Vital Records, Chenango County, NY (1879, 1880)

 Sherburne News, Sherburne, NY, December 20, 1879

Marriage

PALMER - SIMMS:  At the residence of the bride's parents in Earlville [Madison Co. NY], on the 17th inst. by Rev. G.R. Burnside, Mr. Henry E. Palmer of Syracuse [Onondaga Co. NY] and Miss Kate A. Simms of the former place.

One of the most pleasant and fascinating of all parties - a wedding party - occurred in Earlville last Wednesday, when Mr. Henry E. Palmer of Syracuse led to the altar Miss Kate A. Simms, one of Earlville's most charming belles.  There was a very large gathering of the friends of the bride, and the bridal presents were numerous and elegant.  Miss Ella Simms, sister of the bride, was bridesmaid and A.B. Coats filled the station of groom's best man. The reception was a brilliant affair and thoroughly enjoyed by the many guests who united in wishing the happy couple a happy and prosperous voyage.

Masonville, Delaware Co. NY: There has been no mention in the Republican of the marriage of Henry C. Bartlett and Nettie E Thatcher.  they were married at the residence of the bride, by Rev. HN. Ripley, Dec. 17th.

Deaths

SPENCER:  In this town [Sherburne, Chenango Co. NY] on the 15th inst., Mr. John Spencer, aged 48 years.

McINTYRE:  At New York Mills, Oneida County [NY] on the 11th inst. James H. McIntyre, son of James McIntyre of this town [Sherburne, Chenango Co. NY], aged 22 years.  His remains were brought to this pace for interment.  Funeral services were held in the M.E. Church.  Rev. D. Ballou of Utica preached the discourse.

LAMB:  In North Norwich [Chenango Co. NY] ont he 16th inst., Mr. Prentice D. Lambb aged 43 years.

FISH:  Norwich, Chenango Co. NY:  On Friday morning last, Charles H. Fish while seated at his bench in G.A. Harris' jewelry store, was attached with a fit, and conveyed to his boarding place, the residence of his sister, Mrs. A.O. Greenman, where he remained unconscious, with frequent convulsions, until half-past ten o'clock on Sunday evening, when he expired. Deceased has resided in this village with the exception of two or three years, since his boyhood.  When quite young he was apprenticed to the late Nelson H. Nash, where he obtained a knowledge of the jewelry business and was a skilled workman, while as an engraver he had no equal in the Chenango Valley.  Union

Bainbridge Republican, Bainbridge, NY, January 2, 1880

Marriages

RUDD - WINSOR:  At the residence of the bride's father, Olney Winsor, by Rev. D.N. Grummon on Wednesday, Dec. 31, Charles E. Rudd of Waterville, N.Y. [Oneida Co.] to Miss Abbie A Winsor of Bainbridge [Chenango Co. NY].

ROBERTS - POOLE:  At the residence of the bride's father, Dec. 25, by Rev. Wm. H. Sawtell, Edward Roberts of Bettsburg [Chenango Co. NY] to Miss Matie Poole of Nineveh [Broome Co. NY].

BUSH - SKINNER:  Dec. 25, Rufus Bush of Nineveh [Broome Co. NY] to Miss [Alice] Skinner of Harpersville [Broome Co. NY].

SAXBY - ADKINS:  Dec. 25, at the residence of the bride's parents by Rev. W.B. Stewart, W.H. Saxby of Windsor [Broome Co. NY] to Miss Fannie E. Adkins of Colesville [Broome Co. NY].

BARSTOW - MATTESTON:  In Masonville [Delaware Co. NY] Dec. 24, 1879 by the Rev. Ripley, Mr. E.S. Barstow of Coventry [Chenango Co. NY] and Miss Grace Matteston of Bainbridge [Chenango Co. NY].

Deaths

Belden, Broome Co. NY:  Burt Bakers child was buried last Friday. Services were held at the house, conducted by Rev. Mr. Segars of Port Crane.

We are pained to announce the death, on Monday, of Louis Ives' youngest boy, about five years of age.  the funeral took place at Guilford [Chenango Co. NY], Tuesday.  [Lewis Ives, 1875 - 2 Jan. 1880, buried Ives Settlement Cemetery]

A disastrous fire occurred in the outskirts of Cherry Valley [Otsego Co. NY], on Sunday night, Dec. 21st, at about 4 o'clock.  a small dwelling house occupied by Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Hawyer, aged respectively 86 and 81 years, was burned to the ground, and Mr. Hawyer was burned to death in it.  His body was burned to a crisp, nothing being left but a few bones.  Mrs. Hawyer was awakened by the flames, but was unable to arouse Mr. Hawyer, he probably being suffocated at the time. She escaped and walked with nothing on but her night clothes and they badly burned to the residence of her son, Mr. James Hawyer, a distance of about twenty rods. The thermometer at the time was below zero.  Her feet and hands were frozen.  Her recovery from the effect of the exposure and excitement is doubtful.  Only two persons reached the scene before the house was burned down, and they too late to do any good. The fire is supposed to have originated in a pan of hot ashes in the woodshed.  Cherry Valley Gazette.

Vital Records, Broome County, NY (1838, 1874)

 Broome Republican, Binghamton, NY, March 8, 1838

Marriages

Married, by the Rev. Mr. Row, on the 28th ult. Mr. S.T. Holmes of Morrisville, Madison Co. [NY] to Miss Delilah [Wentz] daughter of Mr. William Wentz, of this village [Binghamton, Broome Co. NY].

By the same, ont he 1st inst., Mr. Jacob C. Hull to Miss Maria Rosecrants, both of this village [Binghamton, Broome Co. NY].

By the same, on the 5tgh inst., Mr. Bradford Shumway of Addison, Steuben Co. [NY] to Miss Abigail Park of this village [Binghamton, Broome Co. NY].

Death

Died, in Plymouth, Richland County, Ohio, on the 30th January last, Mr. James Green, aged 33 years.

Broome Republican, Binghamton, NY, March 15, 1838

Marriages

In Vienna, Oneida County [NY] on Monday, March 5th, Nathan S. Davis, M.D. of this village [Binghamton, Broome Co. NY] to Miss Ann Maria Parker, daughter of John Parker, Esq. of the former place.

In Windsor [Broome Co. NY] on Thursday evening the 8th instant by the Rev. Mr. Richardson, Mr. Alfred N. Brown, to Miss Elizabeth M. Smith, all of Windsor.

Broome Republican, Binghamton, NY, March 22, 1838

Marriage

Married, in Boston, on Sunday evening last, by the Rev. Mr. Peabody, Rev. Edward N. Harris of Malden, member of the House of Representatives, to Miss Sarah George, of Boston.  this hymenial affair is the subject of remark in the city [Boston].  Mr. Harris, who has exhibited many eccentricities as a legislator, as well as a divine, being in a state of widowhood with three children, saw Miss George accidentally through the window of a milliner's shop, and being favorably impressed with her appearance, put his head into the door and popped the question of marriage to her.  She blushed and hesitated. He gave a brief account of himself; said he would give her a week to consider and determine and left the shop.  At the expiration of the week, he again appeared; consent was given, and the ceremony was at once performed.  Mr. Harris resigned his seat in the House and has taken his young bride (only sixteen) off to Methuen, where he has received a call for settlement, over a Universalist Society at $800 per annum.  Boston paper.

Deaths

Died at Great Barrington, Berkshire Co., Massachusetts, on the 9th instant, Moses Hopkins, Esq. aged 87 years.  Mr. Hopkins was a native of that town, and excepting a short period, a resident in the town during his whole life.  For sixty years he was Register of Deeds, having been originally appointed in 1778.  In 1797 he was appointed Postmaster and held both the above offices until his death.

Also died at Richford, Tioga County [NY] on the 11th instant, Mr. William Whiting, formerly of the town of Great Barrington, aged 81 years.  Mr. Hopkins and Mr. Whiting were brothers-in-law, the former having married the sister of the latter.

At Houston, Texas in June last, Mr. Samuel McKinney aged 23 years, formerly of this village [Binghamton, NY] and son of Mr. Jacob McKinney.

Broome Republican, Binghamton, NY, March 29, 1838

Death

In Augusta, Michigan, of consumption, Mrs. Creusa [Hill], wife of the Rev. Oliver hill, int he 47th year of her age, formerly of Union, in this county [Broome Co. NY

Union News, Union, NY, September 5, 1874

Death

At State Pine City, Warren Co., Ind. Aug. 25, 1874, Elnora [Layton] wife of James E. Layton, formerly of Vestal [Broome Co. NY] in the 32d year of her age.

In the removal of this loved one, many bright hopes have been blasted and many hearts made sad.  With her bereaved husband and mother she leaves a little daughter only six months old to lament her early death, one brother and a large circle of friends to mourn her loss, but in her own loved family it is felt most upon the husband's and mother's hearts it falls heaviest.

Bright flowers wither in an hour, / And those most loved are first to die, / O'er happy days dark clouds will lower, / and purest pleasures leave a sigh.

A withering blight swept o'er thy form, / And made thy beauty fade away / Twas sickness cold unpitying storm, / That marked thee for its early prey

May heaven stamp on that little one / Her charms, her every virtue share / To cheer thy lonely hearts bereft, / Till freed from all life a cankering care.  

M.L.E.

News Item

It was rumored last Sunday that Mrs. Sally Cafferty had been taken ill Saturday evening at the Mount Carmel camp meeting and on her way home died.  She lives with her son-in-law Payne, keeper of the county House. The report proved true in part.  Mrs. Cafferty was taken ill but happily has quite recovered.

"Aunt Sally" as many call her, is known by old and young in this vicinity and the rumor of her death excited much comment.  We are glad to note her recovery and hope she may yet live many years and be able to labor for the cause to which she has already devoted a lifetime - the building up of Christ's kingdom.

Union News, Union, NY, September 19, 1874

Marriage

In Tracy Creek, N.Y. September 16th, 1874, by the Rev. D.D. Brown, E.D. Underwood, to Miss Ida E. Warwick.

Death

In Binghamton [Broome Co. NY], Wednesday morning, Sept. 16th, 1874, Rev. David D. Gregory in the 73d year of his age.

Rev. D.D. Gregory, one of the best known of the more elderly clergymen in this country, died at his residence in the city of Binghamton Wednesday morning 16th inst.

The Binghamton Republican says: "Mr. Gregory was born at Sand Lake in this State [Rensselaer Co. NY] in August 1802 and was consequently a little over 72 years of age.  After engaging for some years in pursuits to maintain and educate himself - part of the time as a clerk in a store at Deposit - he graduated at Williams College and entered the ministry thoroughly qualified for the important work.  On the 11th of September 1817, he was installed pastor over the First Presbyterian Church in this city [Binghamton] and continued to discharge the duties of that position until January 25, 1848.  He then removed to Cincinnati, to become pastor over the Tabernacle Church in that city.  During his ministry in that city, his first wife, Sarah Rose, died. Subsequent to his very successful ministry in Cincinnati he has been pastor of churches in Westfield, Pa., Northeast, Pa. and Prattsburgh, in this state [NY].  Several years ago, he came to Binghamton, the scene of his early ministry to retire, but has since than served the Presbyterian Church in Conklin as a supply.  He remained up to within a few weeks remarkably vigorous for a person of his advanced years and has been enabled by vigorous intellect and bodily strength to do great service in his sacred calling."

Mr. Gregory's services in the ministry had extended over a period of forty-five years.  He was well known in this vicinity, having often supplied the pulpit of the Presbyterian church in this village.  The funeral will take place tomorrow.

Vital Records, Otsego (1862 & 1891) County, NY

 Oneonta Herald, Oneonta, NY, January 8, 1862

Marriages

At the parsonage in this village [Oneonta, Otsego Co. NY] on the 1st inst.  by Reve. George Parsons, Mr. Madison Youngs of West Oneonta to Miss Mary A. Shepherd of Laurens [Otsego Co. NY].

In Oneonta [Otsego Co. NY] Dec. 26th by Rev. F.C. Hodge, Mr. John C. Fish to Miss Sarah Jane Orr, all of Davenport [Delaware Co. NY].

In Laurens [Otsego Co. NY] Dec. 31st, by Milton Gurney Esq. Mr. Edwin Alger to Miss Lucretia Pratt both of Burlington [Otsego Co. NY]

Also, at the same time and place by the same, Mr. P. Gardner to Miss Melitta Pratt both of Burlington [Otsego Co. NY].

Deaths

In Portlandville [Otsego Co. NY], Jan. 5th by Elder J. Cooke at his residence, Mr. Warren Elliot to Miss Mary Jane Houghtaling both of Milford [Otsego Co. NY]A terrible accident whereby three men lost their lives occurred near Nineveh [Broome Co. NY] Thursday afternoon.  A large number of men are employed sawing lumber at a mill owned by A. Lee, about two miles east of the village.  About three o'clock, while the machinery was in motion, residents in that vicinity were startled by a load detonation which broke the glass in surrounding residences and fairly shook the ground.  Women and children, imaging that an earthquake or the crack of doom had happened, rushed into the village streets, which presented a panic stricken spectacle.  Soon it became noised abroad that the boiler in Lee's mill had exploded and a crowd quickly collected at the scene of the accident.  Here a fearful spectacle met the gaze.  The mill was badly wrecked, the roof having been blown off, while that portion of the building used as an engine room was fairly splintered.  Three unfortunate individuals, Fred Wheeler, James Shaw, and Thomas Markham all of Doraville [Broome Co. NY] were instantly killed and their bodies horribly mutilated.  Pieces of flesh and fragments of human anatomy were hurled many yards away.  In one spot could be seen a post spattered with blood, while to a jagged timber clung an unrecognizable portion of human flesh.  Further along a pile of logs were stained with the brains of an unfortunate victim who had been killed by the concussion.  It was a sight that caused strong men to shiver and turn pale with horror. the remains of the unfortunate victims were removed to Nineveh and from there to their homes. The cause of the accident is not known, as the boiler was considered perfectly safe.  Binghamton Republican, July 24.

News Item

From the South - Gloomy Prospects

Baltimore:  One of the prisoners has an editorial from the Richmond paper, which he cut out and secreted in his boot.  It gives an awful picture of the condition the Rebel army on the Potomac, saying that the entire army is utterly demoralized.  Regimental drills have ceased entirely.

The men spending their time with cards, great numbers are offering large sums for substitutes, one offered as high as $1,500.  the editor urges the government to do something to remedy the evil.  Such is the condition of the army that enlistments cannot go on.  Thousands who would enlist being deterred by the discouraging situation of the army.

A New Orleans dispatch of the 29th says that the powder mill opposite the city exploded last night. The guard had inspected the premises only half an hour before.  It is attributed to an incendiary.

The prisoners say their clothing and boots were looked upon with longing eyes by the Rebels, especially their boots.  Many men offered as high as $25 per pair for their boots.  Coffee is held in Richmond at $1.50 per lb.

Unadilla Times, Unadilla, NY, July 30, 1891

News Item

Lives Over a Century

John Brooks of Waldron, Mich, recently celebrated the 105th anniversary of his birth.

Mr. Brooks was born at Hancock, N.H. June 17, 1786.  He is thought to be of Scotch-Irish descent, although his ancestry had not been definitely traced beyond New England.  The first twenty-six years of his life were spent with his father on the farm.  His education was only such as the average farmer boy of that day received - a few months in winter at the old log schoolhouse.  His parents were strictly Christian, and he was trained in all the rigidity of the Puritan doctrines. Tobacco he never used in any form and an oath was never heard to escape his lips.  The worst language he remembers using was when he charged a crow with the devil, and he had always regretted that he did not speak of her instead as a bad crow, which he thinks would have answered just as well.

Shortly before the War of 1813, Mr. Brooks left the farm and at the village of Milford in the same state [NH], engaged as an apprentice in the blacksmith shop of an older brother.  Near the close of the war, his brother was drafted and to obey the summons must leave a dependent family.  Young Brooks, who was still single, promptly offered to go as substitute.  Enlisting, he served for three months in the capacity of cook, and the war having closed was honorably discharged.  He has forgotten his company and the number of his regiment but remembers Col. John Steele as the commander.  He returned to Hancock, where two years later he was united in marriage to Miss Deidamia Brooks, of that village. The venerable wife died in 1869.  From this union came nine children, five of whom, three sons and two daughters, are now living; John at Lickley's Corners, William at Reed City, James at Waleron, Deidamia at Jackson and Charlotte at Harrison.  

Soon after his marriage Brooks emigrated to Unadilla, N.Y. [Otsego Co.]. There, after a few years at farming, he resolved to come still father west and again fixing up his emigrant wagon pushed out.  He was headed for northern Ohio or southern Michigan, but meeting at Cattaraugus [Cattaraugus Co. NY], a returning party from the west, he was so discouraged by their report of the country that he settled in Cattaraugus and remained for twenty years while in a sawmill.  In 1848 he put into execution the resolve to come to Michigan, settling in Pittsford township, where he worked a farm for twenty-eight years and then removed in 1871 to the homestead in Wright township, where he now resides with his son James.  

Five years ago, his 100th birthday was publicly celebrated in a grove near his home, where there were over 1,000 people assembled in honor of the occasion.  Three brass bands, several G.A.R. posts and various other organizations were in attendance.  Antioch News

Mr. Brooks is remembered by the older inhabitants of the town [Unadilla] and formerly lived where Charles L. Earl now lives near the Sisson Hill schoolhouse.

Obituary, 1891: Waldron, Mich June 20:  John Brooks, undoubtedly the oldest man in Michigan, if not in the United States, is dead.  He had for a long time been troubled with gangrene in his foot and it was only a question of time how long he could hold out.  The celebration of his 105th birthday Thursday was a source of great pleasure to him, and he became greatly excited over it.  This brought on a mental relapse and seemed to accelerate the general collapse that has been near for so long.  He was seen to be dying yesterday morning, but that wonderful vitality that had enabled him to hold out so long against the grim reaper stayed death until nearly noon, when he breathed his last. The funeral services will be held this afternoon.  [Sunday Times, Bay City, MI, June 21, 1891]

Obituary, 1891:  John Brooks of Waldron, Hillsdale County, Michigan's oldest resident, celebrated his 105th birthday recently, and the next day died suddenly of gangrene.  Mr. Brooks was born in New Hampshire, June 18, 1786.  He spent his early life after the manner of the thrifty New Englanders and when the war of 1812 offered an opportunity to serve the country he enlisted and served faithfully to the end.  He started west in the 20's, but stopped in New York state, not reaching his home in Hillsdale County until 1843.  His wife died in 1869 and since then he had lived with his children.  [Midland Daily News, Midland, MI, July 2, 1891]

Vital Records, Madison (1854), Otsego (1873) Counties, NY

 Cazenovia Republican, Cazenovia, NY, June 7, 1854

Death

Mrs. E.C. Judson wife of the late Rev. Dr. Judson, died at the residence of her father in the village of Hamilton, N.Y. [Madison Co.] on the evening of the 1st inst., in the 37th year of her age.  Her disease was consumption.  she is well and favorably known to the literary world as "Fanny Forester."  A talented authoress, faithful friend, a pious and devoted Christian, and self-sacrificing missionary, has passed from the land of the living.  The following touching paragraph was written by her long ago, and now her wish thus beautifully expressed has been realized:

"O, let me die in the country where I shall not fall like a leaf of the forest, unheeded; where those who loved me need not mask their heart to meet the careless multitude and strive to forget me!  Bury me in the country amid the prayers of the good and the tears of the loving; not in the dark, damp vault, away from the sweet-scented air, and the cheerful sunshine; but in the open fields among the flowers that I loved and cherished while living."

[Emily Chubbuck Judson, 22 Aug. 1817 - 1 June 1854]

Cazenovia Republican, Cazenovia, NY, June 14, 1854

Marriage

In the city of Auburn [Cayuga Co. NY], May 31st by Rev. A.J. Dana, Rev. Samuel M. Fish, formerly a student in the Seminary in this village [Cazenovia, Madison Co. NY] to Miss Ellen L. Spencer eldest daughter of Hiram W Spencer, Esq., all of Auburn.

Death

Mr. Robert Stewart an old and much respected inhabitant of the town of Fenner [Madison Co. NY], was accidentally killed on Saturday last.  Mr. S. was returning to his home from Canastota, with a load of lime and was met by an individual who wished to ride.  On ascending a hill, in getting out of the wagon, the board upon which they were sitting tipped and Mr. Stewart fell under the wheel which crossed directly over his head, killing him instantly.

Cazenovia Republican, Cazenovia, NY, June 28, 1854

Deaths

At the residence of Mr. Jabez C. Tillotson, on the 25th inst. Mrs. Rachel [Tillotson] wife of Ephraim Tillotson, Esq. aged 70 years.

Her disease was dropsy on the heart.  Long a resident of this town, her acquaintance was quite extensive.  The kind and faithful manner in which she performed her duties as a wife and mother - her good will towards the needy - the propriety of her conduct as a professor of religion, will cause her loss to be widely and deeply felt.

In this village [Cazenovia, Madison Co. NY] June 20th, Helen E. [Huckley] only child of George and Mary A.  Huckley, aged 3 years and 8 months.

"Sleep on sweet babe, for thou canst sleep / Thy father weeps for thee in vain; / The tears flow down thy mother's cheek, / Her tortured breast is filled with pain.

"Thy heart that used to thrill so warm, / In death's embrace doth cease to beat, / And every vital spark is gone, / No friends on earth could give relief.

"How beauteous was that gentle form / Enstamp'd upon the infant breast; / How oft I've kissed thy cheek so warm / Where angel love had reared its nest."

Morris Chronicle, Morris, NY, June 18, 1873

Deaths

Died in Oneonta [Otsego Co. NY] on the 7th inst. after a long illness, David T. Clark in the 69th year of his age.  Mr. Clark was a gentleman well known to the older inhabitants of this village.  Since his conversion, when only ten years old, he has been an earnest Christian and a zealous worker in the church.  The Sabbath School is a field in which he was an earnest worker, and to him belongs the honor of establishing the first Sunday School in this village.  His life was one with a purpose and of him it may be truly said that the world is better for his having lived in it.  Oneonta Democrat

Tuesday afternoon about 2 o'clock, Deacon Luke E. March, Postmaster at Bridgewater [Oneida Co. NY], went to his orchard to trim trees.  Not coming home as usual he was looked after and found dead under a tree, his neck being broken (it is supposed) by a fall.  He probably lay from about 3 P.M. till 8 o'clock.  Deacon Marsh was highly respected citizen and a kind husband and father, an earnest and devoted Christian, kind to the poor and ever ready to render assistance to the needy.  His loss will be deeply felt by all who knew him.  Richfield Springs mercury

Morris Chronicle, Morris, NY, June 25, 1873

Marriages

June 13: At Syracuse [Onondaga Co. NY] by Rev. A. Goodsell, R.K. Teller of Unadilla [Otsego Co. NY] to Miss Minnie Biglie of Syracuse.

June 11: At Burlington Flats [Otsego Co. NY] by Rev. L. Casler, Dorr C. Chapman to Miss Sarah A. Thompson, all of the former place.

June 11: At the M.E. Church at Mt. Upton [Chenango Co. NY] by Rev. S.W. Weiss, David S. Peet of Laurens [Otsego Co. NY] to Miss Jennie S. Timewell of Mt. Upton.

June 5:  At Pittsfield [Otsego Co. NY] by Rev. G.E. Flint, F.A. Adkins of Winfield [Herkimer Co. NY] to Miss Emma E. Matteson of Pittsfield.

Deaths

June 8:  In Yonkers [Westchester Co., NY], Laurence Decker formerly of Prattsville, Greene Co. [NY], aged 52 years.

On the 10th inst, a little boy of 19 months, son of James B. Johnson of Toddsville [Otsego Co. NY], took strong hartshorn from a vial, producing such a degree of inflammation of the throat and lungs that death ensued in 36 hours.  The child climbed into a chair, thence upon a stand and reached the vial on a shelf above, in the absence of its mother.  Journal

Mrs. Olive Shutes and her husband, John Shutes, came to this village [Morris, Otsego Co. NY] on a visit to her sister, Mrs. James Pope, Saturday, June 14th; returned to their residence in Milford [Otsego Co. NY] on Sunday and on Monday the 16th she died.  Heart disease cause of death.  She was in the 58th year of her age.

Jacob Holmes a well-to-do farmer, residing in Columbus Center, Chenango County [NY] committed suicide by hanging, June 14th.  He had recently suffered sickness, which seemed to have unsettled his mind and he was taken to the Lunatic Asylum in Utica [Oneida Co. NY] for an examination by Dr. Gray.  He was not kept there long but on being taken home, Dr. Gray cautioned the friends of the deceased to keep watch of him.  Watch was kept, but Saturday deceased succeeded in slipping away and between five and six o'clock Saturday afternoon he was found hanging in his barn, dead. A razor was found in his pocket.  Chenango Union

Vital Records, Otsego (1807), Cortland (1849) Counties, NY

 Otsego Herald, Cooperstown, NY, August 6, 1807

Marriages

Married, in this town [Boston, MA] on the 31st ult. Mr. Andrew Buchanan merchant of Baltimore, to Miss Carolina Virginia Marylanda Johnson, of this town, Boston paper, July 24

At Danvers [MA], Dea. Joseph Putnam AEt 67, to Mrs. Mehitabel Putnam AEt 63.

Deaths

Drowned on Thursday last, Samuel Ward, Jun. son of Mr. Samuel Ward of Hartwick [Otsego Co. NY], a lad of 17 years of age.  He was bathing in the pond at Mudge's mills and got under a shelving bank, from whence he was drawn by N. Gott, Jun. but not till life was extinct.  Every possible method was used in vain to resuscitate him. To the bitter grief of his parents and relations, he was prematurely lodged in the silent grave.

Died, yesterday morning, the Rev. John C. Kunze, D.D. minister of the German Lutheran Church in this city [NYC].  the friends and acquaintance of the deceased are invited to attend the funeral from his late residence, No. 100 Chatham Street at 3 o'clock on Sunday afternoon.  N.Y.W. Tower, July 25.

At Washington City, on the 19th instant, in the 44th year of his age Uriah Tracy, a Senator of the United States from the state of Connecticut; and on the following day he was interred with the honors due to his situation and character, as a stateman, and to his rank as a major general; his pall being supported by the heads of departments and officers of government.  For many years he experienced frequent and severe sickness and his last illness commenced on the 4th of March last, while attending the funeral of Mr. Baldwin, his former fellow student and late colleague in the State.  Nat. Intel. 

Otsego Herald, Cooperstown, NY, August 13, 1807

Death 

Died in June last, of a fit of the apoplexy in the town of Catherine, County of Broome [NY], Colonel Luke Bonney a gentleman, highly respected and beloved, as a parent, husband and neighbor.  His charity and hospitality was conspicuous and diffusive.  His loss will be deeply deplored by the public, but more poignantly by a sickly family of which he was director and Protector.

McGrawville Express, McGrawville, NY, June 7, 1849

Death

Aaron C. Hall, Esq. of Catskill [Green Co. NY], died there this morning of the cholera, after an illness of a few hours.

McGrawville Express, McGrawville, NY, June 14, 1849

Marriage

In Homer [Cortland Co. NY] on the 7th inst. by Rev. E.B. Fancher of this village, Mr. E.W. Leonard, Jr. of Port Washington, Wisconsin, and Miss Elizabeth M. Shuler daughter of Jacob Shuler of Homer.

Deaths

At his residence is East Virgil [Cortland Co. NY] on Tuesday June 5th, Mr. William Gray aged 54 years.

The sudden and unexpected decease of Mr. Gray casts a universal gloom on his friends and relatives.  By a rigid adherence to truth and honesty he has won the hearts of the people. The public in general keenly feel this irretrievable loss, especially the town and the village in which he resided.

It is generally known that he was chiefly instrumental in procuring the establishment of a post office and a mail route in East Virgil and many benevolent acts on his part go to prove him a philanthropist in the strictest sense of the word. As a tender and affectionate husand, a kind and indulgent parent, an obliging and influential citizen, his loss will be deeply felt.  Integrity and honesty have always characterized his dealings with his fellow men.

After his late return from the city of New York, he was seized with that infectious and fatal disease, the cholera, which terminated his earthly existence in the space of three days.  But recently he was enjoying the inestimable blessings of health and prosperity. Today he is suddenly struck down by the ruthless hand of death.

He has left an affectionate wife and an interesting family who deeply mourn his loss.  Of the lonely hours of the bereaved wife and those fatherless children, God, indeed, has put forth his hand and touched their hearts. The deep waters of their souls are troubled, their dearest earthly friend is suddenly snatched away in an unexpected moment.  Yet, he who tempers the wind to the shorn lamb, will not fail in His great mercy to send His protecting angel to guard faithfully the widow and the fatherless.

Some conversation was had with him in respect to the future.  He expressed a willingness to go, if it was the will of his father, and also believed he was in the hands of a just God. The placid and composed appearance of his countenance, together with the little he was able to utter, is sufficient proof to convince us, beyond all doubt, that he died fully in the faith of his Redeemer, and that he has gone to enjoy unending rest above.

McGrawville Express, McGrawville, NY, June 28, 1849

Marriage

In this village [McGrawville, Cortland Co. NY] on Sabbath morning, 24th inst. by Rev. E.B. Fancher, Mr. Dewitt C. McGraw of the firm of Kinney and McGraw, and Miss Harriet Austin all of this place.

Vital Records, Chenango County, NY (1879, 1880)

 Oxford Times, Oxford, NY, December 3, 1879

Marriages

HOPKINS - COOK:  In Oxford [Chenango Co. NY] Nov. 10th, by Rev. S.C. Folton, Mr. Jay D. Hopkins and Miss Mary L. Cook, both of Norwich [Chenango Co. NY].

RAABE - OBENAUER:  At the home of the bride's father in Guilford [Chenango Co. NY] Nov. 27th, by Rev. S.C. Folton, Mr. George Raabe of this village [Oxford, Chenango Co. NY] and Miss Christina Obenauer of Guilford.

CRANNELL - PARVY:  In Oxford [Chenango Co. NY] Oct. 27th, by Rev. M.H. Abby, Mr. Georbe Crannell and Miss Ida S. Parry both of Oxford.

DILLENBECK - BARBER:  In Binghamton [Broome Co. NY] Nov. 6th by Rev. L.D. Turner, Mr. Ray Dillenbeck of German [Chenango Co. NY] and Miss V.A. Barber of Triangle [Broome Co. NY]

CRANDALL - EVANS:  In Preston [Chenango Co. NY] Nov. 18th by Rev. J.B. Santon, Mr. Harrison Crandall of Truxton [Cortland Co. NY] and Miss Flora A. Evans of Preston.

BUNNELL - HUBBARD:  In Greene [Chenango Co. NY] Nov. 29 by Rev. H.N. Van Deusen Mr. Charles G. Bunnell and Miss Frankie Al. Hubbard.

MERCHANT - HARRIS:  In Norwich [Chenango Co. NY] Nov. 25th, by Rev. L.M.S. Haynes, Mr. O.D. Merchant of Guilford [Chenango Co. NY] and Miss Mary E. Harris of Norwich.

Guilford, Chenango Co. NY:  Mr. O.D. Merchant, having become weary of the smooth, monotonous waters of celibacy, has embarked upon the matrimonial sea, Miss Mary Harris, of Norwich, being chosen by him as his mate.  May their course be marked by sunshine and fair sailing is the wish of [the] Recorder

Deaths

McNEIL:  In this village [Oxford, Chenango Co. NY] Nov. 25th(?), Philura [McNeil] wife of Mr. Charles McNeil aged 73(?) years.

BETTS:  At the County Home in Preston [Chenango Co. NY] Nov. 18th(?), Mr. Lyman Betts aged 59(?) years, Formerly of Greene [Chenango Co. NY].

Chenango American, Greene, NY, April 22, 1880

Marriages

At the house of Mr. A.A. Van Horn, Bainbridge [Chenango Co. NY], April 1st, by Rev. D.N. Grammon, Mr. Samuel M. Thornton of Rockwell's Mills [Chenango Co. NY] to Mrs. Jeanette A. Wells of Masonville [Delaware Co. NY].

In Oneida [Madison Co. NY] April 6th, by Rev. G. Hibbard, Mrs. Peter Dorsy to Mrs. Kate F. DeLancy both of Norwich [Chenango Co. NY].

In Oxford [Chenango Co. NY] April 13th, by Rev. J.C. Ransom, Mr. James H. Wells and Miss Martha A. Gensee both of Gilbertsville [Otsego Co. NY].

Deaths

In this town [Greene, Chenango Co. NY] April 20th, Mrs. Matilda [Ackerman] wife of Edward Ackermann, aged 53 years.

In Colesville [Broome County, NY] april 16th, Mr. Larkain Packard aged 85 years.

In this town [Greene, Chenango Co. NY] April 17th, Mrs. Lucy Beardsley mother of Edmund Beardsley aged 90 years.

In East Pharsalia [Chenango Co. NY] April 10th, Maria [Totman] wife of Edsel Totman and sister of David Maydole, aged 68 years and 25 days.

At his residence in Brooklyn on Sunday evening, the 11th last, Charles N. Wheeler, aged 51 years.  He was the brother of Mrs. B. Gage Berry of Norwich [Chenango Co. NY] and Miss Eunice Wheeler.  His remains were taken to North Stonington, Conn. for interment.

In Norwich [Chenango Co. NY] April 14th, Carrie M. [Brown] daughter of George W. and Hattie Brown, aged 19 years.

In Norwich [Chenango Co. NY] April 10th, Mr. Charles S. LaHatt aged 53 years.

In McDonough [Chenango Co. NY] March 30th, Mr. Alexander E. Dean aged 64 years.

In Oxford [Chenango Co. NY] April 10th, Mrs. Ann Comstock aged 85 years.

In McDonough [Chenango Co. NY], April 14th, Mr. Mason Whipple aged 84 years.

In Preston [Chenango Co. NY], Ap[ril 18th, Mr. Edward Doolan aged 24 years. 

News Item

Reminiscences of Fifty Years Ago

Thanks, Messrs. Editors for your kindly notice of my former communication.  My future letters, by the way, are not intended so much to describe "Men and things" of fifty years ago, as to recall simple events which occurred among the boys and girls of that period.  In this paper I propose to speak of my school days.

My first recollections of school life were going to school in the old red schoolhouse, which stood at that time on the ground, or near to the ground, where the Episcopal Church was afterwards built.  It was afterwards moved by ox power to grounds where the M.E. Church was afterwards built. The name of my first teacher, I cannot recall. But while yet a small boy, we had a lady teacher named Gaylord. A part of every Saturday's program was repeating the catechism. We little ones used to think it a bore, but it was required by the authorities.  I remember perfectly the day that my brother J. first went to school.  He was dressed in a suit, jacket and trousers, made of fire red flannel with brass buttons.  He was rather a pretty boy and created quite a sensation.

Our teacher used to give us as rewards of merit, tickets which she herself painted.  At one time she had no pencil [paintbrush] and a friendly cat coming in, teacher caught her, and clipping off a little of her fur, manufactured a pencil, which answered every purpose.  Oh! those tickets were beauties.  Afterwards, a lady name Beckwith taught us; but of her, my recollections are indistinct.

The one whom I most distinctly remember and undoubtedly the best teacher of all was Gideon B. Miner of Coventry [Chenango Co. NY].  As I remember him, he was rather short, but well built, and decidedly a handsome man.  He had a faculty of making the scholars love him.  He offered at one time, a prize of fifty cents to anyone who would write one line across the page, as good as the copy.  He was a splendid penman, but there were those among us who boldly competed for the prize.  It is hardly necessary to say that none of us got it.  Mr. Miner had a habit of conferring titles upon the boys.  There was Commadore Chauncey (Marvin), Capt. Joyn (Hoyt, son of Rev. J. B Hoyt) Dr. Charles (Clarke), Schoolmaster John (Little) and others whom I forget.  Among my schoolmates, I distinctly remember two sons and two daughters of the Hon. Robert Monnell, Eugene and William Barnard, a daughter of Mr. Anthony Squires, Henry Hoyt and one or two sisters, my cousins Uriah Chauncey, James and Emiline Marvin, Benjamin, M..., and Emiline Birdsall, George Juliand, Philip and John Lansing, Henry and Antoinette Smith, William Cameron, Fred Lyon and others.

We had one teacher named Thompson, rather a poor stick.  At the close of one term [--?--] in the forepart of the spelling book to commit to memory, appointing the next Saturday to meet him and the one who could repeat the most of it correctly, was to receive a present.  On the day appointed, we went, some of us, myself among the number, prepared to repeat the whole lesson perfectly.  He pleaded poverty but gave us each a small coin.  I received a quarter.  I afterwards learned that Thompson went around and begged this money of our parents. To say that we were disgusted, is putting it very mildly.  It was rumored moong the boys that he played cards nights and got asleep in school next day.

The old methods of teaching were simple in the extreme and would hardly be countermanded in these days of improvements.  But simple as they were, some of the most solid men in Greene laid the foundation of their education and prosperity in the school, kept in that same old red schoolhouse.

With the exception of one month's "schooling" while an apprentice in Sherburne [Chenango Co. NY], my education was finished the winter I was 15, in that same dear old house.

In my next letter - possibly my last - I propose to speak of incidents among the men and boys of my time, not connected with school.

I had not intended Messrs. Editors that my name should be appended to my communications, but it should savor of egotism.  But all right.  Lewis Hoyt, Hammonton, N.J., April 15, 1880.

Vital Records, Otsego (1821) & Chenango (1847) Counties, NY

 Cherry Valley Gazette, Cherry Valley, NY, June 19, 1821

Marriage

Married at Springfield [Otsego Co. NY] on the 11th inst. by the Rev. Mr. Putnam, Mr. Thomas Cook to Miss Catherine Chaugo both of that town.

Death

Died in this village [Cherry Valley, Otsego Co. NY] on the evening of the 13th inst. Nancy W. Ripley daughter of Ebenezer and Sarah Ripley of Covington Pennsylvania, aged 16 years.

Cherry Valley Gazette, Cherry Valley, NY, July 3, 1821

Marriages

Married in this town [Cherry Valley, Otsego Co. NY] on Tuesday evening last, by the Rev. Mr. Tiffany, Mr. Jacob Livingston of Middleburgh, Schoharie County [NY] to Miss Levantia White daughter of the Hon. Joseph White, Esq.

At Springfield [Otsego Co. NY] on the 25th ult. Mr. Moses Franklin to Miss Hannah Basinger.

In this village [Cherry Valley, Otsego Co. NY] on Sunday evening last by O. Judd, esq. Mr. James Fisher to Miss Mary Powell.

Death

Died in this village [Cherry Valley, Otsego Co. NY] on Sunday morning last, Mrs. Agnes Johnson consort of Mr. Benjamin Johnson, aged 60 years.

Cherry Valley Gazette, Cherry Valley, NY, July 10, 1821

Death

Died in this village [Cherry Valley, Otsego Co. NY] on Saturday last, Jonathan Treadwell [Hodson] aged five months, son of Mr. John Hodson.

Cherry Valley Gazette, Cherry Valley, NY, July 17, 1821

Marriage

Married at Buffalo [Erie Co. NY] on the 2d inst. by the Rev. Mr. Squier, Dr. Lucius H. Allen to Miss Eliza Diell.

Cherry Valley Gazette, Cherry Valley, NY, July 24, 1821

Marriage

Married at Otsego [Otsego Co. NY] on the 22d inst. by the Rev. Mr. Tiffany, Mr. Luman White to Miss Mary Carey, both of that place.

Cherry Valley Gazette, Cherry Valley, NY, July   31, 1821

Deaths

Died in this town [Cherry Valley, Otsego Co. NY] on Wednesday last, Mr. William Davidson aged 56 years.

[Died], Mrs. Sarah Coats consort of Mr. Salmon Coats, aged 42 years.

Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, April 14, 1847

Death

A lad six or seven years of age, a son of Stephen(?) Hall residing in the eastern part of this town [Oxford, Chenango Co. NY] was accidentally killed by his uncle, William Padgett last week.  Mr. P. was carrying a heavy green pole upon his shoulder, followed closely by the boy, a fact of which he was not aware, and when the pole was thrown down, it struck the boy upon the back part of the head, and so seriously injured him that he did not live an hour. Oxford Times

Chenango Telegraph, Norwich, NY, April 21, 1847

Deaths

In Hamilton, Madison Co. [NY] on the 13th inst. Mrs. Amelia B. Slocum daughter of Deacon Charles Randall of this town aged 32 years.  In the death of Mrs. S., a parent is called to mourn the loss of an endearing daughter, a husband a fond, affectionate companion, a son a tender and sympathizing mother and society an inestimable member.  Consumption's ghastly visage was productive of no terror and Death's messenger was welcomed with a smile that tells the peace and quiet of a soul that rest with God.

Vital Records, Delaware County, NY (1835)

 Delaware Gazette, Delhi, NY, May 6, 1835

Death 

In Harpersfield [Delaware Co. NY] on the 19th ult. of inflammation of the lungs in the 24th year of her age, Mary K. [Lockwood] wife of the Rev. S.R. Lockwood.  

Mrs. L. had been on a long visit to Cambridge, Vt., her native place; had but just returned to the bosom of her family when she was unexpectedly called at the close of an earthly Sabbath to an "everlasting habitation," and to the enjoyment of an eternal Sabbath.

Her mental as well as bodily constitution was extremely delicate.  She was therefore retiring and unobtrusive.  But those who knew her best, esteemed her most. "Many daughters have done well;" but there have been few more affectionate mothers, more faithful and devoted wives; few, in whom the mild virtues of patience, sincerity and tenderness were more conspicuous.

Disease was insidious in its attacks.  Death came very unexpectedly, but she was not unprepared.  In life and health she had remembered her closest.  She expressed a reluctance, during her sickness to leave her two little children motherless. But she was generally calm and submissive and occasionally joyful. and, as she descended into the dark valley, when the cold sweat of death was gathering upon her brow; when her voice was nearly lost, and she could speak only in faint whispers, the exclamation, "Precious Redeemer I" was upon her lips.

An appropriate, affecting, and solemn funeral discourse was delivered on Tuesday by the Rev. Mr. Harrington.

"Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord." "Be ye also ready, for in such an hour as ye think not, the son of man commeth."

Delaware Gazette, Delhi, NY, May 20, 1835

Marriage

In Ithaca [Tompkins Co. NY] on the 11th inst. by the Rev. Mr. --ear, Mr. Henry Bailey formerly of this place [Delhi, Delaware Co. NY] to Miss Mariet [Raymond] daughter of James Raymond of that place.

Delaware Gazette, Delhi, NY, May 27, 1835

Marriages

In this village [Delhi, Delaware Co. NY] on Sunday the 24th inst. by the Rev. Mr. Bassett, Mr. Jesse Easton of Bainbridge, Chenango Co., to Mrs. Elizabeth Moore daughter of Mr. Joel Easton.

In Cooperstown [Otsego Co. NY] on the evening of the 13th inst. by the Rev. F.T. Tiffany, Mr. Julius Hale of Newburgh [Orange Co. NY], to Miss Caroline H. Johnson, formerly of this village [Delhi, Delaware Co. NY].

In Stamford [Delaware Co. NY] on the 20th inst. by the Rev. Mr. Harrington, Dr. B.B. Dales to Miss Janet Newell.

Deaths

Suddenly, in Sidney [Delaware Co. NY] on the 22d inst. Miss Maria Hawes daughter of the Rev. Mr. Hawes, aged 22 years.

In Meredith [Delaware Co. NY] on the 13th inst. Miss Almira Porter aged about 20 years.

News Items

One Cent Reward:  Left my employ on or about the first of April last, without my knowledge or consent, an indented apprentice by the name of Jonas Delong, all persons are hereby forbid trusting or harboring said apprentice on my account under penalty of the law in such case made and provided.  Whoever will return said apprentice shall be entitled to the above reward, but no charges.  John A. Grant, Jr., Stamford [Delaware Co. NY] May 16th, 1835.

_________________________

Funeral Obsequies of Gen. Leavenworth

[The papers announce the death of Brigadier Gen. Henry Leavenworth of the U. States Army.  He died of a bilious fever on the 21st of July at a place called Cross Timbers, having gone out with an expedition sent by the Government against the Pawnees and Comanches.  See post of April 27, 2026, for obituary.]

The remains of Gen. Leavenworth were brought to this village [Delhi, Delaware Co. NY] on Friday last, under the charge of Maj. Belknap of the U.S. Army.  Gen. Sheldon and a few of the officers of the 25th Brigade met the remains on the confines of the county of Delaware, near the Schoharie Kill and joining in aid of Maj. Belknap, followed them to this place.  About two miles above this village, near the residence of the late Judge Frisbie, the remains were met and received with appropriate honors by Capt. Leal's Company of Light infantry and the Delhi Band, which then formed the escort to the village.  Numerous citizens, impelled by respect and esteem for the character of the deceased, here joined the procession and with sad hearts and tearful eyes, the mournful train moved towards the village.  The houses in the upper part of the village were filled with ladies who had gone thither to witness the procession, and as it passed slowly and sadly along, the solemn music, the badges of mourning, indeed, the whole scene brought to the mind of the beholder in rapid succession the incidents of an uncommonly active life and the workings of the heart gushed forth in silent and unbidden tears, speaking a language more truly and eloquently laudatory, than the most finished efforts of the orator of the deeds of noble daring, the many social virtues and the pure and unsullied character of the once gallant and beloved but now lamented and honored Leavenworth.

On Saturday the 23d inst., the funeral obsequies took place, and the remains of the departed Leavenworth were consigned to the grave with military honors. At one o'clock P.M. the remains were taken from the residence of Mrs. Knapp, at which place they had been deposited on their arrival in the village and carried to the Episcopal Church, where the burial service was read in an affecting and impressive manner by the Rev. Mr. Adams, after which an eulogy was pronounced by Gen. Erastus Root, upon the life and character of the deceased.  A numerous and crowded audience listened, with breathless attention for the space of forty or forty-five minutes, during which the orator gave a rapid and eloquent, but faithful sketch of the life and character of the brave and energetic Leavenworth, from his early years to his death.  It was a life of stirring incident and of deep and absorbing interest and was drawn with that fidelity and feeling that frequently affected the audience to tears. We give, by permission, the conclusion of the eulogy description of the closing scenes of the deceased:

"When Col. Dodge with his regiment of dragoons was ordered on an expedition to enforce a peace with the Pawnees and to keep the Comanches in awe, Gen. Leavenworth fired with that ardor in his country's cause which had always inspired him "to deeds of noble daring" could not remain behind, but hastened from the repose of the camp to the fatigues of a long and rapid march, over a wilderness prairie, upon the confines of Mexico, and under the fervid rays of an almost vertical sun. The scarcity of water and the excessive heat and fatigue of the march was more than his constitution could bear.  He was seized with a violent fever while on his march.  He was advised by his surgeon to return to the camp on the False Wachita, but he persisted in proceeding with the troops that as long as he had life he might aid in accomplishing the object of the campaign.

"The day before his death, he was assured by his surgeon and other friends that he could not long survive.  He was perfectly sensible of his approaching fate; gave directions as to the disposition of his private affairs and the care of his family; directed that his body 'be temporarily interred until cold weather and that that a suitable coffin be made of Bois d' arc to receive his remains and that they be forwarded by the way of New Orleans and New York to Delhi, Delaware county. "To the people of Delhi and Delaware county," he said, "he owed all he had ever been.  At the beautiful little village of Delhi, that delightful spot, he wished his bones to rest."  His directions were carefully noted by his aid and his surgeon, and then he ordered his troops to advance.  Himself in a wagon, they marched on that day about twenty miles.  On the 21st of July 1834, while the troops had halted on the prairie, Gen. Leavenworth, lying in his wagon, expired.  The day after his death he was taken by a detachment of his friends to the camp at False Wachita and Temporarily interred according to his dying injunctions.  His remains have been disinterred, placed in a coffin made of the wood he mentioned and forwarded by the way of New Orleans and New York to the place where he wished his bones to rest.

"Here are those bones, consecrated in the affections of his military comrades and borne by their love more than three thousand miles to this "beautiful little village," this "delightful spot," to rest beside the sacred ashes of the loved partner of his youthful affections.  Twenty-four years ago, I saw the tears stream down his cheeks when assigning his Electa and her newborn babe to the same spot where his bones are now to rest.  To that sacred spot where his bones are now to rest, awaiting what I hope in God may a long time be deferred, the deposit by their side of an amiable, widowed consort and her well educated and highly accomplished daughter. To that consecrated spot, rendered truly delightful by being made the resting place of the virtuous, the brave, and the illustrious dead."

The ceremonies at the church being through, the remains were escorted to the family burying ground of the deceased, by Capt. Leal's company of Light Infantry, and the Delhi, Unadilla and Walton bands, followed by the pall bearers, mourners, Rev. Clergy, Committee of Arrangements, Officers of the 26th Brigade and citizens of the county.  The procession was formed by and proceeded under the command of Gen. Sheldon, assisted by Major N.K. Wheeler.  Half hour guns were fired from sunrise till the moving of the procession, after which minute guns were fired until the closing of the ceremonies.  An immense crowd of people had assembled to pay the last sad tribute of respect to their departed friend and fellow citizen, and as the lengthened procession moved slowly along, clad in the habiliments of woe, rendered still more solemn by appropriate music, tolling of bells and discharging of cannon, the whole formed a scene really affecting and truly imposing - alike honorable to the living and the dead.

Arrived at the grave, the remains were committed to the earth according to the rites of the Episcopal Church and the discharge of three vollies of musketry announced to the inhabitants of the quiet valley of the Delaware, that all that was mortal of the gallant and honored Leavenworht, had found in "the beautiful little village of Delhi," its final earthly resting place.

Vital Records, Otsego (1823) & Chenango (1876, 1879) Counties, NY

 Cherry Valley Gazette, Cherry Valley, NY, May 27, 1823

Marriages

Married, in this village [Cherry Valley, Otsego Co. NY] on Sunday evening last by Oliver Judd, Esq. Mr. Leonard Knowlton to Miss Angeline Coleman all of this village.

At Herkimer [Herkimer Co. NY] on the 21st inst. by Alfred Putnam, Esq. Doctor Abel Millington of Warren to Mrs. Abigail Schuyldes widow of Benjamin Schuyldes.

Deaths

In Sharon [Schoharie Co. NY] on the 19th instant, Mr. William H. Blass aged 45 years.

In this village [Cherry Valley, Otsego Co. NY] on the 21st inst. Mrs. Hannah Vooris wife of Mr. Abraham Vooris, aged 37, after a lingering illness of about two years.

News Item

Elopement

Whereas, my reputed wife Sally [Swift] has left my bed and board without my knowledge or consent - This is to notify the public, neither to harbor or trust her on my account, as I shall pay no debts of her contracting after this date.  She left my house the day of the date hereof, in my absence.  Thomas Swift Cherry Valley [Otsego Co. NY], May 21, 1823.

Cherry Valley Gazette, Cherry Valley, NY, June 3, 1823

Marriage

Married in this village [Cherry Valley, Otsego Co. NY] on Thursday last by George Clyde, Esq., Mr. Thomas Hagadorne of Sharon [Schoharie Co. NY] to Miss Mary Odle of Guilderland [Albany Co. NY].

Death

Drowned in Otsego Lake [Otsego Co. NY] on Wednesday night last, Mr. Jedediah Story of the village of Cooperstown [Otsego Co. NY] aged 44 years.

Cherry Valley Gazette, Cherry Valley, NY, June 10, 1823

Deaths

In this town [Cherry Valley, Otsego Co. NY] on the 2d instant, after a long and painful illness, borne with true Christian fortitude, Mrs. Margaret Taylor aged 45 years, wife of Mr. John Taylor, formerly a resident of New Scotland [Albany Co. NY].  The death of Mrs. Taylor is deeply regretted by a large family and a numerous circle of friends and acquaintance.  She was a tender mother, a virtuous wife, and of a pious disposition.

At Buffalo [Erie Co. NY] on the 28th ult. Asa Rice, Esq. Councilor at Law, of a pulmonary disease, aged 35 years.

Cherry Valley Gazette, Cherry Valley, NY, June 17, 1823

Marriage

In Sharon [Schoharie Co. NY] on the 10th instant by the Rev. Henry Bellinger, Mr. Jacob Hopper to Miss Sylvia Van Valkingburg all of the above place.

Death

Suddenly in this village [Cherry Valley, Otsego Co. NY] on Thursday evening the 12th inst. Mrs. Eleanor May in the 39th year of her age.

Cherry Valley Gazette, Cherry Valley, NY, June 24, 1823

Death

Gen. Samuel Wyllys died in Hartford, Conn. on the 16th inst. aged 85 years.  He was born in Hartford, January 15th, 1739.  He was educated at Yale college and was graduated in September;1759.  In 1771 he raised the first company of Governor's Foot Guards and was the first commander.  The Legislature of the State in 1775 appointed him Lieut. Colonel of Gen Spencer's Regiment and in January 1776, Congress appointed him Colonel of a Regiment in the Connecticut line on the Continental establishment in which capacity he served with reputation through the war of the Revolution.  After the peace, his services were found necessary in the several capacities of Town Clerk, Alderman, Justice of the Peace and Representative of the town of Hartford.  He was appointed Brigadier and afterwards Major General in the militia of the State.  He was deputy Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of the State and a member of the Connecticut Academy of Arts and Sciences.  He succeeded his father and grandfather as Secretary of State and continued in that office until the year 1809 when a paralytic affection induced him to resign it.  He was buried last Thursday with military and Masonic honors. The Foot Guards, under major Olmsted, paid those decent and solemn attentions to the remains of their first commander which their miliary connection with him made so peculiarly proper.    His Masonic brethren testified to his worth by their attendance at his funeral and in the service at the grave by the Rev. Dr. Flint, a very large collection of the old and the young was deeply impressed with the reflection that all the honors and dignities of life must end there.

New Berlin Gazette, New Berlin, NY, November 18, 1876

Marriages

CLARK - BIGGS:  In Pittsfield [Otsego Co. NY] on the 1st inst. by John S. Woodard, Esq. Mr. William H. Clark of New Berlin [Chenango Co. NY] and Miss Fanny C. Biggs of Riverhead, L.I. [Suffolk Co., NY].

ELLIS - BURR:  In this village [New Berlin, Chenango Co. NY] Oct. 30th, by Rev. B.F. Williams, Mr. C.A. Ellis to Miss Angelia Burr all of New Berlin.

SCOPTT - BANCROFT:  In Pittsfield [Otsego Co. NY] Nov. 4th by the same, Mr. Henry Scott to Miss Jennie Bancroft both of Pittsfield.

Death

SARLE:  In Pittsfield [Otsego Co. NY] Oct. 29th, Mr. Henry Sarle aged 32 years.

Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, October 16, 1879

News Item

The surviving children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren met at the old homestead in the town of Coventry, Chenango County, N.Y. on Saturday the 30th day of September 1879 to celebrate the ninetieth anniversary of Mrs. Lois Smith, their venerable mother.  Mr. Clark Smith, the father of these children and the husband of this venerable mother, departed this life fifteen years ago in his eighty-second year.

Mr. and Mrs. Smith were blessed with twelve children, all of whom they consecrated in their infancy to their covenant keeping God by their prayers and at the baptismal font and had the satisfaction of seeing them gathering with them from day to day "like olive plants round about the table." and around their family altar and all, except one, growing up to maturity of years.

Six of these children, four sons and two daughters, are still living and are heads of families, useful members of the church and respectable citizens.  All the surviving children of this venerable mother, except one daughter, whose home is in Nebraska, were present on this interesting occasion of their mother's ninetieth anniversary.

One son, Harvey [Smith], became a minister of the gospel, in connection with the Presbyterian denomination and was pastor at Triangle, Masonville and South America at which latter place he died in the year 1873, in the midst of his usefulness and greatly lamented by his people.  

The family is not left, however, without a minister of the gospel, for a grandson, Mr. Clark Beardslee and a graduate of Amherst College, Mass. and of the Theological Seminary at Hartford, Conn., and who has just been appointed assistant professor in his Theological Alma Mater, is a licensed minister of the gospel and not only so, but a granddaughter, and the mother of five great-grandchildren, is the wife of the pastor of the Presbyterian Church of Nineveh [Broome Co. NY], Rev. William H. Sawtelle, who was present at this anniversary and added much to the interest of the occasion especially by his able prayer and appropriate remarks. This venerable mother greatly enjoyed the privilege of sitting down with her children, grand and great-grandchildren and their friends, about forty in number and partaking of a rich repast prepared unitedly by the different families represented. After this bountiful and most enjoyable repast, this interesting celebration was closed with appropriate remarks from a  number present, singing and prayers.

Mrs. Smith and her late husband came of a pious ancestry and, having full faith in the Abrahamic covenant, they carefully trained up their children "in the nurture and admonition of the lord," and had the great satisfaction of seeing all of them who arrived at the years of discretion, recognizing their covenant relations and privileges by making the personal consecration of themselves to the love and service of the God of their fathers.

Like their Puritan and pious ancestors, they were strict and conscientious observers of the Lord's day and faithful attenders with their children at the Church of which they were members.

The business of the farm and of the household was, habitually, so arranged during the six working days of the week, that each Lord's day was left free from secular cares and employments.  No unnecessary labor was performed on the Sabbath, not even in harvest, and no crops were damaged or lost in consequence of their conscientious observance of that day according to the commandment.

Mrs. Smith, whose maiden name was Kelsey, and whose ninetieth anniversary was celebrated on the 20th ultimo, still enjoys the proper use of her mental abilities and appears to have health and strength sufficient to carry her even to her one hundredth anniversary.

But whether she shall be spared to see her centennial or not, may her last days be her happiest days, and her last end be one of peace.

[Lois Kelsey Smith, 20 Sept. 1789 - 26 Dec. 1882, aged 93y, buried Coventry Union Cemetery]

Vital Records, Chenango County, NY (1879)

 Chenango Union, Norwich, NY, October 16, 1879

Marriages

MEEKER - AVERY:  In Oneonta [Otsego Co. NY] Oct. 7th by Rev. E.C. Hodge, Rev. Hiram G.  Meeker to Mrs. Mary A. Avery both of Norwich [Chenango Co. NY].

ANGELL - BEMISS:  At the residence of Horson L. Barnes, Esq. in East Pharsalia [Chenango Co. NY], Oct. 9th, by Rev. H.W.H. Watkins, Mr. Randell Angell of Lincklaen [Chenango Co. NY] to Miss Mary Bemiss of Truxton [Cortland Co. NY].

GREENE - REESE:  At the Baptist Church in Sherburne [Chenango Co. NY] Oct. 8th, by Rev. J.J. Riddell of Wakefield, Mass. assisted by Rev. G.R. Burnside, Rev. John Green of Waterford, N.Y. [Saratoga Co.] to Miss Annie D. Reese of Sherburne.

SHIFFER - GATES:  At Chenango Forks [Broome Co. NY] Oct. 8th, by Rev. Mr. Griffith, Mr. Smith L. Shiffer of Chicago, Ill. to Miss Idella Gates of the former place.

DREW - WHEELER:  In Cincinnatus [Cortland Co. NY] Sept. 17th, by Re.v A.C. Smith, Mr. Frank L. Drew to Miss Mary Wheeler all fo Cincinnatus.

Deaths

HARRIS:  In Unadilla [Otsego Co. NY] Oct. 13th, Miss Agnes Harris aged 24 years, daughter of Albert Harris of this town [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY].

SQUIRES:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY] Oct. 11th, Nellie Pearl [Squires] daughter of Alfred and O.J. Squires, aged 10 months and 24 days.

LOOMIS:  In this village [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY] Sept. 27th Miss Clarissa Loomis, daughter of the late James P. Loomis, aged 34 years.

WELLS:  In Pitcher [Chenango Co. NY] of dropsy, Oct. 6th, Mrs. Mary A. [Wells] wife of Lynde G. Wells and daughter of the late Hezekiah brown, Esq. of Norwich [Chenango Co. NY] aged 73 years.  Mrs. W. was a sister of Mrs. Thomas H. Prentice of this village [Norwich].

SCOFIELD:  In Afton [Chenango Co. NY] Sept. 6th, Mrs. N.H. Scofield aged 53 years.

CARPENTER:  In Guilford [Chenango Co. NY] Sept. 25th, Lucy [Carpenter] wife of the late Esek K. Carpenter, aged 84 years.

DUNHAM:  In Earlville [Madison Co. NY] Oct. 8th, Mr. Hazel Dunham, aged 26 years.

ALLEN:  In Pottsville, Bradford, co. Pa., Oct. 2d, Mr. J. Billings Allen aged 61 years and 2 months, formerly of McDonough [Chenango Co. NY].

DAVIS:  Guilford, Chenango Co. NY:  S.P. Davis for several years a resident of our place and at the time of his death residing at South New Berlin [Chenango Co. NY], died quite suddenly at his mother-in-law's here, on the night of the 10th inst.  Mr. Davis had been in poor health for a number of years, but Thursday came to our place to obtain work at his trade - that of a blacksmith.  Friday he was about the village, but feeling no better, called on Dr. Spencer.  he retired early Saturday night and when the family retired was apparently sleeping soundly.  Saturday morning his daughter, who was visiting at her grandmother's, went to call him and found him dead.  He had evidently been dead some hours.  He was fifty-three years old and leaves a wife and three daughters.

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BARBER: In this town [Norwich, Chenango Co. NY] Oct. 10th, Mr. Benjamin Barber, aged 78 years.

On Friday morning last, after a brief illness, Benjamin Barber expired at his residence, four miles south of this village in the seventy-ninth year of his age.  One of the pioneers of the Chenango Valley, his death calls for more than a passing notice.

Deceased was born at Richmondville, Rhode Island, June 1st, 1801.  In May 1806, he moved with his parents to this county, settling upon the farm which he afterwards owned and upon which he died.  The only house on the farm at that time was a log one, which stood near the site of the present homestead.  It was occupied at the time by Ezra Huntley and the newly arrived family for two weeks lived in a frame barn just across the road, cooking their victuals by the side of a pine stump.  The barn was afterwards used as a church.  At that time there were only about ten acres of cleared land in that neighborhood.  George Knapp lived on the farm afterwards owned by John Shattuck; Ebenezer Willcox on the first farm north; and Rathbone Gates where the Half-Way House is.  Bears and wolves were plenty, and the settlers were compelled to shut their sheep up every night, to keep them from these pests.  About the time of the arrival of the Barber family, a grist and sawmill were put up.  Before that the people had to go to Chenango Forks [Broome co. NY] to get their grain ground.

He remained upon the farm with his parents until he was twenty-one years of age, when he went to work for Isaac Pendleton, who lived north of there, for nine dollars a month.  The next year he received ten dollars a month, and the third year he worked eight months for twelve dollars and a half per month, which is those times was considered high wages.  At the age of twenty-six he married his wife, who was then eighteen, with whom he lived happily throughout his life and who survives him.  Eight months after their marriage, they commenced keeping house, Mr. Barber working for William Mygatt of Oxford [Chenango Co. NY] for two years, for eleven dollars a month and boarding himself.  Then he hired the Darwin Davis farm for three years, after which (1830) he moved upon the home farm, upon which he has since resided.  he kept a dairy and made cheese and in the fall of the first year, failing to sell his dairy for five cents per pound, he drew it to Honesdale, Pa., where he disposed of the lot at six cents - a very satisfactory venture for him.  Afterwards he turned his attention to butter, which then sold at ten cents per pound; but in 1837, when the canal was opened through the valley, butter went up to fourteen cents and potatoes rose from twenty to fifty cents a bushel.  By strict economy and abstemious habits, he accumulated property and added to his farm until he was the owner of some four hundred acres of as fine farming land as lies in the Chenango Valley.

Twenty-one children have been born to this worthy couple, seventeen of whom are still living - twelve girls and five boys - and nearly all of them are married and have families growing up.  All have profited by the teaching of their venerable parents and become useful members of society.

For many years, deceased has been a consistent member of the Baptist church in Oxford.  His funeral was largely attended on Sunday afternoon, Rev. Dr. Haynes, of this village, officiating, in the absence of the pastor of the Oxford church.

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Last week we briefly mentioned the alarming illness of Hon. Horatio Ballard, at his residence in Cortland [Cortland Co. NY] and the hopes entertained of his recovery.  A recurrence of the bleeding from the stomach on Wednesday forenoon of last week, dispelled these hopes and a few minutes after noon on that day he peacefully breathed his last.

Mr. Ballard was born in Homer [Cortland Co. NY], August 21st, 1808, received his education at the Pompey and Cortland Academies; read law with the late Judge Stephens of Cortland and Judge Jewitt of Skaneateles; was admitted to practice in 1831 and was for a number of years a partner with Judge Stephens; was in 1841 appointed District Attorney for Cortland County and held the office several terms; in 1844 was a delegate to the Democratic National Convention that nominated James K. Polk, and in 1856 to the National Convention that nominated James Buchanan; was nominated by the Democrats in 1859 for Supreme Court Judge in the Sixth Judicial District, but defeated, the District being strongly Whig.  In 1861, he was nominated by the Union Democratic Convention for Secretary of State and elected by a large majority; was elected by the Republicans to the Assembly in 1866; and in 1867, he represented his County in the Constitutional Convention.  

In former years he was President of the Board of Trustees of Cortlandville Academy and at the time of his death, a member of the Local Board of the State Normal School in Cortland. During his long and useful life he has enjoyed the respect of his fellow citizens and of a large circle of acquaintances by whom he will be missed.  Not only in the social circle will his loss be felt but in the Presbyterian Church of which he was for nearly half a century an active member, at the Courts, where he had won an enviable reputation as a lawyer and in the educational institutions in which he took a deep interest, he will long be remembered.

Vital Records, Chenango (1879) & Otsego (1880) Counties, NY

Bainbridge Republican, Bainbridge, NY, December 5, 1879

Birth

Sidney Plains, Delaware Co. NY:  Mr. and Mrs. Albert Smith are rejoicing in the possession of - O, my! what little fists - and what little tiny feet - all belonging to one little girl not weighing over 8-1/2 pounds.  Uncle "Handy" looks sedate.

Marriage

Mr. O.D. Merchant, Republican correspondent at Guilford [Chenango Co. NY], was united in marriage on the 25th inst. to Miss Mary Harris of Norwich [Chenango Co. NY], formerly a teacher in Bainbridge Academy [Chenango Co. NY].  The announcement appeared among our marriage notices last week, but through inadvertence on our part was not especially referred to.  It demands more than a passing notice.  Mr. Merchant is one of those whole-souled intelligent gentlemen that make good husbands and parents, and his chosen companion is highly esteemed both as a teacher and socially.   May their union be a long and happy one as they float down the matrimonial stream and may no waves buffet their bark of love, nor squalls occur save those indispensable to a happy home, until they enter that peaceful realm where [neither] mother-in-laws nor divorce suits disturb not the tranquility of conjugal affection.

Deaths

A son of Oliver Hager of Masonville [Delaware Co. NY] a student of Bainbridge academy [Chenango Co. NY] last term, died at his home of typhoid fever, Monday. [Frederick Hager, age 17y]

Mr. Fred Hager, whose sickness we mentioned last week, died Sunday morning last.  Funeral services at the house Tuesday morning, and was buried in the cemetery in the Whitman district.  He was a young man for whom every one that knew him had a good word to say.

Michael Whalen, a man about sixty years of age, dropped dead on Clinton Street, Binghamton [Broome Co. NY] Wednesday.

Miss Sally Spickerman died at James K. Spencer's last week, and her remains taken to Sidney [Delaware Co. NY] for interment.

Republican, Binghamton:  A terrible accident occurred at Central Bridge [Schoharie Co. NY] on the A. and S. Railroad yesterday by which John Enders, a wealthy citizen was instantly killed.  Mr. Enders and three or four men were loading a thresher on a wagon nearly opposite the post office. The horses took fright at something and ran away.  The reins caught under Mr. Ender's arms and around his neck and the team in their mad flight dragged him along.  He fell under the wagon and was dragged across the five tracks and switches of the  yard directly toward the post office.  Here the horses took a sudden turn westward.  The unfortunate man was dragged one hundred and fifty rods before he became detached from the reins.  His neck was broken and the head almost completely scalped.  Mr. Enders was fifty years old, unmarried, and a wealthy farmer.  he lived one mile east of Central Bridge, near Schoharie Junction.  he was highly esteemed and his death is regretted by the entire community.

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 Mrs. Dr. E.S. Lyman died in Sherburne [Chenango Co. NY] Monday last, aged 63 years. [Mercy (White) Lyman, d. 1 Dec. 1879, wife of Dr. Elijah Smith Lyman]

She was a sister of Mrs. William Corbin of Bennettsville [Chenango Co. NY].  She had been in feeble health for two or three years past and had known that the disease which was upon her (a lung difficulty) would in time prove fatal; but the immediate cause of her death was pneumonia, which, in the state of her health was incurable.  

Mrs. Lyman was highly esteemed by all in Sherburne and surrounding towns where known and has resided in Sherburne since her birth.  She was the youngest child of Dr. Asa White, of whose family there are now living three sons and three daughters, all over sixty-five years of age.  The deceased was a member of the Universalist church and a staunch believer and supporter of its doctrines and has done as much as anyone person, if not more, to build up that church in Sherburne.  She was a highly intelligent and well-educated gentlewoman and one of those who are missed, not only in the family circle, but by the entire community.  always at the head of public enterprises, wherein ladies' assistance was required and ready at all times to assist the needy. She will be sadly missed and happily remembered.  She leaves a husband and two sons to mourn her departure, besides a great many other relatives and friends who join in their grief.  The funeral obsequies were held Thursday, and the remains interred in the family burial ground at Sherburne.

Freeman's Journal, Cooperstown, NY, February 5, 1880

Marriages

At the residence of Mr. and Mrs. J.H. Shaul in Otsego [Otsego Co. NY] Jan. 29 by Rev. S.M. Cook, Deloss M. Harrington of Hartwick [Otsego Co. NY] and Cora A. Robinson of Otsego.

In Edmeston [Otsego Co. NY] Jan. 28 by Rev. C. Venton Patterson, Everett Simmons and Miss Ida V. Ray, both of Edmeston, N.Y.

Deaths

In Fly Creek [Otsego Co. NY] Jan'y 27, Clara May [Decker] child of Thomas and Elizabeth Decker, aged 1 year 11 months and 5 days.

In Richfield Springs [Otsego Co. NY] Jan. 25th, of consumption, Mary A. [Schooley] wife of Albert Schooley, aged 43 years and 4 months.

In Morris [Otsego Co. NY] Jan. 20th Ann Eliza A. Tillson daughter of Cephas S. Tillson, aged 35 years.

In New Lisbon [Otsego Co. NY] Jan. 18, Mrs. Mahala Abbey aged 80 years 8 mos. and 22 days.

Civil War Letter, Warren Cutshaw, December 1861

 Oneonta Herald, Oneonta, NY, January 8, 1862

Civil War Letter from Warren Cutshaw

Camp Keyes, Upton's Hill, December 29th, 1861

Friend Carpenter:  Another year has passed and how differently with many of us from that of the previous one.  One year ago, this country was, comparatively speaking, at peace with itself at least.  It was looked upon by other nations as a model Republic for its Free Institutions.  And well might it have been called the Giant of the world.  But how is it today?  The fife and the drum are heard in every State of this union from the pine tree state to the golden state of the west, calling men to arms. They have responded manfully to the call of their country to such an extent that at the present time we have got but little less than seven hundred thousand Federal troops in the field, and I hope that the fife and drum will continue to sound until every vestige of secessionism is swept from our land. Then we shall have peace. But I promised you in my last letter that I would let you know how we passed Christmas and here it goes.

On account of the scarcity of Turkies out here, the friends of the Lansingburgh company, of which I have the honor of being a member, concluded to give the boys a Christmas dinner.  We received a box from them Christmas Eve, containing twenty Turkies and eighty mince pies.  The Turkies were all stuffed and cooked according to the statute in such cases, made and provided.  There was a Turkey for each tent and one for our officers.  It was great sport to see the boys marching down the street with their shares, each party claiming that they were monarchs of all they surveyed and their rights none dare dispute.

The Saints Rest occupied by Bunnell, Simons and brother, entered into a consolidation with the proprietors Longstaff, McNeally, Salisbury, Nobles and your humble servant of Lafayette Place to the effect that both of these ancient and well-known houses should be joined together for the period of one day, and each one should give in his rations to the chief cook, Lew Simons, and said Simons was duly invested with full power to buy such other articles as were needed for the furtherance of the great feast, prepared especially for our invited guests and ourselves.  Whereupon each member of both houses entered into a solemn compact and agreed to share the expenses pro rata. We invited five young men belonging to the 22d Regiment to dine with us.  We have two Turkies, nine mince pies and several kinds of cake, from fruit cake down to fried cake, and some as fine Alderberry Wine as ever need be. We are indebted to Mrs. Simons of Lansingburgh for the box of cakes and wine.

We got our dinner ready at 11 o'clock, but on account of one of our invited guests being on guard, we put off our dinner until 3 o'clock, supposing that we might as well be out of the world as out of fashion.

While we were waiting for our guest, the Col. and other officers gave us a call.  They looked very wishful at our table, but we could not see them, our passes having all been given out earlier in the day.  I do not know but that they would have been tempted to make a scout, but the moment they attempted to step over their bounds, the guard would bring his musket to a charge and cry halt, when they would give it up, and walk off, not however very cheerful. But we could not help it, for you know there is nothing like good discipline in a regiment, especially officers must be kept a little under, or in a short time they will think that they are above the privates and are their superiors. 

At the appointed time our guests arrived and after a few preliminary remarks as to the state of the weather and their health, we repaired to the table to pay our last respects to those venerable Turkies and mince pies. Remarks were made by Simons, Longstaff, and others as to the state of our country, when your humble servant was called upon to make some remarks.  Consequently, he arose and proposed very eloquently for their consideration - Whereas in the course of human events men have been known to get hungry, and taking into consideration that if we expect to walk through what is set before us, we had better get to work as we have got a long journey to travel.  Whereupon by unanimous consent we went to work, our friend Longstaff acting as surgeon and provided us with lots of the needful, and be it said for once that there was no shirking from duty, but on the contrary, each tried to lessen the load for his next friend. The wine was passed around as in days of old and many were the toasts that was offered for the ladies of Lansingburgh, the donors of the Turkies and pies and other friends that we have left behind.

Dinner being over, friend Simons favored us with Vivant America and we all joined in the chorus, making the tent ring.  At nine o'clock we took our tea and made a final disposition of the balance.  I believe we made a clean job of it, for there could be no remains found the next morning. At 11 o'clock in the evening the scene closed and the curtain dropped.  I will say that I have not set down to a better table in many a day.

Last Friday, our Regiment, accompanied by the 24th and three Regiments of Wadsworth's Brigade, headed by Gen'l Wadsworth, went out on a foraging expedition. We had with us one hundred wagons.  We went out as far as Fairfax, loaded our wagons with grain and hay and returned without any difficulty. Two Regiments of cavalry went out ahead and drove in the rebel pickets.

We are still at work wasting powder for Uncle Sam.  Saturday, we fired of forty blank cartridges a piece in a sham battle.  These sham battles are great affairs I can tell you.

Today Homer Brewer and Clinton Ford made me a visit.  I was glad to see them, as I always am any from home.  But I must close, hoping that you have all spent as Merry a Christmas as I have.

I remain Yours Truly, W.C.