Vital Records, Cortland (1848) & Chenango (1875) Counties, NY

 McGrawville Express, McGrawville, NY, August 10, 1848

Marriages

At Little York on the 6th inst. by Esq. Skeele of Preble, Mr. Jesse Radway of Homer [Cortland Co. NY] and Miss Lucy Jane Baker  of Cortlandville [Cortland Co. NY].

In Cincinnatus [Cortland Co. NY] June 23d, by Rev. Mr. Thurston, Levi Pierce and Miss Clarissa Gyle of McGrawville [Cortland Co. NY].

McGrawville Express, McGrawville, NY, August 17, 1848

Marriages

In East Homer [Cortland Co. NY] on the 9th inst. by the Rev. J.P. Simmons, Mr. Joshua Delos Clark merchant of Brookfield, N.Y. [Madison Co. NY] and Miss Mary Levantie [Rindge] only daughte3r of Mr. Samuel F. Ringe, Esq. of the former place.

As usual - a delectable portion of the tasteful, reserved for the printers.  Long life and many blessings upon Mr. and Mrs. Clark.

In McGrawville [Cortland Co. NY] on the 13th inst. by Rev. W.N. Pearne, Mr. Frederick Kelley of Solon and Miss Mary Emerson of Truxton.

Death

In McGrawville [Cortland Co. NY] on the 9th inst. Mrs. Mary Andrews aged 93 years.

McGrawville Express, McGrawville, NY, August 31, 1848

Death

In McGrawville [Cortland Co. NY] on the 26th inst. Mrs. Hulda Keep aged 82 years.

New Berlin Gazette, New Berlin, NY, July 31, 1875

Marriage

At the home of the bride, July 28th, by Rev. L. A. Wild, Mr. L. Hildreth of Hoboken [Hudson Co. NJ] to Miranda H. Clark of New Berlin [Chenango Co. NY].

Deaths

In McDonough [Chenango Co. NY] July 20th, of scarlet fever, Dorr L. Palmer infant son of Ray and Eva Palmer, aged 1 year 7 months and 6 days.

New Lisbon, Otsego Co. NY:  Stutely Barton a young man aged about twenty-two years, died at his father's residence near Noblesville [Otsego Co. NY] on Monday, the 26th inst.  The death of young Barton has cast a deep gloom over this entire community.  His funeral was attended on Wednesday at the Presbyterian church in Noblesville by a large concourse of sympathizing friends and neighbors. Rev. A.C. Bartholomew officiating, who gave words of comfort and Christian consolation to the bereaved friends.

News Item

Norwich, Chenango Co. NY:  The ninetieth anniversary of the birthday of Mrs. Phebe Snow, widow of the late Thomas Snow, was celebrated on Sunday, July 18, at the residence of her son-in-law, David Graves, by a large gathering of her descendants.  Mrs. Snow was born in Greenwich, Washington county in this State [NY] in the year 1785.  She was married at the age of eighteen to Thomas Snow, with whom she came to this county [Chenango Co. NY], four years after, arriving here about the middle of May 1807.  The village of Norwich then consisted of one or two stores and a few dwelling houses.  They immediately purchased a farm on what is known as the South Hill, which they occupied fifty-eight years, raising a family of ten children, all of whom lived to raise families of their own.  Mrs. Snow has now living six children, thirty-seven grandchildren, fifty-six great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild, making one hundred in all, more than half of whom were present at her ninetieth anniversary, presenting the unusual spectacle of five generations of the same family.  Telegraph

Obituary, William Newton, Sherburne, NY

 Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, August 21, 1879

Death of William Newton

William Newton of Sherburne [Chenango Co. NY] the father of Isaac S. and Warren Newton, of this place [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY] died at his home in that town on Wednesday of last week, in the ninety-third year of his age. The funeral was held on Sunday afternoon and drew out a large concourse of people, all anxious to show respect for one who had for so many years been an active and honored citizen among them.  Rev. Lewis R. Foote of Brooklyn, formerly of this County, delivered an appropriate historical address on the occasion, which so completely described the life, character and services of the deceased, that we obtained permission to give it to the readers of the Union.  It is as follows:

Mr. William Newton was born October 15th, 1786.  He came to the town of Hamilton [Madison Co. NY] from Colchester, Conn., in 1806, being twenty years of age.  In 1810 he was married to Lois Butler, and they came to live in Sherburne in 1812.  Though dating religious impressions as early as when he was fifteen years of age, he did not make a public profession of his faith in Christ until 1816, when with his wife he united with the First Congregational Church of Sherburne.  His home has been in Sherburne for sixty-seven years, and he has lived in this house, from which he will be carried to the grave, fifty-seven years.  Had he lived nine days more, their married life would have numbered sixty-nine years.

He was one of the first manufacturers in the town.  Early in life he was engaged in the manufacture of woolen cloth.  Twice his factory was burned.  He was early engaged in farming, which business he carried on in connection with his other pursuits.  Identified with the great internal improvements in the State, he was engaged in constructing the Erie Canal, the Chenango Canal, the Black River Canal, and in the construction of one of the first railroads in the country, if not the first, under the auspices of the Delaware and Hudson Canal Company.  He was elected Supervisor of the town of Sherburne in 1841.  Early in life he was appointed Captain in the militia and acted in that capacity for two or three years.  In 1826 he was chosen Trustee of the Church and held the position with some interruptions until 1867.  He also acted as Clerk of the society at one time.

Eleven children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Newton, nine of whom still survive [in 1879]. One daughter fell asleep in Jesus at sixteen and another daughter yielded her soul to God just after she had reached the missionary field in India, about 1850.  Seven sons and two daughters bow today at the foot of the Cross and adore that grace which numbers them all in the covenant of eternal life.  He leaves nine children, twenty grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

Mr. Newton's life ran parallel with all the great movements in this country for the good of man and the conversion of the world to Christ.  The American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions was organized in 1810, the year that Mr. Newton was married.  He became deeply interested in this work in 1831, and began then to contribute to its funds.  He gave to it his sympathy, his money, his daughter and his prayers. For many years it has been his custom each year to make one of his children or grandchildren an honorary member of this Board, by the gift of one hundred dollars each, until twenty-five have been thus honored. This is mentioned only to indicate the character of the man, as showing the work in which he was interested.  

He became early in life deeply interested in the work of the American Bible Society, another of those great institutions which ran parallel with his life, being organized in 1816, the year that he made a public profession of religion.  For many years it has been his custom to make some one of his numerous family an honorary member of that Society by the payment of one hundred dollars each, until fifteen or more have been thus distinguished.  He loved the Bible and began to read it through each year nearly fifty years ago, so that it is probably that he read that precious book through nearly fifty times. As expressing his attachment for the Bible, he remarked some time since that if it should be his lot to find his home in hell, he should want that book as his companion.  

Until the infirmities of age became very great, he was regularly in his place in the house of God, an attentive and earnest worshiper. The last occasion when he worshiped with God's people in public was at the Lord's Supper last September.  He was always active in the social meetings of the church. He began to worship God in his family when he united with the church and for sixty-three years, even to the very day of his death, he attended to this duty with scrupulous care. The tenacity with which he clung to the family altar was remarkable considering the great infirmity of the closing days of his life.  At the last when too feeble to kneel, he would worship like Jacob, leaning upon his staff, in some instances reading and praying himself, at other times members of his family would read the Scriptures and pray with him.  He sat at the table for his supper the evening he died, and himself asked God's blessing upon the food.  Like his Master, he loved children.  It was not an infrequent thing for him to have four of them upon his lap at the same time.  He was alive to the temporal interests of his children and took great pride in their prosperity.  He was also deeply awakened to the spiritual interests of his family, and it was his privilege to see them all gathered to the table of the Lord, and the most of them early in life.

Mr. Newton was a strictly temperate man, using no strong drink and no tobacco and it is worthy of mention in this age, that his seven sons follow in the steps of the father.  By his character he commanded the respect and reverence of his children.  He was a thoroughly energetic man and held his opinions firmly.  He was a very conscientious man, and frequently reviewed his own actions, and sometimes expressed fear lest he had made mistakes.   He never talked much of his own experience.  When asked on Monday if he found Christ a sufficient Savior, he replied "That is my only trust."  Wednesday night, August 18th, he fell asleep, having lived ninety-three years lacking two months and two days, having lived in holy wedlock with the companion of his life sixty-nine years lacking nine days, being sixty-seven years a resident of this town and sixty-three years a member of the Church of Christ.  He has come to his grave in a full age like as a shock of corn cometh in its season.  He was full of years.  He was full of the good things of this life.  He had a goodly heritage.  He was honored by his children.  He was honored among me.  He was honored in the work of the Lord.  He was honored in the church of Christ.  For nearly sixty-seven years actively identified with the interests of this town, as citizens we lament him today.  Such men do honor to the town, to the commonwealth.  Such men make a nation's strength. For sixty-three years connected with this church, an earnest and devoted follower of Christ, we lament him today. Such men give strength and stability to the church; such men are pillars of strength and are missed when they are gone.

Dear friends, this is the work of the Christian Church, to train up such men and prepare them to act well their part here, before they enter the place which Jesus has gone to prepare for them in heaven.  Capt. Newton was like one of the patriarchs in his family.  No family gathering was complete without him and though feeble with the weight of years, he held his place among them as their chief almost to the last.  Not claiming perfection for but one human life, we can but feel today that his work has been well done and signally blessed and accepted of the Master.  No bitter regrets will gather around his memory, but like the elders of Ephesus, when the beloved Paul bade them farewell, we shall sorrow most of all that we shall see his face no more.

Vital Records, Otsego (1873) & Chenango (1879) Counties, NY

 Morris Chronicle, Morris, NY, March 5, 1873

Birth

Otis Burlingame who cut that enormous tree on the Ward farm a short time since, moved upon the farm a few days ago and was presented the next day with a boy of 10 pounds.  Otis is bound not to be outdone.

Marriage

The Silver Wedding of Mr. and Mrs. D. W. Ford was largely attended last Tuesday evening.  Although "against the rule" they received several very handsome presents.  Mr. and Mrs. Ford and six interesting children compose a pleasant family, and they are a pleasure to others as well as themselves.  Man cannot live to himself alone, and the Ford family are not of the order to do it if possible.  There were present several guests from out of town including our good friend Hon. James Stewart, Member of Assembly from the first Otsego District.  In closing this brief mention, we trust that Mr. and Mrs. Ford may celebrate a Golden Wedding twenty-five years hence, and that each and all of the children may not be cut off in life until they have experienced the same pleasure.  Oneonta Herald

Deaths

In Morris [Otsego Co. NY] Feb. 25th, Mertie [Clinton] youngest son of William Y. and Olive Clinton aged 2 years and 5 months.

"Of such is the kingdom of heaven."

In Otsdawa [Otsego Co. NY] Feb. 25th of consumption, Henry L. [Davis] oldest son of Joseph G. and Huldah Davis, aged 22 years.

Died in Butternuts [Otsego Co. NY] Feb. 20th, Florence [Shaw] wife of Ferdinand Shaw and daughter of Oscar Gager, aged 22 years.

Butternuts, Otsego Co. NY:  Theadore Thair's [Thayer] wife, daughter of Zadock Shaw, died on Thursday morning Feb. 27th, very suddenly, leaving several small children.  May the consolations of the Christian religion comfort the bereaved husband in this sad affliction, and the children suffered to come unto Christ, who is abundantly able to care for their every want and guide them in the path of rectitude. [Savalla A. (Shaw) Thayer]

Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, August 28, 1879

Marriages

BROOKS - SAGE:  At the residence of the bride's father in New Berlin [Chenango Co. NY], August 21st, by Rev. Frank W. Townsend, Dr. F.D. Brooks to M. Louise [Sage] daughter of Geroge Sage.

RASBROOK - STEVENS:  In Sherburne, August 10th, by Rev. G.R. Burnside, Mr. Harvey A. Rasbrook of Sherburne [Chenango Co. NY] to Miss Helen A. Stevens of Lebanon, N.Y. [Madison Co.]

CASH - ABBOTT:  In Sherburne [Chenango Co. NY] August 21st by Rev. G.R. Burnside, Mr. C.D. Cash to Miss Annie Abbott all of Sherburne.

YALE - MORGAN:  In Bainbridge [Chenango Co. NY] August 14th by Rev D.N. Grummon, Mr. Stephen Yale to Miss Cora Morgan all of Guilford [Chenango Co. NY].

WALES - BRIGHAM:  In Sidney Plains [Delaware Co. NY] August 16th by Rev. Samuel Johnson, Mr. De Florence H. Wales of South New Berlin [Chenango Co. NY] to Miss Katie A. Brigham of New Berlin.

ALBRO - SUTTON:  In DeRuyter [Madison Co. NY] August 20th by Elder T. F--her, Mr. Albert D. Albro to Miss Nettie R. Sutton both of Lincklaen [Chenango Co. NY].

KNIGHT - PALMER:  At Chenango Forks [Broome Co. NY] August 12th, by Rev. I.J. Eiv, Mr. R.F. Knight of Cortland [Cortland Co. NY] to Miss Irene B. Palmer of the former place. 

Deaths

CLARK:  In Oxford [Chenango Co. NY] August 15th, Mattie H. [Clarke] adopted daughter of William A. and Almeda Clarke, aged 10 years.

SHAPLEY:  In Oxford [Chenango Co. NY] August 25th, Friend W. [Shapley] son of Jabe and Nora Shapley, aged 7 months.

ESTUS:  In Brisbin [Chenango Co. NY] August 23d, Mrs. Miranda Estus aged 46 years.

PLACE:  White Store, Chenango Co. NY:  The remains of Miss Harriet Place of Mt. Upton [Chenango Co. NY] were brought to our cemetery for interment on Friday last. This is the third of the Place family that has been stricken by death within about three months -- first Mr. Newman, then Mr. Blackman, and now Miss Place.

News Item

Mr. Richard Barry an old gentleman 82 years of age, resides about 2-1/2 miles below this village [Greene, Chenango Co. NY] and for one of his years we consider him very smart physically.  Besides other work, he has this season, cradled 18 acres of grain.  This old gentleman took part int he War of 1812, and also in the war of the Rebellion.  American

Vital Records, Otsego [1806) & Madison (1822) counties, NY

 Otsego Herald, Cooperstown, NY, June 5, 1806

Death

Died in the town of Exeter, in this county [Otsego Co. NY] on Tuesday morning last in the twenty-second year of his age, Mr. Rufus Hawkins, merchant.  He was an active and useful young man, possessing a share of information, capacity and pleasing manners unusual at his age.  He has left a disconsolate father and mother; brothers, sisters and a respectable circle of acquaintance to bemoan the loss of a dutiful son an affectionate brother and faithful friend.  His funeral was attended yesterday by a large concourse of relatives, acquaintances and citizens, an appropriate discourse was delivered on this melancholy occasion by the Rev. Daniel Nash of said town.  To the providence of an omniscient and omnipresent God we commit his immortal soul.

'Tis gone, that's all we knew; but where / Or how th' unbodied soul does fare? / Spirits fly swift; perhaps 'tis gone. / Ten thousand leagues beyond the sun, / Or twice ten thousand more twice told / Ere the forsaken clay is cold. 

Otsego Herald, Cooperstown, NY, June 26, 1806

Deaths

Died at New York on the 6th inst.  Gouldsbrough Banyer, Jun. Esq. of the city of Albany [Albany Co. NY].

_______________________

On Saturday last, two lads, sons of Mr. Cyrus Clark of this place [Cooperstown, Otsego Co. NY] one 9 the other 7 years of age, in company with an apprentice to Mr. Clark, aged about 15, were in a canoe on the lake, 12 or 15 rods from the shore, during a breeze, the eldest of the brothers, who was steering the canoe, fell into the water, and notwithstanding the cries of the others for assistance, he was drowned after a few struggles.  He was taken out in about 15 minutes, but every attempt to resuscitate him proved unavailing.  Experience, only, can estimate the grief of his bereaved parents.  He was a pleasant lad and was generally beloved.  On Sunday his remains were interred and a sermon, suited to the mournful occasion, was delivered before a numerous auditory by the reverend Daniel Nash.  The following spontaneous lines were written immediately on hearing of the catastrophe by a neighbor.

The mortal life of feeble man, / Its longest date is but a span; / If sudden death takes us away, / No arm of flesh our lives can stay.

A mournful instance of this truth / Doth now present - a lovely youth, / While o'er the ruffled lake he past, / into the flood he soon was cast.

Around his frighten eyes he cast, / Alas! his term of life is past, / He strives, he gasps, he sinks, he dies; / Within the waves he clos'd his eyes.

Th' unpitying billows of the lake, / Remorseless, the weak victim take; / The second since its lovely banks, / Were occupied by civil ranks.

His little brother views his fate / He cries for help - 'tis all too late, / Instead of Fitch, so blithe and gay / He soon beholds a lump of clay.

His mother, the sad relic spies, / with wringing hands & streaming eyes; His father, soon is call'd to view, / His first born's corpse and bid adieu.

Ye little friends who have of late / Beheld his active lively state; / As you are now, fo, once was he, / As he is now, fo, you must be.

This is the second person known to be drowned in the lake since the settlement of this village [Cooperstown]

The boy's name was Fitch Clark.

The Pilot, Cazenovia, NY, June 6, 1822

Marriage

In Smithfield [Madison Co. NY] on the 23d ult. by Elder John Peck, Mr. Stephen Nickerson of Dryden [Tompkins Co. NY] to Miss Roxy May of the former place.

The Pilot, Cazenovia, NY, July 11, 1822

Death

At Fairfield, Con. on the 30th ultimo, Hon. Josiah Masters of Schaghticoke, Rensselaer County [NY] in the 58th year of his age.

The Pilot, Cazenovia, NY, July 18, 1822

Death

In the village of Madison, N.Y. [Madison Co.] at the residence of her father, D. Woods, Esq., on the eleventh day of July, instant. Mrs. Pamilia Nelson wife of Samuel Nelson, Esquire, Counsellor at Law of the village of Cortland, in the county of Cortland, aged twenty-one years, after a most enerutiating illness of more than five months, which she endured with patience and Christian fortitude rarely witnessed, and which appeared to strengthen as her prospects of recovery decreased and the pleasures of the world receded.  Her calm & pious resignation to death, her perfect acquiescence in the will of heaven, seemed really to eclipse her former excellence and happily illustrated the truth of her favorite text in scripture, "and the righteous shall have hope in his death."  She was a most endearing wife, a most tender mother, a dutiful child, and most affectionate sister.  She has left a most tender and affectionate husband, one blooming infant son, darling parents, brothers, a sister and many relatives and friends to mourn their irreparable loss, all of whom it is hoped may profit by the example which her inspiring [-?-] presented.  Surrounded by every earthly blessing which could render life desirable and to the last in perfect possession of her mental faculties, she thus cheerfully resigned in a firm hope of an happy immortality.  Thus, all may learn from her decease that youth has no protection against death; that death has no terrors to a Christian and that the most flattering prospects in this life are but transitory visions.  Argus

Civil War Letter - Roswell P. Bishop - September 1861

 Oneonta Herald, Oneonta, NY, October 9, 1861

Civil War Letter - Roswell P. Bishop

Camp Casey, Washington, D.C. Saturday, Sept. 26th, 1861

Friend Carpenter:  We left Albany Sept. 15th for Washington and stopped three days in New York, where quite an accident happened to one of the Shutters.  He was standing on guard back of the barracks and there had been quite a row on the inside, and the Capt., getting up suddenly and going out, caught up his revolver, which was in the scabbard.  When putting his hand on the fence the pistol fell out and as it struck the ground it went off and as Shutter was standing near, the ball passed into his left nipple and lodged in the left shoulder, about two inches from the upper edge of the shoulder blade, injuring him seriously but not fatally.  

We went aboard the cars at New York at 2 o'clock Sunday morning and arrived in Philadelphia about 3 p.m. in the afternoon, where we sat down to a first-rate dinner which had been got up for us by the citizens.  Long live the patriotic people of Philadelphia.  May their noble city ever stand as a memento of freedom and prosperity.  

The land along the line of the railroad is rather poor, but the farther we came, it grew more fertile.  At Baltimore we got off the cars and were marched thru the streets for about two miles, but the inhabitants showed no hostile intentions. There are four regiments quartered in Baltimore now.  

We arrived in Washington at 3 o'clock in the morning, having been twenty-five hours on the road with only one meal and no sleep.  In the morning we saw the statue of Washington, also the capitol of the United States.  It is a magnificent building, worthy of so great a Republic.  It has cost an immense sum and will cost much more before it is finished.  The city has not the life and prosperity that the cities of the Free States seem to have.  

We were marched to our present quarters, Meridian Hill, [several lines unreadable]

The Rebels try every way to destroy the lives of our men by poisoning our water and our food, but there is a day coming when these things will be straightened out. May Heaven hurry up that day and give our army success.

I presume you will hear from the New York 43d.  

Yours Truly, Roswell P. Bishop.

P.S. This afternoon two men in our regiment were poisoned to death by buying pies and cakes of a woman.

__________________________

Adjutant General Report:  BISHOP, ROSWELL: Age, 19 years.  Enlisted, August 6, 1861, at Oneonta [Otsego Co. NY] to serve three years; m,ustered in as private, Co. C, august 25, 1861; discharged, December 11, 1862, for wounds received at Yorktown, Va.

Obituary

The Peninsular Review & Pacific Grove Daily Review, Pacific Grove, CA, March 4, 1920

Another Civil War Goes Over the Top; Roswell P. Bishop Mustered Out at 6:30 This Morning

Roswell P. Bishop, a veteran of the Civil War, one of Pacific Grove's best-known and honored citizens, died this morning at 6:30 o'clock, aged 78 years, one month and 28 days.  His service record is printed below, written by himself.  His wife proceeded him about two years ago.  There survives him a son, Roswell F. Bishop, a grandson, Roswell G. Bishop, a sister, Mrs. Elizabeth Hallock of Woodstock, New York, and a brother, Charles E. Bishop of Templeton, Wisconsin.  Mrs. Sylvia Hamilton of 512  Ninth Street, is a sister-in-law.

The funeral services will be held from his late residence tomorrow (Friday) afternoon at 2 o'clock, under the auspices of Lucius Fairchild Post No. 179, Grand Army of the Republic, with burial in El Carmelo Cemetery.  Dr. Orville Coats, pastor of the New Monterey Baptist church, will assist in the ceremonies.  Comrade Bishop was a member of the local Methodist church.  A military service will be conducted at the grave by a detail of soldiers from the Presidio of Monterey.

Service Record of Roswell P. Bishop

"Was born in Sidney Center, Delaware County, New York, January 6th, 1842.  Had a limited early education.  Worked as farm laborer until I enlisted July 28th, 1861, in Co. C, 43rd New York Infantry Volunteers.  Place of enlistment, Oneonta, Otsego County, New York.  Rendezvoused at Albany, New York, where the regiment was formed and mustered into the United States service, August 6th, 1861, for three years as a private.

"We started for the front about August 20th, 1861.   Stopped over in New York City four days, and then proceeded to Washington, D.C.  Camped a short time at Meridian Hill, D.C., then crossed the Potomac River into Virginia just after the battle at Balls Bluff.  We went into winter quarters at what was known as Camp Griffin, and there our Brigade was formed consisting of the 43rd New York, 4th Pennsylvania, 5th Wisconsin, and 6th Maine, commanded by Brigadier General Winfield S. Hancock, later a Corps commander.  All of these regiments served through their three years terms of enlistment and then re-enlisted for the period of the war in 1863.  Then the 119th Pennsylvania Volunteers were added to the brigade, and it became known as the Light Brigade. Recruits were added to the 43rd to the number of over 3,000 to cover losses during the war. A Sergeant of our Company when we went out, came home at the close of the war as Colonel in command of the regiment.

"During the winter of '61 and '62 we were only in one small fight at Daviesville, Virginia.  during our stay at Camp Griffin, our spring campaign began.  In March we took boat for Fort Monroe and entered the Peninsular campaign almost at the beginning at Lee's Mills.  On the left at Yorktown, in a sharp skirmish I was hit by a Minnie bullet in the elbow of my right arm, compelling an amputation near the shoulder.  I was sent to Yorktown, and from there to New York City by boat for treatment.  I was gone from the regiment about one month, and again rejoined the regiment at Harrison's Landing, but too late to take part in that battle.  I continued to serve with my regiment when they marched back to Washington and out to Centerville to stop the retreat from the second battle of Bull Run.  

"At Bull Run I made my only capture of the war - a horse, saddle and saber.  When our corps stopped at Centerville, I with a few others pushed on to the Bull Run Field.  A cavalry charge was made by the Confederates on our retreating forces, which was sharply met, and a horse, riderless, came galloping near us.  I got the horse at some risk and taking a wounded officer on his back, returned to Centerville, where I stayed with the officer until he died the next day.  I kept this horse and rode him back through Washington into Maryland and took part in the battle of South Mountain and Antietam.  There I had my horse taken from me for use in the artillery, owing to losses in the Antietam battle.  

"I found I could load and fire my gun as quickly and shoot as accurately as any of the boys, and I was excused from all fatigue duty.  I continued with my command until the Burnside campaign at the first Fredericksburg battle in December 1862.  Here on the urgent advice of many of my offices I consented to accept my discharge and go home and try to get an education, which I sadly needed.  I wanted to stay and see it through.  I left the Army with regret, but others with two hands could perform the service better.  

"I reached home Friday night, and Monday morning I began a new life - a fight for an education - which lasted until I had graduated from the University of Michigan.  After my graduation I practiced law for a number of years at Luddington, Michigan, where I was elected to Congress from the Ninth District and served for twelve years."

The Muskegon Chronicle, Muskegon, MI, March 5, 1920

Represented 9th District Twelve Years

Former Congressman Roswell P. Bishop Dies at California Home

Roswell P. Bishop of Ludington, who represented the Ninth Congressional District in the lower house of Congress for six terms, is dead at his home in Pacific Grove, California, according to word received here yesterday.  Mr. Bishop was defeated by Congressman James C. McLaughlin of Muskegon in 1906.  Mr. Bishop was naturally well-known in Muskegon.

Mr. Bishop was a resident of Ludington for 35 years.  He was born in Sidney, N.Y. in 1842, and served in the Civil War.  He lost his right arm during one of the early engagements of 1862 but remained with his regiment for several months.  It was after the war that he took up the study of law.  He attended the University of Michigan and later came to Ludington.

He held other offices.  He was prosecutor of Mason County for six years and served two terms in the State Legislature.  He was also a member of the last Constitutional Convention. 

Vital Records, Chenango County, NY (1879)

 Chenango Semi-Weekly Telegraph, Norwich, NY, August 20, 1879

Deaths

Sherburne, Chenango Co. NY:  Daniel Shaw of this village, who has long been a sufferer from a cancer, died on Wednesday last and the funeral was held on Sunday.

We last week published an account of the accident to John E. Minshull, Master Mechanic of the New York & Oswego Midland railroad at East Branch, on Wednesday last.  At the time of the accident, it was not thought that his injuries were of a fatal character and until near midnight, Monday, he was thought to be improving, but at near that hour he began to grow worse and died at 4:30 Tuesday morning.  Mr. Minshull had been in the employ of the Midland since the road was built, first being employed in the Oswego shops [Oswego Co. NY].  He then went on as a fireman and was soon promoted to engineer.  From that he was promoted to foreman of the Middletown shops and some two years ago was made Master Mechanic of the entire road.  He was very popular with the men under him and universally respected by his associates on and off the road.  He leaves a wife but no children.   His aged father and mother, who reside in Oswego, went down on the Midland, Monday, and reached him but a few hours before he died.  His funeral will take place at Middletown [Delaware Co. NY], on Thursday at 2 P.M.

Chenango Semi-Weekly Telegraph, Norwich, NY, August 23, 1879

Marriages

WADSWORTH - COLBURN:  At the residence of Mr. Amasa Colburn in Guilford, N.Y. [Chenango Co.] Aug. 21st, 1879, by Rev. T.P. Halsted, Mr. William M. Wadsworth of Cazenovia [Madison Co. NY] and Miss Katherine M. Colburn of Guilford.

In our matrimonial column will be found a notice of the nuptials of William W. Wadsworth of Cazenovia and Miss Catherine M. Colburn of Guilford.  A kind remembrance of the printer with a generous supply of the wedding cake, puts us in the mood to extend hearty congratulations and to wish the happy couple a smooth voyage on the matrimonial sea.

FORD - SEYMOUR:  At the residence of the bride, Aug. 12th, by Rev. E.W. Lake, Mr. Edwin Ford of Morristown, N.J., to Mrs. Eliza Seymour of Whitney's Point [Broome Co. NY].

Deaths

BENEDICT:  At the residence of John Benedict, in Greene [Chenango Co. NY] July 29th, Mrs. Mary [Benedict] widow of the late Ephraim W Benedict of Ogdensburg, N.Y. [St Lawrence Co.] aged 65 years.

STERLING: Bainbridge, Chenango Co. NY:  Mrs. Isaac Sterling whose death occurred last Friday evening, was a most estimable lady.  Deceased was about 38 years of age.  Her funeral services took place Tuesday afternoon at St. Peter's Church of which the deceased was a devoted and consistent member.  a large circle of friends and acquaintances are left to mourn her untimely death.

Sherburne News, Sherburne, NY, September 6, 1879

Marriage

ALLEN - WHITE:  At the M.E. parsonage, in Earlville [Madison Co., NY] Aug. 29, 1879, by Rev. J.L. Short, Mr. Wallace W. Allen and Celestia M. White both of Sherburne [Chenango Co. NY].

Deaths

Died in Columbus [Chenango Co. NY] on the 26th of August 1879, in the 87th year of her age, Mrs. Margaret Storrs.  The deceased was the widow of Rev. Samuel Porter Storrs, for many years pastor of the Congregational Church in Exeter, Otsego County, N.Y. and afterwards pastor of the Congregational Church in Columbus, where he died in 1843.  she has survived her husband some thirty-six years, much of which time she has spent in this village [Sherburne, Chenango Co. NY] and in Columbus, in which places as well as at the east she leaves a large circle of relatives and friends to mourn her loss.

Chenango Lake, Chenango Co. NY:  Mr. Conoerse, an aged man who resided with his son Herbert, was taken with a fit of apoplexy about one week ago and lingered at the point of death till Saturday morning when he died. The deceased was a native of Cortland Co. [NY] he having moved here four or five years ago.  Although his stay among us has been short all nave learned to love and esteem him as a neighbor and friend. His remains were taken to Cortland for burial Sunday.

Greene, Chenango Co. NY:  Mrs. William O. Barnard of Mason City, Iowa, who came here about two weeks since for the purpose of visiting friends, was taken sick with pneumonia a short time after her arrival and died Sunday forenoon at the residence of her brother-in-law, Mr. R.P. Barnard.  Her husband who was in Kansas, was telegraphed to when it became apparent she could not live and arrived here Monday morning, a few hours after his wife's death.  Her remains were taken to Cortland (her former home) on Tuesday, for burial. American

Fred Berray of Walton [Delaware Co. NY] a Midland brakeman, while switching cars at Sidney [Delaware Co. NY] on Saturday afternoon, caught his heal in the frog, and was unable to free himself before the car struck him, passing over his body near his hip.  He was carried to his home in Walton, where he died on Monday evening.

Chenango Lake, Chenango Co. NY:  On Friday morning, Nora [Pickens] daughter of George Pickens died, aged 1 year 8 months.  I have learned that another of Mr. Pickens daughters is dangerously sick with the same disease.

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.

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

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.