Vital Records, Chenango County, NY (1879)

 Bainbridge Republican, Bainbridge, NY, September 5, 1879

Deaths

Del Woods died last night (Thursday) of typhoid fever.

Mr. Allington Crandall, a worthy and respected citizen of Oxford [Chenango Co. NY], died at Woodhull, Steuben County [NY] on Friday last.  He had gone there on a visit to relatives and was stricken with apoplexy of which he had previously been afflicted.  His remains were brought to the residence of his son James, at Brisben [Chenango Co. NY] and from there interred in McDonough [Chenango Co. NY] on Sunday.  Mr. Crandall was strictly honest and a hardworking man all his life and it is to be hoped that he has gone to his reward.  [d. 29 Aug. 1879, age 70y, buried Corbin Cemetery, McDonough]

Captain W.B. McKean of the United States Marine Corps, who resided in Cobham, Va., was thrown from his horse on Saturday evening and killed.  Captain McKean was a son of the late Commodore W.W. McKean and brother of Mrs. Jos. E. Ely, Mrs. W.N. Wilson, Mrs. Cyrus F. Hotchkiss, Miss Dell McKean and Mr. Samuel McKean of Binghamton [Broome Co. NY].

Orville Tyler, formerly of New Berlin [Chenango Co. NY] and brother of Colonel Tyler of this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY] died at his late residence in Waukesha, Wis., on the 6th inst. [ult] after a brief illness.  Mr. Tyler was a useful and highly respected citizen and his many friends in this section will be pained to hear of his death.  Telegraph

A telegram was received Monday morning at Sidney Plains [Delaware Co. NY] from Leonadas, Mich., stating that Mrs. A.M. Hutchinson of Sidney Plains, died there August 31st.  Her body will be brought to Sidney Plains where the funeral services will be held.  She will be buried in Columbia county [NY].

Darius S.. Ayres a prominent business an of Binghamton [Broome Co. NY] died at Denver, Col. the 26th inst. [Ult], of kidney disease.  Mr. Ayres was a member of the well-known firm of Hallock, Cary & Co., besides being interested in several other mercantile institutions.  His remains arrived in Binghamton, Tuesday for interment.

Mr. William Harrison an old and highly respected citizen of Smithville [Chenango Co. NY] departed this life on Saturday, the 23d inst. [ult.] His funeral was attended on Monday following.

Mr. E.H. Clark of Union [Broome Co. NY] died Tuesday morning at 7 o'clock.  Mr. Clark was an old and well-known resident.

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Horace McCall of Oneonta [Otsego Co. NY] received notice last week of the death of his brother, Dr. William McCall, a physician and surgeon of considerable note, at his home in Omro, Wis., at the age of 69 years.  Deceased was formerly a resident of Franklin [Delaware co. NY]. He leaves a wife and two grown children, a son located at Lincoln, Neb., and a daughter living in Boston.

Dr. William McCall, an old and much respected citizen of our village, died on Monday morning about 3 o'clock, after an illness of a little over three weeks.  He was about 70 years old.  The funeral was held yesterday at 10:30 a.m. at the Presbyterian church, the pastor, Rev. Mr. Hick officiating.  the Doctor was buried with Masonic rites; he having been a member of the fraternity for years.  The church was full and the remains were attended to their last resting place by a large concourse of our citizens.  Omro (Wis) Journal [Oneonta Herald & Democrat, Oneonta, NY, Sept. 12, 1879]

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Mrs. Rachel Doughty mother of Mrs. Dunshee, who was suffering with typhoid fever, died the 26th ult. at the advanced age of 73 years.  Her remains were taken to the Union church above Unadilla [Otsego Co. NY] for interment the services being held in the church.   Miss Jennie Dunshee was taken sick about the time of her grandmother's death and died Monday, age, four years, seven months.  She had been under the treatment of Dr. Winie of Sidney Plains.

Oxford [Chenango Co. NY], Wilson Woods employed as a brakeman on a New Jersey railroad was killed near Trenton, N.J. on the 14th of August.  Young Woods was a son of Clark and Anna Woods of this town, and his age was 22 years.  He leaves a wife and a large circle of friends to mourn his death. Oxford Times

We learn that a woman named Edgerton an elderly maiden lady, a resident of Smithville in this county [Chenango Co. NY], about a week ago got up in the nighttime and in attempting to descend the stairs missed her footing, fell to the bottom, breaking both her arms, her jaw and injuring her internally to such an extent that she had since died.  Oxford Times.

Last Saturday afternoon while switching cars at the depot at Sidney Plains [Delaware co. NY], Fred Berry of Walton [Delaware Co. NY] was run over by a car.  He caught his heel in a frog and was unable to free himself before the car struck him and passed over his body near his hip.  He was carried to Walton Saturday, and we learn he has since died.  Oxford Times

News Items

The verdict of the jury in the case of John O'Day who was killed in the railroad yard at Binghamton [Broome Co. NY] Tuesday of last week, was as follows:  "That John O'Day came to his death in the city of Binghamton on the 26 of August, 1879, by being run over by the tender of a switch engine belonging to the Delaware, Lackawanna and Western Railroad near Liberty Street, in consequence of the neglect of the railroad company in not having their brake on the tender in proper order, and that the jurors herewith find that the deceased lost his life in consequence of mismanagement and fast running in the yard of said company."

Jersey City [NJ] August 25:  Between 9 and 10 o'clock on Saturday night a man evidently under the influence of liquor and at the same time acting as if insane, fell overboard at the twenty-third Street ferry on the New York side.  He was safely got out and instead of being sent to the station house or hospital, was placed on the boat and sent across the river.  On arriving here, he was taken in charge by Officer Harris and brought to the Second Precinct Station House, where he gave his name as Martin A. Burlingame of Chenango County, N.Y., but insisted that he was now in Valparaiso and claimed that he was robbed of his watch and thrown overboard.  He had lost his watch, one cuff button and his shoes, all of which were doubtless pulled off in the struggle to get him out of the water.  Yesterday morning he insisted that he was in Texas, and that he had friends residing directly opposite the station house.  He is agent for some invention and apparently about 80 years old.

Vital Records, Otsego (1805) & Chenango (1879) Counties, NY

 Otsego Herald, Cooperstown, NY, September 19, 1805

Death

On the 11th instant, a number of people were raising a building near Doct. Herrington's in the town of Otego [Otsego Co. NY] which was framed in the manner called cross work or posts and beams.  They had raised six beams and were raising the seventh when the whole being improperly stayed, fell suddenly, by which Messrs. Moses Powel, Martin Bridges and Ezra Barton were instantly killed and one of Mr. Samuel Gardner's arms was badly shattered and one of Mr. Amasa Grover's arms was dislocated, but they are both recovering.  Others received slight injuries.  Those who were killed have left bereaved consorts and large families to bemoan their irreparable loss.  On the 13th instant, their funeral was attended by a large concourse of sympathizing citizens.  An appropriate discourse was delivered on the afflicting and solemn occasion.

"Many are the shapes of death, / And many are the ways that lead / To his grim cave; all dismal! yet to the sense / More terrible at the entrance than within."

News Item

One Cent Reward

Ran away from the subscriber on the 20th of August at six o'clock in the morning, an indented boy named Henry Vanderburgh.  All persons are forbid harboring, trusting, or employing the said boy at their peril. The above reward and no charges will be paid to any person who will return said boy to his master.  Levi Austin, Unadilla [Otsego Co. NY] August 20, 1805.

Otsego Herald, Cooperstown, NY, September 26, 1805

Death

Died on Wednesday the 18th instant, Miss Hannah Williams eldest daughter of Capt. Bille Williams, of Hartwick [Otsego Co. NY], and on the 19th instant, her funeral was attended by a large concourse of people, from that and the adjacent towns.  Having taught a school the past summer in this village [Cooperstown, Otsego Co. NY], the beautiful little females, her late pupils, attended, appropriately dressed in white muslin and black scarfs, exhibiting juvenile innocence, blended with unaffected grief.  Miss Williams mental and acquired accomplishments and amiable disposition and deportment had endeared her to all her acquaintance and her loss will be deeply deplored by her afflicted relatives and a numerous circle of her acquaintance.

"In death's soft slumbers lull'd to rest, / She sleeps by smiling visions, blest, / That gently whisper peace; / Till the last morn's fair op'ning ray / Unfolds the bright eternal day / of active life and bliss."

News Item

Whereas my wife Sarah [Edson] hath for a long time behaved in an improper and indecent manner.     These are therefore to forbid all persons harboring or trusting her on my account, as I will not pay any debts she may contract after this date. Isaac Edson  Milford [Otsego Co. NY] Sept. 24, 1805.

Chenango American, Greene, NY, July 24, 1879

Marriages

At Chenango Forks [Broome Co. NY] July 3d by Rev. T.B. Griffith, Mr. C.B. Stratton of Oxford [Chenango Co. NY] to Miss J.A. Copeland of the former place.

In DeRuyter [Madison Co. NY] July 8th, by Rev. J. Clarke, Mr. Floyd E. Green of Willett [Cortland Co. NY] to Miss Clara E. Main of Cazenovia [Madison Co. NY].

In Oxford [Chenango Co. NY] July 17th by Rev. H.N. Payne, Mr. William M. Miller and Miss Emma E. Pearne.

In Freetown [Cortland Co. NY], June 18th, by Rev. G.A. Place, Mr. William L. Seeber of German [Chenango Co. NY] and Miss Eunice M. Ganliner of the former place.

Deaths

In Norwich [Chenango Co. NY] July 11th, Mrs. Mary French wife of James French, aged 63 years and 11 months.

In McDonough [Chenango Co. NY] July 2d, Mrs. Sally Ecclesten aged 89 years.

In Madison [Madison Co. NY] July 15th, Mrs. Abigail Fisher aged 86 years, mother of E.G. fisher, of Norwich [Chenango Co. NY].

In Gilbertsville [Otsego Co. NY] July 12th, Mr. J. Alexander Sturges formerly of Norwich [Chenango Co. NY].

In Fond du Lac, Wis. July 4th, Mary A. [Dickinson] wife of Charles F. Dickinson, aged 58 years, formerly of Guilford [Chenango Co. NY].

In New Berlin [Chenango Co. NY] July 11th, Mrs. Sally M. Peck int he 80th year of her age.

In Oxford [Chenango Co. NY], July -?- Mrs. Margaret Finnell aged 71 years.

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In this village [Greene, Chenango Co. NY] July 16th of consumption, George H. [Ketchum] only son of Albert G. and Almira T. Ketchum aged 18 years and 6 months.

The deceased was a young man of more than ordinary purity of life and heart.  Unselfish, kind, generous, noble, he made friends wherever he moved.  He has left behind the bright example of a life, free from any stain or blemish, spotless in its integrity and truth. A little more than a year ago he began to develop symptoms of the dread disease which six and one-half years ago closed the earthly life of the beloved daughter Mary L. and at once started for the far west, hoping that in change of climate health might be improved.  But death had marked him for a victim and he returned to die.

He had fully accepted Christ as his Saviour and without a murmur gently fell asleep with a complete trust in Him on whom he had believed.  His funeral was largely attended on Saturday the 19th at the Baptist Church, the sermon begin preached by his former Pastor, Rev. J.H. Sage of Gilbertsville, N.Y;. from the 30th Psalm, 5th verse.

He has gone from the brightness of early life, / Gone from earth's sorrows, pain, anguish and strife / Gone at the time when his Saviour thought best, / To the region of light, where the weary may rest.

Vital Records, Otsego (1872 & 1879) & New York (1801) Counties, NY

 Morris Chronicle, Morris, NY, January 3, 1872

Marriages

At Oxford [Chenango Co. NY] Dec. 21st, by Rev. S.F. Brown, Osman Beers, of Morris [Otsego Co. NY] to Mrs. Mary C. Wilcox of Oxford.

At Garrattsville [Otsego Co. NY] Dec. 20th, by Rev. J.C. Campbell, John H. Trotter of Troy [Rensselaer Co. NY] to Miss Ella Laidler of Garrattsville.

At Mt. Upton [Chenango Co. NY] Dec. 20th by Rev. McK Shaw, Horace F. Place to Miss Mary F. Richmond all of Mt. Upton.

Deaths

In Vineland, N.J. Dec. 15th of consumption, Andrew G. Warner aged 34 years, formerly of Burlington, this county [Otsego Co. NY].

In Laurens [Otsego Co. NY] Dec. 19th, George Brightman aged 75 years.

In Westford [Otsego Co. NY], Sept. 20th, Charles Hanes int he 84th year of his age.

In Elmira [Chemung Co. NY] Dec. 20th, Mrs. Clarissa Worthington widow of Ralph Worthington and mother of J.R. Worthington, Cooperstown [Otsego Coil. NY] aged 88 years.

Freeman's Journal, Cooperstown, NY, October 2, 1879

Marriages

At the residence of the bride's parents at Cobleskill [Schoharie Co. NY], Sept. 17, by Rev. Mr. Hemperley, A. Vedder Van Eps of Schenectady [Schenectady Co. NY] and Miss Annie Macintosh of the former place.

At Fly Creek, N.Y. [Otsego Co. NY] Sept. 15, 1879, by Rev. H.G. Harned, M. Eugene Bourne and Miss Cora Veber all of Fly Creek, N.Y.

Deaths

In this town [Cooperstown, Otsego Co. NY] Sept. 21st, Ann E.  [Coyle] wife of Mathew Coyle, aged 18 years.

In Otsego [Otsego Co., NY] Sept. 16, Jane [Hogan] wife of Michael Hogan, aged 35 years. 

Ceylon North for many years a businessman in Fly Creek [Otsego Co. NY] of the old firm of North & Denio, and well and favorably known to many of our readers, died at his home in Oshkosh, Wis. on the 6th ult. in the 58th year of his age.  The newspapers of that place speak of him in high terms as a useful citizen and Christian gentleman.  His sickness was a brief one.

James Church aged 89, who died at Scriba Corners [Oswego Co., NY] last week, was a native of Otsego County [NY] and fought in the war of 1812.

New York Evening Post, NYC, December 16, 1801

Marriage

At Newark [NJ] on Saturday evening last, by the Rev. Dr. McWhorter, Mr. Ecaphras Hinshale to Miss Betsey Camp.

New York Evening Post, NYC, December 18, 1801

Marriage

At Philadelphia [PA], on Tuesday evening last, Mr. Thomas Diehl to Miss Helena Jacoby.

Deaths

On Wednesday morning last, at Philadelphia [PA], Mrs. Margaret Heister wife of Mr. John Heister, of Reading [PA].

At Schoharie [Schoharie Co. NY] on the 8th inst. in the 31st year of his age, Joachim G Staats Esq. clerk of the county of Schoharie.

At Albany [Albany Co. NY] on Saturday last in the 73d year of her age, Mrs. Jennet Andrews wife of Mr. John Andrews.

At Montreal [Canada] on the 21st ult. Mr. George Leitt Esq. a gentleman universally lamented.

New York Evening Post, NYC, December 19, 1801

Marriage

The 10th inst. at Portobello, Maryland, Mr. Frederick Lindenburger of Baltimore [MD] to Miss Rebecca Hebb daughter of the late colonel Vernon Hebb.

Same day, Thomas Gittings, Esq. to Miss Polly Willmot both of Baltimore country [MD].

Deaths

At Baltimore [MD] the 15th inst. Mrs. Mary Spalding.

At Mifflin County (Pen.] Mr. Thomas Harris aged one hundred and six years.

Vital Records, Chenango County, NY (1879)

 Chenango Semi-Weekly Telegraph, Norwich, NY, July 26, 1879

Marriage

CRUMB - ADAMS:  At the residence of the bride's father, Giles Adams, Esq. July 22, by Rev. G. Foster, Mr. Simeon Crumb to Miss Alice S. Adams both of Beaver Meadow [Chenango County, NY]

Deaths

DARLING:  In New Berlin [Chenango Co. NY] July 19th, Nelson Darling aged 65 years.

ECCLESTON:  In McDonough [Chenango Co. NY] July 2d, Mrs. Sally Eccleston aged 89 years.

FISHER:  In Madison [Madison Co. NY] July 15th, Mrs. Abigal Fisher aged 86 years, mother of E.G. Fisher of Norwich [Chenango Co. NY].

STURGES:  In Gilbertsville [Otsego Co. NY] July 12th, Alexander Sturges formerly of Norwich [Chenango Co. NY].

DICKINSON:  In Fon du Lac, Wis. July 4th, Mary A. [Dickinson] wife of Charles F. Dickinson, aged 58 years, formerly of Guilford [Chenango Co. NY].

FINNELL:  In Oxford [Chenango Co. NY] July 3d, Mrs. Margaret Finnell aged 74 years.

BANKS:  Bainbridge, Chenango Co. NY:  After a painful, lingering illness, Willie Banks eldest son of John and Sophia Banks, died on Wednesday evening.  Deceased was about 16 years of age and an unusually bright and promising young man. The bereaved parents have the warmest sympathy of the entire community in this their sad affliction.

BOYCE:  Mount Upton [Chenango Co., NY}:  The remains of Mr. Russell Boyce were interred in our cemetery on the 22d at one o'clock.  Mr. B. had gone on a visit to his sons at Norwich [Chenango Co. NY] which place he was in the habit of visiting every summer.  Was there taken with paralysis which ended in death, on the 19th(?) inst.  Mr. B. was the oldest member of the M.E. Church in this place and a most exemplary Christian.

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PECK:  At South New Berlin [Chenango Co. NY] On Monday July 14th, Mrs. Sallie M. Peck aged 80 years.

This estimable woman was born Feb. 13, 1800 at South New Berlin.  Her maiden name was Phelps and she belonged to a family which was among the earlier settlers of the Unadilla Valley.  Many of their descendants all reside in the county.  She was twice married, her first husband being Mr. Paris Mowry of Sherburne [Chenango Co. NY] and her second husband, Mr. Soloman Peck of Mexico, N.Y. [Oswego Co. NY]. Between the two weddings there was an interval of thirty years.  The first was in -?-, the later in -?-.  Her married life was chiefly spent at Sherburne, Camden and Mexico in this state.  during the last few years she has lived at her early home.

She was a woman of much vigor of body and mind.  The closing years of her life have been devoted largely to others in caring for sick and aged ones among her kindred and most worthily has she filled her place.  Her memory will be long and lovingly cherished by her surviving kindred and a large circle of friends will remember her as a valuable member of society and a consistent Christian.  On Wednesday the 6th her body was laid in the village cemetery of south New Berlin.  Her final illness was of only a few hours duration. She had been long ripening for the better life and illustrated the words of scripture, "Thou shalt come to the grave in a full age like a shock of corn cometh in its season."

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WING:  At Oneonta, Otsego Co. N.Y. at the residence of his daughter, Mrs. Minerva Whitney June 29th 1879, passed to a higher and brighter existence in the "better land," Rev. Amos Wing aged 82 years.  The deceased was a father-in-law of A.D. Newman of this village.

A good man has gone home.  One whose life fully exemplified the great principles of a true and genuine Christianity.  For half a century, this noble and honest man was a faithful laborer in the vineyard of his master, as a Free Will Baptist minister.

Radically opposed to all wrong and oppression and remembering those in bonds as bound with them, he was one of the earliest to recognize an irrepressible conflict between freedom and slavery.  earnestly desiring to see the day come when the enslavement of man by his brother should be wholly done away with, tempering his convictions by a just sense of the fitness of things, he submitted to the Higher Law and labored, prayed and waited for that end, which he scarce expected in his time, but lived and rejoiced to behold. By right of organization, he was a peace maker and to love mercy, deal justly and walk humbly was his consistent aim.  Christian liberality and toleration of conscientious differences of opinion were distinguished and endearing traits in his character.  While Christlike charity, without which the most vaunted piety is only "sounding brass and tinkling cymbal" walked with him hand in hand, enabling him to manifest in his life and conversation, the sublime truths embodied in that injunction, "therefore all things, whatsoever ye would that men do unto you, do ye even so to them." Pure in secret life, and invariably kind in all domestic relations, he was most highly esteemed by those who knew him best.  Tender and loving memories of all his worth and goodness, will unfadingly bloom in the hearts of his children. and this tribute to his memory is offered by one who knew him long and well. Atlas, Monmouth, Ill.

Vital Records, Chenango County, NY (1879)

 Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, July 24, 1879

Marriages

MILLER - PEARNE:  In Oxford [Chenango Co. NY] July 17th by Rev. H.N. Payne, Mr. William M. Miller to Miss Emma E. Pearne, all of Oxford.

BUTLER - SKINNER:  In South New Berlin [Chenango Co. NY] July 3d, by Rev. W. Scott, Mr. William E. Butler to Miss Mary E. Skinner both of New Berlin.

SCOTT - HENDRICKSON:  At the residence of the bride's mother in Doraville, N.Y. [Broome Co. NY] July 3d by Rev. N.S. Ripley, Mr. L.D. Scott of Deposit, N.Y. [Delaware Co. NY] to Miss Maryetta Hendrickson of Doraville, N.Y.

Deaths

FINNELL:  In Oxford [Chenango Co. NY\] July 3d Mrs. Margaret Finnell aged 74 years.

GROSS:  At the residence of her son-in-law, Charles Haight, in North Norwich [Chenango Co. NY] July 18th, Mrs. Lucy Gross aged 91.

North Norwich, Chenango Co. NY:  Mrs. Lucy Gross, aged ninety-one, was buried on Sunday last.  the funeral took place at the residence of her son-in-law, Mr. Charles Haight.  Mrs. Gross has for the past twenty-one years made her home at Mr. Haight's and for nearly seven years she has been confined to the bed. The funeral service was conducted by Rev. Mr. Leonard, pastor of the M.E. Church of this place.  Her remains were taken to Frinkville and were placed in her last resting place, that silent city of the dead.

KETCHUM:  In Greene [Chenango Co. NY] July 16th of consumption, George H. [Ketchum] only son of Albert Ketchum, aged 19 years.

PECK:  In New Berlin [Chenango Co. NY] July 14th Mrs. Sally M. Peck in the 30th year of her age.

REED:  In Cincinnatus [Cortland Co. NY] July 12th, Mary E. [Reed] wife of M. Reed aged 38 years.

CARTER:  In Greene [Chenango Co. NY] July 14th, Mr. Orrin D. Carter aged 70 years.

ADAMS:  In Greene [Chenango Co. NY] July 12th, Mr. Calvin Adams aged 72 years.

STURGES:  Again, we are called to record the death of another of our townsmen [Gilbertsville, Otsego Co. NY].  Last Friday morning news was brought to this village that Mr. John A. Sturges has died very suddenly that morning at his residence about one mile above this village.  The circumstances of his death were quite unusual.  Mr. Sturges had been a man of seeming good health but for some time had at times complained of a hard bunch at his side.  On Thursday last he was taken ill but it was not thought necessary to call a physician until about evening.  He died at an early hour Friday morning. The cause of his death as found by an autopsy made on Friday, was attributed to aneurism of the heart.  Mr. Sturges was about 52 years of age.  He leaves a wife to survive him. The funeral was held at the methodist church on Sunday and a large number of people attended.  Gilbertsville Journal

BLAINE:  On Thursday morning last, a young man named Frederick Alert Blaine, brother of Mrs. Gen. E.F. Jones of Binghamton [Broome Co. NY] died at the General's residence from bleeding at the stomach, which commenced on the previous evening.  It appears that on the 24th of June, deceased was in Gen. Jones' dining room, amusing a little son of the General by tossing up a fifty-cent silver piece and catching it in his mouth.  In the last attempt it went down his throat.  That evening he played with the orchestra for the College commencement, and afterwards kept about his work, experiencing some bodily pain and much mental anxiety, believing the piece was lodged in his throat, although physicians were unable to find it.  On the evening previous to his death he visited with a friend until nine o'clock, when he went home, complaining of feeling weak, but of no particular pain.  Half an hour later he was taken with bleeding and died on the following morning.  An autopsy was held on Saturday morning, when the silver half dollar was found in the passage from the mouth to the stomach about midway, in an edgewise position, which permitted food to pass. The pulsations of the main artery leading from the heart, against the milled edges of the coin in the esophagus near it, wore a hole through the passage and made an opening of the size of the head of a pin in the artery causing the patient to bleed to death.  The stomach was found filled with blood and considerable blood was in the intestines.  It is believed by the doctors that there was no way of reaching the coin to remove it.

DARLING:  Nelson Darling living upon Green Street [New Berlin, Chenango Co. NY] died quite suddenly last Saturday morning.  He had been sick about a week but his friends did not think that any such serious result would follow.  His disease was neuralgia, which finally settled about the heart.  Mr. Darling was a worthy member of the M.E. Church and for many years had lived a consistent Christian life.  He leaves many friends, those that will deeply mourn his loss. But all are assured that he had gained the blessed land of eternal happiness.  His funeral occurs today.

Sherburne News, Sherburne, NY, August 16, 1879

Marriage

Mr. and Mrs. Warren R. Davis celebrated the fifth anniversary of their wedding last Tuesday, the 12th inst.  About forty relatives and friends were present from New Berlin, Columbus and Sherburne to congratulate them and a very enjoyable day was passed. A very appropriate address was delivered by Daniel Hoadley of New Berlin.  Their guests presented them a nice new Singer sewing machine and six dollars in cash as a testimonial of friendship and good wishes.  May their future be marked with the success and pleasure that makes life's pathway bright in this world and secures the invaluable inheritance hereafter.

Deaths

ROYCE:  In this town [Sherburne, Chenango Co. NY] Aug. 2d, 1879, D. Ernest [Royce] son of Edwin and Martha Royce aged 4 years and 4 months.

DALTON:  In Columbus [Chenango Co. NY] on the 4th inst., Patrick Dalton aged 67 years and 5 months.

WATSON:  Arnold B. Watson a well-known citizen of Unadilla [Otsego Co. NY] died of paralysis last Friday.  He was about seventy years of age, and was formerly president of the Unadilla bank, which failed badly about 1866, causing great financial distress in that village and vicinity.

Civil War Letter - Homer Brewer - May 1861

 Oneonta Herald, Oneonta, NY, May 29, 1861

Letter from the War

Headquarters, 71st Regiment, N.Y. S.V.; Washington Navy Yard, Sunday, May 12, 1861

Friend James:  Now look out for a bore - one of the first magnitude.  This is the first time I have taken a pen in my hand since leaving New York and I shall make up for lost time with a vengeance.  However, you are like all other unfortunates, you brought it all on yourself - you requested me to write to you; you have cause to return thanks for one thing, that is, that this is all the paper I possess.

It's a fine thing to be a soldier - a very fine thing.  It accustoms a person to eating sour victuals without making wry faces.  For instance, when I drew my first rations of sull hose aboard the R.R. Culver (the vessel we came to Annapolis in) I walked aft, inspected it on all sides and then deliberately gave it to the sharks.  Now, I am like the patron saint of the craft in America, Ben Franklin.  I eat everything set before me, whether fish, flesh or fowl, amphibious or otherwise, then lick my fingers and plate and cry "more," with more fervency than ever Oliver Twist did.  When I "return from the wars" I shall on no condition sleep on a bed.  I will give it to some poor person.  You don't know what a huge amount of softness can be extracted from mother earth by a little persuasion and it's something of a knack to tell at first feel which is the softest side of a hemlock plant.  Planks were luxuries on [-unreadable-].

If I had the pen, ink, paper, time and inclination, I would give you in detail the joys and sorrows of a soldier's life in my usual graphic style.  But as they will all simultaneously give out at the end of this sheet, I must confine myself to moderate brevity.  Besides, "brevity is the soul of wit." Therefore I'm going to be witty (sage conclusion).

Humpty, Dumpty - I've seen the Capitol - individually - also, Washington - also Abe Lincoln - also Billy Seward - the two last named objects I have shaken hands with.  If the Almighty lets us live long enough - say 1800 years - the Capitol and Washington will be fine places to visit. At present they are both unfinished.  The former will possibly get finished in fifty years, the latter never.

In my youthful days, before I was a military man, I thought Troy could boast as much dirt and filth as any city could well afford.  I have changed my opinions - change is a great thing - all things are liable to change - nothing is mutable (sotto voce by Brewer).  I wish I had a little of it in my pocket.  Change is a great thing.  It's like all of Mrs. Toodle's purchases - so handy to have in the house.  Seriously the Capitol is a fine building, and at present if any artist could paint it as it is, he could make his fortune.  On the outside the entrances are choked up with barrels - pork, flour and everything.  But the most interesting portion of it lies in the Representative and Congressional Chambers. The last time I saw it (Thursday) in the house of Representatives, a man from Massachusetts occupied the seat made vacant by Billy Seward, with his feet on the desk and a cigar in his mouth.  I think it was occupied in a manner extremely unique and original.  In the Congressional Chamber, the scene from above was splendid - Soldiers from Massachusetts, from New York, from Pennsylvania, from New jersey, &c., every regiment having a different uniform, all presenting a variety of color and posture never before seen in the Capitol.  

The last time I saw Lincoln was one week ago today.  He and Billy Seward came down to inspect the Sloop-of-War Pensacola - a vessel that has cost $600,000 and is not completed yet.  Its equipment is now at a standstill, owing to the Chief Engineer's leaving, who was a Secessionist, and who left soon after the 71st took possession of the yard.  The President looked like a man who was completely fagged out.  A lot of us, who were inspecting the large guns, saw him get out of his carriage and go aboard her.  We drew up in line and when he returned, uncovered.  He chatted with us familiarly.  I had the impudence to ask him to order a detachment of the 71st to go down to Alexandria, seven miles from here, to pull down the Secession flag flying there.  He replied that he should be happy to do anything to please us boys, but really that was out of his jurisdictions.  "My orders," continued he, "will be very general. General Scott will attend to all details."  I informed him that the 71st were just the boys to do it.  He laughed and said he presumed so.  I think he must have thought that I was blessed with a goodly amount of cheek.  It's a fine thing to have cheek, every printer possesses it and why not use it.

Our regiment is now the star regiment here and they are just beginning to find it out at home.  One day last week there was a flag flying in the City Hall New York with "71" and a star on it.  We meant more men on guard duty (some 49), have held a harder march, and have had tougher exertions than all regiments in Washington, combined.  These are the sentiments of the people in Washington, and we have pretty good evidence that they are General Scott's, for he assigned this, the Navy Yard, as a post of honor to us and we are not to leave it unless it is our expressed wish to do so.  The 7th of New York, produced a good deal of eclat (French you will perceive) the first week they were here, owing to the fact that they were the first regular uniformed regiment here (a Pennsylvania regiment of volunteers were the first body of troops here), but now the general impression is that they are "paper soldiers."  The Massachusetts 8th regiment and the 7th of N.Y. came here together. The 8th did the work of rebuilding the railroad and the 7th stood like gentlemen with muskets in their hands and guarded them against imaginary Secession mobs. 

A good yarn is told against the Secessionists at Annapolis. When the Massachusetts 8th arrived at Annapolis and took possession of the railroad, they found the locomotive (there were only two locomotives on the road) all taken apart to the smallest screw with the calculation that they could not put it together again.  The men went to work, got it out from its hiding place, when one of the men exclaimed "why what's this? why, d--m my eyes, if this isn't the same locomotive I helped make, way down in Portland, Maine, four years ago!" And it was.  In less than half a day they had the locomotive up, with a full head of steam on and running between Annapolis and the Junction, rebuilding the road.

But this, like all other earthly things is drawing to a close.  It has existed longer than I anticipated when I sat down to commence it.  

Yours ever, Homer Brewer

Vital Records, Otsego County, NY (1861)

 Oneonta Herald, Oneonta, NY, April 3, 1861

Marriage

At the residence of the bride's father in West Davenport [Delaware Co. NY] on the 26th ult. by the Rev. L. C. Morehouse, Mr. J. Wilson Kinyon to Miss Helen M. Smith daughter of Geroge H. smith, Esq. all of Davenport.

Deaths

At McConnellsville, Oneida County [NY] on the 13th ult. Maryette [Yager] eldest daughter of Edmund and Julina Yager, aged 16 years.

In Franklin [Delaware Co. NY] on the 19th ult. at the residence of her son, David Blanchard, Mrs. Mary Blanchard widow of the late James Blanchard in the 78th year of her age.

We learn that a woman by the name of Wilcox residing in the town of Milford (near Edson Corners) [Otsego Co. NY] died very suddenly last week.  She was washing, and the other members of the family were absent, save a boy who was chopping wood at the door, and he having occasion to go into the house, found the woman lying dead on the floor near the washtub, her last work having been an attempt to wring out a shirt, which was partly in the tub.  She died of disease of the heart. [Abigail Wilcox, d. 28 Mar. 1861, wife of John Wilcox, buried Wilcox Family Cemetery, Milford, NY]

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In the death of Joseph Lindsay M.D. a long and eventful life has been closed.  He recollected the administration of every President that has been elected since the government was formed.  He had seen the rising glory and the meridian splendor of his country and now when doubt and despair weigh down the heart of the patriot he "is gathered to his fathers."  His ancestors were Scotch and fled their native land to escape the vengeance of the enemies of the Stuarts.  His father evinced the same patriotism here, that his grandfather had "amid Scotias hills and dales," and became a soldier in the French War, was one of the intrepid band who scaled the heights of Abraham, at the battle of Quebec. When the American Revolution began, he joined the "Minute Men" of Massachusetts and helped to bear up the banner of his country at Bunker hill on the Memorable 17th of June 1775.  When Burgoyne surrendered at Saratoga, Capt. John Lindsay was on duty under Gates.  The subject of this notice, Dr. Joseph Lindsay, was born in Pelham, Massachusetts, Nov. 4th, 1776, just four months from the day the Declaration of Independence was signed.  He commenced his classical studies under the Rev. Mr. Guzierre of Pelham, and completed his academical course at William's College, then under the presidency of the Rev. Dr. Fitch.

He Subsequently studied Medicine, probably with the intention of practicing in some eastern town, but excited by the reports that had reached him of the beauty and fertility of the Susquehanna and Schoharie valleys he turned his face westward to seek for a home.  Delighted with the country about Schoharie [NY] he opened an office in that place, but becoming disgusted with the ignorant and stupid Dutch who had settled there in swarms, in 1807 he removed to Oneonta [Otsego Co. NY], which then contained only eight or ten scattered dwellings not a soul of whose inhabitants could speak the English language so as to be understood.  Here he lived fifty-four years, practicing his profession as a means of support for his family, till the declining years of his life rendered it impossible for him to endure the long rides and hardships that only a physician can know.  He has ever been true to his fellow men and to his God, giving to the widow and the fatherless what he could spare, scattering the blessings of education all around him.

A patriot, a gentleman and a scholar, his traits were all good.  Memory will throw a sacred charm over his virtues which were so well known by the community of which he was an honored member.

Oneonta Herald, Oneonta, NY, April 10, 1861

News Item

The news today is just mysteriously sensational enough to worry the fearful and shake the timid.  "Pickens is to be taken!"   "Fort Sumter is to be assailed!"   "Large Southern Army in motion!"  "War at Hand!" &c, &c are among the startling announcement made by those whose vocation it is to keep the credulous public in a frenzy.

In all that has come to us, we see nothing very different from what has been talked about or conjectured for a fortnight.  Something specific must be done with Fort Sumter very soon, from necessity.  And the army investing Fort Pickens are not likely to "do nothing" much longer.

But what is to be done, or by whom or when is as much a mystery today as it was a week ago.  Those who deem stocks the infallible barometer will see unusual signs of a squall in our report today.  Aside from that, however, there is nothing tangible.

Oneonta Herald, Oneonta, NY, April 17, 1861

Marriages

In this town [Oneonta, Otsego Co. NY]. on the 10th inst. by Rev. David L. Pendell, Mr. John Furbush of Morris, N.Y. [Otsego Co. NY] and Miss Mary E. Beams of the former place.

At Lexington, Greene Co. N.Y. March 29th, by Rev. M.L. Pendell, Mr. Lemuel L. Pendell, Jr.  of Callicoon, Sullivan Co. [NY] and Miss Lydis L. Edsell of Roxbury, Del. Co. [NY].

At Sidney [Delaware Co. NY] March 27, by R.W. Courtney, Esq. Mr. George W. McMullen and Miss Philena E. Evans both of Sidney.

News Item

Surrender of Fort Sumter

Maj. Anderson, after passing through a terrible ordeal and fighting for two days, was compelled to surrender to the South Carolinians the -?- as the batteries poured out their iron hail upon him.  Fort Sumter was set on fire, and burned to a mere shell, not a particle of woodwork can be found.  The guns on one side of the parapet are entirely demolished, others split, while the guns carriages are knocked into splinters.  Fort Moultrie is badly damaged. The officers' quarters and barracks are torn to pieces. The frame houses on the island are riddled with shot in many instances and whole sides of houses are torn out. 

The visitors reported that Major Anderson surrendered because his quarters and barracks were destroyed and he had no hope of reinforcements.  The fleet lay idly by during the thirty hours of the bombardment and either could not, or would not, help him. Besides, his men were prostrated from over exertion. There were but five of them hurt, four badly, and one of them, it is thought. mortally, but the rest were worn out.

The last act in the drama of Fort Sumter has been concluded.  Major Anderson had evacuated and with his command, departed by the steamer Isabel from the harbor for New York.  He saluted his flag and the company then forming on the parade ground, marched out upon the wharf with drum and fife playing "Yankee Doodle."

Vital Records, Madison County, NY (1873)

 Democratic Union, Oneida, NY, March 27, 1873

Marriages

CADY - CLAYSON:  In Lebanon Centre [Madison Co. NY], March 20, by Rev. E.D. Reed, Mr. H.P. Cady and Miss E.M. Clayson.

WARD - SNOW:  In Cazenovia [Madison Co. NY] March 19 by Rev. John C. Ward, Hiram L. Ward, A.M. Principal of Oxford Academy [Chenango Co. NY] and Mrs. Sarah E. Snow, daughter of James Beckwith, Esq. Cazenovia.

WILLIAMS - BROWN:  In Canastota [Madison Co. NY] Feb. 20, by Rev. E. S. Davis, H,P. Williams Esq. of Rome [Oneida Co. NY] and Helen M. [Brown] daughter of Ol. Brown, Esq. of Canastota.

WHITE - TIBBITTS:  In Hamilton [Madison Co. NY] Feb. 15, by Rev. I.D. Peaslee, Mr. Asa P. White of Bouckville (Madison Co NY] and Miss Fannie E. Tibbitts of Hamilton.

SANDERS - BUTLER:  In Cazenovia [Madison Co. NY] Feb. 12 by Rev. Dr. Torrey, Romane Sanders of Peterboro [Madison Co. NY] and Carrie Butler of Wampsville [Madison Co. NY].

ASH - EVANS:  In Oneida [Madison Co. NY] March 11, by the Rev. J.S. Wetmore, Mr. Joseph Ash of Carthage, N.Y. [Jefferson Co.] and Miss Mary Evans of Stittville [Oneida Co. NY].

KLOCK - FAY:  In Cazenovia [Madison Co. NY] March 19 by Rev. Mr. Torrey, Mr. Calvin E. Klock of Little Falls [Herkimer Co. NY] and Miss Fannie A. Fay of Cazenovia.

WOLF - TIMMONS:  In Canastota [Madison Co. NY] March 17, by Edwin R. White, Esq., Mr. Frederick Wolf of Canastota and Miss Amanda Timmons of Syracuse [Onondaga Co. NY].

SWEET - WILCOX:  In Smyrna [Chenango Co. NY] March 20 Mr. Dwight L. Sweet of Delaware, Ohio and Miss Dorcas Wilcox of the former place.

WRIGHT -CRANDALL:  In Smyrna [Chenango Co. NY] March 19 Mr. George Wright of Exeter, Otsego Co. [NY] and Miss Rosa Crandall of Smyrna.

BUSCH - SHEPARD:  In Carthage, Mo., by Rev. H.B. Fry, Mr. Lyman J. Burch of the Carthage Banner and Miss Geraldine Shepard formerly of Smyrna [Chenango Co. NY].

MEEDER - ELWOOD:  In Smyrna [Chenango Co. NY] Feb. 25, by Rev. S. Moore, Mr. Harvey Meeder, Esq of Westfield, N.Y [Chautauqua Co.] and Miss Lizzie Elwood of Smyrna.

ROE - HAZARD:  In Smyrna [Chenango Co. NY] March 3 by Rev. H. Carpenter, Mr. S. Edwin Roe and Miss Ruth H. Hazard only daughter of Benjamin Hazard, Esq. all of Smyrna.

BROOKS - BAKER:  In Smyrna [Chenango Co. NY] March 12 by Rev. J.L. Burrows, Mr. William A. Brooks and Miss Delia G. Baker all of Sherburne [Chenango Co. NY]

WEST - BUSH:  In Sangerfield [Oneida Co. NY], March 12, by Rev. A.H. Marshall, Mr. M.J. West and Miss Ella Bush.

Deaths

PALMER:  Near East Hamilton [Madison Co. NY] March 11, after a short but severe illness, Miss Alice V. Palmer aged 16 years.

NORTHRUP:  In Canastota [Madison Co. NY] March 14, Lillian [Northrup] oldest daughter of William T. and Margarett Northrup, aged 14 years and 4 months.

NICHOLS:  In Stockbridge [Madison Co. NY], March 18, Benjamin W. Nicholsb aged 35 years 6 months and 8 days.

DUMIGAN:  In Pine Woods [Madison Co. NY], March 20, Elizabeth [Dumigan] wife of Lawrence Dumigan, aged 34 years.

BEST:  In DeRuyter [Madison Co. NY] March 16, of consumption, Elizabeth Best aged 70 years.

MARKS:  In Chittenango [Madison Co. NY] March 17, at the residence of his mother, S. Newton Marks aged 36 years.

HIGGINS:  In Higginsville [Oneida Co. NY], March 17, Mrs. Lydia Higgins relict of the late Christopher Higgins and mother of Mrs. James S. Whaley of Rome [Oneida Co. NY] aged 82 years 7 months and 10 days.

SMITH:  In Vernon [Oneida Co. NY], March 6, Marvey Smith aged 79 years and 21 days.

NORTON:  In Vernon [Oneida Co. NY] March 20, Harlem Norton aged 63 years 2 months and 17 days.

KELLEY:  In Oriskany Falls [Oneida Co. NY], March 12 of paralysis, Angeline Kelley aged 66 years and 11 months.

KEELER: In North Manlius [Onondaga Co. NY] March 15, Ada Keeler wife of Dea. John Keeler aged 69 years.

JAQUETH:  In Smyrna [Chenango Co. NY] March 7, Freddie [Jaqueth] infant son of Frank and Hattie Jaqueth, aged 3 months.

WELLS:  In Oxford [Chenango Co. NY] Feb. 21 of consumption, Mrs. Sarah M Wells daughter of Mrs. Samuel Palmer, of Waterville [Oneida Co. NY] and widow of the late Addison T. Wells of Oriskany Falls [Oneida Co. NY] aged 40 years.

AVERY:  Near Chicago, Mrs. Abigail Avery widow of the late Oren S. Avery of Perryville [Madison Co. NY] aged 75 yrs.

HATCH:  In Oxford [Chenango Co. NY] March 17, Julia May [Hatch] infant daughter of Lewis and Eva Hatch, aged 7 weeks.

MITCHELL:  In Cazenovia [Madison Co. NY] Feb. 25 of consumption, Mrs. Christy Mitchell aged 56 years.  Mrs. M. was for more than twenty years a resident of Oneida [Madison Co. NY] and was a respected member of the Presbyterian Church. she leaves three children - Mrs. Emery E. Healer of Cazenovia, J.W. Stewart of Jordan [Onondaga Co. NY] and Mrs. John Lillie of Chittenango [Madison Co. NY].

BURKE:  In Cook's Corners [Chautauqua Co. NY], March 21, Mary Burke aged 27 years.

PEASE:  At Quality Hill [Madison Co. NY], March 24, Henry Pease aged 26 years.

COGGSHALL: In Stockbridge [Madison Co. NY] March 22, James S. Coggshall aged about 55 years.

DEXTER:  In Stockbridge [Madison Co. NY] March 18, Eunice Dexter aged about 14 years.

DUFFY:  In Erieville [Madison Co. NY] March 18, Helen M. [Duffy] wife of Peter R. Duffy, aged 40 years and 3 months.  Mrs. D. was an amiable lady, a kind and affectionate wife, of industrious and economical habits, retiring in manners and respected by all who enjoyed her acquaintance.  Being naturally frail in form, her system readily yielded to the gradual encroachment of her disease (consumption) which she bore with patient fortitude till life became extinct.

MATHEWS:  On Friday morning last, G.W. Mathews formerly station agent on the Midland at Stockbridge [Madison Co., NY] was killed at Norwich [Chenango Co. NY].  He has been recently engaged as brakeman on a gravel train on the DeRuyter branch and on Friday morning it is supposed that he went between the wall and the engine in the roundhouse to attach a link and that the engineer drew out of the house without knowing that Mathews was nearby.  the train went out on duty, Matthews' absence being unaccounted for at that time, and his lifeless remains were not discovered until nearly two hours afterwards.  He leaves a wife and one child in dependent circumstances.

KERN:  Erieville, Madison Co. NY:  Mrs. John Kern died suddenly last Thursday.  It appears she trusted to an old lady to do for her what she failed to do as she should, so Mrs. K. died, but her child and six others are living yet.

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MARTIN:  Mrs. Martin an aged lady, got up last Sunday morning, apparently in usual health, and in a few moments expired.  she was living with her son, John, in Georgetown [Madison Co. NY].

In Georgetown March 23, 1873, at the residence of her son, J.J. martin, Dolly Smith [Martin] relict of John Martin, aged 89 years and 8 months. [Cazenovia Republican, Cazenovia, NY, mar. 27, 1873]

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STEBBINS:  In Cazenovia [Madison Co. NY] March 23, Charles Stebbins in the 84th year of his age.

Hon. Charles Stebbins, one of the oldest and most highly respected citizens of Cazenovia, died at his residence in that village on Sunday last, in the 84th year of his age.  Mr. Stebbins had the early advantages of a fine education, having graduated at William's College, Massachusetts in which State he was reared.  At an early day he adopted New York as the State of his choice and took up his abode at Cazenovia where in company with the late Perry Childs he entered into the practice of law, where by diligence and general usefulness, won the esteem of the surrounding community, and so early as 1825 was chosen to represent the old Fifth District in the State Senate.  His opponent in that contest was no less a distinguished gentleman than Hon. Gerrit Smith.  In 1829, on Lieut. Governor Throop's taking the place of Mr. Van Buren, who was appointed Secretary of State, Mr. Stebbins was chosen to preside over the Senate. Since that time he has occupied several honorable positions within the gift of the people, also having twice been chosen to represent his town as Supervisor.  For the past few years of his life, he had not taken an active part in public affairs, although he watched with not entire satisfaction the trestle-board of politics which for fair dealings has so degenerated since his days of statesmanship.  Integrity in politics as in the transactions of private life was his motto.  How much better for mankind had his examples of virtue been imitated by the later class of aspiring politicians.