Vital Records, Chenango County, NY, February 1877 (Continued)

 Chenango Semi-Weekly Telegraph, Norwich, NY, February 14, 1877

Deaths

Mrs. George Curtis a venerable lady residing at White Store [Chenango Co. NY], was buried Feb. 11th.  Rev. Mr. Barnard and the well-known Elder Chamberlin officiated.  Rev. Mr. Chamberlin said that over fifty years ago he came into Unadilla Valley when Mrs. Curtis was a youthful bride.  She was among the last of the friends of those years.  They were gone.  Their children and their children's children filled their places.  Such is life.  The large congregation assembled at the funeral, proved the great respect in which the deceased was held by the community.

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Philo Robinson well known to the older citizens of this county [Chenango Co. NY], died at Ecorse, Mich, on the 2d inst. at the advanced age of 86 years.

Mr. Robinson was born in Stockbridge, Mass.  In his early youth he removed to Sherburne, N.Y. [Chenango Co.] where he lived until the spring of 1856, when he moved to Homer [Cortland Co. NY] where he remained until the fall of 1862.  He then moved west with his son, living with him at Toledo and Ecorse until his death.

He was a man of more than ordinary intelligence and ability, of high moral character, genial disposition, scrupulous integrity, and an active spirit which prompted him to participate in all efforts to promote the general welfare of society.  In 1841, he was appointed Associate Judge of this County, a position which he held for years with credit to himself and honor to the County.  In Sherburne as well as throughout the entire county where he was known, he was greatly loved and respected, as well indeed in the places in which he more recently resided.

His son, William Robinson, will be remembered by many of our middle-aged people as an esteemed popular teacher of theirs while Principal of the Norwich Academy.

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A shocking and fatal accident occurred on Friday morning at Sidney Plains [Delaware Co. NY] by which Gabriel Rathbone of Oneonta [Otsego Co. NY] met with a horrid death.  He was in the employ of the D.&H.C. Company as brakeman, and while backing in on a sidetrack to make a connection of three "flats" to a "gondola" standing on the end of the rear car, within a few feet of the gondola, he jumped forward to the ground, having in his hand a coupling pin.  He fell across the rails and one car passed over him, crushing and mangling his legs in a fearful manner.  The engine was at once stopped and the poor fellow was placed upon the car and taken down to the depot and from thence to the Delaware House, where physicians were quickly summoned, Drs. White of Sidney and Meachem of Bainbridge.  Nothing could be done to save his life.  He died in great agony about two hours after the accident.  He leaves a hard-working mother to mourn his death.  

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The severe attack of illness of the aged and lamented Mr. Harry Per Lee, mentioned in my items last week, was unexpected, and when the sad intelligence of his sudden death reached our ears, it seemed almost incredible.  Mr. Per Lee did not apparently show any peculiar symptoms to indicate more than his usual infirmity, consequent of advanced years, until Tuesday morning at the store, he was taken then in a sleigh and carried to the residence of Mrs. Cuyler Per Lee, where immediate attention and excellent care was employed to alleviate his sufferings.  Late in the afternoon the pain nearly subsided and he was able to walk out and inhale the fresh air once more, and hopes were manifested of his sure and speedy recovery.  On Wednesday evening he went to his bedroom and retired for the night in his quiet, usual way, and undoubtedly enjoyed a pleasant refreshing sleep till about two o'clock, he awoke, restless and uneasy, and those two last hours he endured, wrestling with the strong messenger of death, must have been to him long and tedious, but at last the time had come when he must bid adieu to friends and try the realities of another world, and last of all, "Death was swallowed up in Victory through Christ our Lord."

The funeral services were held at the Universalist Church, last Saturday, at 11 A.M., where many friends and relatives assembled to pay their last tribute of respect and love to the memory of the deceased.  The services were conducted by the Rev. E.W. White of Hamilton. The text selected for the solemn occasion was from Revelation 14th chapter, 13th verse:  "Blessed are the dead which died in the Lord from henceforth: yea, saith the spirit, that they may rest from their labors; and their works do follow them."  Brother White's discourse was carefully and attentively listened to and did credit to his reputation and theme.  After the conclusion of his remarks and the choir had sung, the lid of the coffin was removed and an invitation was given out for all persons who desired to view the remains of "Uncle Harry" for the last time. The invitation was accepted, and many took their last look to bid farewell to those familiar features forever.  

"Then there was a tear for him who died, / A mourner o'er the humblest grave, / And many swelled the funeral cry, / But, he triumphs with the saved."

The remains were then conveyed to the cemetery and then it was lowered into the silent grave to await the final resurrection.

Mr. Per Lee was born in Dutchess County [NY] in the year 1792 and at an early period of his life he became considerably interested in a series of revival meetings that were being carried on in a church near where he was then living, there the Gospel Truth was forcibly impressed upon his mind that he was a great sinner and finally resulted in his thorough conversion and consecration to God.  Soon after this he united with the Presbyterian Chruch, where he remained a true Christian and a brilliant member for many years.

About the year 1853 he left Dutchess County and came to North Norwich to live and made his home with relatives and with the exception of an interval of three years that he was in his native county, he has been a resident of this village, twenty-five years up to the time of his death, and these many years that the was a citizen in this community, it evidently was not his aim and object to shine in wealth and popularity.  His practical experience had taught and convinced him what was most useful and enabled a man to do the greatest good, a character therefore for probity and discretion was far more desirable than worldly possessions or pleasures, nay than the renown of shining talents and splendid performances.  But "a name in the book of life" was the only distinction that would prove finally advantageous.

This was his felicity, and his experience and conduct proved it, and for this reason can his relatives, friends, and acquaintances, rejoice in the thoughts of his death as a removal from sorrow and fear, affliction and disease, and an entrance upon the full enjoyment of all, which he had here loved and thirsted after.  Mr. Per Lee had obtained and preserved an incalculable number of variable friends by cultivating a friendly disposition and acting in a faithful, generous and beneficent manner, and the friends whom God had raised up to him and who were attached to him for his true piety and integrity cleaved close to him in his afflictions and this friendship still remains invariable and shall not be dissolved in death but shall endure forever.  The good examples, pious discourses, wise instructions, fervent prayers and zealous good works that this aged veteran Christian has left this little community of ours, is so indelibly stamped on the memory of his friends as to be ever fresh, and full of meaning and expression and will prove a memento all through our lives, and give strength and encouragement as we journey on toward that rest where he has been taken and when we pass through the valley and shadow of death we can be able to shake hands with him in a hearty welcome on the other shore.

"Then let us, 'midst pleasure and woe, / Still for Heaven our spirit prepare, / And shortly we also shall know / what Uncle Harry is doing there.

G.S.T.

Sherburne News, Sherburne, NY, February 17, 1877

Marriages

SPAULDING - BOOTH:  At the residence of the bride's parents in Sanford, N.Y. [Broome Co.], February 8th, 1877, by the Rev. J.D. Bloodgood, Mr. Willis E. Spaulding of Columbus, Chenango County, N.Y. and Miss Albina Booth of the former place.

DAVIS - BLACKMAN:  At the residence of the bride's father in Columbus, N.Y. [Chenango Co.], Feb. 15, 1877, by the Rev. N.J. Hawley, Mr. C. Sheldon Davis of Philadelphia and Miss Mary E. Blackman of Chicago.

Deaths

BURNS:  In this village [Sherburne, Chenango Co. NY], on the 14th inst., Mr. Frank Burns aged 60 years.

HILL:  At Crystal Lake, Ill, December 29th, 1876, Mrs. Ellen L. Hill, wife of William Hill, aged 45 years.  Mrs. Hill was daughter of William and Abey Champlin, formerly of this town [Sherburne, Chenango Co. NY].

SCOVILLE:  At West Junction, February 7th, 1877, Mrs. Elizabeth Scoville, aged 84 years.

Vital Records, Chenango County, NY, February 1877 (Continued)

 Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, February 15, 1877

Marriages

SMITH - SMITH:  At the home of the bride's mother, No. 41 Pierpont St., Brooklyn, Feb. 7th, by Rev. S. Scoville, Mr. J Roof Smith of Norwich [Chenango Co. NY] to Miss Julia C Smith, youngest daughter of the late Col. Elisha B. Smith.

TURNER - BURDICK:  In Georgetown [Madison Co. NY], Feb. 12th, by Rev. E. Holroyd, Mr. Eugene Turner of Otselic [Chenango Co. NY] to Miss Ida A. Burdick of Georgetown.

MARBLE - THORP:  In North Pharsalia [Chenango Co. NY], Dec. 5th, at the home of the bride, by Rev. Stephen Adriance, Mr. nelson D. Marble of Otselic Centre [Chenango Co. NY], to Mrs. Mary A. Thorp of North Pharsalia.

TROY - HUDSON:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], Feb. 8th, by Rev. Father Harrigan, Mr. Patrick Troy to Miss Mary Hudson, both of Oxford [Chenango Co. NY].

LORD - BARBER:  In Guilford [Chenango Co. NY], Feb. 8th, by Rev. T.P. Halsted, Mr. John Lord to Miss Irene Barber, both of Oxford [Chenango Co. NY].

O'CONNOR - MAXEY:  In Sherburne [Chenango Co. NY], Feb. 7th, by Rev. Father Ludden, Mr. Edward O'Connor to Miss Bridget Maxey, both of Sherburne.

The marriage of Edward O'Connor to Miss Bridget Maxey, both of this town [Sherburne, Chenango Co. NY], which took place in St. Malachi's Church, Wednesday evening last, has been the occasion of much flattering in social circles.  A large assemblage of people representing all our different denominations was in attendance to witness the ceremonies which were highly interesting and impressive.  The counsel given by Father Ludden to the wedded couple was excellent and listened to with much respect.  After the knot was tied, the happy pair wended their way to the depot, where they took the 7 o'clock PM train for Utica. The proceed then to Albany, and from Albany to New York, when, after a short stay with friends, they will return home and settle down to the realities of wedded life  We wish them continual sunshine - few shadows.

Deaths

NEWKIRK:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], Feb. 9th, Mary E. [Newkirk] daughter of Lemuel Newkirk, aged 30 years.

SAYLES:  In Plymouth [Chenango Co. NY], Feb. 11th, Diana A. [Sayles] wife of Enos B. Sayles, aged 40 years.

WINTERS:  In Plymouth [Chenango Co. NY], Feb. 2d, Mr. Christian Winters, aged 83 years.

KEELEY:  In Oxford [Chenango Co. NY], Feb. 7th, Mr. Dennis Keeley, aged 31 years.

McLEAN:  In Guilford [Chenango Co. NY], Feb. 10th, Lydia [McLean] wife of John McLean, aged 41 years.

MOORE:  In Pittston Pa., Feb. 8th, 1877, Nellie J. [Moore] daughter of Rev. S. and Laura J. Moore, aged 8 years and 19 days.

RANSFORD:  In Avoca, Iowa, Jan. 25th, Mariam [Ransford, infant daughter of Hascal Ransford, formerly of this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY].

ADAMS:  In Binghamton [Broome Co. NY], Feb. 7th, Mr. Uriah Adams formerly of Ambler Settlement, Ner Berlin [Chenango Co. NY].

ALLIS:  In Milwaukee, Wis., Feb. 2d, Mary White [Allis], wife of Jere Allis, aged 83 years and 8 months, formerly of Oxford [Chenango Co. NY].

ROBINSON:  In Ecorse, Mich., Feb. 2d, Mr. Philo Robinson formerly of Sherburne [Chenango Co. NY] aged 86 years.

RATHBUN:  Gabriel Rathbun, of Oneonta [Otsego Co. NY], a brakeman on the A&S Railroad, was fatally injured at the yard near the Depot in Sidney Plains [Delaware Co. NY] on Friday afternoon last.  While backing in on a side track to make a connection of three flats to a gondola standing on the end of the rear car within a few feet of the gondola, he jumped forward to the ground, having in his hand a coupling pin, when he fell across the rails and one car passed over him, crushing and mangling his legs in a fearful manner. He died in great agony about two hours after the accident.

BARBER:  Sherburne, Chenango Co. NY:  The death of Adna Barber which took place Thursday last, has been expected for some time.  It is but a few days since, that a number of citizens clubbed together and cut and drew him a good supply of wood.  Dropsy was the cause of his death.

KELLEY:  Wallace Kelley, late editor of the Marathon Independent, and a former employee in the office of the Greene American, died in Marathon [Cortland Co. NY] a few days since, of consumption.  Failing health had compelled him to dispose of his paper, and his death is mourned by the community in which he had for years resided.  His funeral was largely attended by the Masons Odd Fellows, Good Templars and Firemen, of which organizations he was an exemplary member.

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CURTIS:  At White Store [Chenango Co. NY], Feb. 8th, Mrs. Nancy Curtis in the 75th year of her age, widow of George Curtis, Esq.

Died:  February 8th, 1877, at the residence of her son, Joseph T. Curtis, in this village [White Store], Nancy Curtis, wife of George Curtis, deceased, in the 75th year of her age.

It is our painful duty to chronicle the death of her who for many years with tender care and willing hand did much to alleviate the sufferings of her husband, who during the last years of his life was a helpless invalid and whose death she survived but two short years.

She was the mother of seven children, six sons and one daughter, a lovely girl, who when she reached women's estate, was the joy of her parents and the pride of all her acquaintances.  At an early age she was wedded to Mr. Horatio P. Angell and soon after made a trip to the West, where Mr. Angell sickened and died.  The bereaved wife came from her western home to the home of her childhood with all her bright hopes hidden under the coffin lid.  A beautiful little daughter came to her arms, to win her back to life and hope, but the same dread disease through which she had watched her husband fastened upon her, and she went down into the dark valley in triumph, leaning upon the Saviour, to whom she had given her young heart. She cheerfully gave up her darling and all the friends who loved her and feel asleep in Jesus. She died January 20th, 1868, at the home of her childhood, aged 24 years.

The sons reached manhood's estate and the sainted mother lived to see them men of principle and earnest workers in the cause of Christ, worthy of a mother's love.  They were all, except one, Oscar H. Curtis, of Oxford, whom time and distance prevented, present at the bedside, when, as the clock upon the shelf slowly, almost mournfully, tolled out upon the stillness of the night the hour of eleven, and she, without a struggle, passed from the supernal to the eternal.

She had retained her consciousness until about three hours before she died, when she sank into a calm, peaceful slumber, from which she did not awake until she awoke in heaven.

Kind friends and relatives could not save / This loving mother form the grave.

The Lord giveth and the Lord Taketh away; / Blessed be the name of the Lord.

Kind friends gathered around her and performed the last sad rites to the departed and when all was over, all that love and sympathy could suggest was done to cheer her mourning friends.

As an excellent wife, a loving mother, and a kind neighbor, few were her compeers and her loss, though long expected, has cast a gloom o'er the entire community, which time will not soon dispel.  

D.W. Redington

Historic Sketch, Settlement of New Berlin, Chenango Co. NY

 Historic Sketch, Settlement of the town of New Berlin

by John Hyde

New Berlin Gazette, New Berlin, NY, January 6, 1877

Nature, in the fullness and plenitude of her creative power, fashioned a magnificent reservatory of spring water far up on the mountain ridge, between the Unadilla and Chenango rivers.  This large lake in the legends of the local Indians bore the name of "The Sleeping Fawn Waters."  It was a vast basin three or four miles in circumference and continually supplied with water flowing up from fountains beneath the interior and surrounded by lofty pines, sturdy oaks, intermingling with forest trees of lesser growth and with flower covered banks, it presented a splendid brilliant and unrivaled scene of nature's handiwork.  A spectator standing on the rocky eminence in his mind's eye might fancy the far off objects floating on the curling waves to be veritable wood nymphs that Indian tradition held were in morning mists or evening shades seen bathing and sporting on the blue waters when on closer inspection, the illusion is dispelled, the ethereal beings are only doe deer and their young fawns swimming across from one projecting point to another in search of food or perchance bathing their heated bodies in the cooling flood, or fleeing from pursuing hounds or wolves.

This primitive woodland scenery, well worth the poet's pen or artist's pencil, no longer exists.  The picture is blotted, defaced and its primeval beauty destroyed by the rude, undiscriminating hand of the innovator.  The woodman's axe has felled the lofty pines, the sturdy oaks and all the lesser trees of note that once encircled and made beautiful this inland sheet of water and the wildflowers are withered, no longer bloom on the banks, the Indian name is extinct and no longer remembered and the modernized name of Mathewson's pond is the substitute.

This Noah Mathewson, a strong, robust Rhode Islander, a native of a small hamlet on the western coast of the Atlantic ocean, emigrated into the 16th township, amongst the first settlers and built his log cabin on the high land near the pond which bears his  name and commenced clearing up his farm upon the economic principles of Yankee enterprise, which soon enabled him to change his humble log cabin into a commodious one-story framed dwelling house, it being one of the first framed buildings erected in the town and there it yet stands, and is now [-unreadable-] town.  He, with his family, lived through a long and laborious life of usefulness in that dwelling house.  The premises are now [in 1877] occupied by strangers.

Mr. Mathewson was a good farmer and brought his farm to a good state of cultivation.  He also united the trade of a carpenter with the mechanical knowledge of a millwright to his occupation of a farmer, and as a carpenter and millwright he was one of the principal workers and of much benefit to the people in the new settlement.  Many of his mechanical works yet survive him.  His son, Noah, resides on a farm near the old pond and is a successful farmer.

Stephen Skinner in the early times of the first settlers, located his habitation on the same highland ridge some miles north of Mathewson's farm and near the north line of the town.  the place is known as Skinner Hill.  He had a large family of children who settled in after grown up life round about him.  He was a thrifty farmer, a reputable citizen and belonged to the Episcopal church of which he was one of the supporters on its first establishment in New Berlin, soon after the beginning of the present century.

Stephen and Nathaniel Kinney were first settlers in the neighborhood of Mr. Skinner and made to themselves valuable farms.  William Robinson also was one of the first settlers in the same neighborhood.  He was a genial, pleasant neighbor, and left a good property to his children.  Mr. Ezra Huntly was also an early settler in the same neighborhood, a good farmer and industrious.  He built for his family residence a nice commodious stone dwelling house.

Vital Records, Chenango County, NY February 1877 (continued)

 Chenango Semi-Weekly Telegraph, Norwich, NY, February 7, 1877

Death

In Coventry [Chenango Co. NY], Feb. 2, Mr. Gershom Carey aged 65 years. [Chenango American, Greene, NY, Feb. 8, 1877]

Coventry:  On Friday last we lost by death, Mr. Gershom Carey, one of our most highly esteemed citizens.  Mr. Cary's death is said to have been caused from disease of the heart, from which he has been for a long time a great sufferer.  He was 66 years of age and had been a member of the 2nd Congregational Chruch.  Mr. Cary leaves a widow and a son and daughter, both "worthy of a worthy sire."

Chenango Semi-Weekly Telegraph, Norwich, NY, February 10, 1877

Marriage

BRADT - MERRILL:  In New York City, Jan. 29th, by Rev. J.W. Shackelford of the Church of the Redeemer, Mr. P.B. Bradt of Detroit, Mich. to Miss Lou A. Merrill of New York City.

Death

PER LEE:  In North Norwich [Chenango Co. NY], on Thursday morning, Feb. 8, 1877, suddenly, Harry Per Lee aged 84 years.  The funeral will take place tomorrow, Sunday, at 2 P.M. from the residence of Henry Per Lee, in North Norwich.

Harry Per Lee was taken suddenly ill in the street and was moved to Mrs. Cuyler Per Lee's residence.  Thursday morning at 4 o'clock the aged pilgrim breathed his last and left many relatives and friends to mourn over their bereavement.

Oxford Times, Oxford, NY, February 7, 1877

Death

SQUIRES:  In Norwich [Chenango Co. NY], Jan. 29th, Bertha May [Squires] daughter of Norman and Martha M. Squires, aged 4 years.

A daughter of Norman Squires was taken with a fit Monday noon and at six o'clock she was dead.  She had been subject to fits and was feeble. She was about 4 years of age.

Sherburne News, Sherburne, NY, February 10, 1877

Marriage

O'CONNOR - MAXEY:  At St. Malachi Church in this village [Sherburne, Chenango Co. NY], on the 7th inst. by Rev. Father Ludden, Mr. Edward O'Connor and Miss Bridget Maxey, both of this town.

Death

BARBER:  In this town [Sherburne, Chenango Co. NY], on the 8th inst. Mr. Adna Barber, aged 36 years.

Bainbridge Republican, Bainbridge, NY, February 10, 1877

Marriages

RAMSDELL - FLETCHER:  At the home of the bride in East Guilford [Chenango Co. NY], Feb. 6, 1877, by Rev. E.G. Cheesman, Mr. Chauncey Ramsdell, of Hamilton [Madison Co. NY] and Miss Sarah A. Fletcher.

LEONARD - STEVER:  At the home of the bride, Feb. 8, 1877, by Rev. D.N. Grummon, John M. Leonard and Miss Hattie Stever, both of Bainbridge [Chenango Co. NY].

Freeman's Journal, Cooperstown, NY, February 8, 1877

Marriage

At the M.E. Parsonage, Sidney Plains [Delaware Co. NY], Feb. 1st, by Rev. J.S. Southworth, Edward S. Gardner of Mt. Vision [Otsego Co. NY] to Miss Hattie Bailey of Unadilla, N.Y. [Otsego Co.]

Deaths

In this village [Cooperstown, Otsego Co. NY], on the 3d inst. Julia L. Niles aged 40 years.  And 12 hours later on the same day, her father Simeon W. Niles aged 79 years.

Simeon W. Niles was an old and respected resident of this place and had attained nearly his fourscore years.  He was a truly good man.  His only daughter, Julia L. remained with him to cheer him in his declining years and literally wore herself out in the service of others.  He had for years at times expressed anxiety that she, often in feeble health, might die and leave him alone in the world.  Both retired to their beds of illness on the 27th ult. he from the effects of paralysis, and she with pleurisy.  At two o'clock on the morning of the 3d inst. the beloved daughter died and at one in the afternoon her father followed her to the spirit land.

In Worcester [Otsego Co. NY], Jan. 30th, 1877, Mary [Russ] wife of Wm. Russ, aged 38 years.

Near Schenevus [Otsego Co. NY], Jan. 24th, 1877, Moses Bennett, in the 80th year of his age.

Mr. B. was one of the oldest residents of the town of Maryland [Otsego Co. NY] and a consistent member of the Schenevus Baptist church.  His sudden death terminated a remarkably active life to the bereavement of his family and many friends.  He was a good man.

Murdered:  Harry A Casler, aged about 26 years, whose father formerly lived in or near this village [Cooperstown, Otsego Co. NY], and who was a Keeper in the Auburn prison [Cayuga Co. NY], was killed by one of the convicts, striking him on the head with a shovel on the 1st inst.  There was but slight provocation of the brutal act.  Casler bore a good reputation.  One of the saddest circumstances of the tragedy is the fact that he leaves a young wife desolate, to whom he was married on the 24th of October last, a brief three months ago.  Barr, the murderer, is a young New York desperado who was sent to Sing Sing in 1870 for robbery on a sentence of ten years.  He was afterward transferred to Auburn Asylum as a lunatic.  In March last he was transferred to Auburn prison, pronounced cured.  On the 27th of September last he was again declared insane and resent to the asylum, from whence he was again transferred to prison on October 7th last.

Vital Records, Chenango County, NY February 1877 (continued)

 Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, February 8, 1877

Marriages

BROOKS - WISWELL:  At the home of the bride on Sabbath evening, Feb. 4th, 1877, by Rev. H.M. Crydenwise, Mr. John L. Brooks, to Miss Caroline Wiswell, all of Norwich, N.Y. [Chenango Co.].

GEER - HOOPER:  In Eaton [Madison Co. NY], Jan. 24th, by Rev. S.S. Bidwell, Mr. Nathan B. Geer of Smyrna [Chenango Co. NY] to Miss Lillian M. Hooper, of Morrisville [Madison Co. NY].

WHEELER - BOLSTER:  In Cortland [Cortland Co. NY] Jan. 24th, by Rev. Wm. Kincaid, Mr. Philo I. Wheeler to Miss Hattie N. Bolster, both of Pitcher [Chenango Co. NY].

BROWN - BOLSTER:  In Cortland [Cortland Co. NY], Jan. 24th, by Rev. Wm. Kincaid, Mr. Edward L. Brown of Pharsalia [Chenango Co. NY] to Miss Nellie Bolster of Pitcher [Chenango Co. NY].

Deaths

GARLICK:  Near Wood's Corners [Chenango Co. NY] in North Norwich [Chenango Co. NY], suddenly, Feb. 4th, Mr. Chauncey S. Garlick, aged 68 years.

SHAW:  In Earlville [Madison Co. NY], Jan. 19th, Harriet Shaw, aged 49 years.

McCARTHY:  Madison County papers announce the recent death at the County House of John McCarthy, better known throughout the northern part of the County as "Cheap John."  He had reached the age of one hundred and eleven years, and up to the fourth day before his death was able to walk quite smart with the aid of a cane, and could see to read and write without the aid of spectacles.  He was with King George during the rebellion of 1798 and could remember the return of the revolutionary soldiers from America.  He had never used intoxicating liquors or tobacco in any form.

STANTON:  New Berlin Chenango Co. NY:  Mr. Harry Stanton died on January 17th, aged eighty-seven years.  Mr. Stanton the past winter had an attack of pneumonia, which in his old age proved too much for him.

NEFF:  Benny Neff a DeRuyter [Madison Co. NY] lad, was accidentally drowned in the village reservoir a few days since.

CASLER:  The relatives of Harvey Casler the keeper in Auburn prison [Cayuga Co. NY] who was murdered by a convict on the 1st inst. reside near Richfield Springs [Otsego Co. NY]. Deceased was appointed keeper a year ago, was twenty-three years of age and had been married but two months.

SMITH:  Sylvanus Smith aged 71 years, died at Unadilla [Otsego Co. NY] recently.  He formerly preached in Bennettsville and neighboring settlements, without pay, and up to the time of his death carried on the business of boot and shoemaking.

CUSHMAN:  Earlville, Madison Co. NY:  We regret to learn, upon going to press, of the death of Mrs. Cushman, an aged and highly respected lady resident of this village.  Her husband is also quite ill at present.  Recorder

Vital Records, Chenango County, NY, February 1877 (continued)

 Oxford Times, Oxford, NY, February 7, 1877

Death

GILLILAND:  In German [Chenango Co. NY], Jan. 29th, Mr. Wm. Gillilnad, aged 42 years.

Chenango American, Greene, NY, February 1, 1877

Death

In Plymouth [Chenango Co. NY], Jan. 14th, Mr. Alonzo Knowles, aged 64 years.

New Berlin Gazette, New Berlin, NY, February 3, 1877

Marriage

JACKSON - BOSTWICK:  In Edmeston [Otsego Co. NY], Jan. 25th, by Rev. Muzzy, Mr. L. Judson Jackson to  De Ette L. Bostwick, all of the above place.

Sherburne News, Sherburne, NY, February 3, 1877

Death

We copy the following from the Oswego Palladium [Oswego Co. NY] of the 23d inst.:  "James Beekman conductor on the R.W. & O.R.R. Lake Shore Division, died at his residence in this city at 4 o'clock this morning, aged 41 years.  Conductor Beekman was taken with a chill while out on the road in the snow plow a week ago Friday.  Typhoid pneumonia set in, and poor Beekman could not be saved.  He had been in the railroad business for twenty-five years and on the Lake Shore since it was opened.  He was one of the most accommodating, pleasant and agreeable of the railroad men in the section and while he possessed all these qualities, they in no manner interfered with his fidelity to business.  His experience was valuable, and particularly so on the new railroad and he will be very much missed among railroad men and a large circle of friends.  His wife will have the sympathy of all who knew her husband."

Bainbridge Republican, Bainbridge, NY, February 3, 1877

Death

Robert Jones of Plainfield [Otsego Co. NY] met his death Saturday at noon in a peculiar manner.  While at work chopping with a comrade for Floyd Armstrong, a neighbor, they attempted to saw down a large maple tree.  Before it was completely cut through, it split and commenced to topple.  Mr. Jones' comrade ran away from the falling tree, but Jones remained calmly in his place.  The tree balanced for a moment over his head and then fell, crushing him into the earth.  Mr. Armstrong just then came upon the scene, and assisted by the other chopper, hurriedly sawed off the heavy log and removed the dying man.  Dr. Dively of Unadilla Forks was summoned to attend him, but he only breathed twice after the log was removed.  He leaves a widow, but no children.

Freeman's Journal, Cooperstown, NY, February 1, 1877

Deaths

In Laurens [Otsego Co. NY], January 18th, 1877, Elijah B. Miller aged 36 years.

Union News, Union, NY, February 2, 1877

Marriage

COUNCILMAN - KINNEY:  In Cortland [Cortland Co. NY], Jan. 3rd, by Rev. Mr. Betts, of McLean, Nathan J. Councilman of Lamb's Corners [Broome Co. NY] to Miss Mary A. Kinney of Cortland, N.Y.

Death

ROUNDS:  At his residence, Vestal [Broome Co. NY], on Wednesday, Jan. 24th, 1877, Alfred Rounds, aged 78 years and 5 days.

Mr. Alfred Rounds, an old resident of Vestal having lived fifty years on his homestead farm, died on Jan. 24th, after a short illness.  He leaves a wife and five children, Mrs. Van Schaock, Mrs. Seavey, Mrs. Jas. Ewell, Mrs. A. W. Whittemore, and Mr. Fred Rounds.

Delaware Gazette, Delhi, NY, February 7, 1877

Deaths

At Kansas City, Mo., January 26th, Col. Platt Townsend, former and esteemed resident of Walton [Delaware Co. NY], aged 76 years.

At Manor, Suffolk Co., Long Island [NY], on Sunday, 4th inst. Jeremiah Wilbur, formerly of this town [Delhi, Delaware Co. NY] aged about 66 years.

The Oneida Dispatch, Oneida, NY, February 2, 1877

Marriages

SMITH - STANLEY:  At the Baptist parsonage, Jan. 18th, by Rev. S.H. Greene, P.P. Smith to Lillian J. Stanley, both of Cazenovia [Madison Co. NY].

KENYON - DECKER:  At the Baptist parsonage in Hamilton [Madison Co. NY], Jan. 25th, by Rev. J.M. Stifies, Mr. James Kenyon to Miss Marion Decker, both of Eaton [Madison Co. NY].

CALHOON - CRANDALL:  At the residence of the bride's parents, in Brookfield [Madison Co. NY], on the evening of Jan. 21st, by Rev. J.N. Todd, Mr. John J. Calhoon to Miss Anna B. [Crandall] daughter of D.A. Crandall.

Deaths

BRIDGE:  Of quick consumption at his residence, in Stockbridge, N.Y. [Madison Co.], Williams Bridge aged 80 years, 7 months and 25 days.

MOTT:  In Oneida [Madison Co. NY], Jan. 31st, of scarlet fever, Cora [Mott] daughter of William Mott, aged 4 years, 4 months and 9 days.

GALLIGAN:  In West Eaton [Madison Co. NY], Jan. 21st of congestion of the lungs, Mary J. [Galligan]\ wife of Thomas Galligan, aged 43 years.

DEAN:  In Cazenovia [Madison Co. NY], Jan. 11th, William B. Dean, in the 27th year of his age.

PERKINS:  In Cazenovia [Madison Co. NY], Dec. 21st, Mrs. Nancy Perkins, widow of Elemander Perkins.

WILLIAMS:  In Brookfield [Madison Co. NY], Jan. 18th, Mrs. Alice Williams in the 67th year of her age.

WHITE:  In Madison [Madison Co. NY], Jan. 19th, Mrs. Emily White relict of the late Parke White, aged 70 years.

RANDALL:  In Oneida [Madison Co. NY], Nov. 23d, Washington Randall in the 65th year of his age.

TUCKER:  In New Woodstock [Madison Co. NY], Jan. 20th, Betsey [Tucker] wife of Milton Tucker, aged 30 years.

MARTINDALE:  In Sodorus, Ill., of paralysis, Mrs. Sophia Martindale, formerly of Peterboro [Madison Co. NY], aged 78 years.

BOLAN:  In Watervale, Jan. 18th of paralysis, Albert F. Boland aged 79 years and 10 months.

WINSLOW:  In Nashville, Mich., Jan. 14th, 1877, Betsey Lewis Winslow, aged 64 years 7 months and 4 days.  Her remains were brought to Dewitt, Michigan, for interment.

My mother dear oh! can it be / Thou art no more distressed? / That Death hath kindly set thee free, / And thou art now at rest

No more thy voice salutes the ear, / In tones of family love, / No more thy songs on earth we hear,  / Although thou sing'st above.

Thine eye last looked in love on me, / Even through the gathering haze of death, / And can a love so deep as thine / E're die with this life's fleeting breath?

I see thee not, yet feel thou'rt near, / For all things round me speak of thee / E'en as thy voice methinks I hear / In the night winds low minstrelsy.

Vital Records, Chenango County, NY, February 1877

 Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, February 1, 1877

Marriage

Mr. and Mrs. William Hickok of Plymouth [Chenango Co. NY], celebrated the twentieth anniversary of their marriage at their residence in Plymouth, on Thursday evening of last week.  Upwards of seventy relatives and friends were in attendance and the occasion was one long to be remembered by those partaking of the good cheer, and enjoying the hospitality so cordially extended by the generous host and hostess.

Deaths

UFFORD:  In North Pitcher [Chenango Co. NY], Jan. 23d, Mr. Elliot Ufford, aged 77 years. At his death he was the oldest person born in the town of Pitcher.   

HAYWARD:  In Columbus, N.Y. [Chenango Co.], Jan. 23d, Elizabeth M. Hayward, wife of Dr. E.D. Hayward, aged 65 years.

STEARNS:  In Otselic [Chenango Co. NY], Jan. 22d, Betsey P. [Stearns] wife of Nl.P. Stearns, aged 69 years.

LAWRENCE:  John Lawrence formerly of Onondaga and Chenango Counties [NY], died at Bonus, Ill., recently, aged 89 years.

FOULKES:  The wife of Conductor Thomas L. Foulkes, of the D.L.&W. Railroad, formerly of the Midland, died in Utica [Oneida Co., NY] on Tuesday morning, leaving a family of children who need a mother's care.

Chenango Semi-Weekly Telegraph, Norwich, NY, February 3, 1877

Marriages

HITCHCOCK - MORGAN:  In Earlville [Madison Co. NY], Jan. 28 by Rev. E.C. Brown, Charles W. Hitchcock to Miss Rose A. Morgan, all of Smyrna [Chenango Co. NY].

STANHOUSE - PERRY:  In New Lisbon [Otsego Co. NY], Jan. 3d at the residence of the bride's parents, by Rev. B. A. Blanchard, James R. Stanhouse of Burlington [Otsego Co. NY] to Miss Leonara E. Perry of New Lisbon.

WEDGE - STONE:  In Greene [Chenango Co. NY], Jan. 27, by Rev. W.H. Gavitt, Mr. Isaac M. Wedge and Miss Mira Stone, both of Greene.

AKIN - STONE:  In Greene [Chenango Co. NY], Jan. 17, by Rev. G.C. Andrews, Mr. Merritt C. Akin of Triangle [Broome Co. NY] and Miss Cynthia V. Stone of Greene.

CAMPBELL - LYON:  In DeRuyter [Madison Co. NY] Jan. 23, by Rev. T. Flotter(?), Mr. Samuel Campbell of Lebanon [Madison Co. NY] and Miss Sophia A Lyon of DeRuyter.

Deaths

MEAD:  In Greene [Chenango Co. NY], Jan. 23, of scarlet fever, Clara [Mead] daughter of Lewis and Mary Mead, aged 5 years and 4 months.

SHEPERD:  In DeRuyter [Madison Co. NY], Jan. 9, Mrs. Catharine [Sheperd] widow of the late Seth Sheperd, aged 77 years.

STILLMAN:  In Lincklaen [Chenango Co. NY], Jan. 22, Mrs. Abagail Stillman aged 76 years.

________________________

Among the deaths chronicled in the long obituary column of the New York Herald of the 28th Jan. inst. I find that of Horace Dresser, in Jersey City [NJ] on the preceding day in the 74th year of his age.

Some of the oldest inhabitants of the Unadilla and Chenango valleys may be able to recall the advent among them some fifty years ago of a young man, a counsellor at law, an eloquent advocate and orator, with a beautiful and worshipped young wife, early loved and lost, who for a brief period took up his residence among them at Bainbridge, spent much of his time in Guilford, the residence of Dr. Colby Knapp his wife's father and Daniel S. Dickinson his brother-in-law, and made his mark as a successful pleader at the Chenango bar.  On the death of his wife he removed to the city of New York, opened a law office and resumed the practice of his profession under favorable auspices, distinguishing himself as a leading and prominent abolitionist, when to be known as such was equivalent to the most odious proscription, calumny, persecution and abuse, and after participating in all the darkest fortunes of his sect lived to witness its signal and resplendent triumph in the abolition of the obnoxious institution.  Amid the crowd of aspirants, however of recognition as political and party leaders in this great and successful campaign, his claims to remembrance, if any were made in his behalf, were forgotten and overlooked, and his remaining days were passed in comparative obscurity.

Horace Dresser was a contemporary at the Chenango bar with Henry R. Mygatt, Samuel B. Garvin, Henry Bennett, Daniel S. Dickenson, Roswell Judson, Robert B. Monell, Joseph Benedict, William S. Sayre, Ransom Balcom, B.F. Rexford, Asher C. Moses and Philander B. Prindle

Morrisania, January 29th, 1877, S.S.R.

Guilford, Chenango Co. NY:  Horace Dresser, in early life a resident of this town, where he taught in the Academy at Guilford Centre, and also studied law, died in New York on the 27th ult.  He was at one time prominent in that city, and one of the first lawyers who spoke in New York courts in behalf of the negro, and for years directed his energies towards defending escaped slaves.  He was also a voluminous writer of constitutional questions.  He graduated in 1828 at Union College and at one time studied law with the late Hon. D.S. Dickinson.  [Oxford Times, Oxford, NY, Feb. 7, 1877]

___________________________

J. Armstrong was seriously if not fatally injured at Smith's Valley [Madison Co. NY] Wednesday morning.  He was walking on the track, on his way home from the depot, when he was overtaken by a snowplow and thrown from the track.  He was cut about the head and received other serious injuries which, it is feared, will result fatally.  He was 85 years of age and very deaf. [Chenango Semi-Weekly Telegraph, Jan. 31, 1877]

Mr. Jabin Armstrong whose injury by a snowplow near Smith's Valley was mentioned in our last issue, died on Tuesday evening last of his injuries.  Mr. Armstrong has lived many years in Lebanon [Madison Co. NY] and his place is as well-known as any one in this part of the county.  He was regarded as one of the oldest inhabitants and was one who had exercised a great deal of influence in the community in which he lived.

Vital Records, Chenango County, NY, January 1877 (concluded)

 Chenango Semi-Weekly Telegraph, Norwich, NY, January 24, 1877

Deaths

STEARNS:  Otselic [Chenango Co. NY]:  Mrs. Stearns an old lady living at Lorenzo Soule's died of pneumonia the 22d inst.

TALLETT:  Otselic [Chenango Co. NY]:  A precious little boy about a month old, son of Merton and Minerva Tallett was buried on Saturday, 20th inst.

SHAW:  Earlville [Madison Co. NY]:  We have the sad duty of recording the death of Mrs. Lorenzo Shaw which occurred on Friday morning of last week after an illness of but a few days.  The funeral services were conducted by the Rev. E.C. Brown, on Sunday at the usual hour of service.  Mrs. Shaw was nearly 48 years of age, had been a worthy and efficient member of the M.E. Church at this place for many years and has left a large circle of friends who deeply mourn her departure.  May the son and daughter now just entering upon the years of their majority strive to equal in excellency and true worth their departed parents.  H. De Le Vert

Chenango Semi-Weekly Telegraph, Norwich, NY, January 31, 1877

Marriages

CACKETT - BROOKS:  In King's Settlement [Chenango Co. NY], Jan. 18 by Rev. B.B. Carruth, Mr. Charles M. Cackett of Deansville [Oneida Co. NY], to Miss Helen E. Brooks of Norwich [Chenango Co. NY].

NICHOLSON - CRUMB:  In Preston [Chenango Co. NY], Jan. 24, by Rev. C.C. Williams, Mr. George H. Nicholson to Miss Amanda L. Crumb, all of Preston.

BARBER - PARKER:  At the residence of the bride Jan. 24 by Rev. I.J. Bailey, Mr. Eddie B. Barber to Miss Nancie A. Parker, all of Norwich [Chenango Co. NY].

SHERRITT - LYNCH:  In Sherburne [Chenango Co. NY] Jan. 28, by Rev. W.G. Queal, Mr. George Sherritt of Norwich [Chenango Co. NY] to Miss Katie Lynch of Sherburne.

SEELEY - POST:  At the house of the bride in Coventry [Chenango Co. NY] Jan. 24, by Rev.  N.S. Reynolds, Mr. Francis T. Seeley to Miss Ida E. Post, all of Coventry.

Deaths

JENKS:  In Sherburne [Chenango Co. NY], Jan. 19, Mrs. Minerva Jones, aged 55 years.

VAN WAGNER:  In Sherburne [Chenango Co. NY], Jan. 28, Mrs. Hannah Van Wagner aged 88 years.

Sherburne News, Chenango Co. NY:  East Hill, Mrs. Hannah Van Wagner, who has been sick a long time, died Tuesday the 23d inst.  she was nearly 89 years of age and retained her faculties until within a few days of her death.  "Aunt Hannah" was a good Christian woman, beloved and respected by all who knew her.

SMITH:  In Rockdale [Chenango Co. NY] Jan. 19, Mr. Sylvanus Smith, aged 72 years.

PROSSER:  In Columbus [Chenango Co. NY] of typhoid pneumonia, Jan. 19, Mrs. Emeline A. Prosser wife of Smith Prosser, aged 50 years 10 months.

EMONS:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY] on the 27th inst. Mrs. Julia Ann Emons aged 81 years 7 months.

CARY:  In Oxford [Chenango Co. NY], on the 27th inst. Anson L. Cary aged 50 years.

HOYT:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], on the 25th inst., Robert J. [Hoyt] son of F.S. and Tenie Hoyt, aged 11 years.

SQUIRES:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY] on the 29th inst. Bertha May [Squires] daughter of Norman and Martha M. Squires, aged 4 years, 2 months and 24 days.  Funeral will be attended at the residence of the parents on Mitchell Street on Thursday afternoon at three o'clock.

HITCHCOCK:  Joseph Hitchcock, son of LeRoy Hitchcock, formerly a citizen of Morris [Otsego Co. NY], died in Utica [Oneida Co. NY] on the 11th inst.

SMITH:  Miss Stella Smith of Cherry Valley [Otsego Co. NY], daughter of Wm. A. Smith, formerly of Morris [Otsego Co. NY], died of consumption January 3, aged 20 years.

Sherburne News, Sherburne, NY, January 27, 1877

Marriage

SHERRITT - LYNCH:  At the M.E. Parsonage in this village [Sherburne, Chenango Co. NY], by Rev. W.G. Queal, January 23d, 1877, Mr. George Sherritt of Norwich [Chenango Co. NY] and Miss Katie Lynch of Sherburne.

Death

PELLET:  Another of the landmarks of Norwich [Chenango Co. NY] has passed away.  Mr. John Pellet died Monday, the 22d inst. at the age of eighty-eight years.  Mr. P. has long been a severe sufferer from ill health and his death came not unexpectedly.  Though possessed of some peculiarities he was a man of remarkably temperate habits, honest and upright in his dealings and intercourse with men and was always ready to lend a helping hand to the needy, particularly if he believed them honest.  In his younger days nothing seemed to afford him so much pleasure as to do a neighbor a favor and he was ever ready to offer a kind word to the unfortunate.  He will long be remembered by many grateful hearts.

Freeman's Journal, Cooperstown, NY, January 25, 1877

Marriages

At Fly Creek [Otsego Co. NY], Dec. 28th, 1876, by Rev. James Ryder, Dewalston Ackerman to Miss Lillie Talbot both of Edmeston Center, Otsego Co. N.Y.

At the residence of the bride's father, Mr. Smith Benjamin, Jan. 17th, by Rev. James Ryder, Frank E. Russell to Miss Diantha Benjamin, of of Otsego, N.Y. [Otsego Co.].

At Springfield Center [Otsego Co. NY], Jan. 17th, by Rev. L. Casler, Lovell Osterhout of Warren [Herkimer Co. NY] and Miss Mary Eliza Eckler of Springfield.

Deaths

In Otsego [Otsego Co. NY], Sunday, Jan. 21st, peacefully fell asleep in Jesus, Julia E. [Small] daughter of Frederick and Miranda L. Small, in the 21st year of her age.  'Asleep in Jesus! blessed sleep / From which none ever wake to weep."

In Hartwick [Otsego Co. NY] Jan. 12th, '77. Clarence T. Barney aged 22 years and 14 days.

At Bridgewater, Canada, on the 28th ult. Victory J. Warren, formerly of New Lisbon [Chenango Co. NY] aged about 60 years.

Historic Sketch, Settlement of New Berlin, Chenango Co. NY

 Historic Sketch of the Settlement of the Town of New Berlin

by John Hyde

New Berlin Gazette, New Berlin, NY, December 23, 1876

In our anxiety to unravel the tangled skein woven into the Presidential web, caused an error in the final disposal of the Joseph Medbury family sketch, which we proceed to correct.  It should be:  He left no children which are now living in New Berlin and the old homestead is in the possession of others.  But two of his sons are yet amongst the toilers of the earth.  His son Joseph Medbury a gunsmith in his young days went to Rochester, made his trade profitable and accumulated wealth and prosperity and enjoys the character of a respected and influential citizen in the city of his adoption.  Another son, Sylvester [Medbury], in early life, wended his way from his ancestral home into Columbus, Ohio, where fortune smiled and bade him welcome and partake of her bounties, which he now enjoys.

Barnet and Caleb Hill, two brothers, also Michael Philips, were first settlers on the wild lands lying between the Silas Burlingame lot 77, now part of our village site and the Jabez Arnold lot.  Caleb Hill died, giving his farm to his children and from them it is passed away.  The Michael Philips farm is now [in 1876] owned by Darius Atherton, now one of the assessors of New Berlin.  The Barnet Hill farm is yet in the ownership of his descendants.  Mr. Barnet Hill was a prudent, industrious farmer and was several terms one of the overseers of the poor.  He performed the duty with caution and humanity.

Reeve and John Dilley were brothers and settled on a wild lot next west of one of the Simmons lots west of the Great Brook.  Reeve was by trade a carpenter and after making some clearings on his lot, he occasionally continued to work at his trade among the more thrifty farmers changing their old family log houses into good substantial framed dwelling abodes.  John kept a tavern many years after the country round about became sufficiently settled to warrant the establishment of such a luxury to the traveling community and an accommodation for town meetings and sometimes elections.

Asa Williams settled on a wild lot some little distance from the Dilley's towards Norwich.  He was a frugal and industrious farmer and was sometime a justice of the peace in the days of Federal party supremacy over the Democratic party, he being a somewhat distinguished Federal politician and likewise otherwise qualified for the office.  He received his appointment from the Council of Appointment and officiated to the satisfaction of all reasonable litigants, for his decisions were impartial to unreasonable litigants.  The old adage might apply":  "Ne'er he who feels the halter draw, / Has a good opinion of the law."

Nehemiah Leach settled on a wild woodside hill lot beyond Asa Williams location, which was known in after years as the Leach hill.  He was an enterprising business farmer.  

Simeon Odle was an early settler on a wild lot in the neighborhood somewhat south of the Leach hill.  He was a good farmer and one of our active town officers in the early days of town affairs.

William Mayhew and his brother, John Mayhew settled on a lot near one of the Simmons lots on the Great Brook and cleared up their farms and left them to their heirs.

Isaac Sherman settled on the brook running into the Great Brook west of the Mayhews and built a sawmill on his farm which was a valuable affair to the early settlers.  It was among the first sawmills erected in the town and furnished much valuable pine lumber.  His descendants are yet in possession of the farm [In 1876].

Isaac and Abner Burlingame, brothers, settled on a lot next north of one of the Simmons lots on the Great Brook.  They were thrifty farmers.

Vital Records, Chenango County, NY, January 1877 (continued)

 Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, January 25, 1877

Marriages

UTLY - SAYLES:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], Jan. 19th, by Rev. L.M.S. Haynes, Mr. Byron J. Utly of Cortland County [NY] to Miss Perleyette A. Sayles, of Norwich.

STURGES - WOLCOTT:  In Fabius [Onondaga Co. NY], Jan. 18th, by Rev. J. Storrs, Mr. Austin Sturges of Otselic [Chenango Co. NY] to Miss Jane E. Wolcott of Fabius.

VOLMER - WILCOX:  In Smyrna [Chenango Co. NY], Jan. 11th, by Rev. H. Fox, Mr. Anthony Volmer to Miss Adelia J. Wilcox all of Smyrna.

BEECH - JONES:  In North Norwich [Chenango Co. NY], Jan. 20th, by C.S. Brookins, Esq., Mr. Edmond D. Beech of Pharsalia [Chenango Co. NY] to Miss Lida J. Jones of New Berlin.

NEARING - BEEBE:  In Guilford [Chenango Co. NY] Dec. 27th by Rev. E.W. Caswell, Mr. Afton J. Nearing of Mt. Vision [Otsego Co. NY] to Miss Maimie Beebe of Guilford.

Wooden Wedding:  On Wednesday evening, January 17th, Mr. and Mrs. B.J. Cone of Columbus [Chenango Co. NY] celebrated their fifth anniversary, or Wooden Wedding.  A large number of friends from Smyrna [Chenango Co. NY], the home of Mrs. Cone, New Berlin and Columbus, were in attendance, and the evening passed off to the satisfaction of all present.  Richardson's Band were on hand and furnished excellent music for all those who were versed in the arts of Terpsichore.  The happy couple were the recipients of a good supply of wooden ware and the well wishes of all the guests. At a late hour the next morning the party broke up, feeling that the night had been pleasantly spent and wishing the worthy couple many happy returns of the day.

Deaths

PELLET:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], Jan. 22d, Mr. John Pellet, aged 88 years.

GODFREY:  In this town [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], Jan. 19th, Mary M. [Godfrey], wife of Richard Godfrey, and daughter of Linus and Julia Benedict, aged 24 years.

GATES:  In East Pharsalia [Chenango Co. NY], Jan. 6th, Archie [Gates] son of Frank and Mary Gates, aged 9 months and 21 days.

DRAKE:  In Oxford [Chenango Co. NY], Jan. 2d, Gracie M. [Drake] daughter of Zebra Drake, aged 7 months.

FISK:  In Oxford [Chenango Co. NY], Jan. 14th, Mr. Charles Fisk, aged 23 years.

DWIGHT:  In Cincinnatus [Cortland Co. NY], Jan. 11th, Mr. Solomon Dwight, aged 62 years.

Plymouth [Chenango Co. NY]:  Diphtheria has prevailed here to quite an extent.  Almost every family have been afflicted with it.  Jessie B. [Cushman] one of the twins and the youngest daughter of George P. Cushman, aged 8 years and 2 months, was taken with this disease and died December 26th, living but two days after she was taken.  All of Mr. Cushman's family have been sick with this same disease.  Johnny, twin brother of Jessie is now sick.

_____________________________

MAYNARD:  In Hillsdale, N.Y. [Columbia Co.], Jan. 14th, Mrs. Cynthia H. Maynard, aged 51 years, sister of Mrs. Thomas Stackhouse, of this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY].

On Sunday morning, the 14th inst., Mrs. Cynthia H. Maynard, wife of Hon. Arba K. Maynard, of St. Paul, Minn., and some thirty years since a resident of this village, met with a terrible death from fire, at Hillsdale, Columbia County.

For years past, deceased had not lived with her husband, and for some time previous to her death had made it her home with Thomas Owens of Hillsdale who was formerly employed upon the farm of her husband and had married his adopted daughter but is now a widower with two children.  Mr. Owens had arisen on that morning, kindled a fire in the kitchen stove and went out to do his chores.  He was soon after startled by the cries of his little girl who ran from the house in her night dress, crying "Grandma is burning up."  Hurrying to the house, he found the unfortunate woman in the pantry adjoining the kitchen enveloped in flames which she was vainly endeavoring to quench by throwing water upon her person with a dipper, from a pail.  Mr. Owens threw a bed quilt over her and wrapping her in it, laid her upon her bed, but she died instantly, giving but a gasp.

It is supposed that deceased was busying herself in preparing breakfast and that the sleeve of her dress took fire from the stove from which a cover was removed.  From a scorched spot upon the kitchen floor, it was evident that she had thrown herself upon it, hoping to extinguish the flames, when her screams aroused the little girl.  She was terribly burned about the breast and vitals.

Mrs. Maynard was for something like seven years an inmate of the Insane Asylum at Utica, which institution she left with reason restored about four years since and for a time made it her home with her sister, Mrs. Thomas Stackhouse, of this village, when she removed to Hillsdale.  Many who made her acquaintance while here will regret her sad death.  Her age was fifty-two years.  Mrs. Stackhouse, with her daughter, Mrs. Volney Butts, attended her funeral.

_________________________

The people of Utica [Oneida Co. NY] were shocked on Wednesday afternoon of last week by the announcement that Col. Alvan White, an old and much respected resident of that city, had fallen through the opening of the elevator at Faxton Hospital from the upper story to the basement, dislocating his neck, killing him almost instantly.

Col. White had resided in Utica from his boyhood and was in his seventy-second year at the time of his death, although he looked much younger.  In early life he was a clerk in a store in that city, and afterwards proprietor of the Mansion House, which he left in 1845 to take charge of the Central Hotel, where he remained for thirteen years.  Retiring from the hotel business he was employed for several years in the freight office of the Central Railroad Company.  When the war broke out, he volunteered his services and was made Captain of Company A, 117th Regiment.  When the regimental organization was perfected, he was commissioned as Lieutenant Colonel, and after the Regiment took the field, ill health forced the Colonel commanding to resign, when the command fell upon Col. White, who was soon afterwards commissioned.  He was with his Regiment in many engagements and was a cool, fearless officer, beloved by his men.  Ill health compelled him to resign his commission in 1864 and he returned to his home where he served as Deputy Sheriff, Assistant Assessor of Internal Revenues, and finally as Steward of the Faxton Hospital, which position he occupied at the time of his death.

Deceased was formerly well known to many residents of the Chenango Valley as a popular landlord and genial gentleman.  In the winter of 1869-70 he resided in this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], occupying the position of salesman for Messrs. Nettleton & Heath, clothing merchants from Utica.  He made many warm friends and renewed old acquaintances during his brief residence among us.

His funeral was attended on Sunday morning by the Citizens' Corps of which organization he was Captain before the war, Knights Templar, 117th Regiment, exempt Firemen, Common Council and a large concourse of citizens.  Services were held at the Church of the Reconciliation and the remains interred in the Utica Cemetery with appropriate ceremonies.

_______________________________

Deaths of Prominent Citizens

"Sentinel," in a recent letter to the Utica Herald, gives the following interesting reminiscences of prominent citizens connected with the Banking institutions of this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY]:

The recent decease of Nelson B.  Hale, President of the Bank of Norwich, brings to mind the sad inroads made by death in the ranks of bank directors and officers and prominent men of Norwich within the past few years.  The Bank of Norwich was organized in 1856 with thirty-nine stockholders, eleven of whom were constituted a board of directors.  Of the original stockholders, twenty-two have died.  Ten only who subscribed to the original articles of association are now stockholders of the bank.  But four of the eleven directors, as the list was first constituted, survive:  Warren Newton, the cashier; B.B. Andrews, Harvey Thompson and Charles Lewis.  the first director that died, and who was also the youngest was Charles N. Wheeler, in 1859 or 1860.  Next in order of time comes Theodore Miller, who died July 31, 1860; Ansel Berry, who died in July, 1870; Jonathan Wells, Vice President from the organization, died November 20, 1871; James H. Smith, President from the organization till his death, which occurred May 15, 1872; William Packer, died in December 1874, and last Nelson B. Hale, who superseded Mr. Smith and who died on the 16th.  David Griffing, an original stockholder and later a director, a man of much prominence in business and financial circles, died in November 1872.  

The Bank of Chenango, one of the oldest institutions of the kind in this portion of the State, organized in 1818, has also sustained signal and severe losses in the death of officials, within a few years.  Benjamin F. Rexford, a director and attorney, and for twenty years Vice President, died August 29, 1872.  Walter M. Conkey, for half a century connected with the bank as teller, cashier and President, died December 20, 1872.  William B. Pellet, for fifty years associated with the institution as clerk, teller and cashier, died January 10, 1873.  Benadam Frink, a director and Vice President, died April 5, 1875.  

Of the deaths noticed, some of them occurred not merely in near succession, but with shocking suddenness, in a moment least expected and in an unlooked-for manner.  

It was Monday and Mr. Smith was at the bank as usual, apparently in good health.  On Tuesday morning he was stricken in his bed with apoplexy and before noon of Wednesday he was dead.  

Mr. Rexford argued a motion before the special term of the Supreme Court in the morning and in the afternoon walked from the court to his office in his strength.  A little before six in the evening he was struck with apoplexy and within an hour was dead.  

Mr. Conkey for a few days ill, but in a condition in no way alarming, one Sabbath evening came downstairs from the room of his son, stepped to the mantlepiece in his dining room, wound the clock, when seized with apoplexy of the lungs, he fell to the floor and in half an hour was dead.  

At noonday, Mr. Pellet was seen sitting in his accustomed place in the Eagle dining room, apparently well.  He was noticed to recline and partially fall from his chair.  Apoplexy was doing its dread work, and in ten minutes the victim was dead.  

The sudden deaths of four bank officers within eight months whose aggregate term of service numbers over 150 years, certainly is no ordinary occurrence, the like of which probably can nowhere be found. 

In this connection, while noticing sudden deaths, I am led to make mention of one more, not, I believe, a banker, but most intimately, politically and socially, related to those who were called away so unexpectedly and unwarned.  Possessed of enviable gifts of rare intelligence and commanding presence, my closing subject was a decided character in our town.  For ten years assistant clerk of the Assembly and for three terms, 1847, 1848. and 1849, clerk of that body, of fine discrimination and a good judge of character of scholarly tastes and habits, his knowledge of men and things was remarkably surprising.  About 4 o'clock one afternoon, in unusual good spirits, he went into his office on South Broad Street and while in pleasant conversation with his laundress, who had just come in with a basket of clothes, he was observed to slide from his chair and before a physician could reach his room from the street, Philander B. Prindle was dead.

Vital Records, Chenango County, NY, January 1877 (continued)

 Oxford Times, Oxford, NY, January 17, 1877

Death

BROOKS:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co. NY], on 10th, Mr. Horace Brooks, aged 73 years.

Chenango American, Greene, NY, January 18, 1877

Death

In Deposit [Delaware Co. NY], Jan. 11th, Mrs. Susan [Marvin], widow of the late Simeon Marvin of this village [Greene, Chenango Co. NY], in her 93d year.

The remains of Widow Marvin, wife of Dea. Simeon Marvin, who died in this village about 20 years ago, were buried in the old cemetery on Saturday.  Mrs. Marvin died in Deposit at the residence of her son, Uriah Marvin, on Thursday of last week, in the 93d year of her age.  While sitting in her chair, shortly before her death, she slipped and fell from it, dislocating one of her hips.  Mrs. Marvin is remembered as a kind, good old lady, by many of our citizens.

Sherburne News, Sherburne, NY, January 20, 1877

Death

HARRIS:  In New Berlin [Chenango Co. NY], Thursday, December 21st, 1876, Squire Harris, aged 91 years.

Deceased was a brother of Harvey Harris of Norwich [Chenango Co. NY], and of John Harris with whom he had lived 54 years.  This was a living example of true brotherly love.  They were born in Sterling, Conn. and were brought to Norwich by their parents at the age of five and six years.  they came by marked trees and were two days crossing from the Unadilla to the Chenango River in the year 1790.  Their father, John Harris, was a sea captain and married Tamar Runsford in Sterling in 1776, one hundred years ago the 27th day of last June, just one week before the Declaration of Independence.  The mother of John Harris being Ruth Folger, a relative of Benjamin Franklin.  Harvey Harris was born on the spot of ground where he now lives 81 years ago.  Another brother, Blin, lived and died on the adjoining farm.  Of the eleven children, but two are now living, John and Harvey.  Just one week from the time Squire was buried, John Harris, father of Mrs. Edwin Berry, slipped upon the ice and broke his hip and now lies in a critical condition, as his extreme age renders recovery impossible.  He was 93 the 9th of January.  How little those thought who stood around the new made grave of Squire, a few days ago, and saw him laid beneath the drifting snows, while the fleecy flakes fell thick and fast, that the other brother would so soon be laid upon a bed of suffering.  Aye, "in the midst of life we are in death."

Bainbridge Republican, Bainbridge, NY, January 20, 1877

Marriage

VIPER - BRAYTON:  In Castile, N.Y. [Wyoming Co.], January 6, 1877, Mr. Herman Viper of the above place to Miss Emma Brayton, formerly of Bainbridge [Chenango Co. NY].

Death

LANE:  At West Bainbridge [Chenango Co. NY], Jan. 13th, 1877, Mr. Luman L. Lane, aged 31 years.

In its appropriate place will be found the announcement of the death of Luman L. Lane which occurred at the residence of his father-in-law, Briggs Lyon, in this town, at three o'clock Saturday afternoon last, his funeral taking place on Tuesday.  For some time, he had been wasting away, but his death, though not wholly unexpected, was, nevertheless, a terrible shock, and a great sorrow. "Deac." as he was familiarly called was a genial whole-souled fellow, kind to a fault and always obliging; qualities of mind and heart which had won him hosts of friends.  The widow, father, mother and brothers, have the heartfelt sympathy of a large circle of friends and acquaintances.

The funeral of Luman L. Lane was largely attended at the West Bainbridge Baptist church, Tuesday.  About thirty Masons from this place were present, as also were quite a large number form Afton lodge.  Rev. N.S. Reynolds preached a very able and appropriate discourse, discussing the immortality of the soul, and its future existence, in a close, logical and impressive manner. His closing remarks were considerate and kind.  He had made the acquaintance of the deceased during the past year and esteemed him highly as a citizen and friend.  Altogether, the occasion was most impressive and served deeply to remind one of the fact "that in the midst of life we are in death."

Freeman's Journal, Cooperstown, NY, January 11, 1877

Marriage

On Thursday, Jan. 6th, 1877, at the home of the bride's mother, by Rev. N.W. Wells and Rev. Chas. K. McHarg, William H. Russell and Maggie K. Gaylord, all of this place [Cooperstown, Otsego Co. NY].

Deaths

In this village [Cooperstown, Otsego Co. NY], Jan. 7, 1877, Lucy E. [McLean], daughter of Wm. and Phoebe McLean, in the 21st year of her age.

Whereas, it has pleased Almighty God to remove from our midst Sister Lucy E. McLean, a beloved member of our Sabbath School; therefore

Resolved:  that in this dispensation of Providence we have lost a most faithful pupil and efficient teacher, one whose loss is deeply mourned by all her associates.

Resolved, that we, as a school, tender our most sincere and heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved family, and trust that our loss is her eternal gain.

Resolved. That a copy of these resolutions be presented to the family of the deceased, and also published in the village papers and reordered on the minutes of our school.  By order of Committee.

______________________

Died suddenly, in Albany, N.Y., Jan. 7th, 1877, at the residence of his son-in-law, P.D.F. Goewey, Capt. Wm. H. Peck of Laurens, Otsego Co. [NY], in the 65th year of his age.  Funeral Wednesday at 2:30 from St. Paul's church.  Remains to be taken to Albany Rural Cemetery.

Freeman's Journal, Cooperstown, NY, January 18, 1877

Marriages

On Tuesday, Jan. 16th at "Willow Brook", the residence of the bride's parents in this village [Cooperstown, Otsego Co. NY], by the Right Rev. Wm. C. Doane, S.T.D. Bishop of Albany, the Rev. Walker Gwynne and  Helen Bowers [Lee] daughter of F.A. Lee.

At Springtown Centre [Herkimer Co. NY], on the 2d inst., by the Rev. L. Castler, Mr. Emery Snyder of Van Hornsville [Herkimer Co. NY], and Miss Ophronia Snyder of Starkville [Herkimer Co. NY].

In Middlefield [Otsego Co. NY], Dec. 27th, by Rev. S.P. Way, Mr. Alonzo Dingman to Miss Delphine Farwell both of Roseboom [Otsego Co. NY].

In Roseboom [Otsego Co. NY], Jan. 9th, by Rev. S.P. Way, Mr. Chester J. Manzer of Hartwick [Otsego Co. NY] to Miss Celiah Winslow of Roseboom.

Deaths

At Richfield [Otsego Co. NY], Jan. 7th, 1877, Mrs. Wm. Warren, sister of H.C. Brockway, aged 49 years.

In Winfield [Herkimer Co. NY], Dec. 28th, 1876, Mrs. Leroy Spencer of Unadilla Forks [Otsego Co. NY] aged 62 years and 6 months.

In West Winfield [Herkimer Co. NY], on the 2d inst., Mr. Bentley, relict of Elisha Bentley, aged 86 years and 9 months.

In Morris [Otsego Co. NY], Jan. 8, Joshua D. Matteson, aged 88 years and 9 days.

In Laurens [Otsego Co. NY], Jan. 7 at the house of her nephew, J.W. Dunbar, Miss Fannie Bunnell, aged about 70 years.

In Laurens [Otsego Co. NY], on the 13th inst. Maria [Butts], wife of Harvey Butts, Esq., aged 69 years.

On the morning of the 16th January 1877, in Beloit, Wis. Mary [Blodgett] widow of the late Rev. L.P. Blodgett, late of Cooperstown [Otsego Co. NY] in the 86th year of her age.  The body will be brought to this village for interment in Lakewood Cemetery.

In Utica [Oneida Co. NY], January 9, 1877, Jennie M. [Pier] daughter of Col. Delos D. Pier, aged 25 years, 11 months and 26 days.

His nephew in this village [Cooperstown, Otsego Co. NY], received the news on Monday of the death of Gen. Kent Jarvis, of Massillon, Ohio, that morning.  He was about 76 years of age and one of the best-preserved men we ever saw who numbered so many years.   He spent a portion of last summer here, as was his custom and then bid fair to make a hale and hearty octogenarian.  Gen. Jarvis was a native of this town but had been for many years a resident of Ohio, where he occupied prominent official and other positions and was very popular as a public spirited citizen.  He was a General of the State militia when the war broke out and was efficient in organizing troops for service.  After the close of the war, he held the position of U.S. Revenue officer for his district. Gen. J. was a prominent railroad man, and for a long time conducted extended operations in real estate.  Personally, he was a very genial and pleasant gentleman.  The world is the better that he lived.

Vital Records, Chenango County, NY, January 1877 (continued)

 Chenango Semi-Weekly Telegraph, Norwich, NY, January 17, 1877

Marriage

BURLINGAME - STEVENS:  In Afton [Chenango Co. NY], Jan. 7, by Rev. H.N. Vandusen, Mr. Perry Burlingame of Angona, Iowa, to Miss Julia E. Stevens, of Colesville, N.Y. [Broome Co. NY]

Death

Mr. Warren Newton, Cashier of the Bank, announced the death of Nelson B. Hale, and offered the following:

Resolved:  That in the death of Nelson B. Hale, President of this bank from 1873 and a Director from its organization in 1886, this bank and community have sustained an irreparable loss; that we shall always indulge in it as a grateful recollection that we have been associated with him as a Director and adviser for twenty-one years, and as President of this bank for four years; that we entertain a high respect for his honor and integrity and the purity of his life.

That we tender to his widow and family our sympathy in this their great bereavement ; that as officers of this bank we will close our banking house on the day of his funeral and in a body attend the same:

That a copy of these resolutions be sent to his family and furnished to the papers for publication.

Mr. Newton is offering the resolutions said:  "My acquaintance with Mr. Hale commenced over thirty years ago.  During the twenty-one years that we have been associated as stockholders and directors of this Bank there has never been a single occurrence to mar the friendly relations that have existed between us.  Whenever I have felt the need of advice and counsel, I have always sought and secured that of Mr. Hale.  This association was organized in 1856, with thirty-nine stockholders.  Of the first eleven directors, Jonathan Wells, Theodore Miller, Nelson B. Hale, Adsel Berry, James H. Smith, William Packer and Charles N. Wheeler, have died. Those who survive are Burr B. Andrews, Harvey Thompson, Charles Lewis and Warren Newton.  Of the original stockholders 22 have died.  There are but ten of those who subscribed the original articles of association who are now stockholders of this Bank.

I move the adoption of the resolutions.

Remarks were then made by other directors, eulogistic of the deceased and the resolutions were unanimously adopted, and the Board adjourned.  T.D. Miller, Vice President; Warren Newton, Cashier

Chenango Semi-Weekly Telegraph, Norwich, NY, January 20, 1877

Marriages

STANBRO - MOSELY:  In Lebanon [Madison Co. NY], January 10, 1877, by Rev. H. Fox of Smyrna, Mr. Levi G. Stanbro and Miss Nettie F Mosely of Hamilton [Madison Co. NY].

VOLIMER - WILLCOX:  In Smyrna [Chenango Co. NY], January 10, by Rev. H. Fox, Mr. Anthony E. Volimer and Miss Adeliah J. Willcox, all of Smyrna.

RICHARDSON - HARRINGTON:  On the 10th instant by Rev. Joseph Clements, of East Pharsalia [Chenango Co. NY], Mr. George M. Richardson and Maria Harrington of the same place.

Deaths

PARKER:  In Otselic [Chenango Co. NY] January 12, 1877, Amaziah Parker aged 73 years, 9 months and 8 days.

Otselic:  Amaziah Parker, one of our oldest and most respected citizens died at North Otselic the 12th inst.  Mr. Parker settled at the Hotel there about the year 1831, keeping it several years.  Removing thence, he kept hotels at Homer, Cuyler, and other places, afterwards returning to Otselic, where he spent several years, until declining old age compelled him to retire to the quiet of private life.  In his calling he was one of the most respected of men, never allowing any riotous conduct in his house.

DERMOT:  In Otselic [Chenango Co. NY], January 10, 1877, Mrs. Mary Dermot, aged 60 years.

McLEAN:  A son of Andrew McLean, of Middletown [Otsego Co. NY] aged about 7 years, was drowned on Monday of this week in his father's mill pound, at the place known as the Isthmus, about three miles below that village.  He was riding downhill on the bank of the stream and his sled running upon the ice he broke through and was drowned.

HALE:  The funeral of the late Nelson B. Hale, whose death we announced in our last issue, was largely attended from his residence on Thursday last. The services were impressively conducted by Rev. S. Scoville assisted by Rev. Mr. Haynes, and in obedience to the request and taste of the deceased were simple and without ostentation.  Notably in attendance was the large number of businessmen of our village, as well as those who were the associates of the deceased in his early days.  The directors of the Bank of Norwich of which he was President at the time of his death attended in a body as well as the officers of the Bank of Chenango all uniting in tokens of respect and honor to the memory of the deceased.  But a very few of his early associates in business in our village survive him.

GREEN:  North Norwich [Chenango Co. NY]:  On Wednesday, the 17th inst. the funeral services of Martha Green, wife of Benjamin Green, were held at their residence on Skinner Hill. The services were conducted by Mr. Gordon of this place.  He selected for his text these words, "Today shalt thou be with me in paradise."  His remarks were truly powerful and impressive, and with the solemnity of the occasion rendered them pathetically delivered and also well received.  After the conclusion of the services, the coffin containing her remains was deposited in a sleigh and conveyed to the North Norwich cemetery, and there the open tomb received into its bosom the sacred trust committed to its keeping in hope of the final resurrection.  Mrs. Green leaves an affectionate husband and four children and other relatives to grieve over her sad departure.  She had lived five years over her three score years and ten, and those many years of constant care and anxiety as a wife and mother, for the welfare and prosperity of her children and grandchildren had marked deep the furrows of her face and brow.  She gave evidence at the last, that these wearisome months she had lived, when conflicting with incessant suffering, and burdened with weighty afflictions, she properly longed after the promised rest, and welcomed the shadows of the evening, the assaults of sickness, the inroads of old age, and the prospects of dissolution; thus she has been borne to that state we are all hastening, our days pass away swifter than a weaver's shuttle, our lives are vanishing like the unstable cloud and our earthly possessions will soon be in other hands, for others to enjoy.

"How sad to look upon a human face, / Whose features death hath set his signet on, / And hourly see depart each lovely grace / That made it once so sweet to look upon / To see (once red) those purple fevered lips / Easy to speak a farewell word with pain. / To see the sad eyes close in death's eclipse, / And limbs to stiffen never to move again.  G.S.T.