Vital Records, Norwich, NY, July 1864

Chenango Union, July 6, 1864

Married:  At the residence of the bride's father, in Cazenovia [Madison Co., NY], July 1st, 1864, by Rev. W.H. Olin, Rev. L.C. Queal, Pastor of the Methodist Episcopal Church, Norwich, N.Y. [Chenango Co.] to Miss Sarah J.  Hall.

Married:  In Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY], July 4th, by Rev. A. Bancroft, Mr. George W. Aldrich, to Miss Amelia Aldrich, all of Plymouth.

Married:  In Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], May 26th, 1864, by Rev. E. Curtis, Mr. Albert Davis, to Miss Martha Gibbs, both of North Guilford, N.Y. [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  In Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], June 30th, by the same, Mr. Samuel Sexton, of Columbus [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Almira E. Ryder, of North Norwich [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], June 22d, by Rev. F. Rogers, Mr. Chas. W. Knickerbocker of Smithville [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Mary E. Beach, of Greene.

Married:  In Montrose, Pa., June 15th, by Rev. S.G. Specs, D. D., Mr. Henry C. Tyler to Miss Frances K. [Willcox], only daughter of E.P. Willcox, Esq., all of Montrose.

Chenango Union, July 13, 1864

Married:  In Oxford, [Chenango Co., NY], by Rev. E.H. Payson, Mr. Daniel Fisher, of Preston [Chenango Co., NY], to Miss Augusta DeForest of Guilford [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  In Rockdale [Chenango Co., NY], June 27th, by Rev. W.G. Queal, Rev. W.K. Haight of Oregon, Ill., to Miss Mary L. Wilde of Rockdale.

Died:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], July 6th, Mr. George W. Harkins, aged 21 years.

Died:  At the Chenango House, in this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], July 11th, Mr. Peter Quackenbush, of Otego [Otsego Co., NY], aged 32 years.

Died:  In Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], July 1st, Miss Mary Dewey, aged 36 years.

Died:  Killed in battle, May 6th, Mr. Samuel Lenon, of Greene [Chenango Co., NY]; and May 13th, Mr. Edmund S. Burgess of Greene, members of the 8th N.Y. Cavalry.

Died:  Killed by sunstroke, Mr. Bradley N. Moore, of Co. L, 22d N.Y. Cavalry, formerly employed in the office of the Chenango Telegraph.

Died:  Killed in the battle of Resaca, in Georgia, May 15th, Corp. William H. Peck, of the 9th Indiana Vols., formerly of New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], aged 33 years.

Died:  At Morganzia, La., June 24th, of fever, Mr. Edward E. Crandall, of Co. C, 114th N.Y.S.V., formerly of Plymouth, Chenango Co., N.Y., aged 22 years.  He was a soldier ever prompt and obedient in the execution of his duty; a friend always affable and obliging; and a man against whom the finger of reproach could not be lifted.  We gave him all a soldier has to give, a grave hallowed by the last offerings of his sorrowing comrades.  C.J.B.

Died:  Passed to the summer land, in the town of Caledonia, Ill. on the 28th of June, of typhoid pneumonia, Mr. Monroe Graves, in the 45th year of his age.  He was formerly a resident of norwich, N.Y. [Chenango Co.].  He is the first of a large family that has passed over the river to the land of the blessed. His spirit is free, his form laid to rest.

Died:  In San Francisco, June 3d, Mr. Jeremiah P. Wilber, a native of Mystic, Connecticut, aged 45 years.

Died:  In McDonough [Chenango Co., NY], May 5th, 1864, of consumption, Mrs. Harriet A. Bantam, aged 32 years.  The following beautiful lines were occasioned by the death of a dear sister, who departed this earthly tabernacle, May 5th, 1864. She died of that fell disease, consumption.  In her quiet slumbers she saw her father, who had his "passport signed and was dismissed," some time since, standing on the other shore, who beckoned unto her to come unto him which she endeavored to do, and while in the act of going, she awoke from her dreams.

Our sister

She has left this earth of coldness, / And has severed every tie; / She has gone (but not forgotten) / To the land of pure delight, / To reign with her Redeemer, / Through the endless rounds of time.

Yet, we miss thee, dearest sister, / And we see thy vacant chair, / Which fills our hearts with sadness, / To think that thou art not here / But we remember our duty, unto God we owe, / And be resigned unto His will, / "For He gave, and He taketh, / Yet He doeth all things well."

In her dreams she saw her father, / On the long-wished shore. / Saying to her, "Come my daughter, / For I would embrace thee once more. / Thou, too, must leave that earth of sorrow, / to a land that's free from sin. / Where we are free from care and toil,  / Through the endless ages of time.

"They Redeemer is now waiting, / With His outstretched arms, / Saying, 'Come to me, loved one, / And receive thy great reward, / For thou hast gained the crown of victory, / And hast triumphed over death. / Come to me, child of heaven, / And be forever blessed.' "

Chenango Union, July 20, 1864

Married:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], July 9th, by Warren Gray, Esq., Mr. D.S.H. Buck, to Miss Elida Benedict, all of Greene.

Died:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], July 14th, Mr. Hascall Ransford, aged 64 years.

Died:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], June 30th, Eloise [Miller], youngest child of Mrs. Lucy Miller, aged 2 years and 7 months.

Died:  In King Settlement [Chenango Co., NY], June 28th, from the effects of choking with a bean lodged in the throat, Willie H. [Tiffany], son of Lewis and Maranda M. Tiffany, aged 4 years.

Died:  In Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], July 13th, Mrs. Amie M. [Brooks], aged 32 years.

Died:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], July 9th, of diptheria, Mary [Schaurte], only child of Col. Frederick and Mary Schaurte, aged 3 years.

Died:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], July 9th, of diptheria, Henry [Grobert], only son of Andrew Brobert, aged 2 years.

Died:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], July 6th, Mrs. Betsy Peck, in her 85th years.

Died:  In Liberty Township, Iowa, May 4th, Mr. George Manwarring, formelry of Chenango Co. [NY], aged 53 years.

Died:  At the Regimental hospital manning's Plantation, La., June 22d, Mr. Niles E. Edwards, of Co G, 11th N.Y. Cavalry.

Death of Hascall Ransford

The death of Mr. Hascall Ransford, late U.S. Assessor for this Congressional district, occurred on Thursday, the 14th instant, at his residence in this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY].  It was an event long looked for both by himself and his friends.  Soon after his appointment as Assessor, in the fall of 1862, he became feeble through a cancerous disease of the intestines, and early in the winter thereafter was confined to his house.  From that time he was a great sufferer up to the day of his death, never having left the cover of his roof except on a few occasions for a brief ride in the open air.  During this long illness, which he, not less than those around him, knew could have but one termination, he bore himself with a patience, fortitude and resignation, that displayed the highest qualities of a moral and Christian character.

Mr. Ransford was well known to the people of this town and county, having always lived among them, and was universally regarded with respect and esteem. Throughout his active career, he was much devoted to politics, having been an ardent and zealous Whig and afterwards Republican, and always gave to his party his best and most disinterested efforts.  For this, and the necessary fitness otherwise, he was appointed the first Assessor for this Congressional District under the U.S. Internal Revenue law.  After it became evident to him that his sickness was to terminate fatally, he resigned his office as Assessor in favor of his son, Hascall Ransford, Jr., who, with the concurrence of political friends, was appointed by the President in his place.  It was a graceful and appropriate recognition on the part of all concerned of the long and faithful service of Mr. Ransford, senior, to his party, and of the influential position that he occupied and enabled him to pass the remainder of his days in the consciousness that political parties are not always ungrateful.  His age was 64, and he leaves to lament his loss a widow and three children.

Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, July 27, 1864

Died:  In this town [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], July 25th, Abigail [Ives], wife of Dwight Ives, aged 59 years.

Died:  In Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], July 19th, Irving T. [Harris], son of the late John C. Harris, aged 17 years, 6 months and 10 days.

Died:  In New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], July 16th, Della [Terry], daughter of R.A. and Mary A. Terry, aged 3 years, 4 months, 5 days.

Killed or a Prisoner

The many friends of Lieut. James E. Spry, of the 26th Regiment of colored volunteers, will be pained to learn that in one of the recent battles or skirmishes on Johnson's Island, near Charleston, he was either killed or taken prisoner.  He was seen to fall, and was reported killed, but subsequent information leads to the hope that he may, though wounded, be only a prisoner in the hands of the enemy.  Lieut, Spry was a young gentleman of fine social feelings, of a good degree of literary acquirement, a soldier who took pride in the profession of arms, and one who, having won his way from the ranks, the path of distinction seemed open. Tho' the young men of the country who have gone to the war are falling like autumn leaves, few have been carried down in the fray who are more worthy than him of long and honorable remembrance. We shall watch with interest for any information decisive of his fate.

Chenango Union, June 12, 1872

Lieut. James E. Spry, son of James and Mary E. Spry, was born in Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], April 23d, 1843.  Learned the printer's trade in the office of the Chenango Union.  About the first of September, 1859, Lieut. Spry, in connection with his brother, George H. and E.P. Pellet, started a small but spicy and ably conducted weekly, called "The Literary Independent." After a few numbers, the Spry boys became the sole editors and proprietors, and in an enlarged form continued the paper into the second volume.  Lieut. Spry had decided literary ability and taste, and his letters home, published during the progress of the war, were sought for and read with interest.  He enlisted as private in Company D, 44th N.Y.V., on the 5th of September, 1861.  Served with the Regiment some two years and four months, during which time upwards of half the original number had been killed and wounded in battle, to say nothing of the losses by disease. Discharged by reason of special order for promotion, January 14th, 1864.  The same month commissioned First lieutenant of Company H, 26th Regiment, U.S. Colored troops, Col. Wm. Guernsey commanding. Wounded and taken prisoner at the battle of John's island, South Carolina, July 7th, 1864, and supposed to have died in the hands of the enemy the day after.  His brother, George H., also in the 44th, was twice struck with balls in battle before Richmond.

Oxford Times, March 23, 1864 

Died:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on 15th inst., Julia M. [Clarke], widow of the late William H. Clarke, and the younger daughter of the late Henry C. McMahon of New Milford, Conn., aged 23? years, 6 months and 10 days.  Our friend is no more!  Death has been busy in our midst, [putting] his chill hand heavily here and there, till we have come to feel that his dark wing shadows us all.  On Friday, March 11th, the only child of the deceased after a short illness of about two days, closed his blue eyes and crossed over the dark river, leaving desolate the mother, who was herself lying upon a bed of suffering, too ill even to look upon the dead face which for two weary years had been the sole light of her widowed breast.  It was then she felt that the last link was broken in the chain which bound her to earth, and as she heard the loved ones calling her to come up higher, she rejoiced that the shackles which fettered the spirit were so rapidly giving way. She longed to lay aside the -?- and be clothed eternally in the shining garments of the Redeemed.  More bitter grew her sufferings, but she bore them all with the sweet patience and resignation which had characterized her daily life.  She was so near to the confines which separate us from the infinite, that she seemed to hear as she [unreadable] of the golden harps, and to catch glimpses of the loved ones who were standing by the pearly gates.  In her intense pain which at times seemed too great to bear, she would murmur "Dear Father, take your suffering child to Heaven," but she strove to wait patiently the Lord's time, and when he came for her, she joyfully stepped into the cold dark waters, and leaning on His arm, passed through the foaming waves and the blinding spray up into the City with the Jasper walls and the Golden streets, "where the Lamb, which is in the midst of the Throne, shall feed her, and shall lead her unto living fountains of water and God shall wipe away all tears from her eyes."  By her early decease, the Church has lost a true beautiful friend, [unreadable] and the sick and needy a friend whose loss will not be easily weighed.  Possessed of a warm, affectionate heart, best of all tender sympathies and generous [-?-], it was her greatest delight to minister to the happiness of all with whom she came in contact and with the [unreadable]. She has passed from earth, but the memories of her winning ways, her gentle words, and kindly deeds will remain embalmed in the breasts of her friends, when the frail casket shall have moldered to ashes.

Vital Records, Oxford, NY, March 1864

 Oxford Times, March 2, 1864

Married:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 23d ult. by Rev. D. Ballou, Mr. Albert Willcox of Oxford, to Miss Frances K. Sanders of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 24th inst. by Rev. D. Ballou, Mr. Hendrick Houghton to Miss Minnie E. Ingham.

Married:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 1st inst. by Rev. E.H. Payson, Henry C. Roome, Captain Co. #, 89th Reg't, to Mary Jane [Roose], eldest daughter of Austin Rouse, M.D.

Died:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 23d ult. Mr. George Winsor, aged 54 years.

Died:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 21st ult. Mr.  Harvey Sherman, aged 58 years.

Died:  In Camp Grace, Texas, about 1st Dec. last, Mr. Dwight Parce, Sutler of the 114th Regiment.

Death of Jake Robinson

Another aged citizen has been gathered to his fathers.  Another landmark of early days and of primitive simplicity has been removed.  This melancholy event took place at his late residence in this town [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY] after a brief and painful illness, on Thursday the 25th ult.  Mr. Robinson was born at Lebanon, New London County, Connecticut on the 19th of April, 1783.

Born of Revolutionary ancestors, and in the same year in which was consummated the independence of his country and which saw her take her place among the nations of the earth, a recognized power, bred in the stern school of economy which the great struggle had necessitated, imbibing the lesson of integrity, characteristic of early New England, and his youthful mind filled with those sterling tales of patriotism which fell from the lips of the heroes, who had so lately offered their all upon the altar of their country, he was well prepared for the subsequent scene and trials of life, as a pioneer in a new and sparsely settled country.

He removed from his native place to this county, in the year 1808, and settled in Oxford, on the west side of the Chenango river, where, or near the place where his brother Dan H. Robinson, Esq., now resides.

In the second great struggle of this then infant country to preserve and perpetuate the liberties won in the Revolution, he entered the service of his country in the forces raised by his adopted State, and remained therein until the close of the war.

When the arrogance of Britain had been again rebuked, her pride humbled, and the rights claimed by us had been forced from her unwilling rulers, he returned to his home and immediately thereafter removed across the river to the homestead where for so many year she lived, and where he has so recently fallen, another victim to the insatiable decree, "dust thou art and unto dust shalt thou return."

Mr. Robinson never forgot, and was never recreant to the teachings of his childhood and early years.  Integrity marked and controlled his every dealing with his fellow men.  Rectitude and honesty were a part of the religion in which he believed, and which in all things he ever practiced. A generous hospitality of the New England type, ever gave not only to friends and acquaintances a cheerful and hearty welcome to his home, and his fireside, but was also extended to the wayfarer and pilgrim tossed and buffeted on life's varying sea.

He was often in early years the recipient of the favor and confidence of his fellow townsmen in the selection to fill various public trusts, and in November 1834, was elected Sheriff of the county for the three years commencing January 1st, 1835.  In all the various stations which he was called upon to fill from time to time, he was faithful, deserving and fully adhering to the tenets of his early education.

His patriotism was bounded and defined by no party ties or prejudices engendered by party discipline.  It was wide and  long as his country extended in length and breadth, and when a few years since the autocratic claims of an institution, hostile in the form of our government began to be pressed, he sternly and defiantly took his position on the side of his country, where death found him breathing out in his last illness aspirations for the success of his government, and the preservation of the fabric which the year of his birth had seen established.

A devoted and warm hearted friend, a kind husband and father, a good neighbor, an honest man, he has filled the measure of his days, and now sleeps full of years, honored and lamented.

Oxford Times, March 9, 1864

Married:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 28th ult. by Rev. W.T. Potter, Mr. Peter A. Ockerman to Miss Almira Eldridge, both of Chenango Forks [Broome Co., NY].

Married:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 18th ult. by Rev. M.S. Wells, Mr. Joseph W. Burgess of LaPrairie, Wis., to Miss Mary M. Miller of Greene.

Married:  In Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 27th ult. by H.J. Locke, Esq., Mr. Warren Stockwell of Butternuts [Otsego Co., NY] to Miss Sarah N. Beardsley of Coventry [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  At Chenango Forks [Broome Co., NY], on 14th ult by Rev. S. Johnson, Mr. Edward Youngs to Miss Mary E. Ingraham, both of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY].

Died:  In Coventry [Chenango Co., NY], on 14th ult. Mr. Daniel Hayes, aged 54 years.

Died:  In Brooklyn, N.Y. on Thursday, Feb. 18th, of consumption, Reuben F. Perry, aged 40 years, son of the late Dea. John Perry of this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY].

Died:  In McDonough [Chenango Co., NY], on the 3d inst. Martha [Simpson], daughter of John C. and Harriet A. Simpson, aged 2 years and 3 months.  

Oxford Times, March 16, 1864

Married:  In McDonough [Chenango Co., NY], on the 7th inst. by Rev. E. Holroyd, Mr. Lewis Huntly to Miss Harriet E. Elwood, all of McDonough.

Died:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], March 8th, 1864, Mrs. Ada E. Douglas, wife of George Douglas, M.D., aged 31 years of Uremia, or Consumption of the Blood.  Affectionate and devoted to her friends, her rare powers of entertaining gave a charm to her presence, as well as rendered her deeply beloved by those who associated with her.  To the bird gift of song, she united the bird spirit of joyousness.  Her kindness of heart led her to seek the happiness of those around her, and they are many who loved her, and mourn her loss.  She left a daughter, eight weeks old, at the time of her decease.  Altho' the circumstances of her death, so peculiarly afflictive, dying in the very dawn of her womanhood, with the breath of her first born warm on her cheek, and in her ear the feeble wail of infancy so touchingly imploring that gentle and fostering care which none but a mother's patient love can give, cast a passing shadow of sadness over her soul, when the inevitableness of her approaching end was made known to her.  Yet faith in Him who doeth all things well, calmed to resignation her spirit, and the experience of the preciousness of Christ's sustaining love, gave peace and tranquility to her last moments.

Died:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 11th inst., Henry M. [Clarke], only child of Mrs. Julia M. [Clarke], and the late William H. Clarke, aged 3 years, 10 months and 6 days.

"Pure as the snow flake ere it falls and takes the stain of earth, / With not a taint of mortal life except thy mortal birth / God bade thee early taste the spring for which so many thirst, / Bliss, eternal bliss is thine, my fairest and my first!"

Died:  At Little Rock, Ark. on 26th Dec. 1863, Sergt. James S. Noble of the 1st Illinois Cavalry, aged 21 years, and son of Rev. James H. Noble, formerly of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY].

Died:  In Coventry [Chenango Co., NY], on the 6th inst., Mr. Andrew Coroon?, aged 55 years.

Died:  In German [Chenango Co.., NY], on the 4th inst. Mrs. Susannah Bonesteel, aged 100 years.

Oxford Times, March 23, 1864

Married:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 9th inst. by Rev. Mr. Searles, Mr. Morgan Pellett of Illinois, to Miss -?- Morse of Norwich.

Married:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 7th inst. by Warren Gray, Esq., Joseph Verill of the 89th reg. to Lucy Widger of Greene.

Oxford Times, March 30, 1864

Died:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 21st inst. of consumption, Melvin S. [Morse], son of Hezekiah B. and Clarissa Morse aged 17 years and 10 months.

Died: In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], Ja. 7th, 1864, Mr. George Lamphere, aged 36 years, a member of the 10th N.Y. Cavalry.

Died:  In East Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 18th inst. of whooping cough, Menzo Deforest Touslee], son of H.L. and Louisa E. Touslee, aged 5 months and 14 days.

Died:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 21st int. George [Buck], son of D.S.H. Buck, aged 7 years.

Died:  In South Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 21st inst. Alvira [Robinson], wife of Dan H. Robinson, aged 60 years.

Died:  In Rochester [Monroe Co., NY], March 14th, Sergt. Charles R. Foote a member of Captain Vaughn's Co. and son of Col. Charles Foote of Guilford [Chenango Co., NY] aged 21 years.

Died:  In Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], on the 21st inst. Mrs. Amy Dibble, aged 84 years.

Died:  In Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], on the 24th inst. Mr. Charles Willcox, aged 39 years.

Died:  In Butternuts, Otsego co [NY], Feb. 18th, Mr. Lemuel Merchant, aged 94 years.

Died:  in Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 24th inst., Samuel A. Smith, Esq., aged 83 years.  Mr. Smith was born in Salem, Conn. but removed to Guilford (then Oxford) in April of 1805, more than half a century since, and lived upon the farm he then purchased until the time of his death.  He was therefore, one of the first settlers, and oldest inhabitants of Guilford, and fully identified with its early growth and history.  He took a prominent part in the erection of the town of Guilford, which was taken from Oxford in 1813, and was, it is believed, its first Supervisor. During his public life he was Justice of the Peace 19 years; Supervisor 11 years, in 1817 and 1820, a member of the Legislature; was elected Sheriff in 1825, and appointed a Commissioner in connection with Hezekiah Read to loan the U.S. Deposit Fund. For the last few years he withdrew himself from the cares of active life, devoting his time to resting and social intercourse, and enjoying that competence which his early care and industry had gained.  It is believed he had the confidence of the people of his town, and of the county, as the above record will evidence, and an instance is not known when that confidence was misplaced or betrayed.  Possessed of strong native sense, coupled with honesty of intention and inflexibility of purpose, he seldom erred in arriving at just conclusions or was swayed from  his determination to do and pursue the right, remembering his accountability to his country and his God. But his work is done.  He has been gathered to his fathers, "like a shock of corn fully ripe," leaving behind him the sweet remembrance and the bright example of his life.

Vital Records, Norwich, NY, June 1864

 Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, June 1, 1864

Married:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], on Wednesday morning, May 25th, by Rev. Wm. Searls, of Ithaca, Mr. H.D. Mallory, to Miss Sophia S. Nash, both of Norwich.

Married:  On the same morning, by the same, Mr. Charles H. Church to Miss Hattie Ready, both of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  In Springfield, Ill., may 12th, by Rev. Mr. Rutledge, Mr. Charles P. Willcutt, of Hiram, Ohio, to Miss Amelia B. Mason, of Norwich, N.Y. [Chenango Co.].

Died:  In this town [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], May 26th, Deliaette C. [Willcox], wife of Whitman Willcox, aged 30 years.

Died:  At Spring Brook, Erie Co., N.Y., April 24th, suddenly, of disease of the heart, Sarah C. Wood [Davis], wife of William H. Davis, aged 28 years, formerly of this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY]

Died:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], May 26th, 1864, Anice Juelina [Merrill], only child of Daniel and Mary E. Merrill, aged 1 year and 6 months.

Died:  In Preston [Chenango Co., NY], May 18th, Florence E. [Hall], only child of Lucius A. and Mary L. Hall, aged 4 years and 3 mos.

Died:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], May 16th, Mary Adelaide [Herrick], daughter of Eliphalet and Susan Herrick, aged 3 years, 2 months.

Died:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], May 11th, Mr. Jeremiah Wheeler, aged 58 years.

Died:  In McDonough [Chenango Co., NY], May 7th, Gertrude A. [Gale], daughter of Osmore and Lucy Gale, aged 2 years and 2 months.

Died:  In Judiciary Square hospital, May 26th, Daniel A. Sanders, a private in Co. K, 147th Reg. N.Y.S.V., aged 20 years.

Died:  In St. James Hospital, New Orleans, May 6th, from a wound received in the battle of Pleasant Hill, Mr. Joseph S. Smith, of Co. E, 114th Reg. N.Y.S.V., of Greene [Chenango Co., NY].

Died:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], May 29th, Frank Etgene [Shaw], son of Thomas and Amelia M. Shaw, aged 3 years and 4 months.

Died from eating almonds:  In the case of a little child of Mr. Thomas Shaw, of this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], that died on 29th of May, after a lingering illness of several weeks, a post mortem examination disclosed the fact that it died from eating an almond meat, a piece of which lodged in some part of the intestines, causing an abscess. The little sufferer was between three and four years old.

Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, June 8, 1864

Married:  At the residence of H. Lockwood, in Brooklyn, May 25th, 1864, by Rev. Theodore L. Cuyler, Mr. O.M. Hughson, of Norwich, N.Y. [Chenango Co.], to Miss Fannie A. Knapp of Franklin, N.Y. [Delaware Co., NY].

Married:  In Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], June 6th, by Rev. E. Curtis, Mr. George W. Sanders, to Miss Ellen B. King, both of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  In Guilford Centre [Chenango Co., NY], May 12th, by Rev. S.M. Lee, Mr. Legrand Cassell, of Afton [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Alice Young, of Guilford Centre.

Married:  In East Pharsalia [Chenango Co., NY], May 29th, by Rev. O. Ketchum, Mr. Rodolphus Brown, to Miss Adell Huddleston, all of Pharsalia.

Died:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], June 2d, Rebecca H. [Rockwell], widow of the late Ashbel R. Rockwell, aged 55 years.

Died:  In King Settlement [Chenango Co., NY], April 13th, Mr. Thomas Griffin, aged 53 years.

Died:  In Pharsalia [Chenango Co., NY], June 4th, Eliza D. [Grant], wife of Halbert Grant, aged 37 years.

Died:  In Smyrna [Chenango Co., NY], April 30th, Mr. Nathaniel Close, aged 81 years, one of the earliest settlers in the town.

Died:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], May 29th, Minerva [Willoughby], aged 63 years and 5 months.

Died:  In Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], May 27th, Mr. Joel Yale, aged 73 years.

Died:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], June 1st, Mr. Willard White, aged 34 years.

Died:  In Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], May 27th, Lydia [Young], wife of Henry Young, aged about 64 years.

Died:  In the Hospital at Fort Marshal, April 3d, Charles Henry Hunt of Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], aged 22 years.

Died:  On board a Hospital boat, between Alexandria and New Orleans, May 14th, of fever and diarrhoea, Robert C. Hall, of Co. B, 114th N.Y.S.V., and son of Murray Hall, of Preston [Chenango Co., NY], aged 16 years and 9 months.

Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, June 15, 1864

Married:  At the Parsonage, in Smyrna [Chenango Co., NY], June 9th, 1864, by Rev. w. Burnside, Mr. Edwin W. Butts, to Miss Delia Ett Tyler, both of New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  In Columbus [Chenango Co., NY], June 2d, by Rev. M. Williams, Mr. Lewis White of Willowvale [Oneida Co., NY], to Miss Mary Richer, of Columbus.

Married:  By the same, May 1st, Mr. DeForest Devol of Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Harriet Pendleton of New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY].

Died:  In Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], June 6th, Mr. John C. Harris, aged 55 years.

Died:  In Columbus [Chenango Co., NY], May 15th, Mrs. Adaline Brooks, aged 50 years.

Died:  In New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], May 31st, Mrs. Phebe Phillips, aged 72 years.

Died:  In Hospital, at Washington, recently, of a wound received in battle, Corp. Joseph Weiler, of Co. K, 40th N.Y.S.V., from this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY].

Died:  In Hospital at Fredericksburgh, May 20th, from a wound received in the battle of the Wilderness, Mr. Gideon Evans, of the 44th N.Y. Reg., from Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY]

Died:  Killed by lightning, recently, in camp, Mr. Sheldon Bolles, of Co K, 10th N.Y. Cavalry, from Oxford [Chenango Co., NY].

Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, June 22, 1864

Married:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 7th inst., by Rev. H. Garlick, Mr. George F. Wight, of McDonough [Chenango Co., NY] and Miss Julia A. Morse, of Greene.

Died:  In East Pharsalia, on the 13th inst., Mr. Gersham W. Wolcott, aged 65 years, after a long illness.

Died:  In South New Berlin [Chenango Co. NY], on the 14th inst., Jonathan II [Mathewson], son of the late Jonathan S. and of Olive Mathewson, aged 17 years.

Died:  In Afton [Chenango Co., NY], on the 11th inst. Mary [Stowell], widow of the late Ebenezer Stowell, aged 72 years.

Died:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 10th inst., of Diptheria, Albert [Weeks] only son of Stephen and Julia A. Weeks, aged 18 years.

Died:  In Pitcher [Chenango Co., NY], June 18th, Solomon Ensign, senior, aged 93 years, 8 months and 10 days.

Died:  In Pitcher [Chenango Co., NY], on the 6th inst. Violette B. [Hitchcock], wife of Norman P. Hitchcock, aged 52 years and 9 months.

Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, June 29, 1864

Married:  In Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY], June 19th, by Rev. Mr. Cochrane, Mr. Foster Sayles to Miss Mary Monroe, all of Plymouth.

Married:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], June 16th, by Rev. H. Garlick, Mr. Harry D. Wheeler, of Cedar Run, Pa., to Miss Ruth E. Horton, of East Greene.

Married:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], June 13th, by Rev. L.E. Spafford, Mr. Lewis D. Rogers, to Mrs. Matilda M. Dobison, all of Oxford.

Married:  In Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], June 16th, by Rev. M. Wadsworth Mr. Frederick H. Jones to Miss Mary A. Wilkinson, all of Sherburne.

Married:  At the residence of the bride's father, in Honesdale, Pa., June 14th, by Rev. Mr. Gray, Hon. William H. Shankland, of Syracuse [Onondaga Co., NY] to Mrs. Lucy Leal, daughter of Dr. C. King.

Died:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], June 25th, of typhoid fever, Libbie [Duryea], daughter of Joseph and Sarah Duryea, aged 25 years.

Died:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], June 3d, Mr. Abram L. Beedle, aged 65 years.

Died:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], June 16th, Mr. William A. Bolt, aged 35 years.

Died:  In Coventry [Chenango Co., NY], June 12th, Polly [Spencer], wife of Wm. Spencer, aged 68 years.

Died:  In Afton [Chenango Co., NY], May 28th, Mr. Ebenezer Chaffee, formerly of Hartwick, Otsego Co. [NY], aged 66 years.

Died:  In Brashear City, La., Feb. 16th, Mr. Henry Morgan, of Co. B, 114th N.Y.S.V., aged 21 years, son of D.B Morgan, of German [Chenango Co., NY], in this county.

Capt. Tillson:  This young and gallant officer, whose right arm was shot away at the late battle of Sabine Cross Roads, in Louisiana, is now on a visit to his friends in this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY].  It is his intention as soon as his wound is thoroughly healed, to rejoin his regiment, the 161st, which still remains in Louisiana.  the pluck which he manifests, and has displayed on all occasions in face of this enemy, is deserving of the highest praise.

Taken Prisoner: We regret to learn, as we do through a letter received by Gen. Levi Harris from Capt. Vaughan, that Lieut. W.H. Conover, of Capt. Vaughan's Company, 22d Cavalry, has been taken prisoner by the rebels.  he was ordered, about the 10th of this month, to take a small force and make a reconnaissance towards (we believe) James river. The party were attacked by the rebels in doing so, and Lieut, Conover's horse shot from under him. The horse fell upon the Lieutenant's leg, holding him to the ground. The rest of the boys escaped, but Conover was left behind.  His comrades first thought him killed, but information subsequently obtained from rebel officers showed that he was uninjured, except by the fall of his horse, which bruised him slightly. The rebel officers said that he would be well treated while a prisoner. We regret the young lieutenant's mishap exceedingly, and wish him a speedy and safe deliverance.  Capt. Vaughan speaks of him in high terms as an officer.

Vital Records, Oxford, NY, February 1864

 Oxford Times, February 3, 1864

Married:  In McDonough [Chenango Co., NY], on the 17th ult., by Rev. Mr. Holroyd, Mr. Lewis W. Lamb to Miss Frances L. Wales, all of McDonough.

Bennett Aylesworth living in Church Hollow, in this county [Chenango Co., NY], started from Ninevah for his home on Monday evening 4th inst., and was found the next morning, within half a mile of home, frozen to death.  This is the only instance of death from freezing we have heard of in this county during the recent cold term.  Chenango American.

Death by Poison:  A most shocking and heart-rending incident occurred at the Daguerrean Rooms of S.H. Farnham, in this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY] on Thursday afternoon last, at about 5 o'clock.  A bright and beautiful little daughter of William and Sarah Stimpson, of Coventry [Chenango Co., NY], aged about two and one-half years, had accompanied her aunt to the rooms of Mr. Farnham to sit for her picture. After the picture had been taken, and while the child was running about in a playful mood, she darted into the chemical room unobserved by anyone, and seized a cup containing Cyanide of Potassium and swallowed its contents.  A single shriek from the little victim was the only warning that the agonized witnesses had, before she had passed from time into eternity. The poison took immediate and deadly effect, and all efforts to restore the little sufferer were useless and unavailing. The aunt, Mrs. Shaw, was so shocked by the sudden and unexpected accident as to occasion fears that she might not long survive the event, but we are informed she is gradually recovering. the bereaved mother arrived about midnight, and evinced a womanly fortitude and resignation which under the circumstances was most desirable but hardly to have been expected.  Keen anguish and deep grief strove against a high resolve to bear the heavy burden with becoming resignation, but did not overpower the mother's heart. The sympathies of our community moved promptly to do all that could be done under the circumstances, for the stricken parents and friends of the deceased child.

Oxford Times, February 10, 1864

Married:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 4th inst. by Rev. W.T. Potter, Mr. Edward Tucker to Miss Mary E. Hemenway, al of Oxford.

Married:  In Preston [Chenango Co., NY], on the 19th ult. by Rev. A. Lewis, Mr. Bruce A. Borden to Miss Olive L. Button.

Died: In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], suddenly on the 30th of Jan'y, Hattie Louisa [Simpson], only child of Warren and Alma Simpson, aged 2 years and 17 days.

Died:  in McDonough [Chenango Co., NY] on the 29th ult. Widow Warren, aged 86 years.

Died:  In Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], on the 1st inst. Mr. Marshall Newton aged 69 years.

Died:  At White Store, in Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 1st inst. Mr. Wilmarth Peters, aged 80 years.

Died:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY] on the 1st inst. Blin Harris, M.D., aged 54 years.

Died:  In Preston [Chenango Co., NY], on the 4th inst., Sarah M. [Edwards], wife of Mr. William Edwards, aged 37 years.

Died:  In Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], on the 3d inst. of scarlet fever, Hiram Eugene [Stratton], only child of Thomas J. and Ruth Stratton, aged 3 years, 4 months and 24 days.

Oxford Times, February 17, 1864

Married:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 5th inst. by Rev. Mr. Searles, Mr. H.H. Pike of North Norwich, to Miss A.R. Trumble of Norwich.

Married:  In Smyrna [Chenango Co., NY], on the 4th inst. by Rev. T.M. Williams, First lieut. Eugene H. Corey of the 5th Conn. Vol. to Miss Sylvia A. Lawson, daughter of S.C. Lawson, Esq., of Smyrna.

Died:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 3 inst., Susan Hyde [Tracy], wife of the Hon. John Tracy, aged 76 years.  Those who witnessed the sweet repose, with which death sealed the features of the lamented dead, realized the truth and beauty of "A smile upon the lips, / Unquenched by life's last agony."  There is that in such a death which mitigates the sorrow of friends, while it intensifies and strengthens Christian confidence and hope.  No long weary hours of watching and waiting and pain, no alternations of struggling doubt and hope, but the Death Angel gently touched the departed mother, wife and friend, and beckoned her to her rest.  So the toil worn reaper in the yellow autumn rests from  his labors amid the garnered sheaves.  Such is the repose of the mariner returned from his ocean voyage, as he catches a glimpse of his haven and his home.  "So He giveth his beloved sleep."  It is now more than fifty years since the deceased with her honored husband, who survives her, came to our village a bride.  Those years are their own best eulogy.  It would be a needless task to praise the trees which have grown up around the family dwelling, and so the excellency and beauty of the social and domestic graces, and Christian virtues, which have sprung up and borne fruit under the fostering care and influence of that mother's life and example, like the trees of the old homestead bear their own testimony to three generations, and like them, have spread their branches and went deeper their roots with years. A new generation came upon the scene of action were refreshed by the vision of the beauty and completeness of the social and Christian excellence before them, and when the scene was closed by death, thanked God for the good example that had been given them, while they dropped tears of real sorrow for him, who must travel alone the remaining space of his life journey.

"The stream is calmest when it nears the tide, / And flowers are sweetest at the eventide, / And birds most musical at close of day, / And Saints divinest when they pass away."

"Oh! when our sun is setting may we glide, / Like Summer evening, dawn the golden tide; / And leave behind us as we pass away, / Sweet, starry twilight round our sleeping clay!

Died:  In this village on the 10th inst., Henry N. [Miller], aged 18 years, third son of Henry L. and Elizabeth Mygatt Miller.  The sad and sudden event briefly recorded above, has brought unspeakable sorrow to a large family circle, and touched a responsive chord of sympathy throughout the community in which he lived.  Sunday found young Miller at his accustomed place at Church and the Sabbath School. Monday at his usual pursuits. The following day he complained of pain in the heard, not at the time however, considered alarming. Wednesday morning a violent congestion of the brain became manifest, baffling medical skill and science, and resulting in death before the setting of the sun.  "What so unguessed as death!"  Had any among the large circle of his acquaintance been asked whom death had marked for his victim, the deceased would certainly have been little apt to have been suggested for the sudden change. Before him above all others, life seemed to open up to all the fascination which buoyant hope, elastic spirits, a cheerful disposition, and sound health lent to existence. A large brain and a generous heart made him a favorite with a wide circle of personal friends of his own age, and caused those linked to him by family ties, to already cast for him the horoscope of a future opening into a vigorous active and useful manhood.  How soon the scene is changed, the horoscope of that earthly future sealed immutably by death.  Man proposes, but the All-Wise father disposes as to him seemeth best "Death! thou art infinite; it is life is little."

Died:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 12th inst. William Henry [Wade], only child of Henry L. and Sarah W. Wade, aged 1 year and 11 days.

"Oh, it was the lamp of our life, / Blown out in a night of gloom; / A leaf from our flower of love / Nipped in its fresh spring bloom. / But the lamp will shine again, / And the leaf again shall grow, / Where there are no bitter winds, / And no dreary, dreary snow"

Died:  In this town [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 16th ult. Mr. Charles E. Hopkins, aged 62 years.

 Died:  In Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY], suddenly, on the 7th inst. at the residence of her son, Asa Pellet, Mrs. Abigail Pellet, of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], aged 52 years.

Died:  In Smyrna [Chenango Co., NY] on the 5th? inst., Mrs. Lucy Ackley, widow of Samuel Ackley, aged 85 years.

Died:  In Butternuts, Otsego Co. [NY], on 26th? Jan., Rev'd Thomas S. Judd, Pastor of Christ Church.

Oxford Times, February 24, 1864

Married:  In Butternuts [Otsego Co., NY], on the 11th? inst. by Rev. E. Cope, Mr. Nelson D. Davis of Cato [Cayuga Co., NY] to Miss Julia E. Baker of Guilford [Chenango Co., NY]. 

Married:  In Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 2d inst. by Rev. W.G. Queal, Rev. A.J. Lindsey of the conference of the M.E. Church, stationed at -?- Chautauqua Co. [NY] to Miss Jennie Brooks of Guilford.

Died:  In this town [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 18th? inst. Frances A. [Waters], wife of Mr. Daniel Waters, aged 31 years.

Died:  in Greene [Chenango Co., NY] on the 17th inst., Loretta [Hayes], wife of Elias Hayes, aged 63 years.

Died:  In Coventry [Chenango Co., NY], on the 3d inst. Wm. Tallman, aged 62 years.

Died:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 3d inst., Arthur T. King, aged 21 years.

Died:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 5th inst. Mr. Jonas Leach, aged 84 years.

Died:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 6th inst. Susannah [Hayes], wife of Henry Hayes, aged 52 years.

Soldier's Letter, Civil War, 161st NY Regiment, May 1863

 Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, May 27, 1863

Letter from the 161st NY Regiment

Messers. Editors:  The monotony of our camp life was suddenly broken on Saturday last by the announcement that a heavy cavalry force had cut their way through from Tennessee, and were now waiting for orders to enter our outside picket lines.  The news soon spread through the different camps like wild fire and men and officers thronged the highway leading into town along which the expected cavalry were to advance.  A long line of dust stretching for a mile or two towards the country marked the approach.  Soon their leading squadrons emerged from the cloud of dust and as they came in sight they were welcomed with cheer upon cheer by the 5,000 soldiers gathered to witness their triumphant entrance into town.  They proved to be the 6th and 7th Illinois cavalry under Col. Grierman, about 800 men.  they started from La Grange, Tennessee, upon an expedition to destroy all the railroads and Confederate property they could find, with orders to report back to La Grange or any other place in the federal line they could in safety reach.  They were sixteen days in the saddle, marched a distance of 800 miles, averaging fifty miles a day, destroying over $2,000,000 worth of Confederate property,  took and paroled 780 prisoners, fought several successful battles, lost but five or six men, all told brought into Baton Rouge an immense quantity of Rebel property besides 300 or 400 horses, 200 or 300 contrabands and 150 prisoners.  A more daring exploit was never performed by an equal number of men in any age.  Compared with it the raids of Stuart or Morgan sink into insignificance.  It shows what daring courage and activity can do when directed by a bold and fearless leader.  the expedition travelled nearly the entire length of the State of Mississippi between the lines of the Rebel armies, passing through the most populous portion of the State seeing and avoiding the largest and most populous towns, their arrival expected and announced beforehand in many instances by the public press, and large bodies of troops  were used to cut off their escape, and yet, though it seems miraculous, they passed through, by and over all the traps laid for their destruction in safety. When we contemplate their daring deeds we are carried back in imagination to the days of Chivalry, and think of the gallant illinoisians in connection with Richard The Lion Hearted and his Knight Templars charging through the countless hoards of Saladin, and that beautiful description of the charge of the Light Horse Cavalry at Redskins by Tennyson, slightly changed in words is brought to others mind.

"Armies on the right of them, / Armies on the left, / Armies in the front of them / Right into the jaws of death / Rode the gallant 800"

The advance guard of Col. Grierson's command were dressed in Rebel uniform, and often rode into the enemy's lines unsuspected.  Many an interesting story is told by these cavalry men of relieving Rebel pickets and ordering them to fall in, which they cheerfully obeyed, thinking they were really relieved by their own pickets and never ascertaining their mistake until they formed themselves in the midst of the blue uniforms of the Federals.  My informant stated to me that one morning he formed part of the advance guard and just as day was breaking they met two rebel officers and commanded them to halt, a command which they unwillingly obeyed.

"By what authority do you stop us!" demanded one of the Rebels.  "I, sir, am a Chaplain to the 37th Mississippi Regiment and my friend here is a Captain in the same Regiment.  We are on our way home with a leave of absence from Vicksburg and we both hold commissions signed by Jeff Davis, and don't like to be interfered with in this manner."

"And I," replied the officer in command, "am a Lieutenant in the 5th Illinois Cavalry and hold a commission from Old Dick Yates and you are both my prisoners."

Captain Forbes, of the 7th was dispatched eastward after the destruction of the Railroad at Newton with a force of about 100 cavalrymen.  He proceeded as far as Enterprise where he suddenly came upon a large Rebel force consisting of between three and four thousand men, a large proportion cavalry.  Nothing daunted at the unexpected discovery, he boldly sent into the town a flag of truce demanding its surrender, stating that his force consisted of 10,000 men and resistance would be useless.  The Rebel commander requested two hours to consider upon the proposition, which was granted, but before the expiration of the time, Capt. Forbes had placed a score of miles between him and his enemies. About five miles from this place the advance guard came suddenly upon the encampment of Stuart's Cavalry while they were at breakfast.  Suddenly charging upon them they captured the whole party, consisting of two officers and seventy-five men. This company was composed of citizens from this place, and it was pleasing to witness the chagrin and mortification of their friends when they saw them prisoners in the hands of the Yankees.  Many a dame who had passed herself off for a widow had -?- pointed out to her by her unsophisticated offspring to the great amusement of the soldiers.  Several of the soldiers are said to have passes in their packets signed by Gen. Augur, the commandant here.

The Illinoisians were completely encased in mud and dust and one could not distinguish the Captain or Col. from the subaltern or private.  They started with three days rations of cooked provision, and when that was exhausted lived off from the enemy.  They exchanged horses with which they left La Grange.  The Contrabands brought in by them have nearly all enlisted into Ullmann's Native Brigade.  I was informed by them that they could have brought in 5,000 of them had they dared so to do, but they found they would embarrass and hinder their movements, as they doubtless would.

You have no doubt long before this received the news of the successful advance of General Banks up from Berwick's Bay a movement predicted by me in my last. They are now about fifty miles west of us as I learn by New Orleans papers. The country between us is completely inundated and no communication can now be had with them except by the way of New Orleans and Berwick's Bay, a distance of 300 or 400 miles.  The river is falling fast and in a week or so communication can be opened with Gen. Banks directly west from here.  There is an old railroad running from the west bank of the river opposite here to Opelousas which as soon as the river falls sufficiently it is contemplated to repair.  This will put us in direct communication with the richest portion of the State. The recent movement of Gen. Banks has placed the greater portion of the State under the Federal rule. and if as we are now led to believe, the Ironclad fleet is to reinforce us, the south west will be speedily cleared of rebels.

Sickness prevails to a considerable extent among the troops here.  We have lost three of our company by death since I wrote you last.  Reynold M. Harvey of McDonough, died April 11th, Charles Fisk of Guilford, died April 27th, and Francis R. Slack of Norwich, died May 1st; all of them at the Regimental hospital.  The last two died very suddenly and unexpectedly.  They were about camp in the forenoon of the day of their decease, apparently gaining in health, and before the next morning were sleeping in death.  In marked contrast with the health of the army here is the sanitary inspection of the recent arrived Cavalry Sergeant from the north. An inspection by the Medical Director of the privates found all but 8 out of 800 unfit for duty, which seems conclusive evidence that there is much more danger from disease in a life of inactivity in camp and garrison, than there is in one of activity in the field.  Hoping we may soon change our condition from the former to the latter.

I am yours, &c.  S.E.W.

Vital Records, Greene, NY, October 1864

 Chenango American, Greene, NY, October 6, 1864

Died:  In this village [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], on the 5th inst. Mr.  Hiram G. Dunn, aged 42 years.

Died:  In Coventry [Chenango Co., NY], on the 3ds inst. Mr. Levi Parker, aged 68 years.

Died:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 29th ult. of diptheria, Mr. George L. Hopkins, aged 40 years.

Died:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 25th ult., Mr. Jeduthan Newton, aged 86 years.

Died:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 25th ult., Kitty [Smith], daughter, of Willard Smith, Jr., aged 6 years.

Died:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 3d ult., Cora [Haight], daughter of Horace and Harriet Haight, aged 9 years.

Died:  Killed in battle, near Winchester, Va., on the 19th ult. Lieut, Edward E. Breed, of Co. H, 114th Regiment N.Y.S.V., son of William R. Breed, of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY].

Died:  Also, on the same day, Hezekiah Newton, of Co. B, 114th reg. formerly of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY].

Died:  Also, Leonard R. Brown, of Co. B, 114th Reg., son of Russell Brown of Pharsalia [Chenango Co., NY].

Died:  Also, Isaac Weaver of Co. F, 114th Regt., and William Cashdollar, of the 5th, N.Y. Heavy Artillery, both from Smyrna [Chenango Co., NY].

Died:  At the U.S. General Hospital, at Glasysville, Md., Eugene [Blanchard], son of George and Susan Blanchard, of Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY],. aged 17 years.

Died:  At Copper Falls Mine, Lake Superior, on the 3d inst., Samuel j. Redfield, M.D., aged 31 years.  He was an only son of the late Chester Redfield of Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY].

Chenango American, Greene, NY, October 18, 1864

Died:  At Castle Creek, Broome County [NY] on the 11th inst., Judson V. [Boardman], son of Eli Boardman, of this town [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], aged 14 years, 10 months and 23 days.

Died:  In Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], on the 3d inst. at the residence of E. Shaw.  Mrs. Ruth Ray, aged 83 years, 3 months and 17 days.

Died:  In Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], on the 29th ult. Mr. Asa W. Rhodes, late of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], aged 59 years.

Died:  In Coventry [Chenango Co., NY], on the 8th inst., Mr. Clark Smith aged 82 years.

Died:  In Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], on the 11th inst., Miss Nancy Gilland, aged 17 years.

Died:  In Coventry [Chenango Co., NY], on the 12th inst., Alfred B. Handy, aged 3 years and 7 months.

Chenango American, Greene, NY, October 20, 1864

Died:  In Preston [Chenango Co., NY], on the 24th ult., Louisa E. [Crumb], daughter of Sylvester and Lucinda Crumb, aged 15 years.

Died:  In McDonough [Chenango Co., NY], on the 7th inst., Clara I. [Mathewson], daughter of Jefferson and Mary Mathewson, aged 9 years.

Died:  In Preston [Chenango Co., NY], on the 13th ult., Mr. Consider Brown, aged 69 years.

Died:  In the Hospital at Winchester, Va., on the 3d inst., Lieut. O.J. Aylesworth, of Co. H, 114th Regiment.

Vital Records, Norwich, NY, May 1864

 Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, May 4, 1964

Married:  In Smyrna [Chenango Co., NY], April 16th, by Rev. J.H. Mason, Mr. Sidney S. Cox, to Miss Mary K. Draper, both of Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  In Oneonta [Otsego Co., NY], April 11th, by Rev. G.O. Phelps, Mr. Smith P. Hopson, of New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], to Miss Nancy Strait, of Oneonta.

Died:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], April 29, 1864, Mrs. Clarissa Noyes, widow of the late Col. John Noyes, aged 60 years.  Mrs. Noyes, after an absence of some two years, returned to her home in this village about a fortnight ago, with the intention of arranging her affairs for a permanent removal to the West. But in the providence of God, her plans were overruled, and after a brief and painful illness she left us indeed, but for the rest which remaineth for the people of God.  Her preparation for this removal did not need to be made; she was always ready, her lamp trimmed and burning.  Of this her long life spent in this community furnishes abundant testimony, seen and known of all, testimony not unlike that which Dorcas left behind her, good works, fruits of faith, which He who is to be our Judge has advised us is the evidence of faith which He will require at that day.  And as her faith is seen by her works, so was it tried and her heart purified, as many know, in the furnace of afflictions.  Her body was committed to the grave by the side of her late husband's on Saturday last, at 2 P.M., with the hopeful rite of Christian burial, and her soul, we trust, rests in peace amid the joys of Paradise, and in the company of the faithful who there await the resurrection.

Died:  At the U.S. Hospital, David's Island, April 11th, Mr. Luther A. Johnson, of Co H, 89th Reg. N.Y.S.V., aged 23 years.

Chenango's Losses in the Red River Battles

Capt. George M. Tillson, of this place [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], commanding company K, 161st N.Y.V. has suffered amputation of his right arm as the result of a wound received in the recent Rid River battles.  This is a severe loss to a young man, but there is enough left of Capt. T. now (says the Utica Telegraph) to make one of the very best fellows that ever lived.  He has talent, courage, and almost every estimable quality.  We can speak for one who will be mighty glad to grip his left hand in as warm and heartfelt a welcome as was ever given. We most sincerely hope to hear no worse news from his wound than that already received. The only other casualty report in Capt. T's company is John Lloyd, thigh.

Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, May 11, 1864

Married:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], April 20th, by Rev. S. Scoville, Gen. Obadiah G. Rundell to Miss Minerva Devoll, all of this village.

Married:  In Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], April 20th, by Rev. E. Curtis, Mr. James Silvernail, of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], to Miss Elizabeth L. Bradley of Eaton [Madison Co., NY].

Married:  In East Greene [Chenango Co., NY], May 1st, by Rev. L.E. Spafford, Mr. Daniel Terrel, of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Eliza Pettis, of Greene.

Died:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], May 6th, Abby [Brown], widow of Jesse Brown, aged 83 years.

Died:  In Preston [Chenango Co., NY], May 9th, Flora [French], aged 2 years.

Died:  In Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], May 7th, Miss Emily F. Atwater, aged 38 years.

Died:  in Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], April 26th Frederick Newkirk, twin son of William and Selinda Balcom ,aged 6 months.

Died:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], April 25th, Mr. Sherman S. Bartholomew, aged 39 years, 9 months and 20 days.

Died:  In Cannon, Mich. April 8th, Harriet K. [Lownsberry], wife of J. D. Lownsberry, formerly of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], aged 32 years.

Died:  In Columbus [Chenango Co., NY], April 30th, Mr. Elijah Fuller, in the 88th year of his age.

Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, May 18, 1864

Child Drowned:  A daughter of Reuben Case, 12 years of age, was drowned by falling into the canal, at the foot of the Sherburne aqueduct lock [Chenango Co.., NY], on Friday evening last.

Taken Prisoner:  A letter received by Gen. Harris, of this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], from Lieut. Conover, states that Fayette L. York and James Weeden, two Norwich boys, members of Capt. Vaughan's company, 22d Cavalry, have been taken prisoner by rebel guerrillas.  The 22d had been dismounted for duty at Fredericksburg, and their horses stationed under guard near there, when the guerrillas swooped down on guard and horses and carried them off, among them York and Weeden.  It is to be hoped that they will soon be released.  Another member of Capt. Vaughan's Company, named White, it is reported, has been shot by the rebels, but we are not furnished with any particulars.

Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, May 25, 1864

Married:  At the Baptist Church, in this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], May 12th by Rev. A.N. Benedict, Mr. Henry Bissell, of North Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], to Miss Frances F. Rosebrook, of Norwich.

Married:  In Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], April 2d, by O.B. Lord, Esq., Mr. Nathan Palmer, of Sherburne, to Miss Kate Pugh, of Augusta [Oneida Co., NY].

Married:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], May 9th, by Rv. J.C. Ransom, Mr. Charles Fisher, to Miss Delia Vickery.

Married:  In East Greene [Chenango Co., NY], May 17th, by Rev. M.S. Wells, Mr. Henry McFarland to Miss Sarah J. Horton, both of Oxford. [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 13th ult. by Rev. Daniel Ballou, Zeba L. Drake, of Oxford to Miss Emma Bennett, of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY].

Died:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], May 17th, Mr. Rufus Phillips, aged 85 years, 4 months and 20 days.

Died:  In Earlville [Madison Co., NY], on the 20th inst., John G Smith, aged 74 years. The deceased was the brother of James H. Smith Esq., President of the Bank of Norwich, and the first of a large family of brothers to be called from earth.

Died:  In South Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], May 7th, William Frink, Esq., of Fabius, N.Y. [Onondaga Co.., NY], aged 73 years.

Died:  In East Greene [Chenango Co., NY], May 8th, Louisa [Towslee], aged 34 years and 11 months.

Died:  In Pitcher [Chenango Co., NY], April 21st, Mr. Elias H. Randall, aged 60 years.

Died:  In Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], May 13th, Amie M. [Brooks], wife of William A. Brooks, aged 32 years.

Died:  In the Hospital at Newport, R.I., May 18th, of typhoid fever, Mr. George L. Tifft, of Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY], a member of Co. I, 22d N.Y. Cavalry, aged 20 years.

Died:  In Cleveland, OH, May 11th, Mary P. [Balcom], only child or Henry F. and Caroline Balcom, aged 3 years, 2 mos.

Death of John Hicks:  A private letter from the seat of war in Virginia to Mr. Wm. Balcom, of this palce [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY] (says the Oxford Democrat) brings the sad intelligence of the death of Lieut. John S. Hicks, of Co. E, 61st N.Y.V., who was killed in battle during the engagement of Sunday, May 8th.  Mr. Hicks was formerly employed in the store of Mr. Balcom, and his circle of warm and admiring friends was very extensive.  As a citizen, he was much respected; as a friend and companion, much beloved; as a soldier, ever faithful in the discharge of his duties.  He was taken prisoner at the second battle of Bull Run, and for a long time confined in the Libby Prison at Richmond.  He has also suffered much from the disease incident to a soldier's life, and been confined considerable of the time in the government hospitals.  He had just been promoted to Second lieutenant, by Gov. Seymour, through the influence of his friends here, his commission having hardly had time to reach him, ere the fatal shot was fired which put an end to his career, and sent mourning and desolation to his now grief-stricken parents and friends at home.  We had not the pleasure of a personal acquaintance with Mr. Hicks, but those who knew him best here, bear ample testimony as to his noble qualities as a citizen, a companion a friend, upright, honorable, genial and warm-hearted, he lived beloved and respected and dies mourned and regretted. Lieut. Hicks was son of Gurdon Hicks, of Norwich, who in his bereavement has the heart-felt sympathy of the entire community.

Soldier's Letter, Civil War, Major Henry B. Morse, 114th NY Regiment

 Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, May 13, 1863

Letter from Major Henry B. Morse, 114th NY Regiment

We are permitted to print the following letter, written by Major Morse to a friend in this village.  The description of the conduct of the 114th Regiment will be interesting to the multitude who have friends in its ranks.

....There has long been a nest of rebels occupying the western part of this State lying along the Teche, called the Atakapa country.  This is the most fertile part of Louisiana and as rich a country as there is in the whole State.  This country has been a great source of supplies for the South, and has been a convenient place to pasture their cattle, sheep &c., before taking them to Port Hudson.  This nest of rebels made their headquarters about sixteen miles west of Brashear City, at Camp Bisland and from thence sent out parties of guerillas who have troubled our forces much during the summer of 1862, and the past winter and spring.  Gen. Banks conceived the plan of surrounding this force of Confederates and bagging the whole party.  For this purpose he combined the commands of Generals Weitzel and Emory at Brashear city. Gen Weitzel's force consisted of five regiments of infantry, two companies of cavalry and two batteries of artillery. Gen. Emory's force was twelve regiments of infantry, two companies of cavalry and two batteries of artillery. This force, under the immediate command of Gen. Banks, was to proceed up the Teche, attack the enemy and drive them from their stronghold while Gen. Grover with a force of thirteen regiments of infantry, cavalry and batteries, was to embark in boats, go through lakes and bayous to the rear of the enemy, and intercept their retreat.  It was then thought combined action from front and rear would compel the rebels to surrender.  I have been on duty in this city for some time, but wishing to share in the dangers and glory of the expedition with our regiment, I procured a leave of absence for ten days, and reported for duty to Col. Smith at Brashear City on the 8th inst. On the 9th inst. we crossed the bay to Berwick City and bivouacked there until noon of the 11th. We were then ordered into line for a forward movement. Gen. Weitzel's brigade taking the lead which position it held every day, and as the 114th is the 2d regiment in his brigade we had a chance to see the whole thing. The first afternoon we marched about eleven miles meeting with but little opposition and bivouacked that night near Pattersonville.  During the day of the 12th there was heavy skirmishing and we made slow progress.  At four in the afternoon we had marched but five miles. At this time we were marching in line of battle, the 75th N.Y. on our right, and 100th N.Y. on our left. The 6th Massachusetts battery of six brass prices, which it was the particular duty of our regiment to support. was immediately in our rear. As we were marching briskly along, a shell came over our heads killing two horses in the battery behind us.  At this instant a perfect shower of shot and shell was sent amongst us.  Our regiments were ordered into a ditch that very providentially was at hand. While our guns were unlimbered and set at work to respond to the enemy.  For an hour and a half we lay in that ditch the shell bursting all around us, and our own guns behind us firing over our heads, and so near that the smoke would blow down into the ditch where we lay, at every discharge.  Our ammunition at length gave out and we were obliged to return about a mile where we took up quarters for the night, and as fires to make our coffee would not be allowed went supperless to sleep.

On the morning of the 13th, we were called early, and after a little time to get breakfast, were ordered to advance again.  Although the enemy contested every foot of the ground, by noon we had driven them to their earthworks at camp Bisland, and our regiment secured a position next to a piece of woods in a cane field overlooking the enemy's works, where our battery, which was on our right, could operate to good advantage on the enemy. The 75th N.Y. was on our left in the woods, and the 12th Connecticut was on the right of our battery. The enemy made several unsuccessful attempts during the afternoon to drive us back, sending bullets among us like hail and wounding several of our boys, but we held our position until dark. The cane that we were in concealing us from view saved us from heavy losses this afternoon as did the ditch the day before.  At dark we were ordered to retire a little distance and part of Gen. Emory's division was placed in advance, giving us an opportunity for a good night's rest, and I think we all slept soundly though we had had nothing to eat since morning. We were called about half past four on the morning of the 14th, and told we might have a few moments to prepare our coffee and eat our hard bread, and then we must carry the enemy's works by storm. We had not had time to build our fires before it was discovered that the enemy had fled during the night, and we were ordered immediately in advance to give them pursuit. We followed them close during the forenoon exchanging shot and shell with them on the way, and by noon reached Franklin where we learned that the main body of the rebels had escaped from Gen. Grover, who not knowing the country had failed to get a good position to check the retreat of the flying enemy. We took up quarters that night about a mile beyond Franklin and the men satisfied their hunger on fresh beef, pork, mutton, chickens, geese, &c.  The next day Gen. Grover with his division fell in our rear and we continued the pursuit, taking many prisoners each day and camping near the enemy every night.  I went with the regiment some five miles beyond New Iberla, and as my leave of absence had expired and there was no prospect of more fighting, I returned to New Orleans.  My duties were such during the fight and the forced march afterward that I could not get a list of the wounded.

George Ballou wounded in the knee and Frank Fish in the shoulder, are all that I know from Norwich.

All that I can say about the action of the regiment is that I am today more proud and glad than ever that I belong to the 114th.  The country up the Teche is very beautiful, much like that around Rochester, N.Y.  The plantations all show wealth, and the government by this expedition will get large quantities of sugar, molasses, beef, pork, &c.  Also mules and horses, which were much needed in this department.  We also get control of the Salt Works of the rebels and if Gen. Banks goes through to the Red River, we shall cut off all their supplies form Texas. Two foundries with quantities of shot and shell, which will be much missed by the Confederates, were also taken by our forces.  I have only written of the part our regiment took in the expedition.  You will receive the daily papers from here, which will keep you posted on the movements of the army.  I last night received a telegraph from Colonel Smith, dated April 28, New Iberia, saying that he had been sent from the front with the 114th, and 159th N.Y. in charge of property enroute, and that he should go into camp again at Brashear City.  He will probably get down Brashear by Monday or Tuesday next, and I hope to see him down to the city soon.

Truly yours,  H.B.M.

________________________________________________

Adjutant's Report, 114th NY Infantry

Morse, Henry B.:  Age 26 years. Enrolled at Norwich, to serve three years, and mustered in as captain, Co. D, August 13, 1862; as major, September 8, 1862; wounded in action, June 14, 1863, at Port Hudson, La.; mustered in as lieutenant colonel, August 26, 1863; wounded in action, April 9, 1864, at Pleasant Hill, La.; mustered out with regiment June 8, 1865, at Washington, D.C.

Death of Col. H.B. Morse

Henry Bagg Morse, formerly Colonel of the 114th Regiment N.Y. Vols., died at Eaton [Madison Co.., NY] on the 20th of June, aged nearly 38 years.  Mr. Morse was the son of Ellis Morse of Eaton.  On the mustering in of the 114th Regiment, he was appointed major; subsequently Lieutenant Colonel; and finally Colonel.  He was wounded in the ankle while leading the assaulting party at Port Hudson, and at Sabine Cross Roads received a gun shot wound in the arm, which disabled him for several months.  He was for a long time on the Board of Prison Inspectors at New Orleans, and for some time was acting Quarter master of the 19th Army Corps. The Colonel was present at the important and sanguinary battles of Bisland, Port Hudson, Sabine Cross Roads and Cedar Creek.  At the latter his brother A.A. Morse of the same regiment was fatally wounded. When the regiment was discharged, after sufficient recreation, he entered the law office of Pratt A. Mitchell at Syracuse, where he thoroughly prepared himself for the practice of the law, which he entered upon in the State of Arkansas.  By close attention to his business and uprightness of character, he became one of the Circuit Judges of Arkansas, a position which he held with honor.  [Cazenovia Republican, July 2, 1874]

Vital Records, Oxford, NY, January 1864

 Oxford Times, January 6, 1864

Married:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 1st inst., by Rev. J.C. Ransom, Mr. Dolphus Burton of Oxford, to Miss Emily E. Holcombe of Colesville [Broome Co., NY].

Married:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 31st ult., by Rev. B. McKoon, Mr. Otis Francisco to Miss Catarine Allen, all of Oxford.

Married:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 2d ult. by Rev. Mr. Webster, Mr. Jack Chidester of Binghamton [Broome Co., NY] to Miss Mary E. Webb of Greene.

Married:  in Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 29th ult. by rev. Mr. Webster, Mr. Henry A. Day to Miss Lucina A. Gray, both of East Greene.

Died:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 30th ult. of diptheria, Flora Ann [Ford], daughter of Norman and Elizabeth Ford, aged 8 years and 5 months.

Died:  In this town [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], Dec. 28th, Wealthy [Hall], wife of Alanson Hall, Esq., aged 63 years.

Died:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 29th ult. Emeline [Buck] wife of Mr. D.S.H. Buck, aged 47 years and 9 months.

Died:  In Croton, Delaware Co. [NY], Dec. 22d, at the residence of A.H. Prime, Mr. Robert W. Treadwell of Hancock [Delaware Co., NY], and son of the late Herman Treadwell, Esq., of Croton.

Died:  In Smyrna [Chenango Co., NY], Dec. 25th, Mr. Benj. B. Hayward, aged 73 years.

Died:  In McDonough [Chenango Co., NY], on the 1st inst. Elmer [Root], son of Ansel B. and Clarrisa Root, aged 2 years, 4 months.

Died:  In Cohoes [Albany County, NY, on the 23d ult. Mr. Smith E. Ladd, formerly of Sherburne [Chenango Co. NY], aged 64 years.

Died:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY]\, on the 19th ult., Mrs. Betsey Hutchins, aged 76 years.

Oxford Times, January 13, 1864

Married:  In Greene [Chenango Co.., NY], on the 31st ult. by Rev. Mr. Webster, Mr. George R. Lewis of McDonough [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Margaret M. Dunning, of Smithville [Chenango Co., NY].

Married:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 30th ult. by Rev. Mr. Rubinson, Mr. Albert Johnson of Coventry [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Adaline Van Ness of Greene.

Died:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 6th inst., Miss Harried E. Drake, aged 18 years.

Died:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 9th inst., Laura P. [Yeomans], only daughter of P.P. and Laura Yeomans, aged 16 years.

Died:  In McDonough [Chenango Co., NY], on the 3d inst., Emogene [Ingraham], daughter of -?- and Charlotte Ingraham, aged 3 years, 1 month and 6 days.

Oxford Times, January 20, 1864

Arrest of a Deserter:  Constable Selah H. Fish, of this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], passed through a series of dangerous and sanguinary experiences, a few days since in the arrest of a deserter in Otsego County.  It seems that Mr. Fish had suspicions that deserters had been concealed, for some time, on Texas Hill, which seems to have been fitly named to indicate the character of the locality as a resort of refugees from military service.  Calling at the house of one Brown, there was a remarkable coincidence between the advent of officer Fish, and the exit through the window of a young man, taking with him sash, glass and all.  Mr. Fish immediately started in pursuit, and discovered the enemy who proved to be Brown's son, making as good time as possible for the woods. The young man was invited to stop in his mad career at the risk of being fired upon, but neither warning or invitation proving of any avail, Mr. Fish fired, hitting young Brown in the arm, but he still persisted in running, and received another ball in the leg, which materially impeded his progress and enabled the constable after a considerable struggle to get him fast and bring him away.  Brown Senior intermeddled more than necessary or profitable in the matter and inflicted a wound upon the face of Mr. Fish, with a knife which was both unseemly and uncomfortable, and if not intended to be fatal was to say the least very careless. We are glad to learn that the deserter was brought to Norwich and lodged in jail, and trust that he will yet verify the truth of the couplet.  He that fights, and runs away, / May live to fight another day.

Oxford Times, January 27, 1864

Died:  in Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 14th inst. Mr. Joseph Wilson, aged 52 years.

Died:  In Columbus [Chenango Co., NY], on the 6th inst., Mr. Joshua Lamb, aged 84 years.

Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, April 6, 1864

Death of Capt. Paul W. Latham

We are called upon to record the decease of another of our most esteemed townsmen, Capt. Paul Latham.  His death occurred on Monday, at the Noyes House, in this place [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], after an illness of only five days. The disease which terminated his life was typhoid fever, and his age was 70.

Capt. Latham was born in Connecticut in 1794, and at the age of 18 adopted a sea-going life. During the war of 1812-15 he came to this county, where he had friends living, and where he remained about three years, or during the period that our commerce was driven by British cruisers from the ocean. While here he was employed, at least a part of the time, in the county Clerk's office, under David Bright (father of Hon. Jesse D. Bright) who was then County Clerk, and at that time made acquaintances and formed friendships with some of the older class of our citizens, which were cherished on both sides through life.  For thirty-five years he had been Captain of various vessels sailing out of New York, though mostly of vessels engaged in the trade with Antwerp. After undergoing all the perils incident to a life at sea, having been often the sport of the most capricious fortune, he finally acquired a handsome competence in his profession, and about a year since disconnected himself entirely with sea-going affairs, and came to this place to spend with his friends the remainder of his days, and to enjoy the reward of his intelligence and enterprise.  He was a brother of the late John Latham, of this village, to whose family he was greatly endeared.

Capt. Latham was a genial, gentlemanly, kind-hearted man, liberal in his opinions, generous in his habits, honorable and high-minded in his ways and impulses, and devotedly attached to his friends.  He will long be remembered by all who had the pleasure of an intimate knowledge of his heart and character.  He leaves two children, a son and daughter, by whom his loss will be deeply felt.

Soldier's Letter, Civil War, 114th NY Regiment

 Oxford Times, June 3, 1863

Letter from the 114th NY Regiment

Mr. Editor: To know our situation you must go back with me to the 9th of April, when we crossed Berwick's Bay with Gen. Weitzel's Brigade with nothing but 3 days rations and blankets, with one change of under clothes, bivouacked on the south shore until the 11th, when we took our line of march up the Bay towards Palisonville, marching for the battle field, but did not have a long march, not over 2 miles before the pickets engaged each other.  Our cavalry was skirmishing at our head and it became necessary to send out our Olive branch in the form of a shell, our compliments in that shape were sent often during the day. We slept that night on our arms, and at the dawn of day the preparation was making for the march. At seven we were in line and fighting our way up the tash with Capt. Barots and Capt. Perkin's cavalry still skirmishing in advance, and nobler Commanders are not in our army, nor braver men ever sat on saddles than those that followed them. We passed Palisonville without the loss of a man.  We took several prisoners on the road yesterday the eleventh.  

The 12th brought no change until near night when we were drawn up in line of battle and passed our batteries for their support if necessary.  We had not arrived to our position before the rebel batteries opened fire on us.  (I use the word us for the 114th, were in front) The first shot from the Diana (the gunboat that was taken from us a few weeks since)  grounded in front of the 114th, within a few rods of Co. A.  All seemed calm and composed, the line did not break or waver, but at the left of the colors where Co. H was we had not much time to look in that direction as another shot passed over us, killing two horses six rods in the rear.  The piece of artillery they were drawing was a fine, brass piece. We were soon down in a ditch, and the gun seeking revenge.  It is useless to say that the 114th lay very close to the ground, for we do not call it bravery to stand and see a rebel shell burst if we can get out of range.  The battle raged only one hour and twenty minutes, and we retired for the night amid a shower of shells from the rebel batteries not doing much damage, a few only slightly wounded. One shell burst in the rear of our Company, slightly wounding Corporal Wellock in the neck, James Sandell in the foot, slightly, Dwight F. Taylor very slightly in the head.  Perhaps some copperhead will say the Yankees were whipped.  Let me invite him to the field.  

On the next day at an early hour we again took the field in nearly the same order extending the left Wing to the woods. The engagement commenced near the same ground we left the night before, and four guns opened on the Diana for the space of half an hour, and the rebel flag kept up the Bayou tash.  She was in command of a Texan calling himself the Yankee eater, had pledged himself to go to New Orleans with her, but while she bore away the rebel flag she also bore the remains of the Yankee eater, the Diana was silenced.

The engagement became general along the whole line, which lasted during the day, but the rebel batteries were nearly silenced when darkness put an end to the bloody scene. We had but few killed, I was informed by one of our men that was detailed to bury the dead, that they buried only 18 of our men, and he believed there was not more than 36 in all, and to guess off the wounded I should say one hundred.  Gen Grover's division on the other side of the Bayou suffered greater loss.  

Most of the day the 114th lay in a cane field under a heavy fire of musketry, but escaped with the loss of one man.  James hill of Smithville, was shot through the head at 4 o 'clock in the afternoon of the 12th, died on the morning of the 13th at 9 o'clock.  He proved himself a good soldier and left his work well done, and died a death that none need blush for. 

The officers behaved like brave men, and the 114th Regt. will never make the Empire State blush for their nots on the battle field.  Gen. Weitzel was heard to say the 114th is the best new regiment he ever saw under fire. The coolness of the men astonished me, although I have often wrote that I had arrived at the point where nothing astonished me.  Chenango and Madison Co's may well be proud of the noble sons they have sent here to crush out this unholy rebellion, and Bainbridge may have the honor of furnishing some noble young men that would not like to have their names mentioned in praise here, but will be remembered by the writer while life lasts. Also DeRuyter has done her share, and Oxford need not blush for any from there.  There was many of Co. H, left sick at Brashear City.  

On the 13th we renewed the attack and found the enemy leaving us on a forced march after 3 days fight. The enemy undertook to make a stand at Franklin, but only had time to throw one shot and a few charges of railroad iron and left. We drove them to Vermilion river, 40 miles toward Red river from New Ibera. There the 114th was ordered to return to Brashear City and relieve the country of what cattle, mules, horses they had, and of all droves this excels.  We found no trouble on the way back. After we arrived at New Ibera, Co's F and H were detached from the Regiment to take charge of 159 prisoners. The uniforms and shoes of the rebels are as has been described, clothes of all kinds and colors, shoes like Hen's teeth, rather scarce. I would give more of the particulars of this march if time would admit. Suffice it to say 80 miles of the best part of Louisiana is stripped by the 114th and the army still moving on to Red river and the rebels are universally whipped.    J.

Vital Records, Greene, NY

 Chenango American, Greene, NY, June 30, 1864

Died:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 25th inst., Libbie [Duryea], aged 25 years.

Died:  In Brashear City, La., Feb. 16th, Mr.  Henry Morgan of Co. B, 114th Reg. N.Y.V., aged 21 years, son of D.B. Morgan, of German [Chenango Co., NY].

Chenango American, Greene, NY, July 14, 1864

Married:  In this town [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], on the 9th inst., by Warren Gray, Esq., D.S.H. Buck, to Miss Elida Benedict, all of this town.

Married:  In Cazenovia [Madison Co.., NY], on the 1st inst., by Rev. W. H. Olin, Rev. L.C. Queal, Pastor of the M.E. Church Norwich, to Miss Sarah J. Hall.

Died:  In this town [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], on the 6th inst., Mrs. Betsy Peck, in her 85th year.

Died:  At Division Hospital, Cold Harbor, Va., on the 3d ult. James H. Roby, of Co. C, 140th Reg. N.Y.V., aged 17 years.

Died:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 6th inst., Mr. Geo. W. Harkins, aged 21 years.

Died:  At the Chenango House, in norwich on the 11th inst. Mr. Peter Quackenbush, of Otego [Otsego Co., NY], aged 32 years.

Died:  In Liberty Township, Clinton Co., Iowa, on the 4th of May, Mr. George Manwarring, formerly of Chenango Co. [NY], aged 53 years.

Died:  In Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], on the 13th inst. Amis M. [Brooks], wife of William A. Brooks, aged 32 years.