village [Oneida, Madison Co. NY], fell from his father's boat while [it was] lying in Albany [Albany Co. NY], and was not missed until some time after drowning.  His mother was on board the boat at the time, and his father but a short distance away.  The body was recovered after being in the water nearly one-half hour.  All efforts to restore life proved vain. The sad death of the only child rendered the mother insensible and for some time her life was also despaired of by the unfortunate father and her friends. the body was brought to Oneida on Monday evening on the 5 P.M. train and the funeral took place on the following Wednesday.  The afflicted parents have the heartfelt sympathy of their friends and neighbors.

Civil War Letter, May 1862, Elisha A. Cook, 44th N.Y.S.V. (Ellsworth Avengers)

 Oneonta Herald, Oneonta, NY, June 18, 1862

Civil War Letter from Elisha A. Cook, Company B, 44th N.Y.S.V.

Nine miles from Richmond, May 21st, 1862

It will be two weeks next Monday since we left Yorktown.  Since that time, we have been marching almost constantly on less than half rations. We arrived at our present encampment last Monday.  Tuesday morning at daylight, we took up our line of march.  Our orders were to destroy a railroad bridge on the Virginia Central Road and one on the road eight miles further west.  We arrived within four miles of Hanover Court House when our advance engaged the enemy and drove them some four miles. Gen. Morrell sent word to Col. Stryker that they were engaged and wanted his command immediately.  When we arrived where the fight commenced in the forenoon, the rebels began to show themselves.  They opened on us at about three hundred yards distance and after about an hour's fighting, they opened a heavy crossfire on us.  Our regiment was supported by the 2d Maine and 25th New York and Allen's battery.  Their infantry broke and fell back in less than fifteen minutes.  Our Regiment held the enemy who were 7,000 strong and the artillery men played into them for two hours and a half, when the rest of our brigade came up and the rebels took to their heels.  Our Regiment lost 19 killed, 62 wounded and 41 missing.  Our missing were nearly all cowards and left the field at almost railroad speed.  Eight or nine of the wounded have died since the battle.

Company B had three killed and two wounded.  The rebels fired two volleys while in the clearing, broke and ran into the woods, formed again, fought there until we routed them.  Our position was in the road.  Our muskets got so warm that we could not hold them.  I know of one fellow that had his hand badly burned by loading.  His gun was so hot that the powder caught fire.  Our Major is seriously wounded.  The adj't had one arm broken and a deep flesh wound in the leg.  Corporal Peasly, from Milford, was the only man killed from Otsego County, and he fell at the first fire, shot through the heart.  I was struck once on the leg but it did not hurt much.  Clinton Ford, fought well, so did Isaac Quackenbush.  We took five hundred prisoners.  They said that we cheered so much they thought they were fighting whole brigades, they did not know what regiment was in the road, but they said we fought like devils.  Our flag was pierced by forty-three balls, and the flag staff with one ball. The rebels were commanded by General Branch of North Carolina, and the troops were nearly all Carolina Troops, a few were from Georgia. We slept on the battlefield without blankets. We stayed there two night and one day, accomplished our purpose and came back to camp.  Gen. McDowells forces came there just as we were leaving.  The battlefield is eighteen miles from Richmond.  In going there we went within seven miles of Richmond.  

They had a right sharp fight at Mechanicsville yesterday.  They had us under arms half the day, but the Yankees whipped without any of our help.  There is right smart firing now on James River and has been for over three hours.  We are under arms, but probably will not leave camp, as the Federal forces are driving them.  I know one fellow in Company F, by the name of Laland, that had a ball through his neck, one grazed his skull the whole length of his head, and his little finger on his right hand shot off, and he fired thirty-seven shots after that.  The Rebels lost over two hundred in killed, and a great many more than that were wounded. 

There was a woman here the other day that asked one of the soldiers if the men north were not all here.  He told her no, said they reached from here to the north pole, and two regiments were waiting for transportation when he left.  

You would smile to see then negroes perform when they see us.  They say "they never seed to many genmens in all my life, and if you will kill massa, we tank you berry much."  When we were at Hanover, an old planter, by the name of Taylor, whipped his slaves for bringing us food.  forty out of five hundred ran away.  The old Sardine came after them the next day.  He says to one of them, "Pete you know I always used you well."  Says the darkie, "No I don't, you allers whipped me like de berry debil whenever you got a chance."  The negro took off his shirt and showed scars.  He was cut into shoestrings. When the boys saw him they cried "rope, rope," and would have hung the old scamp if the officers had not interfered.  

Every man that is not truly Union, is sure to lose all of his livestock that is fit for poor house soup, every onion pulled up, green peas picked, and the butter taken out of his cellar.  

Lightning struck in our camp Yesterday and killed out quarter-master Sergeant, and shocked three or four more so that they never will get over it.

Elisha A. Cook

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Adjutant Report, 44th N.Y.S.V.:  Cook, Elisha A.:  Age, 20 years. Enlisted, August 8, 1861, at Albany to serve three years; mustered in as private, Co. B, August 30, 1861; promoted sergeant, September 20, 1861; Wounded in action, July 1, 1862, at Malvern Hill, Va,; discharged for disability, November 26, 1862, at hospital, Philadelphia, Pa.

Obituary, 1920:  Elisha A. Cook, who died Wednesday afternoon at 1:20 o'clock at the family home, 528 Julien Street, was born in the town of Lawrence, Otsego County, N.Y., March 30, 1841.  His parents were Chauncey and Lovina (Andrews) Cook of New York State.  they died in Otsego County, the former at the age of 61 and the latter at the age of 30.  His grandparents were Holden and Ruth (Joslyn) Cook, who were from Rhode Island.  His grandparents on his mother's side were Eleazor and Daphnee (Goodale) Andrews, who were from Vermont.

E.A. Cook enlisted at the age of 20 years at Albany, N.Y. in Company B, 44th N.Y. Infantry, August 8, 1861 and served until November 1862.   He was wounded at Malvern hill and was on the battlefield a week.  Afterward he was sent to Libby prison and after getting out was in a hospital four months.  Following the siege of Yorktown and the battles of Hanover Court house, Gaines Mills and many skirmishes, he was mustered out for disability Nov. 26, 1862.

February 20, 1864, he came to Boone County, Illinois and worked by the month for three years.  Afterward he bought a farm and acquired much property.  He was married February 18, 1886 to Miss Sarah J. Hoppen of Holman, Dearborn County, Indiana.  He was a Republican in politics and cast his first vote for General U.S. Grant.  He held local county offices for years, being commissioner of highways and member of the school board in Bonus.  he was also a member of Hurlbut Post G.A.R.  Mr. Cook came of old English stock and his ancestors fought on the side of this country in the wars of the Revolution and 1812.  

The funeral services will be held on Saturday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock at the home.  The G.A.R. will be in charge.  [Republican Northwestern, Belvidere, IL, Feb.3, 1920]

Vital Records, Otsego County, NY (1825)

 Cherry Valley Gazette, Cherry Valley, NY, October 18, 1825

Marriage

Married at Sharon, Schoharie Co. [NY] on the 11th inst. by Peter Hynes, Esq. Mr. Stephen Rice to the amiable Miss Almira Pratt of Middlefield [Otsego Co. NY].

Deaths

In Sparta [Livingston Co. NY] on the 29th ult. Gen. Daniel Shays aged 84.  He was a officer of the Revolution and subsequently the leader of a party in Massachusetts, called Shay's men.

In Portsmouth, N.H. Daniel R. Rogers, 69, late cashier of the New Hampshire bank.  He was the 9th descendant in a direct line from the Rev. John Rogers who suffered martyrdom by being burnt at Smithfield in the reign of Queen Mary.

Cherry Valley Gazette, Cherry Valley, NY, October 25, 1825

Marriages

On Wednesday evening last by the Rev. Mr. Ambler, Mr. Gardner Hall to Miss Serena Clark both of this town [Cherry Valley, Otsego Co. NY].

At Springfield [Otsego Co. NY] on the 20th inst. by the Rev. A. Putnam, Mr. Thomas Pegg of Springfield, to Miss Tabitha Thompson of Cherry Valley [Otsego Co. NY].

Deaths

In this village [Cherry Valley, Otsego Co. NY] on Tuesday last, Eliza Mariah [Thompson] daughter of Mr. Hiram Thompson, aged 8 years and 6 months.

At Lockport [Niagara Co. NY] on the 10th inst. Mrs. Selina Rice widow of the late Asa Rice, Esq. aged 36 years.  Her remains were interred in the village of Buffalo [Erie Co. NY] on the Saturday following.

Cherry Valley Gazette, Cherry Valley, NY, November 1, 1825

Marriages

In this town [Cherry Valley, Otsego Co. NY] on Tuesday last, by the Rev. Mr. Ambler, Mr. Henry Flint to Miss Lydia Lewis daughter of Mr. Moses Lewis.

At Madison, N.Y. [Madison Co.], on the 29th ult. by the Rev. Mr. Lane, Doctor Franklin Cleveland of Goshen, Conn. to Miss Mariah T. Goodwin of the former place.

At Sharon [Schoharie Co. NY] on the 25th ult. by the Rev. Mr. Bellinger, Mr. Owen W. Leake to Miss Sally Hiller.

Cherry Valley Gazette, Cherry Valley, NY, November 29, 1825

Death

In Utica [Oneida Co. NY] on Sunday evening, 6th, Erastus Clark Esq in the 58th year of his age; deeply regretted for his public and his private virtues.  [Oxford Gazette, Oxford, NY, Nov. 16, 1825]

From the Utica Sentinel & Gazette:  The death of Erastus Clark, Esq. is an event of no ordinary occurrence.  His numerous friends mourn, his beloved family weeps and the public sentiment unequivocally expresses that in him we have lost a fellow citizen of uncommon virtues and excellence.  I have long enjoyed his friendship and now feel more than ever that I loved him.  I dare not indulge myself to delineate his character in a manner which my own heart would dictate and approve, but the public have a deep interest and solicitude in forming a just estimate of his merits and in preserving the memorials of his character.  With the affection of a friend, but with a sincere desire to avoid extravagant eulogium, the following biographical outline is respectfully presented to the public. 

Drastus Clark was the son of the venerable Dr. John Clark and was born in Lebanon in Connecticut on the 11th day of May 1763.  His maternal grandmother was a sister of the illustrious Jonathan Edwards.  The rudiments of his education were acquired, and his mind and passions were disciplined under the precepts and example at the memorable and respected Master Tisdale in his native town.  At an early age he entered Dartmouth college and after a regular course he was graduated at that institution, under the younger priest Wheelock.  He then applied himself with great diligence to the study of the law and was admitted to the Bar in the Superior Court of Connecticut at the age of 22 years.  In the year 1791, he removed to Clinton, then a part of Whitestown and after gaining admission in the Courts of this state, he commenced the practice of the law, in a land of strangers without patronage, destitute of property, without the advantages of captivating manners or address, and without the fascination of popular eloquence.  His success in his profession was therefore slow, but his learning, his industry, and above all, his character for probity gradually raised him to a highly respectable rank in his profession.  In the year 1797 he removed to Old Fort Schuyler, which soon afterwards received its present name of Utica and which name was first proposed by Erastus Clark.  During his residence in Utica [Oneida Co. NY] he has filled various offices of high public trust with strict fidelity with disinterested zeal and with independent firmness.  For originality and decision of character, his name was proverbial.  An enlightened conscience was his habitual guide and if from precipitancy or irritation, his head sometimes erred, there was a redeeming principle in his heart which reclaimed and regulated his erring judgement and passions, with -?- influence.  His frankness was sometimes ill timed and excessive.  What others thought, he spoke, and this naked and unreserved habit of mind and expression, frequently gave offence when he was not conscious of it and sometimes betrayed apparent vanity.  But of no man can it be more truly said that those who knew him best, esteemed him most.  His liberal charity and his generous spirit in promoting benevolent objects and public institutions were ever leading and conspicuous; while no man was less indulgent to his own appetites or more self-denying in his pleasures and personal gratifications.  His habit of living was simple, plain and frugal, and yet his house was the abode of cheerful, cordial and familiar hospitality.

In the more intimate and tender relations of domestic life, the virtues of this excellent man shone with peculiar luster.  The hearts of all who knew him in the endearing character of son, and brother and father and husband, will love to cherish his memory with fond and grateful recollections of his devoted kindness.

The religious character of Mr. Clark was free from ostentation, but uniform, consistent, sincere and ardent.  He lived and died in the same Christian faith and practice which so eminently distinguished his venerable and pious ancestors.

Our neighbor, our friend, our benefactor, has gone to his everlasting reward and so long as pure morals, sincere piety and active benevolence shall command our reverence; so long will the memory of Erastus Clark be cherished with gratitude and affection.

A Friend to Whom he was "Closer than a brother."  Utica, Nov. 19, 1825

Vital Records, Otsego County, NY (1809, 1873)

 Otsego Herald, Cooperstown, NY, January 14, 1809

Death

From the Albany Gazette:  A melancholy affair took place in the eastern part of the town of Schoharie in the county of Schoharie [NY] on the evening of the 27th of December [ult], which terminated in the instant death of one of the parties.  A number of people were collected at a store for the purpose of social enjoyment at the Christmas holidays, when one Jacob Garrison upon some provocation or other, challenged one Gershom Scranton to fight--which from the testimony as taken down at the coroner's inquest, the latter declined.  But it so terminated that Garrison, with a single blow of his fist, under the ear of Scranton, killed him instantly.  A surgeon instantly attempted to let blood, but without effect and yesterday a coroner's inquest was holden over the body and found that the deceased came to his death by Wilful Murder, &c by the said Garrison.  Garrison is committed for his trial.

The deceased left a most amiable widow, with six children to be supported by her hands, the two youngest twins at her breast.  Mr. Scranton was reputed a peaceable man, a good neighbor, a kind husband, and an affectionate parent.  It is sincerely to be hoped that this may prove a warning to all, and more especially to that brutish part of society who pride themselves in beating and bruising their fellow creatures.

Otsego Herald, Cooperstown, NY, February 11, 1809

News Item

Whereas my wife Nancy [Moreness] has eloped from my bed and board and refuses to live with me, without any just cause:  This is, therefore, to forbid all persons harboring or trusting her on my account, as I will pay no debts of her contracting after this date.  William Moreness, Kortwright [Delaware Co. NY] Jan. 12, 1809.

Otsego Herald, Cooperstown, NY, Feb. 18, 1809

Marriage

On Thursday evening last, Mr. James McNiel, book binder, to the amiable and accomplished Miss Phene Adams, both of this town [Cooperstown, Otsego Co. NY].

Death

Died lately on Penobscot river, Madam Orono, aged 115 years, relict of Orono, late chief of the Penobscot tribe of Indians, who died a few years since aged 110.  She retained her natural faculties until a short time before her exit.

Morris Chronicle, Morris, NY, October 22, 1873

Marriages

Oct. 15:  At Morris [Otsego Co. NY] by Rev. L.B. Ford, Charles A. White to Miss Lydia J. Hodge, both of West Oneonta [Otsego Co. NY].

Oct. 16:  At Belden [Broome Co. NY] by Rev. A. Martin, F.J. Marsh to Mary A. Whitaker, both of Belden, Broome Co., N.Y.

Oct. 14:  At Hartwick [Otsego Co. NY] by Rev. Charles S. Smith, Chester B. Steere of Laurens [Otsego Co. NY] to Miss Addie L. Aplin of Hartwick.

Oct. 6:  At Unadilla [Otsego Co. NY] by Rev. J.W. LaMoine, Charles Gilbert of Laurens [Otsego Co. NY] to Miss Eliza Ward of Otego [Otsego Co. NY].

Deaths

Oct. 16:  In Butternuts [Otsego Co. NY] Edward Burr aged about 60 years.

Edward Burr of Butternuts, who was cut with an adze at Norwich July last, died from the effects of the same last Thursday, Oct. 16.  Mr. Burr was an honest, hardworking man and leaves a large circle of friends to mourn his loss.  He was about 60 years of age.

Oct. 14:  In Cooperstown [Otsego Co. NY] Miss Fannie E. [Field] daughter of Marcus Field, in the 23 year of her age.

Oct. 16:  In Morris [Otsego Co. NY] at the house of Edwin Kidder, Henry D. Lewis aged 32 years 7 months and 8 days.

Vital Records, Chenango County, NY (1880)

 Oxford Times, Oxford, NY, January 28, 1880

Marriages

WEBB - NIGHTINGALE:  In McDonough [Chenango Co. NY] on Jan. 1st, by Rev. Charles Steere, Mr. Charles E. Webb and Miss Mary A. Nightingale.

STUART - BOSWORTH:  In McDonough [Chenango Co. NY], Jan. 14th, by Rev. A.W. Barrows, Mr. Robert L. Stuart and Miss Ida Bosworth, both of German [Chenango Co. NY].

WOODRUFF - HASTINGS:  In Colesville [Broome Co. NY] Jan. 15th, by Rev. I.P. Towner, Mr. John B. Woodruff of Guilford [Chenango Co. NY] and Miss Ida E. Hastings of Colesville.

KEELER - PORTER:  In Coventry [Chenango Co. NY] by Rev. W. Burnside, Mr. Charles J. Keeler and Miss Henrietta F. Fowler, both of Coventry.

Deaths

WESCOTT:  In Oxford [Chenango Co. NY] Jan. 18th, Mr. James Wescott aged 69 years.

LYON:  In Bainbridge [Chenango Co. NY] Jan. 14th, Mrs. Lois Lyon aged 65 years.

BENNETT:  In Bainbridge [Chenango Co. NY] Jan. 20th, Mr. Hanford Bennett, aged 67 years.

TINKER:  In Sherburne [Chenango Co. NY] Jan. 14th, Miss Emily Tinker aged 67 years.

SAYRE:  In Bainbridge Jan. 20th, William S. Sayre, Esq. aged 77 years.

MATTHEWS:  The remains of Mrs. Frances Matthews of Hoboken, N.J., arrived in this village [Greene, Chenango Co. NY] on Saturday morning last and were buried in Sylvan lawn Cemetery during the afternoon of that day, after burial service in Zion Church.  Mrs. Matthews was a former resident of this village and an aunt of Mrs. John R. Juliand.  Mr. Fred Matthews, son of the deceased, and also a former resident of this village, accompanied his mother's remains here, and saw them beneath the sod of her native valley.  Mrs. Matthews died of pneumonia, after a brief illness. she was a pleasant lady, a kind neighbor, and a firm friend.  Her death will be mourned by a large circle of friends in this locality.  Chenango American

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McFARLAND:  In Oxford [Chenango Co. NY] Jan. 21st, Mr. Ira B. McFarland aged 90 years.

Ira B. McFarland, an old and well-known citizen of this town, died on Wednesday last at the residence of his son, Charles A. McFarland, at the advanced age of ninety-one years.  He was the father of Drs. S.F. and H.A. McFarland, of this village [Oxford].  Deceased was born at Kinderhook Landing on the Hudson River in 1769 and came to Oxford in 1816 and settled upon a piece of land three miles below this village, which is now the farm of his son, Charles, where he died.  He devoted his early days to lumbering, clearing the forests here and about Sidney Plains [Delaware Co. NY] and was known as one of the most skillful pilots on the Susquehanna in running rafts of lumber.  Later he turned his attention to farming, which he followed for many years, he having made the old homestead a fine farm amid the then wilderness of forests.  He retained his mental and physical powers in a remarkable degree, and it was a pleasure to listen to his tales of the times and early history of the pioneers of the Chenango Valley. Through his long life he carried a record for integrity and good purposes, taking an active interest in all public affairs that tended for public welfare and was a kind neighbor and friend to the poor and needy.

Bainbridge Republican, Bainbridge, NY, March 5, 1880

Deaths

S.D. Maples head brakeman on Conductor Wiles' train on the Erie railroad, was killed by his own train in the Waverly [Tioga Co. NY] yard Tuesday morning.  He was engaged in coupling cars, and it is supposed fell.  The whole train had passed over his body before the accident was discovered. They were taken Tuesday night on Erie railway train No. 12, to Port Jervis [Orange Co. NY], where the deceased resided.

Thomas S. Purple Esq. well known in Chenango County [NY], died February 14th, at his late residence in Windsor, Broome County [NY] at the ripe old age of 84 years.  He was born in Connecticut in 1796 and removed to Chenango County when a child with his parents.  In 1829, he married Rebecca, daughter of Andrew Race, of Greene [Chenango Co. NY], and about two years later removed to Smithville [Chenango Co. NY] where he lived many years, much respected and often holding positions of trust, being elected Justice of the Peace several terms, and at one time Supervisor of the town.  All of his family, his wife, three sons and three daughters, survive him.  He died of no particular disease, but a gradual decline in old age.

The afternoon express on the Albany & Susquehanna railroad, which left Albany at 3:50 p.m. Friday, met with a narrow escape from being totally wrecked near Richmondville [Schoharie Co. NY], between six and seven o'clock that evening, and the accident which ensued resulting in the death of the engineer.  The train, which consisted of a baggage car, one drawing-room coach and two passenger cars, were drawn by locomotive "Canada," [with] Engineer Ostrander, and at the time of the mishap was under good headway.  When near Richmondville, the driver of the locomotive broke and before the train was brought to a standstill the engine tumbled over on the right side, and buried Engineer Ostrander underneath, who remained at his post. The fireman leaped from the locomotive and escaped with slight injuries.  The sudden stop threw the passengers in the coaches in every direction, but all escaped with slight injuries. The passengers, immediately on discovering what had happened, and learning that Engineer Ostrander was under the debris, set to work to extricate him. Word was sent to Oneonta [Otsego Co. NY] for a wrecker, which was instantly dispatched to the scene. Among the passengers who worked energetically to extricate Ostrander was Senator Halbert, and after an hour's hard work the engineer was rescued from his perilous position.  He was carried to a house nearby, where several doctors attended him.  He was scalded in a frightful manner and otherwise injured so badly that his death ensued on Monday.  The track was blockaded for several hours, and the passengers had to be transferred to a train which was dispatched to the scene from Oneonta.

Ransom Wood of East Afton [Chenango Co. NY] who has been sick with typhoid fever for several weeks, was taken with a violent bleeding at the nose last Monday, and it bled form eleven o'clock until four, and was then stopped by the timely arrival of Dr. Wilsey.  Mr. Wood died on Saturday morning.

Nineveh, Broome Co. NY:  Emory Ruland was taken with pneumonia last week and died Sunday.  His funeral was held Tuesday.

Afton, Chenango Co. NY:  The funeral services of one of Mr. Joel Ruland's sons [Emory Ruland] took place at his father's residence, last Tuesday afternoon, after which the remains were conveyed to the cemetery on the east side of the river.

Barbourville [Delaware Co. NY]:  On Friday Erwin Axtell's little boy [Harry E. Axtell, aged 2y] was buried, who died with the scarlet fever.  

Vital Records, Broome County, NY (1875)

 Union News, Union, NY, April 9, 1875

Marriages

LAYCOCK - ATCHINSON:  At Union, N.Y. [Broome Co.] on Sunday, March 28, by Rev. C.S. Dewing.  Mr. Joseph Laycock of Binghamton [Broome Co. NY] to Miss Tobia Atchinson of Chenango [Broome Co. NY].

GASTON - MANLUFF:  At Union, N.Y. [Broome Co.] on Friday April 2d, 1874 [sic], by Rev. C.S. Dewing, Mr. Andrew Gaston of Havana, N.Y. [Schuyler Co.]to Miss Kate Manluff of Union, N.Y.

HARRISON - FLANAGAN:  On Sunday, April 4th, 1875, at Union Mills, Ind., by Rev. Mr. Smith, James E. Harrison, Esq. of Union, N.Y. [Broome Co.] to Mattie Flanagan of Union Mills, LaPort Co., Indiana.

Deaths

On March 26th, Avery Olmstead, residing two miles east of Apalachin [Tioga Co. NY], died aged 19 years.  He is spoken of by his neighbors as a good neighbor and friend and an excellent businessman.  He leaves behind him a wife, an estimable lady, and a daughter, who sincerely mourn his loss.  Mrs. Olmstead is a sister to General Catlin of Brooklyn.

A lamentable accident occurred on Sunday afternoon at Port Dickinson [Broome Co. NY].  A party of young men from Whitney's Point [Broome Co. NY] rowed up the Chenango to the above place.  The current was very strong and carried them over the dam turning one boat upside down and throwing the men into the water.  All were rescued except Charles B. Beach of Whitney's Point.  He was drowned.  He was a son of Franklin Beach of Whitney's Point, aged 28 years and leaves a wife and one child.  He was formerly a traveling agent for George Q. Moon, of Binghamton [Broome Co. NY].

The Funeral of the late Henry R. Mygatt took place at Oxford [Chenango Co. NY] on Monday from St. Paul's Church and was largely attended.  Six clergymen took part in the services.  The church was beautifully decorated with flowers.

Mr. Henry Turner of Maine [Broome Co. NY] died very suddenly of heart disease at his residence on Monday March 20th.  Mr. Turner was a man very highly esteemed and his loss will be sincerely mourned.

Union News, Union, NY, April 16, 1875

Marriage

Sheriff Holme of Montrose was married to Miss Jessie Bissell of Jessup on the 24th ultimo.  He razed the siege of Susquehanna Depot, executed Irwin and O'Mara, and led a bride to the altar all in one year.

Deaths

Three children of James E. Wait in the town of Windsor [Broome Co. NY] died of scarlet fever last week Annie [Wait] aged four years and eight months, died Thursday; Gracie [Wait] aged six years and ten months died Saturday; and on Sunday, Henry [Wait] aged one year and five months died.

The death of Miss Emma J. Stewart the lovely and accomplished daughter of Mr. William Stewart, of this city which occurred yesterday morning, creates a profound feeling of sorrow among a numerous circle of friends.  Republican.

On Tuesday morning of last week, Clarence Taft, a nine-year-old boy of Mr. C.H. Taft, of Deposit [Delaware Co. NY] while playing in the garden, dug up a root of which he ate a piece about as large as a hen's egg, supposing it to be parsnip.  He soon told his mother that he felt sick, informing her that he had eaten the root and wondered if it was that that made him sick. His mother told him to take off his boots and warm his feet, not thinking that the root he had eaten was a poison.  He had scarcely taken off his boots when he was thrown into convulsions of the severest kind. Physicians were immediately sent for and everything possible was done to save the little sufferer's life, but without avail, as the poison had quickly done its work and his jaws were set and could not be opened.  It was about eleven o'clock when the poison first affected him and death ended his suffering about two o'clock.  Dr. O.T. Bundy pronounces the root which caused the child's death the poison hemlock and informs us that there are many cases on record of children being poisoned by it.  It tastes like parsnips and is a quick and deadly poison.  A large quantity of the root was found in the garden and removed.  Courier

Union News, Union, NY, April 30, 1875

Marriage

EWELL - ROUNDS:  At the Methodist Parsonage in this village [Union, Broome Co. NY] on the 22d inst. by Rev. William N. Cobb, Mr. J. Ewell to Miss Cornelia Rounds, both of Vestal [Broome Co. NY].

Death

Mrs. Timothy Wood, who formerly resided in Union [Broome Co. NY] and who died in Binghamton [Broome Co. NY] Saturday, was buried on Monday at the cemetery, this village. [Lamira Wood, d. 24 Apr. 1875, aged 59y, buried Chenango Valley Cemetery, Binghamton NY]

News Item

Recovery of the Body of C.B. Beach

The body of Charles B. Beach was found in the Chenango River at about half past two o'clock Friday afternoon, upon the bar a few rods below Noyes' dam or brush dam as it is called, near Binghamton [Broome Co. NY] and not far from the west band of the river.  The bar consists of four or five small islands clustered at this point and filling up the greater portion of the breadth of the river.  Between the islands run narrow and shallow water channels and in one of these the body was found.  The channel was not over eight feet in width, while the water where they body lay was estimated to be not more than from four to six inches deep.  

The body lay with the face downwards in a bed of mud with the feet pointing up the stream.  It was not mangled or bruised and the clothing was entire.  There was very little bloating of the body and scarcely any signs of decomposition.  The friends of the deceased had kept up the search with tireless fidelity for nineteen days, the accident having occurred on the fourth inst.  The same ground has been searched scores of times and up to within a day and a half of the finding of the body.  Frank Burgett, a half-brother, and George Warner started in a skiff to go up to the dam and when they reached the islands they started up through them in this narrow channel, without any purpose of searching here for the body.  From appearances it is thought the body must have lain here several days. 

About an hour after the finding, the body was carried across the river in a skiff to Noyes' Island, where Sheriff Edmister removed the effects of the deceased from the pockets.  These effects consisted of a valuable revolver, a pocketknife, box of steel pens, an order book and a memorandum book, a key, two lead pencils and $4.82 in cash.  From here it was taken in a wagon to the basement of J.S. Frear & Son, undertakers, where it was laid out. The funeral on Saturday was largely attended.  

Vital Records, Madison (1855), Otsego (1880) Counties, NY

 Cazenovia Republican, Cazenovia, NY, March 7, 1855

Death

In Ithaca [Tompkins Co. NY] on the 2d inst., Mary D. [Williams] daughter of the late John Williams of Cazenovia [Madison Co. NY] in the 27th year of her age.

Her amiable and modest deportment won the affections of her acquaintances, and her piety gave a charm to her life.  During her protracted illness and severe sufferings, she was comforted and sustained by the Saviour whom she had chosen in her youth.

Cazenovia Republican, Cazenovia, NY, March 21, 1855

Marriage

In Pulaski [Oswego Co. NY] on the evening of the 14th inst. by Rev. A. Oliver, J.B. Watson, Esq. of Pulaski and Mrs. Anna Cole of this village [Cazenovia, Madison Co. NY].

Death

In Morrisville [Madison Co. NY] March 16th, of consumption, Mr. Francis Brown, aged 24 years.

Cazenovia Republican, Cazenovia, NY, March 28, 1855

Deaths

In this village [Cazenovia, Madison Co. NY] on Thursday morning, the 22d inst., after a few hours' illness, Anna Thomas, youngest daughter of Samuel Thomas, Jr., aged 10 years.

In Peterboro [Madison Co. NY] on the 26th inst. Nehemiah Huntington.  He was born in Connecticut, April 20, 1776.

On the 18th inst. of congestion of the lungs from influenza at the residence of her son-in-law, George Hull, in DeRuyter [Madison Co. NY] of only two days' illness, Mrs. Eunice Barnard, aged 84 years.  Her near relatives were the founders of the city of Hudson [Columbia Co. NY], in which place much of her life was spent.

Also, on the 15th inst. of influenza, at the same place and residence of her son, George Hull, Anna Hull aged 94 years.  

Both these aged mothers have lived in the same family for many years; were taken ill on the Sunday night previous to their death and were "gathered as sheaves fully ripe," beloved by all who knew them.

Freemans Journal, Cooperstown, NY, March 25, 1880

Marriage

On Thursday, March 18, at the residence of the bride's parents, at Cooperstown, N.Y. [Otsego Co.], by Rev. William W. Lord, D.D. Major Charles L. Davis U.S. Army to Margaretta M. [Bowers] daughter of Henry J. Bowers.

The marriage which occurred at the house of Mr. H.J. Bowers on Thursday last and which united his eldest daughter to Major Davis, was a very pleasant social event, conducted much after the good old-fashioned style, the company present comprising many relatives of the happy couple and a few personal friends.  The day was one of the finest of the early spring.  The ceremony was performed with marked grace and dignity by Doctor Lord at 12, then followed congratulations, the wedding feast, an hour or two of social intercourse, during which the elegantly engrossed marriage certificate on vellum was signed by most of those present, the many beautiful presents viewed and admired and the wedding party left for Detroit [MI] where for a time Majro Davis will be stationed, on the afternoon train.  There were three bridesmaids: Miss Mary Cramer of Troy, Miss Susie Cooper and the bride's sister, Martha, and the groom's best man was Lieut. Henry Kirby of the same regiment.  Both were in full dress uniform.  The bride wore white brocade silk trimmed with lace, some of which was worn by her grandmother Bowers at a reception given General Washington in Philadelphia.  Few brides have carried with them from a home in Cooperstown more sincere, good wishes for a happy wedded life, than accompanied our young friend on the 18th.

As this was in part an "army wedding" it is in keeping to mention a few points of personal interest connected with the parties.  Charles L. Davis is Captain in the 10th Infantry, U.S.A. and while serving as Lieutenant during the civil war, was first brevetted Captain and then Major for meritorious services.  His grandfather was Captain John Davis of the Pennsylvania line in the Revolutionary Army.  He was with Washington at Valley Forge during that terrible winter and there took the oath required of all officers.  The parchment now in possession of Major Davis, bearing the signatures of John Jay and Lord Sterling.  After the close of the war, he was commissioned Brigadier General in the Pennsylvania militia.  His wife was the daughter of John Morton, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence and as a member of the first congress, he gave the casting vote of his State in favor of the adoption of that Declaration, the other delegates present being equally divided.  That act gave to Pennsylvania the name of "the Keystone State."

Mrs. Davis, on the paternal side, had for her great-grandfather, Colonel Robert Wilson, who joined the volunteers that accompanied Washington from Philadelphia to Cambridge, served six months under him as Muster Master General, and in '77 as Assistant Commissary General.  He left the service on account of ill health.  He married the only daughter of Col. Charles Stewart, member of the first Provincial Congress of N.J., Colonel of the 1st Regiment of minute men of that State and of the 2d Reg. of the line, and afterwards was one of the staff of Gen. Washington as Commissary General.  He was prominent at the battle of Monmouth.  On the maternal side, Mrs. D. is related to General Israel Putnam, the mother of her grandfather Col. Crain being a Putnam of that family.  Col. C. strongly resembled the portraits of Gen. Putnam, in face and form.  So, there is brought together in this marriage some good Revolutionary lineage.

At the conclusion of the marriage ceremony, the Rev. Mr. Wells read the following very happily expressed and quite characteristic poetic note from the bride's uncle, Mr. Lee:

To Major Charles L. Davis, U.S.A.

While no man two masters can serve, / Yet Cupid and Mars may combine / To claim hand and heart united, / And bonds of devotion to sign.

Though two fields of glory invite you, / Yet a husband a hero may be / While it sheds brighter sunshine on a good soldier's life / When he folds in his strong arms a dear loving wife.

Then keep bright your armor, / And give Mars his due; / Nevertheless to Cupid be true. / "Keep step," if you can, with the matrimonial drum, / And hang all your garlands by the fireside at home.

To the "United States" is now added another / May the Lord of the commonwealth bind it together.

 Accept these few lines from an absentee, with cordial greetings from Frederick A. Lee

"Willow Brook, " March 18, 1880

Deaths

In Fly Creek [Otsego Co. NY] March 14, at the residence of Alex Taylor, Mrs. Joann Taylor Preston in the 84th year of her age.

At Toddsville [Otsego Co. NY] on the 14th inst. Mrs. Susan Gallup aged 76 years.

In Otsego [Otsego Co. NY] on the 14th inst. at the residence of his brother, Walter Van Horne, Abram Van Horne of Utica, N.Y. [Oneida Co.], in the 70th year of his age.

In Middlefield [Otsego Co. NY], March 21, Aaron B. North aged 66 years.

In Chicago, suddenly of pneumonia on the 18th inst. Mr. Joseph Cary of Milwaukee in his 73d year.  Mr. C. was a brother of Mrs. George B. Wood of this village [Cooperstown, Otsego Co. NY].

In Oneonta [Otsego Co. NY] March 12, Mrs. George H. Yager aged 61 years.

In Otego [Otsego Co. NY] March 14, William Bailey aged about 60 years.

At Windsor [Broome Co. NY] March 12, Thomas Williams of Unadilla [Otsego Co. NY].

In Hartwick [Otsego Co. NY] March 13, Mary A. [Damon] wife of Rev. A. Damon, aged 70 years.

In Middlefield Center [Otsego Co. NY], March 18, Mrs. Agnes Church aged 83 years.

In Plattsburgh [Clinton Co. NY] on Sunday the 21st inst. I. Platt Foot, M.D.. eldest son of the late Surgeon Lyman Foot, U.S.A., in the 65th year of his age.

In Bennettsville [Chenango Co. NY] March 12, Orlando Coats in the 68th year of his age.

At Corning, N.Y. [Steuben Co. NY] March 20, 1880, of disease of the heart, Jane C. [Pier] in her 61st year.

Mrs. P. was a native of the town of Otsego [Otsego Co. NY] for several years a resident of this village [Cooperstown, Otsego Co. NY], and 30 years ago was quite widely known as the kindhearted and energetic landlady of the "Empire House."  A letter addressed to a friend here says:  "Her death occurred very suddenly on the morning of the 20th.  She had been feeling as well as usual until 7 o'clock the previous evening; was dressed and ready for church when stricken down and after a night of intense suffering, passed away."

Killed at Poughkeepsie [Dutchess Co. NY] on Tuesday, it is supposed on the railroad, a man reported as "Benjamin L. Benson of Cooperstown." [Otsego Co. NY]  We know of no man by that name.  He may have belonged to Cooperstown, Pa.  P.S. It is said a man by that name lived at Toddsville [Otsego Co. NY] at times working in the factories there.

Vital Records, Broome (1839), Otsego (1862) Counties, NY

 Broome Republican, Binghamton, NY, February 7, 1839

Deaths

In this town [Binghamton, Broome Co. NY] on Sunday last, Mr. Timothy Cross aged 80 years, a soldier of the Revolution.

On Saturday evening last about ten o'clock, Mr. Abram Cortright while in a state of intoxication, left this village [Binghamton, Broome Co. NY] with the intention of going to his place of residence, about a mile and a half north of this village.  The next morning, Mr. C., not returning, his son, about eight years of age, suspecting some accident having happened to his father, went in search of him.  After going about twenty rods from the house, the son discovered his father lying upon the snow frozen to death!  From the appearance of the track in the snow, Mr. Cortright must have fallen down several times and the night being extremely cold, he became chilled, and after falling the last time he was unable to rise and then "slept the sleep that knows no waking."

Broome Republican, Binghamton, NY, February 14, 1839

Marriage

On Thursday last, by the Rev. Mr. Gregory, Mr. William P. Castle to Miss Margaret Shipman all of this village [Binghamton, Broome Co. NY].

Death

In this town [Binghamton, Broome Co. NY] on the 4th inst. Mrs. Susanna Rose, wife of Col. William Rose, in the 76th year of her age.

Oneonta Herald, Oneonta, NY, June 4, 1862

Marriages

In Maryland [Otsego Co. NY], May 28th, by Elder J. Cooke, Mr. S. E. Butler of Milford [Otsego Co. NY] to Miss Mary Ann [Gurney] daughter of Jesse Gurney, Esq. of Maryland.

In West Laurens [Otsego Co. NY] May 13th by Rev George Foote, Mr. LeRoy Tucker to Miss Rhoda Wing all of Laurens.

Deaths

On Sunday, 18th ult., George L. Benedict, son of Caleb St. John Benedict, of Sidney Center [Delaware Co. NY] hung himself in his father's barn.  Mr. Benedict was a member of Captain Jacobs' Company, Van Allen's Cavalry, and was discharged on account of ill health.  Mr. E.A. Smith went after him a few weeks ago, and he reached home apparently a little better, but still partially ro wholly insane.  In this state, he continued until his melancholy death.  He was in his twenty-first year, was a young man of excellent character and highly esteemed by his friends and acquaintances.

On Friday, May 9th, the wife of James Bronk, in South Worcester [Otsego Co. NY], met with an accident which resulted in her death.  She had previously had a paralytic stroke which deprived her of the use of her right arm and while bathing her lame arm in a liniment, her cloths caught fire from the stove.  She attempted to smother the flames by wrapping herself in a woolen shawl but failed.  When she rushed out of the door and threw herself into a small puddle of water and attempted to extinguish the fire by dipping water with her left hand.  Her husband being at work near by, hearing her scream flew to her aid, but too late.  Her clothes were nearly all burned from her body.  She survived but a few days.  Bloomville Mirror

The body of James Follett Esq. was found in the Susquehanna River about two miles below the village of Otego [Otsego Co. NY] last Saturday, having lodged in about six feet of water against a log.  It was found by a Mr. Crandall, who was searching for the body. The place where the body was found had been looked over several times. The body was nearly covered with sand and rubbish and was considerably decomposed.

Oneonta Herald, Oneonta, NY, June 11, 1862

Marriage

In Afton, Chenango County [NY], June 2d, by Rev. G.G. Donnely, Mr. L.S. Nye of Unadilla [Otsego Co. NY] to Miss Lenora E. Pollard of Afton.

Oneonta Herald, Oneonta, NY, June 18, 1862

News Item

Co. I, 76th Reg't, N.Y.S.V. in his correspondence with the Schoharie Republican, says:  "We were paid last week for the four months ending April 30th.  The amount the Company received was $4,096.  Out of this I forwarded $1,600 by express and by draft to the friends of the soldiers.  Many of the men sent home money by mail, which is not included in the amount I sent.  The day after we were paid, we gave three men a pass to go outside the lines and they deserted.  their names are Henry Waggoner, of Fulton [Oswego Co. NY]; Stephen V. S. Sweet, of Cooperstown [Otsego Co. NY] and Abram Breeze of Summit [Schoharie Co. NY].  Their friends will accordingly receive them as such, but we don't want them if they are not true enough to stick to the Stars and Stripes.  If they can derive any enjoyment from the name and reputation of a deserter, they are most certainly welcome to it.  Our men have been just enough exposed to make them hardy and robust and ready for a little rougher services than they have had heretofore."