The Disappearance of Colonel Henry S. Hard, Chenango County Native

Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, August 2, 1877

Disappearance of Colonel H.S. Hard

Great apprehensions are felt at the mysterious disappearance of Col. H.S. Hard from his home in Arlington, Vermont.  He left home on July 21st for Troy [Rensselaer Co. NY] and was last seen at Hoosic Junction [Rensselaer Co. NY].  Since that time nothing has been heard of him and it is feared that he has been foully dealt with.  Col. Hard has relatives in this county [Chenango Co. NY], being a nephew of John S. Randall, Esq., and Mrs. Ezra Hewitt of this place and Mrs. Maurice Birdsall of Greene.  His mother was a daughter of the late Col. John Randall of this town [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY].  The friends are very much alarmed at his disappearance and are confident that his absence is involuntary.  He was a gentleman of high standing in society and a Mason for many years.  He was also an officer of the approaching centennial celebration at Bennington [Vermont].  His disappearance is certainly remarkable, but we hope he may yet return and relieve the fears that now oppress the minds of his friends.

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The Rutland Daily Globe, Rutland, VT, July 28, 1877

Col. Henry S. Hard of Arlington Missing

An extra of the Bennington Banner issued on Friday afternoon, makes the startling announcement of the mysterious disappearance of Colonel Henry S. Hard, a prominent citizen of Bennington County, and well known throughout the state. We trust every effort will be made to solve this sad mystery.  The following is the Banner account:

Intelligence reaches us that Col. Henry S. Hard of Arlington, well known in business circles in this county, who ranks second in command of the old soldier's reunion society at the approaching centennial celebration is missing.  He left home last Saturday morning, July 21st, on the early train, intending to go to Troy, N.Y. and bought a ticket for that city.  His business was in connection with that of the Arlington car manufacturing company.  He was seen at North Bennington by Enos Canfield, a resident of Arlington, who talked with him; conductor Smith, also, recollects seeing him on his train that morning, and last saw him on the platform at Hoosic Junction, but cannot say which train he took - that to Troy or North Adams way.  Mr. Hard was in good health and spirits that morning, and no possible reason can be assigned for his sudden, inexplicable absence.  the station agent at Arlington recollects the number of the ticket sold Mr. Hard, and has ascertained that the ticket has not been taken up by any conductor of the Troy and Boston railroad company.

The friends of Mr. Hard's family have ascertained from those parties in Troy that he would have been likely to have visited, that he has not been in that city since before the Saturday he left home.

Mr. Hard was dressed in a dark flannel suit, black soft felt hat, and had no baggage.  He is 47 years old, stands six feet in height, weighs about 155 pounds, has dark hair, inclined to curl, reddish side whiskers, florid complexion.

Mr. Hard has long been a member of the Masonic fraternity and has taken the degrees of Knights Templar.  He is also junior vice commander of the state encampment of the Grand Army of the Republic.  So far as is known, he is in no financial difficulty and foul play is feared. We are told that he had very little money with him.  Every citizen of this county, and his wide circle of acquaintances throughout Vermont will unite with us in hoping that those who have the matter under consideration and are conducting the search, may speedily clear up the mystery.

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The Rutland Daily Globe, Rutland, VT, July 30, 1877

The Case of Henry S. Hard

So far as we can learn no intelligence has been received of Col. Henry S. Hard of Arlington, whose disappearance is so much involved in mystery.

The Troy Press of Saturday evening, under the heading Is it Col. Hard," adds:  An exchange says concerning the man whose body was supposed to have been found in the river Thursday, and says nothing further than to give the description contained in the Bennington Banner extra, published in the Globe of Saturday.

The Bennington Centennial says Col. Hard has of late years suffered from pecuniary reverses, superadded to which has been a domestic affliction which we hesitate to unveil.  He wife, the mother of his children, has for many years been an inmate of the insane asylum at Brattleboro, and a late visit found her so demented that she did not recognize him, which nearly broke his already bruised heart and may have caused his insanity.  He left his Grand Army badge, his masonic emblems and all tokens of identification at home. The public and hosts of personal friends pray for a speedy unravelling of the sad mystery.

Col. Theodore S. Peck, department commander of the grand army of the republic for Vermont, on Saturday, issued a circular which says:  "Comrades - Read the following, and do all you can to find Col. H.S.  Hard, junior Vice commander of this department."  Then follow the account of the Bennington Banner extra already alluded to.  He closes by saying, any information will be thankfully received at these headquarters or by Comrade Willard Holden, 2d, Arlington, Vermont.

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The Rutland Weekly Globe, Rutland, VT, July 31, 1877

The Disappearance of Colonel H.S. Hard - Unpleasant Developments

We are pained to learn that grave suspicions are prevalent in Arlington that the sudden disappearance of Col. H.S. Hard is due not to insanity or foul play, but to misappropriation of trust funds in his hands.  Col. Hard was the receiver of the Arlington car manufacturing company.  A few days since a special master was appointed by the court of chancery to look into and audit his accounts. The master, E.B. Burton, esq., was to being his investigation today.  Col. Hard's bondsmen are David Crofut, sheriff; Fernando West, merchant; A Bartlett, hotel keeper; and J.K. Batchelder, lawyer of Arlington; and they are free to express the opinion, that there is a serious defalcation on the part of the receiver - one of them saying to our informant that it would exceed $1,500 and another that he would be glad if it did not exceed $20,000.

Some other unpleasant rumors connected with the case lack proof, and we make no mention of them.  Free Press

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Middlebury, VT Register, August 3, 1877

Col. Hard the Missing Man

The many friends and acquaintances of Col. Henry S. Hard of Arlington will be pained to learn that his mysterious disappearance over ten days ago is now attributed to the misappropriation of trust funds placed in his hands as receiver of the Arlington Car manufacturing company.  Hitherto his character has been beyond reproach and when, about a year ago, the car company, of which he was treasurer and secretary, and in which he held $12,000 of stock, failed, he was appointed receiver.  A few days ago, E.B. Burton, Esq., of Manchester, was appointed special master by Judge Dunton to audit his accounts, and the investigation was to have commenced yesterday.  His bondsmen, for $15,000, are David Crofut, sheriff; Fernando West, merchant; A. Bartlet, hotel keeper, and J.K. Batchelder, Lawyer, all of Arlington, and they are all free in expressing their opinions that he is a defaulter, one of them placing the defalcation at less than $1,500 and another fearing that it might exceed $10,000.  As receiver he was paid $75 a month, but his extravagant manner of living raised his expenses to more than twice that amount, and this without other visible means of support.  His father, a resident of Oswego, N.Y., during his life, and at his death, sometime since, had given him considerable sums of money, but all had been wasted.  Mr. Hard, as his friends say, having no faculty for saving money.  His wife has been in an insane asylum at Brattleboro for the past twelve years, and during the last year or more her place has bene taken by a beautiful young widow name McLaughlin, who calls herself a "New Yorker."  She is about twenty-five years old, a blonde of the purest type, the possessor of a petite but faultless form and dresses with elegant and exquisite taste.  Her husband was formerly a workman in the car shop, but their married life was unhappy and two years ago he suddenly left the village without giving his reason for doing so.  Shortly after he died, and without showing any signs of mourning she came to Mr. Hard's home and became his housekeeper.  In her conversation she almost unconsciously speaks of Mr. Hard and herself as "we," and the story that the former's disappearance is probably owing to grief at the intelligence learned during a recent visit to Brattleboro asylum of his wife's hopeless insanity, she pronounces false.  "He has not been near her for four years," she adds in explanation.  Mrs. McLaughlin also says that Mr.  Hard recently asked her whether, if he should go away and take a reservation, she would remain with his children and afterwards follow him. This, with the fact of his recent extended visit to Texas, where he spent considerable time in looking over the country, leads some to surmise that he has now gone to that state.  Mrs. McLaughlin's installment in Mr. Hard's house caused considerable scandal, and this feeling increased until many refused to exchange calls with the family, notwithstanding the fact that the latter was a prominent member of the Episcopal church.  Mr. Hard leaves behind him four children, two daughters and two sons. The first a daughter, is married and lives in Brooklyn, N.Y., while the second, also a daughter, eighteen years old, remains at home.   Of the two youngest children, boys about seventeen and ten years old, the first, a bright young fellow is clerk in the post office and news agent of the village, besides sending occasional items to the associated press. 

With their denunciations, Mr. Hard's bondsmen commingle sorrow and regret at his fall, and no attmept will probably be made to follow the fugitive and bring him to justice.  [Rutland Herald].

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The Rutland Daily Globe, Rutland, VT, August 1, 1877

The Case of Col. Hard - Another Side of the Story

Since the mysterious disappearance of Col. H.S. Hard of Arlington on the 21st of July, the newspapers have contained many rumors of the cause of his departure, and of a heavy defalcation in connection with the affairs of the Arlington car manufacturing company, of which he was receiver.  These rumors culminated in a sensational story of the affair published in Tuesday's Boston Globe and in substance in the Rutland Herald, which was a gross misstatement of the facts, as is friends claim.

In an interview with a reporter of The Globe, yesterday, S.M. West, secretary of the Arlington Car company, stated that he has made a thorough examination of the books and that Mr. Hard's defalcation, if anything, is very small - not more than $300 at the outside. This the bail will not have to meet. The books were not balanced at the time, and Mr. Hard may not have known of the deficiency, as it is nothing more than any person is liable to run behind in conducting a large business.   He further says that none of the bondsmen - Bernando West, J.K. Batchelder, David Crofut and A.E. Bartlett - have ever stated that the defalcation amounted to $10,000.

His bondsmen and those most familiar with the case believe that Col. Hard has simply left the town for some unexplained reason and may yet return, and that no one in Arlington knows of his whereabouts.  The statement that " Mr. West is satisfied that the son, as well and Mrs McLoughlin (the housekeeper) knows where Hard is," Mr. West pronounces utterly false.  He is satisfied of nothing of the sort.  This leaves the matter as great a mystery as at first but clears Col. Hard of any suspicion of defalcation or dishonesty.

It is rumored that the body of the man taken from the North River, New York, answers the description of Col. H.S. Hard.  Mr. Kendall of Arlington went to New York Monday, to view the body of the drowned man.

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The Burlington, VT Free Press, August 3, 1877

This morning, J.S. Rowley, a merchant of Albany, N.Y., who has known Col. H.S. Hard for years, states that he saw Mr. Hard in the waiting room of the New York Central depot, at Albany, on Friday afternoon.  Mr. Rowley says that Hard was dressed in a blue suit, and his eyes were greatly bloodshot, while his face gave the indication that he had been drinking recently or was laboring under mental depression.  His demeanor was not like that of an insane man; on the contrary he conversed freely and rationally.  It is now thought that Col. Hard has wandered west ward, while laboring under temporary insanity.

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Vermont Watchman and State Journal, February 23, 1887

Wife's death notice

Mrs. Helen Hard, wife of Col. H.S. Hard of Arlington, died a few days ago at the Brattleboro insane asylum, of which she had been an inmate twenty-five years.

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Bennington Evening Banner, Bennington, VT, April 27, 1906

News has been received in regard to Henry S. Hard who left Arlington in 1877.  Nothing had been heard from him until this week when news came that he was killed in a railroad accident at Rochester, N.Y. in Nov. 1905.   He is survived by a widow living in Rochester and two sons John and Henry in New York.

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Henry Snow Hard was born about 1830, probably in Oswego, Oswego County, NY, the son of Patrick Henry Hard and Eliza Mary Randall.  On 22 February 1853 in Vermont, he was married.  His wife's name was given as Mary Helen Hard.  They had four children, Julia Frances, Mary Helen, John Henry and William H.  Thus far, it has not been possible to solve the mystery of his disappearance.

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

 Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, August 9, 1877

Marriage

PALMER - HUNTER:  In South Fenton, Broome Co., NY, August 5th, by Rev. H.G. Meeker, Mr. Daniel H. Palmer of Oxford [Chenango Co. NY] to Miss Katie E Hunter of Coventry [Chenango Co. NY].

Deaths

STACKHOUSE:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], August 7th, Susie [Stackhouse] wife of Thomas Stackhouse, aged 20 years and 4 months, formerly of Easton, Pa.  Funeral services will be held at the residence of her aunt, Mrs. Thomas Stackhouse, on Court Street, Thursday, August 9th, at 5 o'clock P.M.

WILSON:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], August 3d, John E. [Wilson], son of H.E. and J.E. Wilson, aged 2 years and 7 months.

HOUGHTON:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], August 7th, Maud F. [Houghton] daughter of C.A. and Anna M. Houghton, aged 9 months.

INGRAHAM:  In Preston [Chenango Co. NY], August 1st, Mr. Isaac Ingraham, aged 68 years.

HUNTLEY:  In Pharsalia [Chenango Co. NY], July 30th, Amy [Huntley] wife of C.P. Huntley, aged 61 years.

BROOKS:  In Eau Claire, Wis., July 4th, suddenly, of apoplexy of the heart.  Mr. Henry B. Brooks, formerly of this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY] and brother of Mrs. Charles H. and Shubael A. Brooks.

JEWELL:  Many of our readers were personally acquainted with Oliver Jewell, for nearly forty years past proprietor of the Lincklaen House in Cazenovia [Madison Co. NY].  In May last he was thrown from his carriage and seriously injured but had so far recovered as to be about the house, until about three weeks since, when he began rapidly to decline and died on Tuesday of last week, aged eighty-one years.

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SKINNER:  In Conneaut, Ohio, July 4th, Mr. Isaac Skinner, aged 82 years, 3 months and 11 days, brother of Joseph Skinner of Norwich [Chenango Co. NY].

From a Conneaut (Ohio) paper, we learn that Isaac Skinner, only brother of Joseph Skinner, of this town, died at the residence of his son, near that place, July 4th, 1877, in the eighty-third year of his age.  Two years ago, he made his friends in this vicinity a visit, and will be recollected by many who made his acquaintance at that time as a gentleman of intelligence whom it was a pleasure to meet.

Deceased was son of Joseph and Lois Skinner and was born in Norwich, March 23d, 1793, being, it is said, the second white child born in his native county.  When the war of 1812 broke out, he was one of the first to volunteer in his country's service, though only seventeen years old.  He remained in the service until the war closed.  In 1837 he removed to Conneaut, Ohio, where he remained until 1860, when he removed to Ilinois.  Here he resided eight years, when he returned to Conneaut, living there until his death, having had his residence there thirty-three years in all.  During the late civil war, he furnished a representative recruit at his own expense.

In 1815 he was married to Miss Mary Hascall, who survives him.  He was the father of ten children, six of whom are still living.  He had twenty-seven grandchildren, ad thirteen great-grandchildren.

For many years he was a member of the Baptist Church.  He was an active, stirring businessman, respected by the community and lamented by a large circle of relatives and friends.

Chenango Semi-Weekly Telegraph, Norwich, NY, August 8, 1877

Death

Saturday's Binghamton Times [Broome Co. NY] gives an account of a fatal accident occurring in Oxford [Chenango Co. NY] on Sunday of last week, by which a little girl named Stocker was killed by a pitchfork thrown from a haymow by her brother.  Inquiry on our part fails to confirm the report or to learn that a farmer by the name of Stocker resides in this town.

Chenango American, Greene, NY, August 9, 1877:  A sad accident occurred on Sunday last at the residence of Mr. George Stocker, a farmer residing at Oxford.  A lad thirteen or fourteen years of age, son of Mr. Stocker, was engaged in throwing hay from a shed and finally, after he had secured enough, carelessly threw his fork down, tines first.  His little sister happened to be below and unobserved by him, had taken a position on the hay directly beneath the window. The tines struck the child upon the head, penetrating the skull and causing death in a few hours, although surgical aid was upon the spot in a few minutes after the accident.  Mary farmers are in the habit of a similar careless practice to that from which this accident resulted and will do well to make a note of it.  Binghamton Times, 4th inst.

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

Deaths

SWEET:  At the County House in Preston [Chenango Co. NY], July 27th, Mr. Ambrose W Sweet, formerly of Guilford [Chenango Co. NY], aged 60 years.

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Death of Mrs. N.B. Mead:  The following from the Quincy, Ill. Daily Herald, will be read with painful interest by the many friends of the deceased in Chenango and especially in Smyrna [Chenango Co. NY], where she resided respected and beloved for many years.  Her husband, Dr. Mead, will be remembered as one of the older physicians of the county who, through a long and arduous professional life enjoyed the confidence and kindly regards of his medical associates, the community in which he lived and the public.

"The death of Mrs. Mead, though from her advanced age not unexpected, cast a cloud of sorrow over the hearts of all who know her.  She came with her husband, the late Dr. Mead, to our city in 1864, leaving in the east a wide circle of life-long friends, to whom she was warmly attached.  Her beautiful kindly nature soon became known in her new home, and now, though her years are four score and six, we mourn her with "a love that was more than love."  She was, soon after coming to reside here, called on to part with her beloved husband, and bowing patiently to the loss, she has from that time been looking forward with joy and hope to a reunion with him and her loved ones gone before.  Surrounded by the devoted affection and care of her children, she passed peacefully into her eternal home on Thursday evening, August 2d, 1877.

Oxford Times, Oxford, NY, August 8, 1877

Death

SYMONDS:  In Franklin, N.J., July 26th, Mrs. Fannie E. [Symonds], wife of Geo. W. Symonds, aged 80 years.  Her remains were entered in Ithaca Cemetery [Tompkins Co. NY].

The good mother has gone to join little Lilly Belle, who passed away, three months since.  A sweet baby girl only four weeks old is left motherless.

Chenango American, Greene, NY, August 9, 1877

Marriage

At the Congregational Church, Chenango Forks [Broome Co. NY], August 1st, by Rev. E.W. Root, Mr. Dudley A. Elliott to Miss E. DeEtte Fuller, both of Barker [Broome Co. NY].

Deaths

In this town [Greene, Chenango Co. NY], August 5th, Ella May [Race], adopted child of Leroy and Sarah Race, aged 2 years and 9 months.

In Whitney's Point [Broome Co. NY], July 1st, Edwin G. [Longstreet] son of John R. and May E. Longstreet in the 11th year of his age.

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

 Chenango American, Greene, NY, August 2, 1877

Deaths

At Chenango Forks [Broome Co. NY, July 26th, Mr. Anthony Squires, aged 91 years. 

Anthony Squires, a former resident of this village [Greene, Chenango Co. NY], was buried in the old cemetery on Friday last.  For a number of years past Mr. Squires has resided at Chenango Forks with his daughter-in-law by whom he has been taken care of and made comfortable during the declining years of his life.  He was 91 years old.

Near Whitney's Point [Broome Co. NY], July 23d, Nancy Dibble in the 87th year of her age.

In Whitney's Point [Broome Co. NY], July 22d, Minnie G. [Kenyon], youngest daughter of Joshua C. and D.G. Kenyon, in the 10th year of her age.

Freeman's Journal, Cooperstown, NY, August 2, 1877

Marriage

At Three Rivers, Mich., July 19th, by Rev. J. Gordon Jones, Leroy L. Parshall of Coldwater [MI] to Miss Lizzie A. Barnhart, of Three Rivers.

Deaths

In Morris [Otsego Co. NY], July 25th, Anna B. [Hecox] and daughter of Jacob and Christiana Coggshall in the 26th year of her age.  Her trust was in God.

In Lentsville, Middlefield [Otsego Co. NY], July 28th, Georgia [Smith] eldest daughter of  Mr. and mr.s jerome Smith, aged twenty-two years.

The death of this young lady, possessing a singularly amiable and agreeable disposition, is deeply deplored, not only in her home, but by all with whom she was acquainted.  And during the recent religious awakening in this community, she became a decided Christian, and united with the church at Middlefield Center in June last.  Thus, although "her sun is gone down while it was yet day," she has departed a land of shadows for one of everlasting light.

Morris Chronicle, Morris, NY, August 1, 1877

Marriage

July 21:  At Croton [Westchester Co. NY], by Rev. Mr. Pease, Julius C. Miller of Franklin [Delaware Co. NY] to Miss Ettie Palmatier of Morris [Otsego Co. NY].

Deaths

July 24:  In Burlington [Otsego Co. NY], Mrs. Emeline Burdick, wife of L.C. Burdick and daughter of the late Isaac P. Rathbun aged 37 years.

Gen. William Comstock of Laurens [Otsego Co. NY], died Monday morning, July 23, aged 76 yrs.  He was Mmeber of Assembly in 1855 and Sheriff in 1864-5-6.  He served his town as Supervisor from 1840 to 1863 excepting only seven years.

Oneonta Herald & Democrat, Oneonta, NY, August 3, 1877

Marriage

In Oneonta [Otsego Co. NY], on the evening of August 1st, at the home of the bride, Samuel J.W. Reynolds and Miss Emma F. Gates, daughter of A.J. Gates.

Deaths

At Edmeston [Otsego Co. NY], Mrs. Della Wales, daughter of Levi Brown, aged 26 years.

At Edmeston [Otsego Co. NY] in an apoplectic fit, Amanda [Burlingame], wife of Waterman Burlingame, aged 17 years.

At Middleburgh [Schoharie Co. NY], July 30, John L. Stanton.  He had been agent for the Schoharie Valley Railroad Company for several years.

On Quaker Hill, Harpersfield [Delaware Co. NY], July 24th, Miss Patty Birdsall, aged 62.

At Oneonta [Otsego Co. NY], August 1, James Pendleton, aged 81 years.

Vital Records, Chenango Co. NY, August 1877

 Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, August 2, 1877

Marriage

LOVERIDGE - ALCOCK:  In St. James Church, Hammondsport, N.Y. [Steuben Co.], July 31st, 1877, by Rev. O.R. Howard, D.D., Rector of St. Thomas Church, Bath, N.Y., assisted by Rev. H.V. Gardner, Rector of St. James Church, Hammondsport and Rev. J.T. Cushing, Miss Ellen Alcock of Hammondsport to Rev. D.E. Loveridge, Rector of Emmanuel Church, Norwich, N.Y.

Deaths

TILYOU:  At the residence of Edward Malloy, in North Norwich [Chenango Co. NY], July 30th, Mrs. Esther Tilyou, aged 88 years.

GIFFORD:  In Oxford [Chenango Co. NY], July 29th, Mrs. Lucy Gifford, widow of Abner Gifford, aged 95 years.

SWEET:  At the County House in Preston [Chenango Co. NY], July 27th, of consumption, Mr. Ambrose Sweet, aged 50 years, formerly of Guilford [Chenango Co. NY].

Chenango Semi-Weekly Telegraph, Norwich, NY, August 1, 1877

Death

Lincklaen, Chenango Co. NY:  Mrs. Joshua Sanders who has been very feeble for years with a disease that has baffled the skill of physicians, died July 30th and was buried at Burdick Settlement the 22d.

News Item

There was a very pleasant gathering of "ye old folks" at the residence of J.H. Latham, Esq., in this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], on Saturday afternoon and evening last, to celebrate the ninety-first birthday anniversary of his mother, the venerable widow of Henry B. Latham, formerly of Guilford [Chenango Co. NY].  Five ladies greeted Mrs. L. upon this occasion all of whom were upwards of seventy, and the combined ages of the six was upwards of four hundred and fifty years. Three or four other ladies were invited who from temporary infirmity were unable to be present.  Those who accepted the invitation were all hale and hearty and with pleasure they spent the hours in rehearsing the battles of their youth, for though they are of the weaker sex their battles were no inconsiderable ones, for they were all pioneers.  Mrs. Latham bears her four score and ten years lightly and, in her bearing and walk vies with the misses of sixteen in her erect posture, elasticity of step and clearness of intellect, and she bids fair to reach five score. That she may be thus spared is the wish of her many friends.

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

Marriage

SHELDON - BACON: In Pharsalia [Chenango Co. NY], July 29, at the residence of the bride's father, by Amon F. Smith, Justice, Fred Sheldon to Janie Bacon, both of Pharsalia.

Deaths

RACE:  July 31st of typhoid pneumonia, Mr. Smith Race, aged 71 years.

WILSON:  On Thursday afternoon a child of Herbert E. Wilson, proprietor of the brick yard, and residing on South Broad Street [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], met with a frightful accident from scalding and which it is feared may prove fatal.  A large bucket of hot water had been placed near the kitchen stove to be used in cleaning the floor, when the child, a boy aged two and a half years, in playing about the room, in a backward movement lost his balance and sat down in the pail of water.  The screams of the child at once brought assistance, but dread damage had been inflicted. The child was stripped as quickly as possible but with the clothing came the skin from a considerable portion of the little fellow's back and other parts of the body. To aggravate the sufferings, perhaps in the attempt to extricate himself, the child took hold of the hot stove, the fingers of both hands being burned.  Medical assistance was promptly called and everything possible is being done for the relief and recovery of the child.  People cannot be too careful about leaving or setting buckets or tubs of hot water in rooms where small children are at play and should take warning from the sad accident here recorded.

Since the above was in type we learn that the child died during Thursday night from the shock, some twelve hours after the accident.

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George W. Peck

The Auburn Advertiser [Cayuga Co. NY], gives the following particulars touching the death of the editor in chief, together with a short sketch of his life. The paper states that he was born in Chenango County, Bainbridge [NY] was his birth place where many friends now reside.

Most of the readers of the Advertiser are doubtless already aware of the death of its editor-in-chief, George W. Peck, and the lamentable circumstances attending it, but they are not aware of a long succession of painful disease which preceded it, and which ultimately unseated his reason and superinduced the paroxysm which terminated so fatally.  He had been more or less afflicted with organic disease for upwards of a dozen years, but they did not assume a dangerous and painful form until last December.  He then received frequent medical treatment from Dr. George and in February he went to Clifton Springs to under the water treatment.  While there he submitted to an exceedingly painful surgical operation.  After a sojourn of about two months at that sanitarium and obtaining some slight apparent relief, he returned to Auburn greatly reduced in flesh. From that time forward his strength rapidly failed, and he manifested frequent aberrations of mind.  He seemed to have a clear appreciation of his disordered intellect and a premonition of a fatal termination.

On Tuesday night last, he left home in company with Dr. George to consult Dr. Hammond of the city of New York upon his mental and physical condition, and to obtain some relief, if possible, at some of the watering places upon the seashore.  He passed a sleepless night down the river and reached the St. Nicholas Hotel in a very nervous condition, Dr. Hammond advised a visit to the seashore.  They proceeded on their way to long Branch where on Friday the first open attempt at self-destruction was made.  Dr. George had but just turned his back on his patient when he tried to terminate his life by severing an artery in the neck with a small penknife.  The doctor discovered his intent before any important vessels were harmed and took the knife from him.

After he had recovered his reason, he stated that he was laboring under a terrible delusion (which he explained to the Doctor) and thought he could not live through it.  Dr. George thought it best to return at once, and telegraphed Mrs. Peck and son to meet them at Albany on the arrival foo the boat.  On the journey home he was very uncommunicative and the hallucination that his wife and friends were about to imprison him in an iron cage seemed to possess his mind.

The party reached home on Saturday, and notwithstanding the utmost vigilance of his family, Mr. Peck almost immediately managed to obtain possession of a revolver which was in his library and shot himself through the head, inflicting a wound which proved fatal in about two hours.

Mr. Peck was born in the county of Chenango, N.Y., October 18th, 1820.  He was the son of the late Hezekiah and Martha Peck, of that county, and left his home at the age of fourteen to learn the trade of a printer.  In the year 1848 he came to Auburn and worked as a journeyman with his present partner, in the office of Henry Oliphant.  He continued to work at the cases in that office until about the year 1849, when in connection with Oscar F. Knapp he purchased the Auburn Daily Advertiser and Weekly Journal of the assignee of Henry Montgomery and commenced business for himself.

In August of 1848 he married Miss Alma L. Rose, of Cortlandville, by whom he has four children, three of whom survive him - two sons and a daughter.

In March of 1861, in connection with his business partner, he purchased the Auburn Daily and Weekly Union, and consolidated the same with the Journal and Advertiser.  Ever since the purchase he has been the responsible editor-in-chief of the paper, and promulgated to his readers the moral, social, religious and political principles and sentiments which have distinguished the paper from all others published in this locality, and with which our readers are familiar.  Latterly he has performed but little editorial labor, having left that department chiefly to the management of his two sons.

Vital Records, Delaware & Otsego Counties, July 1877 (concluded)

Freeman's Journal, Cooperstown, NY, July 26, 1877

Marriage 

At the residence of the bride's mother, in the town of Hartwick [Otsego Co. NY], July 18th, 1877, by Rev. A.N. Daniels, Addison L. Stewart and Miss Ruth A Luther, both of Hartwick.

Deaths

In this village [Cooperstown, Otsego Co. NY], July 4th, 1877, Albert S. [Harper], son of Wm. I and Mary E.  Harper, aged 6 months and 11 days.

At Brooklyn, Sunday, July 22d, Sarah C. [Brown], only daughter of Arthur A. and Mary A. Brown, aged 19 years and 8 months.  This young lady was a native of Cooperstown [Otsego Co. NY], where she has many friends who will learn of her early death with sorrow. She was possessed of those lovely traits of character, combined with a very pleasing manner, which win the admiration and love of those who appreciate their charm.

In Burlington [Otsego Co. NY], June 28th, 1877, John Smith, aged 79 years and 8 months. Born, lived and died on the same farm.  He was highly respected in the community by all, and died as he had lived, the noblest work of God, an honest man.  Peace to his memory.

At Garrisons on the Hudson, Friday July 20, 1877, Rev. Henry O. Stowell, son of the late Jas. Stowell, aged 67 years.

In West Oneonta [Otsego Co. NY], July 15th, Mary [Hodge] wife of Daniel Hodge, aged 71 years, 1 month and 8 days.

In Butternuts [Otsego Co. NY], July 12th, 1877, after a lingering illness, Mrs. G.A. Rockwell, aged 49 years.

At Deadham, Mass., July 19th, Sophia M. [Edgerton] wife of Col Erastus Edgerton, aged 65 years and 9 months.

Morris Chronicle, Morris, NY, July 25, 1877

Deaths

Gilbertsville, Otsego Co., NY:  Sunday 15th. Mr. Zadock Shaw was down with an apoplectic fit.  he shaved himself about 2 P.M. and went out to the penstock, as was his custom to wash, when he fell forward inflicting a severe wound on his face.  He remained insensible and died on Tuesday, was buried on Thursday in the burying ground near his residence at 2 P.M. Rev. B.B. Carruth officiating.

_____________________________

Hon. Daniel Stewart died in Hobart, Delaware County [NY] on the 12th inst., aged 52.  He was a man of superior ability and education, ready to speak or write on any subject at a moment's notice.  He was a member of the State Legislature in 1853 and 1869.  At the time of his death, he was engaged in the mercantile business in Hobart.  A correspondent of the Stamford Mirror says:

"Mr. S. delivered an address on the 4th, admitted by all who heard it, to have been one of unusual brilliancy.  As is the case many times on the glorious Fourth, with those who are celebrating, indulged in partaking of strong drink, and had since drunk more or less. The night before his death, he was usually salubrious and not desiring to go to his boarding place, went into the "court room" in the hotel and slept on the floor all night.  In the morning on making his appearance, he told the bartender he did not feel very well and thought a drink would do him good.  He took one, two, and three portions of bourbon and went down to his store.  there he sat down on a sack of coffee, fell asleep and in this unconscious condition was carried upstairs placed on a slat bedstead, with only a piece of carpeting under him, and a bag of feathers for a pillow.  Here he remained until found, not even a glass of water furnished him, or any attention given to him, until 5 o'clock P.M., when he was discovered to be dead and cold, lying on his back, in exactly the same position as when placed there at 7 o'clock in the morning.  He had not partaken of food of any account, for several days."

Stamford Mirror, Stamford, NY, July 178, 1877:  I heard one woman who went and saw him on his deathbed say:  "Oh! dear, how I wish I had known of his condition, I would have taken him to my house, cared for him, nursed him up, and saved his life.  It is too bad to think that he died in this manner."  According to the opinion of doctors at the inquest, he must have been dead for five or six hours.

One Hobart man told me that S. had been on a spree, and they could not do anything with him, and they had agreed to let him have all the liquor he wanted, "Keep him filled up," and perhaps he would get sick and ashamed of drinking and quit the habit.  Like others, many times he did not realize when he had enough and needed a friend to tell him.  It was the last hair that broke the Camel's back, and the last drink that intoxicates.  He knew this fault and had often told his friends that when they discovered him in this condition to take him home, away from the sight of liquor, even if they had to use force to do so, as he had no recollection of what occurred when he was too much under the influence of the "vile monster."  It took but little to create such insanity, the mental strain was too great, and when the sad effects of stimulants were exhausted, the "lamp of life ceased to burn," and thus passed away a noble man, a good friend, and a valuable citizen; a victim of one fault.

Other such cases may happen.  Let this be a warning to all "Touch not the fatal cup," and when we see so good a man unable to help himself, not fail to assist the weak, especially when unconscious and unable to help himself.  It is a sad case.  Let us remember the good qualities of the departed and avoid dangers that beset us at every step.

Oneonta Herald & Democrat, Oneonta, NY, July 27, 1877

Deaths

At Davenport [Delaware Co. NY], July 15, Andrew Mathews, M.D., of Breakabeen [Schoharie Co. NY]

In New Lisbon [Otsego Co. NY], July 20th, the [Elvira Reed] wife of Calvin Reed, aged 56 years.

Garrettsville Otsego Co., NY:  The wife of Calvin Reed died on Friday night.  Mrs. R. had been quite unwell for a short time and had not been able to attend to her household duties but was so much better that she dismissed her hired girl and thought she could do her work alone.  She commenced coughing in the night and did not live but a short time.   Her funeral services were held on Sunday.

Delaware Gazette, Delhi, NY, July 25, 1877

In Memoriam

"As melts the snowflake on the water, So fades and sinks earth's peerless daughter."

An old proverbial philosopher has written that "A thing of beauty is a joy forever," and many who have never experienced at the hand of the great destroyer the withering of heart blossoms during life, have believed this saying true.  But unto those whose image of hope has suddenly draped with the sombre hangings of despair, whose sunshine of the soul has been so irretrievably obscured by the cloudings of woe, such sentiments as these fall like the pale moonbeam upon the frozen fountain, mocking its desolation.

Eva [Seacord], the lovely and adopted daughter of Stephen Seacord, of Ouleout, the love of the household, the pride of the school, and the honored member of every circle in which she as a child appeared, sleeps in death.

The shining mark hath been pierced; the opening bud has withered, and the young, the beautiful, and the loved one, like an autumn rose leaf, hath been torn by the frost and hurried out of existence by the blast.

As a gentle sunbeam, stealing from behind a cloud, lends a pleasing charm in everything around, so, she, blessed with a mild, amiable and affectionate disposition, never failed to endear herself to all who came within the sphere of her influence.

In the springtime of her life, this one characteristic shone forth bright and unfading, one which deserves to be imitated and remembered by all the youthful who would wish to be useful and honored.  It was a cheerful and happy acquiescence to the will of her adopted parents.  To fulfill their behests was the first ambition of her heart.

Her closing scene was what might have been expected in the termination of such a life.  "At eventide" there was still "light for her / Her sun set as sets the morning star. / That goes not down behind the darkened west / Nor hides obscured amid the tempest of the sky, / But melts away into the light of heaven."

All that medical skill could perform was done, but the gentle spirit was tired with a heavenly ardor and panted for its eagle flight.  Just before she closed her eyes forever, she sang in a rich, clear voice, "Hold the Fort," which she had been accustomed to hear in the Sunday school.

If it were reasonable to conjecture that, as in old and ancient times, angels did now sometimes leave the heavenly world, and for some holy purpose, shroud themselves int he habiliments of humanity for a season, then it would not be at all difficult to conceive this a cheruble incarnation from the spirit world, who after having performed its mission, had been recalled.  Responsive to the call her unfettered soul, borne away upon the wing of faith and hope, bade farewell to earth and the weeping friends and ascended to her Lord.

"Midst the gloom of the earth for a moment she trod. / Farewell to thee, Eva, twere sinful to weep / O'er thy casket of clay so sweetly asleep; / Tis the slumber of rest, where spirits of love / Await thy waking to bear thee above.

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

 Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, July 26, 1877

Deaths

STACKHOUSE:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], July 23d, Mr. Thomas Stackhouse, aged 81 years.

Another of the old residents of this village has passed away. Thomas Stackhouse expired at his residence on Monday evening last, aged eighty-one years.  For more than half a century he has resided in this place and was a quiet, industrious mechanic.  Without any apparent disease - the machinery of life having worn out - he passed to his final rest.

REED:  Suddenly, at her residence in Burlington, Otsego Co. [NY], July 20th, Elvira [Reed] wife of Calvin Reed and sister of Horatio Babcock, of this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY], in the 57th year of her age.

COOK:  In Moravia [Cayuga Co. NY], July 14th, Mr. Nelson Cook aged 66 years, formerly of Norwich [Chenango Co. NY].

SERGENT:  In South New Berlin [Chenango Co. NY] July 6th, Margaret [Sergent] wife of Charles A. Sergent, aged 44 years.

WILLCOX:  In Smithville Flats [Chenango Co. NY], July 11th, Cynthia M. [Willcox] wife of William Willcox, aged 24 years.

WASHBURN:  Mr. and Mrs. J.Y. Washburn of this village [Oxford, Chenango Co. NY], were deeply grieved on receipt of a telegram last week Tuesday, announcing the death of their son Frank [Washburn] at Sayre, Pa., where he was on a visit to his sister, Mrs. Henry Babcock.  His illness was of short duration and not considered dangerous until a few hours previous to his death, the disease being erysipelas terminating in congestion.  His remains were brought to this village and the funeral held on Wednesday.  Frank had many friends who mourn his untimely decease.  Times

Sherburne News, Sherburne, NY, July 28, 1877

Death

WHITE:  In this village [Sherburne, Chenango Co. NY], July 14th, at the residence of Orrin Saley, Miss L. Maria White aged 49 years.  After three months of constant suffering, most of which time she was unable to lie down, our good Father has given her in a brighter world, the rest she longed for in this.

"She has crossed the silent river, / She has gained the Golden Shore; / Where her sufferings are ended / And pain is known no more."

News Item

Sherburne East Hill, July 25th, 1877:  Dear Aunt Polly, It seems to me you are a long time visiting your husband's relatives, meanwhile mankind in general are hearing nothing from East Hill.  Thinking you will enjoy a letter from home, I write you.  the members of our family are "smart as common."  There are a number of sick persons in the neighborhood.  You will regret to learn that Mrs. Lowe is not feeling as well as she has been for some time previous to this.  Maria Johnson is convalescing from her recent severe indisposition.  Mrs. Campbell has not sufficiently recovered from her impromptu bath in the river to be able to sit up more than fifteen minutes at a time.  Mrs. Rutherford would gain rapidly if she were less ambitious.  We were pleased to see Mrs. John Smith at church last Sabbath although not feeling well enough to occupy her place in the choir.  Mrs. Eugene Austin rode out Sabbath afternoon.  The friends and neighbors of Mr. Campbell kindly and efficiently assisted him in the hay field last Monday. There were seventeen men and seven teams employed in the labor of Christian love, evincing that the command "bear ye one another's burdens" is not considered obsolete by the people here.  Miss Bertha Whitney presided at our Sem last Monday as the Preceptress was enjoying the miseries and mysteries of toothache.  My advice in the case would be, have the grumbling molar fished out.  Bert Reynolds, wife and daughter spent the Sabbath with Miss Carrie Milliken.  Do you ever glory in the fact of having a home in so respectable a neighborhood?  A minister and family located in our midst, a lawyer, and although we have no physician, we can boast of a head nurse.  Just think of the vast amount of brain power embodied in twelve school teachers, ex. and otherwise. (ex. you remember is the first syllable of extra).  We have a music teacher too.  Mrs. A.J. Rowland is giving lessons on the organ to Carrie Milliken.  The church interests both spiritual and financial have materially advanced during the pastorate of Rev. B.F. Marsden as the comparatively large congregations Sabbath days and the attendance upon the weekly prayer meetings (four in number) attest, as well as the noticeable improvement in the appearance of the church, sheds, parsonage and grounds. The universal remark is, our Pastor is such a thorough Christian, and his wife is such a discreet woman, in every way worthy of the place she occupies.  Mr. Albert Whitney is repairing his barn.  The masonry is slowly but surely progressing under the supervision of Peter Byrnes.  Perhaps I've given you all of the items of news unless I send you some of the visionary ones.  You know in nearly every neighborhood are some persons who, unlike Samuel Weller have not a pair of eyes, but "a pair of patent double million magnifying gas microscopes of hextra power," causing them to see much invisible to others.  Usually, these persons are gifted with a tongue power commensurate with their vision, enabling them to give others the full benefit of their peculiar gifts.  Somewhere in an old fashioned book I've read, something about a mote and a beam; something about first plucking out the beam &c.  As Dea. Harris says, "if everyone will weed his own garden every garden will get weed." All of the family send greeting and hope for your speedy return.  Please answer this soon.  From your affectionate niece, Caroline.

Cazenovia Republican, Cazenovia, NY, July 26, 1877

Born

CHAPHE:  In Cazenovia [Madison Co. NY], July 17th, 1877, a son, to Mr. and Mrs. J.J. Chaphe.

Death

ODELL:  In Nelson [Madison Co. NY], july 24th, 1877, Martha C. Odell, aged 68 years. 

Oneida Dispatch, Oneida, NY, July 27, 1877

Marriages

WELLS - HACKLEY:  In Cazenovia [Madison Co. NY], July 17th, by Rev. S.H. Greene, Joseph Wells of Nelson [Madison Co. NY] to Mrs. Mary A. Hackley of Cazenovia.

HILL - FAUCETT:  At the Baptist parsonage, Georgetown [Madison Co. NY], Saturday evening, July 14, by Rev. E. Holroyd, Clark E. Hill to Hannah Faucett.

LONG - WRATE:  At South Brookfield [Madison Co. NY], Edward Long to Miss Nettie Wrate, both of South Brookfield.

REES - TUCKER:  In Norway, Iowa, July 13th, by Rev. Dr. D.A. Simmons, at the residence of the bride's mother, James H. Rees formerly of Chittenango [Madison Co. NY] to Miss Lydia M. Tucker, of Norway, Iowa.

Deaths

STITSON:  In North Branford, Conn., Mr. Alpheus Stitson, formerly of Augusta [Oneida Co. NY], aged 73 years.

MURPHY:  In Oneida [Madison Co. NY], July 13th, Maggie [Murphy] daughter of Michael murphy, aged 10 years, 9 months and 20 days.

STARK:  Near Higginsville, N.Y. [Oneida Co. NY] Sunday evening, July 22d, Retta B. Stark daughter of Henry S. and Catharine Stark, aged 21 years.

HUGILL:  At Vernon, N.Y., July 22d, D. Elizabeth Hugill aged 56? years and 14 days.

BROWN:  In Eaton [Madison Co. NY], July 28th, Rodney S. Brown, aged 1 year, 2 months and 15 days.

JAMES:  In Canastota [Madison Co. NY], July 11th, Charles Edgar James, aged 10 years and 9 months.

MACUMBER:  In Hamilton [Madison Co. NY], July 19th?, Mrs. Cynthia Macumber, wife of miles Macumber, and daughter of Geo. Clarke of Hubbardsville [Madison Co. NY].

SPENCER:  In Brookfield [Madison Co. NY], July 11th, Mrs. Phebe Spencer wife of the late Deacon Spencer, in the 87th year of her age.

PALMITER:  In Brookfield [Madison Co. NY], July 14th, Mr. Reuben Palmiter, aged 66 years, 8 months and 5 days.

SWAN:  In Cazenovia [Madison Co. NY], July 9th, Rev. Lorenzo E. Swan, aged 65 years and 10 months.

LEWIS:  Morrisville [Madison Co. NY]:  Mrs. Althea Lewis who recently died at Solsville [Madison Co. NY] will be remembered as the wife of Mr. Lewis Curtis, a former resident of our village, who died here in 1848.

SAYLES:  In Merrillville [Madison Co. NY], July 7th, Ira B. Sayles of heart disease, aged 68 years.

Dearest father, thou hast left us, / Can we see there here no more? / Thou hast left this world of sorrow / For that bright and shining shore. 

We will miss thee from our home, dear father; / We will miss thee from thy place, / Oh! life will be so dark without / The sunshine of thy face. 

Thou hast left us, and we miss thee, / Sadly miss thee father dear; / In vain we listen for thy footsteps, / Still were thinking thou art near 

We hear no more thy lovely voice, / We catch no more thy smile; / When thou wert here we did rejoice, / We loved thee without guile, / Gone, but not forgotten.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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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.

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.

_______________________

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.