Obituaries (February 2)

Caroline B. (Oliver) Clark

Chenango American, February 23, 1860

At the residence of her father-in-law, Amasa Clark, in Great Bend, Pa., on the 30th ult. of Consumption, Caroline B. [Clark], wife of D.D. Clark, U.S.N. and daughter of Mr. Oliver of Rome, Oneida Co., N.Y., in the 26th year of her age.

Thus has a circle of loving hearts been entered and a priceless jewel taken.  And though we mourn, deeply mourn our loss, yet we feel assured that her great attainments in personal piety, her devotedness and untiring activity in the cause of Christ, her living and triumphant faith, afford ample evidence that through the merits of our Saviour, she is now a white-robed ransomed one in glory.  It seemed that we could not part with "Our Carrie" yet for a few years at least.  Her gentle and unassuming manners, her generous regard for the happiness of others, her amiable, self-sacrificing and uncomplaining, disposition; won the affection and esteem of all who made her acquaintance.  She possessed superior mental powers, and a poetic nature, but her extreme delicacy forbade her submitting many of her thoughts to the public.  She has woven her "garment for Eternity," and purified in the Saviour's blood, it is a shining one.  Although she was yet young and looking forward with joyous expectations to the time when her husband would return from his service in the Navy, and they should again be united, to be no more separated except by death--yet, when she learned her Father's will to take her home; the stronger attractions of a Saviour's love, and the anticipated rapture and bliss of Heaven, outrivaled all earthly charms, and she cheerfully responded, " I come, my Father!"  When the heart-rending and unexpected tidings shall reach her husband, Oh! in that bitter hour may he exercise in all its strength, that Christian faith and confidence in the wisdom and mercy of an over ruling Hand which will sustain him, beneath this crushing weight of grief.

Charles E. Cards

Chenango Telegraph, April 12, 1865

DIED:  In Prison Hospital, Salisbury, N.C. Feb. 8th, 1865, Charles E. Cards, of McDonough [Chenango Co., NY], a member of the 90th N.Y.S.V., aged 34 years.

Feeling it his solemn duty to respond in person to his country's call for help in her hour of sternest trial, with a brave heart and holy purpose, went forth in Sept. 1864, to join the noble Sheridan. But not long did he follow the promptings of his patriot heart.  Meeting the enemy at the battle of Cedar Creek, October 19th, he fell captive into their hands.  He was taken to Libby Prison for a few days, then removed to Salisbury, where, after more than three months of utmost suffering, such as rebel ingenuity only can devise, kindly death came and set the prisoner free. During this time, his loved wife and children in their pleasant home were constantly before his mind, from whom he had heard nothing since he left, and whom he desired so much to see.  His bible was his constant and well tried friend, his solace and comforter, whose teachings he loved, and precepts obeyed. Through his illness, his sufferings were made much more endurable by the self sacrificing exertions of his brother-in-law, Jacob Gibson, who gave him every possible care, even sacrificing his own liberty for over three long months, that he might cheer by his presence, and soften his dying pillow.  To him the friends of the deceased will ever owe a debt of gratitude and they sincerely pray that the angel that seems waiting to bear him over the river of death, may stay its wayward flight, and leave the brave soldier a little longer with his friends.

Sophia Twitchell

Telegraph & Chronicle, June 12, 1867

Our obituary column records the decease of Mrs. Sophia Twitchell of this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY].  By a singular coincidence she was buried at the same time with the re-interment of the remains of her deceased husband, Mr. Benjamin S. Twitchell, and side by side they now await their final resurrection.

Mr. Twitchell was for a long time a well known and estimable citizen of Guilford, in this County [Chenango Co., NY]. Soon after the discovery of gold in California, he went there with others from this County, for the purpose of adding to his fortune, and was there barbarously shot, near San Francisco, on the 2d of December, 1853, by one Samuel Gilmore.  This murder was without any provocation.  Mr. Twitchell was engaged with a surveying party, and had while measuring a line, stepped a foot or two on Gilmore's land, and for this he was shot by Gilmore, and almost immediately died, at the aged of fifty-five years.  He was buried in Yerba Buena cemetery near San Francisco, and his remains have lain there till recently, when they and those of Caleb Winsor and John Bradbury of Guilford, who had lost their lives in California, by the explosion of the boiler of the steamer Jenny Lind, were disinterred and brought home, reaching Guilford some little time since, but Mrs. Twitchell being ill, the remains of her husband were kept unburied until Tuesday the 11th inst, when they were placed side by side in the cemetery of Guilford--so long severed, the two are now together again for the long sleep and the glorious awaking.

Mr Winsor's remains had previously been buried--those of Mr. Bradbury were interred at the same time as those of Mr. and Mrs. Twitchell.  The murderer, Gilmore, was tried for his crime and sentenced to State Prison, but being pardoned, he had another affray relating to lands, in the course of which he was shot dead, receiving thus the retribution for this own crime.

Chenango Union, June 12, 1867

Under our obituary head this week will be found the announcement of the decease of Mrs. Sophia Twichell, an estimable widow lady, who died on Monday last.  Her husband, formerly of Guilford, this county, was murdered some thirteen years since in California, when running a disputed boundary line between two pieces of land.  Mr. Twitchell was carrying the chain, when the claimant of a portion of the property told him if he crossed a certain spot he would shoot him.  Nothing daunted, but pleasantly remarking "You will not shoot me, will you?" he crossed the spot, when he was instantly shot down by the person who had threatened him. The assassin was arrested and tried, his counsel being the Col. Baker who was killed during the late civil war at Balls' Bluff.  The trial result in his conviction, and he was sentenced to imprisonment for life in the State prison, but was afterwards pardoned.  He became mixed up in another land controversy, and was shot dead in a bar room by the opposite party, whose life he had threatened.

Recently Mrs. Twitchell had made provision for having the remains of her husband brought from California and re-buried in Guilford. They arrived but a few days since, in company with the remains of Caleb Winsor and John Bradbury, two of the victims of the explosion of the steamer Jenny Lind, which occurred in California thirteen or fourteen years ago.   Mr. Twitchell was on board the boat at the time, but was singularly spared, afterwards to fall by the hand of a murderer.  Since the arrival of his remains they have been waiting the termination of Mrs. Twitchell's illness, when, if it proved fatal, husband and wife could be reunited in a common grave. The remains of both will be interred at Guilford today, Wednesday, June 12th. We have thought it a coincidence worth relating, that after their long separation, these two should be brought together just in time to be laid together in their last, long resting place.  Peace to their ashes!

Death Notices

Telegraph & Chronicle, June 12, 1867

MINER:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], Saturday June 3, 1867, John B. [Miner], oldest son of S.W. and Sarah L. Miner, aged 2 years and 10 months.

TWICHELL:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], June 10th, 1867, Mrs. Sophia Twichell, aged 66 years.

JOHNSON:  In Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], May 2d, Willie Ray [Johnson], son of DeForest and E. Jane Johnson, aged 5 months and 3 days.

WINSOR:  In Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], Apr. 13th, of diphtheria, Helen D. [Winsor] wife of Lafayette Winsor, aged 29 years.

WINSOR:  In Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], April 22d, of diphtheria, Clarence M. [Winsor], son of Lafayette Winsor, aged8 years 8 months and 26 days.

WINSOR:  In Sidney [Delaware Co., NY], May 3d, of diphtheria, Emmet P. [Winsor], son of LaRayette Winsor, aged 2 years 9 months and 11 days.

It is a saddened home,

For one by one its treasures have departed,

And in its silence, worn and broken hearted,

The father weeps alone

So still, so still

The soft fair arms that round his neck were twining,

The little feet that were so found of climbing

Upon his chair.

Forever gone

The rosy faces watching for his coming,

And eager pattering footsteps swiftly running

When he came home.

"My God, and can it be

That in the long and dreary years to come

I nevermore shall in my lonely home

Their faces see?

"There's rest in Heaven,"

The mother said, as there by the river side

She fearless stood "sweet rest for me," she cried,

"By Jesus given"

And waiting there,

The mother and the children joyful stand.

Beckoning the father to a better land,

Where angels are.

Note:  Lafayette Winsor the husband and father referred to above, died 29 November 1868 at the age of 43 years, having survived his family by only 18 months.

Obituaries (February 1)

Charlotte Monell

Chenango American, January 19, 1860

In this village [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], on the 24th inst., Charlotte [Monell], wife of Hon. Robert Monell, in the 69th year of her age.  The friend whose decease is above noticed has been long a resident in this place.  United in the marriage relation for a period of nearly fifty years, she leaves a lonely home to her surviving partner.  Her last sickness was long and painful. She could truly say with one of old, "I am made to possess months of vanity, and wearisome nights are appointed to me."  Yet as a Christian, she found "God's grace sufficient for her and His strength made perfect in weakness."  Seldom is it that the shaft so surely by death is thus delayed.  The dying pillow was soothed and softened by the administrations of loving hearts and it is a comforting thought that so many of the passive virtues of the Christian character were illustrated in the chamber of sickness and on the couch of anguish. At the closing moment, the spirit passed away like a candle blown out by the wind.

"Night dews fall not more gently to the ground;

Nor weary worn out winds expire so soft."

A large circle of friends will cherish the memory of her virtues, and realize that though her departure has left a sad void among them, yet she is now at rest, in a land where pain and anguish can never wring the brow--In a land "whose inhabitant can never say I am sick."

John C. Ireland

Chenango Telegraph, December 9, 1921

Oxford [Chenango Co., NY]:  Word has been received here of the death in Utica [Oneida Co., NY], Monday, of John C. Ireland, a native of this village.  He had been in poor health during the summer and his condition finally became so serious that he was compelled to abandon his work a month ago.  John C. Ireland was born in the town of Oxford, July 17, 1854, a son of the late William and Lavina Ireland.  When Fort Sumter was fired on he was 11 years old.  He took up drum playing with the hope of getting in as a drummer, despite his youth, but his first public appearance as a drummer was in 1864 when he toured Chenango county with the West Bainbridge band in the political campaign which resulted in the re-election of Abraham Lincoln.  After that he toured the state with different bands.  Mr. Ireland went to Utica when 19.  In 1880 he helped organize the Twenty-eighth Separate Company Drum Corps and was principal musician of it for 13 years.  He also was a member of the Veteran association of the company, of the Republican club and the Conkling Unconditionals.  Besides his wife he leaves a son, William Ireland, two daughters, Mrs. Michael Sisti and Mrs. O.M. Dreyer and two grandchildren, all of Utica, and a sister, Mrs. R.P. Buckley of Afton.

Julia Ann (Phillips) Adams

May 26, 1856 - June 10, 1940

Mrs. Julia Ann Adams, widow of Charles Adams, died at 2:30 Monday morning at her home on Silver street [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY].  She was the daughter of the late Thomas and Helen Abi Phillips. and was born in New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY] May 26, 1856.  The deceased had just passed her 84th birthday anniversary on May 26.  She was united in marriage to Mr. Adams March 11, 1877.  He was a stone mason in Norwich for many years and his death occurred May 17, 1922.  Much of the early married life of the deceased was spent in Sherburne, but for the past 50 years she had resided in Norwich. She was a member of Broad Street Methodist church and the W.C.T.U. for nearly all her long life. She was an earnest worker in the church in her younger days and she was loved and respected by all with whom she came in contact. There survive a son, Hiram Adams of South Plymouth and a daughter, Mrs. Albert Phillips of Norwich. Two other sons, Clarence died Feb. 2, 1923 and Myron, Oct. 8, 1938.  Services are to be held at the Breese Funeral Home at 2 o'clock Wednesday afternoon, with Rev. George B. Callender officiating. Burial will be in Mt. Hope [Norwich, NY]. The remains will rest at the home of the daughter, Mrs. Albert Phillips, 13 Pellett street, until the hour of the funeral. 

Funeral services for Mrs. Julia Ann Adams, widow of Charles Adams, were attended by a large gathering of relatives and friends Wednesday afternoon at 3 o'clock at the Breese Funeral Home.  The Rev. George B. Callender of the Broad Street Methodist church officiated.  Burial made in Mt. Hope cemetery. The sympathy of friends was expressed in the many floral tributes. Bearers were Nelson, Howard, Harry and Stewart Adams, Clifton Sabin, and Jerry Die, the latter of Columbus.  Just past her 84th birthday anniversary which occurred may 26 last, Mrs. Adams, who had been a resident of this city for the past 50 years was well known and esteemed.  A devoted Christian she was an active church worker.  Besides a son, Hiram, of South Plymouth and a daughter, Mrs. Albert Phillips, of this city, there survives one sister, Mrs. Helen Adams and the following grandchildren, Nelson, Howard, Melvin and Marion Adams, Mrs. Clifton Sabin and Robert Woodard; three great-grandchildren, Lawrence Adams, Roger Sabin and Richard Adams, also several nieces and nephews.

Death Notices

Chenango American, January 5, 1860

In this town [Greene, Chenango Co., NY], on the 30th ult., Hattie Vanette [Race], youngest child of Nicholas and Mary P. Race, aged 8 years and 8 months.

In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 28th ult., Julia A. [Stanton], daughter of Nathan D. Stanton, aged 38 years.

Chenango American, January 12, 1860

In Hamilton, N.Y. [Madison Co., NY], on the 10 inst., Mrs. M. Atkins, wife of Chas. D. Atkins, aged about 50 years.

In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], on 31st ult. Lucretia [Root], wife of Mr. Lyman Root, aged 57 years.

In New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], on the 5th inst., Mr. Benjamin Jacobs, aged 75 years.

In Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY], on the 2d inst., John A Finch, aged 54 years.

Marriages (January 31)

Marriage Notices

Chenango Union, January 12, 1860

At the residence of the bride's father, in this town, on the 10th inst., by Rev. F. Rogers, Mr. Abel H. Smith, to Miss Martha A. [Tillotson], daughter of Silas Tillotson, all of this town [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY].

In this town, on the 9th inst., by Rev. B. Shove, James D Walker, to Nancy A. Lewis, daughter of Ellis Lewis, Esq., all of this town [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY].

At the Chenango House, in this village, on the 11th inst., by Rev. B. Shove, Thos. H. Benton Rogers, to Miss Henrietta J. Guy, both of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY].

At the M.E. parsonage, in this village, on the 10th inst., by Rev. B. Shove, Washington Beach to Elizabeth J. Allen, both of Barker, Broome Co.

In Page Brook, on the evening of the 4th inst., by Rev. J.D. Webster, Mr. F.J. Macomber to Miss Mary E. Lee, all of this town [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY].

In Norwich, on the 3d inst., by Rev. Chas. Blakeslee, Mr. Milton D. Wicks to Miss Mary L. Skinner, both of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY].

In Norwich, on the 6th ult., by Rev. Chas. Blakeslee, Mr. George E. Wood to Miss Caroline Crandall, both of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY].

In Oxford, on the 27th ult., by Rev. A.T. Matteson, Mr. Joseph P. Turner to Miss Mary Stone, all of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY].

In Oxford, on the 28th ult., by Rev. W.T. Potter, Mr. Stephen Baxter of Smithville [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Ann J. Hoban, of Oxford [Chenango Co., ,NY]

In Oxford, on the 29th ult., by Rev. J.C. Ransom, Mr. Julius Beardsley of McDonough [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Lucy M. Ellsworth of Pharsalia [Chenango Co., NY]

In Oxford, on the 29th ult., by Rev. A.T. Matteson, Mr. Daniel Winton, of Morris [Otsego Co., NY], to Miss E.M. Cooley, of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY].

On the 2d inst., by the same, Mr. John T. Andrews, of Hamilton [Madison Co., NY] to Miss Mary A. Wells of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY].

On the same day, by the same, Mr. Benj. F. Guile, of New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], to Miss Isadora A. Geer, of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY].

In Smithville, on the 1st inst., by Rev. J.C. Ransom, Mr. Samuel G. Fox, of Unadilla [Otsego Co., NY] to Miss Sarah J. Smith, of McDonough [Chenango Co., NY].

In New Berlin, on the 30th ult., by Rev., N. Ripley, Mr. Seymour Isbell of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Anice L. Aylesworth of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY].

By the same, at the same time and place, J.W. Aylesworth of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Emily Isbell, of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY].

In Pittsfield, on the 1st inst., by Rev. J. McLeish, Mr. L.J. Finch of Columbus [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Amanda Snedekar of Pittsfield [Otsego Co., NY].

In New Berlin, on the 29th ult., by Rev. H. Doane, of Norwich, Calvin J. Earlman to Miss Mary A. [Smith], second daughter of Charles G. Smith, Esq., all of New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY].

In New Berlin on the 1st inst., by the Rev. J. Evans, L.B. Frink, of Brookfield [Madison Co., NY] to Miss M.A. Green of Pittsfield [Otsego Co., NY].

In East Pharsalia, on the 1st inst., by Rev. E.N. Ruddock, J.F. Blackman, of Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY] to Miss Elizabeth Wolcott, of Pharsalia [Chenango Co., NY].

In Ithaca, on the 28th ult. by Rev. J.W Schenck, Jacob Ockerman of this town [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY] to Rachel A. [Ervy], daughter of Henry Ervy of Lansing  [Tompkins Co., NY].

In Binghamton [Broome Co., NY] on the 2d ins't., by Rev. J.D. Mitchell, Mr. John C. Graves and Miss Jennie W. Tracy.

In Glen Castle, on the 24th inst., by Rev. S.E. Walworth, Mr. Thomas Bacon of Chenango [Broome Co., NY] to Miss M. Lyon of Barker, Broome Co.

Marriages (January 30)

Marriage Notices

Chenango American, January 5, 1860

In New Ohio [Broome Co., NY], on the 29th ult., by Rev. A. F. Harding, Mr. Stephen Stanton, to Miss Emeline M. Merrill.

In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 31st ult., by Rev. L. Wright, Julius S. Vaughn to Miss Cornelia B. Egelston, both of Norwich.

In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 2d inst., by Rev. L. Wright, Cornelius S. Vosbergh, to Miss Jane L. Williams, both of Norwich.

In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], on the 28th ult. by Rev. L. Wright, Mr. David Hall, of Hartford, Washington Co., to Miss M.E. Martin, of Norwich.

In Smithville [Chenango Co., NY], on the 1st inst., by Rev. H. Callahan, Mr. James D. Purple to Miss Jerusha C. Willcox; also at the same time and place, Mr. Gilbert S. Willcox, to Miss Augusta L. Purple, all of Smithville.

In Sherburne [Chenango Co., NY], on the 1st inst., by Rev. Mr. Jones, Sereno Stebbins, to Ruth Wilbur, both of Smyrna [Chenango Co., NY]

In Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], on the 20th ult., by Rev. Mr. Southwick, Samuel Jones, to Miss Sarah Ann Preston, both of Guilford.

In New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], on the 26th ult., by Rev. Mr. McLeish, Wm. Robinson, to Miss Delilia Tyler, both of New Berlin.

In New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], on the 28th ult., A.J Bagg, to Miss A. Ferris, of Guilford Centre [Chenango Co., NY]

In New Berlin [Chenango Co., NY], on the 27th ult, by Rev. W. R. Lynch, Wm. H. Hollister, of Burlington, Otsego Co., to Miss Maria S. Reed, of New Lisbon, Otsego Co.

Civil War Times in Chenango County, NY

Back in Civil War Times

(Article written July 1912)

It is now 51 years since the Civil War broke out and hundreds of volunteers left this section for the South, and not a few finding a last resting place far from their northern homes.

Many women bore up bravely through those strenuous days, whose hearts throbbed lovingly for the volunteers, among whom perchance were a father or a husband, a brother or a lover. Anxious hours and sleepless nights were their portion; always alert for a bit of news from the front, or a letter from the boy in blue in camp under southern skies.

Daily papers were not as numerous as now and the old four-horse stage coach lumbered slowly over the road with its passengers and the mail.  The Utica Morning Herald was the nearest daily and the only paper that reached Oxford [Chenango Co., NY] on the day of publication.  This was made possible by "Joe" Weeks and his pony express. The stage from Utica came to Norwich late in the afternoon where it remained over night and resumed the trip to Binghamton the next morning.  Weeks, who for years had been a typographer, was then deputy postmaster under Jas. W. Glover, and had a newsstand in the postoffice, then located in the store now [1912] occupied by Willard E. Cronk. As everyone was eager for the news from the seat of war, Weeks put on the pony express to Norwich and brought the Herald here early in the evening. Ellis H. Roberts was then editor and proprietor of the Morning Herald, who later was elected to the Assembly, and became a member of Congress and treasurer of the United States. The Herald had a large circulation down the valley and a large bundle came to Oxford. About the time the pony express was expected men would gather in the vicinity of the postoffice anxious to get their paper.  Hurrying home they would read by the aid of a candle dip to members of the family and a neighbor or two the "latest news from the seat of war."  The Herald was ably edited and reliable and had a host of readers throughout Central New York who swore by its editorials.  It was a powerful factor in journalism in those days.  In later years it was changed to an evening edition and still has a circulation in town.

The story is told of Weeks that one day a lady asked him how she could send her husband, who was with the 10th, N.Y. Calvary in the South, a half pound of tea. Weeks said:  "The best way is to send it in a newspaper, but if I should find it out, it couldn't pass through the mail."  The tea reached camp all right but the soldiers were so anxious to read the home paper that they were not particular whose mail they got and the husband lost his half pound of Hyson.

When Weeks reads this at Hyde Park, mass., it will recall Oxford in the days of the Civil war and the stirring times in our now peaceful village.

Obituaries (January 29)

Seth Arthur Hollenbeck
January 5, 1857 - May 1, 1912

Wednesday morning, about three o'clock, occurred the death of Seth Arthur Hollenbeck, at his home two miles above this village [Greene, Chenango Co.,, NY].  His health has been very poor for over two years.  He was born January 5, 1857 at the Old Stone House, where he has lived all his life, and has been a prosperous farmer, a good neighbor and useful citizen.  He is survived by three brothers, Frank, Riley and Delos.  The funeral will be held Friday at one o'clock at the residence and the interment will be in Sylvan Lawn Cemetery [Greene, NY].

Chester Shaw

1888 - 1912

The funeral of Chester Shaw was held Friday at the home of his father, A.L. Shaw.  He had been in poor health for the past two years, but his death was a shock and bereavement to all his friends.  He was born in this place [Coventryville, Chenango Co., NY] in 1888 and always resided here with the exception of a few years.  He is survived by his father and mother, and two brothers, Harry and Charlie of Oneonta.

Harold Burlison
September 16, 1891 - May 25, 1944

South Edmeston [Otsego Co., NY]:  News reached here of the death Wednesday of Harold Burlison of Edmeston at the hospital in Cooperstown [Otsego Co., NY] where he had been a patient for a few weeks.  He was a former employee here in the Kraft plant until failing health this spring forced him to give up work.  He was the son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Lester Burlison of Edmeston where his father conducted a hardware store, now succeeded by a brother Ralph. Surviving are his wife and son, the brother mentioned and a brother, Leland, of Johnson City and other relatives and friends.  Several from here attended the funeral services Sunday afternoon.  Ed Bice and Mr. Scriber from here were two of the bearers.

Charles E. Bartoo

died March 2, 1912

Charles E. Bartoo a native of Brisbin [Chenango Co., NY], died suddenly in Syracuse [Onondaga Co., NY], Saturday night last.  On returning home from making a call shortly before 10 o'clock he complained of feeling ill and asked for a doctor   His sister, Miss Irene Bartoo, helped him to his room and then called Dr. C.E. McClary.  Mr. Bartoo lived only a few minutes after the arrival of the physician.  Heart disease was given as the cause of death.  He was one of the oldest members of Typographical Union no. 55 of Syracuse, and had been employed on the Syracuse Journal for 39 years, having learned the printer's trade in the office of the Chenango Democrat, a paper at one time published in this village. Deceased was the son of the late Hiram Bartoo of Brisbin.  He is survived by his mother, Mrs. Sarah Bartoo, who is seriously ill, and his sister, Irene.  His age was 61 years.  Funeral services were held in Syracuse at 5 p.m. Tuesday. The body was sent to Brisbin Wednesday for burial.

Daniel Burr

1848 - 1926

From the Pomona, Calif, Progress, of Nov. 29th, the following article is clipped, concerning the death of a former resident of this locality:  Daniel Burr, 78, one of the pioneers in the deciduous fruit industry, died Sunday evening at 7:35 at his home, 681 Illinois street, after an illness of only a few days.  Mr Burr had been a resident of California since 1888, and was one of the first to set out deciduous orchards in the San Josquin Valley. For several years he operated a fruit packing house in San Francisco.  He came to Pomona 12 years ago from Alameda county.  He had traced his family history back to one of the three Burr brothers, who came to America in 1630, and whose descendants, notably Aaron Burr, are famous in United States history.  The three brothers, from whom the history of the Burr family in America is traced, settled one in Connecticut, one in New Jersey and One in Virginia, and each left descendants who figured in the stirring early days of the nation.  A Daniel Burr, from whom the deceased was descended, an uncle of Aaron Burr, fought all through the Revolution. Ever since this Daniel Burr, the first son of the first son has borne the name of Daniel.  Henry Ward Beecher, Harriet Beecher Stowe and Louisa M. Alcott each had one parent from the Burr family.

The deceased is survived by his wife, to whom he had been married for nearly 60 years; three sons, Daniel, Jr., Berkeley, Calif.; Fred G. and Homer L. of Pomona; one daughter, Mrs. Gertrude Larsen. Chino; 10 grandchildren and one great-granddaughter.  He also has two sister, Miss Uranie C. Burr and Mrs. Homer Lewis, Pomona.  Funeral services will be held from the Todd & Reeves chapel tomorrow afternoon at 2:30 o'clock.  The Rev. Floyd Beckwith, pastor of the First Baptist church, will officiate.  Interment will be made in Pomona cemetery.  Daniel Burr's father built the MacKellar brick farm house.  His mother was Serena Steere.  His wife was Martha Gage, daughter of Nelson and Irena Gage.  He lived here when a boy and until about 1881 or 1882 when he moved to Delaware.

Early Religious Life in Smyrna, NY - Part 4

Early Religious Life in My Home Town

Smyrna, Chenango County, New York

Leland L. Ferris

Norwich Sun, January 12, 1934

Part 4

"Those who have never known the old time Quaker with the broad brimmed hat and old Quaker bonnet will never know what a treat they have missed. They were a sweet, lovely people, strictly honest, good farmers and homemakers and citizens of the best class. Their beautiful characters might well be emulated. Anyone who has ever known the Knowles, Peckham, Weaver, Purdie, Boss or Willcox families could never doubt their sincerity and belief in the Quaker faith.  Of all those who were members at that time, there are very few relatives left in town, and surely there is a work left of all to help keep the home fires burning.

"People of those days attended church each Sunday when the old 'democrat' wagons and the two and three-seated carriages were always filled.  I could describe with surprising accuracy every team and wagon, single or double, which came to our church.  They are implanted indelibly on my memory.  Hoping these lines may refresh the memories of those who have nothing to do but read the news of the day and warm their feet by the furnace, I am, sincerely---Leland L. Ferris"

Obituaries (January 28)

Alba A. Skinner

March 8, 1911

Greene [Chenango Co., NY]:  The death of Alba A. Skinner occurred at his home in the southern part of the village, Wednesday afternoon about 2 o'clock, aged 70 years.  Mr. Skinner had been ill about a week, but the news of his death was a shock to his friends as he was supposed to be improving.  He was a man of sterling qualities, and was much respected by all.  He has conducted a chicken ranch for a number of years on a large scale.  He is survived by his wife, and a son, Fred B. Skinner, of this village, and one daughter, Miss Annie Skinner, who is a teacher in Endicott High school.  Mr. Skinner was well known in Oxford, his wife was Laura Root and has many relatives in town.

Enos Culver Morse

August 11, 1911

Enos C. Morse, the oldest merchant in point of service, in Greene [Chenango Co., NY], died at his home Friday morning, after a long and painful illness. The funeral was held Monday afternoon at his late home, Rev. George R. Foster, pastor of the Congregational Church, officiating.  Burial in Sylvan Lawn [Greene, NY].  The bearers were Curtis Winston, William Kelly, Chas. H. Graves, E.L. McKenzie, T.F. Leary, E.L. Page.  Enos Culver Morse was born at Newfield, N.Y. Nov. 22, 1836, and when two years old moved with his parents, Levi and Clarissa Morse, to Greene, where he has since resided.  Mr. Morse has been connected with the business and commercial interest of Greene for many years, and was interested in whatever was going to benefit his home town.  He is survived by a wife, who was Frances Davis, a daughter of Darwin and Margaret Davis, and two children, William D. Morse of Baltimore, Md., and Miss Marguerite Morse of Greene; four sister, Mrs. Martha Philley of Cochranton, Pa., Mrs. Julia Wight of Waterloo, Iowa, Mrs. Addie E. Brown of McDonough and Mrs. Clara Brown of Greene, and two brothers, Samuel P. and Edgar D. Morse of Portland.

Mrs. Peter Sharp

August 1911

Mrs. Peter Sharp died Saturday morning at the home of her daughter, Mrs. George Richmond.  Mrs. Sharp had been sick for some time and her death was not unexpected.  She is survived by seven children, Charles and Leroy of Tyner, Jerry of Preston, Mrs. George Cowles of Smithville Center, Mrs. Edward Church of Lestershire, Mrs. George Richmond and Mrs. Adelbert Thurber of Tyner. The funeral was held at George Richmond's Monday afternoon.

George Niven

January 3, 1911

George Niven passed away last week after suffering the past year from the effects of a shock.  He was 57 years of age, and had spent his whole life on the old homestead.  He married Sarah Allen, who survives him, with their two daughters, Edna Niven and Mrs. Arthur Hunt and family who live at the old home.  He is also survived by a sister, Mrs. Ella Truesdell, of this place. The funeral was held Saturday, January 7, at the late home of the deceased. Rev. G.P. Linderman, pastor of the First Congregational church of this place officiated.  Interment at the Coventry cemetery beside his parents. The deceased was a devoted husband and father and a kind neighbor much respected by all his acquaintances and the bereaved family have the sympathy of a large circle of friends.

Sarah Elizabeth Corbin

October 23, 1911, Oxford, NY

Mrs. Sarah Elizabeth Corbin, who had been in feeble health for several months, died at the family residence on Clinton street at 11:35 o'clock Monday morning in the 66th year of her age.  Mrs. Corbin was born April 16, 1840, at Jersey City Heights, N.J., and was the daughter of Jacob and Jane (Van Buskirk) Van Wagenon.  Her marriage to Alfred Corbin of McDonough occurred during the year 1870, and immediately after she went with him to reside on the Coville farm near East McDonough. The death of Mr. Corbin occurred about 22 years later.  He was a descendant of the Tracy family, his mother being a niece of Uri Tracy, a missionary to the Indians and the first principal of Oxford Academy, who came to this village in 1791.  Soon after the death of her husband, Mrs. Corbin came to this village to reside.  She was one who enjoyed a quiet home life, devoting her time to her children and to acts of charity. She was a friend and neighbor whose passing away will be deeply felt.  Mrs. Corbin is survived by three children,  William H. Corbin, Mrs. Willard E. Cronk and miss Grace J. Corbin, all of this village; and a sister, Mrs. Catherine Wilson of Irvington, N.J. The funeral was held at 2 o'clock Thursday afternoon at the home, Rev. Inman l. Willcox, D.D., officiating.  Interment was in Riverview cemetery [Oxford, NY].

Early Religious lIfe in Smyrna, NY - Part 3

Early Religious Life in My Hometown

Smyrna, Chenango County, New York

Leland L. Ferris

Norwich Sun, January 12, 1934

Part 3

"For many years the choir of the Congregational church under his [Levi Collins] leadership, could hold its place with many of the large churches in much larger towns.  'The Old Folks' Concert,' given by the choir in 1877, was a great success, raising over $300 to defray expenses of remodeling the church.  Some of the old books are in my possession, as are many other old song books, held only as sacred relics.  Two of the old songs are in my memory, 'The Old Easter Anthem' and the 'Valley of the Chenango.'  I have the latter song intact with music.  The words are in G.A Munson's 'Early Years in Smyrna,' but not the music.  Has anyone else a copy?  I do not know of any other.

"Who can remember the old colored meeting house of the Quakers or Friends, as they call themselves now?  This church, about 26 by 50 feet, was finished inside and out without paint, varnish or stain, excepting the window sash and doors, which were painted.  Large panel doors let down between the two sections of the room so that the brothers and sisters were separated during the business session.  On the north side a platform, raised two steps, was three or four feet wide, and on this the old men sat, also any of the women who were preachers.

"The services were held every first and fifth day at 11 a.m. for one hour, and 60 years ago one saw a goodly number of drab, broad brimmed hats and Quaker bonnets.  No matter the rush of work, the fifth day was a day for prayer and meditation at 11 o'clock.  Among the older men and women were some very gifted in prayer and speech and I have sat on the old wooden, straight back seats for a whole hour to hear only a short prayer or exhortation. Then the older men would shake hands at their benediction.  This method of worship was continued until Amos Kenworthy, from the yearly meeting in Ohio, a consecrated preacher and evangelist, came here to hold meetings.

"He dropped a bomb among them, saying 'Awake, dry bones,' and for the first time in the history of the church a hymn was sung.  Some of the older members objected and left the room, but besides Amos Kenworthy the Holy Spirit was there and the whole style of the meeting was changed.  prayers were offered, testimonies given and songs sung, everybody taking part as the services progressed nightly.  A few years later the old church was consigned to its fate, and the society built in Smyrna village a neat, up-to-date church.  The society prospered, and later it was considered best to build at Upperville upon a lot deeded to the yearly meeting by the trustees of the Congregational church of Smyrna. The lot was purchased with money raised by Herbert M. Dixon, who for 42 years held Sunday school in the schoolhouse at Upperville.  It was the plan to build a chapel there on the lot, but as the Friends decided to change their place of worship to this location, it was thought best to turn the work over to them.  It was deeded to them with the understanding that a church service should be conducted there for 25 years, the property to be free and thereafter to occupy the same.

To be continued

Marriages (January 27)

Davis - Hammond

February 16, 1909, Smithville, NY

Tuesday evening, February 16, Alida Hammond and Orville A. Davis were married by Rev. W.W. Watrous at the home of the bride's brother, Morell Hammond.  After a short wedding trip they will reside in Greene [Chenango Co., NY]. Both bride and groom are well known in this vicinity and we extend congratulations and wishes for a long happy and prosperous future.

Skinner - Gray

May 18, 1909

Greene [Chenango Co., NY]:  The marriage of Miss Agnes Russell Gray to Fred B. Skinner was solemnized at Zion church this afternoon at 3:30 o'clock.  Miss Gray is the eldest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Charles W. Gray, her father being the assistant cashier of the Juliand Bank.  Mr. Skinner is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Alba A. Skinner and manager of the large poultry ranch just south of the village limits. After the ceremony a reception was held at the Gray residence on Genesee street.  Mr. and Mrs. Skinner are esteemed by a wide circle of friends who extend best wishes for a pleasant and successful voyage through life.

Lewis -Seibert

July 10, 1909

Lynn George Lewis and Olive Louise Seibert, of this village, were married at the M.M. parsonage in Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], Saturday, July 10, 1909, by the Rev. H.L. Ellsworth. They were attended by Mr. and Mrs. Pascal Holcomb of Norwich.  Mr. and Mrs. Lewis have gone to Bridgeton, N.J., where they will reside for the present.

Race-Gates

April 28, 1909

A pretty house wedding occurred at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Frank J. Race at South Oxford [Chenango Co., NY] Wednesday evening April 28, when their daughter, Frances [Race], was united in marriage with Harry C. Gates of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY].  The couple were unattended. The house was prettily decorated for the occasion and the ceremony was performed under an arch of evergreens. Rev. Russell A. Gates, pastor of the Baptist church and father of the groom solemnized the ceremony.  Both bride and groom are well known here and highly esteemed and have the best wishes and congratulations of a host of friends.

Rice - Smith

October 2, 1909, Bainbridge, nY

A very pretty wedding occurred at the home of Henry Smith, Saturday, when their daughter, Lina [Smith] was united in marriage to G. Wellington Rice of Scranton [PA]. The ceremony was performed by Rev. Colgrove of Afton. Those present were, Mr. and Mrs. Chas. Wilkins, G.B. Wilkins and family, Mr. and Mrs. R. Lyon, and Miss Julia Hodge. They left Sunday for their future home in Scranton, accompanied by Mrs. G.B. Wilkins who will attend a reception given them Wednesday.

Marriage Notices

Chenango Union, September 23, 1875

ECCLESTON - LATHAM:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], Sept. 16 by Rev. W.J. Judd, Mr. Hosea Eccleston to Miss Laura B. Latham, all of Norwich.

BREED - HORTON:  In Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], Sept. 15, Mr. William R. Breed to Miss Flora A. Horton, all of Norwich.

CRANDALL - RUSSELL:  In North Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], Sept. 16 by Rev. B.B. Carruth, Mr. George R. Crandall to Miss L. Isabella Russell, all of Norwich.

COOK - NHARE:  In Georgetown [Madison Co., NY], Aug. 22, 1875, by Rev. F. Harris, Mr. Julian A. Cook to Miss Hattie J. Nhare, both of Otselic [Chenango Co., NY]

WORDEN - VANTASSELL:  In Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], by Rev. E.W. Caswell, Mr. R.H. Worden to Miss U.J. VanTassell, both of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY].

ROBERTS - HARRINGTON:  In Sidney [Delaware Co., NY], Sept. 14, by Rev. E.W> Caswell, Mr. W.H. Roberts to Miss Eva Harrington, both of Sidney.

RATHBONE - WELLS:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], Sept. 8, 1875 by Rev. F. Rogers, Mr. Samuel Rathbone to Miss Eva Wells, both of Greene.

GREENE - RATHBONE:  In Greene [Chenango Co., NY], Sept. 8, by Rev. J.H. Sage, Mr. Charles L. Greene of Binghamton [Broome Co., NY] to Miss Mary Rathbone of Greene.

ENSIGN - DANIELS:  In McDonough [Chenango Co., NY], Sept. 9, by Rev. J.D. Webster, Mr. Lucian P. Ensign, M.D. to Miss Carrie A Daniels, all of McDonough.

Early Religious life in Smyrna, NY - Part 2

Early Religious life in My Home Town

Smyrna, Chenango Co., NY

Leland L. Ferris

Norwich Sun, January 12, 1934

Part 2

"My first recollections of the Congregational church are well over 60 years ago.  The pulpit was between the front doors and a gallery on three sides.  I thought it was a great treat to sit in the gallery with my older brother.  I remember the old pine pews with panel doors at the entrance, painted white with a red moulding at the top.  I can remember getting down and crawling though under the seat to the next pew, but cannot remember what happened next.  As a very small boy I stood in the vestibule of the belfry and watched the workmen lay the floor in the auditorium.  Only a few years ago the old pulpit and desk might have been seen in the belfry room of the old church. At this time of remodeling the church was enlarged with an alcove for the choir, new windows and ceiling built on elliptic form, making it an ideal room for singing and speaking  The first minister I can remember was Elder Keeler, who wore 'side whiskers' and drove among his parishioners with a white faced horse and a two-seated surrey.  Another minister, Henry Grant, who had been a missionary, told of going down the Joppa road, infested with robbers, and looking down into a cave, a hole in the ground, covered with a big flat stone, their home.  He also told us of Mount Aarat.  These stories were readily absorbed by the youngster, 10 or more years of age. The old town clock in the steeple was a mystery to the small boy, and it is a shame its 'time' is no more.

"As to the revivals, they were held nearly every year and as union meetings.  They usually commenced with the week of prayer and continued for some time, according to the interest shown.  The outstanding revival, which built up and strengthened the churches more than any other, was in the winter of 1877.  This was led by Rev. A.B. Earl and started in the Baptist church, of which he had been pastor years before.  It soon spread as a union effect, to all the churches in town, but in fact it was mostly held in the Congregational church, that having the greatest seating capacity. This church soon overflowed with worshipers, and one night a large overflow meeting was held in the Methodist church.  Not only young people but men and women from 30 to 60 years of age were converted to a life of service for the Master. The Congregational church, at this time, was at the zenith of its prosperity, having 175 members and giving large sums for missionary work.  In these years each church was particular in receiving new members. They were questioned as to prayer and experience in becoming Christians.  Up to this time the Congregational church had prayer meeting each Saturday afternoon. The Saturday before communion Sunday each applicant was expected to be there for examination by the deacons and pastor. These were earnest, spiritual times and could not help but build up a community of earnest, church going people. The annual donation was looked upon as a great event, for cake was plentiful with red wintergreen berries in the frosting, and each boy was supposed to have candy hearts with love mottoes on them for the girl sitting beside him at the table.

On, yes, and there was the union Sunday school picnic, where we went with the Marshal band and four-horse teams, a marshal on horseback with a red sash to show his official position.  Everyone would meet at the church and load into the big wagons for Cole's woods or John Knowles'.  Once we joined the North Norwich schools and went to the land of Whac-Nan-Nan-Cal, an eight or ten mile trip in picnic wagons.  Lots of fun--what, no autos?--why, the man who invented the auto was not born then.  Henry Ford is only 62 years old [in 1934].

"As to the music of long ago, there are few small towns blessed with so many people who were natural musicians and were so helpful in building up a class of music that has lasted throughout the years and will continue to show in the coming generations.  Deacon Levi Collins and family and the Dixon family are in the memory of the older people of today. Deacon Collins, by his singing school, taught us the rudiments of music, and many of us to this day use the same methods taught then. For nearly 50 years all denominations were brought together in his school of song, and no one was to blame but himself who did not learn the principles of do, re, mi.

To be Continued

Obituaries (January 26)

George M. Woodworth

Bainbridge Republican, September 6, 1917

George M. Woodworth, an esteemed resident of this village [Bainbridge, Chenango Co., NY] for 35 years, died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Charles W. Ireland on Juliand street, early Tuesday morning from hardening of the arteries.  His illness had existed since last winter but not so as to confine him to the house until recently.  He was 78 years old and was born in Bettsburgh.  After the death of his second wife 7 years ago he made his home with his only daughter Mrs. Ireland.  The funeral was held Thursday afternoon at 2 o'clock at the Baptist church, Rev. A.H. Merrill officiating.  Mr. Woodworth was one of our best citizens.  He was always interested in church and public affairs and took an active part.  He was a member of the Baptist church.  During his middle life he was engaged in business and was successful.  He was always kind and considerate and was a man that was generally liked and was highly regarded.

Gilbert Cooper

Chenango Union, November 8, 1894

Gilbert Cooper died at 10 o'clock Monday night of heart failure at the home of his son, Mr. Lester Cooper at 36 River street [Cortland, Cortland Co., NY], aged 81 years.  Mr. Cooper was born in Guilford, Chenango county, N.Y. and came to Cortland county January 2, 1860.  He has lived on his farm about a mile and a half from the village on the Truxton road until about three years ago when, on account of the failing health of both himself and his wife, he rented the farm and moved to his son's home.  He has always lived a quiet, unpretentious life.  He suffered a shock of paralysis several weeks ago from which he has never rallied and which was the indirect cause of his death.  He leaves a wife, who has been his constant companion for fifty-three years.  Mrs. Cooper is now in a very critical condition from dropsy, with which she has been suffering for a number of months. During the earlier part of Mr. Cooper's illness they were both cared for in one room where they could converse and sympathize with each other, but later Mr. Cooper had been delirious most of the time and it was deemed better to remove Mrs. Cooper to another room.  It is believed that the separation of husband and wife can be but for a few days at most, as the death of Mr. Cooper, though expected and looked for, has been a great shock to his wife, and she is today much worse. For several days it has been a question as to which would go first. Besides the widow Mr. Cooper leaves two sons, Lester and George Cooper, of River street, two brothers and one sister in Bainbridge, N.Y., and two sisters in Hammonton, N.J.--Cortland Standard.

John H. Willcox

Chenango Union, November 8, 1894

Mr. John H. Willcox, of whose decease mention was made in last week's correspondence--was born in East McDonough [Chenango Co., NY], April 23, 1826, the youngest of six children; his father having come from Rhode Island in 1806 and erected a log house on the site of the present homestead, clearing off a large portion of the farm. At the age of seventeen Mr. Willcox united by baptism with the Baptist church in this village, of which he was for many years a prominent and influential member. February 1, 1852, he married Jane E. Lewis, who survives him, and who has long been the energetic and very successful superintendent of the Sunday School at East McDonough--Mr. Willcox being also an active member and of late years a worshipper with that congregation.  Four children were born of their union, of whom two survive --Charles L. Willcox of East McDonough, and Mrs. James McMinn, of Plymouth.  In 1861 Mr. Willcox was elected Supervisor of this town, and subsequently held for four consecutive years the office of Road Commissioner, bringing to each his best energies and intelligence, and discharging the duties of each with the utmost conscientiousness.  In character the deceased was a man of simple tastes, but of marked individuality and of unusual evenness of disposition and kindliness of heart.  He was strictly conscientious in the discharge of his duties as a member of the church and of the community; uniformly courteous in his bearing and obliging as a neighbor; generous in the use of his means for religious and all other laudable purposes; and tender and faithful in all the relations of life.  It will be very difficult to fill the gap in the community which his taking away has made, and a wide circle of friends unite with the afflicted family in sorrow above his grave.

Martha A. (Brooke) Ireland

Bainbridge Republican, March 15, 1934

Mrs. Harvey Ireland died at the home of Mrs. Mary Bliss in Kirby st., Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], early Friday morning, Mar. 2nd, following a stroke of apoplexy which she suffered the preceding Saturday and from which she never rallied.  Mrs. Ireland, (nee Martha A. Brooke) was born at West Hall, Yorkshire, England, February 16th, 1849.  The same year she came with her parents to Jersey City, N.J., where she lived until her marriage in 1881 to Harvey Ireland of Bainbridge.  Mr. Ireland was at that time and for 14 years thereafter editor and publisher of the Bainbridge Republican.  He died in 1930.  Before her marriage Mrs. Ireland was a successful teacher in the Jersey City schools, acting as vice principal for several years.  She also taught in the Bainbridge High School one year. She was a woman of many fine attainments always interested in the welfare of the village.  She was a member of the Protestant Episcopal Church.  Mrs. Ireland is survived by one daughter, Mrs. Arthur Wilcox of Milford, N.Y., three grandchildren of the same place, and several nieces and nephews.  Funeral services, conducted by her pastor, the Rev. Bradford H. Tite, were held in the Colwell Funeral chapel Sunday afternoon, March 4, at 2 o'clock and interment was at Bayside Cemetery, Jersey City, beside her parents.

Death Notices

Chenango Union, August 17, 1893

JOHNSON:  At her late residence, No. 43 Pleasant street [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], Wednesday, August 16, 1893, Anna A. Johnson, aged 73 years.  Funeral services will be held Saturday, August 19.  Burial in Mt. Hope.

WEEKS:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], August 8, 1893, Clarence [Weeks] infant son of Frank E. and Minerva Weeks.

O'BRIEN:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY] August 10, 1893, Michael S. [O'Brien], son of Michael and Bridget O'Brien, aged 5 months and 18 days.

BRIZEE:  In Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], August 3, 1893, Mr. Francis West Brizee, aged 73 years.

LaDUE:  In Butternuts [Otsego Co., NY], August 11, 1893, Mr. Alfred La Due, aged 76 years.  Deceased was a brother of Orville La Due of North Norwich.

JONES:  In Plymouth [Chenango Co., NY], August 10, 1893, Mr. John J. Jones, aged 85 years.

THOMPSON:  In Otselic Centre [Chenango Co., NY], August 6, 1893, Mrs. Lewis Thompson.

HORTON:  In Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], July 26, 1893, Mr. Lewis B. Horton, aged 76 years.

JAQUINS:  In Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], August 2, 1893, Mary A. [Jaquins], wife of Emery Jaquins, aged 64 years.

IRELAND:  In Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY], August 14, 1893, Mr. Corsman Ireland, aged 79 years.

FERRIS:  In Union Valley (Bainbridge) [Chenango Co., NY], August 4, 1893, Mr. Edmund Ferris, aged 73 years.  He was a soldier in the late war.

LANDERS:  In Owego [Tioga Co., NY], August 7, 1893, Mrs. Susan Landers, aged 67 years.  Interment at Bainbridge.

LEAL:  In Arlington, N.J., August 5, 1893, John Fisk Leal, son of La F. and F.A. Leal, formerly of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY], aged 24 years.

NICHOLSON:  In Guilford [Chenango Co., NY], August 10, 1893, Minnie [Nicholson], only daughter of Frank and Lucinda Nicholson, aged 10 years.

Early Religious Life in Smyrna, NY - Part 1

Early Religious life in My Home Town

Smyrna, Chenango Co., NY

Leland L. Ferris

Norwich Sun, January 12, 1934

Part 1

"Sixty-five years ago we lived on the Wilbur farm at Sherburne Four Corners and could hear, in the spring of the year, the church bells of Plymouth, Smyrna, and Sherburne, calling the country people to worship.  Hardly a house from Sherburne Four Corners to the county line at Earlville but was represented in some of the churches.  Generally speaking, the people south of Smyrna village were Methodists.  Cyrus B. Merrihew and Ansel Vaughan and families were Baptists, and there were also three or four families of Congregationalists. North of Smyrna village, from the corporation line to Earlville and to the Lebanon town line, every family excepting two were represented in the Congregational church. The Baptist church at this time was not very strong, being depleted by deaths and removals, no regular services being held.

"During the remodeling of the old Congregational church in 1868, the Baptist church was used for their services.  I well remember the old Baptist church gallery on three sides, supported by round pillars with iron brackets fastened to them to carry the longline of stove pipe from the big cast iron stoves at each corner in front.  This pipe went to the center of the rear of the room and up thru the ceiling into the chimney.  Under the upright pipe was a pan, fastened to catch the creosote, caused from burning green wood. Sitting on the front seat one might burn their face to a blister while there was frost on their back. The pulpit was between the front doors.  After the great revival, which was led by Rev. A.B. Earl in 1877, Rev. H.S. Jones became the regular pastor and preached 'Alpha and Omega' to them for many years. Sunday school was held at noon with preaching service at 1:30 p.m., services remaining as such until Rev. Frank Barrett became the pastor.  Since then the series have been sustained by a goodly number of faithful members.

"Who remembers Deacon John Knowles, Mortimer Gardner, Mr. Northup from Sherburne Hill, Smith Faulkner from the Ben Card district? These families were regular in their attendance, year in and year out.  Elisha Sprague, for some reason, was disappointed with this church and so walked from his home to the West Smyrna church each Sunday.  Occasionally the Merrihew family from Sherburne Four Corners attended church here.  These people, with their families, were deeply religious in their daily and church life.

"I cannot recall much of the early M.E. church, but can still see the long line of steps in front that went up to the church, and at the east and a door into the basement where Protection fire engine number one was kept.  The fire engine was a marvel to the younger generation, as it was occasionally taken out for practice in pumping water. George Hunt and Eri Stokes were the first foremen I can remember. After the M.E. church was rebuilt in 1870 or '71 I can remember the boys sliding down the circular handrail to the basement floor.  Who can remember such pillars of this church as Wilson Young, Alfred Eastman, Monroe Billings, Ariel Fowler, Soloman Brown, Alonzo Bennett, the Tobeys, Chapman, Simons.  It would be no trouble to name a long list of praying Methodists of those days, 50 or 60 years ago. The pleasant associations of later years with so many others will never be forgotten.

To be continued

Obituaries (January 25)

Timothy Jenkins

Chenango Telegraph, January 4, 1860

Timothy Jenkins, of Oneida County [NY], died at Martinsburgh, Lewis County, on Saturday, 24th ultimo, whether he had gone on professional business, on the previous Tuesday.  It was thought that riding in the cold had brought on the attack of bilious fever from which he died.  He was sixty years old, and one of the most eminent lawyers and public men of the State.

Emily Merrifield

Chenango Union, November 8, 1894

At 5:30 A.M., on Friday, November 2, 1894, Mrs. Emily Merrifield entered into rest.  She was born in Bristol, England, July 4, 1834, and was married to William Merrifield, December 24, 1854. they came to Franklin, Delaware county, N.Y., in 1855, in company with an aged uncle and aunt, who had a daughter in that place.  After a short residence in Gilbertsville, Mr. and Mrs. Merrifield, moved to Norwich in 1856, which has since, been their home.  About thirty-three years ago Mrs. Merrifield contracted rheumatism, from which she has been an almost constant sufferer, and from which death resulted.  During all these many years she has been unable to walk, even about the house, and her wants have been most devotedly administered to by her husband, who is the only immediate surviving relative. The funeral, which was private, was held from the residence on Piano street, Monday afternoon, at three o'clock, Rev. Henry D. Stebbins officiating. Burial in Mt. Hope [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY].

Charles D. Brigham

Chenango Union, November 8, 1894

Charles D. Brigham, a well known newspaper man, died of pneumonia, in Washington, D.C., October 21.  Mr. Bingham was a native of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY] and in his early youth learned the printers art in the Times office in that village.  He came to Norwich about 1840, and for a number of years was with the Telegraph, then edited and published by Elias P. Pellett.  From Norwich he went to Lockport, N.Y., and was editor of the Courier for some years.  While editor of this paper he married Cordelia Rundell, eldest daughter of the late Gen. O.G. Rundell, of Norwich.  From Lockport he went to Oswego, and edited the Palladium; from Oswego to Troy, editing the Northern Whig or Budget; from Troy he went to Albany in 1854, editing the Register for a time, from there to New York, and was employed on the papers there.  When the war broke out he was in Charleston as the correspondent of the New York Tribune; was arrested as a spy, and after a hearing, discharged with an admonition to leave the State.  Subsequently he was sent to the front as a correspondent, in which capacity he remained until 1863.  He was in New York when the owners of the Pittsburg Commercial were looking for an editor.  He was recommended ot them by Greeley and Dana, and was engaged.  His success with the paper was remarkable.  Within a decade he had accrued a controlling interest in it.  In 1878 he sold out and went to Florida, where he lost all his money in plantation experiments, and was forced to return to newspaper work, which he took up in Washington.  In 1885 he went to Pittsburg to take charge of the Times, and remained in charge until 1890, when he projected a newspaper to be called the Sun, and to be modeled after the New York Sun, but the capital on which he had counted failed him after the building for the new enterprise had been prepared, and the type and press had been received.  Seeing the project a failure finally, he again went to Washington and reentered his old service as a correspondent, having also the position of emigrant inspector at Baltimore during the administration of President Harrison.

The Pittsburg Times of October 22 gives the following item of Mr. Brigham's experience as a correspondent:  

"The winter before Sumter was fired on, the New York Tribune decided to send a staff man South to sound the sentiment of that section.  Greeley and Dana put their heads together and selected Brigham for the task.  Brigham was willing.  It was admittedly a desperate undertaking, and there was doubt whether he would ever get back alive. Greeley held forth as an inducement a double salary--one salary to be sent every week to Mr. Brigham's wife and the other to Brigham.  'All right,' said Brigham, 'If you agree to continue that arrangement until I return, I'll go.'  Greeley jumped at the proposition, entirely losing sight of the fact that Birgham in his own mind thought he would never come back, and had clinched the salary scheme as a life income for the young wife he left behind.

"Mr. Brigham was the sort of man who would get into hot water in times of peace, and it wasn't long before he was in trouble in the South.  He had a faculty for securing the confidences of people on short acquaintance, and the result was that he soon began sending the Tribune just the sort of matter the Southern people didn't want to have printed.  He was arrested, given the semblance of a trial and condemned to death.  But he was not the sort of man to give up.  He lost no time to bring to bear certain influences which saved his life.  One night he was taken aboard a train, with officers all around him, and shipped to Washington, whence he returned to New York.  More than thirty years afterward, in talking of this experience, he refused to say either what he was tried for or by what means he secured his release.  His escape is readily understood by those who knew him, for it was characteristic of him not to use all his resources, but to hold something in reserve for emergency."

Mr. Brigham had been a sufferer from asthma for over a month previous to his death, the disease causing great weakness.  The week before his death his disease became complicated with pneumonia, and he was removed to Providence Hospital, where he was visited daily by his wife.  His daughter, Mrs. Charles H. Bradley, of Pittsburg, accompanied by her husband, arrived in time to be at her father's bedside when he died. The remains were placed in a vault, and it is expected they will be removed to Pittsburg.  Mrs. Brigham, accompanied by her daughter and son-in-law, left for Pittsburg on the 22d ult.

Alonzo M. Reynolds

Norwich Sun, May 15, 1923

Guilford [Chenango Co., NY]:  Alonzo M. Reynolds, a well known citizen who has been in poor health for some time passed to the world unknown on May 7th, 1923.  The subject of this brief sketch was born in the town of Guilford, April 26, 1861 and was the son of the late Nelson and Maria Bush Reynolds. The deceased was united early in life to Miss Mary E. Bush who survives him together with four sons, Earl Reynolds of Froust, Will Reynolds of Middletown, Charles and Frank Reynolds of this place and also four grandchildren.  He was a stone mason and farmer by trade, and had always lived in Guilford. The funeral services were held at the late home Thursday afternoon, the Rev. W.S. York, pastor of the Methodist church officiating.  Undertakers Carr and Hare had charge of the body.  He was laid in the family plot beside kindred in Sunset hill cemetery, Guilford.  Sympathy is extended to the family.

Smyrna History -1926

Rare Old Book

Smyrna, Chenango County, New York

Norwich Sun, January 19, 1926

Smyrna:  Speaking of old books it is doubtful if it would be easy to find an older one than either of two which are in the possession of former Supervisor J.W. Shepardson and anyone interested in relics or in the happenings of early days could find much interesting data in them.  One is a hand made book of records of the town of Smyrna during the years of 1809 to 1812.  

Among the interesting things contained in it is a record of the ear marks of cattle, it being necessary for each owner to have a registered ear mark in order to identify his cattle, which roamed at large; each land owner being obliged to fence the roads against them. Fences were to be made four and one-half feet high and must be made of logs or rails. 

A bounty of ten dollars was placed on every wolf killed in the town and sheep were not to be allowed on the commons after March 6, 1810. 

At a meeting of the town called to be held in the school house and adjourned to the Inn on October 23, 1811, it was voted to raise three hundred dollars by tax to "defend our common rights."  Later in the meeting this was reconsidered and raised to four hundred dollars. Evidently this was used in the War of 1812. This was an enormous sum to raise in those days, judging from the fact that the assessment roll for the year 1815 for all town county and contingent expenses showed that only $370.80 was raised, the ratio being $2.30 per thousand. 

There is a record of several special town meetings held in 1809 relative to a assessed road through the town of Smyrna, starting from Tilly Lynde store in Sherburne to the village of Cazenovia. there seemed to be evidence of much contention and at one meeting the supervisor, who was Joseph Simons, was instructed to request the supervisors of the county not to raise money called for to pay for the right of way through the town. 

William, Daniel and Stephen Knowles, men called Quakers, were exempted from military duty by paying an assessment of four dollars each. 

The cover to the assessment roll, is a part of "The Volunteer," Volume 1, no. 52, published at Norwich by John Burgess Johnson.

Obituaries (January 24)

Jane Pentecost

Norwich Sun, April 20, 1917

Miss Jane Pentecost, a former resident of Smyrna [Chenango Co., NY], died in Binghamton [Broome Co., NY] April 18, aged 83 years.  A niece, Miss Lottie Kenyon, is the only surviving relative. Burial was made in the Friends' cemetery in Smyrna.

Henry Knowles Peckham

PECKHAM:  At Smyrna [Chenango Co., NY], May 16, 1918, Henry K. Peckham, aged 68 years.  funeral May 20, and interment at Sherburne West Hill cemetery. [Norwich Sun, May 21, 1918]

Henry Knowles Peckham, the son of John J. and Susan Knowles Peckham, was born in Utica [Oneida Co., NY] May 30, 1849, and passed into that richer, fuller life beyond in the forenoon of May 16, 1918, in the old home he loved and in the house built by his grandfather nearly one hundred years ago.  While young he removed with his parents to this town, and while a youth showed an eagerness for knowledge and after attending a Home School with his cousins was in a Friends Boarding School at Westtown, Philadelphia, Pa.  March 1st, 1870, he was married to Sarah Babcock, of this town, to whom were born eight children, one of whom died in infancy, seven of whom live to mourn their father's memory. They are:  Ada, of Springfield, O., Mrs. Estella Weaver and Adelbert F., of Smyrna, John J. of Indianapolis, Ind., Mrs. Edith Nitcher and Harry E. of Rautoul, Kas., and Roy R., of Republic county, Kansas. When his oldest child, Ada, was an infant they removed to Kansas where he engaged in farming and for some years had charge of a drug store and the post office, and where in 1889 his wife died.  In 1898 he returned to New York, bringing with him his daughter, Estella, as housekeeper and young son, Harry, to care for his aged father and in 1899 was married to Phebe A. Weaver of this town, who survives him to mourn his loss. During the past winter he and his wife visited his old home in Kansas and spent five and one-half most delightful months visiting the three children and the dear grandchildren whom he had never seen and renewing old acquaintances, and early in March the trouble with his throat which he had suffered for three winters and which he hoped to avoid by a change in climate, became aggravated and in spite of the treatment of a specialist in Kansas and continued on his return here, ultimately causing his death. The funeral was held from his late residence May 20th, 1918, at 2:00 p.m. in charge of Rev. A.G. Shepard, of Poughkeepsie, N.Y., Field Secretary of New York Yearly Meeting of Friends and a close personal friend of Mr. Peckham. The great concourse of neighbors, friends and relatives, cousins from Rome, Earlville, Sherburne, Plymouth, Ilion and Endicott, his son John, and daughter, Ada, from Indianapolis and Springfield and friends from Brookfield spoke eloquently of the love and esteem in which he was held.  Through all the years whatever has made for righteousness has had his support from the time when as a young man he was an ardent worker in the Good Templars lodge here,to his last days.  He was a birthright member of the Friends church and a veritable pillar he proved to be, wise in his counsels, indefatigable in his efforts for upbuilding of the church and for the good of the young or inexperienced.  For many years in Kansas, where he attended a Methodist church, and in the church at Upperville, he was superintendent of the Sunday school and his knowledge of and love for the Word and love for the young and divine ambition which was always reaching out after better things made him a great power in this branch of the church. Through all the years he had constantly read good books which took a wide range and his broad, analytical mind assimilated it all and gave him a breadth of thought which made him a most entertaining talker, and to exhibit a most beautiful charity for all. The church will miss him, The Town Sunday School Association will miss him, the neighbors and most of all his family, his wife, will miss him but-- 

"When a good man dies, 

For years beyond our ken, 

The light he leaves behind him lies, 

Upon the paths of men."  

May his light fall on our paths and illuminate the pitfalls and guide us in that same beautiful pathway!

Adelbert F. Peckham
Norwich Sun, October 3, 1928

Two Smyrna farmers, Adelbert Peckham, aged 48 years, and Ralph Simons, 40 years old, escaped death by a hair's breadth Wednesday noon when the Ford sedan in which they were riding was struck by O.&W. passenger train No. 2, south bound, at what is known as Sexton's school crossing, about one and a half miles south of Smyrna.  Both men were brought to the Norwich station of the railroad by the train that crashed into their car, and were taken in the William Breese Company ambulance to the Chenango Memorial Hospital, where Dr. Thomas F. Manley was called to attend them.  Peckham, the more seriously injured of the two, sustained a fracture of the skull.  He is still unconscious.  Simons is suffering from severe shock and is also a patient at the hospital; where absolute quiet has been ordered for both men.  Simons and Peckham are brothers-in-law and had been at the latter's home for dinner. They were returning to their work, that of filling silos for farmers in the vicinity of Smyrna, when the accident happened.  Whether the men failed to see the approaching train in time or were trying to beat it to the crossing is not known, as neither is in condition to give any statement of the accident. The passenger train was in charge of Conductor L.C. Boyser of Utica and engineer William Murphy of Norwich, and leaves Smyrna at 12:36.  The train was said to be traveling at its usual speed.  Peckham is understood to have been driving the car.  He was knocked unconscious by the collision, which Simons is conscious.  As soon as possible Engineer Murphy brought his train to a stop, and it was backed up to the crossing.  Peckham was placed aboard the train by the crew, while Simons was able to walk into the coach. The Ford sedan in which the men were passengers was completely demolished.

Norwich Sun, October 9, 1928

Smyrna [Chenango Co., NY]:  The death of Adelbert F. Peckham of this place which occurred at the Chenango Memorial Hospital [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY] on Thursday evening October 4, following an accident on Wednesday when he was struck by a passenger train on the Ontario and Western railroad crossing near his home removes from the town one of its most valued and best loved citizens and from the family a husband and father whose one thought was for their welfare.  In the home he will be missed as a wise and careful counsellor for every material and spiritual need of the family, in the community as an ever obliging friendly neighbor, always interested in the progress of the better things of his town, state and nation, and in the church as a dependable help and inspiration in the various departments, always willing to take his part and more to make the work a success and further the work of the Lord whom he trusted and obeyed.  Of Quaker parentage, he was born September 7, 1881 at White Rock Kansas, the son of the late Henry Knowles and Sarah Babcock Peckham.  His early home training made a lasting impression on him and wherever he went he affiliated himself with the church and became active in its every interest.  In the year 1901 he came to New York state to reside and since then Smyrna, the home of his parents, has been his home.  For many years he has been a member of the local Methodist Episcopal church where he will be greatly missed.  On December 28, 1907 he was united in marriage to Louise Barber who, with two daughters and one son survives.  He is also survived by three brothers and three sisters, Harry of Rantoul, Kansas; John of Newark, New Jersey; Roy of Hardy, Nebraska; Mrs. Edith Vinson of Rantoul, Kansas; Miss Ada Peckham of Springfield, Ohio and Mrs. Estella Weaver of Smyrna. Funeral services were conducted on Monday afternoon from his home, Rev. Harry Brooks of Afton, his former pastor officiating with interment in Sherburne West Hill cemetery [Chenango Co., NY].

Death Notices

Chenango Union, November 8, 1894

BRIGHAM:  In Washington, D.C. Oct. 21, 1894 Mr. Charles D. Brigham, formerly of Norwich [Chenango Co., NY].

PITTSLEY:  In Maple Grove, NY. Oct. 21, 1894, Mrs. Locia P. Pittsley, aged 74 years.

Chenango Union, November 15, 1894

MUSSON:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], Nov. 8, 1894, Isabelle S. [Musson], daughter of Uri B. and Mary A. Musson, age 18 years.

WETMORE:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co., NY], Nov. 10, 1894, Frances A. [Wetmore] daughter of Frank E. and Lottie Wetmore, age 3 years, 1 month.

Quaker Families of Smyrna

Reminiscences - Quaker Families of Smyrna

Chenango County, New York

Morning Sun, Norwich, NY, January 30, 1904

A Friend [Quaker] in Smyrna has furnished the writer with the following for the [Oxford] Times.  About the year 1820 some Friends, Henry Knowles, Benjamin Knowles, Benjamin Boss, Rufus Briggs and Arnold Briggs founded their society in Smyrna.  Meetings were first held in a private dwelling one and a fourth miles south of the village and later worshipped for about half a century in a meeting house three-fourths of a mile farther north, then erected a plain but beautiful edifice in the village, and a few years later disposed of it and located their place of worship in Upperville, four miles west of Smyrna.  Henry Knowles had four sons, Henry A., Abraham, Robert and Benjamin, also five daughters, Susan, Mary A., Alice, Letitia and Sarah, who married respectively John Peckham, Daniel Peckham, James Boss, George Carpenter and John Carpenter. Other prominent Friends are Benjamin Knowles, Joseph Knowles, Benjamin Knowles 2d, Samuel Purdie, Chester Weaver and Charles Weaver and families.  All business matters are to be transacted through preparative meetings, monthly meetings, quarterly meetings and yearly meetings.  

We close with the following remarkable incident, verbatim et literatim, by the Friend above referred to, Henry Knowles, who had been out in this part of the country a horseback, on returning early in the spring, found the water was high and one stream he crossed after dark, just before stopping for the night at a hotel .  Where he stopped they asked him which way he came.  He told them and they said that could not be for the bridge was gone, but he told them he came right straight along, made no turns that he knew of, but as it was very dark he gave his horse the reins to pick his own way, and some of the men went in the morning and found the prints of his horse's calks in the large stringer that it walked over, and was thus preserved by the Master.  He said that he hardly ever inquired the way but was led by the unerring Spirit.