Wednesday, December 27, 2023

Vital Records, Otsego County, NY, July 1877 (continued)

 Freeman's Journal, Cooperstown, NY, July 19, 1877

Deaths

In Middlefield [Otsego Co. NY], on the 11th inst., Capt. Aaron North, aged 85 years.  He was a native of that town and died on the farm on which he was born.  He was a kindly hearted and liberal man, much respected by all who knew him.

Morris Chronicle, Morris, NY, July 18, 1877

Death

Oneonta Herald & Democrat, Oneonta, NY, July 20, 1877:  In Gilbertsville, July 12, Mrs. Geo. A. Rockwell.

Gilbertsville, Otsego Co. NY:  After a number of weeks of severe illness, Mrs. George A Rockwell died last Thursday night.  she was buried in Brookside Sunday afternoon.

____________________

July 11:  In Morris [Otsego Co. NY], Mr. Jacob Folts, aged 96 years and 11 months.

Another old and respected citizen of this town has died.  Mr. Jacob Folts, the oldest man in town, nearly 97 yrs. of age, died at the residence of his son, Spelman Folts on Wednesday last.  He got up that morning and ate his breakfast as well as usual.  During the forenoon he went upstairs to his room and was heard to cough and spit quite frequently.  Some members of the family went to his room and found that he was bleeding from the mouth.  A physician was sent for, but the old man died before a doctor could be summoned.  It is supposed that a blood vessel had been ruptured and he bled to death.  Mr. Folts was born in the town of Herkimer, Herkimer County [NY] (then Montgomery) in 1780 of Dutch parents and moved to this town some forty-eight years ago, where he resided until his death.  He raised a family of nine children, all of whom are now living, except a maiden daughter who died thirty days before her father. The deceased and the Hon. Thurlow Weed married sisters, daughters of Daniel Ostrander who was a prominent hotel keeper in Cooperstown over fifty years ago.

Thus one by one our aged fathers are passing over to the other shore.  It matters not when or how we go if our house is set in order when the Master calls.  The subject that should most interest us is, are we prepared to meet our God?

Oneonta Herald & Democrat, Oneonta, NY, July 20, 1877

Marriages

At Morris [Otsego Co. NY], July 14, by A.S. Hobart, Warren T. Hartwell and Miss Belle Lamb, both of South New Berlin [Chenango Co. NY].

In Brooklyn, July 12, at the Baptist Parsonage, 74 5th Street, by Rev. D. Read, Walter Pardoe of Milford, Del. and Miss Anna Piank of Susquehanna, Pa.

Deaths

Hon. Daniel Stewart died in Hobart [Delaware Co. NY] on the 12th inst. aged 52 years.  In 1852 he was nominated for the Assembly in the Second district of Delaware County [NY] by the Whig party, endorsed by the anti-renters, and elected.  In 1858 he was elected to the Legislature from Clinton Co. [NY] and removed to Hobart last fall.  He had been complaining of indisposition for a few days and on the morning of his decease went to a bedroom over his store and lay down to rest.  Nothing was thought unusual until about five o'clock in the afternoon when one of his clerks went up to his room and found him a corpse.  A coroner's inquest developed the fact that death was caused by an epileptic fit.

Two accidents have taken place lately in the vicinity of Cannonsville [Delaware Co. NY] from taking corrosive sublimate.  One a little child of Alpheus Ostrom is slowly recovering.  The other, Samuel R. Underwood, after lingering nearly a week proved fatal.  He took it through mistake.

Hon. John Haxtun died at his residence at East Meredith [Delaware Co. NY], June 30th, aged 73 years.  He was an educated man, a great lover of history and scientific matters and a ready writer.  In 1855 he was nominated by the American party and endorsed by the anti-renters as a candidate for Member of Assembly, in the Second Assembly district of Delaware county and was elected.

Thomas Mantor a former resident of this place [Oneonta, Otsego Co. NY], died at Tioga, June 28th, aged 81 years.  He owned what is now [in 1877] known as the George Blend farm and left here forty years ago.

Tuesday, December 26, 2023

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

 Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, July 19, 1877

Marriages

RANDALL - MUNSON:  At the Congregational parsonage in this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], July 15th, by Rev. S. Scoville, Mr. Osmos Randall to Miss Mary D. Munson, all of Norwich.

WILLCOX - WILLCOX:  In McDonough [Chenango Co. NY], July 4th, by Rev. W. Burnside, Mr. Nelson Willcox to Miss Ida J. Willcox, both of Smithville [Chenango Co. NY].

BREWER - BENN:  In Cincinnatus [Cortland Co. NY], July 4th, Rev. D. Reese, M. Seth E. Brewer to Mrs. Roxie E. Benn, all of Cincinnatus.

It was indeed a surprise to Mr. and Mrs. W.H. Bishop upon their return to their residence on Hayes Street [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY] on Saturday evening last, after a temporary absence, to find that a merry party of friends had taken possession of their domicile, bringing with them bundles and baskets, and making themselves generally at home.  Tables were soon spread by the ladies and the contents of their baskets discussed after which the evening was spent in social intercourse.  It was the ninth anniversary of the wedding day of Mr. and Mrs. Bishop and many gifts both useful and ornamental were left with them by their friends.  It was a most enjoyable time and to none more so than the happy couple.

Deaths

GRANT:  In this town [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], July 15th, Lucinda [Grant], wife of Edwin P. Grant, aged 43 years.

JAQUITH:  In Otselic [Chenango Co. NY], July 16th, Mr. Joel Jaquith, aged 53 years.

INMAN:  In Plymouth [Chenango Co. NY], July 16th, Mr. Barton Inman, aged 79 years.  "After life's fitful fever, he sleeps well."

OWEN:  In Oxford [Chenango Co. NY], July 10th, Helen M. Owen aged 44 years.

Chenango Semi-Weekly Telegraph, Norwich, NY, July 21, 1877

Marriages

BROWN - BROWN:  At Waverly [Tioga Co. NY], July 15th, by Rev. G.R. Hair, Mr. Frank E. Brown of Norwich [Chenango Co. NY] to Miss Ella Brown of Waverly.

WILBER - BLANCHARD:  In DeRuyter [Madison Co. NY], July 19, by Rev. Mr. Phillips, Mr. Osmos Wilber,  of Norwich [Chenango Co. NY] and Miss Ella Blanchard of DeRuyter.

Deaths

FIGARY:  In North Norwich [Chenango Co. NY], July 4th, 1877, Minerva [Figary] daughter of O.M. and Ruth E. Figary, aged 10 months and 22 days.

WASHBURN:  Frank Washburn, son of John Y. Washburn, while on a visit with his brother-in-law, Henry Babcock, formerly of Norwich [Chenango Co. NY] now residing at Sayre, Pennsylvania, died suddenly on July 16th, aged 20 years.  Disease said to be retrocession of black erysipelas, resulting in congestion of the lungs.  His remains were brought home and on Wednesday afternoon buried in Oxford Cemetery [Chenango Co. NY]. Elder Peck officiated at the funeral.

Chenango American, Greene, NY, July 19, 1877

Marriage

In Binghamton [Broome Co. NY], July 4th, by Rev. John McVey, Mr. Wm. W. Baker of Triangle [Broome Co. NY] to Miss Emma A. Lucas of Smithville [Chenango Co. NY].

Death

FURLOW:  In Smithville [Chenango Co. NY], July 13th, Miss Maria E. Furlow, daughter of Cornelius Furlow of Greene [Chenango Co. NY] aged 19 years. [Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, July 26, 1877]

A daughter of Cornelius Furlow of this town, aged 19 years was taken suddenly ill last week at the residence of Wm. E. Porter of Smithville [Chenango Co. NY] where she had been employed several months as a servant and died Friday night.  She had been complaining several days but was up and about the house Friday morning for an hour and a half.  Her remains were brought to this village [Greene, Chenango Co. NY] on Saturday and taken to the Page Brook cemetery [Chenango Co. NY] for burial.  Owing to the suddenness of her death, and what appeared to them other suspicious circumstances, the friends of the deceased did not have her buried on Saturday, but had the body lowered into the grave and watched by two men until Sunday.  Meantime Coroner Wood was notified, a jury summoned and proceeding to Page Brook, the body was examined.  Drs. Johnson and Birdsall, of this village, made an autopsy of the body and after careful examination by the jury and physicians, a verdict was rendered to the effect that deceased came to her death through the result of natural causes.  Mr. Porter and others of the neighborhood wherein the girl died were examined and gave straightforward and reliable testimony relative to the sickness and death of the deceased which left no doubt upon the minds of the jury and fully sustained them in their verdict.

Bainbridge Republican, Bainbridge, NY, July 19, 1877

Deaths

DAVIS:  In Bainbridge [Chenango Co. NY], July 2d, 1877, Charles M. Davis, aged 65 years.

NEWTON:  At the residence of P.R. Newton, Binghamton [Broome Co. NY], July 14th, 1877, Thomas Newton, formerly of this town [Bainbridge, Chenango Co. NY] aged 84 years.  His remains were interred at North Afton [Chenango Co. NY] on Monday last.

RICHARDS:  At the residence of H.C. Shepardson, of West Bainbridge [Chenango Co. NY], July 10, 1877, Annise [Richards] wife of Lyman Richards and daughter of Wm. N. Barber of North Harpersfield [Delaware Co. NY].

Mrs. Lyman Richards of Hartwick [Otsego Co. NY], who has been sick with spinal fever at her sister's, Mrs. Horace Shepardson of this place, died on Tuesday of last week.  The remains were taken to Harpersfield for interment.

Monday, December 25, 2023

Vital Records, Otsego County, NY, July 1877 (continued)

 Morris Chronicle, Morris, NY, July 11, 1877

Deaths

July 3:  In Carbondale, Abbey [Shelland], infant daughter of James and Anna Shelland.

July 6:  In Morris [Otsego Co. NY], of cancer, Mary Ann [Hoke] wife of Jonas Hoke, aged 68 years.

Mrs. Hoke, whose death we chronicle this week had been a great sufferer from disease for many years.  During the last forty years of her life, she was not free from illness.  But she bore it all with Christian grace and died trusting in the redeeming blood of a crucified and risen Saviour.  Her funeral was attended from the Baptist church last Sunday morning.

June 17:  In Davenport [Delaware Co., NY], of heart disease, Emma A. [Houghtaling] daughter of Robert and Eliza Ann Houghtaling, aged 14 years, 2 months and 28 days.

Stephen Webster, a former resident of this town [Morris, Otsego Co. NY] died in Virgil [Cortland Co. NY], at the advanced age of ninety years.  He was a member of the Baptist church at the Centre for a great number of years and was a true and sincere Christian.  A few weeks before his death he fell and broke his hip which was the cause of his death.

_______________________

Drowned in the Factory Pond, July 4th, Clarence Hand aged 17 years, 11 months and 17 days.

An inquest was held on the morning of the 5th, the Jury consisting of the following:  J. Gile, Foreman; M. Watson, S.V. Briggs, D. Hinman, Wm. Gile, Geo. Herring, J. Strait, Charles Strait, J. Rathbon, D.H. Mead, J.H. Pope, Mortimer Eldred, T Stanton.

A.P. Strong called and sworn:  Am a practicing physician; have examined the body of deceased; presents the appearance of one coming to his death by suffocation of drowning, and it is my opinion that was the cause of his death; discover no marks of violence on his person.

H.T. Harris sworn:  Am a practicing physician; examined the body of deceased on the evening of July 4th; should say he came to his death by drowning; saw no marks of violence.

S. Gile sworn:  I found the body of deceased under the water by feeling with a stick, near the west side of the lower pond about 12 or 15 feet east of the raceway; about 12 feet from shore; water was about nine feet deep where the body lay; should think it was about 5 o'clock; I with others tried to resuscitate him without success.

M. Watson sworn: Was present when the body was taken from the pond; it was 20 minutes to 6 o'clock; looked at my watch.

Albert Vansylike sworn:  Went to the factory pond with the deceased and others to take a bath; I with other boys was in a large boat in the middle of the pond; when deceased entered the water he commenced to struggle; thought he was trying to swim until he sunk; as soon as we thought he was drowning we started to help him; he rose just so we could see him; did not come to the surface; deceased stated he could not swim; notified Mr. Gile; he was not undressed when we went in.

Alfred Johnson sworn: It was about five o'clock when we went in bathing; deceased walked in the water a few feet from shore and then plunged in as though he was going to swim; did not hear him ask any questions in regard to the depth of the water; no one near him; someone on the shore.

William Drew sworn:  Was in the boat with the rest of the boys, except Irvin Mulkins who was on the shore.  Testimony co-operates with other witnesses.

Ivin Mulkins sworn:  I went to the pond with some boys to swim; deceased went with us; I sat on the bank when he went in; saw him throw up his hands, thought he was trying to swim; looked for a stick to help him, could not get one in time; think he went into the deep water unawares; he asked how deep it was and was told that he could wade across from the rocks to the dam; he was not told about the depth where it suddenly grew deeper; there was nothing close by that  the boys could get hold of to help him; I went to the fence to get a rail but could not get back in time to help him.

Verdict of the Jury:  That Clarence Hand came to his death by accidental drowning while in bathing.

The deceased was the son of Richard Hand, who resides about two miles from Westville.  He had been laboring for Mortimer Eldred since last March and was a boy of good habits and well liked.  His remains were taken to Westville [Franklin Co. NY] for interment.  S.V.R.

Oneonta Herald & Democrat, Oneonta, NY, July 13, 1877

Marriages

Ouleout, Delaware Co. NY:  M. Fisher has entered the matrimonial state.  He has taken Miss Addie Brasee for a partner.  We wish them happiness and long life.

In Franklin [Delaware Co. NY], at the residence of the bride's father, by Rev. L. Smith, july 2d, Elbridge F. Dougherty of Sidney [Delaware Co. NY] and Libbie A. Banker.

Deaths

In Sidney [Delaware Co. NY], July 9, Wesley Newman, aged 49 years.

In Worcester [Otsego Co. NY], July 4th, Joseph Wilsey, aged 66 years.

In Delhi [Delaware Co. NY], June 30th, of cholera morbus, Jennie S. [Hobbie], wife of J.K. Hobbie, in the 36th year of her age.

T. Leroy Case, Esq., of Albany [Albany Co. NY], who has visited friends in this place a few summers past, died at his residence last Saturday.  He was a law partner of Edward Savage, Esq., a safe counselor and an able advocate.  As a soldier in the late war, he held several honorable positions.  He was a very companionable gentleman and had many friends.  He leaves a wife but no children.

Ouleout, Delaware Co. NY:  Eva E. Seacord, adopted daughter of Stephen Seacord, died June 25th, after a short and severe illness.

Sunday, December 24, 2023

Vital Records, Chenango & Otsego Counties, NY, July 1877 (continued)

 Oxford Times, Oxford, NY, July 11, 1877

Marriage

STRANGE - PACKARD:  At the residence of the bride's parents in Westfield, Tioga Co., Penn., June 28th, by Rev. G.S. Transus, Mr. A.B. Strang to Miss Bella Packard, both of Westfield.

Death

GATES:  In Pharsalia [Chenango Co. NY], June 14th, Lucinda [Gates] wife of Lewis Gates, aged 55 years.

Chenango American, Greene, NY, July 12, 1877

Marriages

At the bride's father's in Binghamton [Broome Co. NY], July 3d, by Rev. A Griffin, assisted by Rev. Dr. Paddock, Robert T. Davidson, M.D.  of Brooklyn, N.Y., lately of this village [Greene, Chenango Co. NY], to Miss Lottie B. [Wentz], daughter of John E. Wentz, Esq.

In Triangle [Broome Co. NY], June 26th, by Rev. Lyman Wright, Mr. Donald D. MacLauren of Hamilton [Madison Co. NY] to Miss Florence E. Page of Triangle.

At Chenango Forks [Broome Co. NY], July 3d, by Rev. Mr. Ely, Mr. Vary ingalls to Miss Libbie [Horton] daughter of John Horton, both of this village [Greene, Chenango Co. NY].

Deaths

In this town [Greene, Chenango Co. NY], July 5th, Mr. Aaron Smith aged 69 years.

In this town [Greene, Chenango Co. NY], July 4th, Mrs. Louisa A. [Gilmore] wife of Willard Gilmore and daughter of C.W. Barnett, aged 31 years.

At Whitney's Point [Broome Co. NY], June 26th, Mr. Edwin F. Hyde, aged 33 years.

In this village [Greene, Chenango Co. NY], July 3d, Albert Neal [Halsey] youngest child of John S. and Ann Amelia Halsey, aged 2 years and 5 months.

Last Tuesday night the spirit of little Bertie Halsey winged its way from this world and passed quietly and peacefully into the arms of his Saviour. The death of this darling little boy seems so sad under the circumstances that we all feel the blow.  We know his father.   He was the companion of our youth, and we feel sad that he could not have been with his precious child when his bright spirit took its flight into the land of angels.  But this could not be.  He was too far away.  However, let us assure him that his baby boy had all the care and attention that skill and loving hearts could accomplish.  His little sinless soul has gone to a brighter and better world than this, and the father's pet, the mother's joy, and the grandfather's idol is at rest, and stands now by that beautiful river on those other shores, waiting and watching for those who loved him here on earth to join him.  Sleep on, darling Bertie, too pure and lovely for earth, the Saviour called thee to join the angel band.

Sherburne News, Sherburne, NY, July 14, 1877

Marriage

Agnes Marsh, aged 18 or 14, and Gordon Hailing, a youth of 17, residing in Waterville [Oneida Co. NY], celebrated the 4th of July by going to Oriskany Falls [Oneida Co. NY[ and getting married.  Their mothers console themselves with thinking "It might have been worse."

Bainbridge Republican, Bainbridge, NY, July 12, 1877

Marriage

VINCENT - LAMPHERE:  At the home of the bride in Bainbridge [Chenango Co. NY] July 3d, 1877, by the Rev. N.S. Reynolds, Myron W. Vincent of Bainbridge to Miss Emily E. Lamphere.

Death

NEWMAN:  In Sidney Plains [Delaware Co. NY], July 9th, 1877, J.W. Newman, aged 45 years.

DAVIDSON:  Geo. W. Davidson, formerly of this town [Bainbridge, Chenanog Co. NY], died at Addison, Steuben County [NY], the 27th ult.  He served honorably through the war and was an eminently successful businessman.

Freeman's Journal, Cooperstown, NY, July 12, 1877

Marriages

At the Baptist Parsonage, Middlefield [Otsego Co. NY], July 4th, by Rev. S.P. Way, Mr. Francis M. VanZandt to Miss Viola C. Olmsted, both of Davenport [Delaware Co. NY].

In Springfield [Otsego Co. NY], July 4th, by the Rev. L. Casler, Mr. David  N. Taylor of Middlefield [Otsego Co. NY] and Miss Lottie M. Taylor, of the former place.

Also, by the same, at the Casler House in Springfield Center [Otsego Co. NY] July 4th, Mr. Barney Filkins and Miss Anna Miller, both of Starkville [Herkimer Co. NY].

Deaths

In Westford [Otsego Co. NY], July 3d, 1877, John Tipple, aged 86 years.

At the residence of W.F. Leonard in Morris [Otsego Co. NY], Mrs. Nancy Myrick, aged 50 years and 27 days, sister of W.F. and R. Leonard.

Saturday, December 23, 2023

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

 Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, July 12, 1877

Marriages

TRUMAN - SHERMAN:  In Otselic [Chenango Co. NY] at the residence of Henry G. Sherman, July 4th, by Rev. O. Foster, Mr. Freeman Truman to Miss Tillie E. Sherman, both of Otselic.

THOMPSON - THORPE:  In East Pharsalia [Chenango Co. NY], July 3d, by Rev. J. Clements, Mr. Charles A. Thompson of East Pharsalia to Miss Clara Thorpe of North Pharsalia.

MONROE - BUTTON:  In Plymouth [Chenango Co. NY], July 4th, by Rev. J.H Barnard, Mr. Thomas S. Monroe to Miss Phebe J. Button both of North Pharsalia [Chenango Co. NY].

HAND - ARMSTRONG: In Afton [Chenango Co. NY], July 4th by Rev. E.T. Jacobs, Mr. Horace Hand of Bennettsville [Chenango Co. NY] to Nancy Armstrong of Guilford [Chenango Co. NY].

COOPER - MILLER:  In Binghamton, July 3d, by Rev. L.C. Phillips, Mr. Charles F. Cooper of Greene [Chenango Co. NY] to Miss Ida J. Miller of Cedar Falls, Iowa.

Deaths

MORSE:  In Oxford [Chenango Co. NY], July 4th, Clarissa Ann [Morse] wife of H.B. Morse, aged 53 years.

PARKS:  In Pitcher [Chenango Co. NY], June 30th, Mr. Nehemiah Parks, aged 73 years.

Chenango Semi-Weekly Telegraph, Norwich, NY, July 11, 1877

Marriage

The silver wedding of Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin F. Taylor was lately celebrated in California.  Mr. Taylor signaled its passage by a beautiful new poem.  Mr. Taylor will be pleasantly remembered by hosts of friends in Norwich [Chenango Co. NY] as the first Principal of Norwich Academy.

Deaths

There's a lonely grave in Asa Pellett's pasture, east of his house and a few rods from the road, around which the roses are in full blossom.  A rough headstone marks the place, on which is faintly cut the name "Lucy Culiums."

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

Marriages

STEVENS - FARNHAM:  At the house of the bride's father in Mt. Upton [Chenango Co. NY], July 3d, 1877, by Rev. E.P. Kidridge, Mr. Geo. Stevens of Pitcher [Chenango Co. NY] to Miss Sarah Farnham of Mt. Upton, N.Y.

MILLER - SHOVE:  At the M.E. Parsonage, Gilbertsville [Otsego Co. NY], July 11th, 1877, by Rev. B.B. Carruth, Mr. Samuel B. Miller, of Laurens, Otsego Co., N.Y., and Mrs. Charlotte M. Shove of Mt. Upton, Chenango Co. N.Y.

Deaths

BAKER:  In Guilford [Chenango Co. NY], July 6th, 1877, of Heart Disease, Abigail Baker, aged 73 years.

AMES:  In Columbus [Chenango Co. NY], July 5th, of Typhoid pneumonia, James G Ames aged 77 years, 6 months and 18 days.

Under its appropriate heading will be found a notice of the death of the venerable James G. Ames, of Columbus, at the advanced age of seventy-seven years and upwards.  Mr. Ames was one of the pioneers of Columbus and was highly esteemed and respected by all who knew him.  Always an observant man, as he grew older and had more leisure upon his hands he became more so.   He particularly noted the changes in politics and has often favored the Telegraph with reminiscences in political matters, that have at once been instructive and interesting.   He was a Republican and always did what he could to advance the interests of that party, believing that through it liberty would come to the slave and salvation to the country. The good old man lived to see his belief in both particulars verified, and now he has passed to his reward.

_____________________

Intelligence has reached Plymouth [Chenango Co. NY] of the death of Mr. John Waterman, formerly of that town, and no doubt exists but that he was murdered in Arkansas.  The following letter received by the Postmaster at Plymouth explains itself:

Pierce City, Mo., July 5, 1877, Postmaster, Plymouth N.Y.:  Dear Sir:  I enclose a slip cut form the St. Louis Globe Democrat of yesterday, giving an account of the murder south of this place in Arkansas, of a Mr. Waterman, a few days since.  I was well acquainted with Mr. Waterman and was very much pained to learn of his death.  He told me he formally came from Plymouth and did not know but he might have some relatives there now.  He left here a few weeks since to go down to the lower part of this State, and I have heard nothing from him until I heard of his death.  If he had any relatives in your town, please show them this with the enclosed slip.  Yours Truly, J.A. Purdy.

The following is a copy of the slip cut form the Democrat referred to by Mr. Purdy:

"Was He murdered?  Special dispatch to the Globe Democrat, Pierce City, July 3.  A man named Waterman, about fifty-five years old, was found hanging in a stable at Peel's store, Benton County, Arkansas, on Saturday morning last.  His head was cut, and it was thought there was foul play.  He had six hundred dollars when he left this city about ten days ago.  When cut down he had twenty-nine dollars and fifteen cents in his pocketbook. Waterman formerly lived in Illinois, and was a native of Chenango County, N.Y., and was a gunsmith by trade."

Mr. John Waterman as we have said, formerly lived in Plymouth.  He left there about ten years or more ago, with the intention of disposing of some property he had in Henry County, Ill.  A few letters were received from him after his arrival in that State, but nothing has been heard from him for several years until now, and his friends in this section had given him up as dead.  He was a single man, and had three sisters, two living in Plymouth and one in Sommerset, Mich, also one brother living in Hudson, Mich.  He was a cool, quiet man, and one not likely to commit suicide.  He was undoubtedly murdered for his money and then hung as described, and the small amount left in his pocketbook as described, as a cover to disarm suspicion of the crime or its perpetrators.

Friday, December 22, 2023

Vital Records, Otsego County, NY, 1877 (continued)

 Morris Chronicle, Morris, NY, July 4, 1877

Marriages

June 19:  At the M.E. parsonage in Clarksville [Allegany Co. NY] by Rev. Samuel Homan, Wm. Howland of Lodi [Seneca Co. NY], and Miss Mary A. Putnam of Decatur [Otsego Co. NY].

June 13:  At the Presbyterian Church, Cherry Valley [Otsego Co. NY] by Rev. H.F. Swinnerton, R.H. Leaning to Mary A. Stacy, both of Cherry Valley.

June 21:  At Fly Creek [Otsego Co. NY], by Rev. Dr. Lord, of Cooperstown [Otsego Co. NY], Clarence Barber of Clinton [Oneida Co. NY] and Miss Mary Hooker, daughter of J.B. Hooker, Esq. of Fly Creek.

Deaths

June 27:  At the residence of W.F. Leonard in Morris [Otsego Co. NY], Mrs. Nancy Mirick aged 50 years and 22 days, sister of W.F. and R. Leonard.  

She had been a great sufferer and for the last two years and a half had been confined to her bed with consumption.  All her suffering she bore with Christian fortitude, relying on Christ as a sure and sufficient Saviour and so she died, beloved by all who knew her, with a strong faith in the atoning blood of Jesus.  Of her it can be truly said "She hath fought the good fight of faith and received her reward."

____________________________

In Gilbertsville [Otsego Co. NY], June 26, Rev. John V. Hughes, aged 74 years. [Oneonta Herald & Democrat, Oneonta, NY, July 6, 1877]

After an illness of some months the Rev. J.V. Hughes died last Tuesday evening.  He was buried with Masonic honors by the F.&A.M. of which he was a respected and honored member.  The services were conducted by the Rev. Hobart Cooke of Morris assisted by the Rev. Charles Pelletreau of Unadilla and Rev. Daniel Washbon of Scranton, Pa., The remains were encased in a fine oval-top black, walnut case, literally covered with flowers; was taken charge of by the Masons at the house and born to the Episcopal Church, the band playing a dirge.  After a brief service at the Church, the procession again formed and between a long file of the order, it was borne to his last resting place by about 100 masons, representing seven different lodges.  When that funeral train filed into the cemetery, it presented a grand and solemn cortege; first the marshal, then the hearse, next the band playing a solemn dirge, followed by the measured tread of his brothers, citizens in carriages and on foot.  The services at the grave made a grand and solemn impression and all turned away feeling that a good man had indeed fallen from our midst.

_________________

Gilbertsville, Otsego Co. NY:  Mr. J.H. Bump was stricken with a fit of apoplexy last Monday about 5:30 P.M. and died Tuesday morning at 2 o'clock.  His remains were taken to Unadilla [Otsego Co. NY] for interment last Thursday.

Oneonta Herald & Democrat, Oneonta, NY, July 6, 1877

Marriages

On the evening of the Fourth at the residence of the bride's father, by Rev. HY.H. Allen, John F. Hoagland of Oneonta Plains [Otsego Co. NY] and Miss Ida Swartfigure.

In South Edmeston [Otsego Co. NY], at the residence of the bride's mother, June 19, by Rev. James H. Smith, E.D. Hayward, M.D. of Columbus [Chenango Co. NY] and Mrs. Helen E. Tilton, of South Edmeston.

Deaths

In East Davenport [Delaware Co. NY], July 2, Rebecca L. Elwell aged 73 years.

In Franklin [Delaware Co. NY], July 2, Mrs. Eliza Palmer, daughter of Frederick and Dina J. Stenson of Sidney, aged 21 years.

In Delhi [Delaware Co. NY], June 27, John H. Niles, aged 55 years.

In Cooperstown [Otsego Co. NY], June 30, Rufus D. Willis, aged 53 years.

Clarence Hand of Middlefield [Otsego Co. NY], a young man about twenty years of age, was drowned in the factory pond, Laurens [Otsego Co. NY] about four o'clock Wednesday afternoon, July 4th.  Some small boys were bathing there at the time.  He undressed and struck off into deep water, sinking immediately without a struggle.  The alarm was given at the village and the body recovered as soon as possible, but all efforts to restore him were unavailing.

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The Junction Accident

About ten o'clock Friday morning, William Van Dusen, while at work in one of Spencer & Talmadge's sawmills, between the Junction and Maryland [Otsego Co. NY], received injuries that resulted in death.  While the carriage was drawing back, Mr. Van Dusen attempted to cross over it, and was caught by the saw....He died about one o'clock, soon after the arrival of Dr. Peck of this place and was not conscious from the time of the injury.  He was an industrious, good-hearted man, and leaves a wife and five children.  The funeral Sabbath was largely attended. Eight Grand Army comrades from Oneonta and a larger number from Schenevus were present.

Since the above was put in type, we have received from a gentleman living at Colliersville, the following sketch of the deceased.

Mr. Van Dusen came to Colliers [Otsego Co. NY] about two years ago and began work for his brother, John Van Dusen.  He continued on the farm until a short time since, when work becoming scarce, he engaged to work for H.D. Spencer in the steam sawmill situated two miles east of Colliers.  According to agreement he left his home early Friday morning and upon arriving at the mill was immediately set to work.  The result is already too well known to the people of this vicinity.  In his death, we as a community experience a sad loss.  the church of which he had recently become a member, will also deeply mourn his departure. At the last meeting of Excelsior Lodge, No. 101, he was unanimously elected Worthy Chief Templar.  Many will remember his expressions of gratitude to the lodge for the high position to which he had been called and on being presented with the gavel, how earnestly he entreated the members to devote themselves to the cause of temperance.

The deceased was a man highly respected by all who knew him, was a kind and affectionate husband and father, and an earnest Christian.

His funeral services were held at the M.E. church last Sabbath. The ministers officiating were Rev. H.B. Cook, former pastor of the church and under whose preaching Mr. Van Dusen was converted, Rev. Lockwood, present pastor, and Rev. Flint of Milford Centre.  Brown Post No. 15 of Schenevus and Fariner Post 119 of Oneonta were present and administered the sad rite of the order at the grave.  F.L.B.

Thursday, December 21, 2023

Buell Family Reunion, July 1877

The Buell Family Reunion

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

On Friday last it was our pleasure with others to be present at a family reunion of the Buell family, at the hospitable residence of Mr. Elijah K. Buell, the old Buell homestead, at King Settlement [Chenango Co. NY].  It may not be generally known that this family is of exceedingly ancient origin and unlike most of our American citizens they are able to trace their genealogy with a tolerable degree of accuracy.

The original stock is of Welsh extraction and the ancient orthography of the name was Bwyl.  The Welsh Buells (or Bwyls) were furnace men and emigrated from Pembrokeshire Wales to Staffordshire England, about the year 1546, whence a branch of the family went to Somersetshire in 1489, where the name is still perpetuated. The English Buells are "small freeholders," That is to say owners of their homes or farms in fee simple and not leasehold tenants.  Their Farms are located a few miles southwest of the town of Old Bridgewater and about thirty-five miles from the city of Bristol.  They were staunch Roundheads in politics though not strict Puritans in religion and eagerly followed the standard of Cromwell when raised against the Stuart dynasty. Those of the family who remained in England after the Restoration joined the Duke of Monmouth in his ill-starred rebellion against King James II.  After the battle of Ledgemoor, their freeholds were sequestrated by Lord George Jeffreys and themselves driven out of Somersetshire.  But William of Orange, when he came to the throne of England, restored their land and subsequently Queen Anne made various small grants to those who had already settled in the then colonies of Connecticut and New Jersey.

The Buells of this country are literally "to the manor born."  Their ancestor, William Buell, with his brother, Ralph [Buell], emigrated from near Old Bridgewater, Somersetshire, England, immediately after the restoration of the Stuart family to the English throne, and settled, on in what is now New Jersey, and the other near Stonington, Connecticut.  They had both been soldiers in Cromwell's army and had fought at Worcester, Dunbar and Marston Moor.  William, who settled in New Jersey, reared a large family, and one of his sons, Elijah [Buell] by name, settled in what is now Dutchess County [NY], near Amenia, in 1704, so that the members of this branch of the family have been in New York for 173 years [in 1877]. Elijah raised several lusty boys, one of whom was killed in the Old French War, in the battle of Fort Ticonderoga.  According to the register preserved in an ancient family bible (which is a rare curiosity and is now in the possession of Mrs. Lydia Barnes of this village, eldest daughter of the late Elijah Buell, of King Settlement) Grover Buell, grandson of the original settlers in Dutchess and great-grandson of the man who had served under Cromwell, married Miss Jerusha Buck, in February 1758.  She bore him three sons, the second of whom was born in 1763, and was named Simon [Buell].  This was the father of Elijah Buell, of King Settlement, and grandfather of the family whose reunion we attended on Friday.  Old Grover Buell, the great-grandfather of the present family, served with his five brothers in the Revolutionary war, and one of them was an officer in the second New York Line (Continentals).  Grover himself was a militiaman and was in active service in the campaign of 1777 against Burgoyne and in Gen. Sullivan's expedition against the six nations.  But he had an uncle and several cousins, his father's brother and family, who lived on Manhattan Island and were Tories.  There was in consequence a bitter feeling between these two branches of the family which continued for a long time after the Revolution.

Elijah Buell, the head of the family in this vicinity, was born in Dutchess County [NY] in 1787 and came to King Settlement [Chenango Co. NY] in 1808, his baggage consisting, as he used to relate, of a rifle, axe and a pair of saddlebags.  He made the journey on horseback by way of the Susquehanna valley.  Like all the pioneers, Elijah was a man of iron frame and powerful constitution, qualities which were imperatively needed to grapple with the hemlock forests that used to fringe the Chenango hills.  He knew but one way to make a fortune and that was to earn it.  So, as the years passed by, the forest in the midst of which he built his first cabin gradually disappeared and gave place to the broad meadows and wide pastures which now make up what is known far and wide as the old Buell Homestead.  He died in 1867, within a few months of four score, leaving six sons and three daughters, all of whom are now living. Some of his descendants may surpass him in mental culture, in travel and knowledge of the world, but none of them in the essentials of manhood, self-reliance, charity and courage.

Approaching the old homestead our eyes were greeted with a scene of beauty and activity in keeping with the beautiful day which favored the reunion. the talismanic words "Welcome Home," greeted all comers from over the broad entrance to the spacious old residence. But there was no occasion then to enter, for the cordial greeting which one met with on every side from the members of the family congregated in the pleasant door yard, made him feel completely at home in such beautiful surroundings.  In front of the house was a photographer's apparatus with which the shadow of the company had just been caught and scattered hither and yon were family groups engaging in congratulations and fighting the battle of youth over again.  Two immense tables were spread upon the lawn and at two o'clock these were well filled, again and again, and when all had partaken of the bounteous repast another cheerful aspect of the reunion presented itself.  The day selected was the fiftieth birthday anniversary of Mr. Charles A. Buell, now of Meadville, Pa., who had been long absent from the old homestead. To signalize his return and give him something to carry away with him which would ever and anon prompt kind thoughts of those he leaves, each brother and sister had prepared a beautiful gift for himself and family. These were tastefully arranged upon a stand between the tables and when uncovered dazzled the eye with their brightness.  By request, the writer in a few appropriate words on behalf of the donors, presented the gifts to "Charles."  Too full for utterance, Mr. B. called upon Rev. C.C. Williams who was present, who fittingly and beautifully responded.

The afternoon was then whiled away in pleasant socialites, croquet, etc., and by the younger portion of the family with a miniature Fourth of July celebration, showing that the blood of the Revolutionary fathers still courses in their veins.  At early sundown, guests and family, all went to the family burial ground, passing the old red house on the hillside erected by the father many years ago, and which is yet in a tolerably good state of preservation.  Arriving at the graveyard, flowers were strewn over the places where rest the parents, though we have little doubt in spirit they were mingling with the throng.  The grave of the brave Sergeant, Thomas Clancey, who fell nobly battling for the union, on Fredericksburg's bloody field, was so kindly and patriotically remembered.  The flowers strewn, the man of God addressed the Throne of Grace, all united in a praise song, the Benediction was pronounced, the party returned to the homestead to separate each to his or her home, all feeling nobler and better, because of the pleasures of the day.  Each of the family vied with Mr. and Mr. Elijah K. Buell in pleasant and courteous attentions.

The family consists of six sons and three daughters, all of whom were present with the exception of Albert [Buell], who by reason of infirmity was unable to be present.  There has been no death in the family for forty-five years and upwards, except those of the parents.  The following are the names of the brothers and sisters present:  Lydia Buell Barnes, Norwich; Geo. Buell, Elijah K. Buell, Charlotte Buell Hollister, Simon Buell, King Settlement; Betsy A. Buell Brown, Norwich; Charles A. Buell, Meadville Pa., and William R. Buell, King Settlement.  The names are given in the order of their ages.  Among the grandchildren present were Buell Barnes, Geo. H. Buell, William, Lewis and Lottie Buell; Mrs. Devillo Adams and her husband, and Mr. and Mrs. Sheff of this village.  Mr. Marquis Brown (husband of Betsy) and several children were also present.  There were present a large number of the younger members whose names we did not get.  Hon. Augustus C. Buell of Washington, eldest son of Simon [Buell], arrived the same evening, too late however, to enjoy the occasion.

The entire affair was well conceived and most happily executed.  We are glad to add one word more.  Large as is the family of the elder Elijah Buell, all bear the respect, confidence and esteem of those who know them.  All are striving to fill the allotted sphere with credit to themselves and honor to their noble ancestry.  May they live long to enjoy many more such reunions and may "ye reporter" never fail to be present is the wish of the Telegraph.

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Obituary - Elijah K. Buell

Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, April 29, 1897

Elijah K. Buell was born at King's Settlement in the town of North Norwich, N.Y. [Chenango Co. NY], in the month of September 1818, and died in Norwich, N.Y., April 23, 1897.

He was the last but one of a family of six boys and three girls.  Charles Buell of Blooming Valley, Pa., is the only survivor.  The parents of these children were of New England stock, strong, sturdy, stalwart, and to their children they imparted these qualities with good and wholesome training.  The subject of this notice spent his life on the farm near the spot where he was born, until a few years past, when he has resided in Norwich village.  He was the father of four children, two of whom together with his wife are left to mourn their loss.  Mr. Buell was a quiet man, never using more words than needful to express himself; naturally timid, shrinking form public notice.  This, however, was not because he was not a man of judgment and ability.  He was a man of uprightness, indeed, an exemplary man of honesty and fidelity.  He had opinions and they were good ones, invariably of a high order.  A good citizen, a true friend and a kind neighbor.  For many years he was in public office of responsibility, a railroad commissioner for the town of North Norwich from the time the town was bonded to build the Midland railroad until a few years past and received the highest commendations from competent sources for his business ability and integrity.  He was also supervisor of the same town for many years.  Politically, he was a Republican, staunch and true, a constant reader of The Chenango Telegraph and the New York Tribune for many years.  His political views, like everything he held, were a part of himself.  His religious life was not as public in proportion as we could have wished, nor as he himself told me it ought to have been.  During the severe illness of a lovely daughter, some sixteen years ago, he learned to read the Bible beside the sickbed for the dying girl.  Afterward he went to Ocean Grove and there experienced religion.  On coming home, he said to his wife "it was too bad that that lovely lamb had to be slain to bring me to Christ" (referring to the death of the daughter) "perhaps if I had not been so stubborn, she might have lived."  He told the writer last summer that one time in the church at King's Settlement he made a public profession, and ought then to have united with the church, but his natural timidity or shrinking from publicity seemed to hold him back.

Such is a brief sketch of a life of seventy-eight years and seven months.  Between the lines of this sketch you may fill in with words of strength and beauty, words of patience and love, words of toil and anxiety, words of suffering and sorrow.

Then comes the finish.  On Thursday evening he sat quietly listening to this wife reading the latest news from the Greco-Turkish war, and also of the Cuban struggle, holding a lively interest in all the events of the day.  Then wearied from the day's toil he retired to his bed; slept for a little time, awoke with pain.  After a brief struggle, quietly fell asleep--that sleep that knows no waking in this clime.  It was a sad night to the faithful, loving wife, alone with her dying husband.  And then in her sadness to go out to call the neighbors, but He whose arm is Almighty was her strength, and will be to the end.

Good-bye husband, friend, brother, citizen, good-bye.  We will meet you in a little while, when the morning dawns.

Funeral this afternoon at 1 o'clock from his late residence on North Boad Street.  Interment in the family plot in king's Settlement.

Vital Records, Chenango & Otsego Counties, NY, July 1877 (continued)

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

Marriage

Mr. and Mrs. Hiram Adams celebrated the fifth anniversary of their wedding at their residence in the town of Norwich [Chenango Co. NY] on the evening of the 2nd inst.  A large number of friends and relatives assembled to join with them in passing a pleasant evening.  After the guests had arrived, they were made mutually acquainted, and the enjoyment of the evening commenced.  For a time, conversation ruled the hour, and well did it reign for many valuable thoughts were expressed and happy reminiscences rehearsed.  Next the Rev. Sev. Samuel Scoville of Norwich held the attention of the large company while he made some joco-serious remarks which were highly enjoyed by his listeners, then he performed the marriage ceremony of the happy couple, happy with the experience of five years of blissful bondage under the yoke which has not galled, and also happy in feeling that they can improve their future by the enjoyable past.  After they were joined anew in the bonds of matrimony, the officiating Rev. gentleman asked for a divine blessing on them and their assembled friends, then gave way to the Rev. E.W. White, who followed with some remarks in his usual happy manner and ended with a heart-felt invocation to the throne of grace.  those present then formed in couples and sought refreshment and it was found in abundance.  We beheld large tables bountifully supplied with both substantials and luxuries and well did the participants do the repast justice.  In the evening the presents were both valuable and numerous and while the entertainment was gotten up with considerable expense and labor by the host and hostess, the tokens of respect and friendship left them by their friends will doubtless be cherished for many years as reminders of the happy occasion and the friendly donors.

Oxford Times, Oxford, NY, July 4, 1877

Marriage

BARSTOW - PADGETT:  In Oxford [Chenango Co. NY], May 6th, by Rev. J.K. Peck, Mr. Ethan C. Barstow and Miss Eleanor E. Padgett, both of Oxford.

Death

WILLCOX:  In Greene [Chenango Co. NY], June 27th, Delilah [Willcox] wife of Charles Willcox, of Smithville [Chenango Co. NY], aged 24 years.

Sherburne News, Sherburne, NY, july 7, 1877

Deaths

SMITH:  In Albany [Albany Co. NY], July 1st, 1877, A. Gracie [Smith] daughter of E. Leroy and A.M. Smith, aged 4 years, 1 month and 11 days.  The deceased was a granddaughter of Hon. Isaac Plumb of this village [Sherburne, Chenango Co. NY] and her remains were brought to this place for interment, the funeral taking place from the residence of Mr. P. on Tuesday.

Not dead, but transferred / From earth to heaven; / That can never die to which / He life hath given.

Oneonta, Otsego Co. NY:  At about 11 A.M. yesterday, Wm. Van Dusen of Colliersville [Otsego Co. NY], met with an accident which resulted in his death two hours later.  He was at work in H.D. Spencer's sawmill and while in the act of jumping over a log which was being sawed, slipped and fell upon the circular saw running at full speed.  His right leg was cut off below the knee and thrown a distance of thirty feet and his body was otherwise fearfully mangled.  Dr. Peck of this place was sent for, but on his arrival there, found the man dying, having been unconscious from the time of the accident.  He leaves a wife and five children to mourn his loss.  Press, 30th ult.

Freeman's Journal, Cooperstown, NY, July 5, 1877:  There was a sad accident at Cooperstown Junction [Otsego Co. NY] on Friday last, at Horace Spencer's steath sawmill.  Wm. Van Dusen of Colliers, an industrious and temperate man, of small means, and who leaves a wife and several young children, had been engaged the night before to assist in running the mill.  He had been at work but a few hours when for some reason he attempted to step over the log on the carriage.  He either made a misstep or was hit by one of the standards and thrown upon the saw.  His right leg was severed and thrown some forty feet from the saw and the thigh terribly lacerated; the flesh and muscles of the right arm were cut and town in a fearful manner. Drs. Irish of Maryland and Simmons of Colliers were soon in attendance, but their services were not needed. He did not speak after he was removed from the saw but continued to breathe for about two hours and a half.  His funeral was attended at Colliers on Sunday.

Freeman's Journal, Cooperstown, NY, July 5, 1877

Marriage

At the M.E. Church, in Bently Hollow [Otsego Co. NY], June 24, by the Pastor, Rev. M.L. Baker, Ethelbert Barnard of Clarksville [Allegany Co. NY] and Miss Martha Treat of Bently Hollow.

Deaths

In this village [Cooperstown, Otsego Co. NY], June 28, 1877, Edwin [Grube], son of William and Angeline E. Grube, aged 14 months.

In this village [Cooperstown, Otsego Co. NY], June 30th, Rufus D. Wills, aged 55 years.

In Schenevus [Otsego Co. NY], June 23d, '77, Amasa Dingman in the 76th year of his age.

In North Albany, N.Y. [Albany Co.] July 1st, 1877, Henry J. Merce, in the 56th year of his age.

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News Items

Broke Jail

Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, April 28, 1877

On Friday morning at about ten o'clock Linus Frymont [sic] a colored man made his escape, from the jail in this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY].  He was employed with others in clearing the jail premises under direction of Deputy Sheriff Dwight Cook who was in attendance upon the premises in the absence of Sheriff Hill upon official business.  The Deputy stepped into the kitchen and pumped a pail or two of water leaving Frymont and Moses Lee in the yard busy at their work.  Moses says he did not see him go, but he is certain he saw him within three minutes of the time he disappeared.  Search was at once made for him but without avail.  Shortly report came that a man answering his description had been seen running up West Street towards the Hil and that settled the question of his escape. The best theory of his escape is that Frymont went up the stairs and then through an open window in the hall out onto the roof of the kitchen and so over the front fence to the ground, jumping a distance of some twelve feet.  His tracks where he struck were plainly visible, and those made in gathering for the race for liberty.  Under Sheriff Lewis and Deputy Cook and others are in pursuit of him and it is hoped he will be retaken.

Frymont was arrested early this month at Elmira [Chemung Co. NY] for breaking into the store of Dr. Purple of Greene and appropriating divers articles of silverware, etc. and had he remained, the evidence was sufficient against him to apprentice him in Pillsbury's institution at Auburn for several years.  He was about twenty-five years of age about five feet eight inches in height, short hair and had on when he escaped a blue calico shirt and a cap, in addition to other clothing.

Escaped Prisoner Recaptured

Chenango American, Greene, NY, July 5, 1877

Julius Friemont [sic], who escaped from our jail [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY] on April 27th by jumping from a window while scrubbing in the front rooms, a full account of which appeared in the Telegraph at the time, was brought into town Wednesday evening by Sheriff Hill and lodged in the Gray Eagle.

The sheriff got a clue to his whereabouts, procured a requisition upon the Governor of Pennsylvania, and started for him Monday last.  At New Milford, Pa., Friemont had stopped soon after his escape and under the assumed name of Julius Peak, stated that he had once been a barber in that town.  This gave a clue and knowing that he had a brother in Montrose, Pa. it was supposed he would tend that way in his course and the surmise was correct. He had been there but a week previous, having in a row stabbed another man severely in the shoulder and "lit out."  Here the Sheriff gave proper papers to Deputy Sheriff Warner of that town and started with him for Wilksbarre, but by inquiry on the train, received information that a man answering his description had been working a week in a tannery at Springville and getting off at this station, the Deputy Sheriff went to the tannery and under pretense of purchasing a horse, got the proprietor to call Friemont out to the stable to show the animal.  When Warner being satisfied he had the right man from the description given by Hill, arrested and handcuffed him sending for Sheriff Hill, who had kept out of sight up to this time.  When Seized, Friemont supposed it was for the stabbing at Montrose and began to tell that the "other man had hit him first; and he could prove it," but when asked if he knew Sheriff Hill, who was then approaching, took one look, and dropped back completely overcome saying, "Yes, I know him."  He was at once taken by private conveyance back to Montrose and lodged in jail, arriving about midnight.  On Wednesday A.M. he was taken from the jail and carried by the stage route to New Milford station on the D.L.&W. thence via, Binghamton home to his old quarters. When prepared to take the prisoner outside from Montrose jail, Sheriff Hill looked out the window and saw a crowd of twenty-five or thirty people around the stage evidently assembled to attempt a rescue, but on the approach of the prisoner some of them said "good-bye" and no attempt was made to interfere with the officer.  It was good judgment on the Sheriff's part in sending Warner alone, to make the arrest, for had Friemont got sight of Hill anywhere from ten to twenty rods away, he would not have been taken except by the use of firearms, for it is said he can run like a quarter horse.  Now he is in his old quarters, it is safe to say he will not leave them except for similar ones at Auburn or Sing Sing, he having plead guilty to the charge of burglary, in the robbery of Dr. Purple's store at Greene, for which he was awaiting sentence at the time of his escape.  Telegraph.

Wednesday, December 20, 2023

Vital Records, Chenango County, NY, July 1877

 Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, July 5, 1877

Deaths

BOSWORTH:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], July 1st, Mrs. Betsy Bosworth, mother of H.C. and J.P. Bosworth, aged 77 years.

CONEY:  In this town [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], July 1st, at the residence of Charles B. Brooks, Mrs. Betsy Coney, aged 88 years.

COY:  In East Pharsalia [Chenango Co. NY], June 26th, Mr. Monroe Coy, aged 33 years and 10 days.

CHANDLER:  In Pitcher [Chenango Co. NY], June 21st, Mrs. Deborah Chandler, widow of the late Hiram Chandler, aged 67 years.

WOOD:  Mt. Upton, Chenango Co. NY:  We forgot last week to mention the death of Seaborn Wood, which occurred here recently, at the age of sixty-eight years.

MUDGE:  Mt. Upton, Chenango Co. NY:  In our notice last week, of the death of Mrs. Mudge, an error makes it appear that she spent a large share of her life in this village.  It should have been valley. She never was a resident of this village, so far as we know.

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COOK:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], June 26th, of scarlet fever, Daniel Cook, aged 2 years and 5 months, youngest son of Daniel B. and Maggie Cook.

Parents, you loved your darling, / With love that is untold; /But Jesus loved him better, / And took him to his fold.

You miss your little Dannie, / His loss you deeply feel; / But Jesus will sustain you, / And all your sorrows heal.

And when this life is ended, / And all your trials o'er, / You'll meet your little Dannie, / Where parting is no more.

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BROWN:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], July 1st Mr. Erasmus Brown, aged 60- years.

Again we are called upon to announce the death of an old and esteemed citizen, one who has for many years been identified with the interests and prosperity of our village.  Erasmus Brown died at his residence, about one o'clock on Sunday morning, aged sixty years.

Deceased was born in Groton, New London County, Conn., in 1817.  May 1st, 1835, he, in company with his brother, E.L. Brown, and their cousin, Coddington B. Brown, came to this village and commenced the blacksmithing business in the stone shop on East Main Street, which they rented of Levi Ray.  Here they carried on business together for five years, during which time they filled a contract for making the iron work for the aqueducts, locks and bridges on this section of the Chenango Canal, then being constructed, extending a distance of some ten miles.  Later, they erected a shop on a vacant lot owned by Charles York, on the same ground now occupied [In 1877] by the residence of the deceased, where they continued in business.  A few years later they separated, and the shop was moved back to give place to Mr. Brown's residence and is now [in 1877] occupied as a barn on the premises.  A large wagon shop standing near the blacksmith shop, just south of it, was also moved back, and occupied by deceased for many years in prosecuting his trade.  C.B. Brown, better known as "Major" , built a wagon shop east of the present residence of Dr. Bruchhausen on South Broad Street, where he conducted carriage making for many years. Deceased left the blacksmithing business about the year 1850 and entered into the carriage and harness hardware trade with Hiram Goodrich, some four years later, his brother, E.L. Brown, purchased the interest of Mr. Goodrich, and the business was conducted in the firm name of E.&E.L. Brown, for a period of thirteen years, when they were burned out by the fire which occurred on South Main Street, in the spring of 1868. Since that time, deceased had not been engaged in active business.

No one could have been taken from our midst whose death would have been more generally mourned, and none with fewer enemies.  "A good man has gone," is the expression on all sides.  Quiet and unostentatious, yet genial in his manner, correct in matters of business, of the strictest integrity and always ready to aid in matters of public enterprise, he will be missed by all classes.  Nearly two years since he suffered from a shock, from the effects of which he never fully recovered.  During the past few months, he was evidently failing in health and but a few weeks since returned from a trip south, from which he hoped to derive benefit.  He was confined to his house but a little more than a week previous to his death, his sickness terminating in Bright's disease of the kidneys.

His funeral was largely attended on Tuesday morning, Rev. Mr. Haynes of the Baptist church, officiating.  The officers of the Bank of Norwich attended in a body, deceased having been for years a stockholder in that institution and was, upon the death of the late N.B. Hale, chosen one of its Directors. The banking house was appropriately draped in mourning after his death.

He leaves a widow, but no children; with one brother, E.L. Brown, and two sisters, Mr. H. Scofield and Mrs. S.P. Pierce, all residing in this village.

At a meeting of the Directors of the National Bank of Norwich held at the Banking house on the second day of July 1877, the fact of the death of Erasmus Brown, of the said Board of Directors, was brought to the notice of the Board, and the following Resolutions were proposed and were unanimously adopted:

Resolved:  that it is with sorrow that we meet once more with our numbers broken, and are called upon to note that one more of our businessmen has been taken from us by death.  That in the death of Erasmus Brown we recognize the loss of a man remarkable for his quiet yet earnest business qualities and scrupulous honesty; a man solicitous for the prosperity of all that pertained to this village and its institutions.

Resolved:  That we are reminded by this Providence coming so closely upon previous breaches in our ranks, that this life and its associations are but for a moment, and that He who doeth all things well directeth according to his own pleasure and that our plans come to nothing.

Resolved:  That we tender to the family of our deceased associate our sympathies in this hour of sorrow and bereavement and that a copy of these Resolutions be forwarded to them, and to the press for publication.

Resolved:  That in a body we will attend the funeral services of our deceased associate.

Chenango Semi-Weekly Telegraph, Norwich, NY, July 4, 1877:  DIED:  In this village, on Sunday morning the 1st inst., Erasmus Brown, aged sixty years.

The above announcement will grate harshly and suddenly upon the ears of many of our people who have not been cognizant of the fact of Mr. Brown's rapid decline, and many will stop to drop a tear at the departure of a truly good man.

Mr. Brown was born in Groton, New London Co., Conn., in 1817, and removed to this village in 1835, when he engaged with his brother Erastus L. in the blacksmithing business in the old stone shop on East Street.  During this time, they attained quite a prominence in their business. They furnished among other large operations the iron work for the locks, bridges and aqueducts on the Chenango Canal.  They continued at blacksmithing until 1850, when they sold out and embarked in the saddlery and harness hardware business, embracing with it a silver-plating department.  This they carried on quite extensively until 1866, when they were burned out by the disastrous fire which swept all the business places south of the Crawley building.  Since that time Erasmus has been in no business, having been fortunate enough in his ventures to be able to retire.

During his retiracy he has devoted himself to quiet and unostentatious deeds of charity and benevolence and he always cheerfully bore his share of the public burthens.  Up to a very late period he has been in usual good health.  Sometime last year he began to notice signs of approaching disease and recently made a trip to Washington and other Southern points in the hope that change of climate would bring the glow of health again.  In this he was mistaken, and he had returned but a short time before his symptoms became alarming, his disease proving to be Bright's disease of the kidneys in advanced stage.  It baffled the skill of our physicians and a little over a week ago he was confined to the house and on Sunday morning he quietly and peacefully passed over the river.  He was a kind and affectionate husband, a true friend a good citizen and an honest man.  He died as he had lived, beloved and respected by our entire community.

Upon the death of Mr. N.B. Hale a few months since, his place was filled as director of the Bank of Norwich by the selection of Mr. Brown.  Little did any think then that his would be the next vacancy to be filled. 

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MEAD:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], June 29th, 1877, Mrs. Celinda Mead, widow of Allen Mead, aged 70 years.

Mrs. Mead was born in North Norwich, June 10th, 1807.  Soon after becoming the wife of the late Allen Mead, they took up their residence in this village.  Mr. Mead passed away a few years since, esteemed and respected by the entire community.  Mrs. Mead now joins him, after a brief but painful separation, in those mansions prepared for such as they, where there can be no more of sickness, of separation or of death.  She was the mother of a large and interesting family of children, whom she brought up with conscientious fidelity in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.  A devoted Christian, she sought the good and happiness of all around her, whether of her own household or not.  Always attractive and winning in her ways, she was all her life the center of a large circle of attached and devoted friends, some of whom have gone before, but many of whom remain to cherish her memory and dwell upon her virtues.  Her departure is the source of anguish to the hearts of children, associates and neighbors, but to her it is not merely release from pain and sickness, but the opening of a new, a brighter and a happier career of glory above.  Wherefore let us humbly say, in love to her, even while we strew tears and flowers upon her grave.  God's will be done!

Chenango Semi-Weekly Telegraph, Norwich, NY, July 4, 1877:  MEAD:  In this village, on the 29th ult., after a lingering illness, Mrs. Celinda [Mead} widow of the late Allen Mead and mother of Henry Mead and Mrs. Theodore Hill, aged 70 years.

Chenango Semi-Weekly Telegraph, Norwich, NY, July 4, 1877

Death

FLOWERS:  In Plymouth, April 30th, at the residence of Mrs. Barker, Mrs. Clarie Flowers, aged 37 years.

Tuesday, December 19, 2023

Vital Records, Otsego County, NY, June 1877 (concluded)

 Freeman's Journal, Cooperstown, NY, June 28, 1877

Marriages

In this village [Cooperstown, Otsego Co. NY], on the 21st inst. by Rev. F.F. Peck, Elijah Eaton and Mrs. Mary Holmes, all of Cooperstown [Otsego Co. NY].

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Oneonta Herald & Democrat, Oneonta, NY, June 29, 1877:  In Cherry Valley [Otsego Co. NY], June 20th, by Father Theodore D. Mead, of Baltimore, James O'Connor of Baltimore and Miss Sarah Morse, of the former place.

We found "society" at our sister village in a little flutter of excitement over the marriage, which was about to take place, between James O'Connor Esq., a wealthy gentleman of Baltimore, and Miss Sarah Morse, daughter of the late Hon. O.A. Morse, at the old family mansion, where Mrs. M. still resides, and where a large party of relatives and friends were gathered to witness the ceremony, which was performed by Rev. Father Mead, of Baltimore.  A special train of cars was in readiness to bear the happy bridal party to Albany.  The display of flowers is said to have been very beautiful and there were many elegant and costly presents.  The bride was justly popular in society at home and elsewhere among a large circle of acquaintance.

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At Christ Church, Cooperstown [Otsego Co. NY], June 21st, by Rev. Dr. Lord, H. Baiard Patterson, Esq., of Pittsburg, Pa., to Miss Sallie C. Lord, daughter of the officiating Clergyman.

Quite a flutter of feminine excitement was manifested in this neighborhood during the last week, owing to the occurrence of an unusual number of weddings in and near Cooperstown [Otsego Co. NY], which will no doubt be chronicled in the present number of the Journal.

The marriage of Miss Sallie C. Lord, daughter of Rev. Dr. Lord of this village, to H. Baiard Patterson, Esq. of Pittsburg, Pa., took place at Christ church on Thursday, June 21, the father of the bride being the officiating clergyman.  The female friends had been busy decorating the church with floral designs for the occasion and long before the commencement of the ceremony, the sacred edifice was filled with spectators, the majority as usual on such occasions being ladies.  The young gentlemen officiating as ushers, had comfortably seated nearly everyone.

The floral decorations in the church were very beautiful reflecting great credit on the loving friends whose busy hands had accomplished so grateful a task.  Three floral arches spanned the central aisle and the altar vases contained bouquets of choice flowers, all diffusing a delightful fragrance throughout the church.

At half-past 11 o'clock, the time appointed, the organ pealing an enlivening strain, the bridal party entered the church, consisting of five bridesmaids, all in the flush of maiden loveliness, and attired in ----O for descriptive powers to do justice to them!  Lacking the genius to enter into detail on such a bewitching but perplexing subject, the writer must sum up by saying that their tout ensemble was exquisitely beautiful.  They were escorted to the church by the young and handsome ushers, happy, enviable fellows!  The bride, leaning on her brother's arm, was of course the cynosure of all eyes, looked--well, just as a bride should look, and elicited many an expression of admiration from the spectators, especially those of the rougher sex.  The brief Episcopal marriage service was said very feelingly by the Rector, and then, "two lives bound fast in one," the happy party returned form the chancel and the organ struck up the "Wedding March" of Mendelssohn.  A dozen or more beautiful little girls dressed in white, stationed on each side of the aisle, threw flowers at the bride, strewing her path with these appropriate offerings.

After a short reunion of the relatives and bridal party at the Rectory, the happy pair started on their wedding tour, taking with them congratulations and hearty good wishes of the many friends who loved and admired the charming young bride, whose gentleness and amiable disposition had endeared her to all with whom she had become acquainted.

Deaths

At Fly Creek [Otsego Co. NY], in this town on the 20th inst., Horace C. Hooker in the 82d year of his age.

Mr. H. was a native of Massachusetts and moved to this county in 1821.  Until within a few days of his death, he had been in the frequent habit of walking to this village and back, about seven miles.  He was a farmer and mechanic and was always a very active man.  For about fifty years he had been an esteemed and worthy member of the Methodist church and was last winter active in the revival meetings.  

Oneonta Herald & Democrat, Oneonta, NY, June 29, 1877

Marriages

In Cooperstown [Otsego Co. NY], at the residence of the bride, by Rev. W.M. Hiller, Benj. Odell, of Worcester [Otsego Co. NY] and Mrs. Hannah Reynolds, of Cooperstown.

At the residence of G.H. Munson, June 20th, by Rev. J.C. Hammond, D.J. Hanford and Miss Helen A. Harlow, all of Meredith [Delaware Co. NY].

By Rev. W.M. Hiller, June 23d, Eugene jones of Middlefield [Otsego Co. NY], and Miss Francis A. Wellman of New Lisbon [Otsego Co. NY].

Fifteen years ago, Andrew Spencer, county Superintendent of the Poor, and Miss Minerva Cronkhite, both of this place [Milford, Otsego Co. NY], were united in the holy bonds of matrimony and on Saturday afternoon, June 16th, 1877, a very large circle of friends and relatives assembled at the residence of Mr. and Mrs. Spencer to join in the celebration of their crystal wedding.  A most interesting and enjoyable evening was spent.  The bride and groom were introduced to the visitors, after an appropriate congratulatory address by their pastor, Rev. A.B. Richardson, who on behalf of the friends presented a very large and handsome selection of crystal presents, some of which were very valuable indeed.  Among the presents were three chandeliers.  Mr. Spencer and family received the best wishes of the many friends that peace and prosperity may attend them.

Freeman's Journal, Cooperstown, NY, June 28, 1877:  Crystal Wedding:  The 15th anniversary of the wedding of Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Spencer of Milford village [Otsego Co. NY] was celebrated at their residence on Saturday, June 15th.  A very numerous assembly of relatives and friends were present, all of whom seemed to share in the enjoyment of the occasion.  A congratulatory address was given by their Pastor, who on behalf of the friends presented a very large and costly selection of crystal articles to the bride and groom.  These were highly appreciated, not only for their intrinsic value, but will be kept as expressions of sincere affection and regard.  The Spencer family enjoy the esteem and respect of the entire community and our best wishes for their present and future prosperity and happiness.  Milford, June 25, 1877.

Deaths

Near Colliers [Otsego Co. NY], June 16, Kate [Houghtaling] wife of William Houghtaling in the 23d year of her age.

In Chaseville [Otsego Co. NY], June 20 of diptheria, Manly J. [Denton] youngest son of Rev. and Mrs. H. Benton, aged 9 years.

Near Schenevus [Otsego Co. NY], June 15, a son of Cyrus and Alice Heron, aged 2 years.

Monday, December 18, 2023

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

 Oxford Times, Oxford, NY, June 27, 1877

Death

SEELEY:  In Norwich [Chenango Co. NY], suddenly, on 17th, Polly [Seeley] wife of Henry Seeley, aged 54 years, formerly of Oxford [Chenanog Co. NY].

Chenango American, Greene, NY, June 28, 1877

Marriage

At Zion Church in this village [Greene, Chenango Co. NY], on Wednesday, June 20th, by Rev. A.W. Snyder, Mr. Allan Napier, of Brooklyn, N.Y., to Miss Mary [Manning], daughter of the late Ira Manning of Coventry [Chenango Co. NY] and sister of Mrs. Robert Wilson of this town.

Death

In Norwich [Chenango Co. NY], June 14th, Mr. Jeremiah Sanders, aged about 70 years.

Sherburne News, Sherburne, NY, June 30, 1877

Death

Wilmer [Jones[, son of the late W.H. Jones of Earlville [Madison Co. NY], whom we mentioned last week as having been seriously injured by being hit with a ball club, died on Sunday.  He is spoken of as a most promising boy and one whose death falls with unusual weight upon a large circle of friends.

Bainbridge Republican, Bainbridge, NY, June 28, 1877

Death

Mr. Alanson Bingham, one of our most respected citizens died Sunday morning between two and three o'clock.  Mr. Bingham was a most excellent man, a good husband and father, a sympathizing neighbor, and one possessed of all the virtues that go to make manhood respected.  The afflicted family have the sympathy of all their friends in this sore bereavement.  The funeral took place Tuesday at 11 o'clock A.M. at the residence of Geo. R. Salisbury, son-in-law of the deceased.  He was 77 years of age.

New Berlin Gazette, New Berlin, NY, June 30, 18776

Marriages

WEEKS - ELLIOTT:  At the M.E. parsonage in this village [New Berlin, Chenango Co. NY], June 20?, by Rev. N.J. Hawley, Mr. Walter Weeks of Laurens [Otsego Co. NY] and Miss Maggie M. Elliott of Pittsfield [Otsego Co. NY].

DANCROFT - BURROWS:  By the same at the same place of the 27th?, Mr. Charles H. Bancroft and Miss Sarah E. Burrows of Guilford [Chenango Co. NY]

Morris Chronicle, Morris, NY, June 27, 1877

Death

Stephen Saxton, son of Raymond Saxton, of Westford [Otsego Co. NY], was found dead in his bed on the morning of the 16th inst.  He had retired the night previous in good health.  His family being away from home at the time on a visit, he was alone in the house when he died.  Coroner Dr. Parshall of Cooperstown held an inquest.  A postmortem examination by Dr. Westlake revealed the fact that death was caused by apoplexy.  Mr. Saxton was 51? years of age.

Sunday, December 17, 2023

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

 Chenango Union, Norwich, Y, June 28, 1877

Marriages

BOYD - SAXTON:  In Cincinnatus [Cortland Co. NY], June 14th, by Rev. W.D. Fox, Mr. Hiram B. Boyd to Miss Emma Saxton, both of Cincinnatus.

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STURGES - HUNTLEY:  In North Norwich [Chenango Co. NY], June 14th, by Rev. E.L. Bennett, Mr. LaMott Sturges to Miss Alice J. Huntley, both of North Norwich.

 Chenango Semi-Weekly Telegraph, Norwich, NY, June 27, 1877:  Surely life has its joys as well its sorrows, and occasionally we come to a spot in the journey of life so bright and beautiful that we love to tarry for a while to enjoy that which is pleasing and lovely and to refresh our weary souls that we may gather new strength for the prosecution of our journey.

So thought we as we met with a number of old friends and some new ones at the home of Mrs. Huntley in No. Norwich, where was to be performed the marriage ceremony of two of our former scholars, both in the day and Sunday School, LaMott Sturges and Alice J. Huntley, by name.  The room had been tastily prepared for the occasion and as they stood before us, beneath the bridal arch of evergreens and flowers and we pronounced the words that made them husband and wife, pleasant thoughts of the past and bright pictures of the future filled our mind till we felt that after all life was a joyous thing, having more of sunshine than of storm, and that no shadow need cross our path without the clouds having its silver lining and its Godward side.  The marriage ceremony being over, we, in company with the happy pair and a goodly number of invited guests sat down to the well laden table to do what justice we could to the good things beneath which it fairly groaned.  We understand full well the liking that visitors have for such a place as this and we shall attempt no description of the numerous dishes upon the table, lest vain regrets arise in your mind, suffice it is to say that after an hour spent very pleasantly here, we returned once more to the parlor to spend the hours of the afternoon in cheerful conversation, admiring in the meanwhile the beautiful gifts, presents to the bride by loving friends, consisting mostly of silverware for the table.  But the most pleasant of meetings must have an end, but we meet only to part again.

Deaths

WELCH:  In McDonough [Chenango Co. NY], June 24th, Mr. Thos. Welch, aged 63 years.

CARR:  In Afton [Chenango Co. NY], June 14th, Atwood D. Carr, aged 1 year and 6 months; and June 15th. Charles J. Carr aged 4 years and 8 months, both of diptheria.

BROWN:  In Stonington, Conn., June 12th, Mr. Ansel Brown, aged 70 years, formerly of Pharsalia.

MUDGE:  Mt. Upton, Chenango Co. NY:  Mrs. Sally Mudge, relict of Jared Mudge, died at the residence of her sons, John and Renssalaer, one and a half miles below this village, on Monday night last, at the advanced age of eighty-seven years.  She was born in Canaan, Columbia County [NY], June 21, 1791, and spent a large share of her long life in this village, surrounded by sons and daughters, who in her old age guarded her with filial care and affection, down to her life's peaceful close.  She survived her husband nine years, he dying in 1868, aged eighty-four years. The funeral was held at her late residence on Wednesday and was largely attended by sympathizing friends and relatives. The services were conducted in an impressive manner, by Rev. T.P. Halstead.

BINGHAM:  Bainbridge, Chenango Co. NY:  Alanson Bingham whose death has been momentarily expected for the past few weeks, died on Saturday evening last.  The deceased was in his 77th year and for some months past had been a great sufferer.  Sometime before his death he expressed a desire that the Lord might take him, that he would than find relief from pain.  The funeral will take place on Tuesday at 11 o'clock A.M. at the residence of Geo. R. Salisbury, son-in-law of the deceased. Rev. D.N. Grummond will conduct the funeral services.

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The Hamilton Republican [Madison Co. NY] of last week gives the following particulars of a baseball accident which occurred in Earlville [Madidon Co. NY] on the 14th ult.

"On Thursday of last week there was a ball play at Earlville and among the spectators was Wilmer Jones, a son of William Jones, the victim of Brady, the Earlville murderer.  He was sitting on the ground watching the play, when the batter, in striking, allowed the club to get away from him, it striking the ground and bounding up, the larger end struck the boy by the side of his head, knocking him down and senseless by the blow.  Medical assistance was called at once.  Dr. F.D. Beebe of this place, reaching there the first of the physicians residing away from the place.  He found that a blood vessel had been ruptured inside the skull, and it was necessary to trephine the skull to remove the clots of blood from the brain.  A consultation of surgeons arrived at the same conclusion, and the operation was performed successfully, and several spoonsful of blood removed.  Once since the operation, the blood vessel has uncapped, and bled severely, but, under the skillful treatment of Dr. Beebe, the matter has been controlled and at the present time, he reports the patient doing well.  It will be a miracle if his life is saved."

We learn that the lad, a bright boy of eight years, died from the injury received, on Sunday last.

Chenango Semi-Weekly Telegraph, Norwich, NY:  Wilmer [Jones], son of the late Wm. H. Jones, died Sunday morning from the effects of his recent injury. The funeral services are to be held today (Tuesday).  Truly Mrs. Jane [Jones] seems to have about her share of afflictions, this being the third one taken from her family within a short time, now she has none left but little Lula.

Chenango Semi-Weekly Telegraph, Norwich, NY, June 27, 1877

Deaths

Earlville, Madison Co. NY:  Rena [Southworth], aged 4 years and only daughter of George and Ann Southworth, died of dropsy of the brain last week Tuesday.  The funeral on Thursday was made rather uncomfortable by a very copious shower which lasted all the afternoon.

Chenango Semi-Weekly Telegraph, Norwich, NY, June 30, 1877

Death

Mr. Stephen Keyes, who has lately been carried to his grave, was one of our oldest townsmen.  He was born in 1797, in Princeton, Mass.  He was left an orphan at the early age of eleven.  At twenty-one years of age, he entered upon the care of his father's farm and family and about the same time united with the Baptist church.  A few years later, he attempted a settlement for life in the then far west of Michigan, but soon returned to his native state, and settled afterwards in this town [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY] about four miles southeast of the village.  He came across the country with his little family, in the Winter in an open sleigh, and purchased his farm for eight dollars an acre.  Here he labored hard and when fifty-five years of age, moved to the village.  He had one son, a minister, and one daughter, a missionary to foreign lands.  His wife and two daughters, Mrs. Hamilton Phelps and Mrs. Spafford still live to care for their aged mother.  Born in 1797. in the last century, Mr. Keyes lived to see the great changes of fifty years past.  He was quite a lad during the war of 1812.  How easy to write eighty years, and yet how difficult to realize the thoughts, trials and struggles of so long a life.

Few of the sturdy pioneers of our town remain.  Let the young emulate their example and in these days of trial, remember the sterling character and daring perseverance of one who has gone to his reward.