Vital Records, Otsego County, NY (1858, 1879)

 Oneonta Herald, Oneonta, NY, August 4, 1858

Deaths

In Cooperstown [Otsego Co. NY] on 18th ult. Mrs. Maria S. Willard relict of the late David Willard, aged 42 years.

In New Lisbon [Otsego Co. NY] July 2d, Miss Lois Smith aged 70 years 3 months and 17 days.

Oneonta Herald, Oneonta, NY, August 11, 1858

Death

A little son of Mrs. Hyland, of this village [Oneonta, Otsego Co. NY], about three and half years old, was badly scalded last Wednesday, by falling into a tub of boiling water, burning a large portion of his body in a shocking manner. The little sufferer now lies pining away and suffering from his burns.  Everything is being done that can be to render him comfortable, yet his death is hourly expected.  P.S.  The child died today (Monday) having suffered nearly five days.

Oneonta Herald, Oneonta, NY, August 18, 1858

Marriage

At Cooperstown [Otsego Co. NY] on the 5th inst. by Rev. J.T. Crippen, Mr. Martin V. Brownell of Bennington Co. Vt to Miss Mary M. Eldred of Laurens [Otsego Co. NY].

Deaths

Suddenly in Morris [Otsego Co. NY] on the 8th inst. John Davis Esq. aged 52 years.   Mr. D. was one of the best men in the county.

We have to record a most heart-rending casualty at Coventry [Chenango Co. NY] on Wednesday last.  Wm. E. H. Waters son of E.G. Waters, Esq. had gone into the woods with his father and was engaged in felling trees when he was struck by one while falling and survived but an hour.  He was a smart, active and intelligent lad of fifteen years and his loss is most keenly felt by his family and neighborhood whose love and esteem he had won by his lively parts and cheerful and generous disposition.  Oxford Times.

Oneonta Herald, Oneonta, NY, August 25, 1858

Marriage

In Morris [Otsego Co. NY] on the 7th inst. by Rev. J.T. Crippen, Mr. Henry Lull to Miss Ara A. Sullivan both of Morris.

Deaths

In Maryland, N.Y. [Otsego Co.] on the 22d inst. Asa Curry aged 16 years.

At Cherry Valley [Otsego Co. NY] Aug. 12th, Mr. John Boyce aged 86 years.  Mr. Boyce was attached to the 23d Regiment of infantry in the war of 1812, was at the capture of Fort Erie from the British and was in the hard-fought battle of Lundy Lane and was in the celebrated charge, led by Col. Miller and Gen. Ripley upon the British Artillery, which they gallantly carried, turned the guns upon the enemy and thus turning the scale of victory in favor of the Americans on that occasion.

The Cherry Valley Gazette states that Mr. Philander Graham of that town fell from a load of hay, about four o'clock on Tuesday last and broke his neck.  Not a muscle was seen to move after he struck the ground.   Mr. G. was a man respected by all who had his acquaintance.  His age was about 50 years.

Freeman's Journal, Cooperstown, NY, February 13, 1879

Marriage

At the residence of the bride's parents in Cooperstown [Otsego Co. NY] Feb. 5th, 1879, by Rev. N.W Wells, George W Salisbury and Miss Jennie H. Collar all of Cooperstown.

Deaths

In Cherry Valley [Otsego Co. NY] on the 30th ult, Aloena D. [Phelon] wife of Joseph Phelon, aged 86 years.

At Otego [Otsego Co. NY] Samuel L. Emerson aged 89 years 1 month and 8 days.

In Garrattsville [Otsego Co. NY] Oct. 27, 1878, Drusilla [Parker] wife of Elisha Parker in the 71st year of her age.

In Adrian, Michigan of paralysis, Feb. 2d, Lucinda [Bowen] wife of Henry Bowen in her sixty-eighth year.  Says the Adrian Press, "Mrs. Bowen was born April 11, 1811, in Cherry Valley, Otsego Co. N.Y. and was the daughter of Peter Counrod.  She married Mr. Bowen then of Middlefield [Otsego Co. NY] in the spring of 1851 and removed to Michigan at once and resided in Franklin till a few years ago, when they moved to this city, where they have since lived.  No woman was more highly esteemed or respected. She won a warm place in the hearts of all who knew her by her generous disposition, her warm sympathy and womanly, loving nature."

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On Thursday last, services were held in the Catholic Church in this village [Cooperstown, Otsego Co. NY] in memoriam of the late Father Devitt.  There were present on this occasion Very Reverend P.A. Ludden, Vicar General of the Diocese of Albany, who was the celebrant of the mass; Rev. F.H. Renehan Marcellus, Deacon; Rev. J.J. Brennan of Stephentown sub-Deacon; Rev T.M. Burk, St. Joseph's Albany, Master of Ceremonies.  There were also present in the sanctuary Rev. T. Hogan, New Jersey, Rev. N.J.O. Reily, Utica, Rev. M.C. Gavin, Albany and Priests from seven or eight other parishes.

Immediately after the mass, Father Hogan, a particular friend of the deceased, preached to a large congregation of the friends and parishioners of the dead Priest who had gathered in to be present on the occasion.  Without speaking much on the past life of Father Devitt, he showed the great sacrifice the Catholic Priest makes at his ordination and how in death no man deserves more than he the charity of the prayers of the faithful. 

The church was crowded to its utmost capacity.  The high altar was heavily draped in mourning which alone conveyed to the minds of all the sad fact that he who so often taught them to prepare for death, had himself, even in youth, become its victim. The music was the Gregorian Requiem which was well rendered by the choir.

News Item

Morris [Otsego Co. NY], The Chronicle says: On Monday Jan. 27th, the relatives and friends of Mr. and Mrs. George I. Colvin met according to arrangement at the old homestead in this town, it being the 75th birthday of our friend Colvin. They were taken by surprise as their children and grandchildren, with other friends began to arrive. A good time was enjoyed by all.  There was one great-grandchild present.  Mr. Colvin came into this town from Herkimer County [NY] some forty years ago and has always enjoyed the respect and confidence of his townsmen, having in his younger days held several responsible town offices, and he yet has many warm personal friends who are pleased to see him hold out so remarkably.  May he live yet many years and his children be spared to him, to make joyous his declining years and make him and his companion happy in their old age.  Amen to that says the Journal.

Vital Records, Madison (1815) & Broome (1849) Counties, NY

 The Pilot, Cazenovia, NY, March 15, 1815

Deaths

In this town [Cazenovia, Madison Co. NY], Woodstock Settlement on the 6th inst. Mrs. Night, wife of Mr. Noel Night, on Friday evening last.

Levi Marble aged about 18 years. [d. 10 March 1815]

The Pilot, Cazenovia, NY, April 12, 1815

Deaths

In Smithfield [Madison Co. NY], on the 31st ult. Mrs. Sophia Hall wife of Mr. John Hall, aged 35 years.

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In this village [Cazenovia, Madison Co. NY] on Thursday morning last, Doct. Theopilus Willson aged 30. 

Died at Cazenovia, Thursday morning April 6th, Theophilus Wilson, M.D. aged 30.

On the evening of the 28th of March, he returned to his family from visiting his patients, somewhat indisposed, and being apprehensive of a fever, he took an emetick.  Being desirous after its operation to take some other medicine, he requested certain small phials which he had taken out of his pockets that evening to be brought and when they were presented to him, directed a certain quantity of the contents of one to be given him.  But alas! instead of the opiate which he intended, it proved to be corrosive sublimate!  The fatal mistake was immediately discovered, after he had swallowed a part and a variety of means used to dislodge it from his stomach, but all in vain.  Very great distress immediately ensued, his sight became impaired, a general numbness spread itself over his body & all present expected his dissolution would take place in a short time.  Symptoms of immediate death however gradually disappeared and trembling hopes of his recovery were entertained.  but it was not to be so!   He lingered along, suspended as it were between life and death, until the ninth day, and then expired.

Doct. Wilson was graduated at Dartmouth College in the year 1811 and received the degree of Doctor of Medicine at the last Commencement in that university.  When he began his studies, he had principally in view the Gospel Ministry, but this on account of feeble health, he afterwards relinquished.  While at college, which he did not leave till he had completed his professional studies, his course was marked with seriousness, diligence and improvement, securing to him the affection and esteem of all the virtuous and inspiring the most sanguine hopes of his future usefulness and eminence in the healing art.  These hopes have not been altogether disappointed.  His course as a practitioner, though short, was bright with the most skillful and successful operations.  Persons now living, a few days ago, blind - lame, and in the acutest distress, can bear joyful testimony to the great good, which under God, he was the honored instrument of conferring upon them.  Possessing an unusual share of tenderness, he would not witness suffering in any shape, without doing his utmost by night and by day to remove or to alleviate it, and being under the influence of piety, he was ever careful, while communicating relief to the bodies of men by his medicine, not to communicate poison to their souls by his example.  A trait this in his character which we have great reason to fear is almost totally wanting with many who are engaged in his profession.

As a member of society, he was a lover of order, as a neighbor he was benevolent, as a husband truly affectionate, and as a professed disciple of Christ, modest, meek and humble.  when he viewed death as near, he appeared calm and resigned, expressing a delight in the perfections and reliance upon the merits of a crucified Redeemer.

In his sudden departure, his numerous relations have lost a truly valuable connection, the medicinal profession a rising ornament, and the church on earth a friendly supporter.

"God moves in a mysterious way, / His wonders to perform, / He plants his footsteps in the sea, / And Rules upon the storm."

Let the circumstances which led to this melancholy event be a cruel warning to all, having the charge of poisonous medicine, to keep it only in marked vessels and never submit it to the disposal of others without informing them of its nature.

Broome Republican, Binghamton, NY, January 17, 1849

Deaths

Mason Whiting (findagrave.com, memorial #69884551)

On Thursday Jan. 11th, Mason Whiting Esq. the oldest resident of this village [Binghamton, Broome Co. NY].

He was born May 6, 1774, at Great Barrington, Mass., the son of Doct. William Whiting.  He was for some time a pupil of Dr. Dwight, afterwards the President of Yale College.  He studied law at Stockbridge, Mass. in the office of Barnabas Bidwell, Esq. and practiced law a few years in Lanesborough and Great Barrington.  He was married April 26, 1800, to Miss Mary Edwards, daughter of Timothy Edwards and granddaughter of President Edwards.  He came to Binghamton [Broome Co. NY], Nov. 1801.  In 1815 he represented this county in the State Legislature and was for several years the District Attorney for this county.  He had relinquished the practice of law during the last twelve years of his life.  His temperament was singularly equable and cheerful; his temper bland and conciliating universal good will; his disposition benevolent, open and genial; his manners distinguished by a graceful, native dignity and courtesy.  His intelligence and affableness made him welcome in society.  In his home he endeared the nearest relationships of life by his delicacy of feeling his tenderness of affection and his happy sprightliness.  He was beloved by the poor for his kindness and charity. Children were won by his benevolent condescension.  His character in business was upright and unimpeachable.  He was a member of the Presbyterian Church.  In this place, during his later years, surrounded by a large family of children and grandchildren, ministered to by the cherished companion of his life, in a gradual decline of a few months, he deceased, expressing an humble confidence in the merits and saving grace of Jesus Christ the Redeemer. 

The deceased was one of the early settlers of Binghamton and has been a resident for nearly 50 years.  His position has been prominent and responsible and in all his life he has evinced those excellent qualities of character which have endeared him to all and caused the event of his death to be regarded with most poignant sorrow by a large circle of relatives and by his numerous friends.  He has "finished his course" at the advanced age of 76 years.  

Broome Republican, Binghamton, NY, January 24, 1849

Marriages

At Binghamton [Broome Co. NY] on the evening of the 20th by the Rev. Mr. Humphrey.  Mr. Edward B. Edwards of Port Jarvis [Orange C. NY] to Miss Anna M. Bovee of New York.

At Union [Broome Co. NY] Sunday Jan. 14th in the Presbyterian church by the Rev. M.M. Wakeman, Mr. Thomas Twining merchant to Miss Lucy Balch all of Union.

Death

Mr. David Lanterman of this village [Binghamton, Broome Co. NYT] died on Sunday morning last, after an illness of a few days only, at the age of 57 years.  Mr. Lanterman was the recently appointed mail agent from Binghamton to New York, but owing to his feebleness has been able to attend to his duties but a portion of the time.  His funeral will be attended at the Congregational church at 10 o'clock A.M. on Wednesday.

Broome Republican, Binghamton, NY, January 31, 1849

Marriage

At Barker [Broome Co. NY] on the 24th inst. by Rev. M. Lewis, Mr. Samuel Stow Jr. merchant of Whitney's Point [Broome Co. NY] to Miss Eliza Parsons of Barker.

Deaths

On Thursday the 25th inst. Mary [Rogers] daughter of Jeremiah and Sarah Rogers, aged 23 years.

Another Revolutionary Soldier Gone:  Col. Wm. Rose a veteran of the Revolution, died at the residence of his son, Wm. Rose, Jr. in this town [Binghamton, Broome Co. NY], Jan. 23d.  Col. Rose was a citizen of Connecticut at the time of the Revolution and served in the army with the troops from that state.  He came to this town in 1787, was the second settler, having been preceded the year previous by Capt. Leonard.

Vital Records, Chenango (1878) & Broome (1849) Counties, NY

Broome Republican, Binghamton, NY, January 10, 1849

Marriages

In Windsor [Broome Co. NY] on the 3d of Dec. by the Rev. Mr. Hazard Conklin.  Mr. Blake Garnsey to Miss Selvina Snedaker both of Windsor.

In Windsor [Broome Co. NY] on the 17th by the Rev. Joseph Youngs, Mr. Elijah Phillips to Miss Rebecka Van Valkenburg all of Windsor. 

In this village [Binghamton, Broome Co. NY] on the 9th inst. by Rev. Z. Paddock, Mr. Samuel Van Vaulkenburgh to Miss Patty  Maria Lockwood all of Binghamton.

Deaths

At Centre Lisle [Broome Co. NY] Jan. 8, Dr. G.A. Barnes aged 31.  Doct. Barnes was a young man of great promise and in his death the church of which he was a devoted member and the community in which he lived has sustained an irreparable loss.

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At his residence in Windsor [Broome Co. NY] on the 5th inst. Elijah Smith, Esq. in the 80th year of his age.  

Mr. Smith was one of the first settlers in this part of the country.  He was born in Dutchess County in this State [NY] and on removing to this county, then comparatively a wilderness, settled on the Susquehanna River at the place of his late residence, fifty-seven years ago, where he has since resided.  For a number of years, he filled the offices of supervisor and magistrate in his town.  During the last twenty years, however, he has been unable to attend to any public business and, for the last three years, has been wholly confined to his house.

Of Mr. Smith's character much might be said in the way of commendation.  He sustained the relations of husband, parent, citizen, and civil officer, in a manner the most amiable and exemplary, and after having lived to the advanced age of nearly four-score years, died esteemed and lamented by a wide circle of relatives and acquaintance.  The high estimation in which he was held was clearly and strongly evinced by the multitudes of his townsmen who attended his funeral at the Presbyterian church in Windsor on Sabbath last.

Chenango Semi-Weekly Telegraph, Norwich, NY, December 28, 1878

Marriages

KREBS - BISSELL:  In Oxford [Chenango Co. NY], Dec. 23d, by Rev. S.C. Fulton, Mr. John Krebs and Miss Ada Bissell both of Norwich [Chenango Co. NY].

DAVIDSON - FULLER:  At the M.E. Parsonage in Port Crane [Broome Co. NY], Dec. 24th, by Rev. E.L. Bennett, Mr. James A. Davidson and Miss Sarah J. Fuller.

HOPKINS - PARKER:  At the home of the bride's parents, Port Crane [Port Crane, NY], Dec. 25th, 1878, by Rev. E.L. Bennett, Mr. Edward Hopkins and Delphine Parker.

Deaths

Chenango Forks, Broome Co. NY:  John Hagaman who was lying very low at our last writing, died Thursday morning at 7 o'clock, aged 38 years.  Consumption had marked him for its own years before, but during the past summer and fall he had been unusually well for him, to about six weeks ago, when he was taken down with diphtheria.  He recovered in a few days but was again stricken low with hemorrhage of the lungs.   Other hemorrhages soon followed within a few days of each other, the last one occurring Monday morning.  It seemed that death would cut him off at any moment, but he lingered along suffering untold pain, until Thursday morning, when he passed away without a struggle, and with that peace upon his countenance, which is with those who "die in the lord."  Mr. H. has been a partner with his father in the mercantile trade for years and by his fair dealings and kindness unto all men, he had won around him a large circle of firmly attached friends.  He leaves a wife and two children who have the tender sympathies of the entire community in this loss of a kind husband and indulgent father, and this sad bereavement which is visited upon them.

"Thy crown is won, thy quickened eyes / See but the glory and the prize; / No grief can waste, no cares molest, / No mortal pang assail thy rest."

The obsequies will take place at the Congregational Church Saturday afternoon at 1 o'clock, sermon by Rev Samuel Johnson of Sidney Plains.

Chenango American, Greene, NY, December 26 , 1878

Marriages

In Pitcher [Chenango Co. NY] Dec. 11th, by Rev Samuel Miller, Mr. Emery V. Eaton to Miss Matie C. Soule, both of Pitcher.

In Cincinnatus [Cortland Co. NY] Dec. 8th, by Rev. D. Reese, Mr. Eugene Griswold of German [Chenango Co. NY] to Miss Amelia Allen of Taylor [Cortland Co. NY].

In Norwich [Chenango Co. NY] Dec. 15th, by Rev. H. Fox, Mr. James H. Van Valkenburgh of Oneida [Madison Co. NY] to Miss Mary G. Teft of Norwich.

Deaths

In East Hamilton [Madison Co. NY] Dec. 14th, Miss Libbie E Weller daughter of the late William Weller of Norwich, aged 23 years, 11 months.

In Norwich [Chenango Co. NY] Dec. 14th, Sarah [Curley] daughter of Patrick and Bridget Curley, aged 9 years.

Merton Green, a prominent citizen of Hartwick [Otsego Co. NY], was found dead in the woods near that village, at 10 o'clock, Wednesday evening, Dec. 18th.  He had been chopping during the day and a tree fell upon him, producing death.  Chronicle

 Sherburne News, Sherburne, NY, December 28, 1878

Marriage

CHRISTIAN - BOSWORTH:  At the residence of the bride's father in Plymouth [Chenango Co. NY], Dec. 25, 1878, by Rev. EW. White, Mr. Ernest Christian and Miss Helen Bosworth all of Plymouth.

Death

ACKLEY:  In North Norwich [Chenango Co. NY] December 26, 1878, Lewis Ackley, aged 77 years, 8 months and 20 days.

Vital Records, Chenango County, NY (1879)

 Bainbridge Republican, Bainbridge, NY, January 2, 1879

Marriages

COMPTON - CARL:  At the residence of Jacob Hillsinger in Butternuts [Otsego Co. NY[ Dec. 25th, 1878, by Rev. T.P. Halsted, Mr. Thos. H. Compton of Guilford, N.Y. [Chenango Co.] and Miss Hattie L. Carl of Butternuts.

GARRISON - SHERWOOD:  At the Guilford House [Chenango Co. NY] on Wednesday by the Rev. W.L.D. Wilson, Mr. Ellis Garrison of Gilbertsville [Otsego Co. NY] to Miss Sarah Sherwood of Guilford.

TYLER - DISBROW:  At the M.E. Parsonage in Bainbridge, Dec. 26, 1878, by Rev. A.F. Brown, Mr. Menzo Tyler and Mrs. Marion Disbrow all of Westford, Otsego Co. N.Y.

SWEET - BARBER:  In Harpersville [Broome Co. N Y] Nov. 3d by Rev. A.W. Cornell, William H. Sweet of Coventry [Chenango Co. NY] and Thankful Barber of Harpersville.

Fifty years ago last Saturday, Mr. Runion Parsons now living in the village of Afton [Chenango Co. NY] was married by Judge Bigelow, late of Bainbridge, to Mahala Hoffman.  The bride's father at that time lived at East Bainbridge [Chenango Co. NY] near the forks of the river.  We called upon the aged couple on the day of their Fiftieth anniversary, found them in usual good health and learned a few facts concerning their life. At the present time there is but one person living who attended their wedding - her brother, Chauncey's, widow, now living in Illinois.  Her brothers, Chauncey and Joel, were well known military characters in the war of 1812, and after their return from the army, Chauncey established a fencing school and made considerable money by the "art."  Mr. Parsons well remembers when the town of Guilford was set off from Oxford [Chenango Co. NY] and how they drew a line and those who wanted it at such a place would step on one side and those opposed on the other.  He gave a full description of the pulling and jerking of the opposite parties and how several coats were literally torn to pieces in the fracas. They did not give a grand reception of their marriage anniversary as is customary now-a-days, but enjoyed themselves at home and attending Quarterly Meeting which was then being held in the M.E. Church in that village.  May the good old souls live another half a century and have peace and plenty.

Deaths

PHILLIPS:  In Coventry [Chenango Co. NY] Dec. 23(?) of typhoid pneumonia, Georgianna [Phillips] wife of James H. Phillips and eldest daughter of S.A. and Emily Tremain Martin, aged 34 years.

MARTIN:  In Coventry [Chenango Co. NY] Dec. 27 of typhoid pneumonia, Emily Tremaine [Martin] wife of S.A. Martin aged 64 years.

Mrs. Augusta Martin of Coventry, died last week from the effect of typhoid pneumonia.  Her funeral took place on Sunday. A daughter, the wife of Mr. J.H. Phillips having passed away but a few days previous to her mother's death, with the same disease.

BENNETT: The remains of Nattie Bennett of Wellsborro, Pa. were brought to this village [Bainbridge, Chenango Co. NY] for interment Tuesday.  He was a former resident of this village.

ST. JOHN:  Mr. Heman St. John one of the oldest inhabitants of Rockdale [Chenango Co. NY] and a pensioner of the War of 1812, died on Tuesday night of this week.  In these sporting days it may not be amiss to mention that in his younger days Mr. St. John has a number of times walked from Catskill to his home in a day, a distance of 100 miles.

News Items

A remarkable man:  Mr. John Viney formerly of Unadilla [Otsego Co. NY], but now a resident of Harpersville [Broome Co. NY] and well known through this section of the country as a cigar manufacturer, is 67 years old, and has never known a sick day or even lost a meal of victuals from want of appetite and never has had the headache.  He is English born and came to this country 57 years ago.  With his smiling features and ruddy complexion one would not judge him to be over 35 or 40 years of age.

Under its proper head will be seen the birth of a bouncing baby boy to Mr. and Mrs. Elliot Danforth.  Grandfather Prince is at last happy in this addition of a grandson, for in his declining years it will be a boy that he can dangle on his knee.  Elliot is no doubt as happy as we were when we were first told that our last heir was a boy, there is generally a good degree of conceit about a father at that time. The boy has our congratulations.  [The child born was Edward Danforth, who became a Bainbridge physician and local historian.]

The Sherburne, Chenango County, NY Tragedy (1879)

Following is a follow-up to the story of the murder of James Morris Hatch, the alleged murderer being Felix McCann.  A News story detailing facts of the murder was posted to this blog February 9, 2025. Source:  Bainbridge Republican, December 5, 1878. 

The Sherburne Tragedy - A Visit to McDann, What He Says

Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, January 2, 1879

On Saturday last we made a brief visit to the county jail [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY] with the object of having a little talk with McCann, the accused murderer of Hatch.  We found the prisoner in the common room of the jail in company with two or three others accused of minor offences, and to all appearance he was composed and unconcerned.  He seemed to be pleased at our visit and anxious to talk about the difficulties between himself and the Hatch family previous to the murder.  Of the murder he claims to know nothing, asserting with a positive air that he did not hear the report of the gun on the fatal evening, and that he knows nothing about the shooting.  Of Mrs. Hatch he spoke in very harsh terms, and claims that when he was a widower, a few years ago, he was beguiled by her into improper intimacies.  He further says that at that time Mrs. Hatch importuned him to marry her and offered to shoot Hatch provided he would do so.  He tells a shocking story of immorality in the Hatch family.  Some years ago, he says, the Hatches lived in Madison county [NY] and while Mrs. Hatch was absent from home visiting her father's family, Hatch was guilty of incest with his own sister.  For this, McCann says, Mrs. Hatch procured a divorce and although she subsequently lived with him, they were never remarried.

McCann claims that on the evening of the murder he returned from Sherburne, and after a little while went out to feed his hogs, while the little girl went to the barn to milk the cows.  The barn was some distance from the house, but the hog pen was only a few steps from the door. After feeding the hogs and as soon as the little girl returned from milking, he went to the barn with the girl to tie up the cows.  He says that upon his return from Sherburne he took off his coat and did not again put it on.  After tying the cows, did not go out again until after the shooting.  To our suggestion that the little girl had sworn on the inquest that he did wear a coat, he replied that the girl was mistaken.

The gun he had in the house he said he procured on Saturday before the murder, with a view of trying it and purchasing it if it suited him.  He fired it at a post, on Monday.  It had been loaded a long time and was rusty and dirty.  He had owned several other guns but had been without one for a year or two before getting this one.  He lays great stress on the point that the Hatches were constantly strewing corn in the road to entice his chickens on to their premises.  At noon on the day of the murder, he says that he was sitting at the table eating his dinner, when Mrs. Hatch came down the road in front of his door and began to use very abusive language.  Finally, she called to Hatch to bring a revolver to her, she continuing in front of McCann's door.  Hatch brought her the revolver, and Mrs. McCann heard her say that she would send a charge through the Irishman - meaning McCann.  She finally departed for Sherborne.

While stoutly denying all knowledge of the murder, he as stoutly expresses the opinion that it was committed by Mrs. Hatch.  He complains bitterly that on the morning he was brought to Norwich, while in Deputy Sheriff Bryant's kitchen, in Sherburne, an attempt was made to manufacture testimony against him. A son of Mr. Bryant's, he says, snapped a cap on the pistol in the room, and the exploded cap fell to the floor.  Subsequently, while he was changing his clothes, the cap was picked up by someone and kept as evidence against him, it being alleged that it had fallen from his clothes.  He converses clearly and earnestly about matters happening before and after the crime, but had but little to say about the shooting, except to assert his innocence.  We did not press him with questions and promised that we would give, without exaggeration, a correct report of what he had to say.

His trial will probably come on at the January term of the Oyer and Terminer, and then we trust that all the facts in the case may be brought out, and justice be meted out to the guilty.

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In April 1879, Felix McCann was found guilty of murder in the first degree of James Hatch and sentenced to be executed by hanging (Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, April 3, 1879).  The sentence would be carried out June 6, 1879.  (Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, June 7, 1879).  Details of the trial and execution are provided in the referenced news articles.