Rome Citizen Death Notices in 1850

Thanks to Barbara Andresen for sending this in!

From ROMAN CITIZEN newspaper, Rome, Oneida County, New York, Wednesday, July 3, 1850

CAGWIN - In Verona, New York, June 24, [1850] of Dropsy, ELIAS CAGWIN, Esq., aged 77 years.  (RCJul03/1850)

LYNCH
SHOOK - The Geneva Courier says, two young men named NELSON LYNCH and IRA SHOOK, were struck by lightning at half past ten o'clock on Tuesday Morning, June 20th, [1850] a few miles north of Waterloo, near Vandemark's tavern.  They were at work in a cornfield, and went under a tree to escape from the rain, where they were found dead.  (RCJul03/1850)

ADAMS - Dr. Moses P. Clark and his wife, indicted at Lawrence, Mass., for the murder of CATHERINE L. ADAMS, on whom it is alleged they endeavored to procure an abortion, were acquitted at Newburyport on Tuesday.  The principal witness, Darius Taylor, was found to contradict himself so much in his testimony as to render it utterly unreliable, and as no part of it was sustained by other evidence, the Court ordered the Jury to find for the prisoners, which they did.   (RCJul03/1850)



From ROMAN CITIZEN newspaper, Rome, Oneida County, New York, Wednesday, July 10, 1850

BROWN - A Woman Outrageously Beaten and a Man Shot. --We are indebted to the kindness of Mr. Monk, of Lake Mahopac, Carmel, for the information relative to this tragical affair.  It appears that on Sunday last, a man by the name of HORACE BROWN, of Somerstown, entered the house of Mr. Sealey, a tavern keeper at Pine's Bridge, and both insulted and inflicted wounds of a serious nature upon his wife.  Mr. Sealey interposed and endeavored to stay the foul assaults, when Brown, being his superior in physical strength, struck and felled him to the earth.  Sealey, however, not being seriously injured by the blow, sprang to his feet, seized a revolver and planted three bullets in the head and heart of the assailant, which rendered life immediately extinct.  We have not learned the course pursued by the authorities, but presume Mr. Sealey will pass unharmed, as his course was commendable in every respect.  Although we are not favorable to man taking the law in their own hands; yet, we consider a man strictly justifiable in protecting his own family even at the sacrifice of life.  --Carmel Courier.  (RCJul10/1850)

NORTHWAY - In Utica, New York, on the morning of the 27th inst., [June 27, 1850] MARY ELIZABETH, only daughter of Rufus Northway, aged 2 years and 1 month.  (RCJul10/1850)

BARNUM - At Albany, New York, on the 21st inst., [June 21, 1850] at the house of her father, Lewis Benedict, CAROLINE MATILDA, wife of Egbert W. Barnum.  (RCJul10/1850)



From ROMAN CITIZEN newspaper, Rome, Oneida County, New York, Wednesday, July 17, 1850

VOSBURGH - IRA VOSBURGH cut his throat at Matteawan, on Tuesday night last.  He was paying his addresses to a young woman in the house where he boarded.  It coming out that he had a wife in West Troy, he was remonstrated with, and soon after put an end to his existence.  He was 28 years of age.  (RCJul17/1850)

WHITE
THOMPSON - JOSEPH WHITE and HENRY THOMPSON, of a party of five who took refuge from the storm of last week, in a barn in Pharsalia, Chenango Co., were killed by lightning, and the others were somewhat injured.  (RCJul17/1850)

KOLEMBESKI - An old soldier, has been lately admitted into the Hospital of the Invalides at Paris, who was born about the beginning of the reign of Louis XV, of France, and served in all the French wars against Frederick the Great of Prussia, &c.  In the year 1814 he was 90 years of age; he is of Polish origin, named KILEMBESKI, and has outlived ten different forms of government.  (RCJul17/1850)

PETRIE - In Rome, New York, on the 12th inst., [1850] at the residence of his son Glen, Mr. DANIEL PETRIE, aged 71 years.  (RCJul17/1850)   [see also (RCMay16/1884)-PETRIE]



From ROMAN CITIZEN newspaper, Rome, Oneida County, New York, Wednesday, July 24, 1850

PECKHAM - In Utica, New York, on the 13th inst., MARY, widow of Seth Peckham, in the 81st year of her age.  (RCJul24/1850)

RAMAGE - ADAM RAMAGE, the inventor of the "Ramage Press," died in this city this morning at his residence, 94 Lombard st.  Mr. Ramage was a native of Scotland nearly 80 years of age at the time of his death.  (RCJul24/1850)

STAATS - A sad accident occurred at McConnellsville, NY, a few days since, which resulted in the death of a CHILD of Mr. & Mrs. Staats, of New York [city], in four or five hours after the accident took place.  It appears that two or three boys were playing in the street with a box of matches they had found, and that in firing them off, the clothes of young Staats, took fire, and before he was rescued, were burned nearly all off his body.  The boy was shockingly injured, and after lingering in great agony for some hours, expired.

By this distressing event, the parents are plunged in the deepest affliction, and bringing their visit to a close, started immediately with the remains of their Boy, for their home in New York. [city]     (RCJul24/1850)

MUSTEEN - A man named MUSTEEN was brutally murdered in Kentucky, by a person called Walson, who, forty years ago, was sent to the Penitentiary for forging, principally on the testimony of Musteen, and Watson then swore he would take his life.  The murderer is sixty years of age, and has escaped.  (RCJul24/1850)

STEAMBOAT CASUALTIES - A list of the steamboat casualities, and the losses of life by them during the present year, is published in the St. Louis Union of the 3d.  There have been 67 boats lost by being blown up, collisions, fire, snagged, &c., causing the loss of 461 lives, and a number of persons injured and scalded, besides loss of property.    (RCJul24/1850)



From ROMAN CITIZEN newspaper, Rome, Oneida County, New York, Wednesday, July 31, 1850

BRIGHAM - At Vernon, NY, on the 24th inst., [July 24, 1850] STEPHEN BRIGHAM, aged 67 years and three months, after a painful illness of three months.  (RCJul31/1850)

BRAINARD - At La Prairie, Canada East, on the 20th inst., [July 20, 1850] of Diarrhea, HARRIET M., infant and only daughter of A. H. and Lucy Brainard, formerly of this village. [Rome, NY]    (RCJul31/1850]    [see also (RCApr23/1856)-BRAINERD]
 



From ROMAN CITIZEN newspaper, Rome, Oneida County, New York, Wednesday, August 7, 1850

COLVIN - Outrage. --we learn that about 10 o'clock in the forenoon yesterday as ALFRED COLVIN, son of B. F. Colvin of this city, was walking near the Mayor's office, a scoundrel by the name of James Darkin came up behind him slyly, and without any manner of provocation, threw a large stone, with great force against his head, knocking him down, and causing wounds so severe, that his life is despaired of.
Darkin was immediately arrested and is now confined in prison awaiting the result of the wounds.  Justice will be dealt out to him. --Syracuse Star.        (RCAug07/1850)

COLE - In Floyd, NY, on the 26th ult., [July 26, 1850] Mr. A. J. COLE, in the 37th year of his age.  (RCAug07/1850)

WIGGINS - In this village, [Rome, NY] on the 12th ult., [July 12, 1850] of Typhus Fever, CHARLES E., son of Benjamin Wiggins, in the 29th year of his age.  (RCAug07/1850)

MOWER - At Half Day, Illinois, by an injury received by falling from a wagon, on the 13th day of June, Mr. JOHN MOWER, formerly of Annsville, [NY] aged 41 years.  (RCAug07/1850)

SPENCER - At Saad Lake, Rensselaer Co., N.Y., on Friday, July 26th, LORENZO D., only son of Munson Spencer, and Grandson of John and Mary West of Rome, aged 2 years and 1 month.  Early released from the sorrows of life, his spirit has joined its sainted mother, Mrs. MARY SPENCER, who died in great peace on the 7th of April last.  (RCAug07/1850)

MATTESON - In Verona, Oneida county, N.Y., the 27th [July 27, 1850] ELIZABETH MATTESON, widow of the late Capt. Hezekiah Matteson, aged 99 years 2 months and 4 days. She was born and entered into the conjugal state in the vicinity of New London, Conn., and witnessed the burning of that City by the British troops under the command of Benedict Arnold the traitor. Resorting on that day with a number of her neighbors to a height of land that overlooked the city, within hearing of the reports of the cannon and conscious that her husband and two brothers were there in conflict with the enemy, and soon received intelligence that one of her brothers was dangerously wounded and that the officers and soldiers in Fort Griswold, had been most barbarously slaughtered after they had surrendered themselves prisoners of war, was a scene that painfully affected her, and she often spoke of that day which appeared to be fresh in her memory, till near the close of her long life. Much respected by all her neighbors and acquaintances, she came to her grave in peace and like a shock of corn fully ripe in its season.    (RCAug07/1850)



From ROMAN CITIZEN newspaper, Rome, Oneida County, New York, Wednesday, August 14, 1850

FORMAN - We regret to learn that D. W. FORMAN, Esq., of this village, committed suicide yesterday afternoon by cutting his throat with a razor, severing both jugulars.  He left the room below where he had been conversing with his family, went up stairs, and although instanly followed by Mrs. Forman, the deed of death was done before she reached him.

Mr. Forman was between 50 and 60, highly respected, a lawyer by profession --formerly a resident of Onondago County.  He had intimated his fears, early in the week, that he should commit some dreadful deed unless closely watched. --Watertown Jeff.    (RCAug14/1850)

WILSON - Death of JAMES GREGG WILSON.  The death of this gentleman took place at his residence in Plainfield, New Jersy, on Wednesday morning the 31st ult., [July 31, 1850] (after a tedious illness of more than a year,) of consumption.  Mr. Willson has been long known to the reading public, formerly a partner of Horace Greeley in publishing the New Yorker, and more recently as the head of the firm of Willison & Co., publishers of Willson's Weekly Despatch.  [name in article spelled as Wilson & Willson--transcriber]

The Tribune says Mr. W. was born in Manlius, New York, in 1809. His father was Lieut. Robert Wilson, an officer of the Revolutionary War, and who, as aid-de-camp to Gen. Washington, received the sword and colors of Lord Cornwallis, on his surrender at Yorktown, Virginia, in 1781.  He was named after the noted James Gregg, (his great uncle,) the Capt. Gregg of revolutionary times, who was scalped and left for dead by a band of Indians --and whose wonderful rescue from death through the sagacity of his dog "Tray," is so pathetically recorded in the school books of olden time.  The death of Mr. Wilson in the prime of life --he was but forty-one --has cause unfeigned grief among a numerous circle of friends, and will be an irreparable loss to a devoted and affectionate wife.  His aged mother is sill living at Clinton, in this State.   (RCAug14/1850)

SEYMOUR - ALEXANDER SEYMOUR, Esq., brother of Col. A. Seymour, of this Village, [Rome, NY] and formerly a Merchant of Utica, in this County, died suddenly at Cleveland, Ohio, on the afternoon of Thursday, the 8th inst., after an illness of but a few hours.  His disease was a malignant diarrhea, and so rapid was its advances in undermining the citadel of life, that in five or six hous after he was first attacked, the disease had fastened so firmly upon the system, as to be beyond the power of human skill to arrest it.  (RCAug14/1850)

CLARK - Not long since, intelligence was received of the death, by cholera, of the wife of Gov. Clark of Iowa.  Soon after two estimable ladies, who attended Mrs. C. during her illness died from the same malady.  Then followed the son of Mrs. C., and now we hear of the death of Gov. C. himself.  Thus has an entire family with two istimate friends, been swept away, in a few days, by this terrible malady.  (RCAug14/1850)

HUNTINGTON - BENJAMIN HUNTINGTON, Esq., who died on the 3d instant at the advanced age of 73, was known to our older classes of citizens as having been for many years a merchant of Front st., in this city, and for a much longer period as a Broker in Wall street, from which latter business he retired a few years since, in consequence of the infirmities of age.  Mr. Huntington was one of four brothers, sons of Benjamin Huntington, of Norwich Connecticut, who represented the State in the old Continental Congress, and the first Federal Congress, during Washington's administration.  He was also the first mayor of the city of Norwich.  The four brothers removed to this State, and two of them were among the early settlers of Oneida county, locating in the town of Rome.  These two brothers were, at different periods, candidates for Lieutenant Governor of this State; George Huntington, as the federal candidate, about the time of the close of the war of 1812, and Henry Huntington, as the Clintonian candidate, (on the ticket with Dewit Clinton) in 1826, and both were unsuccessful.  The latter, however, was a delegate in the State Convention in 1821, in framing the constitution of that year.  He amassed great wealth to Oneida county, and for many years, up to the time of his death, was President of the Bank of Utica.  Benjamin Huntington, the subject of this sketch, commenced the mercantile business in this city, early in life; and soon after the war of 1812, became known in Wall street as one of our most eminent brokers and speculators in stocks.  Although a democratic republican of the old school, he was warmly in favor of the United States Bank, and was a great speculator in the stock of that institution.  Being of a very sanguine temperament, he generally operated as a bull, and consequently became often prey of the bears, and few men in Wall street was subject to so many ups and downs by his financial operations.  The final result was a retirement from Wall st., and an exit to Oneida County, in very moderate circustances.  Mr. Huntington married some forty years since, a daughter of Gen. Jedediah Huntington, of New London, an officer of the revolution.  One of his children to this lady is Huntington, the distinguished artist.  Another is the author of "Lady Alice, or the New Una." --N.Y. Herald.     (RCAug14/1850)

JONES - At Vernon, Oneida Co., on the 11th inst. of Consumption, JULIA MARY, eldest daughter of John R. and Amanthea E. Jones, aged 14 years.  (RCAug14/1850)



From ROMAN CITIZEN newspaper, Rome, Oneida County, New York, Wednesday, August 21, 1850

MARTIN - The Northern Journal came dressed mourning last week occassioned by the death of its editor, V. R. MARTIN.  Mr. M. graduated at Union College in 1841, with the reputation of superior talents, and with the general esteem of his fellow students.  He pursued the study of the law with John Clarke, Esq., of Watertown, John A. Vanderlip, Esq., of Livingston county, and Judge Gardiner, of Rochester.  He commenced practice at Martinsburgh, but in 1846 removed to Lowville.  His professional prospects were flattering.  The Utica Gazette in announcing his death says:

At the opening of the present year he was urgently pressed by the Whig Corresponding Commitee of Lewis county, of which body he was a prominent member, to take the editorial charge of the Northern Journal, and during the brief time he was in that position, he discharged his duties with ability and to the satisfaction fo the Whigs of Lewis county.  To the surprise of all who knew him, a pulmonary disease developed itself, which terminated his life on the 8th inst., in his 29th year.  Those who knew the value of his honest and reliable friendship, will unite with us in deep regret for his loss and sincere sympathy for his interesting family, whose joy has been turned to mourning by this sad event.  (RCAug21/1850)

DORNER - Death of Patriarch.  The patriarch DORNER died lately, near the foot of the Hill of Allen County, Kildare, at the advanced age of 125.  The deceased lived in the same townland in which he was born in the year 1725, having thus seen the throne of England filled by six successive sovereigns.  He had been in a state of second infancy for nearly a quarter of century.  (RCAug21/1850)

COMSTOCK - Mr. OTIS COMSTOCK died recently at Farmington, Ontario County, in the 80th year of his age.  He was one of the first settlers of the Phelps and Gurham Purchase, in the year 1798.  He harvested the first wheat in the region in 1790; was never at Rochester or Buffalo, grown up since then; and had not crossed Cayuga Lake until within the last two years.  He and his four brothers were among the most useful and prominent citizens of the Western part of this State.  (RCAug21/1850)

BOWDEN - An Irish Heroine --Among the recent arrivals in this city was a widow lady named Mrs. Bowden, who was the proprietor of a hotel in the town of Urlingford, Kilkenny, during the revolt of 1848.  During the flight of Smith O'Brien, she harbored him in her house, and twice prevented his capture, using all the means in her hands to relieve and aid him.  Had it not been for the interference of others she would have succeeded in effecting his escape.  We understand she is about to start a boarding house in this city, to support herself and young son. --N.Y. Tribune.    (RCAug21/1850)

HOWES - At Vernon Centre, [NY] on Friday, 9th inst., of consumption, Mrs. ELIZA ANNE, wife of Dr. Fitch Howes, in the 46th year of her age.  (RCAug21/1850)

SMITH - At Portland, Ohio, on the 1st inst., Mrs. ABBEY JANE SMITH, aged 30 years, daughter of Cornelius Hollister, late of Rome.  The funeral services were conducted by the Rev. S. Haynes, her former pastor in Rome, who arrived at Portland while she was dying.  (RCAug21/1850)

BACKUS - At Morriston, St. Lawrence Co., [NY] on Monday evening, 12th inst., at the residence of his son-in-law, R. B. Chapman, Esq., Col. ELISHA BACKUS, aged 67 years, formerly a resident of Utica and for the space of 25 years a resident of Oneida Co.    (RCAug21/1850)

YORKE - At North Bay, Vienna [NY] on the 15th inst., Mrs. ANN, widow of the late John Yorke, aged 55 years.  (RCAug21/1850)

JOYCE - In New York city on the 13th inst., GARRETT H. JOYCE, printer, aged 28 years.  (RCAug21/1850)

HICKS - In Westernville, on the 10th instant, of Dysentary, Mr. JACOB HICKS, in the 43d year of his age.  Mr. H. leaves a wife and four children to lament his decease, but they mourn not as those who have no hope, resting in the belief that their loss was his unspeakable gain.  (RCAug21/1850)

JONES - In Boonville, August 3d, 1850, Mrs. JANE JONES, consort of Mr. Nathan Jones and daughter of Henry Capron, Esq., aged 24 years.  During her sickness she suffered extreme pain of body, which called into action the deep sympathies, and almost constant attendance of husband, parents, brothers, and a large circle of more distant relatives, the most of whom reside 8 or 10 miles distant.  Her funeral was attended at the Presbyterian Meeting House near West Leyden, on the 5th.   (RCAug21/1850)



From ROMAN CITIZEN newspaper, Rome, Oneida County, New York, Wednesday, August 28, 1850

CALDWELL
KNAPP - Murder / Suicide at St. Charles Hotel. From Troy Whig.  The scene presented in the bed-room was one we will not attempt to describe.  Both were in their ordinary night clothes.  The woman was lying in the front part of the bed, her head resting on the arm and partly on the bosom of her companion.  The gash in her throat was not deep, and the blood had dropped beneath so that little was on her person.  Her countenance was palid; and marked by a serenity amounting almost to a smile. She had evidently moved only very slightly after the cut was made and then in the struggles of death.  She was of the middle size in height, hardly ordinarily robust, and apparently aged about 30 years.  By her side on the right lay WILLIAM A. CALDWELL, the most horrid object the eyes ever beheld.  He was tall, muscular, well formed, large head, features strongly marked, and the lower part of his face covered with a heavy pair of whiskers.  The gash in his troat had severed and laid bare the windpipe, and he had bled most profusely.  By his right side was found a razor, covered with blood, and also a razor case.

From subsequent investigations we learn the following additional particulars:  Caldwell, (the deceased) had been convicted of burglary (not "arson" as stated in another paper) and sent to Auburn State Prison, from which it is said, he was soon discharged onproof of his innocence.  Mrs. LOUISA C. KNAPP, (the other victim) is the daughter of a widow lady of the name of Van Winkle, residing in Brooklyn, who has five sons and three daughters.  She had a husband living in comfortable circumstances in Murray st., New York, Mr. Frank H. Knapp, who had been some time past suffering from an intestinal consumption, so that for the last six months, he has been incapacitated for business.  Caldwell had become an acquaintance of his family (we understant) in May last, and had finally cultivated an intimacy with his wife that was considered objectionable by Knapp, and led to some unpleasant remarks between them.  (RCAug28/1850)

BUTTERFIELD - In Utica, [NY] Wednesday evening, Aug. 21st, JOHN LENNEBACKER, infant son of T. F. and C. A. Butterfield.    (RCAug28/1850)

Copyright©2001
Barbara Andresen