Settlement of the town of New Berlin, Chenango County, NY

 New Berlin Gazette, New Berlin, NY, July 22, 1876

Historic Sketch - Settlement of the Town of New Berlin

by John Hyde

Daniel Scribner was one of the first emigrants who settled in the 16th township.  He came with his family into the town in 1790 and settled on a lot on the west side of the Unadilla River and opposite the place called the Indian Fields and near the celebrated sheet of water called Shacktown Pond.  And a Jew who had a tract of land called the Jew's Patent, had laid out a city in embryo adjoining the pond, which project, had it been carried into execution, would have made Mr. Scribner's location an important situation in process of time, being on the opposite bank of the river.  But the Jew died and the city advanced no farther in the process of civilization than to become a cow pasture.

Mr. Scribner built a large and commodious log house on a high piece of ground, a short distance from the river, commanding a fine view of the valley up and down the river and the scenery on the other side.  He kept a tavern several years.  The 16th township at that time was part of Norwich and town meetings and elections were held at his house part of the time and at Amasa Mead's or Hascal Ransford's taverns on the Chenango River at other times.  Mr. Scribner was an industrious, prudent farmer, and with the help of his two sons, Samuel [Scribner] and Gamaliel [Scribner], who were nearly grown up, he soon cleared up his farm.

Neighbors were "few and far between" in those days but were kind and friendly.  Among the many inconveniences attendant upon and fully realized by the first settlers was the difficulty of procuring their corn ground into meal, the nearest grist mill being at a far-off distance up the Susquehanna River, and no road but water communication to the mill.  To lessen the burden of this domestic grand grinding necessity, the neighbors united together and brought their bags of grain to Mr. Scribner's house. A canoe, dug out of an immense pine tree, was duly launched into the Unadilla River and the grists put on board.

Two men, though sometimes only one, took charge of the cargo and away they sped down the crooked Unadilla River into the Susquehanna and up that river to the grist mill, situated on Oake's Creek about two miles from its mouth, where it empties into the Susquehanna River. This creek is the outlet of Schuyler's lake, and this mill was erected in 1790. The voyage to and back from the grist grinding expedition took about a week and sometimes longer.  In fair weather, the voyage was pleasant sailing along the river current under the branches of the overhanging forest trees and when could be seen on the distant hillside the antlered deer sporting in their native wilds with their young fawns, or the white lake gulls floating in the air winging their flight from one lake to another, and cheering on in their peculiar sounding voices flocks of wild ducks might be seen in the coves swimming about heedless of the passing canoe, for yet they had not learned the danger and inhumanity of man. But sometimes adverse weather met the inland mariners and compelled them to take shelter on the shore during the dark and tempestuous night.  Then might be heard the muttered growling of the wolf, and other wild beasts sounded discordant notes on the unwilling ear and too near to permit quiet sleep to the weary travelers. But escaping "the period of flood and field," the inhabitants were made glad by the safe arrival of provisions to revive their half-famished families when the voyage was of a protracted length of two weeks duration as sometimes happened.

Incidents sometimes occurred among the early settlers partaking of the inductions in the development, as well as difficult and dangerous in the performance.  An instance of the kind took place on Doctor Dan Foote's farm about two miles as the river runs below Mr. Scribner's.  Doctor Dan Foote was one of the first settlers, an amiable man, a good neighbor and skillful in his profession, and was possessed of a strong and determined resolution, well calculated to meet and surmount the difficulties and dangers of a frontier and any jeopardy, come how it might.

At considerable expense and trouble, he had become the owner of a valuable porker, an animal detested by the Jews, but liked by Christians, as well as certain savage roamers of the forest.  This porker was installed in a tenement with a nice litter of pigs almost full grown.  A dense swamp was on one side of the pen and a high steep hill on the other. This pig family, on one eventful summer's day, gave the alarm that a savage foe had broken in upon them, by boisterous loud squealing rages of distress.  It was a favorable opportunity for the pilfered, the Doctor and his men, Esq. Marvin and Elisha Marvin were absent in a distant hayfield to work and none but women left to guard the premises. The women on hearing the commotion went out to discover the cause and soon found that a huge black bear, the monarch of the forest, who in right of his forest law, had seized and taken possession on one of the best members of the hog family and was in the very act of pulling the unwilling member out of the pen.  The signal horn was immediately rung, but before the expected aid arrived, the ravenous prowler had dragged his bleeding victim away up the mountain path and into the sheltering woods where undisturbed, he could feed on swine flesh, his favorite food, at his leisure.  But the avengers were on his track and found him in his lair before had finished his dinner.

The doctor came, armed with a shotgun and immediately discharged it at the bear. As the gun was fired, the doctor's dog rushed in, and the bear pulled him in under.  Doctor Foote than struck the bear with his unloaded gun to save the dog. The bear, good at gymnastic exercises, warded off the blow and hauled under Doctor Foote.  

Elisha Marvin came to the rescue and was put under.  Esquire Marvin followed in to help and shared like fate with the rest.  All under by the supreme strength of the bear.  So far, the "wager of battle" between civilized man and brute force in regard to the question of title to the hog appeared to be in favor of the captor, and the bear be allowed to finish his dinner without further interruptions.  The dog in the confusion had extricated himself and ingloriously fled howling home covered with blood.  In the meanwhile, the bear had his three assailants down and apparently at his mercy, but Dr. Foote managed to get his pocket knife out and with one hand and his teeth to open it, his other hand being confined, and with a dexterity and sharp edge of a practical surgeon, struck one vigorous blow aimed at the heart.  the blow was fatal.  The old bear arose off his wounded assailants, left them, staggered down the hill a few rods and fell dead.  Civilized arts of war were victorious over brute force.  Then the dog arrived home, covered with wounds and blood.  The women, anxious for the fate of their friends, sent a young man by the name of Franklin to ascertain. [He] met the bear in the midst of its last struggle in the agonies of death and as the bear fell and began to roll downhill, the messenger turned and fled back, supposing the bear to be in pursuit of him and told the women that the men were all dead.  He was then sent to ask Elder Camp who lived on the other side of the river to come over and help them. The young man, when he came to the bank of the river, the canoe being on the other side, yelled to the Elder and told his errand and said that there were four men dead, "Dr. Foote, Esq. Marvin, Elisha Marvin and myself, all killed by a bear."  Stronger minds than this boy had, have conceived more irrational things by illusion of the imagination than this boy did when he included himself among the number "killed" because he was chased by a dead bear.  

Soon after, Elder Camp came over to assist in performing the last sad duty the living owed to the dead. The supposed dead men arrived home from the battlefield somewhat disfigured by the casualties of war, blood stained by wounds, limbs torn and scratched, clothes rent, fingers bitten, but all safe from serious danger.

They received the congratulations of friends for the narrow escape, and much rejoicing was had over the carcass of the grim old dead bear, who, while living, had been the pest and terror to the whole neighborhood, as much as was the wolf killed by "Old Put" of Revolutionary memory, and for this noble, hazardous and perilous undertaking of Dr. Dan Foote, he deserves to go down to posterity with as much credit for killing the ferocious bear, as did Gen. Putnam for killing the wolf.  Let their names be associated in the narration and the stories of the wolf and the bear be told on the same page in the future schoolbook editions.

[Note:  The legend of "General Putnam and the wolf" is a tale of colonial frontier grit.  It tells how a young Israel Putnam, who later became a prominent major General in the American Revolutionary War, crawled into a cramped, dark cavern in Pomfret, CT, in the winter of 1742 to kill a notorious, sheep-killing she-wolf.] 

Historic Sketch - Settlement of the Town of New Berlin, Chenango Co. NY

 Historic Sketch - Settlement of the Town of New Berlin, Chenango County, NY

By John Hyde

New Berlin Gazette, July 22, 1876

Daniel Schribner was one of the first emigrants who settled in the 16th township.  He came with his family into the town in 1790 and settled on a lot on the -?- side of the Unadilla River and opposite the place called Indian Fields, and near the celebrated sheet of water called Shacktown Pond, and  a Jew who had a tract of land called the Jew's Patent, had laid out a city in embryo adjoining the pond which project had it been carried into execution would have made Mr. Scribner's location an important situation in process of time, being on the opposite bank of the river.  But the Jew died and the city advanced no farther in the process of civilization than to become a cow pasture.

Mr. Scribner built a large and commodious log house on a high piece of ground, a short distance from the river, commanding a fine view of the valley up and down the river, and the scenery on the other side.  He kept a tavern several years.  The 16th township at that time was part of Norwich [Chenango Co. NY] and town meetings and elections were held at his house part of the time and at Amasa Meads or Hascal Ransfords taverns on the Chenango River at other times.  Mr. Scribner was an industrious, prudent farmer and with the help of his two sons, Samuel [Schribner] and Gamaliel [Schribner], who were nearly grown up, he soon cleared up his farm.

Neighbors were "few and far between" in those days but were kind and friendly.  Among the many inconveniences attendant upon and fully realized by the first settlers was the difficulty of procuring their corn ground into meal, the nearest grist mill being at a far-off distance up the Susquehanna River, and no road but water communication to the mill. To lessen the burden of this domestic grain grinding necessity the neighbors united together and brought their bags of grain to Mr. Scribner's house.  A canoe, dug out of an immense pine tree was duly launched into the Unadilla River and the grists put on board.

Two men, though sometimes only one, took charge of the cargo and away they sped down the crooked Unadilla River into the Susquehanna, and up that river to the grist mill, situated on Oake's creek about two miles from its mouth, where it empties into the Susquehanna River. This creek is the outlet of Schuyler's Lake, and this mill was erected in 1790.  The voyage to and back from the grist grinding expedition took about a week and sometimes longer. In fair weather the voyage was pleasant sailing along the river current under the branches of the overhanging forest trees and, when could be seen on the distant hill side, the antlered deer sporting in their native wilds with their young fawns, or the white lake gulls floating in the air winging their flight from one lake to another, and cheering on their peculiar sounding voices, flocks of wild ducks might be seen in the coves swimming about heedless of the passing canoe, for as yet they had not learned the danger and inhumanity of man. But sometimes adverse weather met the inland mariners and compelled them to take shelter on the shore during the dark and tempestuous night.  Then might be heard the mutter growling of the wolf, and other wild beasts sounded discordant notes on the unwilling ear and too near to permit quiet sleep to the weary travelers.  But escaping "the perils of flood and field" the inhabitants were made glad by the safe arrival of provisions to revive their half-famished families when the voyage was of a protracted length of two weeks duration, as sometimes happened.

Incidents sometimes occurred among the early settlers partaking of the ludicrous in the development as well as difficult and dangerous in the performance.  An instance of the kind took place on Doctor Dan Foote's farm, about two miles as the river runs below Mr. Scribner's.  Doctor Dan Foote was one of the first settlers, an amiable man, a good neighbor and skillful in his profession, and was possessed of a strong and determined resolution, well calculated to meet and surmount the difficulties and dangers of a frontier and any jeopardy come how it might.

At considerable expense and trouble, he had become the owner of a valuable porker, an animal detested by the Jews but liked by Christians, as well as certain savage roamers of the forest.  This porker was installed in a tenement with a nice litter of pigs almost full grown.  A dense swamp was on one side of the pen and a high steep hill on the other.  This pig family, on one eventful summer's day, gave the alarm that a savage foe had broken in upon them by boisterous loud squealing signs of distress.  It was a favorable opportunity for the pilferer.  The Doctor and his men, Esquire Marvin and Elisha Marvin were absent in a distant hayfield to work and none but women left to guard the premises. The women on hearing the commotion went out to discover the cause and soon found that a huge black bear, the monarch of the forest, who in right of his forest law, had seized and taken possession of one of the best members of the hog family and was in the very act of pulling the unwilling member out of the pen.  The signal horn was immediately blown but before the expected aid arrived the ravenous prowler had dragged his bleeding victim away up the mountain path and into the sheltering woods where undisturbed he could feed on swine flesh, his favorite food, at his leisure. but the avengers were on his track and found him in his lair before he had finished his dinner.

The doctor came armed with a shotgun and immediately discharged it at the bear. As the gun was fired, the doctor's dog rushed in, and the bear pulled him in under. Doctor Foote then struck the bear with his unloaded gun to save the dog. The bear, good at gymnastic exercises, warded off the blow and hauled under Doctor Foote.

Elisha Marvin came to the rescue and was put under, Esquire Marvin followed in to help and shared like fate with the rest.  All under by the supreme strength of the bear.  So far, the "wager of battle" between civilized man and brute force in regard to the question of title to the hog appeared to be in favor of the captor and the bear be allowed to finish his dinner without further interruption. The dog in the confusion had extricated himself and ingloriously fled howling home, covered with blood.  In the meanwhile, the bear had his three assailants down and apparently at his mercy, but Dr. Foote managed to get his pocketknife out, and with one hand and teeth to open it, his other hand being confined, and with a direct and straight edge of a practical surgeon, struck one vigorous blow aimed at the heart.  

The blow was fatal.  The old bear arose off his wounded assailants, left them, staggered down the hill a few rods and fell dead.  Civilized arts of war were victorious over brute force. When the dog arrived home covered with wounds and blood, the women, anxious for the fate of their friends, sent a young man by the  name of Franklin to ascertain, who met the bear in the midst of its last struggle in the agonies of death, and as the bear fell and began to roll downhill, the messenger turned and fled back, supposing the bear to be in pursuit of him and told the women that the men were all dead. He was then sent to ask Elder Camp, who lived on the other side of the river to come over and help them. The young man, when he came to the bank of the river, the canoe being on the other side, yelled to the Elder and told his errand, and said that there were four men dead, Dr. Foote, Esquire Marvin, Elisha Marvin and myself all killed by a bear. Stronger minds than this boy had, have conceived more irrational things by illusion of the imagination than this boy did when he included himself among the number killed because he was chased by a dead bear.

Soon after Elder Camp came over to assist in performing the sad duty the livng owe to the dead, the supposed dead men arrived home from the battlefield somewhat disfigured by the casualties of war, blood stained by wounds, limbs torn and scratched, clothes rent, fingers bitten but all safe from serious danger.

They received the congratulations of friends for the narrow escape and much rejoicing was had over the carcass of the grim, old dead bear, who, while living, had been the pest and terror to the whole neighborhood, as much as was the wolf killed by "old Pat" of Revolutionary memory.  And for this noble, hazardous and perilous undertaking of Dr. Dan Foote, he deserves to go down to posterity with as much credit for killing the ferocious bear as did Gen. Putnam for killing the wolf.  Let their names be associated in the narration and the stories of the wolf and the bear be told on the same page in the future schoolbook editions.

Historical Sketch, Settlement of New Berlin, NY

 Historical Sketch of the Settlement of the Town of New Berlin

by John Hyde

New Berlin Gazette, New Berlin, Chenango Co. NY, September 22, 1877

Doctor Dean Foote was the first professor in the art of healing "the ills that the flesh is heir to," who settled in New Berlin [Chenango Co. NY].  In the matter of the old bear conflict he has already been mentioned about, we will only add he was a useful and meritorious citizen among the early inhabitants. [Local History Notes: Search results for "Doctor Foote" (smdlocalhistoryblog.blogspot.com)]

Doctor Ebenezer Ross succeeded him in practice.  His home was in New Berlin village.  He built his dwelling house on the north side of East Street, now owned [in 1877] and occupied by Henry Tew.  Doct. Ross was a careful and successful practitioner; dealt out the pills and yielded the lance with skill.  Royal Ross took the place of his uncle, the old doctor, on his decease.  He purchased and lived in the dwelling house now owned [in 1877] by Frederick Firman, on the east side of North Street, and built the brick office on the premises.  After the decease of his first wife, he married the widow of Nathan Beardslee, deceased, and lived in the house formerly owned by his uncle, already mentioned, during the remainder of his days.  Dr. Royal Ross was an active, energetic and skillful physician and took much interest in town affairs and in common school business.

Dr. Hand, a student in Doctor Mitchell's office of Norwich [Chenango Co. NY] practiced as a physician a short period in New Berlin and then went to Oswego [Oswego Co. NY].  He was a man of superior ability in the medical profession.  Dr. Hermon Gray resided in the house now owned [in 1877] and occupied by Widow Howard a few years, and gave medical aid to the sick, then moved into one of the Western States.  [He] also changed his occupation into a cultivator of the soil.  Doctor Russell B. Burch settled on South Street near the bank and built the dwelling house in which his widow now resides [in 1877]; was a good physician and a useful member of society.

Dr. Dyer Loomis purchased the dwelling house, which Amos Matteson built on the east side of South Street, adjoining the Episcopal parsonage house, where he still resides.  His extensive practice manifested the confidence of the community in his mode and skill in the treatment of patients.

Dr. Knight and Dr. Bellows were early settlers in South New Berlin and were worthy members of the medical department.  The foregoing named professors of medicine were admitted to practice under the old order, appertaining to the regulation of the medical department, and when diplomas were given under rules and regulations requiring a competent knowledge of the healing art, before the student was admitted to deal out medicine to patients and before patent medicines found way into public notice through the channel of a common almanac or the columns of some country newspaper.

Amongst the pioneer lawyers, Abijah Bennett was the first lawyer who settled in New Berlin, but in the war of 1812, his law license was exchanged for a captain's military commission, under which he enlisted soldiers, formed a military recruiting camp in the then pine woods on the east side of the village North Street near where the Masonic Hall now stands [in 1877], where he taught soldiers the art of war, instead of pleading the cause of clients in our courts of justice.

Noah Ely a lawyer, built his family residence on the west side of North Street, where he resided until his decease, his family still occupying the place [in 1877].  He was some time town clerk, a member of the State Legislature one term and was judge advocate in Gen. Augustus C. Welch's brigade of infantry.

John Hyde, a lawyer, built his dwelling house on the east side of North Street, near the old elm tree, venerable for its integrity, and remarkable for its long drooping limbs as if mourning for the absence of its early associate forest trees.  Its age dates back to the period when the Redmen were the owners of the ground on which it stands.  J. Hyde was some times town clerk, a justice of the peace, and also held the commission of judge advocate in General Henry DeForest's brigade of horse artillery.

Charles A. Thorp a lawyer was with Hyde in the practice of law a short time and went to Oxford [Chenango Co. NY] as a partner with John Tracy.

Nathan Beardslee, a lawyer, settled in New Berlin, purchased the dwelling house built by Ebenezer Ross, deceased, and lived there until his decease.  He held the office of supervisor one term.

Henry Southworth, a lawyer when the wooden Episcopal Church building was pulled down to make a place for the stone edifice, purchased the Vestry Room and moved it on to the ground now occupied [in 1877] by Hazard & Dykes' drug and apothecary store and converted it into a law office in which he transacted law business during his sojourn in New Berlin.  He is now [in 1877] in law practice in the city of New York.  A village wag on hearing that the old-time honored vestry room had been transformed into a law shop said it reminded him of a certain other event recorded in scripture that Christ charged upon the Jews that they had -?- the [unreadable].

Samuel S. Randall, a lawyer, practiced law in the village [and was] engaged in other business.  He now [in 1877] resides in the city of New York occupied in literary pursuits.

Alonzo Johnson a lawyer, practiced the law business in the village [then] changed his profession for a clerkship in one of the public offices in the city of Washington where he ended his days.

Albert L. Pritchard practiced law in New Berlin, went into the banking business in one of the western states and is now in business in the city of New York.

Henry Bennett, a lawyer, purchased the brick dwelling house on North Street, now owned [in 1877] and occupied by Ira Butterfield and lived there during the remainder of his days.  He was a member of Congress a number of successive terms and was an industrious and energetic member in the discharge of his official duty.  Charles W. Sumner, his brother-in-law, was his partner in law business and owned and lived in the dwelling house on North Street at the junction of Academy Street. He was justice of the Peace, sometime a United States Postmaster and was a member of the State Legislature two terms in succession.  His fate, however, was sad, for soon after the expiration of his second term of office while taking a pleasure excursion with some friends on one of the small lakes in the western part of the state, the boat suddenly was overturned and in attempting to swim ashore he was drowned.

Obituaries (January 1)

R. Wilbur Foote

Bainbridge News & Republican, July 11, 1946

Word has been received here by Mrs. Arta M. Teachout of the death of her brother, R. Wilbur Foote, who died suddenly Sunday, June 15, at his home in San Diego, Calif.  Mr. Foote expected to visit Bainbridge this month.  He was born Apr. 18, 1892, the son of the late Albert and Frances Foote, of Guilford [Chenango Co., NY].  Surviving are his wife, Mrs. Aleine Foote, and a son, Bruce, both of San Diego, Calif.; one sister, Arta Teachout, and one niece, Miss Dorothy Teachout, both of Bainbridge.

 

Gladys Sands Gifford

Bainbridge News & Republican, July 11, 1946

 

Mrs. Gladys Sands Gifford, 36, of Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY] R.D.2, widow of the late Harvey Gifford, died Saturday at the Sidney Hospital.  She is survived by three children, Jean, Sandra and Donald Gifford; her mother, Mrs. Mamie R. Sands, all of Bainbridge, R.D.2; two brothers, Howard Sands, of Sidney, and George Sands, of Masonville; a sister, Mrs. Rose Smith, of Masonville; her grandmother, Mrs. Jennie Tiffany, of Windsor, also several nieces and nephews.  Services were held at the Fisher Funeral Chapel Tuesday afternoon at 2 o'clock.  The Rev. Norman Lawton officiated.  Burial was in Prospect Hill Cemetery at Sidney [Delaware Co., NY].

 

Francis A. Zagata

Bainbridge News & Republican, July 11, 1946

 

Oneonta [Otsego Co., NY]:  Francis A. Zagata, 29, Oneonta war veteran, was drowned in Gilbert Lake last Thursday afternoon within sight of about 1,500 persons on the lake front at the state park.  Two physicians who were in the park at the time worked on the Oneonta man after his body was pulled form the lake about 10 minutes after the accident.  Park officials called the Oneonta Fire Department and two firemen responded with a resuscitator.  Mr. Zagata was about 10 feet from the south float in the lake and about 50 feet from a life guard on duty in a rowboat when he went under the water.   According to park officials, none of the persons near the drowning man heard an outcry. 

 

Oneonta:  Francis A. Zagata, 29 Oneonta war veteran, was drowned in Gilbert Lake yesterday afternoon within sight of about 1,500 persons on the lakefront at the state park.  Two physicians who were in the park at the time worked on the Oneonta man after his body was pulled form the lake about 10 minutes after the accident.  Park officials called the Oneonta Fire Department and two firemen responded with a resuscitator.  Mr. Zagata was about 10 feet from the south float in the lake and about 50 feet from a life guard on duty in a rowboat when he went under the water.  According to park officials, none of the persons near the drowning man heard an outcry.   Miss Agnes Mumford, a companion, who was sitting on the bank said that she saw Mr. Zagata suddenly lift his arms and go under the water.  She shouted to a life guard in the boat near him.  The life guard began diving into the water which is about 15 feet deep at that point, and the body was found at about 3:55 p.m. by Donald St. John of 5-1/2 Columbia Street.  Park officials said that yesterday's drowning was the first since the park opened 20 years ago.  Dr. A.M. Skinner of Homer Folks Tuberculosis Hospital who was in the park at the time was called and a Utica doctor, who was swimming in the lake, attempted to revive Mr. Zagata until the fire department crew arrived.  A former Oneonta athlete, Mr. Zagata was a competent swimmer according to friends.  He recently had passed his physical examination for appointment to the city fire department and was third on the civil service eligibility list.  Veteran of four years' service in the army airforces, Mr. Zagata had served as a staff sergeant in the Pacific theatre as a gunner and an engineer on a Flying Fortress.  He is survived by his parents Mr. and Mrs. Michael Zagata of 30 Gilbert Street; five sisters, Miss Helen Zagata and Miss Aileen Zagata who were at Gilbert Lake with their brother at the time of his death; Mrs. Joseph Zarnsky, Mrs. Raymond Camp, and Mrs. Hugh MacNeil; and two brothers, Michael Zagata, Jr., and John W. Zagata, all of this city.  [Binghamton Press, July 5, 1946]

 

Oneonta:  Funeral services for Francis A. Zagata, who was drowned July 4 in Gilbert Lake, will be conducted Monday morning at his home, 30 Gilbert Street, at 8:45 and at 9:30 o'clock in St. Mary's Church here.  The body was removed form Rothery's Funeral home here to the Gilbert Street residence today. Friends may call at the home tonight and tomorrow. Mr. Zagata, 29-year-old veteran of the Army Air Forces, served for four years in Dutch Guiana, Panama, Puerto Rico, South America and Trinidad.  He was a graduate of Oneonta High School and Attended State Teachers College here.  He was a member of Sergt. Elbert N. Patten Post, Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American legion Post here.  He also was a member of St. Mary's Church and the Holy Name Society. Two days before his death he was employed with Lina Coach and Truck Corp., this city.  [Binghamton Press, July 6, 1946]

 

Rev. Ralph W. Carr

Bainbridge News & Republican, June 20, 1946

 

North Plainfield, N.J.:  The Rev. Ralph W. Carr, pastor of the Hydewood Park Baptist Church here for the last 14 years, died today in his home at 157 Westervelt avenue, at the age of 59.  Mr. Carr was born at Nineveh Junction [Broome Co., NY], and before entering the ministry was engaged in evangelistic work.  He attended the Bible School Park, Binghamton, and the Moody Bible Institute, Chicago, and was ordained in the Angelica Baptist church.  He came here from Cenlands, N.J., where he served as pastor for seven years.  He was a member of the board of the African  Christian Mission of Paterson, and the Bolivian Indian Mission of Plainfield.  Mr. Carr leaves a widow, Mrs. Elsa L. Sawyer Carr;  two daughters, Mrs. Raymond Davis, a missionary at Kano, Nigeria, West Africa, and Miss Doris P. Carr; a son, Ralph W. Jr., of  Milwaukee; a brother, Harry, of Afton; and three sisters Mrs. John A. Davis, of Bible School Park, Mrs. R. Clay Wilcox, of New York, and Mrs. Fred Chamberlin, of Afton--New York Times. 

 

 

Obituaries (November 19)

Abial Bush

 

Since our last, death has taken from us Mr. Abial Bush, a life-long resident of this place.  Although not permitted to engage in the active duties of life, yet we sadly miss him.  He was a kind friend and neighbor, and much esteemed and respected by all who knew him.  We trust that he is safely at rest in the "home over there."  [Bainbridge Republican, May 10, 1877]

 

Family of Homer Westfall

 

One of the saddest cases of sickness and destitution it has ever been our lot to record, says the Deposit Courier, has come to our knowledge the past week, and is now interesting a number of our people who are ever ready to assist the unfortunate.  Last Sunday Dr. B.E. Radeker was called to attend the family of Homer Westfall, living about four miles north of this village, on the Sanford road, the locality being known as Loomis Hill.  He found several children, ranging from one and a half to thirteen years old, together with the mother, all sick with that dread disease, diphtheria.  They were all huddled together in a small room, without care, insufficiently clothed, and with only two beds.  The poor children were lying about the room, on the beds, on chairs, and on the floor, and presented a scene of the most fearful description.  The place was unwholesome in the extreme, their clothing meager, and their sufferings intense.  The Doctor saw at once that nothing could be done for the sufferers until they were removed from the condition of filth in which he found them, provided with fresh clothing and proper care.  He accordingly came back to the village, and after calling on a number of people for aid procured sufficient clothing to help them for the present at least.  He then, with the assistance of Mr. H.T. Smith, Overseer of the Poor, went on Thursday, and with the aid of carpenters, put up a temporary house to which they could be removed.  This was completed Thursday evening, but so late that the family could not be moved until  the next day.  Friday morning the eldest child died, and the condition of two others was considered hopeless.  Mr. Westfall who up to this time had escaped the disease and had been the only one, with the exception of the doctor, to take care of the family was taken sick.  It has been impossible to employ anyone to go to the place and nurse the sufferers, though diligent search had been made and abundant pay has been offered.  It is impossible to imagine anything worse than this, Sickness of an entire family, with a dangerous and fearful disease--one that in its treatment requires promptness, the best of care, and the utmost cleanliness--coupled with abject poverty, uncleanness and helplessness, is one that should excite the sympathy of everyone.  It is to be hoped that the measures on foot for their relief will be successful.  Dr. Radeker, who is himself suffering with a severe cold, has been constant in his attention doing everything in his power almost unaided, for their relief.  [Bainbridge Republican, May 10, 1877]

 

Lyman Foote

Waldo Teebo, returning to his home on Murphy Hill, near Cooperstown [Otsego Co., NY], one day last week after a week's absence, found the lifeless body of the hired man, Lyman Foote, aged 74, lying across the bed.  The fact that the body was partly dressed led to the conclusion that the man passed away either as he was preparing to retire or arise.  Dr. George Crane, of Cooperstown, coroner's physician for Dr. E.C. Granger, of Edmeston, gave a verdict of death from natural causes.  He gave the opinion that death had occurred about 24 hours before the examination.  The body was taken to Sharon Springs [Schoharie Co.,  NY] where the funeral and burial were held.  Foote had been living alone in the house.--Otsego Farmer.  [Bainbridge News & Republican, June 1, 1944]

Libbie D. (Fosbury) Hamilton

Mrs. Libbie D. Hamilton, youngest daughter of Franklin D. and Emma Sole Fosbury, passed away at her home in Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], Saturday morning, January 14th, of pneumonia.  She was born October 20, 1871 at the Fosbury homestead near West Bainbridge. On October 11, 1906 she was married to Walter Hamilton, who survives her.  There also remains one sister, Mrs. Ransom Herrick, of Bainbridge, and one aunt, Mrs. Alice Pratt, of Cooperstown, and several cousins.  Her death is a great shock to the family as well as to the community where she lived.  Always cheerful and ready to lend a helping hand in time of trouble, she will be greatly missed by all who knew her.  At the age of fourteen she united with the Union Valley Methodist church of which she always remained a faithful member.  For some time she played the organ and assisted in many other ways.  The funeral was held at Colwell Brother's undertaking parlors in Bainbridge on January 17th, conducted by her pastor, Rev. William Bartz.  The beautiful floral tributes and large attendance at the funeral showed the high esteem with which Mrs. Hamilton was held. She is gone but not forgotten; we shall met beyond the river.  [1933]

Nettie M. (Woodmansee) Avery

Mrs. Nellie M. Avery, widow of the late George E. Avery, died at the W.R.C. Home Tuesday afternoon, Oct. 9.  Mrs. Avery suffered a shock the early part of April from which she never fully recovered.  Since the death of her husband in May 1922 she had made her home with Mr. and Mrs. Donald Moore.  About three weeks ago she was taken to the W.R.C. Home and another shock resulted in her death.  Mrs. Avery was born in Masonville [Delaware Co., NY], Oct. 21, 1860, and was the daughter of William R. and Sarah Whitman Woodmansee.  After her marriage to Mr Avery October 31, 1888, they lived in Bennettsville and Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY].  About 18 years ago they moved to Oxford where she has since resided most of the time.  She was a member of the M.E. Church of this village and Lafayette Chapter O.E.S.  The funeral will be held Saturday afternoon at 2 o'clock at the W.R.C. Home with Rev. H.E. Weavers officiating.  Burial will be made at Sidney Center.  She is survived by a sister, Mrs. A.B. Case, and a nephew, C. Reginald Case, of Mexico City Mexico.  [1928]

Fred Douglass

The passing of Fred Douglass is a great loss to our community.  As a former school fellow and as a neighbor in my boyhood and youth.  I know he made a deep impression upon his associates.  His keen and sure sense of obligation which he always put before his own rights, his unselfishness, his attitude toward the unwritten and unenforceable covenants of life, his respect for the "ancient landmarks" of his neighbors, all stamped him as John Bunyan's ideal "Valiant-for-Truth," of whom Bunyan wrote, "After this it was noised abroad that Mr. Valiant-for-Truth was taken with a summons--and had this for a token that the summons was true:  that his pitcher was broken at the fountain.  When he understood it, he called for his friends and told them of it.  Then said he, 'I am going to my fathers, and though with great difficulty, am I got hither, yet now I do not repent me of all the trouble I have been at to arrive where I am.  My sword, I give to him that shall succeed me in my pilgrimage, and my courage and skill to him that can get it.  My marks and my scars I carry with me to be a witness for me that I have fought his battles, who will now be my rewarder.'  When the day that he must go hence was come, many accompanied him to the river-side, into which as he went he said, 'Death, where is thy sting?'  and as he went deeper, he said, 'Grave, where is thy victory?' So he passed over, and all the trumpets sounded for him on the other side."--William S. Myers [1931]

 

Obituaries & Marriages (August 26)

 Graves- White, Chenango Semi-Weekly Telegraph, Norwich, NY, January 6, 1900:  The marriage of Miss Jessie White, daughter of Anson J. White, and Merton E. Graves took place Wednesday, January 3, 1900.  The ceremony was performed at 12 o'clock at the home of the bride's parents on the Holmesville road, about four miles east of this village, by Rev. C.S. Pendleton of Oneonta.  About seventy-five persons, relatives and invited guests, were in attendance. The interior of the house was beautifully trimmed and decorated with evergreens and potted plants. The ceremony, which was very impressive, took place in front of a large bank of evergreens, surmounted by an arch, under which the contracting parties stood. the bride was attended by Miss Mabel Graves, a cousin of the bridegroom and Lewis White was best man.  After the ceremony a reception was held and the bridal party, amid the hearty congratulations of their friends, sat down to a sumptuous dinner. the gifts were numerous and beautiful.  Miss White is a graduate of Norwich high school and is highly respected and esteemed by a large circle of acquaintances and friends. The bridegroom is the son of Edward Graves and resides with his parents on the South New Berlin road.  He is possessed of sterling ability and a manly character and enjoys the respect of all with whom he is acquainted.  Mr. and Mrs. Graves left town on the 4:46 p.m. Lackawanna train north.   Numerous out of town guests were present at the wedding, including some from Norwich.  --Sun

Chandler - Joralemon, Bainbridge Republican, February 22, 1894:  Sunday evening last Rev. Father B.A. Stack of St. Francis de Sale's Church, performed the ceremony which made Joseph F. Chandler, of this city [Utica, Oneida Co., NY], and Miss Gertrude E. Joralemon, of Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], man and wife. the ceremony was private, and after it the happy couple went to the residence of Mrs. George F. Schmidt, sister of the groom, and a quiet wedding supper was enjoyed.  Tuesday Mr. and Mrs. Chandler left for New York for a short visit  The groom is a popular young man of this city, an employee in the composing room of the Observer for years, and a valued member of the Utica Typographical union.  He is much liked by a large circle of acquaintances. The bride is a young lady who has been here as a student several months, boarding with the Misses Jones, No. 55 Miller St.,  She is much esteemed by all who know her, and Mr. Chandler is congratulated on his choice.  Utica Observer.

Irene (Foote) Case, Sherburne News, April 18, 1891:  Our community was painfully startled on Wednesday to learn that Mrs. Irene (Foote) Case, wife of DeWitt C. Case, had died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. John M. Howard, after an illness of but scarce thirty-six hours.  The deceased had gone up to her daughter's Saturday last to nurse her, she suffering with a serious attack of pleurisy.  On Tuesday she was taken with a severe pain in the side. There was being held at the time a consultation  of doctors on Mrs. Howard's condition, two physicians being present--Crumb of Sherburne, and Beebe, of Hamilton.  Doctor Beebe administered a hypodermic injection of morphia to Mrs. Case, and gave directions to Dr. Crumb, who was the regularly attending physician, to repeat the dose later in the day. The deceased went into an unconscious state, and, although strenuous efforts were made to rouse her, they were unsuccessful, and she passed away Wednesday about 2 p.m., amid the grief-stricken family which surrounded her.  The deceased had been in ill health for some time from pleurisy, and this, complicated with pneumonia, is the reported cause of death.  Mrs. Irene Case was the daughter of Asa Foote, and has always resided in this town [Sherburne, Chenango Co., NY].  She was born January 16, 1847, and was married to DeWitt C. Case February 20, 1867, by whom she had four children, two sons and two daughters. She leaves, besides, her father, mother, two brothers, J. Foote of this village, and John D. Gale, of Buffalo, and two sisters, Mrs. H.V.D. Hoyt, of Goshen, and Mrs. Charles D. Reynolds, of this town. She was a devoted wife and mother, and few would be more missed in the family circle. She, early in life, became a member of Christ (Episcopal) Church, this village, and was a conscientious Christian lady.  She leaves many friends outside the family who will mourn with them in their sudden bereavement.  The funeral services were held at the home of the deceased Friday afternoon at two o'clock, Rev. T.A. Stevenson officiating, and the remains interred in the family lot in the Quarter cemetery.

Elsie Jones Curtis, Sherburne News, April 18, 1891:  The following account of the recent death of this dear lady is taken from the Daily Argus, published by her son, Smith Curtis, Esq., at Beaver, Pa.  Mrs. Curtis will be remembered by many friends of the olden times in Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], where she long had her home and all of her children were born, having first lived in the house adjoining the residence of the late Mr. Whitford, to the eastward, and afterwards in the house erected by her husband near the tannery, then conducted by him, on the west side of the river.  Though her cares and labors were great, the memories of those days were always by her lovingly cherished:

At the residence of her son, Smith Curtis, Third street, Beaver, Pa., Saturday, April 11, 1891, Mrs. Elsie Jones Curtis, after a brief illness, died at the advanced age of 85 years.  She was able to be about until within a short time of her death which although coming suddenly, was without severe suffering.  The deceased was born in Barkhamstead, Conn., April 4, 1806, moved with her parents, when she was quite young, to Smyrna, N.Y.  December 19, 1824, she married John Curtis, of Sherburne, and began housekeeping at first on Sherburne Hill, afterwards moved to near Sherburne village, N.Y., where she lived during her married life.  Her husband died in 1850.  There were born to her and her husband ten children, Smith being the only surviving one.  In 1855 she moved to Toledo, Ohio, and contineud to reside there for twenty-five years.  Of her parents' family, she leaves four brothers, and one sister. the deceased was a member of the First Congregational Church of Toledo, Ohio, to which she was very strongly attached.  On every anniversary occasion she was remembered by some token of affection, the last one being a box of cake and flowers, received only a few days ago.  She was a woman of clear mind, strong in purpose, steadfast in her religious faith, devoted to her friends, and interested in every good work. she enjoyed life while she lived, but was ready and even willing to depart to be with loved ones gone before.  Peaceful be her rest.  Rochester, Pa., Argus, April 11.

Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, January 3, 1878

Marriages

IRELAND - WINSOR:  In Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], Dec. 26th, by Rev. N.S. Reynolds, Mr. James Ireland, of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Katie S. Winsor, of Bainbridge.

WALWORTH - HOTCHKISS:  in Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], Dec. 20th, by Rev. J.H. Sage, Mr. Harmon A. Walworth, of Smithville to Miss Charlotte A. Hotchkiss of Greene [Chenango Co., NY].

TRUESDELL - HURLBURT:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], Dec. 25th, by Rev. A.B. Daley, Mr. Frank D. Truesdell, to Miss Mary Hurlburt, all of Greene.

Died

RANDALL:  Suddenly, in this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], on Tuesday, January 1st, 1878, John Swan Randall, Esq., aged 60 years.  Funeral services at the residence of S.R. Follett, East Main street, on Thursday at 2 p.m.

CHURCH:  By a fall from Lyon Brook bridge on the Midland railroad, on Tuesday evening, January 1st, Mr. Frank Church, of this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY] aged 20 years.

BROOKS:  In North Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], Dec. 27th, of scarlet fever, Freddie M. [Brooks], son of Orville and Mary Brooks, aged 3 years and 4 months.

SPRAGUE:  In Smyrna [Chenango Co., NY], suddenly of heart disease, Dec. 20th, Jane [Sprague], wife of Elisha Sprague, aged 61 years.

GREENE:  In East German [Chenango Co., NY], Dec. 8th, Mrs. Lovisa Greene, aged 83 years.

HAYES:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], Dec. 23d, Mrs. Lucy Hayes, widow of the late Lorenzo B. Hayes, aged 85 years.

PIERPONT:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], Dec. 23d, Mr. Merritt S. Pierpont, aged 78 years.

NEWTON:  In Masonville [Delaware Co., NY], DEc. 13th, Miss Eliza Newton, aged 69 years, formerly of Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY].

EVANS:  In Morrisville [Madison Co., NY], Dec. 15th, Mr. Robert Evans, of Jackson, Mich., aged 31 years, formerly of Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY].

EDWARDS:  In Dresden, Ohio, Dec. 14th, Mayor D.F. Edwards, aged 58 years, formerly of this County.

Vital Records, Oxford, NY, August 1866 continued

 Oxford Times, August 22, 1866

Marriages

In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 15th inst., by Rev. F.B. Peck, Mr. Samuel Balcom of Campbelltown, Steuben Co., N.Y. to Mrs. Sarah L. Foote, daughter of Henry Balcom, of Oxford.

In Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 1st inst., by Rev. Wm. Burnside, Mr. Joseph F. Hicks to Miss Emily Price, both of Guilford.

Deaths

In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 15th inst., Miss Rachel Bundy, aged 63 years.

On the 16th inst., Sarah M. [Brabazon], wife of George Brabazon, aged 23 years.

In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on 13th inst., Almeda A. [Main], daughter of Thomas Main, aged 22 years.

In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 13th inst., Miss Lydia A. Lewis, aged 47 years.

In Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY], on the 12th inst., Betsey [Blackman], wife of Lester Blackman, aged 51 years.

In Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], on the 1st inst., Mrs. Mary Jane Hopkins, only daughter of Willis Walker, of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], after a protracted illness. She sleeps her last sleep.

Come to my couch, draw quietly near, / Think of my soul in yonder bright sphere; / Check thy sorrows, death is a friend, / When to live longer secures no good end.

Bear me away friends to my last home, / Peacefully lay me down in the tomb; / Lightly, tread lightly round my low bed, / Sweetly, now sleeps the beautiful dead.

Sorrowful mourner weeping no more, / Meet me upon you beautiful shore.

Oxford Times, August 29, 1866

Marriages

In Coventry [Chenango Co., NY], on 16th inst., by Rev. A.J. Buell, Mr. W.A. Cowley of Stamford [Delaware Co., NY], to Miss Anna B. Smith of Coventry.

In Mt. Upton [Chenango Co., NY], July 29th, by Rev. W.W. Andrews, Mr. Thomas P. Jewell to Miss Julia Ackley, all of Mt. Upton.

By the same, Aug. 13th, Mr. Decklvus? Bowen to Miss Ida Burlingame, all of White Store [Chenango Co., NY].

In South New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], on 12th inst. by Rev. A.E. Daniels, Mr. Silas A. Steere of Columbus [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Eliza j. Gorton, of North norwich [Chenango Co., NY].

Deaths

In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on the 27th inst., Austin Rouse, M.D., aged 70 years.

In East Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], on the 23d inst. Esther [Wooster], wife of Moses Wooster, aged 68 years.

In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on 15th inst., Mrs. Selinda Keech, wife of the late Elisha Keech, aged 63 years.

In Fairview, Kowa, Mr. Amos Breed, formerly of Pitcher [Chenango Co., NY], aged 71 years.

We regret to learn that Emma Steere, a little daughter of Clark Steere of Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY], and between two and three years of age, was accidently killed on Monday morning last.  She had been down to her father's saw mill at play, and started back for the house alone.  In going she had to cross the bridge across a branch of the Canasawacta Creek, and it is supposed that in playing on the bridge, she fell of and was killed. She was found some three quarters of an hour after she was last seen, in the creek, a few rods below the bridge, on a rift, and dead.  Her neck was broken or severely injured, and it is supposed that in falling, she struck a timber just under the bridge, inflicting the wound, which must of itself have caused her death.  Chenango Telegraph.

Death of Austin Rouse, M.D.

It will be hard for many to realize that one, who perhaps has been connected with more hearths and homes than any other in our community, in the dear and tender relations of a beloved and faithful physician, sleeps in death.

Doctor Rouse died at noon on Monday, the 27th instant, aged 70 years.  He was born at Norwich, in this county [Chenango Co., NY], June 15, 1796, and was the oldest son of the late Casper M. Rouse, who was a judge of the Court of Common Pleas at a date anterior to the memory of the most now living.  He completed his medical studies with Doctor Perez Packer in this village, with whom he was for a time connected as a trusted assistant, having commenced the practice of his profession in 1822.  In the social and domestic relations of life, he was ever characterized by great purity of character, integrity of purpose, and an abiding kindness of heart, as uniform as it was admirable.  Doctor Rouse was a thorough student of his profession, and ever shared largely the confidence and respect of his professional brethren.

A marked trait in his practice, was the absence of that pride of opinion which insists upon its own course of treatment as an ultimatum, and refuses or chafes under the advice of associates.  Nor was that the result of any lack of research and knowledge of his profession, but rather of a native modesty united with a heart free from envy and a mind at once enlightened, and liberal.  In a profession, whose rivalries are frequently bitter, and its animosities sharp, and which is peculiarly liable to private judgment, uncharitable and erroneous, based as it often is upon ignorance and misapprehension, few men have secured a larger share of the love and confidence of the community in which they lived, few have died at whose loss there was a more generous tribute of grateful sorrow. 

Vital Records, Norwich, NY, March 31 & April 7, 1869

 Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, March 31, 1869

Marriages

At the residence of the bride's father, in Carlinville, Ill., March 7th, by Rev. C. Witte, Mr. Will N. Underwood, formerly of New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY] and a "type" of this office, to Miss Etta C. Wardgensted, all of Carlinville.

In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], Feb. 4th, by Rev. E.Z. Lewis, of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], Mr. Leonad G. Lindsley, to Miss Celia M. Ford, both of Oxford.

In Preston [Chenango Co., NY], March 20th, by Clark T. Rogers, Esq., Mr. William J. Whitford, of Brookfield, N.Y. [Madison Co.], to Miss Hattie E. Holmes, of Preston.

In Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], March 17th, by Rev. J.L. Burrows, Mr. Cyrus C. Cook, to Miss Minerva Merrill.

Deaths

In Preston [Chenango Co., NY], March 25th, Abigail [Packer], wife of William Packer, aged 79 years.

In North Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], March 28th, Mr. William W. Burrell, aged 63 years.

In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], March 20th, Mrs. Betsey Hallenleon, aged 82 years.

In Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], March 20th, Mrs. Ives, widow of Abram Ives, aged 90 years.  She was one of the first settlers of Guilford and was intimately connected with its early history.

In Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], March 23d, Ann [Bradley] wife of Uri Bradley.

Fatal Accident:  Robert Hinman, of Pitcher [Chenango Co., NY], while at work in a sugar on Monday of last week, cut his foot badly near the ankle, severing the artery, and losing much blood.  Those present finally succeed in checking the bleeding, and he was conveyed to his residence.  On the following day the wound commenced bleeding afresh, and lockjaw ensued, from which he died. Deceased was son-in-law of Eratus Lottridge, of this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY].

Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, April 7, 1869

Marriages

At the residence of James Brown, Esq., March 14th, by Rev. J. Storrs, Rev. Holland Turner, to Miss Polly Stephens, both of South Otselic [Chenango Co., NY].

In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], March 25th, by Rev. Dr. Rogers, Mr. George Loomis, to Miss Cele [Henry], daughter of Dr. Graham Henry, both of Smithville [Chenango Co., NY].

In Christ Church, Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], March 31st, by Rev. J.L. Burrows, Mr. H.R. Dart, to Miss Hallie Fowler, all of Sherburne.

Deaths

In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], April 2d, of consumption.  Mr. Geo. H. Bliven, aged 29 years.  His funeral was attended on Tuesday afternoon, by Canasawacta Lodge of Odd Fellows, of which he was a member.

Suddenly, in Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], March 29th, Mrs. Isabella Porter, widow of the late Dea. H. Porter, of Coventry [Chenango Co., NY], and mother of W.D. Porter of this village, aged 61 years.

In Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], Feb. 21st, of cancer in the mouth, Mr. Charles Foote, aged 56 years.

In Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], March 31st, Florence [White], only daughter of Henry L. and Victoria White, aged 3 years.

In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], March 26th, Martha Ophelia [Campbell], daughter of Rufus Campbell, aged 4 years and 11 months.

In Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], March 29th, Helen [Foster], wife of Elias Foster, aged 26 years and 10 months.

In Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], March 24th, Mrs. Sibyl Gager, aged 92 years.

In Mcdonough [Chenango Co., NY], March 12th, at the residence of Hezekiah Lewis, Mr. Abel Lewis, aged 69 years, formerly of Pharsalia [Chenango Co., NY].

Death of Dr. A.B. Kinney

We are pained to announce the death of Dr. A.B. Kinney, who expired at his residence in Sherburne village [Chenango Co., NY], on Monday, the 29th ult.

Dr. Kinney was a native of Sherburne, born in August 1842, and son of Stephen Kinney, Esq., an old resident of that town.  After acquiring a good common school and academic education, having been a pupil at both the Norwich and Oxford academies, he entered the office of Dr. Beecher as a student of medicine.  When the 114th Regiment left Norwich in the fall of 1862, he accompanied it with the Doctor, still prosecuting his studies, to Baltimore and Fortress Monroe, voluntarily discharging for some considerable time, and in a very satisfactory manner, the duties of Hospital Steward.

When the Banks' Expedition, of which the 114th formed a part, sailed for the Department of the Gulf, Dr. Kinney returned to complete his medical course, receiving with honors the degree of Doctor of Medicine from the Long Island Medical College in the spring of 1864.  He at once entered the service of his country and was located successively at Hampton or McClellan Hospital near Fortress Monroe, at Drummendstown and Easternville on the eastern shore of Virginia, at which last named places important Hospitals were placed in his charge, and officials his seniors by several years, made subordinate to him. The war over, in July 1865, he was transferred to the Medical Department of the Freedmen's Bureau, and stationed at Yorktown, where he remained nearly a year, longer by a number of months than any other officer of the Government was able or could be induced to stay throughout the entire war.  In the spring or early summer of 1866, his health failing, he offered his resignation and returned North.

Such value was placed upon his services that in a short time he was solicited to return, and as an inducement a position at Norfolk, Petersburg and Lynchburg was offered from which to make a selection.  Lynchburg, from the salubrity of the climate, was wisely chosen, where he remained two years and was off duty only two days.

In July 1868, overworked and worn down, carrying in his person the seeds of disease, he returned to his friends, consumption closing his career of usefulness and his bright promise of the future, at the early age of 27 years.  He leaves a wife, and child of fourteen months, and a large circle of friends to mourn their loss.  But their loss is his great gain, for as the Christian dieth, so died he.

Quiet and unassuming in his manners, without ostentation or parade, and gentle as a child, he did not attract by the glare of false lights or exhibit upon the surface the estimable qualities which he really possessed.  In his family, in the Hospital, or beside the sick bed his noble traits of character and his skill were most highly appreciated, because best known.

Intimately knowing the deceased as did the writer of this brief sketch, it affords a melancholy pleasure to recall and recount the many virtues of our dear departed friend.  We cannot, however, more truthfully or delicately give expression to our own sentiments and our estimation of his genuine worth than in the parting words of the Surgeon-in-Chief of the District of Virginia, with whom he was officially associated for nearly three years. The subjoined tribute is all the more significant when we reflect that the author as we have occasion to know, is a man of few words and means what he says:

Richmond, Va., June 25, 1868

To Dr. A.B. Kinney, U.S.A.

Dear Doctor:  It is with regret that I learn that your personal interests make it necessary for you to leave the service of the government. We have been so long and agreeably associated in the public service that I am very reluctant to part with you. In parting allow me to express to you my thanks for your able and efficient services as a medical officer since I have had charge of the medical department of the bureau in this State. Always true to your duties in all respects; always prompt and reliable, you have won, in a high degree, my respect and esteem.  As a highly scientific and skillful medical officer, faithful in every duty, and as a gentleman, you possess the qualities that will make you a valuable acquisition to any community to which you may locate as a physician and citizen.  I trust they will appreciate your worth, as I do.  If so, I am sure that you will have a promising field of future usefulness.  Allow me in parting, to wish you and yours, health, happiness and sucess in this life, and a happy hereafter.

I am, with much respect, Your Friend, J.J. Delmater, Brevit Lieut. Colonel. 

The funeral was largely attended form the Episcopal Church, in Sherburne, on Wednesday last.  Rev. Mr. Burrows officiating.

Vital Records, Chenango (1814) & Delaware (1826) Counties, NY

 Oxford Gazette, Oxford, NY, April 5, 1814

Elopement

All persons are hereby forbid harboring or trusting my wife Elizabeth [Ingram] or letting her have any articles in exchange for those which she may unlawfully purloin from my family, as I am determined to pay no debts of her contracting after this date.  Lyman Ingram Oxford, [Chenango Co. NY], 15th March, 1814.

Death

At Washington City on the 22nd ult. Mrs. Maria Livingston, relict of the Hon. Robert R. Livingston late of Clermont

Oxford Gazette, Oxford, NY, April 12, 1814

Marriage

At Washington, Ky. Mr. Samuel January to Miss Pamela January, a cold match!!

Death

In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co. NY] on Saturday morning last, Doctor Samuel Treat, AEt. 75.

Oxford Gazette, Oxford, NY, April 19, 1814

Marriages

On Wednesday evening, the 9th ult. by the Rev. Mr. Armstrong, Messrs. Eleazer and Josiah Stodard, twin brothers, of Ruport (Vert.) aged 27 years to Misses Emily and Almira Sill, twin sisters of Moreau, Saratoga County [NY] aged 25 years.  The eldest brother took the youngest sister, & vice versa.  the two couples stood together, joined hands respectively and were united in the bands of wedlock by one ceremony.  It is said of these gentlemen that they are respectable farmers; that they hold their property in common stock; that they calculate on this method of living in future, and that they had mutually agreed not to marry unless they could find helpmates as nearly allied in friendship as themselves.  It is believed that heaven had revered their wishes and put each in possession of his favorite.  The ladies are the youngest children of Deacon Giles Sill and Lucy his wife who are persons of respectable standing in society.  Waterford Gazette.

Oxford Gazette, Oxford, NY, may 3, 1814

Elopement

Whereas my wife Aner [Selah] has eloped from my bed and board without any cause or provocation.  This is to forbid all persons harboring or trusting her after this date on my account, as I shall pay no debts of her contracting.  Those who have my property in their possession are notified that unless it is immediately returned, that suits will be commenced against them.  Oxford [Chenango Co. NY], 26th April 1814, John Selah.

Marriages

On Sunday evening last by the Rev. Mr. Thorp, Mr. Erastus Smith to Miss Sophia McNeil, both of this town [Oxford, Chenango Co. NY].

At Greene [Chenango Co. NY] on the evening of the 24th ult. by Robert Monell, Esq. Mr. Andrew Achorn to Mrs. Kelsey both of that town.

Oxford Gazette, Oxford, NY, May 10, 1814

Death

At Owego, Broome County [NY] on the 16th ult. Stephen Mack Esq, AEt. 49 years, editor of the American Farmer and first judge of the said county, after an illness of five days.

Oxford Gazette, Oxford, NY, May 24, 1814

Marriage

In the month of Marsh last at Roadstown, Cumberland County, N.J. by the Rev. Mr. Reeves, of Deerfield, Doctor Charles Clarke to Miss Anna Gidman after a short courtship of twenty-six years!

Delaware Gazette, Delhi, NY, June 7, 1826

Death

In the town of Tompkins, in this county [Delaware Co. NY] on Saturday the 3d inst. of the inflammatory fever, Mr. Justice Abraham Gregory son of Mr. Henry M. Gregory, aged 18 years.

Delaware Gazette, Delhi, NY, June 14, 1826

Elopement

Whereas my wife Phebe [Ceas] has eloped from my bed and board.  This is to forbid all persons from harboring or trusting her on my account, as I will pay no debt or debts of her contracting after this date.  Elias Ceas Kortright [Delaware Co. NY], June 6, 1826.

Marriages

In Franklin [Delaware Co. NY] on Sunday the 11th inst. by Elder Tuttle, Doct. Almiron Fitch of Meredith [Delaware Co. NY] to Miss Caroline Case, daughter of Roger Case, Esq. of the former place.

In Ledyard, Cayuga Co. [NY] on Wednesday the 17th ult. Mr. Jeremiah Foote, merchant of Waterville in this county [Delaware Co. NY], to Miss Maria Wood, daughter of Jethro Wood, Esq. of the former place.

Delaware Gazette, Delhi, NY, June 21, 1826

Death

In New Haven on the 9th inst. Rev. Jedediah Morse, D.D.LL.D.  aged 65.  Dr. Morse from his earliest years possessed a feeble constitution; yet with careful attention to his habits of life, he enjoyed a comfortable degree of health and was enabled to sustain an uncommon share of mental effort.  Few men have been as industrious; few have been as useful.  His eminent services in the church and as an author will cause his memory to be observed by many generations.

Delaware Gazette, Delhi, NY, July 19, 1826

Marriage

In Walton [Delaware Co. NY] on Wednesday the 12th inst. by the Rev. Mr. Headley, Mr. Henry Smith to Miss Julia Ogden, daughter of Mr. Daniel Ogden, all of Walton.

Vital Records, Otsego County, NY (1870)

 Morris Chronicle, Morris, NY, December 7, 1870

Marriages

At Franklin [Delaware Co. NY] Nov. 17th, by Rev. A. Gaylord, J. S. Thurston of Butternuts [Otsego Co. NY] to Mrs. C.A. Fenno of Unadilla [Otsego Co. NY].

At Mt. Upton [Chenango Co. NY] Nov. 24th, by Rev. M.K. Shaw, S.D. Richmond of Butternuts [Otsego Co. NY] to Mrs. Mary Ann Barnes of the former place.

Deaths

In Garrattsville [Otsego Co. NY] Dec. 3d, Thomas Dargaviel aged 60 years.

Mr. Noyes Patrick of Butternuts [Otsego Co. NY] arrived at Bainbridge [Chenango Co. NY] last Wednesday on the 1 P.M. train.  He was overcome with fatigue by his walk from the depot and stopped at the "Marsh House" and sent for Dr. Yale, under whose care he had been for some time past.  While conversing he remarked that it was "growing dark," and immediately fell into the arms of the Doctor.  An examination showed that his pulse had stopped beating and that life had departed.  Mr. Patrick was 52 years of age and had been afflicted with a disease of the heart for some time.  He leaves a wife and four children.  Democrat.

Morris Chronicle, Morris, NY, December 14, 1870

Marriages

At Binghamton [Broome Co. NY], December 5th, at the residence of the officiating clergyman by Rev. Edward Taylor, D.D., William A. Teiler to Miss Dell M. Collins both of Whitney's Point [Broome Co. NY].

At Oneonta [Otsego Co. NY] Dec. 1st by Rev. A. Griffin, Daniel E. Potter to Miss Mattie B. Sergents all of Oneonta.

In Portlandville [Otsego Co. NY] Dec. 1st, by Rev. A. Griffin, Clayton Weeks to Miss Louisa A. Siser all of Portlandville.

At Oneonta [Otsego Co. NY] Nov. 29th, by the same, E. Deming, of Oneonta to Miss Adeline Every of Colliersville [Otsego Co. NY].

At Oneonta [Otsego Co. NY] Nov. 29th, at the residence of Burton Yager, by Rev. H.H. Allen, James R.L. Wailing to Miss Aleviaette Yager all of Oneonta.

Deaths

In Butternuts [Otsego Co. NY] Nov. 27th Mrs. Nareissa Hendrix in the 83d year of her age.

In Morris [Otsego Co. NY] Dec. 11th, Mary [Foote] wife of moses W. Foote, aged 39 years.

Charles Thurston, one of the oldest inhabitants of this town [Cooperstown, Otsego Co. NY], died at the residence of his son-in-law, N.W. Cole, in this village on Friday night last, at the age of about 90 years and 6 months.  He was buried on Sunday with Masonic honors of which fraternity he was one of the oldest members, his connection with the order extending back long anterior to the Morgan Furore.  His funeral was numerously attended, and his remains were borne to their last resting place in our beautiful "Lakewood." Rep. & Dem.

Dr. McClintock, a much respected citizen of this village [Morris, Otsego Co. NY], died at Payne's hotel on Friday last, having been sick for several months with consumption.  He was 32 years old.

_______________________________

A dear mother died at the residence of George Benjamin, Morris [Otsego Co. NY], on the 15th of December 1869.

This sad story I will tell / to all that wish to hear it; / Tis very true and known quite well, / By those who try to cheer it.

I know 'tis sad to lose a friend, / Though I have only lost one brother; / But now her work is at an end, / For God has taken home a mother.

She's standing on the peaceful shore, / While we for her are weeping; / And we shall see her here no more, / For her body in the grave is sleeping.

But in the parlor is a treasure yet, / 'Tis her picture in its place; / And I will often go and sit, / And gaze upon her face.

The morning that she went away, / She kissed us all good-bye / And then she went away to stay, / And went away to die.

Now the time seems so very long, / My tongue can scarcely tell, / And I often sing the good old song, / She used to love so well.

Annie M. Birdsill

Morris Chronicle, Morris, NY, December 21, 1870

Marriage

At the residence of the bride's father in Davenport [Delaware Co. NY] 15th inst., by Rev. A.P. Bunnell, Nathan H. Briggs of Laurens [Otsego Co. NY] to  Miss Hannah E. Conger of Davenport.

Deaths

In New Lisbon [Otsego Co. NY] Dec. 14th, Mrs. Sarah A. Sewell aged 37 years and 9 months.

In Schuyler's Lake [Otsego Co. NY] Dec.15th, Adelbert [Garlick] only son of Rev. H. Garlick, aged 9 years.

In Fly Creek [Otsego Co. NY] October 31st, Chester Taylor in the 90th year of his age.

In Fly Creek [Otsego Co. NY] Nov. 24th, Thomas Taylor, in the 70th year of his age.

Silas Kelsey, an old resident of the town of Edmeston [Otsego Co. NY], came to Edmeston village on business on Tuesday, Nov. 23d and feeling somewhat unwell, he went into the office of Dr. Wm. M. Spencer for medical advice. While sitting in a chair he was taken with an apoplectic fit.  He, however came to so as to speak and say that he felt cold and in some ten or fifteen minutes he went into another fit, from which he never recovered.  Mr. Kelsey was about seventy years of age and had always been remarkably healthy.  Rep. & Dem.

Morris Chronicle, Morris, NY, December 28, 1870

Marriages

At the residence of the bride's father, in Morris [Otsego Co. NY] Dec. 21st by Rev. J.W. Mevis, Darwin E. Goodnow of Columbus [Chenango Co. NY] to Miss Marietta Haight of Morris.

At the residence of Francis Rotch, Esq. in Morris [Otsego Co. NY] Dec. 22d, by Rev. C. Ayer, Charles H. Taylor to Miss Adelle Turner.

At Gilbertsville [Otsego Co. NY] Dec. 22d, by Rev. C. Ayer, Charles Perkins of Chicago, Ill to Miss Carrie J. Wallin of Butternuts [Otsego Co. NY]

Deaths

In West Laurens [Otsego Co. NY] Dec. 25th, Mrs. Olive Georgia, wife of Charles Georgia.

In Laurens [Otsego Co. NY], Dec. 20th, of consumption Mrs. Fowlston, widow of the late William Fowlston.

In New Lisbon [Otsego Co. NY], Dec. 21st, Mr. John Nailor.

In Cooperstown [Otsego Co. NY] Dec. 14th, Rev. Charles S. Stewart, D.D. Senior Chaplain of the U.S. Navy, aged 75 years.

In Schuyler's Lake [Otsego Co. NY] Nov. 8th, Mrs. Sarah Brewer aged 82 years and 7 months.

In Laurens [Otsego Co. NY] Dec. 7th, Johnnie [Windsor] eldest son of Lester H. and Julia A. Windsor.

Mr. Lyman Beach, an aged and respected citizen of Greene [Chenango Co. NY], met his death on Saturday, Dec. 17th, by poison accidentally taken.  It seems that he entered a store and procuring a glass which had contained an acid, washed it out and filled it with hot tea or medicine and drank it off. The glass still contained enough of the acid to produce death and he died within half an hour.  the usual remedies were given and everything done for the unfortunate man, but of no avail.

_______________________

A Terrible Calamity

A frightful accident occurred in a deep cut on the Syracuse and Chenango Valley Railroad, about one and a half miles north of Earlville [Madison Co. NY] on Monday morning [the] 19th.  A large gang of men were at work in the cut, which is on the side of a hill, and on one side is forty or fifty feet deep, when, without a moment's warning, the steep bank caved in, burying about twenty of the men and injuring many who were not caught under the bank.  The bank was composed of loose shell rock, with many large boulders which in rolling struck several of the workmen, doing them serious injury.  As soon as possible all the available force was set to work to exhume to bodies of those buried under the bank.  Of those taken out on Monday, three were dead and one so badly injured that he cannot possibly live.  One more is known to be still under the bank and of course must be dead.  Of those killed, two were horribly mutilated, the head of one being crushed into a shapeless mass and the body of the other having been caught between two large rocks, mangling him beyond description. Several of those who escaped with their lives had legs or arms broken and many are otherwise severely injured.  It is said that the survivors are terribly excited and lay the responsibility of the terrible accident upon the "boss," who refused to listen to those who warned him that the bank was unsafe. We are informed that Hogan, one of the killed, remonstrated against the danger on the morning of the accident, but was informed by the "boss" that if he did not choose to work in the cut he could quit.  Chenango Union

Obituaries & Marriages (September 5)

 Died on the 1st January, 1824, at Burlington, Otsego county [NY], of typhus fever, Matthew Door Sill, aged 21 years.  He had been more than two years engaged in the study of medicine, and was a young man of great promise and remarkably correct in his deportment.  A numerous and interesting circle of acquaintances will long lament his loss.

On the 7th of the same month, and of the same fever, Miss Eliza Sill, aged 33 years.  She was one of the excellent of the earth.  She died glorying in the cross of Christ, by which she was crucified to the world and the world to her.  To do justice to her memory would far exceed the limits of an obituary notice.  Her exemplary and pious life will not soon be forgotten by the church with which she was connected, nor the society in which she was reared.

On the 24th of  March, Mrs. Helena Sill, the wife of Andrew Sill, and mother of the above deceased, of the same fever, aged 70 years.  The life of Mrs. Sill has been like the path of the just, "that shineth more and more to the perfect day."  She imbibed much of the spirit of her master, occupied a large space in the affections of her family and numerous friends, and while the church has great reason to lament that one of her brightest lights has been extinguished, her family have the consolation to believe that for her to die was gain.

On the 30th of the same month, at the same place, and of the same fever (to which he had gone to administer medical aid).  Doctor Russell Dorr of Chatham, Columbia county [NY], youngest brother of Mrs. Sill, aged 53 years.  He has left a young and numerous family to lament the removal of an indulgent and affectionate husband and father.  To do justice to the memory of Doctor Dorr as a man, a father, a husband and physician would require a volume.  He was one of the most affectionate and tender among men; he ranked high in his profession as a counsellor and practitioner, notwithstanding the state of his health had for years rendered him unable to pursue the practice of medicine assiduously, his counsel was sought in most difficult cases, and he was always ready at the call of the fatherless and the widow, the sick and the afflicted; his memory will long be cherished in the bosoms of an extensive connection.

On the 12th April, 1824, Abel Sill, the oldest son of Andrew Sill, of the same fever.  He was a respectable farmer, and left a widow (the daughter of Judge Peck), six sons and three daughters, all of whom are highly respectable members of society.

On the 15th May, 1824, Helen, wife of James C. Walworth, Esq., and second daughter of Andrew Sill, of the same fever. She was a woman of superior mind and ability.

Oxford Times, February 3, 1858

Married

In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], on the 21st ult., by Rev. J.D. Webster, Mr. Murates Beach to Miss Betsey A. Smith.

In New York city, on the 21st ult., by Rev. R.S. Howland, Mr. George P. Barnard, formerly of Greene [Chenango Co., NY] to Anna B. [Van Rensselaer], daughter of Henry J. Van Rensselaer, Esq., of New York.

In Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], on the 21st ult., by Rev. W.A. Johnson, Dr. Blin S. Sill to Miss Jane Ann Carpenter.

In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 20th ult., by Rev. L. Wright, Mr. George W. Church to Miss Schyndona Gleason, both of Smithville [Chenango Co., NY].

Died

In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], on Sunday morning, Jan. 31st, Mr. Obadiah Sands, aged 83 years.

In Defiance, Ohio, on 28th Jan., Mrs. Julia H. Kinney, aged 28 years.  Mrs. Kinney, formerly Miss Julia Hinman, was for some time engaged as the Primary Teacher in Oxford Academy.

In Empire, Whiteside Co., Ill, at the residence of her son-in-law, suddenly, on Thursday, 21st ult., Alice Cole, widow of the late Samuel Cole of this town [Oxford, Chenango Co., NY], in the 75th year of her age.

Chenango American, Greene, NY, February 4, 1858

Marriages

In Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 26th ult., by Rev. L. Wright, Mr. Jed. R. York of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Arminda Wescott of the former place.

In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on Wednesday, the 27th ult., by Rev. Mr. Foote, of Sherburne, Mr. Christopher Frink, of Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Essie Moore, daughter of Joseph H. Moore, Esq., of Norwich.

Deaths

In this town [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], on the 25th ult., Edward Wenn, aged 80 years.  Mr. Wenn was for 20 years a private soldier in the British army, stationed in the East Indies.

At Chenango Forks [Broome Co., NY], on the 24th ult., Ida Etta [Richards], daughter of Charles and Sarah Richards, of Harpursville, aged 4 years and 5 months.  If the lovely flower may but bloom in a brighter sphere, and the gem that is lost to earth, sparkle in the Saviour's crown, we cheerfully submit to the dispensation.  Tis God who lifts our comforts high; Or sinks them in the grave; He gives, and blessed be His Name; He takes but what He gave.

In Willet, Cortland Co [NY], on the 20th ult. at the home of Roswell Crippin, Silas Green.  Mr. G. Drove stage from Sackett's Harbor to Albany, 37 years.

In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 24th ult., Mrs. Huldah Kent, aged 48 years.

Vital Records (September 25)

 A little girl named Annie McCarthy, about thirteen years old, living at Port Dickinson, Broome County, was badly burned by her clothes taking fire while playing about a bonfire near Dickson's Island, on Tuesday afternoon of last week.  James Van Amburgh, of Binghamton, who was passing at the time, ran t othe house, procured a blanket, and enveloped the girl in it; but the poor child suffered intense pain until Wednesday evening, when death came to her relief.  [Chenango Union, May 12, 1881]

There was a pleasant gathering of neighbors and friends at the residence of Edwin M. Haynes, in the town of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on Saturday afternoon last, January 1st, the occasion being the observance of the twenty-fifth anniversary of the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Haynes.  January 1st, 1856, Mr. Haynes, then as now a resident of the town of Oxford, married Miss Ruby Keach of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], both of whom were born and reared in the vicinity of their present home, where they have for a quarter of a century shared each others joys and sorrows, and when their united labors have been rewarded by a competency. The spacious rooms of the homestead, recently enlarged and refitted, were thrown open to the guests, and when dinner was announced, upwards of sixty were seated at the tables in the dining room, which were loaded with an abundance of good cheer. The "inner man" satisfied, the party returned to the parlors, where Rev. W.R. Baldwin made brief but appropriate remarks, alluding to the changes which twenty-five years have wrought, and congratulating the host and hostess upon their deserved success in life.  He was followed by Dr. Foote, J.S. Shattuck, Kinyon Terry, and Dea. S. Root. Mr. Haynes feelingly responded.  The happy couple were the recipients of many valuable presents, designed both for ornament and utility, and the more prized by them as testimonials of friendship and esteem from old and tried friends, many of whom were the associates of their youthful days. As evening approached the assemblage separated for their respective homes, each well pleased with the occasion which had proved so enjoyable.  In the evening the parlors were again filled by a party of young people, who kept up the enjoyment until a late hour. Taken all in all, it was a pleasant anniversary, and a Happy New Year.  [Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, Mar. 2, 1876]

George A. Harris:  During the week just passed, much anxiety was felt throughout this community as to the serious illness from typhoid pneumonia, with with he was attacked early in the week, the result of a neglected cold; and although his recovery was towards the last despaired of, the announcement of his death on Saturday evening cast a gloom over all.  He was in the forty-third year of his age.  Deceased was a son of the venerable Dr. Harvey Harris.  His grandfather removed from Connecticut in 1790, and settled upon the spot where the family residence now stands; there Dr. Harris was born eighty-five years ago, and has since resided; there George and his five brothers and sisters were born; there he has passed his boyhood and youth; and there, in the prime of life, in the vigor of manhood, and in the midst of his usefulness, he breathed his last. At an early age he was apprenticed to H.N. Walter, in whose employ he acquired a knowledge of the jewelry trade, afterwards becoming a partner with his employer, which relation continued until the death of Mr. Walter, when he continued the business in his own name. As a business man he enjoyed the confidence of his fellow men, his dealings were governed by the strictest integrity; his frank and genial manner made everyone his friend, and his prospects were promising for a prosperous future.  His loss will be felt, not only by our business community, but in the social circle he will be missed; while in his pleasant home, the bereaved widow and three little children, the aged parents, the brothers and sisters who survive him, have met with a loss which is irreparable, and the event is one which calls forth the sympathies of everyone.  funeral services were held at the family residence, on Tuesday afternoon, and were attended by a large concourse of sympathizing neighbors and friends. Rev. Dr. Taylor officiated, and his remarks were touchingly appropriate to the occasion  His remains were accompanied to the grave by his Masonic brethren, with knight Templar escort, where the last sad rites were performed according to the ritual of the Order. Business places generally were closed during the services, as a mark of respect to the memory of one who has occupied so prominent a place among us, and who has left behind him a name upon which no tarnish rests.  Peace to his ashes!   [Chenango Union, Nov. 18, 1880]

Dr. Harvey Harris, d. 2 January 1881:  Although for a number of years the Doctor has been gradually declining, and for a number of months past has seldom been seen upon the streets, yet up to within a few days of his death there was nothing especially to indicate that he was so near his end  The untimely death, seven weeks ago, of his son, George A. Harris, who was a member of the same household, upon whom the aged parent leaned as a stay and staff in the decrepitude of tottering old age, and to whom he looked for solace and comfort when the shadows of the evening of life were gathering around, was a terrible blow, and doubtless hastened the final change.

Dr. Harris was a son of Captain John Harris, who was born on Nantucket Island, Mass., in 1753, and who came from Voluntown (now Sterling) Conn., to Norwich, in 1789.  Captain Harris was among the early pioneers of this town [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY] and was notably conspicuous in its early history.  He with his family moved here in the month of January. two yoke of oxen attached to a long sled hauled their household goods and supplies, followed by his wife and six children in an old style sleigh, drawn by a pair of horses.  Some idea may be formed of the tediousness of the journey performed ninety years ago, when it is stated that two days were occupied in making the distance, less than twenty miles, between Unadilla and Norwich.  It was expected, in accordance with an arrangement with Avery Power, the first white settler of the town, according to all history, and William Smiley, who came with Captain Harris on his prospecting tour--the latter returning for his family--that a cabin would have been in readiness for the new comers on their arrival, but instead the timber of which it was to be constructed was still standing in the forest. While the new habitation was being erected, which occupied but a short time, for high walls and frescoed ceilings were not fashionable then, the Harris family, eight in number, with Hascall and William Ransford, took up their abode with Mr Smiley's family, numbering four or five, the entire household accommodations consisting of a single room.

The "Harris House" near the old willow tree, which up to within a few years stood on the premises now occupied by David Shattuck, on Rexford Street, was considered an improvement, for it had two rooms.  Here tradition has it, an Oneida Indian, name David, was tried about 1791, for the murder of another Indian whom he supposed stabbed his squaw. This was probably the first trial under the cognizance of the whites in Chenango County.  Here the first town meeting was convened, pursuant to an act of the legislature, about the year 1793, and here various business meetings were held.  Here, August 3d, 1795, in a rudely furnished log cabin, but where sobriety, contentment and happiness dwelt, the subject of this sketch, the fourth child born in Norwich, first saw the light of day, within a few rods of the spot where, with the exception of a year or two, he passed all the days of his life, and where on Sunday morning he closed his eyes forever upon earthly scenes.

With such limited school advantages as the new settlement furnished, in 1814, at the age of nineteen, Dr. Harris commenced the study of medicine with Dr. Henry Mitchell, attended lectures at the New York Medical College in 1816, and was licensed to practice by the State commissioners a year later. The Doctor commenced his professional career in New Berlin, but after about a year returned to Norwich. For many years he had the reputation as a practitioner second to none in a wide section of country, and many families had great confidence in his judgment and skill.  Although he made no pretensions to surgery, he performed some delicate operations at an early period  Never till the infirmities of age compelled him to withdraw from active professional labors did he decline to serve those requiring medical aid.  To the poor especially he was lenient and kind. The Doctor joined the Chenango County Medical Society in 1818, was an efficient and honored member, when able to do so made it a point to attend its meetings, and took a deep interest in the profession of his choice.

Previous to Anti-Masonic times, Dr. Harris was a worthy Mason, and took three degrees in the order. After the lodge went down, as most of them did during that exciting period, he never connected himself with the Fraternity again.  While watchful as to local interests, and well informed in regard to public affairs, Dr. Harris was not a lover of office, and held but few official trusts.  He was Supervisor in 1838, and village Trustee in 1854.  He was one of the founders of Norwich Academy, and a member of the first Board of Trustees.  

In 1822 he married Philinda [Enos], a daughter of Truman Enos, an old resident who settled here in 1806, by whom he had six children--Abbie, Truman, Hannah Augusta, Harvey , George and William.  Four of the children, Hannah Augusta (Mrs. Messenger) Abbie (Mrs. Pelton, of New York), Harvey and William, who are living in the West, together with his aged companion, survive.  In 1857, Dr. Harris connected himself with the Congregational Church, of which Rev. Hiram Doane was then pastor, and ever exemplified his faith by his works.

Dr. Harris, at his death, was doubtless the oldest of our native born.  He witnessed marvelous changes.  He lived to see the original purchase of his father, of two hundred and fifty acres and more, extending from Broad Street to the Chenango river, embracing half of our present corporation limits, transformed from a dense forest into finely cultivated fields and gardens, intersected with streets and highways, abounding in places of business, studded with elegant residences, comfortable and tasty dwellings, the abodes of a prosperous, happy and intelligent people.  The Indian wigwam and camp fire, and the cabins of the white man, he behold recede before the march of improvement and enterprise and the wheels of progress.  Forty years after Dr. Harris was born there was not a steam railroad in the land; now not only the great city but every considerable town and village is penetrated by a net of railways and traversed by the iron horse.  Not only has the Ox-cart and slow stage coach been made to give way, as a means of travel and communication, to the railroad and telegraph, but the patriarch came down to the day that witnessed the more wonderful operations, if possible, of the electric light and the telephone.  Full of years, good works and blessings, respected and beloved, the aged father has gone to his reward.  The last link that connects the preset generation with primitive days has been broken.  Not one leaf, but many, have been lost to the unwritten history of our town and village.  [Chenango Union, Jan. 6, 1881].

Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, May 12, 1881

Deaths

BOW:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], May 8th, Maud Adelaide [Bow], daughter of Charles A. and Emma J. Bow, aged 8 months and 8 days.

BROOKS:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], May 10th, Walter F. [Brooks] son of Charles H. and Nellie L. Brooks, aged 6 years and 4 months.

WELLS:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], May 9th, Willie [Wells], son of William H. and Helen Wells, aged 8 years, 5 months and 9 days.

STERLING:  In Gilbertsville [Otsego Co., NY], May 6th, Mr. Isaac Sterling, of Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], aged 60 years.

PERKINS:  In Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], April 30th, Belinda [Perkins], wife of Peter Perkins, aged 66 years.

SWAN:  At Lincklaen Centre [Chenango Co., NY], May 4th, 1881, of ulceration of the stomach, Mr. Samuel P. Swan, in the 60th year of his age.