Marriages (September 21)

Quinn - Goodrich

Married October 8, 1939, Norwich, NY

Charles Quinn of Smyrna [Chenango Co., NY] and Gertrude Goodrich of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], were united in marriage Sunday morning at 9:30, by Rev. N.S. McPherson at his home on North Broad street.  Those witnessing the ceremony were Mr. and Mrs. Hiram Letson of Norwich and Mr. and Mrs. Leon Atwell and daughter of East Norwich.  Mr. and Mrs. Quinn plan to live in Smyrna.

Tiffany - Gregory

Married November 8, 1942, Jacksonville, FL

Norwich [Chenango Co., NY]:  The family of Sergt. Russell E. Tiffany, Camp Blanding, Fla., Saturday received word of his marriage to Miss Molly Evelyn Gregory of Wadesboro, N.C.  Writing to his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Julian Tiffany of 5 Barnes Street, Sergeant Tiffany revealed his surprise wedding and his promotion to his present rank in the same letter. The wedding was held at Jacksonville, Fla., Nov. 8.  The couple will make their home near Camp Blanding as long as he is stationed there, he writes.

White - Harper

Married October 4, 1942, South New Berlin, NY

Miss Patricia Lucille Harper of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], formerly of West Virginia, was united in marriage with William M. White, son of Mr. and Mrs. Anson White of Norwich Sunday afternoon at 2 o'clock in the South New Berlin Baptist church.  Rev. C.H. Skinner performed the ceremony.  The bride's maid of honor was Mrs. Ruth Burdick of Cincinnatus and her bridesmaid was Mrs. Evelyn Wightman of Norwich, sister of the bridegroom.  Lyle Wightman acted as best man and Robert Burdick was usher.  Following the ceremony the bridal party returned to the home of the bridegroom for a wedding luncheon. The wedding cake was made by Mrs. Wightman.  Many lovely gifts were received by the couple, who will reside in Norwich upon their return from a short wedding trip.

Quackenbos - Hubbard

Married June 26, 1926, Norwich, NY

The wedding of Miss Nellie B. Hubbard and Fred A. Quackenbos occurred Saturday afternoon at 2 o'clock at the Calvary Baptist parsonage.  The ceremony was performed by the Rev S.T. Harding, and the couple was attended by Mr. and Mrs. Clinton A. Burlison of Guilford.  Mrs. Burlison is a sister of the bride. After the ceremony, a four course luncheon was enjoyed at the Aster.  Miss Hubbard has been a clerk in the D.L.&W. freight office in this city for nine years.  Mr. Quackenbos is well known as the owner of a grocery store at the corner of Silver street and Borden avenue.  After an auto trip through Orange county and southeastern New York, Mr and Mrs. Quackenbos will be at home July 15 at 24 Silver street.

Marriage Notices

Chenango American, November 28, 1861

In Preston [Chenango Co.., NY], on the 14th isn't., by Rev. Thomas Fisher, Mr. Augustus W. Slater, of McDonough [Chenango Co., NY], to Miss L. Jennie Rogers, of Preston.

In South Edmeston, Otsego Co., on the 19th inst., by Rev. W. Burnside, Mr. Thomas H. Van Nest, of this town [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], to Miss Maggie A. Moore, of Johnstown, Herkimer Co.

In Pharsalia [Chenango Co., NY], on the 3d inst., by Rev. J.W. Barr, Mr. Prentice Lamb, of McDonough [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Roby Thompson, of Otselic [Chenango Co., NY].

In Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], on the 19th inst., by Rev. S. L. Rorapaugh, Mr. Delos E. Landers, of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], to Miss Arvilla Rorapaugh of Smithville.

In Binghamton [Broome Co., NY], on the 12th inst., by Rev. G.N. Boardman, Mr. Joseph N. Page, to Miss Mary A. VanName, all of Binghamton.

Chenango American, January 16, 1862

In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 1st inst., by Rev. N. Ripely, Mr. Alonzo Tyler of Waukesha, Wis., to Miss E.J. Ketchum, of Norwich.

In Cuyler [Cortland Co., NY], on the 9th inst., by Rev. O. Ketchum, Rev. J.W. Hills, of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], to Miss R.A. Randall.

In Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], on the 20th ult., by John Newell, Esq., Mr. Jacob Christman, of Bainbridge, to Mrs. Van Wert of Unadilla [Otsego Co., NY].

In Smyrna [Chenango Co., NY], on the 31st ult., by Rev. A.C. Smith, Mr. Henry Parker, to Miss Mary Cooly, both of Smyrna.

In Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY], on the 9th inst., by the same, Mr. Lyman Steward, to Julia Backus, both of Plymouth.

In South New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], on the 1st inst., by Rev. N. Ripley, Mr. Silas Clark, to Miss E.E. Griswold, both of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY].

Christmas in the Ellsworth Regiment - 1861

Letter from the Ellsworth Regiment - Christmas in 1861

Chenango American, January 9, 1862

(From a recent letter from D.J. Wilson, of this village [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], now of the Ellsworth Regiment, we make the following extracts, showing how the boys spent Christmas)

Hall's Hill, Va.
Dec. 27, 1861

Dear Friends:....We had great fun on Christmas day.  The day before, the Col. gave orders that there should be no drill and no reveille in the morning, and that we could do as we had a mind to all day.  We therefore went to work to devise some means to have fun.  All the officers were reduced to the ranks, and persons who were full of fun elected in their places.  Bob Hitchcock, cymbal player in the Band, and full of fun, was elected Colonel.  He is fat as Henry Whittenhull, but not as tall.  Charley Hane, bass drummer, was elected Adjutant.  He has been a comic actor on the state at Albany, so you can judge what he is.  New officers were also elected throughout each Company.  The new Colonel gave orders that no two persons should be dressed alike at dress parade, and I must say that his orders were fully executed.  The Colonel appeared dressed in a uniform which I shall not try to describe.  He sat astride the poorest specimen of horseflesh that I ever saw.  The saddle was placed well to the rear, and the Colonel sat in front of it with his face towards the horse's tail.  He was armed with a wooden sword of huge dimensions, and had on his feet wooden spurs about a foot in diameter, though he was so fat that they did not come within quite a distance of the horse's sides. The adjutant was dressed in red throughout.  The markers, which are usually small boys, were two of the largest men in the Regiment.  The Regiment was armed with sticks and clubs so crooked they would not lay still, and two of the boys had live possums tied to their sticks for bayonets.  they were dressed in all manner of shapes. The Adjutant read quite a string of orders which would make a man laugh if he was going to be hung.  There was quite a crowd of spectators present and among them was Benj. Rexford from Norwich.  The Band consisted of about 40 instrument of any kind that would make a noise--15 snare drums (the players of which knew no more about music than Dr. P:---) old pans, trumpets, bugles, etc. etc.

In the forenoon we had a game of foot ball.  This was great sport, although there being so many men and only three balls, a person was in danger of getting his shins kicked.  I know I did mine. Thus we spent Christmas.

Obituaries (September 19)

Florence E. Quinn

Died September 18, 1932, Preston, NY

Mrs. Florence E. Quinn, 69, widow of Frank J. Quinn, who served Chenango county as superintendent of the poor and county welfare commissioner for many years, died at her home in Preston Sunday night Sept. 18th.  With her husband she had been engaged in administering to the needs of the poor for 20 years.  After the death of Mr. Quinn in May, 1931, Mrs. Quinn was appointed to succeed him as welfare officer of the county.

Michael J. Quinn

Died December 3, 1939, Middletown, NY

Michael J. Quinn, well known in this city and a retired O. & W. engineer, passed away at his home in Middletown [Orange Co., NY] Sunday morning.  News of his death was a shock to many Norwich friends and relatives.  Mr. Quinn was born in Norwich about 75 years ago and was a  resident here for some time.  He is survived by his wife, a sister of Michael Finigan of this city; a daughter, Mrs. Lulu Quinn Weyant, and a son, Charles Quinn of Middletown.  He also leaves a sister, Mrs. May Dolan of this city, two nephews, Dr. M.A Quinn and Alfred Quinn, and a niece, Mrs. Jane Lyons of Norwich.  Funeral services are to be held in Middletown Tuesday morning at 9:30 and the body will be brought to Norwich for burial in St. Paul's cemetery at 2 o'clock Tuesday afternoon.  Michael Finigan, Mrs. Jane Lyons and son John and Mrs. Mary Hawley left Norwich Monday afternoon for Middletown to attend the funeral services tomorrow.

Edward F. Quinn

Died February 28, 1915, Norwich, NY

After an illness of several weeks following an operation for appendicitis and two subsequent operations, Edward F. Quinn died at an early hour Friday morning at the Norwich hospital.  Notwithstanding the fact that his serious condition was known for several days, his many friends were deeply shocked when it was learned that the end had come.  Mr. Quinn was born in Dublin, Ireland, fifty-six years ago.  When he was sixteen years of age, he came to this country, locating at Skaneateles, New York, where he learned and was engaged in the florist business until he came to Norwich, and erected his first green houses in 1883.  In 1901, he bought the Manning homestead, 99 East Main street together with some adjoining property, where he built six large green houses and established a lucrative business which developed rapidly under his skillful management.  On May 25th, 1887, he was married to Miss Jennie Sullivan, and two daughters, Mrs. George J. Devine and Miss Regina M. Quinn were born to them.  Besides his widow and daughter, he is survived by two brothers, James, of Kildare, Ireland, and John of Skaneateles, N.Y.  There are few men in Norwich or anywhere who manifested greater devotion to his family, to his business to his church and to the civic prosperity of the community in which he lived than Edward F. Quinn.  He was a devout and consistent member of St. Paul's church, and by his service ad generous donation contributed largely towards the erection of the present church building.  He was the founder of St. Paul's Cemetery Association, and was at the time of his death its superintendent.  He built the building now in the cemetery; he erected the gates at its entrance, and through his efforts more than of any other man in Norwich, this cemetery was changed from a comparative wilderness to one of the beauty spots in the Chenango valley.  He was a member of the Holy Name Society of St. Paul's church, of Norwich council, Knight's of Columbus No. 211 and of division no. 1 of the Ancient Order of Hibernians.  he was generous and charitable without display, and every moment of his useful life was devoted to the interests of some worthy achievement.  Seldom has the death of any one brought keener sorrow to so many hearts in Norwich.  He never said an unkind word or did an injury to his fellowmen.  His life of usefulness and devotion will long be cherished as one of the most pleasant memories of those who have lived and labored and died in Norwich.  His funeral will be held from his late residence, no. 90 East Main street, Monday morning at nine o'clock whence it will proceed to St. Paul's church where a solemn high mass of Requiem will be sung by Rev. Edward R. Prendergast, assisted by Rev. Father Conway of Skaneateles and Rev. Henry P. Hyland of Oriskany Falls.  Interment will be made in St. Paul's Cemetery.

Rev. Harold M. Quincy

Chenango Telegraph, December 11, 1942

News of the death of Rev. Harold M. Quincy, pastor of the First Baptist church, plunged members of his parish and residents of this city in general into deep sorrow Wednesday.  Rev Quincy was admitted to the Chenango Memorial Hospital just a week ago for an emergency appendectomy.  His condition remained serious and was reported as critical over the weekend. A definite change for the better was learned with joy Tuesday, and then came a relapse Tuesday night.  Rev Quincy died at 7:58 Wednesday morning.  Members of his family were present when the end came.  Funeral services will be held Sunday afternoon at 2:30 in the First Baptist church where in a single year, Rev. Quincy had endeared himself to members of his parish and the community.  Rev. F.L. Anderson of the Oxford church will officiate at the services.  Also participating will be Rev. Dr. Roy Williamson of Syracuse, executive secretary of the New York State Baptist Convention and Rev. Dr. Paul Swarthout, pastor of the First Baptist church at Hamilton.  Dr. Swarthout will deliver the message of the service, a duty he performed at the funeral service of Rev. Wil. J. Quincy, father of the Norwich pastor.  The body will rest at the family home in Hayes street.  Burial will be made in the family plot in the Morris cemetery.  Bearers will include associates from this city and West Winfield, former parish of the Quincy family.

Rev. Quincy came to the Norwich church Sept. 1, 1941, succeeding the late Rev. James K. Romeyn.  In accepting the call to the Baptist church, Rev. Quincy terminated a pastorate of 14 years at West Winfield.  A son of the late Rev. and Mrs. William J. Quincy, he was born September 30, 1893 at Troy.  At the age of 14 years he moved to the new family home in Schenectady.  In that city he graduated from Nott Terrance high and from Colgate university in 1918.  During his senior year, Rev. Quincy left Colgate to enter the service of his country in World War I, serving for 14 months before returning to college.  At the time of his passing Rev. Quincy was serving as chaplain of the Lieut. Warren E. Eaton DSC Post 189 of the American legion of this city.  Immediately upon becoming residents of this city, Rev. Quincy and his family entered fully into community life.  His pleasing personality made him a host of friends who learned that his friendship was sincere and genuine.  Word of his passing Wednesday brought expressions of sorrow from all ranks.  After graduating from Colgate, Rev. Quincy was employed for two years in the turbine department of the General Electric Company.  Then he entered Colgate Theological seminary.  Upon receiving his divinity degree, he became pastor of the Baptist church of Genoa, N.Y.  He later became pastor of the Millis Memorial church, Troy, where he remained until the beginning of his pastorate in West Winfield in 1927.  Mr. Quincy was a member of Norwich Rotary, also of Delta Upsilon chapter of Sigma Nu Fraternity of Colgate university.  He served as chaplain of Winfield lodge 581, F&AM, for 14 years and was a member of the Mohawk Valley Consistory, Scottish Rite Bodies, and of Ziyara Temple Order of the Mystic Shrine.  Dec. 5, 1917 he was united in marriage with Maude Ross of  New Hartford, who survives with a daughter, Miss Virginia Quincy, member of the New Woodstock high school faculty and William Ross Quincy, first year student in Alfred university.  Members of the parish had arranged a reception for last Saturday night honoring the silver wedding anniversary of Rev. and Mrs. Quincy and his illness then forced cancellation of plans.

Death Notices

Chenango American, January 9, 1862

In this village [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], on the 27th ult., Mr. Bela Cowles, aged 89 years.

In Preston [Chenango Co., NY], on the 25th ult., Mr. Joseph F. Rogers, aged 85 years.

In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 20th ult., after a lingering illness, Miss Ann Pierce, aged 18 years.

In East Pharsalia [Chenango Co., NY], on the 28th ult. Florence L. [Grant], daughter of J. Jerome and Abigail Grant, aged 4 years, 11 months and 22 days.

In this town [Greene, Chenango co., NY], on the 18th ult. Frankie [Rice], only child of William and Almira Rice, aged 4 years and 13 days.

Toll the bell gently--the dear ones sleep,

O'er the pale brow you may silently weep;

Chant a sweet requiem, softly and low;

Sooth the fond hearts that are beating with woe.

Calm the loved parents and cheer their lone hearts;

Oh! 'tis so bitter from their loved one to part;

Earth seems so dark when their dear one has fled,

He in the coffin, now sleeps with the dead.

Toll the bell gently--lay him to rest,

Plant some bright flowers above his cold breast.

Softly around him the breezes will sigh.

yet he'll not hear them, his spirit's on high.

Obituaries (September 17)

Parker - Chapman

Married August 23, 1931, Oxford, NY

Miss Mary Agnes Chapman, daughter of George Chapman was united in marriage to Edwin White Parker, son of Calvin Parker of Norwich in a wedding ceremony at St. Paul's church Sunday morning at 7:30.  the Rev. H.C Whedon was the officiating clergyman.  Miss Constance Chapman, a sister of the bride served as attendant with John Parker, brother of the groom, acting as best man.  A wedding breakfast followed the ceremony at the home of the bride.  After a honeymoon at the Thousand Islands, Mr. and Mrs. Parker will be at home at 40 Piano street, Norwich, after September 1st.  Miss Chapman was gowned in pink colored chiffon and carried pink colored flowers.  Her bridesmaid wore white organdie and carried a bouquet of varied colored flowers.  Mrs. Parker is an employee of the Chenango and Unadilla Telephone Company of Norwich while the groom is an employee of the Craine Company Inc.

Padgett - Sherwood

Married November 27, 1926, Norwich, NY

Miss Lillian Sherwood, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Sherwood, and Mr. Ira Padgett of Holmesville [Chenango Co., NY], were married Saturday night at the home of Mr. and Mrs. F. S. Ainsworth, 7-1/2 North Broad street by Rev. M.R Weaver of South New Berlin in the presence of the immediate relatives.  The ceremony was performed beneath an arch of evergreens, ferns and sweet peas. The attendants were Miss Mary Ainsworth and Charles Townsend. The bride's gown was white silk crepe trimmed with white satin ribbon and pearl ornaments. The bride, who has been with the Keating Store company, was the guest of honor at a number of prenuptial events.  Mr. Padgett is well known as a driver on the Wild bus line between Norwich and Sidney.  Both are popular young people whose marriage has caused many congratulations.  For the present Mr. and Mrs. Padgett will make their home at 71-1/2 North Broad street.

Mr. & Mrs. Richard Paddock

50th Anniversary, December 1923

Mt. Upton [Chenango Co., NY]:  Mr. and Mrs. Richard Paddock, celebrated their fiftieth wedding anniversary at their home in this place last Saturday.  The home was decorated with evergreen and yellow chrysanthemums, while narcissi in pretty bowls were conspicuous among the decorations   About twenty-five relatives were seated in the parlor while Miss Gertrude Paddock of Phoenix, Arizona, rendered the wedding march.  Mr. and Mrs. Paddock stood under an arch of greens from which was suspended a white bell.  They received the congratulations of their immediate family.  Miss Paddock at the piano and Cecil Paddock with the saxophone rendered a number of musical selections, the modern as well as the old-fashioned music. the bride was handsomely gowned in brown, pussy willow crepe, embellished with lace trimmings.  From seven until nine p.m. a reception was held to which the town people numbering eighty, gladly welcomed an opportunity to exend congratulations to the esteemed couple.  The Misses Florence Paddock, Vivian Paddock and Hazel Smalley assisted in serving dainty refreshments.  Miss Gertrude Paddock presided at the coffee urn.  The bride and groom of fifty years ago were presented with many beautiful gifts including odd pieces of furniture and $200 in gold.  Those attending from a distance were Mr. and Mrs. Fred Paddock and daughters, Florence Gertrude and Jean of Phoenix, Arizona; Mr. and Mrs. Walter Paddock, Mr. and Mrs. Cecil Paddock and Miss Vivian Paddock of Clinton; Mrs. Smalley and Miss Hazel Smalley of Danbury Conn., William Smalley of Cooperstown; Mr. and Mrs. Strong of Oneonta; Mr. and Mrs. Charles Babcock and Mr. and Mrs. Comstock of Albany, N.Y.

Marriage Notices

Chenango American, January 9, 1862

At the Chenango House, in this village [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], on the 31st ult., by Rev. W. S. Adamson, Noah Thornton, to Miss Julia A. Briggs, both of Maine, Broome Co.

In this village [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], on the 1st inst., by Rev. G. S. White, Mr. Melvin Cobb, of Cincinnatus, Cortland Co., to Miss Caroline Madsle of Marathon [Cortland Co., NY].

Also at the same time and place, Mr. Mervin Rice to Miss Ettie M. Cobb, all of Cincinnatus [Cortland Co., NY].

In McDonough [Chenango Co., NY], on the 25th ult., by Israel Kinyon, Esq., Mr. Medtilo W. Hoffman of Preston [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Lucy M. Hillard, of McDonough [Chenango Co., NY].

In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 25th ult. by Rev. W.T. Potter, Mr. Thomas Wheeler, to Miss Lydia E. Dickinson, all of Oxford.

In East Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], on the 24th ult., by Rev. W.T. Potter, Mr. Edwin F. Brown, to Miss Ultesa Flagg, both of Smithville.

In Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], on the 25th ult., by Rev. M. B. Cleveland, Mr. Laurtes Carpenter, fo Oxford [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Maryette King, of Sherburne.

In Coventryville [Chenango Co., NY], on the 24th ult. by Rev. N.R. Everts, Mr. Edmund L. Johnson, of Guilford [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Rosa Holcomb, of Coventry.

Obituaries (September 16)

Bela Cowles

Chenango American, January 9, 1862

By reference to our obituary head will be found the record of the death of Bela Cowles, one of the venerated and respected pioneers of this section of country.  Mr. Cowles was originally from Canaan, Conn.  In 1800 he emigrated to this State and settled at Delphi, Onondaga Co.  In consequence of the then unhealthy character of that section he removed to Smithville, in 1808, since which time his name has been a household word to a very numerous acquaintance.  He was respected and esteemed by the hardy pioneers in this then wilderness, and in every relation in life sustained a high character for integrity and disinterested kindness.  In that force of character which so essentially fitted him for the warfare of civilization over a wilderness, he preeminently excelled and was an index of stability and firmness freely acknowledged by his co-laborers in that arduous work.  Mr. Cowles outlived his third wife, and reared a large family, the members of which are among our most respected and enterprising citizens.  His early co-temporaries, as well as succeeding generations, point to his long and eventful life without indicating a stain to mar the image of the noblest work of God, an honest man.  The few last years of his life were spent in this village; the influence of age shed no sable cloud of misanthropy over his brow, his cheerful spirit to the last evinced his innate love to God and love to man.  His descendants to the fourth generation clustered around him in his declining years, and with one heart and one voice called him blessed.  Thus full of honors and full of years, our venerable friend has passed from earth beyond the veil that hides eternity from our view. In manhood his powers have been devoted to the interest of himself and his fellow men, and during a protracted old age he has enjoyed the vivid reflection of a well spent life, and died in the hope of a glorious immortality.  His obsequies were attended at the Congregational Church, in this village [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], on Sunday, by a large concourse of relatives and friends.  An appropriate discourse was pronounce on the occasion by Rev. Daniel Ballou, which did but justice to the character of the respected dead--every sentence of which was appreciated by an intelligent and sympathizing audience.

Styles Fairchild

Chenango American, January 9, 1862

Styles Fairchild, a resident of this town, near New Ohio [Broome Co., NY], a man 60 years of age, came to his death last Saturday, in a peculiar manner.  There are conflicting rumors relative to the affair, and lacking any reliable information in regard to the facts, we can only say that he was kicked in the back, by a neighbor, James Harrington, of this town, causing an affection of the spine, from which he died in a few days. Whether the act was committed in anger or in a playful encounter we have not satisfactorily ascertained.  A coroner's inquest has been held, and the Jury rendered a verdict that deceased came to his death in consequence of injuries received at the hands of James Harrington.  

Nellie Miller

Died February 7, 1941

The funeral of Mrs. Nellie Miller, wife of Fred Miller, who died at the family home on Shumway Hill, on Feb. 7th, was held from the late home last Monday afternoon, with burial at Mt. Upton [Chenango Co., NY].  Besides her husband, Mrs. Miller is survived by three sons, Arthur of Richfield Springs, and Harold and Robert of Mt. Upton, two grandsons, a brother, Charles Greene, of Guilford, and a sister, Mrs. Ward Pearsall of Mt. Upton.  

Death Notices

The funeral of Claudia Mudge, who died at her home in this village on Wednesday, April 9th [1941], was held from the Colwell funeral home in Bainbridge, on Friday, with burial at Mt. Upton [Chenango Co., NY]

April 1941:  Mrs. Clifford Davis was called to the home of her parents at South New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY] last Saturday by the death of her mother, Mrs. Harold Morrell.  The funeral was held from the Baptist church on Tuesday with burial at South New Berlin.

Chenango American, January 16, 1862

In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 14th inst., Mrs. Abigail Enos, wife of Truman Enos, aged 69 years.

In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 10th inst., Mr. John Hayes, aged 40 years.

In Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], on the 3d ult. Mr. Nahum Starr, aged 71 years.

In Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], on the 8th inst., Mr. Anson Packard, aged 74 years.

In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 13th inst., Mr. Elhanaan Puffer, aged 31 years.

In New Ohio [Broome Co., NY], on the 10th inst. of putrid sore throat, Jennie M. [Miller], daughter of Jacob and Polly Miller, aged 2 years and 20 days.

This lovely bud, so young, so fair,

Called hence by early doom;

Just come to show how sweet a flower

In Paradise could bloom.

Letter from Ellsworth Regiment - December 1861

Letter from the Ellsworth Regiment

Chenango American, December 26, 1861

Hall's Hill, Va., Dec. 13, 1861
Dear Friends:

Tuesday afternoon while the regiment was out on battalion drill, the Colonel received orders to prepare his men for a march immediately.  The order was hailed with a yell of delight by the boys, and off they started to prepare for a fight.  Revolvers were loaded, canteens filled, and each man received two days rations.  In a very short time they were back to their places and ready to start.  The Colonel drilled them a while and sent them back to their quarters to be ready to start at a moment's notice.  About 8 o'clock they were called out again, when the Colonel told them he had tried them enough, and to go back to their quarters and stay there.

We have all been busy for two or three days preparing for an expected visit from Gov. Morgan. the streets have all been trimmed, swept clean, the officers tents trimmed, and every thing fixed up to a great extent.  At the foot of our street is a large arch about 20 feet high, from the top of which hangs a large letter D and under it the words "Camp Butterfield." Last night the wind came near blowing it down but the boys turned out in the night and braced it up.  In front of our tent we have an arch with a picture of Gen. McClellan hanging from the center in a wreath. The trimming we use is cedar and spruce, which is much better than hemlock at this time of the year.  Hemlock is scarce here.

Miss Laura Hudson, the "daughter of the regiment" is here in the hospital, as nurse.  This is what we have needed a long time, for I know that some of the boys there have not had good care.  In regard to the sick I must say that they are improving.  I have not heard of but two new cases in some time.  One from Co. B, who was taken to the hospital, and one in our company who was taken sick yesterday but is better today.

Our victuals are cooked by three persons detailed from each company.  We have more rations than we can eat; some of the men trade for codfish, candles, sausage, molassess &c.  Our chief substance is pork, fresh beef, bacon, beans, bread, pilot crackers, coffee and tea. The crackers are rather a hard institution.  They are awful hard, and some of the boys say that they have seen some of them dated 1586.  I rather doubt that, but must say that they are very hard.

I believe I have not described to you how we have our tent fixed for winter.  We have a furnace fixed in this manner:  We took a piece of sheet iron two feet long and 18 inches wide; bent it in the shape of an arch; cut a hole through the back side of the house; put it through and laid pieces of brick and stone between it and the boards; built a chimney of brick and mud, and banked it up well. This makes a good furnace which warms up our tent.

The Colonel's which was fixed in this manner, burned up one night, and it came near resulting in quite a serious accident.  The tent, in which was quite a quantity of cartridges, caught fire, but it was extinguished before much harm was done.  One of the tents in the Michigan regiment burnt entirely up from such an accident one night last week.

Daniel J. Willson