Chenango Semi-Weekly Telegraph, Norwich, NY, January 30, 1878
Marriage
Mr. and Mrs. Ebenezer Adams celebrated at their residence in the town of Plymouth [Chenango Co. NY], Thursday evening, the 24th inst., the fortieth anniversary of their marriage. This was the largest gathering of the kind that has ever been held in this vicinity, and the invitation was made general. 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; and then the guests separated into little knots and groups which seemed almost lost in the spacious rooms of their great mansion. for a time, conversation ruled the hour and well did it reign, for many valuable thoughts were expressed and happy reminiscences rehearsed. Among some of the amusing features of the entertainment which afforded much real merriment to the guests were Mrs. A's. collection of gewgaw animals, artfully constructed of cloth, and made many years ago with her own nimble fingers. Music was voluntarily furnished by the members of the North Norwich Cornet Band. This additional aid was appreciated by those present and helped to render the occasion delightful. At an early hour the guests formed in couples and sought refreshments which were found in abundance. We beheld two large tables bountifully supplied with choice delicacies, together with oysters and other substantials, and well did the participants do the repast justice.
Although no presents were solicited on this occasion, yet some very valuable ones were presented. Mr. J.V. Lewis held the attention of a large company while he made a few eloquent remarks on the part of the donors. He said that the tokens of regard on their part, were but a slight expression of the good wishes they entertain toward the recipients on this the fortieth anniversary of their wedded bliss. In response, G.W. Marvin, of Norwich, spoke on behalf of Mr. and Mrs. Adams. That they tender their hearty thanks to the donors for the valuable presents which, though unexpected, were all the more cheerfully received, and also, to the entire company for the interest each one has exhibited in making this anniversary an unequivocal success.
Mr. Adams married his wife in the winter of 1838. the wedding took place in the house now [in 1878] occupied by Mrs. Reynolds, in this village, but then by Mr. Booker for whom both were working at the time. A goodly number of friends and relatives were present to enjoy that occasion. Though since, thirty-three of that number have died, leaving only two out of thirty-five who attended their wedding and whose ages not far exceeded that of the happy couple. One of the two left is Mrs. Curry, who was present at the anniversary, and enjoying good health. Mr. and Mrs. Adams' wedded life has been an exceptionally happy one. The latter has been in the true sense of the word a helpmate and to her good judgment and sound common sense, must be attributed in some degree at least their success in life. 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. Altogether it was a splendid affair, and all returned home in that happy friendly and peaceful frame of mind, which generally prevails at similar occasions. GS.T.
Death
BALCOM: Died, at Oxford [Chenango Co. NY], January 26th, Henry Balcom, Esq., aged 80 years.
There are names among the older citizens of every village closely identified with very many of the important occurrences which go to make up its history. It is perhaps safe to say that no one of our townsmen can nearly fill the place of the late Henry Balcom in this respect. Having begun life just within the bounds of the last century, his whole career, with its varied and useful experiences, has moved evenly alongside nearly the entire course of the village history and formed a vital part of its record, everywhere leaving an imprint for good. He was born January 18, 1798, the eldest among 11 children of Francis Balcom, one of the very earliest settlers. His marriage with Mary, daughter of Lyman Hunewell, also a pioneer, occurred Jan. 22d, 1822. This union was only broken nearly half a century later by her death. The children remaining are Miss Lucy A. Balcom, Oxford; Mary A. Sheldon, San Francisco, Cal., Mr. Samuel Balcom, Bath, Steuben Co., Mrs. Henry C. Putman, Eau Claire, Wis.; Henry F. Balcom, Cleveland, Ohio, and Samuel F. Balcom, Lapeer, Michigan. A second marriage with Mrs. Sarah Kathan, who survives him, took place September 14, 1870.
Mr. Balcom was blessed with those now old fashioned principles of honesty and fidelity, which with his sympathetic nature must secure friends and wield an influence in a new and growing village. Interested in the well-being of his neighbors, his wise counsels were sought and often proved effective in harmonizing crashing interests and removing cause for litigation. In matters pertaining to public improvement, he was ever among the foremost. It was due to his enterprise that the first sidewalk was laid in Oxford, an example since so generally followed. His knowledge of real estate matters, houses, lots and their boundaries, was marvelous. He could describe the houses and their occupants of about every building lot in the village since his boyhood, with their various changes, and has owned more deeds of property hereabouts than any other citizen. Verily, it seems as though, at one time or another, he had possessed the title to nearly every piece of land in Oxford. His transactions in real estate were almost numberless. Strictly temperate in his habits, and a promoter of temperance, he was of the first to sign a pledge at a meeting in 1832, held at the Presbyterian Chruch. It being the invariable custom in early days to supply liquor whenever a new building was raised, Mr. Balcom, was the first to disregard the rule, and was bitterly censured by his neighbors for the innovation. His attention to the educational interest of the town was continued for nearly fifty years.
Elected a trustee of the Academy in January 1833, he has held the position with scarcely an interval since, having been at his death Vice President, of the Board, ever a zealous and willing worker. He represented his native county in the New York Legislature during the session of 1838, faithful to every duty assigned him. His name was on the list of Directors of the First National bank for at least ten years past. As to politics, a republican of the old pattern, staunch and true. In religion, an attendant at the Episcopal Church. As a kind neighbor and exemplary citizen he will be most missed. At his demise, "The leaves of memory seem to make a mournful rustling in the dark."
Chenango Semi-Weekly Telegraph, Norwich, NY, February 2, 1878
Marriage
Coventry, Chenango Co. NY: Tuesday evening, the 22d inst., Asa Mandeville and wife, found their house suddenly surrounded by a large party armed with tin horns and other dangerous looking paraphernalia and the place was duly invested. After some warlike demonstrations, a parley was had with the inmates of the house, and an armistice was duly declared, and the party given peaceable possession of the premises. Mr. and Mrs. Mandeville were at the proper time informed that this was the tenth anniversary of their wedding and that this company had come to remind them of the fact and to rejoice in honor of the occasion. Mr. Manwarring, in behalf of the friends, in a few well-chosen words, presented some fine gifts to the bride and groom. His remarks were responded to by the Rev. Mr. Sawtelle, of Ninevah.
Deaths
Otselic, Chenango Co., NY: The death of J.J. Johnson casts a gloom over the community. A man of large influence, active in business and of strict integrity, he will be greatly missed.
Earlville, Madison Co. NY: Warner Calkins aged 74 years died at his late residence on Tuesday. The funeral services will be held tomorrow, Friday, at the Baptist Church. While at work upon a scaffold over the barn floor, he stepped upon a plank, the end of which had slipped from its proper position and was precipitated to the floor a distance of twelve feet, striking on his head. He was soon after found in an unconscious condition and remained so until he died. For several years he has been afflicted with deafness so that he has not been much from home, but was known as an industrious, hardworking man. He leaves a large circle of friends who deeply sympathize with the bereaved family in this their sudden affliction.
