Vital Records, Chenango County, NY, February 1872

 Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, February 7, 1872

Marriages

BATES - BURLINGAME:  At the residence of George M. Johnson, in this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], Feb. 1st, by Rev. A.M. Totman, Mr. Peter Bates, of Addison, N.Y. [Steuben Co.] to Miss Adaline S. Burlingame, of Norwich.

HURD - MONCRIEF:  In Greene [Chenango Co. NY], Jan. 27th, by Rev. A.F. Brown, Mr. Frederick Hurd, to Miss Susan Moncrief, all of Greene.

FISH - HARRINGTON:  In McGrawville [Cortland Co. NY], Jan. 16th, by Rev. H. Harris, Mr. Reuben P. Fish to Miss Hattie R Harrington all of Cincinnatus [Cortland Co. NY].

Deaths

LEACH:  At the residence of her son, Nehemiah Leach, in King Settlement [Chenango Co. NY], Jan. 30th, Mrs. Anna Leach, aged 85 years.

MILLER:  In Otego, Otsego Co. [NY], Feb. 2d, Mr. Gilbert Miller, formerly of this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], aged about 55 years.

BENNETT:  At the County House [Preston, Chenango Co. NY], Jan. 25th, Mr. Joseph B. Bennett, aged 75 years.

COLE:  At the County House [Preston, Chenango Co. NY], Jan. 27th, Rosetta Cole, aged 8 years.

WEED:  At the County House [Preston, Chenango Co. NY], Jan. 30th, Mrs. Abigail Weed, aged 41 years.

Henry P. Randall, of Cortland [Cortland Co. NY], son of Hon. Henry S. Randall of that place, and brother of Mrs. David L. Follett, of Norwich [Chenango Co. NY], came to his death by an accident in the town of Cardiff, Onondaga County, on Wednesday lastr.  The Syracuse Courier, of Friday, gives the following particulars of the sad affair:

He was on his way with a horse and buggy to Phoenix with the necessary papers for settling with a firm there.  Near Cardiff he met a team drawing logs.  He attempted to turn out, when he was crowded into the ditch and his carriage upset, he falling down an embankment, striking on the head with the effect already stated.  The miserable wretch who committed the outrage, like a coward, as he must have been, and a dastardly villain as he certainly is, paid no attention whatever to the wounded man, but drove on, leaving him lying by the roadside.  Having gone some distance, he met some parties and told them "there was a man back there and he guessed he was hurt some."  The butcher's boys found him as already stated, after he had laid there about three quarters of an hour and brought him to this city.  His hands were badly frozen and he was unconscious and still remained so at a late hour last night.  His horse was found some four miles from the scene of the outrage.  His father, Hon. H.S. Randall, arrived Thursday morning and is now with him at the hospital.  Mr. Randall lingered until Friday, when he expired from the effects of his injuries.  The blow is a severe one to his relatives and friends, wo have the sincere sympathies of the community. 

Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, February 7, 1872

Marriages

MARKET - BECK:  In Fort Plain, Wyoming Co. N.Y. Jan. 28?, 1872, Mr. John Market of Guilford [Chenango Co. NY] to Miss Caroline Beck of the former place.

FULLER - WARE:  At McGrawville, Cortland Co. [NY], on the 30th ult. by Rev. George Baylis, M.M. Fuller to Miss Frankie A. Ware, daughter of John Ware, of the former place.

BELLINGER - TITUS:  In the M.E. Church, at North Norwich [Chenango Co. NY], Jan. 21st, by Rev. S. Moore, Mr. Adam Bellinger and Miss Betennna? M. Titus of North Norwich.

NORWOOD - WILLCOX:  In Sherburne [Chenango Co. NY], Jan. 21st, by Rev. T.P. Halstead, Mr. Franklin H. Norwood, of Spencerville, Canada, to Miss Hattie E. Willcox of Sherburne.

BEACH - DALRYMPLE:  In North Norwich [Chenango Co. NY], Jan. 31st, by Rev. T.P. Halstead, Mr. Wm. P. Beach to Miss Betsey Dalrymple both of North  Norwich.

Oxford Times Oxford, NY, February 7, 1872

Marriage

Coventry [Chenango Co. NY], On the 22d inst. at the dwelling of Capt. S.A. Martin, the father of the bride, was enjoyed the fifth anniversary of the marriage of J.H. Phillips and lady.  Valuable wooden presents were given.

Death

STEVENSON:  In Gilman, Ill. Jan. 27th, Mrs. Minerva F. [Stevenson], wife of Rev. Samuel H. Stevenson, and daughter of the late Deacon Amos A. Franklin, formerly of this place [Oxford, Chenango Co. NY].

Chenango American, Greene, NY, February 8, 1872

Marriage

Silver Wedding:  On Thursday evening, Feb. 1st, Mr. and Mrs. Halsey P. Coon, of Clayville, N.Y., celebrate the twenty-fifth anniversary of their wedding. the occasion was enjoyed not only by the lady and gentleman named, but also by a large number of friends and guests. The presents were numerous, choice and valuable.  The congratulations were hearty, and gratefully received, while many prayers were breathed that the couple might live to reap the golden harvest of wedded life. 

Sherburne News, Sherburne, NY, February 3, 1872

Death

On Monday, Jan. 22d, Mrs. Edith Walker, relict of the late Mr. Henry Walker, was freed from the great suffering which she had endured for nearly two years.  She had scarcely been married three years, and lived before his marriage, and for some time after at Columbus [Chenango Co. NY].  At the time of her decease, she was with her mother, near Morrisville [Otsego Co. NY], with whom she had resided about a year.  Her remains were brought to Sherburne to be deposited beside those of her husband in the Episcopal cemetery.  The death of the estimable lady was longed for by herself, and even her friends who valued her highly cannot wish her back to endure hopeless affliction.  She lies in peace where the weary are at rest.  Her friends may be comforted with the thought that she "sleeps in Jesus."  J.L.B.

Vital Records, Chenango County, NY, January 1872 (concluded)

 Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, January 31, 1872

Marriages

NORTON - FRYOVER:  In Madison [Madison Co. NY], Jan. 15th, by Rev. I.D. Peaslee, Mr. R.E. Norton of Norwich [Chenango Co. NY], to Miss Addie Fryover, of Madison.

CADWELL - TRUMBULL:  At the residence of B. Frink, Esq., in Plymouth [Chenango Co. NY], Jan. 11th, by Rev. J.D. Pope, Mr. Edwin J. Cadwell of Pharsalia [Chenango Co. NY], to Miss Phebe Frances Trumbell, of Norwich [Chenango Co. NY].

ROSS - BROWN:  In North Pharsalia [Chenango Co. NY], Jan. 11th, by W.T. Priest, Esq., Mr. John Ross to Miss Mary Brown.

The golden Wedding of Mr. and Mrs. Rufus Chandler was celebrated at their residence in Coventry [Chenango Co. NY] on the 10th inst.  A large number of relatives and friends assembled about 2 o'clock P.M. and after spending an hour or more in friendly greetings and lively social intercourse, the company adjourned to the residence of their only child, Mr. James Phillips, inclosed in the same yard, and there sat down to a most sumptuous repast.  The bride and groom were the recipients of generous gifts from their family and other friends.  The occasion was in all respect sa very pleasant and joyous one.  Col. Chandler and wife were married in Coventry in 1822 and have resided there from that time to the present.  Commencing life with very limited means, they have been abundantly blessed, and so greatly prospered in business relations has Col. Chandler been, that he is at present regarded as one of, if not the wealthiest man in town; a citizen, who is one of the most generous supporters of the religious society of which both himself and wife are and have long been members, and also a liberal patron of other Christian and Charitable institutions.  Colonel Chandler served a term in the Assembly in 1858 and has also been the Supervisor of his town and held other positions of trust, in all of which he has served his constituents faithfully and well.  In politics he has, we believe, always acted with the Democrats, and has been an efficient worker in promoting their success in years that are past.  In looking over our subscription books we find that he has been a subscriber for the Union for the past twenty-five years, and most, if not all of that time his paper has been paid for in advance.  Long may the venerable couple live to enjoy the prosperity that has been earned by a life of industry and usefulness.

Deaths

BROCKETT:  In Oxford [Chenango Co. NY], Jan. 20th, William G. [Brockett], son of Frederick R. and Harriet L. Brockett, aged 13 years.

WIGHTMAN:  In South New Berlin [Chenango Co. NY], DEc. 13th, Welthana [Wightman] wife of Sylvester Wightman, aged 35 years.

RHODES:  In Bainbridge [Chenango Co. NY], Jan. 21st, infant son of John Rhodes, aged 2 months.

Mrs. Martha Bradstreet, aged 92 years, died at the residence of her son, in Bennettsville, Chenango County [NY], December 17, 1871.  She had resided in Utica, in Schuyler, and in Mohawk.  Her name has long been upon the lips of lawyers, and suits of hers are now pending in the courts.  She was an heir to an immense estate from her uncle, Gen. Bradstreet, who fought in the Revolution.  Thirty thousand acres of land in Delaware county, and hundreds in Otsego. Herkimer and Oneida Counties were hers - two hundred and fifty in Utica.  Of a large amount of her estate, she gave deeds of trust to her heirs, but afterwards endeavored to recover her property.  Long and persistently, she litigated, pleading her own suits in the courts and evincing marvelous intelligence and self-possession. but she failed in her attempt.  And so, since the date of her trust deeds, 1808, her land has been more and more populated by others. The status of her estate will now be a new one, and her three direct heirs and several others, indirect, will be contestants for their rights. She was heir also to a large estate in the city of Dublin, she being of Irish and English descent - Ilion Citizen

Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, January 31, 1872

Marriage

JONES - CURTIS:  At the residence of the bride's father, in Maine, Broome co. N.Y., on Wednesday, Jan. 24th, by Rev. Ethan Curtis, of Ca...., Mr. Frank L. Jones, of Owego [Tioga Co. NY] and Miss Hannah Curtis, daughter of Luke Curtis, Esq. of the former place.

Oxford Times, Oxford, NY, January 31, 1872

Marriage

HOLMES - DIMMICK:  In Preston [Chenango Co. NY], Jan. 17th, by Rev. T. Harroun, Mr. Theron N. Holmes of Preston to Miss lucretia A. Dimmick of Plymouth [Chenango Co. NY].

Chenango American, Greene, NY, February 1, 1872

Marriage

At the M.E. parsonage in this village [Greene, Chenango Co. NY], Jan. 27th, by Rev. A.F. brown, Mr. Frederick Hurd to Miss Susan Moncrief, all of Greene.

One Hundred Years Ago (1772)

 One Hundred Years Ago (1772)

Bainbridge Republican, Bainbridge, NY, January 27, 1872

Sidney Plains, Jan. 23d, 1872

Mr. Editor:  I wish to call the attention of your readers to the fact that in the year of our lord 1872 we shall pass one of the great milestones of our existence as a community.  One hundred years ago the present summer, the first attempt was made to establish a settlement in this part of the State, and the pioneers in this undertaking pushed their way through a great wilderness, far away from the abodes of civilized life.  The nearest settlement, I think was at Cherry Valley, though it may be that some hardy frontiersmen might have established themselves on the lake, at or near Cooperstown.  Through all these valleys and over all these hills, stood, unmolested a mighty forest - a great hunting ground for the red man.  Here and there on the banks of the winding river, a little opening had been made by a race that was soon to pass away, but in the main the solemn forest held possession of the land.  Here on the flats was one of these Indian clearings, and on what is known as the "Johnston knoll," was an Indian orchard.  Whether or not any of the trees are still standing [in 1872] I cannot tell, but one thing is certain, apples are still gathered, the originals of which grew in the orchards of the Indians.

The pioneer in this undertaking was no ordinary man.  Born in Dublin, Ireland, in the year 1713, connected with a family of position and wealth, educated at Edinburgh, Scotland. Migrating to this country, and in the summer of 1772 leaving behind the abodes of civilization to seek a home in this valley, where the common necessities of civilized life could hardly be gratified.  This pioneer was the Rev. Wm. Johnston, then 59 years old.  On his first journey he brought with him his son Witter, then 18 or 19 years of age, who was afterwards known in the annals of our history as Col. Witter Johnston.

But it is not my intention to narrate the events of our early history, as there are others far better qualified for that pleasant task but suffice it to say that in the summer of 1772 the first attempt at settlement was made, a house was built on the "knoll," and preparations made for the family that was to follow the coming year.  This done, the father returned for his family, leaving alone for the winter, his son Witter.  For a young man of 19 this must have been a test of courage and endurance that few would have courted.  Thus, was laid the foundation for the first settlement in this part of our valley.

Since that time a century has passed.  A century, much of which has been passed in serious conflict to obtain subsistence, and the common necessities of life.  Day by day the great forest had to be pushed back that the soil beneath might be fitted to supply the wants of needy settlers, every step taken had to be fought for with a resolution and strength that makes us ready to exclaim "there were giants in those days."

Would it not be well for us, as we pass out of this century, so full of stirring events, to gather up, as best we can, some memoirs connected with our early history that will soon be "clear gone forever."  We have still with us a few, whose lives are closely connected with the past of our history.  Here and there can be gathered much material for pleasant tales, many incidents of early life, its customs, its jests, its trials, and achievements, are still treasured in the minds of some, who cannot stay long with us.

Think of it!  Closing up a century of our existence as a community!  This century should be made an occasion of more than ordinary interest.  Our wandering sons and daughters should all be called home to join with us in celebrating, as best we may, the close of the first century of our existence.  Old tales should be retold, old songs should be resung, old customs should be revived and old hearts made glad by the memories of the past.  

I.E.S.

Vital Records, Chenango County, NY, January 1872 (continued)

 Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, January 24, 1872

Marriages

GAGER - DARKE:  At the M.E. Church, in this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], Jan. 17th, by Rev. H. Wheeler, Mr. Charles C Gager, to Miss L. josie Darke, all of Norwich.

RICH - DAVIS:  In Marathon, Cortland Co. [NY], Jan. 10th, by Rev. Geo. Comfort, Mr. Palmer C. Rich of South New Berlin [Chenango Co. NY] to Miss Dell Davis, of Marathon.

ROBILLARD - VAN BUREN:  In Sherburne [Chenango Co. NY], Jan. 7th, by Rev. J.L. Bennett, Mr. Stephen P. Robillard to Miss Lucy Van Buren, both of Sherburne.

Deaths

NORTHROP:  In Smyrna [Chenango Co. NY], Dec. 24th, Miss Dorcas Northrop aged 56 years.

BROWN:  In Earlville [Madison Co. NY], Jan. 14th, Mr. William Brown formerly of Smyrna, aged about 50 years.

HOYT:  At the residence of his son-in-law, David Mudge, in Oxford [Chenango Co. NY], Jan. 13th, Mr. Caleb Hoyt, aged 85 years.

SHIFFER:  At Chenango Forks [Broome Co. NY], Jan. 17th, of consumption, Mrs. Ellen M. Shiffer, aged 26 years.

JUDSON:  On Omaha, Neb., Jan. 9th, Mr. Philo Judson, formerly of this town, aged 84 years.

From the Omaha Daily Herald, we learn that Philo Judson died in that city, on the 9th inst., in the 84th year of his age.  Mr. Judson will be remembered by many of the older residents of this county [Chenango Co. NY], he having resided for many years in the villages of Oxford and Norwich.  In 1857 he removed west, following farming for a time, but as old age came upon him, he was compelled to give up agricultural pursuits, and in 1859 he removed to Omaha, his son, Henry Martin Judson, being a resident of that city, where he remained until his decease.

JUDSON:  In Buffalo, Dec. 31st, Mr. Edward A. Judson, brother of Philo, aged 82 years.

We also learn that Edward A. Judson, brother of Philo, died at Buffalo, on the 31st of December last, aged 82 years.  there were seven brothers in this family, and the decease of the two above mentioned leaves but one living, Hon. Roswell Judson, formerly Judge of this County.

BAILEY:  In Sidney, Del. Co., N.Y., Jan. 8th, Mrs. Mary Bailey, wife of Samuel Bailey, Esq., and mother of Mrs. T.S. Baker, of this village aged 52 years.

Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, January 24, 1871

Marriages

CONE - WILLCOX:  In Smyrna [Chenango Co. NY], January 17, 1872, by Rev. S. Moore, Mr. Benjamin J. Cone of Columbus [Chenango Co. NY], and Miss Anna E. Willcox, of Smyrna, N.Y.

FOWLER - MATTERSON:  At the Louisville Hotel in Morris [Otsego Co. NY], January 1st, by Rev. W.M. Harrington, Mr. Melvin Fowler, of Sherburne [Chenango Co. NY] and Miss Emelie M.C. Matterson, of So. Edmeston [Otsego Co. NY].

GATES - WAIT:  In Unadilla [Otsego Co. NY], January 17th, by Rev. W.A. Wadsworth, Mr. John Gates to Miss maria G. Wait, both of Unadilla.

HOLMES - DIMMICK:  At the Bride's father's Jan. 17, by Rev. T. Harroun, Mr. Theron N. Holmes of Preston [Chenango Co. NY] and Miss Lucretia A. Dimmick, of Plymouth [Chenango Co. NY].

Deaths

CLARK:  On the 20th of December 1871, at the residence of his son, Julius Clark, at West Hoboken N.J., where he was making a visit, Hon. James Clark, of South Otselic [Chenango Co. NY], in this county, in the 75th year of his age.

By this death, we lose another of the respected and venerable pioneers of our County, and who enjoyed the confidence of the community in which he resided for more than half a century.  Mr. Clark was born in the State of Rhode Island, whence, when he was thirteen years of age, he came with his father to Brookfield, Madison County, where he resided until April 1820.  He then removed with his wife and young children to the town of Otselic for his permanent home.  That part of our County was then comparatively new and unsettled.  For some distance Mr. Clark had to cut the road before him for his ox team and sled with which he brought his small family and possessions over the frozen crust to his new residence which was then in the woods three miles from his nearest neighbors, and where he settled down to the hard but manly work of the early settler, and reared a large family, all of whom have been active, respected and successful. from his early manhood, Mr. Clark was a consistent and influential member of the Baptist church, for nineteen continuous years he was a justice of the peace of his town, by successive elections by its citizens, and in the session of 1849, was an honest, efficient and useful Member of our State Assembly.  In his earlier life, Mr. Clark was a Whig, and in full sympathy with the more advanced principles of the party.  consequently, when that gave place to the Republican organization, he gladly became a member thereof, and, so far as his years permitted him, labored for the success and permanency of its measures, and doctrines.  And now, after an active and laborious, a respected and useful life, he has passed away.

Rev. Horatius P. Bogue:  Many of the citizens of this county [Chenango Co. NY], and especially of this village [Norwich], will remember Rev. Horatius P. Bogue, who for several years was pastor of the present Congregational Church, and whose death took place in Buffalo, on Sunday evening, January 15th, in the 76th year of his age.  He had not been a pastor for several years but had often filled some of the pulpits of Presbyterian Churches in Buffalo.  The deceased was born in Winchester, Conn., December 22, 1796, and graduated at Hamilton College, in 1820, and studied theology at Andover, Mass.  He was licensed to preach by the Oneida Association and ordained by Otsego Presbytery in 1823.  His father and grandfather were clergymen, and he has a son in the same sacred calling.  A year ago, he attended the semi-centennial of his class at Clinton and was President.  We believe he was first settled at Gilbertsville, where he remained eight years, and from there came to Norwich and remained four or five years.  From here he removed to Vernon and then to Seneca Falls.  In 1851 he went to Syracuse as the agent of the Society for ameliorating the condition of the Jews and removed to Buffalo in 1863.

Mr. Bogue was married in Bridgewater, Oneida county, in 1823, and was the father of five sons and two daughters.  Of these, three are living - Edward A. Bogue, M.D., Rev. H.P.V. Bogue, and Mrs. Kate B. Moseley, of buffalo, at whose residence he died.  A buffalo paper remarks that "the deceased was highly esteemed and much loved by his ministerial brethren.  He was the nestor of the ministers' meeting and will be greatly missed from those gatherings, at which he was a constant attendant.

Mr. Bogue was prominent as a clergyman while in this region, and was a co-laborer with Rev. I.N. Sprague, of Sherburne, then a young man, Mr. Field, of Hamilton and Father Keep, of Homer.  The funeral of Mr. Bogue was attended at Buffalo, on Wednesday last, the clergymen of several denominations officiating.

Oxford Times, Oxford, NY, January 24, 1872

Deaths

CUMMINGS:  In Smithville [Chenango Co. NY], Dec. 27th, Mr. Alexander W. Cummings, aged 64 years.

BROWN:  In Smithville [Chenango Co. NY], Jan. 12th, Della [Brown] only child of Edwin F. and Ulyssa Brown, aged 2 years and 9 months.

We miss him from his little bed, / We miss him from his chair; / We seek him in each empty room, / But cannot find him there.

We see his empty cradle stand, / His playthings useless lie; / His little clothes neglected lay, / And weep and mourn and sigh.

We see his hat upon its nail, / His little picture books; / On every hand we see his marks, / But O how sweet to look!

His morning song of infant glee, / We cannot hear it now; / Our silent house is desolate, / And we in grief must bow.

In dreams we see his beauteous form, / Imprint the tender kiss; / Awake to sorrows rugged truth, / And mourn the empty bliss.

When to the work we take our way, / His little feet no more / Go bid another fond good-bye, / Come running to the door.

And when we homeward turn our steps / With slow and mournful face, / In vain we search the windows o'er, / To see that smiling face.

And when we gently raise the latch, / No shout of joy we hear; / A solemn gloomy silence there, / Entreats the bitter tear.

Oppressed with heavy grief and woe, / A burden hard to bear; / In vain we seek our darling child, / We miss him everywhere.

But when this transient life is gone, / And earthly troubles cease; / If welcome then through grace divine / To those bright realms of peace.

Where nought of earthly grief or woe, / Our joys can o'er impair; / Blest with immortal bliss and life, / We shall not miss him there.

Chenango American, Greene, NY, January 25, 1872

Deaths

In this town [Greene, Chenango Co. NY], Jan. 18th, Mr. W.C. Hoyt, aged 42 years.

In Brisbin [Chenango Co. NY], Jan. 13th, Catherine [Loomis], wife of Wheaten loomis, aged 52 years and 7 months.

Sherburne News, Sherburne, NY, January 25, 1872

Marriages

DART - TILLOTSON:  In Cory, Penn., on the evening of January 17th, by Rev. A.D. Colegrove, Mr. Jerome C. Dart to Miss Eloeine Tillotson, both formerly of Sherburne [Chenango Co. NY].

THOMSON - MANWARRING:  In Sherburne [Chenango Co. NY], January 20th, by Rev. J.L. Bennett, Mr. Charles Thomson of Columbus [Chenango Co. NY] and Flora A. Manwaring, of North Norwich [Chenango Co. NY].

Bainbridge Republican, Bainbridge, NY, January 27, 1872

Deaths

James H. Bromfield, at Cooperstown [Otsego Co. NY], recently, while engaged in lathing a house, fell through a stairway, striking on his head and fracturing his skull.  He died about three hours after the accident.

Harpersville [Broome Co. NY]:  Edwin Hecox, while drawing logs on a sleigh the Thursday before Christmas, was so injured in his lungs by a sudden overturn of his load, as to prove fatal on New Year's morning.

Entered into Rest, on the early evening of Jan. 23d, 1872, David Johnston, in the 60th year of his age.

At a special meeting of the Rector, Wardens, and Vestry of St. Peter's Church, Bainbridge, diocese of Central New York, convened at the Rectory, Jan. 24th, the following preamble and resolutions were unanimously adopted:

Whereas, It has pleased Almighty God, in His wise Providence, to take out of this world the soul of our deceased brother, David Johnston, Esq., for many years a faithful communicant and vestryman of this Parish, while we bow in humble submission to His Blessed Will, Who doeth all things well.

Resolved:  That in the Christian cheerfulness and patience with which, during the long years from early childhood, he bore the cross, inscrutable Wisdom laid so heavily upon him; in the childlike simplicity and benevolence of his character - in his faithful performance of Christian duty - in his zeal for, and attachment to the church - we have an example, in all the relations of life.

Resolved, That the community have lost in him, an upright and worthy citizen, and the Vestry a zealous, and faithful member.

Resolved, That we extend to his afflicted family our tenderest sympathy and mingle our tears with theirs.

Resolved, That the chancel be draped in mourning, and the members of the Vestry wear the usual badge of mourning thirty days.

Vital Records, Chenango County, January 1872 (continued)

 Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, January 17, 1872

Marriages

BOWDISH - WILLIAMS:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], Jan. 1st, by Rev. A.M. Totman, Mr. J.L. Bowdish to Miss Delilah Williams, all of Norwich.

BRADLEY - READ:  In Oxford [Chenango Co. NY], Jan. 3d, by Rev. W. Ayrault, Mr. Edward Bradley to Miss F. Louise Read, all of Oxford.

STEWART - BARTLETT:  In Smyrna [Chenango Co. NY], Jan. 2d, by Rev. S. Moore, Mr. George H. Stewart of Plymouth [Chenango Co. NY] to Miss Serepta J. Bartlett, of Smyrna.

DART - WILLIAMS:  In Columbus [Chenango Co. NY], Jan. 2d, by Rev. R.W. Van Schoick, Mr. Ashley Dart of Sherburne [Chenango Co. NY], to Miss Ella Williams, of Columbus.

Deaths

MARQUIS:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], Jan. 4th, Jesse [Marquis], youngest son of James B. and Delia A. Marquis, aged 11 months.

TRASS:  At the residence of her uncle, J.M. Scott, in Plymouth [Chenango Co. NY] Dec. 25th, of consumption, Miss Frances A. Trass, aged 16 years 10 months and 1 day.

SLATER:  In Washington, D.C., Jan. 8th, Charles H. [Slater], son of Israel Slater.

BARNES:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], Jan. 11th, Mr. Asa Barnes, aged 62 years.

Asa Barnes:  The subject of this sketch, born in Connecticut in 1810, has been well and favorably known here, as man and boy, for more than half a century, and but few have filled all the relations of life devolving upon them, better than he has.  Not given to vanities nor hollow show of things, he, with a devotion and energy truly commendable, from his boyhood, bent himself to the great duties of life, nor did he as Christian, or in his secular calling become weary in well doing.  Expecting not anything by gift but knowing the kind heavens and the just and generous earth would sell him all things for labor, like a true servant he applied himself accordingly, and being faithful over a few things at the beginning in years he came to be ruler over many.  His works are seen and have praise of men, and in view of his surroundings, we can hardly suppress the regret that Asa could not have been allowed to pass the grand climacteric into the calm and serene years of a quiet and happy old age, receiving and giving pleasure, rounding a virtuous and well spent life with a joy and a halo.  But the dread Storm was too strong for him, and he sank to his rest in peace on the evening of the 11th inst., overcome but not conquered, having made a good thing of life, and so, but one Night waits for all, and one sure pathway is trodden by all, and only trodden once.  H.P.

Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, January 17, 1871

Marriages

STEERE - TWICHELL:  In McDonough [Chenango Co. NY], at the house of the bride's father, December 25th, by Rev. J.I. Bennett, Wm. C. Steere to Lucinda Twichell, both of McDonough.

HANSON - LARSON:  At the M.E. Parsonage, Norwich [Chenango Co. NY], Jan. 3d, 1872, by Rev. H. Wheeler, Mr. Lars Yohn Hanson to Miss lOuisa Ulricker Larson, both of Norwich.

Death

HAYT:  In this town [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], January 12, 1872, Amos Hayt, aged about 85 years.

Oxford Times, Oxford, NY, January 17, 1872

Marriage

TAYLOR - HARVEY:  In McDonough [Chenango Co. NY], on 1st inst. by Rev. J.D. Webster, Mr. Wm. W. Taylor, of South Otselic [Chenango Co. NY] to Miss Emogene R. Harvey, of McDonough.

Chenango American, Greene, NY, January 18, 1872

Marriages

At the residence of the bride's mother, Jan. 9th, by Rev. J.H. Sage, Mr. Palmer A. Curtis to Miss Helen J. Hallenbeck, both of this town [Greene, Chenango Co. NY].

In Pharsalia [Chenango Co. NY], at the house of the bride's father, Jan. 9th, by Rev. Jas. D. Webster, Mr. Ross Blivin of McDonough [Chenango Co. NY] to Miss Alice A. Brown, of the former place.

Death

In Smithville [Chenango Co. NY], Jan. 12th, Delia F. [Brown], only child of Edwin F. and Ulyssa Brown, aged 2 years and 8 months.

Sherburne News, Sherburne, NY, January 17, 1872

Deaths

PRATT:  In Sherburne [Chenango Co. NY], Jan. 14th, of scarlet fever, Lizzie E. [Pratt], only daughter of Chas. F. and mary Etta pratt, aged 3 years 5 months and 18 days.

WILLIAMS:  At Ashville, Chatauqua Co. [NY], December 22, 1871, of consumption, Mrs. Almeda E. Williams wife of Daniel Williams, Esq., aged 60 years.  Her youthful years were passed in Sherburne.

Vital Records, Chenango County, NY, January 1872 (continued)

 Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, January 10, 1872

Marriages

AUSTIN - DUTTON:  At the Chenango House, in this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], Dec. 26th, by Rev. S. Scoville, Mr. Floyd Austin to Miss Susie Dutton both of DeRuyter [Madison Co. NY].

HICKEY - SMITH:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], Jan. 1st, by Rev. S. Scoville, Mr Joseph Hickey, of Alsace, France to Miss Roselia Smith, of Wittenburg, Germany.

ALLEN - SOULE:  At the Congregational Parsonage, in this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], Jan. 5th, by Rev. S. Scoville, Mr. Oscar J. Allen to Miss Adeline Soule, both of Otselic [Chenango Co. NY].

STEERE - TWICHELL:  At the residence of the bride's father, Dec. 25th, by Rev. J.L. Bennett, Mr. William L. Steere to Miss Lucinda Twichell, both of McDonough [Chenango Co. NY].

HAMILTON - TORREY:  In Smithville [Chenango Co. NY], Jan. 1st, by Rev. J.C. Nightingale, Mr. Clark B. Hamilton, to Miss Amanda M. Torrey, both of German [Chenango Co. NY].

ROWLEY - SANDERS:  In DeRuyter [Madison Co. NY], Jan. 1st, by Rev. A.R. Palmer, Mr. David Rowley, Jr. of Fabius, to Miss Lucinda Sanders, of Lincklaen [Chenango Co. NY].

MILLER - PRICE:  In Bainbridge [Chenango Co. NY], Jan. 1st, by Rev. S.S. Lewis, Mr. Ward B. Miller, of Afton [Chenango Co. NY] to Miss Emma Price, of Bennettsville [Chenango Co. NY].

DRAKE - RISLEY:  In Hamilton [Madison Co. NY], Dec. 31st, by Rev. Dr. Harvey, Mr. Charles L. Drake of Oxford [Chenango Co. NY], to Miss Josephine A. Risley, of East Hamilton.

Deaths

GRIFFEN:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], Jan. 5th, Thomas H. [Griffen], son of Thomas and Mary Nealon Griffen, aged 2 years and 10 months.

KING:  In East Greene [Chenango Co. NY], Jan. 3d, Jennie [King] wife of L.B. King, aged 34 years.

COLEMAN:  In Smyrna, suddenly, of bilious colic, Mr. Joseph Coleman, aged 63 years.

PHILLIPI:  In New London, Conn., Dec. 31st, Helen P. [Phillipi], wife of Charles P. Phillipi and daughter of Rev. J.S. Swan.

RANDALL:  In Sherburne [Chenango Co. NY], Nov. 29th, of scarlet fever, Charlie H. [Randall] only son of Simon and Amelia Randall, aged 2 years 3 months and 14 days.  "How we loved him."

FINKS:  In Sherburne [Chenango Co. NY], Dec. 3d, of scarlet fever, Charlie o. [Finks], son of Perry and Almira Finks, aged 5 years 8 months and 14 days.  

These little cousin Charlies were much together on earth, but now in heaven.  Our loss is their gain.

Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, January 10, 1872

Marriages

FOX - DIMMICK:  In Norwich [Chenango Co. NY], Jan. 1st, 1872, at the residence of the bride's father, Oliver Dimmick, by Rev. H. Fox. Mr. Henry J. Fox of Pitcher [Chenango Co. NY] to Miss Sarah Dimmick.I

HAWKINS - WHEELER:  At the house of Rev. J.W. Reid, in Charlton County Mo. and by the same, Sept. 29, 1871, Mr. Charles Hawkins of Chariton County, Mo. to Miss Retta Wheeler of Lynn County, Mo.

HATCH - CARY:  At the house of the bride's father in Deansville [Livingston Co. NY], Dec. 26th, by Rev. A.C. Smith, Mr. E.D. Hatch of McDonough [Chenango Co. NY] to Miss Emma P. Cary, of Deansville.

STEWARD - BARTLETT:  At the M.E. Parsonage in Smyrna [Chenango Co. NY], by Rev. S. Moore, Jan 2d, Mr. Geo. H. Steward of Plymouth [Chenango Co. NY] and Miss Serepta J. Bartlett, of Smyrna.

Deaths

HEADY:  At the residence of her son-in-law, Senior Buell, on Sunday, Dec. 24th, Betsey [Heady], relict of John Heady, aged 87.

EDDY:  At his residence in Pharsalia [Chenango Co. NY], the 2d inst., Mr. George Eddy, aged 73 years.  The funeral of Mr. Eddy was attended at his late residence by a large concourse of friends and relatives, which is a sure indication of the esteem in which he was held.  After prayer and appropriate remarks by the Rev. Mr. Rood, of East Pharsalia, the ceremonies of the funeral were conducted by the officers and members of Otselic Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons.

The deaths of three aged citizens of the western part of the county is chronicled under the appropriate head in the Telegraph.  They are Mr. Russel Weaver, of Pitcher, and George W Eddy, of Pharsalia, brothers-in-law, and Amaziah Crain of Pharsalia, a brother of Gen. Hendrick Crain, of this village [Norwich, Chenango Co NY].  They were all pioneers, and even though their ages were great, it is seldom that death so persistently invades a family circle.

Oxford Times, Oxford, NY, January 10, 1872

Marriages

MAXON - MUNGER:  In the Baptist Church in this village [Oxford, Chenango Co. NY], on 2d inst. by Re.v A. Reynolds, S.C. Maxson MD., of Leonardsville [Madison Co. NY] to Miss Estella Munger of this village.

READ - BRADLEY:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co. NY], on the 2d inst. by Rev. W. Ayrault, Miss F. Louise Read to Mr. Edward Bradley, all of Oxford.

Chenango American, Greene, NY, January 11, 1872

Marriages

At McDonough [Chenango Co. NY], Jan. 1st, by Rev. Jas. D. Webster, Mr. Wm. W. Taylor, of South Otselic [Chenango Co. NY], to Miss Emogene R. Harvey, of McDonough.

In McDonough [Chenango Co. NY], Nov. 20th, by Rev. Jas. D. Webster, Mr. Charles G Welsh, of Norwich [Chenango Co. NY], to Miss Defrance V. Marvin, of the former place.

At the Baptist Parsonage, in McDonough [Chenango Co. NY], Dec. 24th, by Rev. Jas. D. Webster, Mr. W. T. Frost, to Miss Emely C. Dolan, all of McDonough.

In Hamilton [Madison Co. NY], Dec. 31, by Rev. Dr. Harvey, Mr. Chas. L. Drake, of Oxford [Chenango Co. NY] to Miss Josephine A. Risley, of Hamilton.

In Chenango Forks [Broome Co. NY], Dec. 30th, by Rev. L.M. Ely, Mr. A.W. Walker to Miss M.A. Spendley, all of that place.

Deaths

In Oxford [Chenango Co. NY], Dec. 26th, Mr. Rexford A. Bartlett, aged 25 years.

In Smithville [Chenango Co. NY], Dec. 27th, Mr. Ami Whiting, aged 22 years.

In Oxford [Chenango Co. NY], Dec. 3d, Frank T. Wilder, aged 2 years.

Sherburne News, Sherburne, NY, January 11, 1872

Marriages

MANCHESTER - SISSON:  In Sherburne [Chenango Co. NY], Jan. 9th, by Rev. J.L. Bennett, Rosell J. Manchester and Mary E. Sisson, both of North Norwich [Chenango Co. NY].

ROBILLARD - VANBUREN:  In Sherburne Jan. 7th at the Baptist Parsonage by Rev. J.L. Bennett, Mr. Stephen P. Robillard and Miss Lucy VanBuren, both of Sherburne.

Bainbridge Republican, Bainbridge, NY, January 13, 1872

Marriages

At Oneonta [Otsego Co. NY], Dec. 28th, by Rev. O.T. Moulton, E.C. Parmelee, of Fly Creek [Otsego Co. NY], to Miss Ann E. Woodbeck, of Oneonta.

At the Congregational Parsonage, Norwich [Chenango Co. NY], Jan. 5, by the Rev. S. Scoville, Oscar J. Allen and Miss Adeline Soule, both of Otselic [Chenango Co. NY].

Deaths

In Deposit [Delaware Co. NY], Jan. 5th, Isabella W. [Gregory], wife of W.H. Gregory, aged 49 years.

In Sidney [Delaware Co. NY], Jan. 8, Mary [Baily] wife of Samuel Baily, aged 52years.

At Sidney [Delaware Co. NY], Jan. 8th, Ada [Furgatha], daughter of john Furgatha aged 5 years and 7 months.

A terrible accident occurred at Union, Broome Co. [NY] last week.  A horse backed a wagon containing five persons over a bridge.  A Mrs. Barnes, was instantly killed, others were injured though not seriously.

The Trumansburg "Sentinel" last week published the marriage notice of Miss Sarah A. Stillwell, of Hector, and immediately after it the death notice of the same lady, the dates of the wedding and death being only two days apart, the first December 26th and the latter the 28th.  She married a Mr. Updike, of Unadilla [Otsego Co. NY], the wedding occurred in Hector, Schuyler County, and death in Unadilla, Otsego County.  The lady was in perfect health so far as anyone knew, was young and interesting. she went to the home of her husband with him and just after arriving went upstairs in a lively manner.  Being absent a long time her husband followed her and found her lying dead in the room above.  Heart disease is accredited with having been the cause of her death, but it is understood that her immediate sudden demise was brought about by tight lacing.  she ran upstairs in haste, causing, it is thought, an accelerated circulation which impeded by her tight corset, ruptured a blood vessel or overworked her heart, which might not have been absolutely normal. The case is a sad one.  It is seldom that the shroud so quickly follows the bridal dress - Elmira Advertiser The Advertiser is mistaken.  the verdict of the coroner's jury is that she came to death by accidental poisoning.

We had little time last week to comment on the death of our highly esteemed friend, Mr. I.G. Dundore.  His many fine qualities call for more than a passing notice. Death could not have taken from our midst a man more generally revered than Mr. Dundore.  In him were purest traits of character.  The dark shadow of his loss falls upon many a household.  He was the idol and light of home, the loved of all to whom he mustered.  there are shattered hopes and broken heart strings where, in his presence, flowed joy and consolation to many it will seem as if in the good providence of God, this shaft of desolation might have missed its aim.  But God veils his purposes from human ken, and his mysteries we may not explore, and so with blended resignation and sorrow which may not be comprehended, his form was borne to its last resting place, but the amaranthine memory not grave, nor falling clod can crush out from the many hearts that will ever tenderly cherish it.  Its fragrance will arise when creases seam the brows and snows whiten the locks of those who mourn today. Their remembrance of him shall have perennial bloom.

Miscellaneous News Items

A Golden Anniversary 

Bainbridge Republican, Bainbridge, NY, January 2, 1879

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

Bainbridge Republican, Bainbridge, NY, January 9, 1879

Afton, Jan. 8, 1879:  Mr. Editor:  As you were pleased to note the anniversary of our fiftieth year of married life, I will give you a few incidents of my early recollections.  At the time of the war of 1812, my father was living in Warrensburg, Warren County, N.Y.  Near the close of the war, early one morning an aged man called upon my father, and in much apparent agitation informed him that there were Indian spies upon what was then called Bishops Mountain, an eminence from the top of which an extensive view of the surrounding country could be distinctly taken for many miles.  He had discovered a fire on the opposite side of the mountain and venturing near saw about a dozen Indians preparing their breakfast.  Being much alarmed he came over the river to see what measures could be taken to protect, if possible, the inhabitants from those unwelcome invaders.  My father took his telescope, and by its aid we could bring them so near as to see that they were indeed savages. At the time my father owned mills and drew lumber to Ft. Edward, consequently kept several horses. They were soon saddled and mounted by boys with instructions to ride in different directions and drop written lines at every house, requiring every man to repair to our place as soon as dark to protect the bridges that spanned the river, and also, if possible, to protect the people along the river and at the village at Lake George.  It was a busy time at our house that day.  The old-fashioned bread tray that would hold a bushel of flour was brought to hand, and the large brick oven heated and re-heated until a sufficient quantity of bread, pies, cake, meat and buns, were prepared to feed a hungry multitude.  Each had their separate duties to perform.  My little brother and myself were furnished from our store with bullet molds, ladles and bars of lead, and we sat upon the hearth before the arch and made bullets until we had a supply large enough, we children thought, to furnish an army.  At dusk the men began to gather, and we soon had quite a respectable sized army.  In the morning of the next day, they proceeded to the mountain, shot at them, but they fled through a large swamp at the base.  Our men preferred to shun the swamp as it was a dense wilderness for miles and returned home without even capturing an Indian.

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

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

Mahala Hoffman, now Parsons

Afton, by Rev. E.T. Jacobs

Afton Enterprise, Afton, NY, April 30, 1886

From the Indian trail to the iron rail; from the flint and steel to the lucifer match; from the inner horn to the steam whistle; from the stagecoach and four miles an hour, to the steam engine and sixty miles an hour; from the bake kettle and crane to a kitchen range; from the power of muscle to the power of brain. these are notches on the tally stick of time, and as we count back they seem like the tread of a giant.  If time be measured by the changes it brings, the progress and improvements, the multiplied facilities it holds, the little notches may stand for ages.

The old man of today who has registered his four score years has lived longer, by this measure, than the men who lived beyond the flood.

Just one hundred years ago Mr. Elnathan Bush commenced the settlement of Afton, not by intention but by compulsion. Afton had nothing to come to but the Indian trail, the flowing river and the fertile valley.  His raft, a rude structure built at Unadilla, on which he placed his family and a few goods and started for Owego, where he expected to make his future home, got broken up or stuck in the mud on one of the Chamberlin islands, and Afton has suffered from similar disasters ever since. The man who undertakes to navigate our sidewalks in the season of mud, will be reminded of the experience of the first settler, Mr. Bush remained, not in the mud but on the shore, till 1790, when he removed to Bainbridge.  In Mr. Bush Afton lost a good citizen and Bainbridge gained one of her representative families, some of whom yet remain.  A cemetery on the farm of Joseph Bush is the resting place of the ancestors of the family.

The Albany and Susquehanna railroad was undertaken more than 40 years ago.  The legislature was petitioned for a charter and aid to help build the road from Binghamton to Albany, a distance of 142 miles, through a section of the state containing rich farming land, valuable timber and much undeveloped wealth, but shut-in from tide water with no market for its products except at great expense.

The building of the Albany and Susquehanna railroad was the commencement of a new era in southern central New York.  It was first thought to be only a small one-horse road, but it has come to be a trunk line, part of a continuous line from Philadelphia to Montreal, with double track already built a large part of the way. We ought to have cheap coal and cheap transportation, but for some reasons not apparent, coal is higher, though so near the mines, than as Albany or Boston. There must be quite a good deal of circumlocution in R.R. Matters.

I may say some things of the "railroad war" in my next.  How they fought with engines, how Jim Fisk did not steal the road, and how some think if he had and it had been made a branch of the Erie instead of being leased to the D.&H. Canal Co. coal would have been cheaper and freights the same as on the Erie.

She Got the Silk Dress, by Rev. E.T. Jacobs

Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, October 11, 1906

When the white people came into the town of Afton [Chenango Co. NY], they followed the course of the river from the north.  They found little clearings where corn had been raised and apple trees were growing.  Their only means of crossing the river was in canoes.  Two ferries were early established and became somewhat celebrated, "Harper's Ferry," almost opposite Nineveh Junction, and "Watsal's Ferry," one mile above Unadilla. The latter was crossed by my mother with her large family, coming from Dutchess County in 1811.  Between thirty and forty years the inhabitants crossed on the ice in the winter and forded and ferried in summer.

A company was chartered in 1826, for the purpose of building the first bridge in the town.  Not having success in the old town records, I cannot name the officers of that company, but the bridge was built by Lord &Batton at a cost of $2,400.  It was a rude structure according to present ideas of bridge structure, but the hills, covered with pine and oak, furnished abundant material for the heavy timbers.  The wood sills remain as sound as when they were first laid.

An incident is related by the old inhabitants as occurring when this bridge was being built, that shows some daring on the part of a young "school marm."  A Miss Hamlin was teaching on the west side of the river while her home was on the east side.  she was in the habit of crossing in a boat, but one night when she was ready to return home, she found the boat was on the opposite side of the river, and like most of her age she did not care to wait.  The piers of the bridge were up and the chords laid, covering the three spans - nearly 400 feet.  the timbers were fourteen inches broad, and she proposed to walk on them.  The three spans with the rise and fall of the chords made it much more perilous than a level surface. As she attempted it the workmen all stopped.  Not a blow was struck, not a word was uttered, as she passed one man after another till the shore was reached.  Turning, she waved her handkerchief in triumph as the men sent up cheer after cheer for the brave little girl. The workmen had agreed among themselves that the first lady that crossed the bridge should have a silk dress, and Miss Hannah Hamlin got it. We wish we had a remnant of it.

Vital Records, Chenango County, NY, January 1872

 Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, January 3, 1872

Marriages

HALL - LOW:  In New Berlin [Chenango Co. NY], Dec. 20th, by Rev. J.L. Ray, Mr. H.D. Hall of Edmeston [Otsego Co. NY] to Miss Ruth A. Low, of New Berlin.

CLARKE - SCRIBNER:  In New Berlin [Chenango Co. NY], Dec. 25, by Rev. J.L. Ray, Mr. Charles Clarke to Miss Ellen Scribner, all of New Berlin.

WHITE - MATTESON:  In New Berlin [Chenango Co. NY], Dec. 27, by Rev. Mr. Van Schoick, Mr. Duane White to Miss Jennie Matteson, all of New Berlin.

OLENDORF - GREEN:  In Port Dickinson [Broome Co. NY], Dec. 20th, by Rev. P.S. Worden, Mr. Robert M. Olendorf of Nineveh [Broome Co. NY] to Miss Sarah J. Green, of the former place.

Silver Wedding:  Mr. John Dennison Marion and lady celebrated the twenty-fifth anniversary of their marriage, on Saturday last December 30th, at their residence in Preston [Chenango Co. NY].  The affair was in every way a perfect success.  A party of relatives and friends, numbering over sixty, assembled at an early hour in honor of the occasion. At the proper time, supper was announced, to attempt a description of which would be useless.  Suffice it to say that "Den," who is notorious as a generous provider, out did himself.  Supper over, the presents, of which there were a goodly number, beautiful and valuable, were presented to Mr. and Mrs. Marion, by Dr. Dwight, of Preston, who, on behalf of the friends, made a few eloquent and appropriate remarks.  Mr. Marion's reply was short and to the point, but the voice of a true heart could be heard in every word.  Letters of congratulation and of regrets for absence were read, and as the approaching Sabbath warned us to rest, we wended our way homeward, after bidding the "Bride and Groom" a cheerful good night.  May the Supreme Ruler, in his providence, permit them to live in health and happiness to celebrate their "Golden Wedding."

Deaths

CRAIN:  In Pharsalia [Chenango Co. NY], Dec. 27th, Mr. Amaziah Crain, aged 73 years.

WEAVER:  In Pitcher [Chenango Co. NY], Dec. 21st, Mr. Russel Weaver aged 76 years and 11 months.

CURTIS:  In King Settlement [Chenango Co. NY], Dec. 26th, Helen May [Curtis] only daughter of John and Ella M. Curtis, aged 4 years 8 months and 12 days.  'Of such is the Kingdom of Heaven."

Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, January 3, 1872

Marriage

STEVENS - LYON:  In McLean [Tompkins Co. NY], Dec. 23d? at the residence of the bride's aunt, Mrs. P. Pitts, by the Rev. Mr. Benedict, Mr. Alden N. Stevens, son of Hon. B.N. Stevens, of Yiskilwa, Ill. to Miss E.C. Lyon, of Morris, N.Y. [Otsego Co. NY], sister of Mrs. Isaac Per Lee, of North Norwich [Chenango Co. NY].

Oxford Times, Oxford, NY, January 3, 1872

Marriages

HOYT - BALCOM:  At the residence of the bride's father, in this village [Oxford, Chenango Co. NY], Dec. 27th, by Rev. W. Ayrault, Mr. George D. Hoyt, of Sherburne [Chenango Co. NY] to Miss Emma L. Balcom, of this village.  We wish the happy couple a long and pleasant life.

TILLOTSON - GALE:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co. NY], Dec. 28th, by Rev. J.C. Ransom, Mr. Albert Tillotson to Miss Josephine C. Gale, both of Smithville.

THOMPSON - LOOMIS:  In East Greene [Chenango Co. NY], Dec. 26th, by Rev. R.H. Spafford, of Newark Valley, =Mr. George K. Thompson to Miss Mary A. Loomis, both of East Greene.

MEAD - CONE:  In South Oxford [Chenango Co. NY], Dec. 31, by Rev. A. Reynolds, Mr. Henry W. Mead to Miss Mary E. Cone, both of Oxford.

Death

HEWITT:  In Owego, Dec. 24th?, Mr. Gordon Hewitt, aged 83? years.

Chenango American, Greene, NY, January 4, 1872

Marriages

In Smithville [Chenango Co. NY], at the Presbyterian Church, Dec. 25th, by Rev. Jas. C. Nightingale, Mr. Clark Rorapaugh to Miss E. Evendell Reynolds, all of Smithville.

In Smithville [Chenango Co. NY], at the residence of the bride's parents, Dec. 26th, by Rev. Jas. C. Nightingale, Mr. Robert Wilson to Miss Mary Hotchkiss, all of Smithville.

In Willett [Cortland Co. NY], Dec. 25th, by Rev. W. Burnside, Mr. C.W. Leach of Marathon [Cortland Co. NY], to Mrs. S.S. Coe, of Willett.

Also, by the same, in Willett [Cortland Co. NY], Dec. 31st, Mr. Luman Jones to Miss Addie Holenbec, all of Willett.

At the M.E. parsonage, in this village [Greene, Chenango Co. NY], Jan. 1st, by Rev. A.F. Brown, Mr. Fred R. Pike of Triangle [Broome Co. NY], to Miss Roxana Lenox, of this village.

In Smithville [Chenango Co. NY], at the parsonage of the Presbyterian Chruch, Jan. 1st, by Rev. Jas. C. Nightingale, Mr. Clark B. Hamilton to Miss Amanda M. Torrey, both of German [Chenango Co. NY].

Death

In Addison, N.Y. [Tompkins Co. NY], Dec. 28th, Mrs. Sally merrell, aged 82 years, mother of N.D Merrell, of this village [Greene, Chenango Co. NY].

Sherburne News, Sherburne, NY, January 4, 1872

Death

Two weeks ago, we announced the death of our former fellow townsmen, Hon. Clark Burnham, and now it becomes our painful duty to record the death of his widow, Mrs. Fanny Burnham, who died in Utica [Oneida Co. NY], on Wednesday morning Jan. 3d, aged sixty-three years.  The deceased was a sister of Dea. William Avery, who will be remembered as a former resident of our town.  She was highly esteemed by all who knew her for her good sense and her many Christian and social virtues.  Her death following so closely upon that of her husband is a sad affliction to the surviving children and elicits the warm sympathy of the many friends of this family.

Bainbridge Republican, Bainbridge, NY, January 6, 1872

Marriages

At Cooperstown [Otsego Co. NY], New Year's Eve, in the M.E. Church by the Rev. H.M. Crydenwise, Mr. FT. Hickox, of Bainbridge [Chenango Co. NY] to Miss C.M. Sarles, of Stockton, Cal.

At East Guilford [Chenango Co. NY], Dec. 22d, 1871 by the Rev. E.M. Blanchard, Mr. Mortimer H. Wetherspoon to Miss Marion Thayre of Butternuts [Otsego Co. NY].

Death

In Guilford [Chenango Co. NY], Jan. 3, 1872, Miss Sarah Yale, aged 14 years.

Miscellaneous News Items

The New Town, Afton [Chenango Co. NY]

Oxford Times, Oxford, NY, December 2, 1857

Some of our County papers are indulging in a spirit of criticism over the name of the new town lately erected from Bainbridge by the Board of Supervisors.  They can see neither beauty nor appropriateness in the name "Afton".  While we contend for the right of the new township to take such name as they may see fit, a matter pre-eminently their own, we at the same time cannot agree with out contemporaries in their criticism.  It is often asked what's in a name?  We say much.  Much of taste, of beauty and of historic reminiscence.  We doubt whether the alphabet can be successfully employed in framing a name more euphonious and sweetly harmonious in sound than Afton.  It has no hissings, no hoarse aspirates to grate upon the ear.  It rolls from the tongue like a gentle rill from the hillside.  Applied to the quiet and pictuesque village that is washed by the Susquehanna, begirt with hills, with meadows stretching beneath and around, clad in the bright verdue of midsummer, or swept by the shadows of clouds trooping across alternate hill and glade, and river, it is daguerreotyped on our memory as among the most enchanting scenery on the road to that famed summer watering place, Valonia.  Afton has been immortalized among the sweet songs of Bob Burns, those sweet Scottish songs which reflect the real soul of the poet, as the clear waters of the Susquehanna, the white-winged clouds that float in the midsummer sky above.  In such a place an American Poet might find his Mary and respond in song to those verses so well remembered by many a rural songster:

"How lofty, sweet Afton, thy neighboring hills, / Far mark'd by the courses of clear, winding rills; / There daily I wander, as noon rises high, / My flocks and my Mary's sweet cot in my eye."

"Flow gently, sweet Afton among they green braes, / Flow gently, sweet river, the theme of my lays; / My Mary's asleep by the murmuring stream; / Flow gently, sweet Afton, disturb not her dream."

Bainbridge Woman Killed instantly by D.&H. Train 

(April 21, 1941)

One Bainbridge [Chenango Co. NY] woman, mother of two children, was dead last night and another near death after the car in which they were riding was struck by a southbound D.&H. freight train on a private crossing between Bainbridge and Afton.

Dead was Mrs. Robert Burdick, 23, of Bainbridge, whose neck was broken. Recovery of Mrs. Percy Wallace, 26, of Bainbridge, R.D. was considered doubtful by authorities at the Bainbridge Hospital, where she was removed suffering from a bad skull fracture.  Also seriously injured in the crash was Mrs. Burdick's husband, who is given a "fighting chance" to recover.  He suffered a fractured skull, crushed chest and internal injuries.

The accident occurred at 2:20 p.m. Monday, according to Inspector Ernest Maynard and Trooper James Fleming of Sidney Barracks, who investigated.  They said that the crossing is on a dirt road running from the Partridge farm to Route 7.  It is necessary to drive up a steep incline to go over the tracks, and then it is necessary to make a sharp left turn into the road.

W.J. Hinkleman of 14 Woodruff Avenue, Binghamton, engineer of the train, was proceeding south at between 25 and 30 miles an hour, the troopers say, when the accident occurred.  Sitting on the south side of the cab, Mr. Hinkleman did not see the Burdick car until the train was upon it.  At first, he thought that it had gotten off the tracks, but when he realized that it had been struck, he applied the brakes and brought the train to a stop.

Mrs. Burdick is the mother of two small children, who are staying with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Martin Jensen of Bainbridge.  Mrs. Wallace has no children.

Murder Victims Rites to be Held on Saturday

(March 9, 1940)

Last rites for Mr. and Mrs. Frank E. Teed and their daughter, Miss Ruth, gun victims of James Fink, 22-year-old Trout Creek farmhand now serving 70 years in Attica prison, will be held from the Carr-Hare Funeral Chapel in Sidney [Delaware Co. NY], Saturday afternoon, 9th inst. at 2:30 o'clock.  Reverend Alfred J. Miller, rector of Saint James Episcopal church, Oneonta, will officiate.  Interment in the family plot at Masonville cemetery in the spring.

Ashes of the victims in three separate urns, were released only Monday by state police laboratories at Schenectady where they had been the subject of study since removed from the ruins of the Teed farm home January 15th.  Mr. and Mrs. Teed and their daughter were shot and killed by Fink in their farm home the afternoon of January 14th.

That night, after attending a moving picture show, Fink, who had been joined by Aubrey Scrum, also of Trout Creek, returned to the scene and set fire to the house to destroy the evidence of his ghastly deed.  After fleeing to Reading, Penna., where they surrendered, Fink pleaded guilty to three counts of murder, second degree and one of arson at a special term of Supreme court in Delaware county last week.

The Teed family slaying, Fink's confession said, came after he struck down his employer, Mr. Teed, with a hammer in a fit of anger at being taunted about losing a Sunday afternoon pinochle game.  Fear stricken, he shot the other members of the family then fired a blast at Mr. Teed, who recovering consciousness from the hammer blow, returned to the house to protect his family.

State police had been studying the pitiful, charred remnants of the three bodies preparatory to presenting evidence in case Fink went to trial for first degree murder.  However, alienists' [i.e. psychiatrists] examinations revealed that he had the mentality of a 10-year-old child, was moronic and of defective personality and his plea of guilty to the lesser charge saved him from probable death in the electric chair.  Scrum was sentenced to a year in Elmira reformatory.

Among relatives of Mr. Teed are, Elizabeth Mahoney of Port Crane, and Mrs. Ruth Hitchcock of Binghamton.  Among relatives of Mrs. Teed are Adeline Field Stewart of Unadilla, Franklin Road, Mrs. George Wohlleben, Mrs. Ina P. Thorne, and Miss Maude Field, all of Oneonta; Fenner Field of Masonville.

Early History of Bainbridge, Chenango County, NY (continued)

This town was shorn of its fair proportions in 1857 by taking off more than half its territory and nearly half its inhabitants and forming the Town of Afton.  It is bounded on the north by Guilford, on the east by Unadilla and Sidney, on the south by Afton and on the west by Afton and Coventry.  It is about eight miles long, east and west, and about six miles wide, north and south.  The Susquehanna River divides it nearly diagonally from northeast to southwest, and the Albany and Susquehanna railroad, which was built (or the portion of it in this town) in 1866-1867, traverses it in the same direction.

Its principal Village is Bainbridge, on the Albany and Susquehanna railroad, 108 miles southwest of Albany, which was incorporated in 1829, and has nearly 900 inhabitants, five meeting houses, a flourishing academy, a bank, 18 stores, five law offices, five doctors, a machine shop, planing and sawmill and foundry, three blacksmith shops, two wagon shops, two harness shops, two gristmills, two tailor shops, two taverns and twice the improvement of the public morals.

Bennettsville is a small village on the southern borders of the town and took its name from tits founders.  It has two meetinghouses, a store, a gristmill and sawmill, a wagon shop, blacksmith shop, etc. There is also a meeting house at Union Valley and at West Bainbridge.

To return for a moment to thoughts more particularly applicable to this centennial anniversary, Gilles, the celebrated historian, presumes that men "in the infancy of society were occupied with the business of the present hour, forgetful of the past, and regardless of the future," and it is scarcely to be expected that any of those hardy frontiersmen who enriched this valley with their toil, looked forward to the time when the century clock should strike one - when the wilderness which surrounded them should be converted into near and well tilled farms - roads should diverge in every direction - villages spring up - railroads wind through the valleys - beautiful bridge span the rivers - manufactories flourish, and churches and academies meet the eye from nearly every hilltop.

But sure it is that they toiled not alone for themselves, but their children, for posterity.  They were the greatest benefactors of mankind, nature's true noblemen.  We cherish their memory with grateful recollections, and many are the sons born in this fair land who piously linger around the loved and hallowed graves of their fathers.  

In conclusion, I heartily thank you for your patient listening to this narration of events, many of which, especially those which have happened within the last 50 years, although I cannot say in classic language magna pars fui, yet I can truly say I was a humble witness and participant.  As I cast my eyes over this assembly, I can recognize but few of the actors in the scenes above described.  They are:  "Parted and sundered by mountain and wave / And some in the cold, silent womb of the grave."

Items from scrapbook of Louise M. Donahe (1910-2010)

 Death of Snowplow Driver

February 17, 1939

Funeral services will be conducted Sunday for Seymour R. Rowe, 34-year-old town of Colesville [Broome Co. NY] employee, who was killed late yesterday when a D.&H. passenger train struck a town snowplow he was driving over Lovejoy's crossing, a half mile north of Harpursville [Broome Co. NY].  The Rev. Lyle Wood will officiate at services in Harpursville Methodist church at 2 o'clock in the afternoon.  Body will be taken to the church one hour earlier, when friends may call.  Burial will be in Perch Pond Hill cemetery.

Dr. A.J. Stilson of Windsor, a county coroner, issued a verdict of accidental death.  He said he had been told traffic signals at the crossing did not sound a warning, but they did work a short time after the accident when a section crew tested them.

Mr. Rowe, the father of three children, was endeavoring to drive the town snowplow over the crossing after his brother, Leland Rowe and Arthur Kane, also town employees, had helped him free a blade which had caught in the rails, when the train suddenly rounded a curve about 400 feet away.  He suffered a fractured skull, crushed chest, arm and leg fractures and a puncture wound of the back.

Engine of the northbound passenger train temporarily disabled.  Its front wheels were derailed.  Service on the road was hampered more than three hours while emergency crews placed them back on the rails.  The engine replaced by an auxiliary locomotive was towed away from the scene pending a checkup.

Chief Criminal Deputy Ross Cooley and Deputy Merle Holmes sent to the scene by Sheriff Karl J. Daniels, investigated with Coroner Stillson.

Mr. Rowe, who resided in Central Village, is survived by his widow, Amy; three daughters, Pearl, Martha and Joan Rowe, all of Center Village; his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Adelbert Rowe of Nineveh; six brothers, Ward and Grant Rowe of Harpursville, Carlton and Maurice Rose of Nineveh, E.D. and Charles Rowe of East Windsor; three sisters, Miss Mable Rowe and Mrs. Alford Andrews of Center Village, and Mrs. Ray Terry of Chenango Bridge, and a grandmother, Mars Cordelia Hubbard of Union Valley.

Victim Trips as She Runs for Her life (1935)

Sidney [Delaware Co. NY]:  Mrs. Jessie York, 53, of South New Berlin [Chenango Co. NY], was seriously injured late Thursday when she fell from a railroad trestle near Sidney while running to avoid being struck by an approaching train.  The injured woman had left her home a short time previously and was walking toward Sidney to meet friends.  She took the short cut over the O.&W. railroad trestle, three miles west of Sidney, in order to make better time, friends said.  Crossing the Unadilla River, this trestle is more than 40 feet from the ground at almost every point except the extreme ends.

Mrs. York had crossed more than half the trestle, when the engineer of an approaching train blew the whistle as the train neared the Sidney end of the span.  Not having seen the train until that time, the woman turned about hurriedly and began to run to the other end in an effort to beat the train across and avoid being hit.  As she approached the end of the span, she stumbled and fell to the ground, a distance estimated at 40 feet.  The train meanwhile had slowed down sufficiently, it is believed, to have made it unnecessary for her to have run as rapidly as she did.

Members of the train crew saw the accident and reported it immediately to state police.  Corporal Joe Miller of Troop C picked the woman up and took her to Sidney hospital, where she was attended by Dr. R.W. Loomis.  Her condition today was given as serious. She suffered several fractured ribs and possibly internal injuries hospital officials said.

Former Afton People Celebrate Anniversary (1932)

Sunday, November 6, 1932, a pleasant surprise was given Mr. and Mrs. John Donahe at their home near Bainbridge [Chenango Co. NY], when over fifty of their friends, relatives and neighbors gathered at their home to help them celebrate their thirty-fifth wedding anniversary.  A delicious dinner was served.  The bridal cake was decorated with pink and white icing, a miniature bride and groom standing erect on the top of the cake.

On behalf of those present, Miss Phoebe Whitten of Greene, Mrs. Donahe's first schoolteacher, presented the couple with money and other useful gifts.  Congratulations followed, after which Miss Whitten gave a recitation, "The Tumbling Waters of Niagara." Songs, one of which was "God Be with You till We meet Again," were sung by all.  There were friends and relatives present from Afton, Bainbridge, Binghamton, Cincinnatus, Greene and Oneonta.  When the guests departed for their homes, they left wishing Mr. and Mrs. Donahe many more happy years together.  Mr. and Mrs. Donahe lived for several years near Afton. [Chenango Co. NY] 

Complete Bainbridge History

Part I (1939)

Editor's Note:  With Bainbridge soon to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the settlement of Bainbridge, and the 110th anniversary of the incorporation of the Village of Bainbridge, the News is happy to present an even more complete history of Bainbridge than the recently concluded series.  It is supplied to us by a friend of the paper, each chapter to be copied word for word from bound volumes of history.  We believe that every person in Bainbridge will want to clip out and save each chapter of this review of Bainbridge's glorious history and traditions.

Bainbridge was constituted a town and named Jericho, February 16, 1791, at which it formed a part of Tioga County.  Its name was change April 15, 1814, in honor of Commodore Bainbridge of the American Navy.  It originally included portions of Norwich and Oxford, which were taken off January 19, 1793; of Greene, one part of which was taken off March 15, 1798, and another the following year; and the present town of Afton, which was taken off November 18, 1857.  It lies upon the east border and near the southeast corner of the county.  It is bounded on the north by Guilford and Oxford, on the east by Otsego and Delaware counties, on the south by Afton, on the west by Afton and Coventry.  The surface is a rolling upland, beautifully diversified, and is abundantly watered by the Susquehanna, which crosses it diagonally from northeast to southwest, and the smaller streams tributary to it; the principle of which are the Unadilla, which unites with it on the east border of the town, a portion of which it forms, Kelsey Creek, which flows south through the west border and Bennett Creek, which flows in a westerly direction near the south line.  The Susquehanna enters the town on the east border, from one to two miles south of the north line and flows in a westerly direction till it reaches the village of Bainbridge, where it deflects to the south and maintains that course until it leaves the town.  The valley of the river is about a mile wide and is bordered by moderately steep hillsides.  The summits of the highest hills are 400 or 600 feet above the valleys.

It is wholly underlaid by the rocks of the Catskill group, in which quarries of good building and flagging stone have been opened, two near the north line of the town, on the farms of Richard Bush and M. Frank, and a third just east of the village, on the east side of the river on the farm of Gehil Evans.  From the Bush quarry excellent, massive blocks for underpinning and building purposes are obtained; while that obtained from the Frank quarry on an adjoining farm, is only suitable for flagging, the layers being thinner.  From the Evans farm quarry, good massive building stone is obtained, but the superincumbent mass to be removed makes it too expensive to be profitably worked.  It suppled the stone use in tthe abutments of the bridge crossing the river in the village of Bainbridge.  The soil upon the hills is a gravelly and shaly loam and alluvium.  Dairying forms the chief, and almost exclusive branch of agriculture.  The dairies area all private ones, the largest being that of Jerome B. Sands, who milks some fifty cows. There is not a factory in the town, nor has there been.  The butter product is marketed in New York 

Sidney, Delaware Co., NY in 1871

 Thumbing Backward the Pages of Time

Glimpse of Sidney Back in Year 1871

[published in 1939]

Captioned "Sidney Plains" written by a Binghamton Times correspondent, the following article appeared in the Midland Times issue of Saturday August 29, 1871, edited by J.M. Graves and published in Sidney at that time.  The write-up will have special appeal to our elder residents who will recall vividly the points mentioned.  Time proves that Mr. Graves and the Midland Times met with reverses, for, with the arrival in Sidney Plains of the late Arthur Bird, then publishing The Record in Jeffersonville, Sullivan County, this village did not boast a paper.  It was in December 1882, that The Record of the present day kicked its baby heels into the air.  It is quite evident the author of the article met a hometown booster when he placed the population at 800, this way back in 1871.  In 1882 we can vouch, Sidney Plains population was about 400, if that.  Here is what the Binghamton correspondent had to say about Sidney Plains of that day:

"Sidney is thirty-nine miles from Binghamton, on the south side of the Susquehanna, and at the intersection of the Midland Railway with the A.&S., and opposite the mouth of the Unadilla River which empties into the Susquehanna from the opposite side and is the smartest little town along the Albany Railway.  The latter may sound like a pretty broad assertion, but I think I will verify it before I get through.  When I say the population and business of the place have more than doubled in four years, I but repeat what was told me by old and well-informed residents.  What other town along the road can say as much?  The present population is about 800.  

"Of the business establishments, there are two dry good store, a retail grocery, a wholesale and a retail grocery, hardware store, two drug stores, three hotels, a music store, a millinery store and a millinery shop, wagon shop, two furniture stores, a tailor shop, two furniture stores, a tailor shop, post office, two blacksmith shops, two meat markets, a steam feed and saw mill, a private banking house, two shoe shops, a jewelry store, two restaurants, two barbershops, a photographer, three lawyers, two physicians, a large and fine public hall and American Express office and a National Express office.

"The office of the racy little Midland Times is located here, and I had a very pleasant and profitable chat with its genial editor, Mr. J. H. Graves.  Mr. Graves has been a resident of Sidney for twenty-two years, and his description of the rapid rise of the town interested me very much.  Pointing to a location near his office which he could have purchased five years ago for a certain sum, he stated that its present value is several hundred percent in advance of its worth at that time, and this is a sample of the whole town.  The passage of two important railways through the village has brought this gratifying change.  In his opinion the future of Sidney is filled with splendid possibilities.  And why not. With that magnificent plain, two miles long by half a mile to a mile in width, and level as a prairie, there is abundant room for an important city.  Situated in the fertile valley of the Susquehanna, and at the terminus of the Unadilla valley, with two railways passing through its borders, would not a liberal use of capital soon raise it to a town of importance and influence in the State.

"A district school with upwards of one hundred scholars, takes the place of and is equivalent to a union school.  Professor Fields teaches the school for a salary of $1,000 per year - pretty good salary for a district schoolteacher.  The three hotels of the place are the Delaware House, Messrs. Grimwood & Mumford proprietors; the Bartlet House, J.E. Lonergan, proprietor, and the Central House, which is kept by George Bishop, all of which afford excellent accommodations to the traveling public. The first named is the largest and appears to be the best patronized.  It has sleeping accommodations for 80 guests.  From the roof of this hotel to which I ascended in company with one of the proprietors and the editor of the Times, a complete bird's eye view is obtained of the town and broad plain surrounded with the ranges of hills encircling all.  From here, also, I could look into Otsego County just across the river and east to the mouth of the Unadilla, and into Chenango County, the other side of the Unadilla, while I was standing in Delaware county.  There is considerable talk of cutting a circle out of the corners of these three converging counties and make a new county out of it.

"There are two churches in Sidney, a Methodist and a Congregationalist.  A Baptist society has also been formed which holds meetings once in two weeks in the Methodist church.  There is also a newly organized Episcopal society which holds meetings every two weeks in the Congregational church, and which is in a flourishing condition.

"The D&H. Coal Company ship a great deal of coal from this station by the Midland to the western part of the State.  One hundred carloads per day are changed here from the A.&S. Road to the Midland.

"About a mile up the river, in the town of Unadilla, on the opposite side is a large paper and plaining mill run by waterpower.  It is owned and operated by Palmer, Humphrey & co. a wealthy and enterprising firm and they are doing a large and constantly increasing business.  They employ about twenty hands.

"Before leaving I had the pleasure of examining at the Delaware House, a beautiful Chinese Pagoda procured from China by Mr. Grimwood, one of the proprietors of that hotel, when on a visit to that country, at an expense of $100 in gold.  It is twenty-six inches high, of rarest workmanship, and all carved from solid ivory.  He has also a large string of tiger's teeth, procured from the Indians in Central America."

the above article was thoughtfully sent to The Record office by Mrs. Nellie M. Hurd of 33 Hayes Street, Norwich, N.Y. to whom we extend deep appreciation and thanks.

[From LMD scrapbook, compiler's collection]