Vital Records, Broome (1849) & Otsego (1858) Counties

 Broome Republican, Binghamton, NY, February 7, 1849

Marriages

In Middletown [Orange Co. NY] on the 25th ult. by Elder G. Beebe, Capt. James Lytle conductor of Passenger Train on the Erie Railroad, to Miss Jane Frances [Roberts] eldest daughter of Henry P. Roberts, Esq. of the above place.

At Union [Broome Co. NY] on the 31st ult. by J.K. Edwards, Esq. Mr. Charles M. Ford of Newark, Tioga Co. [NY] to Miss Josephine Broas of Maine, Broome Co. N.Y.

Broome Republican, Binghamton, NY, February 14, 1849

Death

In this village [Binghamton, Broome Co. NY] on Saturday evening last, Louisa G. Trivett wife of R.C. Trivett and eldest daughter of Col. Oliver Ely, aged 25 years.

Broome Republican, Binghamton, NY, February 21, 1849

Deaths

In this village [Binghamton, Broome Co. NY] on the 20th inst., Mrs. Jane Tyler wife of C. Tyler, Esq.  The funeral will take place on Thursday at 11 o'clock A.M. from her late residence.  Exercises at the Methodist Church.

In New Haven [CT], Thursday Feb. 15th after an illness of less than a week, Timothy Dwight Platt aged 17, a member of the Freshman Class in Yale College and a son of Rev. D. Platt of Binghamton [Broome Co. NY], The deceased was a young man of great promise and during his brief residence in New Haven had gained many warm friends.

Broome Republican, Binghamton, NY, February 28, 1849

Marriages

At West Windsor [Broome Co. NY] on Wednesday the 21st inst., by the Rev. Mr. Dyer, Mr. Willet Cross and Miss Catharine Miller all of Chenango [Broome Co. NY].

In Truxton, Cortland Co. [NY] on the 21 inst. by the Rev. Wm. Doubleday, Mr. James C. Porter of Binghamton [Broome Co. NY] to Miss Mary F. Ambles of Truxton.

Deaths

In Binghamton [Broome Co. NY] Sunday Feb. 25, 1849, William Anson [Smith] infant son of John H. and Susan Smith, aged 10 months.

In this village [Binghamton, Broome Co. NY] yesterday, Feb. 23, Jerusha R. Olmsted wife of S.J. Olmsted, aged 33 years.

Oneonta Herald, Oneonta, NY, September 1, 1858

Deaths

In Thomson, Pa. July 23d, Mrs. Mary Ann Blandin daughter of Clark Stanton of West Oneonta [Otsego Co. NY], in the 22d year of her age.

"Though dews are nightly on thy pillow shed, / From the pure font on nigh / Sleep! and the flowers will bloom above thy head, / And thy meek lustrous eye / Heed not the beauty all around thee spread."

Sleep on, dear companion. beneath the green shade / Where thy form in its last quiet slumber is laid; / Above thee the trees their dark foliage wave, / And the sweet little wildflower blooms on thy grave.

Sleep on! Thou art free from earth's treacherous snares, / Its burdensome thoughts and its wearisome cares; / The joys and pleasures of lifetime are o'er, / And grief and affliction can reach thee no more.

The Spring it was o'er and the low summer wind, / But breathed of the sorrow that burdened my mind, / When slowly and sadly they laid thee to rest, / And heaped the cold turf on my motionless breast.

Then the beautiful scenes of our dearly loved home / The paths where our feet were accustomed to roam, / Grew dark as the earth when the sun's rays depart, / And I felt that the Summer was o'er in my heart.

I feel it was hard thee so soon to call home, / And leave me alone o'er this wide world to roam; / But long as thy grave with the dews shall be wet / Thy memory, beloved one, I ne're shall forget.

For years thy loved form may repose in the earth, / And far may I roam from the land of my birth, / But the place of thy rest oft in dreams I 'll draw near, / And affections will still keep thy memory dear.

Sleep on, Sweet Mary, beneath the cold ground, / Thou art free from all sorrow while friends mourn around; / Sleep on then beloved one, in the cold grave sleep, / While silently for thee thy husband doth weep.

News Item

Information Wanted

A young lady, 16 years of age, named Emma Jane Slater, left her home in West Winfield, Herkimer Co. [NY] on the first day of April last, since which time she has not been seen or heard of.  She is described as about 5 feet 2 inches high, full face, red cheeks, light blue eyes, and light auburn hair.  any information in relation to her will be thankfully received by her mother, Mrs. Daniel Williams, Clayville, N.Y. [Oneida Co.]

Oneonta Herald, Oneonta, NY, September 8, 1858

Marriages

In Oneonta [Otsego Co. NY] Sept. 1st by Rev. E.C. Hodge, Mr. Henry Ackley to Miss Julia A. Gardner both of Laurens, Otsego Co. N.Y.

In Guilford [Chenango Co. NY] on the 21st ult. by Rev. Mr. Huntington, Mr. John A. Newton of Unadilla [Otsego Co. NY] to Miss Caroline Miner of Guilford.

At the Oquaga house, Deposit [Delaware Co. NY] Sept. 1st by Rev. L. Ranstead, Mr. Daniel S. Tracy of Morris, Otsego County [NY] to Miss Susan A. Bennett of Fremont, Sullivan County, N.Y.

At Lacona [Oswego Co. NY], Aug. 19th by Rev. Wm. B. Christopher, Mr. John H. Kirby of Cazenovia [Madison Co. NY] to Miss Mary A. Dillingham formerly of this place [Oneonta, Otsego Co. NY].  A fee of one dollar accompanied the above notice, for which the parties will accept out best wishes. 

Vital Records, Madison (1815) & Otsego (1870) Counties, NY

 The Pilot, Cazenovia, NY, June 21, 1815

Deaths

Two sons of Seth Curtis and one son of Jonathan Curtis, of Nelson [Madison Co. NY] were unfortunately drowned in a mill pond yesterday where they had repaired for the purpose of bathing.  The youngest boy was about 8 and the oldest about 14 years of age.

The Pilot, Cazenovia, NY, June 28, 1815

Death

In this village [Cazenovia, Madison Co. NY] on Thursday last, Mr. John Bates, aged 26.

The Pilot, Cazenovia, NY, July 5, 1815

Death

Drowned on Sunday last, in the town of Manlius [Onondaga Co. NY] in a small mill pond, Mr. Adam Walter aged 18.

The Pilot, Cazenovia, NY, August 9, 1815

Marriage

On Sunday evening last by the Rev. Mr. Brown, Mr. Julius Webber to Miss Phebe Smith all of this town [Cazenovia, Madison Co. NY].

Morris Chronicle, Morris, NY, August 3, 1870

Marriage

June 29th in the Presbyterian Church at Burlington Green [Otsego Co. NY] by Rev. W.B. Gladstone, Robert Oliver of Elko, Nevada to Miss Ann Rutherford of the former place.

Deaths

At Hartwick [Otsego Co. NY] July 23d, Frank [Matteson] son of Amos Matteson, aged 13 years.

At Oneonta [Otsego Co. NY] July 23d, Anna Short youngest daughter of Erastus Short, aged 14 years.

At Cooperstown [Otsego Co. NY] July 25th, Esther [Lippitt] widow of the late moses Lippitt, aged 65 years and four months.

At Schenevus [Otsego Co. NY] June 18th, Nathaniel Huson aged 61 years.

The sudden death of Noah Perry, Esq. of New Lisbon [Otsego Co. NY], in the store of J.M. Lull in this village [Morris, Otsego Co. NY] on the morning of July 26th, mention of which we made in part of our issue last week, we again notice.  Mr. Perry had left his home that morning in as good health as he had enjoyed for several  years; he having, we are told, been troubled with the heart disease and was trading in the store, where he died without hardly a struggle.  Mr. Perry was born on the farm in New Lisbon he occupied when he died; was an upright and honorable citizen and retained the respect of all who knew him.  He was in the 78th year of his age.  His funeral was largely attended at the residence of his brother (Horace Perry) in this village by a large circle of relatives and friends on Wednesday the 27th.

News Item

A Mrs. Story died in Cherry Valley [Otsego Co. NY] last February, leaving a real estate worth about $25,000. She first willed this property equally to her children and the representatives of such as had died. Then in a codicil to her will, made a few days before her death, she provided for the maintenance and support of five orphaned grandchildren - the children of her son, Capt. Robert Story, of the 71st N.Y.S. Volunteers, who received his death wound at the battle of Gettysburg, - who had resided with her six years, by giving them the benefits of a lease of her real estate, worth about $800 a year, until the youngest shall become 16 years old.  There is "family feeling" existing on account of the codicil.  Four of the heirs support the codicil and three oppose its admission to probate, the latter on the ground that it was obtained of undue influence and the alleged mental incapacity of the testatrix.  The case was brought before the Surrogate week before last and adjourned to the 11th inst.  Journal

Morris Chronicle, Morris, NY, August 17, 1870

Marriages

At the residence of the bride's father, Aug. 8, by Rev. W.L. Thorpe, George L. Lyon of Milford [Otsego Co. NY] to Ida Belle Gorham of Cooperstown [Otsego Co. NY].

At Hartwick [Otsego Co. NY] August 3d, by H. Brown, J. Luzerne Adams of New Lisbon [Otsego  Co. NY] to Miss Emma M. Irons of Hartwick.

On Wednesday evening, Aug. 10th, John Beedmen, aged 22 years, a resident of the west part of Morris [Otsego Co. NY], went with two other young men into the Unadilla River, near the bridge leading to South New Berlin, bathing, and getting into deep water suddenly, and not being an expert swimmer, was drowned.  His companions attempted to save him, seeing they could not, gave an alarm.  His body was not found for over two hours, and then of course all efforts to resuscitate were fruitless.  Young Beedmen, was a worthy young man and was highly esteemed by those who knew him, and his untimely death has cast a gloom over the neighborhood in which it occurred. This, we are told is the fourth person that has been drowned near the spot where this accident took place.

Mrs. Ralph Wright, formerly Miss Griswold, who was born and passed her early life near the village of Oneonta [Otsego Co. NY], was brutally murdered by her husband at their home in Conneaut, Ohio, on the night of the 13th of July last.  After killing his wife with an ax and setting fire to the house, in which were his four daughters, the murderer hung himself in the barn.  The fire was extinguished and the children escaped unharmed.  Mr. Wright is supposed to have been insane.

Morris Chronicle, Morris, NY, August 24, 1870

Marriage

At Mt. Upton [Chenango Co. NY] July 31, by Rev. George Heaton, John Houghkerk, to Miss Hattie Wood both of Butternuts [Otsego Co. NY]

Deaths

In Edmeston [Otsego Co. NY] July 14, Mrs. Malind Nelson aged 58 years.

In Burlington [Otsego Co. NY] Aug. 5th, Mrs. Maneron Bolton aged 63 years.

We regret to learn that Chester Jarvis, Esq. formerly a resident of this village [Morris, Otsego Co. NY], died at Kenderhook [Columbia Co. NY], on Wednesday, Agu. 10th, in the 78th year of his age.

News Item

The store of D.M. & E.G. Halbert at Binghamton [Broome Co. NY] was entered at 3 o'clock on the morning of August 17th by three burglars.  The noise awakened two clerks, who slept in the store, and they attacked the burglars, beating one of them very severely and capturing him, while the others made their escape.  While the clerks were preparing to secure their captive, his companions returned to rescue him, and shot one of the clerks through the head, killing him instantly.  His name was Frederick A. Mirrick.  The clerks had a revolver, but it misfired.  The burglars fired five shots altogether and evidently supposed they had killed both clerks. The name of the surviving clerk is Gilbert Burrows.  He was but slightly wounded. Rewards are offered for the capture of the murderers; by the city, $2,500, by the county $2,500, by the Messers Halbert $1,000.

Later

The bodies of two of the three burglars who murdered young Mirrick in Halbert's store, were found Friday morning last in the Chenango River.  After the murder, they attempted to cross the river and were drowned. They were both injured, one of them very severely in the fight with the clerks. their confederate is still at large. The bodies have been identified as men that have been seen about the city for several days' past.

Frederick A. Mirrick, the young man murdered in Binghamton last week by burglars, was formerly a resident of Butternuts [Otsego Co. NY].  His mother, for her second husband, married a Mr. Hanford, and removed to Walton, Del. Co., some two or three years ago.

Vital Records, Chenango County, NY (1879)

 Chenango Semi-Weekly Telegraph, Norwich, NY, January 4, 1879

Marriages

WHEAT - WOOD:  In Bainbridge [Chenango Co. NY] Dec. 25th, by Rev. D.C. Haynes, Mr. Emerson Wheat of Franklin [Delaware Co. NY] to Miss Augusta Wood of Downsville [Delaware Co. NY].

MITCHELL - BROWN:  In DeRuyter [Madison Co. NY] on Christmas eve by Rev. T.F. Harris, Mr. Henry P. Mitchell to Miss Elsie V. Brown at the residence of the bride's father in that village.

FORD - BEDIENT:  At the M.E. parsonage in Franklin, N.Y. [Delaware Co. NY] Dec. 25th, 1878, by Rev. F. Morgan, Warren J. Ford to Miss Phebe A. Bedient both of Gilbertsville, N.Y. [Otsego Co. NY].

LEWIS - McFARLAN: Smithville, Chenango Co. NY:  Minnie McFarlan was united in wedlock to Edgar Lewis of Madison County [NY] at the bride's father's last Thursday evening by Mr. Congdon.

Deaths

CLARK:  In DeRuyter [Madison Co. NY] Dec. 21st, 1878, Mr. Eliakim Clark aged 87 years.

Oxford Times, Oxford, NY, December 18, 1878

Marriage

LORRY - KINSMAN:  In Smithville [Chenango Co. NY] Nov. 20th, by Rev. L.D. Turner, Mr. Lucius Lorry to Miss Addie E. Kinsman.

Deaths

The funeral of Seth Bowen was observed at the M.E. Church Wednesday, discourse by Rev. T.P. Halsted.  Mr. B. had been more or less confined to the house with rheumatism but was not considered dangerous until a day or two before his death.  Howard York, of Norwich, presided at the organ very acceptably.

Oxford Times, Oxford, NY, December 25, 1878

Marriages

BROWN - MORSE:  In Greene [Chenango Co. NY] Dec. 10th by Rev. J.H. Sage, Mr. Henry F. Brown of Smithville [Chenango Co. NY] to Miss Clara j. Morse of Greene.

BREED - FITCH:  In Greene [Chenango Co. NY] Dec. 11th, by Rev. J.H. Sage, Mr. Byron M. Breed of McDonough [Chenango Co. NY] to Miss Dora Fitch of Greene.

Chenango American, Greene, NY, January 2, 1879

Marriages

In this town [Greene, Chenango Co. NY] Dec. 11th, by Rev. J.M. Clark, Mr. Hector Cline to Miss Velma Berry of Greene.

At Harpersville [Broome Co. NY] Dec. 25th, by Rev. Gen. Pritchett, Mr. James W. Wylie to Miss Vinnie M. Riley, both of New Ohio, Broome Co. [NY].

Death

In Lisle [Broome Co. NY] Dec. 10th, Mrs. Nathaniel Knapp aged 30 years.

Sherburne News, Sherburne, NY, January 4, 1879

Marriages

Columbus, Chenango Co. NY:  On Saturday, December 28th, occurred the fiftieth anniversary of the marriage of George Blackman and wife.

________________________

The Marysville correspondent of the Cleveland Leader under date of Dec. 23, 1878, makes the following note of a wedding which will be of pleasing interest to many of our readers.

"The marriage of Mr. W.D. Pudney attorney at law of Cleveland, and Miss Ettie McAllister of Marysville, was solemnized at the residence of the bride's parents in this place at 8 o'clock this evening, Rev. Parker P. Pope officiating at the ceremony.  After the conclusion thereof congratulations followed, real and heartfelt.  Next in order came the wedding feast, both bountiful and sumptuous to which equal and exact justice was done in an able manner and highly satisfactory to all participants therein.  The wedded pair, now one in law, after the conclusion of the festivities of the evening, departed on the north-bound train from this place for an extended tour through the State of New York to the former home and place of nativity therein of Mr. Pudney, followed by the heart-felt and kindly expressed good wishes of the numerous friends of the bride and groom.  Mr. Pudney formerly resided in Marysville, where he, for several years, successfully practiced his profession as a partner in the law firm of Carpenter & Pudney; leaving here some two years since, he located in Cleveland, where he is now in practice, being one of the law firm of Jackson & Pudney.  Miss McAllister, Now Mrs. Pudney, is a native of this town (Marysville), is an amiable and accomplished lady, who will not fail to win the respect and esteem of all who may come within the circle of her acquaintance at her home in the beautiful "Forest City," of which place she is soon to become a resident."

Vital Records, Chenango County, NY (1879)

 Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, January 9, 1879

Marriages

CURTISS - CARPENTER:  At the residence of the bride in this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY] on Tuesday evening, Jan. 7th, 1879, by Rev. D.E. Loveridge, Mr. Roswell Curtiss to Mrs. Adelaide Carpenter all of Norwich.

BARR - WHITE:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY] Jan. 1st by Rev. H.M. Crydenwise, Mrs. Fred O. Barr of McDonough [Chenango Co. NY] to Miss Carrie P. White of Smithville [Chenango Co. NY].

NILES - SMITH:  In Oxford [Chenango Co. NY] Dec. 25th by Rev. B.A. Russell, Mr. Nelson Niles of Richfield Springs [Otsego Co. NY] to Miss Dora L. Smith of Oxford.

MINER - MOORE:  In Oxford [Chenango Co. NY] Jan. 3d by Rev. C.F. Janes, Mr. Clarence R. Miner to Miss Helen C. Moore.

EVANS - DAVIDSON:  In Sherburne [Chenango Co. NY] Jan. 1st by Rev. O.H. McAnulty, Mr. Edward Evans of Plymouth [Chenango Co. NY] to Miss Melissa Davidson of Sherburne.

BLORE - MERITHEW:  At the residence of the bride's parents near Rockdale [Chenango Co. NY] Jan. 2d by Rev. H.G. Harned, Mr. B.R. Blore to Miss Ernie G Merithew, both of Rockdale.

MARSHMAN - SEELEY:  In Oxford [Chenango Co. NY] Dec. 25th, by Rev. S.C. Fulton, Mr. Daniel S. Marshman to Miss Frances L. Seeley, both of Oxford.

THAYER - DURAN:  In South New Berlin [Chenango Co. NY], Dec. 25th, by Rev. W. Scott, Mr. William S. Thayer to Miss Estella  H. Duran both of Plymouth [Chenango Co. NY].

ROBINSON - HUBBARD:  In Greene [Chenango Co. NY] Dec. 31st, by Rev. H.N. Van Dusen, Mr. Henry M. Robinson of Guilford [Chenango Co. NY] to Miss Aurelia I. Hubbard of Smithville [Chenango Co. NY].

MARVIN - PAYNE:  In Greene [Chenango Co. NY] Dec. 25th, by Rev H.N. Van Dusen, Mr. Albert Marvin to Mrs. Pamelia A. Payne all of Greene.

NEISH - BARLOW:  In DeLancy [Delaware Co. NY] Dec. 31st by Rev. T. Park, Mr. James A. Neish of Preston [Chenango Co. NY] to Miss Nellie A. Barlow of Pharsalia [Chenango Co. NY].

PIERSE - SOULE:  In Otselic [Chenango Co. NY] Jan. 1st, by Rev. J.W. Barr, Mr. L.D. Pierce to Miss Mate L. Soule both of Otselic.

SMITH - PROUTY:  In Rockdale [Chenango Co. NY] Dec. 26th by Rev. R.P.  Halsted, Mr. William A. Smith of Unadilla [Otsego Co. NY] to Miss Florence A. Prouty of Guilford [Chenango Co. NY].

BROWN - BECKWITH:  In Lincklaen [Chenango Co. NY] Dec. 27th by Rev. Mr. Lawton, Mr. Luther Brown of DeRuyter [Madison Co. NY] to Mrs. Angeline Beckwith of Pharsalia [Chenango Co. NY].

COON - MILLER:  In Cortland [Cortland Co. NY] Dec. 25th by Rev. H.S. Westgate, Mr. Emilus Coon of Lincklaen [Chenango Co. NY] to Miss Luna Miller of Homer [Cortland Co. NY].

BOYD - HOUGH:  In Cortland [Cortland Co. NY] Dec. 31st, by Rev J. Knieskern, Mr. John D. Boyd of Cincinnatus [Cortland Co. NY] to Miss Emma Hough of Cortland.

FREEMAN - WHITE:  In Cincinnatus [Cortland Co. NY] Dec. 24th, by O.P. Winer, Esq. Mr. Erwin J. Freeman  of Taylor [Cortland Co. NY] to Miss Frances E. White of Cincinnatus.

COLE - STREET:  At the residence of O. Randall in Norwich [Chenango Co. NY] Dec. 25th, by Rev. H.M. Crydenwise, Mr. Albert Cole of Andes [Delaware Co. NY] to Miss Julia M. Street of Norwich.

On Wednesday evening last, a large number of friends and relatives assembled at the residence of George Lewis and wife, in response to invitations by them to celebrate the fifteenth anniversary of their wedding day. The makeup of the occasion was complete in all its details and a spirit of good feeling pervaded the entire assembly.  Rev. Charles Morehouse set forth the benefits derived from such gatherings in a brief and able manner.  Also, an abundance of fine music was rendered by Lewis' Orchestra.  Mr. and Mrs. Lewis were the recipients of presents to the value of fifty dollars. The spread which was provided by the bride and groom as in every way worthy of the pleasant event.  the complimentary gifts were thankfully received as was expressed by well-timed remarks by Mr. Lewis.  May their future anniversaries and pathway of life be characterized by the love and harmony which prevailed on this occasion.

Deaths

KINYON:  At the residence at her son-in-law, Egbert Cook, in this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY] January 1st, 1879, Mrs. Prudy Kinyon widow of the late Joseph Kinyon, aged 93 years.

Mrs. Prudy Kinyon, a mother of Mrs. Egbert Cook of this village, died at the residence of her daughter on Wednesday.  the funeral took place Friday forenoon and the remains were taken to Sherburne [Chenango Co. NY] for interment.  Her age was 92 years. [Chenango Semi-Weekly Telegraph,  Norwich, NY, Jan. 4, 1879]

PHELPS:  At New Berlin Centre [Chenango Co. NY] Dec. 26th, Mr. Ely Phelps aged 73 years and 7 months.

ST. JOHN:  At his residence in Guilford [Chenango Co. NY] Dec. 31st, Mr. Heman St. John aged 86 years and 4 months.

Mr. Upton, Chenango Co. NY:  On Thursday came the funeral of Mr. Heman St. john, from his residence where he had lived for many years.  A respected citizen, quiet in life, democratic at heart, loved by his family and all who knew him died an old man eighty-five years of age.

ALLEN:   In Pitcher [Chenango Co. NY] Dec. 27th, Mr. Isaac B. Allen, aged 82 years. 

STOKES:  In Smyrna [Chenango Co. NY] Jan. 3d Edna [Stokes] infant daughter of Ervin W. and Lizzie Stokes, aged 13 months.

KNOWLES:  In Smyrna [Chenango Co. NY] Jan. 3d, Willie [Knowles] only son of Robert H. Knowles, aged 4 years.

MEDBURY:  In Sherburne [Chenango Co. NY] Dec. 31st Harry S. [Medbury] only son of Oscar Medbury, aged 2 years and  8 months.

McCORMICK:  In Chester, Pa. Dec. 20th, Mr. Andrew McCormick, aged about 60 years, formerly of Sherburne [Chenango Co. NY].

Sherburne, Chenango Co. NY:  Andrew McCormick, an old resident of this place, died at Chester, Pa., December 30th, 1878, where himself and family resided.  His remains will probably be interred at C.  He was about sixty years of age.

SPENCER:  In Unadilla [Otsego Co. NY], near Rockdale [Chenango Co. NY], Jan. 3d, Lena May [Spencer] daughter of W.P. and Theresa A Spencer aged 13 years 8 months and 22 days.

CHAPIN:  Mrs. Pliny Chapin, an aged lady residing in the north-east part of this town [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY] fell in a fit while reading a paper in the office of D.M. Powers on the 28th ult.  She was conveyed to her residence but expired in about twelve hours after the attack.  Her funeral was attended on the following Wednesday, but without religious ceremonies.

Mrs. Pliny Chapin was buried from her late residence on Wednesday.  The funeral was remarkable for the absence of all religious ceremonies or ordinary funeral rites and obsequies.  A few friends gathered and took a last look at the deceased, and she was then conveyed to her last resting place. This was in accordance with her last expressed wish and desire.  [Chenango Semi-Weekly Telegraph, Norwich, NY, Jan. 4, 1879]

SECOR:  The funeral of Mrs. Maria Peet Secor was held at the M.E. Church, Mt. Upton [Chenango Co. NY], Friday December 27th.  One week before, she attended the funeral of Seth Bowen in the same place, blooming and fair, the picture of health.  Diphtheria sometimes makes short work with its victims.  The friends have the sincere sympathy of all in their deep affliction.

_______________________

BALCOM:  In Binghamton [Broome Co. NY] Jan. 6th, Hon. Ransom Balcom aged 60 years.

Although not unexpected, the intelligence of the death of this gentleman, which occurred at his residence in Binghamton on Monday last, after a long and hopeless illness, is received with sorrow by a large circle of friends throughout the State.

Ransom Balcom was born in Oxford [Chenango Co. NY] in 1818 and was a son of the late Samuel Balcom.  His boyhood and early manhood were spent in his native town, where he attended the town schools and Academy. After completing his academic course, he entered the law office of Hon. Samuel McKoon, where he pursued the study of law and was admitted to the Bar in 1841.  He was elected to the Assembly in 1846, and in 1851 was the Whig candidate for County Judge, but was defeated by Roswell Judson, the democratic nominee, by a majority of nine votes.  Soon after, he removed to Binghamton and entered into a copartnership in the practice of law with the late Giles W. Hotchkiss and the late Lewis Seymour, under the firm name of Hotchkiss, Seymour & Balcom.  In 1855 he was elected judge of the Supreme Court for a term of eight years; in 1863 he was re-elected for another term of eight years, and at the expiration of that term, in 1871, he was elected under the new Constitution for a term of fourteen years, but was compelled to resign in May 1877 in consequence of failing health and the vacancy was filled by Judge Martin.

"Prior to his resignation, (says the Binghamton Republican of Tuesday morning), Judge Balcom had a severe fit of sickness which carried him very near to death's door.  From this he recovered so far that he attempted to perform the duties of his office, but he never entirely recovered from the fever.  It is considered probable that the attempt to resume his judicial labors before his health would warrant it was the immediate cause of the entire breaking down of his health.  Since his retirement from the bench, his condition has grown rapidly worse.  For the past three days he has been in a stupor and now, death has come to relieve his spirit of a life which had become to some extent a burden."

A meeting of the Bar was held at the Court House in Binghamton on Tuesday evening which was largely attended.  Hon C.E. March occupied the Chair, and his tribute to the memory of the deceased was feeling and appropriate.  Other members present spoke of the integrity and worth of their departed brother.

The remains of the deceased lay in state at his rooms in Binghamton on Wednesday afternoon and were taken to Oxford on the evening train, where the funeral will take place, in accordance with the judge's wishes, the services being appointed for ten o'clock Thursday morning.  A delegation from the Bar Association of Binghamton, escorted the remains to Oxford.

Deceased leaves surviving him his widow, formerly Miss Susan Farnham of Oxford, a son and a daughter.

_______________________

The Oneida Union of last week, in speaking of the accident at Battle Creek [Cattaraugus Co. NY], on the 26th ult. which resulted in the instant death of Orville H. Page and serious injuries to two others, states that Mr. Page was for some time conductor on the Midland, but after the removal of his train from the road some months since, served as baggageman.  Deceased was about twenty-eight years old.  Says the Union: "Himself and wife had for some time boarded with C. Bacon of this village [Oneida, Madison Co. NY].  He was regarded as a genial young man and enjoyed the society of a large number of friends. At the time of the accident, his wife was visiting friends at Williamstown, Oswego County [NY]. On Christman, Mr. Page called at his room in Oneida and left as a present for his wife, then absent, a large photograph of himself, which has not yet been viewed by the deeply afflicted lady.

Vital Records, Chenango County, NY, (1838 & 1879)

 Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, June 6, 1838

Deaths

In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY] on the 29th ult. Mr. Jason Gleason aged 75 years.  Mr. G. was a Revolutionary Soldier and an honest and an upright man.

On the same day, Celia [Hunt] daughter of the late Timothy Hunt, Esq. aged 16 years.  Mis H. was highly esteemed by all who knew her.

On the 1st inst. Lyman [Baldwin] son f Isaac Baldwin, aged 11 years.  The circumstances attending his death were peculiarly afflicting.  He fell into the pond near Guernsey's mill while alone and was drowned.  Probably this happened about 10 o'clock in the forenoon.  His body was found about 4 P.M. Lyman Baldwin was one of the most intelligent lads this village ever knew.  His equal as a scholar of his age lived not among us.  He possessed every quality of head and heart which makes even man respected.

Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, July 4, 1838

Death

In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY] on Monday morning, the 2d inst. Mr. Asa Pellet, father of the Editor of this paper, aged 71 years.

Isaac N. Shoals a young man aged 19, was drowned in the River at North Norwich on the 27th ult.  It is supposed that he was thrown from a blind horse in the evening into the river while there with the intention of watering him.  His body was not found until the day following.  Mr. S. was a resident of Plymouth [Chenango Co. NY] where his body was taken.  An inquest was held on it by Mr. Ansel Berry, Coroner of this village, Verdict - "Death by accidental drowning."  This is the fourth body on which Mr. Berry has been called to hold an inquest, within about five weeks.  All deaths by drowning.

Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, July 18, 1838

Death

In this town [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY] on the 13th inst. Mrs. Tamma Parker, wife of Nathan Parker, Jr., aged 38 years.

Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, July 25, 1838

Death

In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY] yesterday morning of consumption, Mrs. Edith Ann Pellet wife of the Editor of this paper, aged 31 years.

Bainbridge Republican, Bainbridge, NY, January 9, 1879

Marriage

BLOW - MERITHEW:  At the residence of the bride's parents near Rockdale [Chenango Co. NY ] Jan. 5, 1879, by Rev. H.G. Harned, Mr. B.R. Blow of Rockdale, Chenango Co. N.Y. and Miss Erine G. Merithew.

Deaths

Jan 3d, 1879, Lena May [Spencer] daughter of Mr. W.P. and Mrs. Theresa A. Spencer of Unadilla [Otsego Co. NY], near Rockdale N.Y. [Chenango Co.] aged 13 years 8 months and 23 days.

Sidney Plains Delaware Co. NY:  The remains of Mrs. Shippard who died at Walton [Delaware Co. NY] some forty years ago, are to be removed and interred by the side of her husband in the old cemetery at this village.

Death in the Jail.  A prisoner by the name of Edward Robinson in jail from Stamford [Delaware Co. NY] for intoxication, died on Sunday from an overdose of opium.  An inquest on Monday revealed the fact, and a verdict was rendered accordingly.  He was buried in the County House grounds.

Ex Judge Ransom Balcom died at Binghamton [Broome Co. NY] on Monday night, shortly before eleven o'clock.  Judge Balcom was a native of this county [Chenango Co. NY] and has been a very able and popular Judge.  The funeral, for which the day has not been appointed, will take place at Oxford [Chenango Co.  NY].

News Items

Mr. George Kirk an old resident and at one time a distinguished pilot on the Delaware River in running lumber, is now in the 81st year of his age and though greatly suffering from the "Bright" disease, his mind remains comparatively clear and active.  It is with much pleasure that he recalls events of over half a century ago when, in the prime of life he was a man with a strong and well-built muscular frame, amounting almost to a model of perfection and which gave him a remarkable constitution.  He commenced running the river when only 15 years old and continued in that business for over fifty years, and he is now one of the remaining few which constitutes the old landmarks of industry and through retired from active life, still feels a great anxiety for those things which he believes to be the most conducive to the best interest of the people.

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Afton, Jan. 8, 1879, Mr. Editor - As you were pleased to note the anniversary of our fiftieth year of married life, I will give you a few incidents of my early recollections.

At the time of the war of 1812, my father was living in Warrensburg, Warren County, N.Y.  Near the close of the war, early one morning an aged man called upon my father and in much apparent agitation informed him that there were Indian spies upon what was then called Bishop's Mountain, an eminence from the top of which an extensive view of the surrounding country could be distinctly taken for many miles.  He had discovered a fire on the opposite side of the mountain and venturing near saw about a dozen Indians preparing their breakfast. being much alarmed he came over the river to see what measures could be taken to protect, if possible, the inhabitants from those unwelcome invaders.  My father took his telescope and by its aid we could bring them so near as to see that they were indeed savages.  At that time my father owned mills and drew lumber to Ft. Edward, consequently kept several horses. They were soon saddled and mounted by boys with instructions to ride in different directions and drop written lines at every house, requiring every man to repair to our place as soon as dark to protect the bridges that spanned the river, and also, if possible, to protect the people along the river and at the village at Lake George.  It was a busy time at our house that day. The old-fashioned bread tray that would hold a bushel of flour was brought to hand and the large brick oven heated and re-heated until a sufficient quantity of bread, pies, cake, meat and buns, were prepared to feed a hungry multitude. Each had their separate duties to perform.  My little brother and myself were furnished from our store with bullet moles, ladles and bars of lead, and we sat upon the hearth before the arch and made bullets until we had a supply large enough, we children thought, to furnish an army.  At dusk the men began to gather, and we soon had quite a respectable sized army.  In the morning of the next day they proceeded to the mountain, shot at them, but they fled through a large swamp at the base.  Our men preferred to shun the swamp as it was a dense wilderness for miles and returned home without even capturing an Indian.

Soon after this, Judge Bishop and my father organized a Silver Gray company, as they were in the service, and I think for a while the old men trained almost every day.

Those familiar with the condition of our country at that time will remember that crockery was very scarce and as those old men became wearied with marching and exercise, got thirsty, and it was amusing to us children to hear them smack their lips as they sipped the delicious beverage over those broad brimmed vessels which were usually kept on the upper shelves at the store.

Mahala Hoffman, now Parsons.

Vital Records, Otsego County, NY (1879)

 Oneonta Herald & Democrat, Oneonta, NY, February 7, 1879

Marriages

In Delhi [Delaware Co. NY], January 23d by Rev. F.A.M. Brown, Isaac Silliman of Milford [Otsego Co. NY] and Frances Deyo of Hamden [Delaware Co. NY].

In Hobart [Delaware Co. NY], Dec. 24th, by Rev. J.D. Gibson, Frank H. McNaught M.D. and Miss Helen [Cowan] only daughter of the late Hector Cowan, all of Hobart.

In Hobart [Delaware Co. NY] Jan. 28th by Rev. C.C. Miller, John A Cowan and Miss Martha L. [Hanford] only daughter of Horace Hanford, all of Hobart.

At the residence of the bride's parents, Jan. 30, by Rev. I. Powers, Edgar B. Day and Mary A. Gage all of Worcester [Otsego Co. NY].

In Tonawanda, N.Y. [Erie Co.], Jan. 30, by Rev. A.B. Robinson, Dr. T.A. White of Gilbertsville [Otsego Co. NY] and Lizzie Metcalf of Cherry Valley [Otsego Co. NY].

In Cooperstown [Otsego Co. NY] Jan. 29 by Rev. E.E. Peck, Wm. P.K. Fuller and Eva Murdock both of Cooperstown.

At Worcester [Otsego Co. NY] Feb. 2, by Rev. John M. Chase, Hamilton Waterman and Mrs. Lovira Wright.

In New Lisbon [Otsego Co. NY] Jan. 29, by Rev. Ira Bailey, Leon Gregory and Jennie Bundy.

In Maryland [Otsego Co. NY] Jan. 31, Huntington Parish of Oneonta [Otsego Co. NY] and Laralett Slater of the former place.

In Garrattsville [Otsego Co. NY] Jan. 29 by Rev. B.P. Ripley, A.A. Jackson and Belle A. Manwarring.

Deaths

In Meredith [Delaware Co. NY], January 28th of scarlet fever, Ernest A. [Thompson] infant child of Abel W. and Emma C. Thompson.

In Walton [Delaware Co. NY], January 28th, Alfred Nichols aged 83 years.

In North Walton [Delaware Co. NY] January 28th, Wm. W. Morenus aged 69 years.

In Delhi [Delaware Co. NY] Feb. 3d, J. Harris Hunt in the 54th year of his age.

In Davenport [Delaware Co. NY] Feb. 2, David Multer aged about 60 years.

In Butternuts [Otsego Co. NY] Jan. 23, Minnie Burlingame aged 2 years.

In West Davenport [Delaware Co. NY] Feb. 5, Francis Goodrich aged 81 years.

Joseph Richard Mahon Miller formerly of Hartwick [Otsego Co. NY] died in Philadelphia recently.  He was born in Barbadoes, W.I. [West Indies] in 1795.

Dr. Sprague born in Otsego [Otsego Co. NY] in 1800, died at Hastings, Minn., on the 22nd ult.  He practiced medicine in Cooperstown [Otsego Co. NY] and Exeter [Otsego Co. NY] until 1869 when he moved West.  He was a member of the New York Legislature in 1858, and President of the New York State Medical Society in 1854.

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In Laurens [Otsego Co. NY], Jan. 30, 1879, Hudson Sleeper in his 77th year.

His grandfather, John Sleeper was the founder of the village of Laurens.  In 1774, he established a mill there and the settlement was known as Sleeper's Mills for many years.  Mr. Sleeper's farm is part of the original tract that was bought by his grandfather.  He died in the home in which he was born and from which he had never been absent in all his long life more than a fortnight at a time.  It is commonly said of him, "He had no enemies."  His life was above reproach and evidently controlled by the principle of good will to all.  He was the accommodating neighbor, the true friend, the faithful husband and father.  He lived a happy and useful life, he died a calm and hopeful death, having imbibed the very essence of the teachings of Christ form his frequent reading and pondering upon the sacred teachings of the Bible.

News Item

All About A Silver Wedding

I shall occupy your time by writing you a letter and writing it in rhyme.  Now if you think the occasion is hardly worth the trouble, you can lay it to a way I have of sometimes seeing double - a very natural consequence which mortals oft inherit and 'tis always best to treat a man according to his merit.  Now I think I hear you saying that a good time to begin it would be not to mention merit, for you don't see any in it.  Of such base insinuations you will find I'm not afraid, for I'm like a locomotive on a heavy downward grade, with a tender full of fuel and a firm and even track.  Now the inference you can draw is this - you cannot turn me back.  There was Colonel Davy Crockett showed a very level head. "First be sure you're right," said he, "then always go ahead."  So, I shall "go ahead" with this, if you do not like my rhyme - I think I can do even worse, if I only had the time.  Now please do not be frightened for I don't intend to do it, but tis best to know what can be done when one is driven to it.  With this general introduction I can think of nothing better, so I'll take a start and "go ahead" and finish up the letter.  And for fear my dismal rhyming may give you all the blues, I will tell of Unadilla [Otsego Co. NY] and all the local news.

Now the first thing I can think of, or the first that I shall mention, is DeForrest's silver wedding, which attracted much attention.  The house was filled to overflowing (we almost feared twould burst), it happened on the evening of February 1st.  And the funniest thing of all is this (I'm telling you no lies). the whole affair was kept a secret, a real, complete surprise.  The DeForests didn't know it till the very latest minute, when we all pounced down upon them like a hawk upon a linnet.  Mrs. DeForest seemed "took back," when she met us at the door; then we sent a delegation down to her husband's store, where they quickly took possession and turned out all the lights. DeForest begged in vain for time for putting things to rights, they wouldn't give him time to think, much less the time to speak, so to balance up his cash account he'll wait another week.  Of this there does not seem to be the slightest room for doubt; as Fred Lines quietly remarked, "we quickly closed him out." To escape from such a crowd as that was not an easy thing; the raid was planned and managed by Captain A.F. Wing who first threw out his skirmish line, then pickets and patrol (Wing's the man that runs the Depot Store - sells plaster, lime and coal).  With their prisoner well surrounded and under double guard he didn't try to get away, at least not very hard.  They marched him off in triumph at a step called "double quick," before he seemed to realize or understand the trick, for he got no explanation from this set of graceless scamps who would match for "cheek" or impudence those law defying tramps.  

But I find my time is limited; not having much to spare, I now will undertake the task of telling who was there.  There was Mr. and Mrs. Galpin and Mr. and Mrs. Flint; the two gentlemen being reverends, you will understand the hint, so I don't propose to say but little now about 'em, but unless the couple are Squired together, we can't do well without 'em.  

Abial Williams, Doctor Sweet and S.E. Webb were there; of course, they brought their wives along thus forming each a pair.  Mrs. George and Lila Briggs drove up from Sidney Plains, they'd rather come that way, they said, than trust to railroad trains.  Ex-Sheriff Benedict and wife, and also Mr. white came in their own conveyances, returning home that night.   George Burgin, William Hughston, Tustin Dibble, Samuel Bacon, all came and brought their wives along, if I am not Mistaken. 

Among this large assemblage it was hard to find a "feller" who furnished more amusement than our old friend R.K. Teller.  I'll tell the truth, you know I will if it almost takes my life, - he brought his phonograph along, because he's got no wife.  Young Teller swings a level head, in fact he knows his "biz."  He said "we had our talk machines" so he thought that he'd bring his. These "talk machines" are much alike, for both have got a knack of being quite impertinent and always talking back, but the less we say about it of course 'tis soonest mended, for the girls all think young Teller and his Phono just old splendid.

There was Lyman H. DeForest, the brother of the groom, the best-looking man (except myself) of any in the room.  His wife and daughter Too, were there, and Mrs. Bragg and son, and many more I'll mention before my story is done.  There were the misses Heath and Burgess, also Miss Lottie Slade, the latter's mother too was there and thought herself well paid.  Mrs. Hodges, Smith and Myrick, the sisters of the bride, with their husbands all assisted to see the knot well tied.  

Mr. and Mrs. Buckley (his given name is Frank), he manufactures shirts near the Unadilla Bank with the last named institution we all were quite disgusted, the building stands there just the same, the bank you know has "busted."  

Messrs. L.L. Woodruff, J.T. Peck and Marvin W. Duley, with their better halves were all on hand, you know I'll tell you truly; Mr. and Mrs. Wheeler and Perry Smith and wife, George Chaffin Too, and lady were mingling in the strife.  Miss Genie Smith was also there, or I wouldn't tell you so.  She is pretty well I thank you, if you would like to know.  Professors Smtih and Griffin stand high as public teachers (perhaps I should have mentioned them when speaking of the preachers).  Mrs. Joseph Sweet and two daughters fair were present, and we thought they did their share to make the party pleasant.  Young Fleming too, from Sidney with his friend Miss Lottie Bell, we were glad to see enjoy themselves, we thought exceeding well.  Mrs. Weidman, Mrs. Elliot, Sylvester Arms and wife and also Arthur Newman were never busier in their life. 

The presents rich and beautiful of silver pure and plated, were exhibited by Taylor Arms, who was seemingly elated as he handled o'er each article in a graceful, witty speech and told the moral lesson he though the same would teach.  His accomplished wife was also there, but when we'd formed a ring, 'twas easier far to cage a bird that 'twas to make one sing.  Another lady too was there who'll haul me o'er the coals, should I forget to call her name, 'tis Mrs. F.G. Bolles.  There was Mrs. Wing and Mrs. Emes and then there comes Miss Whtie, and that I think concludes the list of the silver wedding night.

If I've omitted any I hope they will excuse it, for I've got this chance to "show them up," and I rather want to use it.  The cakes and meats were splendid and exactly to our mind, and I think your correspondent must have "sampled" ever kind.  A poem for this occasion was written by Rev. Mr. Flint, and now I come to think of it, there was one by Peppermint.