Errata from the
Watertown Re-Union Newspapers
Watertown, NY

July - December 1878

January - June, July - December


July 4, 1878, p. 2:

ADAMS, NY, June 26: from The Adams Journal: The wife of Deacon E. D. SPICER, of this village committed suicide by cutting her throat with a razor, at eight o'clock this morning, while laboring under mental derangement. She has been subject to fits of melancholy and slight insanity brought on by ill health every summer for a number of years, and for the last few days has been at times very despondent, though not enough to awaken any apprehension among her friends. Yesterday she was out at the exercises of the Institute and was quite cheerful. After breakfast this morning, Mr. Spicer went to his work on the farm as usual. A short time after, Mrs. Pool, a neighbor, coming in to help Mrs. Spicer, found her near the sink, in the woodshed, sitting on the floor, with a razor before her, with which she had cut four or five gashes in her throat. Rev. W. H. Hawley, who lives opposite, was summoned immediately, and Mr. Spicer hastily sent for. Mrs. Spicer recognized those who came in, kissed her husband when he came, but only lived about 20 minutes after she was discovered...

From Pamelia Four Corners--It will not be a surprise to most people acquainted with OSCAR NELLIS to hear of his death, which occurred on Friday last. Mr. Nellis was one of our most prominent and promising citizens. He was for many years a sufferer from consumption, during which period it was thought many times he was near his end, but by virtue of what certainly must have been a very superior constitution he each time so far recovered as to be able to resume his business until this last very severe attack, which caused his death. He leaves a wife and two children, who have the sympathy of the entire community.

Page 8:
From Adams: MRS. R. L. KIRKLAND died last Saturday at her residence on Factory Street. Funeral occurred Monday.

July 11, 1878, p. 6:

From Redwood--The funeral obsequies of the late STEPHEN FISH were largely attended last week by the Masonic Fraternity, under whose auspices deceased was buried, Byron Strough, W.M., of Lafargeville Lodge, officiating. Alexandria and Clayton Lodges were well represented.

From Theresa--S. J. HIBBARD, late leader of Hibbard's cornet band of this place, was buried July 3rd. His disease was Bright's disease of the kidneys.

From Pierrepont Manor: H. D. Winne writes: On excavating for sand on my farm during the past two years, there has been brought to the surface ten human skeletons, most of them in a decayed state. Of the above number, only three have perfect skulls; the other parts crumbling to dust on exposure. The outward form of the cranium does not correspond with the form of the cranium of Indians of the present day; in other words, with those that inhabited the various localities of this State. But one of these craniums looks as if it might have belonged to a female, and the teeth that of a person not over forty years of age. The other two indicate extreme old age. The remains are found only from two to three feet below the surface, their heads invariably pointing to the east, and their bodies lying in a horizontal position, and not in a sitting posture as the Indians are usually buried; and what looks mysterious, if they are the remains of Indians, is that no relics have been found in the shape of a flint, hatchet or other implements of warfare. Now the question to be solved by relic hunters or anatomists is, are these the remains of "Poor Lo" that have been subject to the destroying hand of time, or are they a part of the French expedition, under De La Barre, against the Onondagas, in 1684, that met with their terrible disaster from famine and sickness within the limits of this town?

July 18, 1878, p. 7:

A son of a Mr. ZERO of Clayton, was burned to death one day last week. He was left at home alone on Monday and attempted to build a fire by the use of kerosene. The oil in the can caught fire, exploded, set fire to the boy's clothes, burning him so severely that he died the next morning.

July 25, 1878, p. 4:

W. H. JENNINGS, formerly of Sackets Harbor, died at the Utica Insane Asylum a day or two ago of softening of the brain.

From Pamelia Four Corners--Died very suddenly, July 29th, Mr. JOSEPH YOUNG, age 64. A postmortem examination was made by Drs. Jones, Patterson and Ward, which revealed as the cause of his death, valvular disease of the heart. The doctors also discovered a morbid mark which was thought to be a tumor, but which afterward proved to be an enormously enlarged spleen.

From Carthage--At seven o'clock Thursday morning, at St. James R. C. Church, Carthage, Mr. JERE COUGHLIN, of the Carthage Republician and Miss MARIAN MONTGOMERY, were united in the holy bonds of matrimony. Rev. Father Fitzgerald, of Copenhagen, officiated, Mr. Charles G. Duffy acting as groomsman and Miss Alice Reynolds bridesmaid....In the evening the Carthage Cornet Band serenaded them...

August 1, 1878, p. 2:

From Redwood--Mr. RICHARD CRABB, of this village, now past eighty years of age, has just received his first pension for service rendered his country in the War of 1812, in pursuance of a recent law.

The sudden death of A. P. MORSE, of Hammond, was a shock upon that community. He was an old and respected citizen of that town and an active, leading business man, and a Democrat. At "Uncle Jim's" picnic the other day we met Widow Benjamin, age 84 years. We well remember when a boy we used to stop at the tavern she used to keep at French Creek, and it was a good one, too.

Page 6:
From Harrisville--JAMES CRIMONS, who lived about seven miles from here, died very suddenly last night. Particulars not known.

August 8, 1878, p. 2:

From Redwood--MRS. GRAPPOTTE, age 84, died here Thursday morning. She was the mother of our mutual friend, JOHN GRAPPOTTE of Cape Vincent.

August 15, 1878, p. 7:

From Harrisville--Mr. DANIEL BECKER, of this village, died Monday after a short illness. He came among us about two years ago from Redwood, and was engaged in wool carding up to a short time before his death. He leaves a wife and two daughters to mourn his loss.

Another veteran of the War of 1812 gone to that better land. Mr. LUTHER, of the town of Pitcairn, St. Lawrence Co., about a mile from this village died suddenly at 12 o'clock noon. He was born in 1799, and entered the army in his 15th year. He leaves the partner of his joys and sorrows to await the summer which shall unite them forever in a land that is fairer than this.

August 22, 1878, p. 4:

From Belleville--The funeral of Major RUSSEL HALL was largely attended at the Baptist Church last Wednesday.

August 28, 1878, p. 7:

SHERMAN BLODGETT died in Ogdensburg last evening.

There was a large attendance of neighbors and friends at the funeral of Mr. OLIVER, Tuesday, many citizens thus testifying their regret for the loss of an unassuming but estimable and worthy resident, and their sympathy with the family in their sudden bereavement and affliction. Rev. G. T. LeBoutillier officiated.

From Alexandria Bay--August 19--This afternoon a very sad accident happened at Walton Island about two and a half miles below here, where Mr. Smith Woolworth, cashier of the Jefferson Co. National Bank, and family have been camping. The particulars are as follows: Mr. Woolworth having to go to Watertown, left his wife and child, who is about four years of age, and the oarsman on the island. This afternoon about to o'clock the oarsman and the little boy were down on the shore. The oarsman went up to the house to get some twine to tie his oar, telling the boy not to stray away. He was gone about ten minutes and when he returned he found the body floating in the water. Restoratives of all kinds were tried but life was extinct. Mr. Woolworth is to be here tonight. It is supposed the body will be taken to Watertown for burial. The child was WILLIE WOOLWORTH.

August 29. 1878, p. 5:

Mr. and Mrs. SMITH T. WOOLWORTH (parents of Willie Woolworth) do not consider that the oarsman was the least responsible for the sad drowning of their little son.

The Death of CORNELIA CARPENTER--who was confined in jail for passing forged orders, and who took morphine on Wednesday, died Thursday shortly after noon...she was about 20 years of age. Her remains were taken to Pillar Point Friday morning by undertaker Ballard and there placed in their last resting place...

Page 6:
From Belleville--Mr. ELIJAH PARSONS died very suddenly Wednesday evening, August 14th. He was 79 years old. He was a Mason and was buried with Masonic honors on Friday, August 16th, from his late residence.

From Watertown--WILLIE, the little infant son of Mr. and Mrs. JOHN W. CLARK, died today after a short illness, age about one year.

September 5, 1878, p. 2:

Tired of Life--On Sunday last MARTIN GREEN died at the residence of his son-in-law, JAMES SPENCER, near Adams Centre. On the Sunday previous he attempted suicide by cutting his throat with a razor, and from his would he died a week later. As soon as the injured man was found, Dr. Wm. C. Bailey was sent for without delay. He arrived and worked faithfully until the wounds were sewed up and the sufferer made as comfortable as possible. Mr. Green was in poor health and undoubtedly committed the rash act while in a despondent state of mind.

From Plessis--LESTER BRADSHAW, the eldest son of Rev. P. P. BRADSHAW of Hammond, was drowned in the St. Lawrence River near Morristown, Thursday the 22d, by the capsizing of the skiff in which he was crossing; he did not rise after disappearing in the water. Search for the body was continued until Tuesday, when it was found and brought to Plessis for burial Wednesday. ...Affliction has followed Rev. Mr. Bradshaw's family; one by one members of their family have died, and now but one child remains... (Dated October 30)

Page 7:
From Antwerp--Our aged and respected townsman, Mr. BENJAMIN COOK, will be in attendance at the county fair and will exhibit a choice collection of natural and artificial curiosities and ancient relics. Among the latter will be a pair of slippers worn 100 years ago; a peace tomahawk used in the massacre of Niagara in the French and Indian War; a mirror and teakettle 134 years old, brought over from Wales by his grandfather 100 years ago, and many other articles deserving of special mention.

From Theresa--MRS. DANIEL HUBBARD was buried on Sunday last.

September 12, 1878, p. 2:

JEROME S. NICKLES of Summit, Wis., formerly of this county, died at that place a few days since. Mr. Nickles was born in Rodman, November 1, 1811, and was a prominent citizen of the county.

Page 4:
From Plessis--The remains of JOSEPH STEELE, who died near Little Falls, were brought home for interment. He died of typhoid fever. His parents have much sympathy in this bereavement.

September 19, 1878, p. 8:

MR. JOSEPH RIVET whose death occurred on Monday evening last at his home on Massey Street in this city, and whose funeral took place Wednesday at St. Patricks Church, was born in Grey Haute-Soane, France, in March, 1809. In the year 1829, Mr. Rivet came to this country to seek his fortune. He often told us that when he landed in New York all the money he had in his pocket was five francs. He remained in New York for some time...and proceeded to New Orleans. Shortly after his arrival in that city he had a severe stroke of paralysis, which greatly endangered his life; but he partially recovered his health and returned to New York again where he found a lucrative position. In 1841 he was married to Miss ROSALIE ROFINAT. Mr. Rivet remained in New York a few years longer ...and succeeded in accumulating...a few hundred dollars... He made arrangements to come to Lewis County. In the fall of 1849 he opened a general stock of goods which in those days was much needed among the new settlers...Since coming to this city (Watertown) Mr. Rivet met with heavy losses, particularly in the failure of Paddock, and other transactions...In 1868 he came to Watertown with his family, composed of his wife and two daughters; his wife who had been a great sufferer for many years with inflammatory rheumatism died of that disease two years after. His two daughters live to mourn his loss; one is married to Mr. EUGENE VANNAMEE and the other to Mr. E. A. BARON...

September 26, 1878, p. 4:

From Carthage--Mr. ISAAC CUTLER, an old and respected resident of this locality, died Wednesday night at his residence about one mile from the village, at the advanced age of 85 years.

Page 8:
From Belleville--MR. GEO. POTTER of Brewster settlement, was taken sick while at school here September 21d and went home on Wednesday and died the next Wednesday morning with inflammation of the bowels. The funeral was largely attended on Thursday. The school was closed so that the faculty and students might pay their last tribute of respect to his memory. He was an only son o of Mr. O. S. POTTER. (Sept. 21st, 1878)

October 3, 1878, p. 3:

From Carthage--A two year old child of JOHN MERRIAM dropped dead while out in the cornfield with its parents last Wednesday.

October 10, 1878, p. 2:

A Pioneer of this County--Of the many deficiencies of the history of Jefferson County, recently published; the most conspicuous is the omission of the name of MOSES BACON, father of SILAS BACON, who resides in Pitcairn, one of the earliest pioneers of Jefferson County. Mr. Bacon was born in the year 1777 in the State of Massachusetts. He settled in Watertown in the year 1800. There were then but two families in town, a Mr. Coffeen and Jonathan Cowen. Mr. B. helped build the lower bridge where the covered bridge now stands, which was the first bridge spanning the Black River within the limits of the town, now the city of Watertown. For over thirty years, Mr. Bacon rung the bell at the first church, and he made the shingles for the first church edifice ever erected in Watertown. His name being identified with the earliest history of the town it is strange it should be omitted from the County History. About 1820 Mr. Hart Massey had got together a dairy of nine cows, which in those times was regarded as a wonderful achievement, and was referred to by people far and near. Mr. Bacon worked the Massey farm for seven years and when they settled the account was balanced by Mr. Bacon making two ox-yokes for Mr. Massey. (from the Gouverneur Herald)

HON. ROBERT LANSING, another of Watertown's early settlers and most worthy, honored and esteemed citizens has passed suddenly from our midst. So recently we greeted him on the street, and enjoyed the social interchange...we can hardly realize that he is gone. Though nearly 80 years of age, he seemed one of the best preserved men, physically and mentally...Mr. Lansing was born in Albany, NY February 2, 1799. He came to Watertown at the age of 17 years and has since made this his home. In 1826 he was appointed District Attorney of the county, and served until 1833. ..In 1832 he was elected State Senator, re-elected and served two terms of two years each. In the fall of 1853 he was again elected to the Senate, and served another term...Mr. Lansing was twice married, the two wives were sisters, daughters of the late NOADIAH HUBBARD of Champion. The first, MARIA, was the mother of John, one of our most successful and worthy lawyers. The second wife, CORNELIA, with whom he lived about 35 years, survives him...His funeral was held at his late residence on Monday at 11 o'clock.

From Carthage--The only event on the flats this week worthy of note, was the marriage of Mr. HOWELL BABCOCK to Miss LOIS EDWARDS.

October 17, 1878, p. 6:

From Antwerp--The tying of a matrimonial knot will be the great attraction at the Congregational Church of this place on Thursday evening. The high contracting parties are Miss DOLLY WILLARD of Antwerp and Dr. J. E. KELSEY, a rising young physician of Theresa. (Oct. 17)

October 24, 1878, p. 2:

From Redwood--Mr. MILTON BIGELOW, formerly of Redwood, died last week of yellow fever at Vicksburg, Miss., leaving a wife, and two children. Mr. B. was an old resident of our village and highly respected. His aged mother is still living here being 84 years old.

Page 5:
See several paragraph notice of the Kelsey/Willard marriage in Antwerp above, with details of the wedding.

From Carthage--Miss JULIA TUTTLE, eldest daughter of NOYES TUTTLE of Carthage, died at Rochester, Sunday, where she had been under medical treatment. Her remains were brought home Monday and the funeral took place Tuesday afternoon...

S. C. SOUTHWICK, mentioned in a previous communication, died very suddenly last Friday afternoon...He left a wife and infant child to mourn his loss...His remains were taken to his native home, in New Hampshire for interment.

Tuesday forenoon at Grace Church, Carthage, Mr. WM. R. JONES, Assistant Superintendent of the U & B RRR joined his fortunes with those of Miss HATTIE HATCH, daughter of Mrs. S. E. HATCH. The marriage ceremony was performed by Rev. Mr. Granberry, in the presence of a church full of the friends of the parties...

October 31, 1878, p. 4:

From Carthage--Another one of our 1812 veterans has gone. Last Thursday morning, Mr. LEVI HUBBARD died at the residence of G. C. Earl in West Carthage. Deceased was 85 years of age.

November 7, 1878, p. 6:

JACOB BERRINGER, an old and respected citizen of Cape Vincent, suffered a stroke of paralysis Monday. Mr. B. was postmaster at the Cape under Buchanan, and has since been justice of the peace and held other offices of trust. He will not recover.

November 14, 1878, p. 2:

GEORGE EDMONDS, a young man, formerly of Adams, died of yellow fever a few weeks ago at Cobden, Ill. The neighbors were so alarmed that they dared not face the plague to render any assistance. Mr. Edmonds had to bury his son, about five hours after his death, on his own premises.

November 21, 1878, p. 8:

From Plessis--The infant daughter of JOSEPH TASSAY died a short time ago. The burial services were held at Redwood.

The sudden death of MRS. GILBERT SHANNON, which occurred at her home a short distance from this place, was sad and distressing in the extreme. By her death two little children are left motherless, and her husband and numerous friends are almost inconsolable.

We heard with deep regret, of the death of Miss EUPHEMIA BUSLER of Pamelia; she long fought with the dreaded disease, consumption, of which she was a victim. Miss Busler is tenderly remembered by many in this village, where she was a teacher some years ago. We tender to the bereaved friends our sincere sympathy.

From Cape Vincent--The many friends of Mr. JACOB BERRINGER will be pleased to hear that he is slowly recovering.

November 28, 1878:

From Cape Vincent--Mr. JOSEPH JEROME and family have moved to Canada.

MRS. SAMUEL BORELAND, of this village who has been sick for the past week, died Friday non. The funeral will take place on Sunday.

Mr. ISAAC MANCE, who has been confined to the house with consumption for a number of months past, died at his residence in this village, on Wednesday. The funeral which took place on Friday was largely attended.

From Carthage--Tuesday was also the "golden wedding day" of Mr. and Mrs. JAMES F. HODGSKINS of our village. They received many calls during the day, also numerous presents, notable among the latter was fifty $1 gold pieces, presented by their son-in-law, Mr. G. B. FARRINGTON of the firm of H. & G. B. Farrington, Grocers, New York City.

Last Thursday evening being the 50th anniversary of the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. SUEL GILBERT, of our village, their friends and neighbors concluded they would give them a little surprise.--The word had been passed around so that at the appointed time a large number had assembled at Mr. S. S. Hoyt's, just across the street. A nice memento or testimonial of their respect and esteem in the shape of an elegant and beautifully wrought silver dish was provided, which, after the company had proceeded to the residence of the aged couple and congratulated them, was presented with appropriate remarks by Capt. J. E. Willis...Several relatives had been with them during the day. Among them we noticed MRS. C. H. WAITE and son of Watertown...Mr. G. was one of Carthage's first settlers, and he informed us that when he built his house 50 years ago last September, he selected "the lot at the end of the road"; now it is the heart of the village...

December 5, 1878, p. 1:

The Late Judge Hammond--At a meeting of the Jefferson County Bar held at the office of Messrs. Mullin & Griffin, Nov. 28, 1878, to take action with reference to the death of Hon. Samuel H. Hammond, Charles a Sherman, Esq., was appointed chairman, and Watson M. Rogers, secretary...WHEREAS, Hon. SAMUEL H. HAMMOND, a distinguished member of this State, died at his residence in this city, Nov. 26, 1878, in the 70th year of his age...

Page 5:
From Carthage--MRS. JANE MARCOTT, of Wilna, died very suddenly last Monday evening. She had been around the house all day in her usual health, did her work up after supper, sat down in a chair and in less than half an hour was a corpse. Deceased was 67 years of age.

Page 6:
A letter from John Boorman, keeper of the county poor house, announces the death of JULIUS BAZELLE, at that institution, on the 25thof November, in the 94th year of his age. He was conveyed by the poor officials of Oswegatchie from this city to the poor house, January 4th, 1859, where he remained up to the day of death. He was a Frenchman by birth, and enlisted into the French army at the age of 16 years. He was in Napoleon's campaign to Moscow and followed the fortunes of the great commander to his overthrow at Waterlook where he received a sabre wound in one of his legs. He came to the United States in 1828 and made his first home with Madam Deferit, two or three miles above Great Bend, in Jefferson County, NY, from where he went to live in the town of LeRay, where he bought a farm. He afterwards traded the LeRay farm for a contract of a farm in the town of Fowler, St. Lawrenc Co., but finding that he could not get a good title and losing what he paid he came to Ogdensburg to live, making his appearance here about the time of the Patriot War, or Canadian Rebellion of 1837-38...While here he taught fencing and kept a little shop...

December 12, 1878, p. 2:

Two families (ten persons) of St. Regis Indians have moved into a small house in Green Settlement near Adams, and propose spending the winter there.

RICHARD OLMSTEAD, of Otter Creek, wage 18, was found dead in the Big Woods on Saturday, about three miles northwest of Stony Island. he had been in the Woods hunting with several others and missed the trail. He was found lying on the ground face down, and had evidently died from sheer exhaustion.

December 13, 1878, p. 4:

WILLIAM HOSGLANDT ROBINSON, a former resident of Watertown, died recently at Lake City, Minn. Mr. Robinson was born in New York, Nov. 12, 1802, where he was liberally educated. In 1828 he removed to Watertown, where he engaged in active mercantile business. Here he was married in 1831, his first wife living 26 years after their marriage...

From Cape Vincent--Dec. 3, a sad accident occurred here this afternoon resulting in the death of JAMES CONNORS, employed as engineer in A. G. Burnham's shingle mill... he suffered many injuries and burns...he was about 55 years of age and left a wife and four children.

December 19, 1878, p. 2:

A SUDDEN DEATH - Our people yesterday were startled at the announcement of the sudden death of Mr. WM. HOWELL, one of the proprietors of the Globe Hotel, which occurred at about eleven o'clock on Saturday evening...Mrs. Howell sent for Dr. Spencer, who pronounced Mr. Howell's death to have been caused from heart disease. He was born in the county in 1820 and was in his 59th year... he leaves a wife, son and daughter to mourn his sudden demise.

Page 5:
From Carthage--Mr. JOSIAH HUCKINS died at his residence in West Carthage last Tuesday morning in the 72nd year of his age. Deceased was formerly a resident of Watertown, and his remains were taken there today for interment.

From Redwood--We regret to see the announcement in the Lincoln County, Wisconsin Advocate of the death of SARAH LITTLE, daughter of our highly esteemed friend, JOHN T. ADAMS, sheriff of said Lincoln County. We feel assured that Mr. Adams has the heartfelt sympathies of his old friends in Redwood.

December 26, 1878, p. 4:

From Redwood--Announcement of the marriage of Mr. W. R. HANFORD to MRS. MARCIA S. TUTTLE at the residence of the bride on the 8th inst., the Rev. O. Jenkins officiating.

From Plessis--ADELPHIA, a son of Mr. and Mrs. G. R. HUNNYMAN, died Thursday morning of inflammation of the bowels, after a week's illness, during which time all that medical skill and care could do was done to alleviate his sufferings and prolong life. The funeral was held in the M. E. Church Saturday... Page 8:
Death of H. P. COOKE. Our people are mourning over the sudden death of Mr. H. P. Cooke, one of our most upright and industrious business citizens, which occurred at fifteen minutes before ten o'clock on Saturday evening...Dr. Spencer is not positive if it was the bursting of a blood vessel,, not from any over exertion, but from some organic disease that had not before shown itself. Henry P. Cook was born in July, 1810 in Whitestown, Oneida Co., NY. He moved with his parents to Adams when about 8 years old, where he resided until 1826...he went to Utica...in 1880 he went to Canton, St. Lawrence Co., where his father was engaged in business....In May 1857 he moved to Watertown, and was for a year engaged in milling with Jacob Lepper, at the old Eagle Mills...in 1860 he opened a dry goods store in this city, continuing in trade until the time of his death...he leaves a wife and two sons--Mr. Leslie B. Cooke and H. P. Cooke, Jr....

Copyright 2017 Jefferson County NYGenWeb — a member of the NYGenWeb Project

If you have any questions or comments about this page, please contact,
County Co-Coordinator Nancy Dixon or
Co-Coordinator Bruce Coyne.

Return to Jefferson County Genweb Page