Vital Records, Madison County, NY (1854)

 Cazenovia Republican, Cazenovia, NY, July 5, 1854

Marriages

In Manlius [Onondaga Co. NY] June 27th, by Rev. William Clarke, Mr. Augustine Bliss of Cazenovia [Madison Co. NY] and Miss Sophronia A. Ward of the former place.

At Knox Retreat in Nelson [Madison Co. NY] on the 28th ult. by Rev. L.A. Eddy, Mr. William J. Ayer of DeRuyter [Madison Co. NY] to Mrs. Luvantia E. Mead daughter of J. Knox Esq., of the former place.

On the 4th inst. by Rev.. D.C. Burritt, Mr. Frederick R. Earl of Waddam's Grove, Ill. to Miss Martha Lawrence of Perryville [Madison Co. NY].

Deaths

An Oneida Indian by the name of Abram Williams was killed by being run over by the accommodation train going west on Tuesday evening, about a mile and a half west of Rome [Oneida Co. NY].  the man was intoxicated.  Syracuse Journal

The body of a young female was found floating in the Chenango River a short distance below the village of Earlville, in the town of Sherburne [Chenango Co. NY], Saturday afternoon last, which, on examination proved to be that of an orphan girl, by the name of Ellen Wells.  She was about sixteen years of age and had been missing some forty-eight hours.  It is generally supposed that she was driven to commit the suicide in consequence of having been accused of committing a number of petty thefts and discharged from service by the lady with whom she had been living. Madison Observer, July 1st.

Cazenovia Republican, Cazenovia, NY, July 12, 1854

Marriages

At the Methodist Parsonage in this village on the 11th inst. by Rev. L.A. Eddy, Rev. E.L. Newman of Onondaga to Miss Lucelia A. Spencer daughter of Mr. Miles Spencer of Onondaga.

At Cleveland, Ohnio, on the 4th July, Mr. Ossian E. Dodge of Boston [MA], editor of The Literary Museum to Miss Ettie Lyon of Zanesville, Ohio.

In Delphi [Madison Co. NY], July 4th, by Rev. William Cobb, Mr. Orrian D. Allen of Cazenovia [Madison Co. NY] to Miss Louisa Adams of Cazenovia.

Deaths

In Chittenango [Madison Co. NY] June 30th, Rev. John Baum aged 57 years, also, Mrs. Baum, wife of the former, on Sunday, July 2nd. [Magdalena Elwood Baum]

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In this village, after a brief illness, on Saturday the 8th inst, Mr. John F. Irons aged 43 years.

An unusual sensation was produced in this community by the news of the decease of Mr. Irons, owing not merely to the suddenness of his departure from our midst but to the many estimable qualities he possessed, which endeared him to all who had enjoyed his acquaintance.

When it is considered that he was an artist of remarkable skill in the department of industry in which he engaged, that he was a man of uncommon amiableness of disposition, of uncompromising integrity and of public spirit - that he was a faithful friend, an indefatigable Sunday School laborer and above all a consistent Christian, it is not surprising that an immense assemblage of people of all ages attended his funeral obsequies at the Stone Church last Sabbath evening, and that they evinced on the occasion not only sincere sympathy with his deeply afflicted family, but an aspect of sadness arising from an appreciation of the irreparable loss the entire community has sustained in his death. 

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The house of Mr. Reals at Manlius depot [Onondaga Co. NY] was destroyed by fire on the morning of Tuesday in which a child of Mr. R. aged three years, was burned to death.  It appears that the parents were absent, having left their two sons - one twelve and the other three years of age - alone in the house. The children were playing with firecrackers and matches in an upper chamber, and it is supposed accidentally dropped some ignited substances down between the wall and the floor, from which the house took fire.  The oldest boy ran out to give the alarm and when he returned, the dwelling, with the younger boy in it was enveloped in flames. The poor child was burned so that not even a vestige of his bones could be found in the ruins, Syracuse Journal.

Cazenovia Republican, Cazenovia, NY, July 19, 1854

Marriage

In Cazenovia [Madison Co. NY] this morning, by the Rev. C.D. Burritt, Mr. James M. Lyman of Jordanville [Herkimer Co. NY]  to Miss Ellenm A. Blair of Cazenovia.

Cazenovia Republican, Cazenovia, NY, July 26, 1854

Marriages

In Hamilton [Madison Co. NY] at the residence of her father on the morning of the 24th inst. by Rev. George W. Eaton, D.D. J.D. Denison Esq. (foreman of Reflector Office) and Miss M.J. Atkins, daughter of C.D. Atkins, Esq. all of the place above named.

A generous fee accompanied the above notice, as a matter of course, as Printers know how to do the fair thing on such occasions, which is, perhaps, one reason for their general good fortune in these life partnerships.  May you be the luckiest type in the world, friend Denison.

In Rome [Oneida Co. NY] on the 18th inst. by Rev. George W. Eaton, D.D. W.W. Chebuck, Esq. of Hamilton [Madison Co. NY] and Miss Julia A. Trowbridge of Camden, N.Y. [Oneida Co.].

Deaths

At the residence of his father in Cazenovia [Madison Co. NY] July 3d, Leander Smith in the 40th year of his age.

For many years he was a resident of Du Page, Illinois, enjoying the confidence and respect of all with whom he associated.  Consumption with its varied forms held its withering hand upon him, admonishing him that life was fast passing away. When racked with pain and deep distress he longed for home and kindred associations. As soon as strength would permit, he hastened to his childhood's home, but how brief his stay.  Six weeks of intense suffering, which he bore with Christian resignation, and he slept the sleep of death amid the scenes of his early days.

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Mrs. Ellen Urban, daughter of Mr. C. Marvin of Syracuse [Onondaga Co. NY] and wife of Alexander Urban, a German music teacher, died rather suddenly on Wednesday morning (July 19) and from attending circumstances it was supposed poison had been administered to her by her husband.  The Syracuse Republican says:

About three weeks ago, she was brought home to die, it being apparent that she was rapidly sinking.  Her husband remained at Le Roy [Genessee Co. NY] and about ten days since, having been sent for, he came here, staid a few hours, returned to Le Roy, told persons there that he was accused of having poisoned his wife, and by them was advised to come back here and stay till her decease.  He expressed his determination so to do - packed up his property and left that village.  He has not been here nor been heard of since.  Previous to his departure, he told a person that his wife was going to die and mentioned what he desired to have done with his child.  To Dr. Hoyt, he said he was or would be suspected of having given her poison and said, "Doctor, I want you to be on my side."

A postmortem was held and indications discovered, which greatly strengthen the suspicions of foul play.  Urban has fled, whither no one knows.

Vital Records, Otsego (1807), Chenango (1880) Counties, NY

 Otsego Herald, Cooperstown, NY, September 3, 1807

Marriage

Married, At Coventry, Connecticut, by John Spier, Esq. the 17th ult. Mr. Asa Harris of Otsego [Otsego Co. NY] to Mrs. Alice Dowe of the former place.  Mr. Harris has within the space of three years three months and seventeen days been the husband of three different wives - his present one is his fourth.  He is seventy years of age and his present wife fifty.  He had never seen her until the middle of the last month.  He left home on the 4th and in seventeen days returned with his bride, distance of about 200 miles.

"Two kindest souls alone must wed, / Tis friendship makes the bondage sweet, / And feeds their mutual loves; / Bright Venus, on her rolling throne, / Is drawn by gentlest birds alone, / and Cupids yoke the doves."

Otsego Herald, Cooperstown, NY, September 10, 1807

Death

Died suddenly in Hartwick [Otsego Co. NY] on the evening of the 30th of August, Mrs. Nancy Skiff consort of Mr. Joseph Skiff in the 24th year of her age.  She was interred Sept. the 1st.  A pathetic discourse was delivered by the Rev. John Bostwick from Job 23d 2d, to a large number of her relations and neighbors who might with propriety say with the text, "Even today is my complaint bitter, my stroke is heavier than my groaning."  She was virtuous in life and lamented in death by all who knew her.  How transient is all sublimary felicity!  We bloom like the rose at noon and are swept away with the evening breeze.  Mrs. Skiff was a kind partner, an obedient child, a tender mother, a good neighbor & pleasant friend.  We might well say why was life so fair cut down so soon, but God is wise and good, although this stroke is superlatively afflictive to the disconsolate husband and mother whom we will address in the language of the poet.

Otsego Herald, Cooperstown, NY, September 17, 1807

Elopement

Whereas my wife Mary [Harrington] has eloped from my bed and board, this is therefore to forbid all persons harboring or trusting her on my account, as I am determined to pay no debts she may contract after the date hereof.  Stephen Harrington, Burlington [Otsego Co. NY] Sept. 15, 1807.

Otsego Herald, Cooperstown, NY, September 24,  1807

Death

Died in Milford [Otsego Co. NY] on the 11th inst. Mrs. Jerusa Lee consort to Lieut. Daniel Lee, aged 43 years.

Mrs. Lee was an amiable matron, a tender mother, and an affectionate wife.  She has left a large family and a tender partner to lament her loss.  Her funeral obsequies were attended on the Sunday following with great solemnity and a large concourse of people who let fall a tear of sympathy.

Chenango American, Greene, NY, April 29, 1880

Marriage

In Smyrna [Chenango Co. NY] April 21st by Rev. O.L. Severson, Mr. John W. Shepardson to Miss Maria B. Per Lee all of Smyrna.

Deaths

In Coventry [Chenango Co. NY] April 22d, Miss Juliet Eells aged 12 years.

In Smithville [Chenango Co. NY] April 27th, Mr. Thomas Tyler aged 86 years.

In East Norwich [Chenango Co. NY] April 16th, Mrs. Polly Burdick aged 74 years.

In McDonough [Chenango Co. NY] April 18th, Mr. Seth Curtiss aged 87 years 11 months and 11 days.

News Item

Reminiscences of Fifty Years Ago [about 1830]

Among my earliest acquaintances in Greene [Chenango Co. NY] were the old-time mercantile firms of C.&A. Squires, Barnard & Hatch and Rathbone & Hunt.  My father traded mostly with C.&A. Squires.  He always kept "debt and credit," and many a time I have seen him on a rainy day take his account book under his arm, and start for "the village," to settle with Mr. Squires.  They were always willing to trust anyone in whom they had confidence, as witness the fact that at one time while at school, I wanted a sheet of paper.  I had no penny and had not time to go home, so I went to Mr. Charles Squires and asked him to trust me.  He was willing to do so if I would promise to pay him in a "fortnight." This I readily promised and got the paper.  I am happy to say, that I redeemed my promise by paying him out of the proceeds of the sale of some rags, which I carried to the store for my mother.  My father always kept his accounts in pounds, shillings and pence. Twelve and a half cents made one shilling and twenty of those shillings made a pound.  I believe this was common, fifty years ago.

We never traded much with Messrs. Barnard & Hatch.  I, however, used to have some boyish difficulties with a young clerk of theirs, one Rowland Jenkins.  You see, I was but a farmer's boy and store clerks in those primitive days, reckoned themselves among the aristocracy.

One little incident connected with the firm of Rathbone & Hunt, or rather I should say, with Mr. Alvah Hunt, left a shade of guilt on my conscience, which is not wholly eradicated to this day.  Mr. Hunt had a fine lot of plums in the yard behind the store, which was enclosed by a high board fence. The boys were in the habit of stealing the fruit.  One evening, a few of my comrades and myself, collected in front of the store and agreed to ask Mr. Hunt for a few plums. I was chosen as a committee of one to ask him. Accordingly, I presented our petition and received a very decided "No; I haven't got any."  In a few minutes after making my report, Mr. Hunt called me to one side and said he was glad to find one honest boy; that the boys kept stealing his plums, even before they were ripe, but just as soon as there were any ripe ones, I should come and he would give me some good ones.  In a few days,  he sent me, by my father, nearly a hat and of as nice plums as I ever saw, saying, it was for being honest.  I took them and ate them, and here was where the guilt came in.  I was not a whit more honest than my mates, who merely made me spokesman.

Another of our storekeepers, and a lifelong friend of my father, was Mr. Benjamin Perkins. He was rather an odd genius as I remember him.  I never saw him but twice without his long overcoat on.  One of those occasions was at my father's funeral, which by the way, was the only time I ever saw him in church.  Nevertheless, he was a good man in his way.

Mr. Peck the grocer was another of our tradesmen.  He was the first to introduce candies and sugarplums for sale, causing a sensation among the girls and boys.  He also kept the "ardent [bar]!" I have often seen some of the most honored men of Greene sitting there cracking hickory nuts with a glass of whisky beside them.  Not much temperance in those days. At another time, if agreeable, I may have a little to say about the drink but not now.

Not long after the Congregationalist Church was built (which I remember very well, we were surprised to find carpenters framing a building not far above Barnard's store. We boys asked them what it was to be and the answer was "a meeting house."  We believed it, of course, and so reported it at home.  What was our indignation, however, to find afterwards that it was only a blacksmith shop.  But such was the case, and it was soon ornamented with a splendid sign across the front, with the names of G.R. & A.F. Lyon in big capitals. We boys translated the initials thus "Great African."

The only drug store in town was that of Dr. Joslyn.  My old friend, Dr. Purple, read medicine there, and I believe Dr. Willard, also.  The last I ever saw of the Joslyn family was Frederick and he was lying on his deathbed in Eaton, Pa.  He had commenced the study of law in that city and was stricken down in his prime.

Not many, I presume, of the active businessmen of fifty years ago, are now living.  But, oh! how familiar their names appear to me now as I write.  There was Rev. J.B. Hoyt (or Birt Hoyt, as we used to call him); his brother Chauncey, the chair maker; Mr. John Winter, the tanner; Mr. Henry Beals, the carpenter; Oramel Austin, the blacksmith; Mr. Samuel Williams, the shoemaker; Mr. Henry Maloy, the cooper; B. Elisha Smith and Horace Green, the hatters; Orrin Sharp, the cabinet maker; Mr. John S. Avery, the wagonmaker; Mr. Ira Watson, the harness maker; Mr. Trumbal, the distiller; the brothers Juliand; my uncle, Stephen Ketchum, Mr. Charles Cameron, Mr. Jesse Scoville, Dr. Levi Farr, Col. M. Birdsall and sons, Mr. William Root and sons G.W. and Orson, Mr. Andrew Race, at the toll bridge; Mr. Pliny Nichols, of the Chenango House, and others whose names I cannot at the moment recall.

Of these, part have crossed the flood and part are "only waiting."  Younger than most I have named, I yet feel like an old man.  I have drifted away into South Jersey, as fair a land as the sun shines upon, where I shall probably finish my course.

Lewis Hoyt, Hammonton, N.J., April 20, 1880