Vital Records, Delaware (1835), Chenango (1877) Counties, NY

 Delaware Gazette, Delhi, NY, July 1, 1835

Marriages

In this village [Delhi, Delaware Co. NY] on the 29th ult. by the Rev. E.K. Maxwell, Mr. Green Moore to Miss Emily Steele, daughter of Mr. Nathaniel Steele.

In Albany [Albany Co. NY] on the 22d ult. by the Rev. SA. Center, Hon. Levi Baxter, Jr. of Tecumseh, michigan, to Miss Elizabeth M. Orton of this village [Delhi, Delaware Co. NY].

In this town [Delhi, Delaware Co. NY] on the 18th ult. by G.H. Edgerton, Esq. Mr. Nathaniel R. Thompson to Miss Caroline Whitlock, eldest daughter of Ezekiel Whitlock, Esq.

Delaware Gazette, Delhi, NY, July 8, 1835

Deaths

 In Walton [Delaware Co. NY] on the 23d ult. John Smith in the 87th year of his age, a native of Dumbartonshire, in Scotland.

On the 4th of May last, while on a journey up the Illinois river, George Finney, aged 44 years, formerly of this town [Delhi, Delaware Co. NY].  He is supposed to have been attacked with the cholera, which terminated his existence in about fourteen hours.

A young man by the name of McCarter, about 15 years of age, son of Mr. John McCarter of Kortright [Delaware Co. NY] was drowned on Saturday last, while bathing in a mill pond at the four corners.

Delaware Gazette, Delhi, NY, July 15, 1835

News Item

Mr. Hews [sic] of Otsego Co. [NY] the only survivor of that spartan band who, rather than suffer their countrymen to pay tribute on tea, threw it by cargo from British vessels into Boston harbor, went to New York on Wednesday the 24th ult. in the steamboat DeWitt Clinton, on his way to Boston, by invitation to participate in the celebration of the approaching anniversary. This veteran, though 100 years old in September next, retains his intellectual and physical powers and enjoys good health.  He relates the particulars of the memorable Tea Party to the passengers with great precision and intelligence. Albany Journal  [George Robert Twelves Hewes, d. November 1840, buried Lakeview Cemetery, Richfield Springs, Otsego Co. NY.  See findagrave.com memorial 12809673 for more information] George Robert Twelves Hewes (1742-1840) - Find a Grave Memorial

Delaware Gazette, Delhi, NY, July 22, 1835

Marriages

In Andes [Delaware Co. NY] on the 25th ult. by the Rev. Mr. Scott, Mr. Robert Austin to Miss Nelly Phenix.

In the same town, on the 26th ult. by the same, Mr. Justice Betts to Miss Sally Murdock.

In Middletown [Delaware Co. NY] on the 25th ult. by the same, Mr. William Warren to Miss Jane E. Mills.

On the 15th inst. by the Rev. C.A. Rogers, Mr. Abner Johnston of Sidney Plains [Delaware Co. NY] to Miss Nancy [Latham] daughter of John Latham, Esq. of Guilford, Chenango Co. [NY].

At Jefferson, Schoharie County [NY] on the 16th inst. by the Rev. William Fraser, Titus Fenn, Esq. of Royalton, Niagara County [NY] to Miss Emeline Gaylord of Harpersfield [Delaware Co. NY] youngest daughter of Mr. Joel Gaylord.

 New Berlin Gazette, New Berlin, NY, January 6, 1877

Deaths

Deacon Z.S. Hall has been carried to his last resting place since our issue of last week.  Mr. Hall had been a resident of this village for a number of years and was much respected as a citizen.   He leaves a wife and family to mourn their loss.

__________________________

Died in New Berlin [Chenango Co. NY] Dec. 30th, Eunice Russel aged 71 years.

"Aunt Eunice" has left us at last. We shall not see her again walking up and down our streets or welcome her again into our homes. The death angel came for her just as the old year was leaving us with its slow departing footfall.  She passed the "Happy New Year" day in the sweet land of sunshine and song.  We that were left upon the "pathwild" were not all happy, but the friendless beggar who has walked our streets for so many years was supremely happy.  Friendless did I say?  No, we were all friends to "Aunt Eunice," and there were many tears shed as we bore her away to the grave.

She might have been called ignorant and uncultured here, but somehow I think that "Aunt Eunice" now knows a thousand times more than any of us, and that she now has a form of grace and beauty.

Happy "Aunt Eunice?"  She does not now feel the storms and cold of our wild winter.  It was nothing but the old, unlovely casket that we laid away in the grave, while the beautiful spirit passed silently up to the great "home of many mansions."

Will "Aunt Eunice" forget those who were so kind to her, while she wandered among us as a sojourner?  In the brightness and glory of the spirit life, will she remember the storms and sunlight that clustered around her pathway here?  We know not the great mysteries of eternity. We only cling more closely to our loving father, believing that we shall meet "Aunt Eunice" in the great company of the redeemed.  M.A.H.

New Berlin Gazette, New Berlin, NY, January 13, 1877

Marriage

KOHN - BUTTERFIELD:  At the residence of the bride's parents in this village [Delhi, Delaware Co. NY], on Wednesday the 10th by the Rev. Frank Townsend, Hattie Butterfield daughter of Ira T. Butterfield, to Frederick W. Kohn of Utica [Oneida Co. NY]. 

Death

Mr. Lyman D. Burch died at his residence in this village [Sherburne, Chenango Co. NY] on Monday January 1st, 1877.  Mr. Burch was a man of prominence and well known to most of the businessmen in this and adjoining counties.  He came to this village nearly thirty years ago and engaged extensively in the foundry business, which he conducted for many years with distinguished success.  He invented, we believe, a number of stoves and ploughs which he patented and devoted some time to placing them upon the market.  During the time he visited the World's Fair in London, and it was his boast that Queen Victoria had catch food cooked upon his stove. In dealings with his fellow man he was scrupulously correct and prompt and those who knew him best, pronounced him equally honest and conscientious.  His roughness of manner, or exterior, not unfrequently prejudiced men against him, but we have heard many kind words spoken of his generous heart and uniform kindness to the sick and those in trouble.  News

Vital Records, Chenango County, NY (1879)

 Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, October 30, 1879

Marriages

HOUK - MILLS:  At Latham's Corners, Guilford [Chenango Co. NY], Oct. 23d, by Rev. T.F. Halsted, Mr. Handy L. Houk to Miss Lela B. Mills, both of Guilford.

Thursday, Miss Lela Mills and Mr. Handy Houck made the same venture.  The knot was tied by Rev. T.P. Halstead, in a graceful and impressive manner. The bride was neatly and tastefully attired and the happy pair bear with them on their voyage many kindly tokens of interest and many prayers for their happiness and prosperity.  The factory bell and steam whistle gave noisiest congratulations as the voyages commenced and smiling faces and waving hats and handkerchief as the launch was made, proved that the youthful pair had many friends.

COLE - THOMPSON:  In South New Berlin [Chenango Co. NY] Oct. 15th, by Rev. W. Scott, Mr. David H. Cole of New Berlin to Miss Ida E. Thompson of Holmesville [Chenango Co. NY].

HUNGERFORD - LOUNSBERRY:  At the M.E. Parsonage in Coventry [Chenango Co. NY] Oct. 19th, by the Rev. W. Burnside, Mr. Chauncey Hungerford of Coventry, to Miss Eva Lounsberry of Greene [Chenango Co. NY].

LOUNSBERRY - BURROWS:  At the M.E. Parsonage in Coventry [Chenango Co. NY] Oct. 19th, by the Rev. W. Burnside, Mr. Eugene Lounsberry of Greene [Chenango Co. NY] to Miss Nettie Burrows of North Fenton [Broome Co. NY].

SCOTT - SHERMAN:  Unadilla Valley, Chenango Co. NY:  The delightful autumn weather, or some other cause, has emboldened many of our young people to venture out upon the sea of matrimony.  Miss Alice Sherman and Mr. Scott embarked on Tuesday.  The fair bride carries with her the well wishes of a host of friends.

Deaths

ROWLAND:  In Sherburne [Chenango Co. NY] Oct. 18th, Mr. Eli E. Rowland, aged 58 years.

BULLOCK:  In Greene [Chenango Co. NY] Oct. 14th, Julia [Bullock] wife of G.E. Bullock, aged 22 years.

HUFCUTT:  In Bainbridge [Chenango Co. NY] Oct. 18th, Leon Henry [Hufcutt] son of John and minnie Hufcutt, aged 3 months.

VAN PELT:  In New Berlin [Chenango Co. NY] Oc.t 15th, Eva A. [Van Pelt] daughter of Tyler and Diantha Van Pelt, aged 23 years and 3 months.

AYLESWORTH:  In Roseville, Ill. Oct. 5th, Jennie [Aylesworth] second daughter of Nelson O. and Mary Aylesowrth, Formerly of New Berlin, aged 4 years.

HINCKLEY:  In Rockford, Ill. Oct. 14th, Mrs. Augustus F. Hinckley, formerly of New Berlin [Chenango Co. NY].  [Elsie Hawley Hinckley, aged 35 years]

DIMMICK:  We regret to learn, as we do on Wednesday morning, of the sudden death at her home in Smyrna [Chenango Co. NY] of Mrs. Frank H. Dimmick.  She was a most estimable lady, beloved by all, and her unexpected death casts a gloom over the community where she was known and appreciated. Deceased was a sister of George A Munson, our Smyrna correspondent. [Sara Munson Dimmick, 14 June 1848 - 28 Oct. 1879]

PERRIN:  Bainbridge, Chenango Co. NY:  Monday morning last, a most distressing accident happened by which a little five-year-old daughter of William Perrin, residing near the railroad bridge about three miles east of this village lost her life.  Little Addie [Perrin], was alone in the house and while endeavoring to climb upon the stove hearth to dip a piece of paper into a boiler of water which stood upon the front of the stove her light dress caught fire and in an instant she was wrapped in flames.  There being no one near to help the little sufferer, she ran screaming into the street, when she was seen by Frank Smith, who extinguished the flames.  Dr. Thompson, of Sidney Plains, was immediately summoned, and everything possible done to ease the pain of the suffering child, but all in vain.  All the upper portion of the body was so terribly burned as to leave the surface nerves exposed and the shock was so great that death ensued at 10 o'clock the same night, after twelve hours of terrible suffering. She was a bright, intelligent child, and the afflicted family have the sympathy of all who know them.  Republican

News Item

Frances Shrouder, who, with her husband, is now confined in the Madison County [NY] jail, under indictment for poisoning her mother, Mrs. Lancy Barnard, who died a few weeks since in Chittenango [Madison Co. NY], is now suspected of having poisoned Mrs. Lovica Pope, aged eighty years, who died suddenly in July 1876.  Mrs. Pope resided with her niece, Mrs. Barnard, mother of Mrs. Shrouder, in Chittenango and died about four o'clock in the afternoon when her remains were at once started for the place of interment in Truxton, Cortland, County [NY], where the deceased had formerly resided. They were taken in a one-horse hearse, driven by her niece's husband, arriving in Truxton about eleven o'clock on the following day, and were immediately buried without ceremony, relatives who lived nearby not having been notified of her death until one week after her burial.  Since the death of Mrs. Barnard, the doctor who attend both her and Mrs. Pope was struck with the similarity of the symptoms in the two cases.  On the 14th inst., Coroner Hendricks, of Cortland, took up Mrs. Pope's body, and the stomach was taken by Dr. Smith of the Syracuse University, who analyzed the same, and found positive traces of arsenic therein.  It is stated that the old lady held a mortgage of $1,000 upon Barnard's property, which, after her death, he claimed she had given him.  Also, that she had $800 in United States bonds in her bed, which were never found after she died.  Mrs. Shrouder spent money very freely after the funeral.  She is also suspected of having poisoned her father, Charles Barnard, who died over a year ago.  It is alleged that a Chittenango man seduced Frances at fourteen, and she lived as his mistress for some time.  Her mother opposed this, but her father upheld the girl.  She is now twenty-five years of age and not very prepossessing in appearance.  The testimony against her, as the murderess of her mother, is very strong.

____________________________

Mourned by Two Widows

On Monday morning of last week, the body of a man was found lying in a shed at a sash and blind factory in Mechanicville, Saratoga County [NY].  Deceased was about forty years of age, dressed in good working clothes and having in his possession a satchel containing changes of clothing, a silver watch and chain and a few other small articles.  By his side was found a small paper box marked "Morphine, Poison."  The box was empty.  On the other side was a large tin box without any cover that had evidently been used as a drinking cup.  There was nothing to establish the identity of the man beyond the name "Wells" on the bosom strap of his shirt and the name "M.D. Wells" in a memorandum book found in the valise.  The man had evidently been timekeeper in some large works, for in the book were a large number of entries of the names of men and the length of time they had worked.  Nothing could be learned as to his place of residence, except that a clue may be gained from a single address found in the book.  There was no name, simply "No. 9 Montclair Street, Oswego." Deceased was evidently a mechanic, as in his satchel was found a machinist's hammer and a rule; besides, his hands bore the marks of toil. The coroner made a postmortem examination of the remains and found the system in excellent order, except a derangement of the stomach caused by the action of some powerful poison. The physicians are positive, however, that the poison was not morphine.

George Scrafford of Schenectady [Schenectady Co. NY] saw an account of the finding of the body published in the Troy papers and on Thursday he went to Mechanicville where the remains were exhumed and he identified the deceased as M.D. Wells, who, for a long time, had worked with him in the blacksmith's shop of J.M. Jones & Co.'s car works in Schenectady.  He represented Wells as industrious and frugal, unmarried, and resided when at home with a married sister at or near Binghamton [Broome Co. NY].  He also stated that Wells left Schenectady about two weeks before, with quite a large amount of money, of which it was believed he had been robbed.

It appears that the dispatch to Oswego brought to light a Mrs. Watters, a plain, unpretending seamstress, who claims to be the wife of deceased, whose real name was W.W. Watters.  Thirteen years ago, Mrs. Watters' husband, a shiftless, good for nothing fellow left her and went away.  In a short time, he sent for his wife, and on his promise to support her and conduct himself as he should, she went to live with him again.  It was but a few weeks before he fell back into his old habits. The wife soon discovered that it was less difficult to provide for herself alone than to support herself and a lazy, abusive husband.  Finally, patience ceased to be a virtue, and Mrs. Watters went back to Oswego and gained a comfortable living by her needle.  Years passed away, and hearing nothing of her husband she gave him up as dead. To her surprise, the latter part of last month, a man walked into her humble domicile and announced himself as her husband.  She recognized him as such but refused to live with him. She plainly told him that he had no place in her affections. The man at the time went under the name of M.D. Wells.  After hanging about Oswego for a few days, he disappeared and was not afterward seen.  

Monday he was found dead as stated.  Wednesday, postmaster Ames of Oswego received a letter asking if Wells ever resided in Oswego. the postmaster knew Wells, as he was called when last in Oswego and informed his wife.  The widow forgot and forgave and attended to the burial of her hapless husband.  Mr. Watters went to Mechanicville on Friday, when the body was again exhumed and Mrs. Watters, remembering a peculiarity of her husband, asked to have his boots and stockings removed, as he was in the habit of carrying his money in his stocking.  This was done, but there was no money there. The body, together with the effects of the suicide were forwarded to Oswego for interment.

Now comes the most singular part of this strange story.  For some reason Mr. Jones, of Schenectady, was led to believe that deceased had friends in Norwich [Chenango Co. NY], and on Thursday Postmaster Spaulding received a letter from him, asking him to make inquiries. This he did at once, and upon interviewing Mrs. Almira Wells (formerly Markham), a dressmaker residing in this village [Norwich], became satisfied that deceased was her husband, to whom she has been married several years.  He had not lived with her much of late, and for some time past had been at work in Jones & Co.'s shop in Schenectady.  He visited her between two and three weeks ago, stopping a few days and left on Monday, the 18th inst. The next day she received a postal card from him, announcing his arrival at Mechanicville. That was the last she heard of him until the news of his death came. She is confident he is her erring husband and has written to wife No. 1 for some trifling article found upon his person, by which she may more fully satisfy herself that her convictions are well founded.  He had not much money in his possession when here.  Wells was not a model husband, in many respects. 

Vital Records, Chenango (1847), Madison (1867) Counties, NY

 Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, July 7, 1847

Marriage

In this town [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY] on Sunday evening last, by Rev. C.T. Johynson, Mr. Samuel S. Bloom, merchant of Utica [Oneida Co. NY] to Miss Mary [Lamb] daughter of Mr. Anthony Lamb, Jr., of the former place.

Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, July 14, 1847

Marriage

In Earlville [Madison Co. NY] on the morning of the 7th inst., by Rev. C.T. Johnson, Mr. Leander Mudge to Miss Helen M. [Buell] daughter of Ira Buell, Esq. both of Earlville. 

Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, July 28, 1847

Death

In Smyrna [Chenango Co. NY] on the 19th inst. widow Huldah Smith, aged 103 years.

Oneida Dispatch, Oneida, NY, April   6, 1867

Marriages

COLE - BRIDGE:  In Oneida Castle [Oneida Co. NY], April 1, by Rev. Andrew Cochran, Mr. D.A. Cole of Lansing, Mich. to Miss Celentia J. Bridge,  daughter of J.L. Bridge of Oneida Castle.

ROBINSON - FARNAM:  In Oneida [Madison Co. NY] at the residence of S.H. Farnam, March 28, by Rev. Charles E. Robinson, Mr. J. Robinson of Hartwick, Otsego Co. [NY] to Miss S.M. Farnam of Oneida.

CHUBBUCK - LAKE:  In Morrisville [Madison Co. NY] March 28, by Rev. S.S. Utter, Mr. Melville Chubbuck to Miss Minnie J. Lake, all of Morrisville.

WILLIAMSON - HULL:  In Sullivan [Madison Co. NY], March 28 by Rev. P.L. Hakes, Mr. Edwin Williamson to Miss Genia G. Hull, both of Sullivan.

BUTTERFIELD - HADCOCK:  In Deansville [Oneida Co. NY], March 16, by the Methodist Minister, Mr. Leander Butterfield to Miss Harriet Hadcock both of Madison [Madison co. NY].

BLISS - CLARK:  In Madison [Madison Co. NY] March 19, by Rev. E.S. Davis, Mr. Elisha J. Blinn of Eaton [Madison Co. NY] to Miss Nettie A. Clark of Hubbardsville [Madison Co. NY\].

HARRIS - BEEBE:  In West Eaton [Madison Co. NY] March 26, by Rev. O. Tayntor, Mr. Spencer L. Harris to Miss Olive C. Beebeu both of Erieville [Madison Co. NY].

BUTTERMAN - MALLORY:  In Canastota, March 25, by Rev. L.C. Rogers, Mr. Edwin Butterman to Mrs. Lucinda Mallory both of Sullivan [Madison Co. NY].

GRIFFIN - GAGE:  In Pierceville [Madison Co. NY], March 30, by Rev. J.W. Michael, Mr. J. Vermilye Griffin to Miss Lucia A. Gage.

STOOKS - SUTTER:  In Rome [Oneida Co. NY] March 12, by Rev. Mr. Clark, Mr. Henry Stooks of Verona [Oneida Co. NY] to Miss Carolien Sutter of Conradt Settlement [Columbia Co. NY].

MOORE - LYON:  In Nelson [Madison Co. NY] April 2d, by Rev. I. Harris, Frank W. Moore to Miss Mary A. Lyon all of Nelson.

Deaths

LAMB:  In this village [Oneida, Madison Co. NY], April 3, Mrs. Abigail Lamb, wife of Mr. Avery Lamb, formerly of Westmorland, Oneida Co. [NY] aged 52 years and 10 months.

MOTT:  In Hamilton [Madison Co. NY] March 22, Mrs. Prudence Mott aged 53 years.

JACKSON:  In Georgetown [Madison Co. NY] March 20, Mrs. Maria Jackson aged 63 years.

DAMON:  In Bridgeport [Madison Co. NY], March 15, Clark K. Damon, aged 65 years.

BAKER:  In Madison [Madison Co. NY], of diptheria, Willie [Baker] only son of George and Rose Baker, aged 4 years.

SEXTON:  In DeRuyter [Madison Co. NY] March 25, Mrs. Nancy Sexton aged 82 years.

SCOTT:  In Cazenovia [Madison Co. NY] Mrs. E. Jeanette Scott aged 32 years 11 months and 12 days. [Ellen Jeanette Smith Scott d. 26 March 1867]

HOLLENBECK:  In Oneida [Madison Co. NY] March 28, Mr. Oswin A. Hollenbeck aged 54 years.

BURCH:  In Green's Corners [Saratoga Co. NY], April 3 of congestion of the lungs, Mrs. Adaline Burch, formerly of Wampsville [Madison Co. NY], aged 68 years.

TRACY: Peterboro, Madison Co. NY:  The funeral of old Mr. Tracy, who died of cancer on Friday last, was attended at his late residence in this place on Sunday.  He had been a great sufferer, and death was a great relief.  Rev. C.A. Hammon conducted the exercises, which were very brief, as the body was to be taken to Nelson [Madison Col. NY] for interment.

DENISON:  In Oneida [Madison Co. NY] March 23, at the residence of her mother, Mrs. N.B. Wilbur, Mrs. Mary W. Denison, wife of Lyman Denison, Esq. of New York.

No brief obituary notice can do justice to the memory of one who possessed such a rare combination of personal beauty with exquisite culture of mind and heart. whether we refer to her kind and gentle spirit, by which she won the affection of all who knew her, to her intellectual gifts, her perfect taste and fine execution in painting and music, by which she challenged their admiration or her ardent childlike love of all things beautiful in nature by which the world of beauty in sight and sound was open to her sensitive soul or to that Christian faith which consecrated and sanctified these gifts and graces.  We are embarrassed by the limits of this notice.  In the prime of her life and beauty, she fell a victim to disease.  For several years, she bravely resisted its inroads, receiving all the loving care which the devoted ministry of her family could render.  But it becoming evident the past winter that she was failing, she left the city for the quiet repose of the country to die in her mother's house.  There, in perfect quiet and peace, grateful as a child for every kindness shown her, looking to her Savior with that entire reliance which removed all fear or dread of death, she lay for several weeks, waiting the summons to depart. and when, in the early watch her Savior called, she, asking for her husband and mother, smiled sweetly saying "Jesus is taking me," and slept in Him.

"So fades a summer cloud away; / So sinks the gale when storms are o'er; / So gently shuts the eye of day; / So dies a wave along the shore."

After the funeral exercises, her remains were conveyed to DeRuyter [Madison Co. NY] where beside those of her father, they rest in the hope of the resurrection.

Stories from the History of Guilford, Chenango County, NY (1868)

 Telegraph and Chronicle, Norwich, NY, April 1, 1868

"Good Old Times" by Effie Johnson

To one passing over the fertile hills and through the pleasant valleys of Guilford, noting the broad cultivated farms, with their nice comfortable farmhouses, the schools and churches so thickly scattered over its whole extent, it would seem somewhat like a fairy tale to hear that some of the first settlers of this thriving town still live [in 1868], yet such is the fact, although the number year by year is rapidly decreasing and soon the last link which binds us to the past will be broken.  Although the weight of more than eighty years is resting upon the calm pleasant faced old lady who gave me the facts which I shall here record, and the light has gone out forever from her blue eyes, yet her mind is as clear and vigorous, and her memory (especially of things pertaining to the olden time as perfect as at twenty-five.  She belongs to the numerous and intelligent family of the Yales, who settled the south part of the town, giving it the name of "Yale Settlement" or "Yaleville."

Guilford formerly belonged to Oxford.  About the year 1818, it was set off as a town and named Eastern.  Where or when this was changed to its present name, we are unable to learn.  The first settler was a Mr. Stephen Wicks, who with his family brought their goods from Bainbridge on their backs, their only road an Indian trail.  This was previous to 1797.  In 1799 Benjamin and Uriah Yale came on from Dutchess County [NY] and in 1803 Luman and James Birch joined the little company of settlers.  The last named gentleman lived with the wife of his youth for 70 years.  Married at the respective ages of 18 and 16, they lived together for seventy years, and at the ages of eighty-six and eighty-four carried on the work of a farm themselves, the good wife of eighty-four doing the dairy work for fifteen cows and churning by hand.  It is no wonder that Guilford is famed for the amount and excellence of its dairy products when we know it was settled by such people as those.  Two years later the venerable lady laid down to her long last sleep and at the ripe age of ninety-nine, her partner took to himself a bride of seventy.  

We will return to our first settlers.  Mr. Benjamin Yale the father of Mrs. Cooper, our informant, was eleven days making the distance from Dutchess Co., now accomplished by rail, in one.  His family consisted of his wife and nine children.  He drove a span of horses, a yoke of oxen and a cow all the distance. The country was an unbroken wilderness, but nothing daunted, the brave settler entered upon the task of felling the giant trees, preparing the ground for crops and putting in the seed which was to be for the life of all they brought with them, for there was no market in the wilderness where food could be procured at any price.

"I shall never forget the summer of 1800," said Mrs. Y, "for the scarcity of food and our near approach to starvation.  It lacked yet several weeks to the harvest and our grain was nearly gone.  Oh, how anxiously we watched the slowly ripening wheat, as our supply grew more and more scanty.  At last, all was gone.  We had the milk of two cows upon which eleven persons were to depend for subsistence.  All we had left was a little corn which we had saved for a stool pigeon, and this my father took into an iron mortar and commenced pounding it up for our last morsel of bread.  I remember how my mother's face had grown sadder as the food diminished and she looked round upon her little flock, till now, she broke down and cried.

Our good neighbor Stephen Wicks came in just then and said, "What are you doing, doctor?"  Father answered, "I am pounding up my last corn for a little bread and then I don't know but we must starve."

"Not while I have a morsel to divide," said the kind man.  "Send a child to my house, Mrs. Yale, and my wife will give you some flour."

"I went accompanied by a little sister, and the good woman filled a pillowcase with flour which was more precious to us than gold.  How carefully that flour was dealt out by our frugal mother, a piece of bread to each, and a cup of milk until the harvest came.  That was a joyful harvest, and after that we never knew want."  

I looked from the pleasant window of the farmhouse where I was sitting with my blind friend, upon a beautiful landscape. The green meadow grass was waving in the summer wind; smooth pasture lands dotted with sheep and cattle were beyond and the hillside was crowned with forest trees.  It was a peaceful rural scene, yet the shadowed eyes beside me had gazed upon this very land when it was one unbroken forest.  On this well cultivated farm more than half a century ago, she with her husband made themselves a home.  

"Our first housekeeping was very rude," she said, "Our house was a mere shanty, and we had neither table or chair.  [Planks] a wide one for the table and narrow ones for the chairs had to do duty until fall, when we built a chimney for our house and bought a table and chairs."  I could not but look with respect and reverence upon the venerable lady who had so patiently endured the toil and hardship of pioneer life and rejoice that in the evening of her days, surrounded by every comfort and cared for by kind children, she found rest.  Only the summer before, her aged companion had left her for the eternal home, and it seemed a pleasure to her to recall the scenes of youth.  

"Mother, tell how you were chased by wolves," said a bright-eyed daughter-in-law, who had been listening to the conversation.  "My brothers were always busy, of course, clearing up the land, so it fell to my lot, a little girl then of ten or twelve years, to go for the cows at night. I always found them by the tinkling bells they wore, for there were no roads or fences, you know.  My little sister accompanied me, and a large, faithful dog always was with us. We had gone about half a mile when we heard the bells and knew that the cows were chased by wolves or they were running very fast. They rushed past us and our noble dog growled while his hair stood straight up and I knew he was dreadfully frightened.  I told my sister to run for her life and I hurried after as fast as I could, patting the dog and saying "don't leave me, don't leave me."  For a while he obeyed me, growling and looking very savage all the time, then suddenly springing aside.  I heard him grapple with a great wolf who was hoping to make a meal of us, since he had missed of the cows. You may believe I ran then, but before we reached home the faithful dog overtook us, with the skin torn entirely from his face and hanging from his jaws.  He had saved us, and he was well cared for, and he got quite well again."

Deer and bears and wolves were plenty enough.  I have seen eight deer at one time following each other, and hunting amounted to something then.  Our neighbor Wicks was a famous hunter.

Benjamin Yale died in 1851 at the advanced age of 102.  Mrs. Uriah Yale, who died in 1860 at the age of 99, was a remarkably intelligent woman and retained her vigorous intellect to the last.  She was a great lover of the Bible and had almost, if not entirely, committed it to memory.  In the house where she died, lives a lady of 100 years.  So, Guilford does not seem unfavorable to longevity.  One of the sons of Uriah Yale lived 70 years in the town and died during the summer of 1867 at the age of 85 years.  Stephen Yale, his brother, still is living [in 1868], almost the only representative of the band of youthful settlers of 1799, who have made the wilderness to bud and blossom as the rose.

Vital Records, Chenango County, NY (1879, 1880)

 Sherburne News, Sherburne, NY, December 27, 1879

Marriage

FROST - GRIFFIN:  At the M.E. Parsonage in Leonardsville, Madison Co. [NY] Dec. 17, 1879, by Rev. J.B. Kenyon, Charles A. Frostb of Sherburne [Chenango Co. NY] and Miss Nellie P. Griffin of Leonardsville.

Death

Mr. D.T. Hiller and wife were called to South Onondaga [Onondaga Co. NY] the first of the week by the severe illness of Mr. Joseph Owen Seeley, father of Mrs. Hiller.  Unfortunately, they were too late to reach there before his death which occurred on Monday the 22d.  Mr. Seeley was 83 years of age and was a prominent and most respected citizen, having when in active life filled many positions of public trust with honor and distinguished ability.

Bainbridge Republican, Bainbridge, NY, January 9, 1880

Birth

Rev. H.M.J. Hawley of Afton [Chenango Co. NY] is the happy man.  It is a girl and weighs 7-1/2 pounds.  It came to town last Wednesday night.

Marriage

Mrs. Dwight Scott was the recipient of a pleasant surprise on Wednesday evening by the congregating at her residence of a few of her personal friends to congratulate her on the fifteenth anniversary of her wedding day - Crystal wedding as it is termed.  The evening passed very pleasantly, refreshments were partaken of and everyone left wishes for many anniversaries ere the final parting.

Guilford, Chenango Co. NY:  Mr. and Mrs. James Decker celebrated their fifth anniversary on Tuesday eve last.  there was a large number in attendance and some very fine presents.

Deaths

An aged citizen of Afton [Chenango Co. NY] Jerry J. Sheldon, 77 years old, died Sunday last.  He has been partially blind for several years.  He was a sterling old Democrat that never wavered in the faith.

Diphtheria is raging at an alarming rate in Towanda [Erie Co. NY].  A family by the name of Madden are all prostrated with the disease except Mr. Madden, and three of the children have already died.

Tommy Long and Jimmy Murray aged five and seven years were drowned in Elmira [Chemung Co. NY] Saturday by the ice on a pond giving way.

Masonville, Delaware Co. NY:  M. Stillman Davis died at his residence on Beach Hill, Dec. 29th.  The funeral services were held at the Baptist church, Dec. 31st by Elder Ripley.

_______________________

A Sad Accident

New Year's Day was not by a long way a happy day to a family named Meaker, residing in the Fifth ward [Binghamton, Broome Co. NY].  A sad calamity occurred to that family in the drowning of a little son named Albert Meaker, aged seven years.  He, with two other boys named Albert Preston, aged nine years, son of C.B. Preston, and a third boy about their own age, Harry Van Alstyne, had been riding downhill in the upper part of the fifth ward and left their homes at about ten o'clock in the morning.  They had not been there long before they decided to go on the ice of the Susquehanna and slide, and soon they were playing near the Rockbottom dam, near the entrance of the flume to the mills, where the water flows swiftly and the ice was quite thin.

At about two and a half o'clock a crowd was quickly brought upon the bank to witness the ice breaking and two of the boys, the Preston lad and the Meaker boy, splashing for dear life and likely to be drowned under the ice by the rapid current.  It was necessary that something for their rescue should be done immediately, but none of the crowd, it appeared, dared venture upon the tender ice, when quickly a young man, names Thomas F. Garvey who was some distance away, heard the sad cries of the little fellows for help, came rushing across the road and, pushing his way through the terrified crowd, rushed down a wooden framework where saw logs are drawn up into the mill and stepped out upon the ice.  He did not heed its bending but quickly prepared to swim by throwing off his heavy beaver overcoat.  He advanced farther and went down, the ice giving away by his weight.  He had gone about twenty feet from the shore but was sufficient distance to reach out and firmly grasp young Preston as the boy was going down for the third and last time.  The water here is said to be about twenty-five feet deep.

The heroic man Garvey was noble in clinging to the one he had sought to save, and notwithstanding that he was about to peril his own life, he would not let go his grip on the drowning boy. The water was cold and he was chilled through and being in such a condition it was impossible for him to swim.  Undoubtedly both he and the boy Preston would have been drowned were it not for tthe timely assistance of Maurice Gilbert and one named Potter, who put out some planks to which he caught hold and was rescued.

Mr. Garvey was scarcely able to walk when he landed upon the shore but encouraged by the many friends who had viewed the scene, he succeeded in safely reaching his home.  He changed his clothing and fortunately did not take cold from Hsi cold water bath.  The Preston boy was breathing but was unconscious.  He was taken into Mr. J. Hanrahan's on South Street, stripped of his garments by Mrs. Hanrahan and a neighbor, who rubbed the boy until his body changed from rigid coldness to warmth.  he was given stimulant and put into bed until the arrival of his father and mother, who afterwards took him to their home on South Carroll Street, Fifth ward.

Little Albert Meaker was never more seen alive.  He was near the edge of the ice, and he was carried by the swift water out into the stream. the spectators upon the shore witnessed a most terrifying sight. The boy cried for help, and it could not be given him, and they saw him when he went down for the last time. Rapidly he was carried along until he reached the dam, and as the boy passed over the dam, the little fellow's arms swung up as though he were asking someone to catch him from striking into the bubbling waters beneath.

Whitney A. Moore, Thomas Crow and George Troop procured a boat below the dam, and by breaking away the ice as they endeavored to slide the boat out to the water, they soon reached the unfrozen river.  The rowed around for a short time, when they beheld the body and recovered it.  It was floating face downwards about two feet under the river's surface and had reached nearly to the Exchange Street foot bridge.

It was lifted out and carried to Mr. Orin Gleason's, on Exchange Street and Dr. J.H. Chittenden dispatched for. The doctor arrived but did no good and the body was sent to the mother, Mrs. John Meaker, who is a neighbor living on the same street with Mr. and Mrs. Preston.

The boys each had sleighs with them at the time of the accident and the Meaker boy's sleigh was never seen after the accident.  Little Harry Van Alstyne succeeded in getting the Preston boy's sleigh, piled it upon his own and started rapidly for home crying all the way that "Bertie Meaker was drowned."  He in that way breaking the sad intelligence upon Mrs. Meaker and Mrs. Preston.  The Preston boy states that he first saw "Bertie" Meaker break through and that he endeavored to rescue him and thus he narrowly escaped drowning.

Binghamton Leader, January 2.

Vital Records, Broome (1838, 1874), Otsego (1873) Counties, NY

 Broome Republican, Binghamton, NY, April  12, 1838

Marriages

In this village [Binghamton, Broome Co. NY] on the 7th inst. by George E. Isbell, Esq. Mr. Dryden A. Pope to Miss Lucy Roberts.

At Conklin [Broome Co. NY] on the 29th ult. by the Rev. Mr. McCrary, Mr. Hezekiah F. Lee of Salisbury, Conn. to Miss Betsey Ann Ensign, formerly of the same place.

Death

In Marshal, Calhoun County, Michigan, on the 8th day of March last, Sarah [Crissey] wife of Mr. Peter Crissey, late of this village [Binghamton, Broome Co. NY], aged about 45 years.

Broome Republican, Binghamton, NY, April 19, 1838

Death

In this town [Binghamton, Broome Co. NY] on the 16th inst. Mr. John Jewel, Jr., aged 22 years.

Broome Republican, Binghamton, NY, April 26, 1838

Death

In this village [Binghamton, Broome co. NY] on Thursday the 19th inst. of a consumption, Mr. Henry T Shipman, aged 56 years.  Mr. Shipman, was one of the earliest settlers in this village, having resided  here 33 years.  He was a member of the Presbyterian Church and had been through life a man of excellent moral character.  He has left a widow and a large family of children.

Union News, Union, NY, October 3, 1874

Death

A child of John P. Pier was buried here [Union Broome Co. NY] yesterday whose death is supposed to ave been caused by an injury received a week or two ago by striking  headfirst a tree while being swung,

Union News, Union, NY, October 17, 1874

Marriage

On the 8th instant at the residence of W.W. Hooper in Union [Broome Co. NY] by Rev. William N. Cobb, Henry V. Trask of Hornellsville [Steuben Co. NY]to Miss Jennie Stevenson of Union.

Death

In the town of Owego, Tioga Co.  N.Y on Sunday morning, October 11th, 1874, Benjamin Burton aged 47 years.

Union News, Union, NY, October 24, 1874

Deaths

In this village [Union, Broome Co. NY], Oct. 22d, 1874, of scarlet fever and congestion of the lungs, Harry [Park] son of Gregory and Eliza Z. Park, aged 2 years and 4 months.

In Union Centre [Broome Co. NY] Sept. 25th, 1874, Ida M. [Rockwell] aged 8 years and 11 months.

Daniel B. Simpson one of the best known and most respected citizens of Binghamton [Broome Co. NY] died Thursday evening Oct. 15th, in his 59th year.  His funeral took place last Saturday.

Morris Chronicle, Morris, NY, July 2, 1873

Marriages

June 19th, At Exeter [Otsego Co. NY], by Rev. E.H. Pecke, Orville L. Plumb of Burlington Flats [Otsego Co. NY] to Miss Alice jones of Exeter.

June 21st, At Mr. Vision [Otsego Co. NY]by Daniel Barnard, esq. Chancelor Spicer to Miss Libbie Johnson, both of Morris [Optsego Co. NY].

June 22d, At Toddsville [Otsego Co. NY] by Rev. H.A. Blanchard, Daniel A. Park of Burlington [Otsegp Co. NY] to Mrs. Julia A. Wheeler of Toddsville.

Deaths

June 16th, In New Lisbon [Otsego Co. NY] Mrs Elsie W. Ballard aged 69 years.

June 28th, In Morris [Otsego Co. NY] at the residence of his son-in-law, D.D. Dye, Jonathan Angell aged 82 years and 5 months.

June 29th, In New Lisbon [Otsego Co. NY], Isaac C. Kimbell Esq. aged 58 years and 19 months.

Two boys, sons of Volentine Pope, New Berlin [Chenango Co. NY] went in swimming in the Unadilla River last Friday evening at that place, and one of them aged 12 years, got into deep water and was drowned.  The younger one gave the alarm, but it was nearly an hour before the body could be found. This should prove as a warning to young boys, to keep out of dangerous waters.

Civil War Letter, January 1862, Dr. Meigs Case

 Oneonta Herald, Oneonta, NY, January 15, 1862

Civil War Letter from Dr. Meigs Case

Camp Griffin, Va., January 10th, 1862

Friend Carpenter:  I beg leave through your columns to thank certain patriotic ladies of Oneonta [Otsego Co. NY] for their very acceptable present to the hospital of the 43d Regiment.  The box sent contained a well selected and useful list of articles, and they are already adding to the comfort of our invalids.

Mrs. Moore and others in West Davenport, Delaware County [NY], will also, accept our thanks for a similar gift.

As an interest seems to be taken in our sanitary condition, I will at some future time, send you a copy of our Brigade hospital report.

It occurs to me as I write, that it is precisely five months since I entered upon my duties as assistant Surgeon of the Regiment. during which time, I have been acting Surgeon of the Reg't for four months through the absence of my Senior.

During that time, the other Regiments composing our Brigade have lost by death in hospital, from 12 to 19 men, and one regiment for a long time has reported one-fourth of their entire number off duty by reason of sickness.

I am happy to say, that but one death has taken place in our Regiment during the five months past, and we never have reported more than one sixteenth of our full number off duty by sickness.  Thus it will be seen that we are in a most gratifying condition of health.  The Maine Regiments seem to suffer most and one near us has lost twenty-seven men in three months.

The sickly season, however, is upon us, and I fear that we too shall succumb to the terrible depressing influences of malaria.  Our worst enemy at present, is measles, of which we have had within a brief period, over thirty cases, some of them quite severe and complicated with bronchitis pneumonia, &c, &c.  Again, thanking the good people of my native region for their kind remembrances of the sick soldiers, I am Respectfully, Meigs Case, Surgeon, 43d Regt. N.Y.S.V.

Vital Records, Cortland (1849), Otsego (1862) Counties, NY

 McGrawville Express, McGrawville, NY, July 12, 1849

Marriages

In Homer [Cortland Co. NY] on the 4th inst. by Rev. William N. Cobb of Homer, Mr. James L. Decker and Miss Polly Maria Dodge both of McGrawville [Cortland Co. NY].

In Jerusalem [Yates Co. NY], June 13th by Rev. S.J. Decker, Mr. Isaac Nye and Miss Juba Carey of Bristol [Ontario Co. NY].

In Solon [Cortland Co. NY], on the 4th inst. by Rev. A.H. Trow, Mr. David W. Seacord and Miss Ruth Ann Champeon all of the above-named place.

In McGrawville [Cortland Co. NY] on the 10th inst. by Rev. William N. Pearne, Mr. Darwin R. Rice and Miss Mary Wight, both of Solon.

Death

We learn from a gentleman from Norwich, Chenango Co. that the Eagle Hotel, kept by D.E. Lawrence, was destroyed by fire on Tuesday night.  The sister of Mrs. Lawrence and two children belonging to the landlord were also burned to death!  This is indeed lamentable!  Syracuse Reveille

[Note:  In the report of the fire published in a Norwich newspaper, there is no mention of the loss of life, leading to the possibility that the report above is incorrect.]

Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, July 11, 1849:  The morning of the 4th was ushered in at this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY] by a display of fireworks of an unexpected and destructive character.  Shortly after 4 o'clock, the Eagle Hotel, owned by H. DeForest and occupied by D.E. Lawrence was discovered to be on fire.  The alarm was given and the citizens soon assembled, but too late to arrest the progress of the flames.  The building being of the most inflammable material and entirely dry, was rapidly consumed, scarcely allowing time to remove the furniture.  Among the articles lost were several pictures, engravings, window shades and other property belonging to some of our citizens which had been loaned to decorate the ballroom used for an ice cream party given on the night of the 3d, among them, the beautiful painting drawn last year in the Art Union lottery by H. Hubbard. Esq.

How the fire originated is not known. The building was insured to the amount of $2000 and the furniture of $1000 in the Saratoga Mutual, which will nearly cover the loss.  Mr. Lawrence, however, lost some personal property, and suffers heavily in being thrown out of business at a time when it would have been most profitable to him.

Fortunately, our citizens were enabled by their exertions, assisted by a still air and the engine of Mr. Rider, to prevent the fire from spreading to adjoining buildings.

This fire furnishes to our citizens another admonition to adopt some measures to meet a similar visitation hereafter.  There is not probably a village in the State of the size and importance of this, which is so poorly provided in this respect. there is but one engine here and that is owned by a private citizen, while there is no organized fire company. A village like this should have at least two engines and two efficient companies.

McGrawville Express, McGrawville, NY, July 19, 1849

Deaths

A young man by the name of Joseph Holmes fell from the canal boat Vera Cruz, in the Varick canal on Tuesday evening and was drowned.  He is said to have come from St. Lawrence Co. where his friends probably reside.  Owego Times

____________________________

Two young ladies, residents of New York City, Misses Ferguson and Sybil, aged about 14 years, were drowned at South Worcester, Otsego County, on the 30th ult.  They were students in the Charlotte Academy.

Cherry Valley Gazette, Cherry Valley, NY, July 11, 1849:  On the afternoon of Saturday the 30th of June, the Rev. Samuel D. Ferguson and lady, and a company of young ladies of the Charlotte Academy, called to visit my family about 3 o'clock, P.M.  After being there a few hours, my children and niece accompanied the young ladies in taking a walk.  they went up to Strain's mill pound, about an hundred rods distant, without my knowledge or the knowledge of Mr. or Mrs. Ferguson.

After they arrived at the pond, my son, George, a lad of ten years old, got into a small boat and proposed to take a ride on the water with the young ladies.  My niece, Eliza, told them not to do so, and some of them promised they would not.  She left with several of the company to return to my house, knowing tea was about ready.  Soon after she had left, she heard screams and immediately ran for help.  James Strain, esq. and family heard their cries and immediately went to the edge of the pond, near where the boat had given way to them.  At this moment George and the four young ladies were out of the boat in the deep water.  George swam about, seized the hands of some who were about sinking and placed them on the edge of the boat, assuring them they would be saved if they would hold fast and not be frightened.  He then left them with the assurance that he would go ashore and get help to save them.  About the time he arrived at the shore, Esquire Strain and his wife and two others arrived, when the girls were yet clinging to the boat and screaming , "O man, help! O do not let us drown."  Esquire Strain told them to keep still and hang on to the boat, they should be saved. About this time, it was evident that Misses Hanna Ann Ferguson and Frances Sybil were about letting go the boat and sinking.  Mrs. Strain advised her husband to go in and save them.  At this time, they were not exceeding two rods from the shore. Strain took off his hat and shoes exclaiming, "O, My God!" and plunged in after them.  When he got in reach of Misses F. and S., they took hold of him and he made his way for the shore quite rapidly for a few feet, but one of the young ladies took hold of him with the grasp of death about his neck, and the other about one of his arms, at once checking his progress towards the shore.  He stopped and exclaimed, "O my back," when all three went down.

At this instant, after Strain had the two young ladies, Mr. Eaton, of Herkimer County, went for a rope to throw to the other two, who continued to cling to the boat.  Mrs. Strain also left to get a board to reach them. They were gone not to exceed two minutes and when they returned Strain and the other girls were out of sight, and Mr. Eaton inquired of Misses Martha Griffin and Mary Stevenson what had become of Strain and others. They exclaimed that they had gone down and were drowned.  He then threw the rope towards them, but they could not reach the first time he threw it.  He then threw it again and they both grasped it and were drawn ashore, and considerable distance under water, and were saved.

Numerous persons immediately arrived, and after searching about a half an hour, found Mr. Strain at the bottom, where the water was about 11 feet deep.  He was then carried to the shore, in presence of his wife and eight children.  Soon after, Miss Ferguson was found within a few feet of where Mr. Strain was, and in a short time Miss Sibyl was also found.  They were all entirely lifeless. The two young ladies were residents of the city of New York, one of whom was an only daughter.

Mr. Strain was in the 46th year of his age; has left the home of his birth and is forever severed from his family and friends in a fervent effort to save those whom he never before saw or knew.  He was an excellent swimmer, but nothing at the critical moment could avail him.  the young ladies were about fourteen years of age.  I arrived at the spot within ten minutes after Mr. Strain and Misses Ferguson and Sybil went down.

Yours &c. Abraham Becker.

McGrawville Express, McGrawville, NY, July 26, 1849

Deaths

In Spring Port [Cayuga Co. NY], on the 23d inst., Miss Amanda M. Benedict, aged 20 years.

In New York, at the institution for the blind, the 2d inst. Esther Rosette [Eldridge], daughter of William Eldridge of Cortlandville, aged 19 years.

Oneonta Herald, Oneonta, NY, January 15, 1862

Marriages

In Otego [Otsego Co. NY] on the 6th inst. Andrew A. Mather, Sheriff of Otsego County to Miss Addelaide J. Birdsall, daughter of George Birdsall, Esq. of Otego.

At Windy's Hotel, Morris, N.Y. [Otsego Co.] on the 12th inst. by Rev. H.A. Sherwood, Mr. Henry Merrills to Miss A. Wellman both of Milford, N.Y [Otsego Co.].

In Davenport [Delaware Co. NY] Jan. 18th, by Rev. E.C. Hodge, Mr. Carlton Tallmadge to Miss Mary E. Lockwood, both of Davenport.

In Greene [Chenango Co. NY] on the 31st ult. by Rev. W.C. Sdamson, Noah Thorton to Miss Julia A. Briggs, both of Maine, Broome Co. [NY].

In Afton [Chenango Co. NY] on the 14th inst. by Rev. W. Allen Johnston, Mr. Charles L. Seely to Miss Sarah M . Payne both of Afton.

Deaths

In Laurens, Jan. 8th, Mary E. [Steere] youngest daughter of Elisha B. and Francis A. Steere, int he 8th year of her age.

"Mother weep not for me, / Through broke from the parent stem, / I am now blooming in the Paradise of God."

At the residence of her grandfather, Mr. Dillingham in Geneseo, Ill, Dec. 25th of diptheria. Emma E. [Avery] daughter of John and Sophia W. Avery of Otsego Co. N.Y. aged 9 years, 11 months and 23 days.

During her short but terrible illness, Emma bore her sufferings uncomplainingly and with a fortitude seldom equaled by those more advanced in years.  She was a Christian child and for her mild and sweet disposition was dearly beloved and cherished by all who knew her. Although her parents were far away during her sickness and at her death, yet she had the love and care of fond grandparents and friends to mitigate her pains and to perform the last earthly rites of the child of their affections.

"Suffer little children to come unto me."