Gossip & News Of PIKE COUNTY ILLINOIS Pike County Union "Tidbits" 1849 - 1856 Contributed by Christopher B. Durrall Wednesday, October 3, 1849 - Page 3, Administration Notice: H.M. DANIELS, deceased (Entire article not transcribed) Page 3, Died --On the 2d inst. of chronic diarrhea, Milton H., infant son of Mary Jane and M.H. ABBOTT. "He cometh forth like a flower and is cut down, he fleeth as a shadow and continueth not." Free Press please copy. Wednesday, October 17, 1849 Page 3 Married on the 11th last by Judge WARD, Mr. F.P. YORK to Miss Elizabeth HEAVNER, both of this county. Wednesday, October 24, 1849 Page 3 Married at the Kentucky House in this place on the 18th inst. by Judge WARD, Mr. George W. COOK to Miss Sarah J. HENLY. Page 3, Administration Notice: Wyatt MOORE, deceased (Entire article not transcribed) Wednesday, November 7, 1849 Page 2 Married by Judge WARD on the 4th inst., Mr. Henry SHINN to Miss Louisa JACKSON. Also on the 9th, Mr. Jacob HOBBS to Miss Nancy H. EVERETT. Wednesday, November 14, 1849 Page 3 Administration Notice: Daniel SEARL, deceased (Entire article not transcribed) Wednesday, December 5, 1849 Page 2 Letter from California. The following letter, by our request, was handed in for publication, by Chas. MAYNARD, Esq. and from the statements made therein in reference to the privations attendant upon going to the golden El Dorado, and the amount of gold which may be obtained per day, we place explicit reliance upon, and we can assure all who may wish to go, if they will but use the same energy and perseverance which characterized this young man, they too may, realize sufficient of this world's goods. From what knowledge we have of the writer, we hope that when he has a few thousands, he will return home, and exert that influence incumbent upon every quiet and peaceable citizen. Yuba, California, Sept. 8, 1849. -- Dear Parents: I have at last got to the long looked for placers, and have enjoyed good health. I got in company with three young men by the name of Geo. K. LARKIN, Geo. T. JOHNSON, and Simon P. FRENCH, they all have enjoyed good health. We are at present in tolerable good "diggins" and are realizing about 15 dollars per day, we cannot as yet, go to the good gold mines, on account of the incessant heat; we calculate however, to winter in Sacramento city. I had the pleasure of eating snow on the 4th of July and August. I think that in 18 months I can return home with about $5,000. I am to be boarded whilst I remain here, with the boys. Every thing here is very dear, except clothing, which is as cheap as it is in New York. Bacon is worth $1 per pound & flour is worth 75 cts. per lb. & sugar 8 cents & coffee 10 to 15 cents a pound. Horses and cattle are tolerably high, but the stock that is coming on will much reduce the price. We started on the ninth of May and arrived here on the 24th of August. There were about 4 thousand teams ahead when we started and when we got here there were but two hundred & we beat mule teams here that started 10 days ahead of us. We saw lots of Buffalo on the north fork of Platte River. Simon FRENCH killed one, a very fat cow. I expect, when I come home, to go by Mexico, provided there are enough coming that way. You can all do as you please, but when you all start to California, take a second thought and stay at home, every person having a family had better remain and take care of them, than come to this country for ease and comfort & or gold. I suppose there is more gold in California than can be dug up in ten years to come. My respects to enquiring friends & Please write me, direct to Sacramento city. --- Yours truly, R.H. MAYNARD P.S. Tell Mr. THORNTON and DINSMORE that the boys were all well, when I last heard from them. Bob. Wednesday, December 12, 1849 Page 2 Died -- At his residence, near Barry, in this county, on Monday evening last, of Lung Fever, Charles MASON, Esq., aged 49 years. The deceased was a worthy and highly esteemed citizen, as an evidence of which it is only necessary to refer to the fact of his recent election to an honorable and responsible office by his fellow citizens, that of Assessor and Treasurer of the county. Mr. M. leaves a widow and eight children, to whom his loss is irreparable, which will not only be felt by them, but the people at large of our county will regret the loss of a highly useful and valuable citizen. An honest man, and good Christian has departed from among us. Wednesday, December 19, 1849 Page 3 Administration Notice: Joseph NEELY, deceased (Entire article not transcribed) Wednesday, December 26, 1849 Page 3, Died -- On Friday morning last, John Park, son of Henry T. MUDD, Esq., of this place, aged 4 years. "Suffer little children to come unto me, for of such is the kingdom of Heaven." On Saturday morning last, Mr. John U. GRIMSHAW, aged 53 years. Mr. G. was a native of the county of Antrim, Ireland. He immigrated to and first settled at Taunton, Mass., but after a few years removed to Pike county, and since the year 1836 has been engaged in the mercantile business in this place. His habits were retiring, urbane and upright, while by his gentlemanly courtesy and strict integrity, he had won the confidence and esteem of his acquaintances. This sudden bereavement should remind all that death is no respecter of persons. On Monday of last week Mr. G. was at his store, and on that day was attacked with the disease which, in the short space of four days, consigned him to the narrow resting place for all the living. Page 3 On the 13th inst. by J.S. BALL, Esq., Mr. James M. BURNS to Miss Harriet LONG, all of this county. Wednesday, February 6, 1850 Page 1 Dry Digginsville, California, Sept. 22, 1849. Dear Brother: On the 27th of last month I arrived at this place, And I assure you I never looked forward with a greater degree of anxiety for the completion of any journey or undertaking in my life, than I have for this. We have completed a long and tiresome journey, over a continuation of mountain and valley. We followed down the Humboldt River nearly 200 miles, and by swimming our cattle to the opposite side from the road, found excellent grazing for them most of the distance. But from the Sleed?, 20 miles from the sink of that river, we traveled over a desert without water or grass 72 miles, to Salmon Trout River. I should except, however, the boiling Springs 25 miles from the sink of the river. (These were the hottest we had passed, the heat being quite equal to boiling). Here we managed by digging trenches and holes in the ground, to cool some for our teams, of which they would drink but little as it was strongly impregnated with sulphur. As our cattle drank but little here, we began to have serious apprehensions that they would fail us before we reached Salmon Trout, which is 27 miles from here; for the morning before reaching the hot springs, we had passed many dead and dying animals. The disquiet of our animals here was such that they would not rest themselves nor allow us to. We dared not let them loose, for fear they would scald themselves in the boiling pots of water, of which there were many about the springs. These are holes in the ground, where the water boils with great force and noise. Along the roads from this to Truckee, were many dead animals. In some places we were obliged to leave the road for them, and beat a new track. Great numbers of wagon are lying along the road, from the sink of Humboldt River to Truckee. Not one half were able to take their wagons through this desert, without driving their teams ahead and recruiting. Seven of the last miles are through sand banks, and the hardest of wheeling. We arrived here about midnight, and by putting nine yokes of oxen on one wagon, were able to reach water and feed before daylight. After refreshing our teams here one day, they brought our wagons in with great ease, after which we gave them another day's rest on good feed, in order to prepare them for another hard drive of 30 miles over a sandy plain without grass or water to Carson river, along which we traveled until we reached the California mountains, and main ridge of which we crossed on the 22d of August. I had no means of learning the altitude, but we were 1000 feet above the limits of snow, and at midday, one would suffer with the cold on the summit of this ridge. The range of the Sierra Nevada, north and south, seemed to mingle their snowy summits with the clouds. The road over these mountains is rough, rocky, steep, and difficult. At the foot of each rocky ridge would be found the wagons of those who had failed to ascend, and had left them and packed. At Pass Creek Canyon, were 12 wagons of the Pittsburgh Company. Many of the spokes were sawed out for the purpose of making pack saddles. Many did not even take their fire-arms and ammunition. From the Ridge to Pleasant Valley, the first gold diggings, was a continual string of packmen passing us with all possible speed for the gold mines, many on foot that had left all, depending on buying provisions of those in advance. Their inquiry was generally for hard bread, but when told that we had nothing but flour in spare, they would rush on again, saying that they could not take time to bake it. Our fire-wood for the last 100 or 500 miles has been from wagons left on the road, which are generally spoiled by the owners before leaving them. Mr. REXFORD and BLACKMAN have packed from Salt Lake, were (?) in advance of us. The disposition of all old miners to keep what they (?) to themselves, renders it impossible to get much information of the (?) of the mines, except what is learned by actual experience, (?) found. Mr. REXFORD at this (?) making shingles $19 per (?). (?) B. determined to try his luck at (?)ing, had gone to the Middle Fork of the Sacramento River, 30 miles from this place. What we shall be a(?) do or make, I am not able to say, but I will tell you what we have done and the prospects as near as possible. Our first business was to dispose of our teams, for we could not keep them on hand here long, having no feed but oak browse on, which we had kept them for two days without a spear of grass, neither is there any within thirty miles of this place. We sold them at $150, being cost. Last spring they would have been worth $1,000. But the arrival of emigrants is bringing down the price of teams. This being Thursday, the balance of the week was spent in prospecting and looking at the mines, which convinced me that the reports of the existence of the gold, were not at all exaggerated, for it exists in every place where men have dug. But there is a great deal of earth mixed with it, and in most places so much that it requires great labor to separate it. Yet there are places that are rich, and pay well. Though the beds of most of the streams and ravines are dug up from their mouth to the source, perhaps the diggings are no richer than in the little valleys through which they run, where the old beds can be found, as they change their course from time to time; consequently it requires more labor to find the gold now than when taking it from the present bed of the stream. The diggings average from 3 to 8 feet. Some have dug as deep as 15. Some get richly paid, others work for weeks and months, and do not average enough to pay their board. Many have become discouraged and are returning without making an effort, from the fact that gold is only obtained by labor. Some, it is said, have come the overland route, have gone immediately to the Bay and embarked for home without ever visiting the mines. In fact one half of those here are discouraged, and many will return with discouraging news from the gold mines. But I say give me the man who has the courage to make a fair trial, and he will go home at the head of the heap. Many that use their best endeavors may not be successful, but those who make no effort, certainly will not succeed. On Monday I commenced work in company with Messrs. REXFORD, BRIGGS, and SABIN. We helped Mr. R. finish his shingle job, and spent a little time in mining on Saturday & got $114. This we thought to be making good wages. We are offered $25 per M. to continue making shingles next week, as our shingles bring $6 more in market than common ones here. They were the first 16 inch shingles made in California, and put up in eastern style. They were made of pine and sold in the City, 46 miles from this place, for $50 per M. But we concluded to try our luck one week at mining, which we did, and took out $352. Last week we took from the mines $735. Yesterday we took out $484. This is rather better than average, as we dig only from 3 to 4 feet. What our health and luck may permit at our doing, is unknown. It is the hardest of labor, and the fare is, you know, not first rate, though at present we make ourselves very comfortable in a tent, the weather being warm and dry. The thermometer ranges from 80 degrees to 106 degrees. The best digging is from this till Christmas, though it is said the mines were worked all last winter. Provisions are plenty here, but very high. Flour is worth $50 per barrel, pork 50 cents per lb., saleratus? $16 per lb. etc, etc. Stores and groceries are plentiful and well filled. Mining tools of all descriptions are to be had here, and people coming by land would do better to bring nothing but what they need on the way. The general health of the miners is good. A more quiet community than this I never saw. Tools are left where they are used, goods and plunder are piled under every tree without any shelter, and I have not heard of a single theft since I have been here. A meeting of the miners was held here last week to make rules and regulations to govern the miners of Dry Digginsville. Each man is entitled to 15 feet of ground, and any mining tool left in that place holds it for any length of time, provided the owner is not at work at another place. An election was held at this place last week for the election of two Alcades, one Prefect and on Sub-Prefect. Every man can have justice done him here as well as in the States. Wages may be made here, but it is impossible to make a fortune, as some have supposed, in a few days or weeks. But a laboring man may make perhaps more than most business men are making in the East. I have sent you a few specimens of California gold, as it has been taken from the mines. -- Yours, truly -- Alonzo WINSOR. Dry Digginsville, California, Sept. 23, 1849. Dear Companion: I have written you several letters since I have been on my journey, my last one was written from Salt Lake which I hope ere now you have received, as it will inform you of my safe arrival at that place, and may allay any anxiety for me until you receive this, which will inform you of my safe arrival in California, together with the company that started from Chautauque with me. I got to the mines on the 27th of August. I find the existence of gold to be true, but it is got only by the hardest of labor and those that labor are not always successful, there are several thousand people here. But they do not average more than 5 dollars per day. But it is in a great measure owing to a want of energy on their part, that many are getting discouraged and returning home, some without digging any in the mines, have gone immediately to the bay and embarked for home, and will undoubtedly bring very discouraging news of the prospects for mining. But I would not say much to encourage you to believe I shall be successful. Still I hope you are aware that my object in leaving home was to better our condition. And I have some hopes I shall succeed, at least I shall use my best endeavors to do so, and return as soon as possible. But I shall be governed by some measure by word from you, for should I continue to make it profitable even moderately, and my health should permit and you could give the consent of your mind I would remain until next fall, - that you may have some idea of my doing I will give you a short sketch of my mining to this time. On the 26th ult. I came ahead of the teams 20 miles to Pleasant Valley, the most easterly gold mines, to learn where it was best to make our location, or if possible to find REXFORD and BLACKMAN, and make some disposition of the teams, before they arrived as we could not keep them long on hand for there is no fee on this region of country for 60 miles. I called for my supper at a boarding house in the valley for which I paid $1.50; this being the price, in the morning whilst waiting for the teams I thought I would examine the mines which at this place have been all dug up and in a very few minutes with my knife only, took from the rocks gold enough to pay for my breakfast. The first week on Saturday night I had $52; the second, one hundred dollars and ninety-eight cents and last week, one hundred and ninety-five dollars; making up to this time $347.98. But this the miners call a streak of luck. I am working in company with Mr. REXFORD, SAFIN and BRIGGS. The amount of gold, of which I speak is but my share of what we have made, - the whole amount taken out by the company last week is $735.00. Yesterday being Saturday, we took out $134.00 & our digging is from 3 to 4 feet deep, but some dig much deeper. There is every thing here that is wanted to eat, drink and wear, but the prices are very high in the valley in which we live. There are some 30 stores and groceries, and the move and stir here is like an election. Still every thing is peace and quiet and I have not seen a sick person in the place. There is preaching twice every Sabbath within a few steps of our tent & the congregation is very large and better order I never saw in any place. It being now near the hour appointed for preaching, people are passing along the valley to the place of worship in numbers almost incredible, and much unlike eastern congregations & there is not a female amongst them, or scarcely one to be seen in the valley, at any time. But strange to say, the men are mostly employed in rocking the cradle by means of a screen in which they separate the gold from the gravel and clay, there are several hundred in this valley & you see them laying before the tents of miners, and at their places of work, a strange sight indeed, to find a community entirely of men, with each a cradle and they spending most of their time in rocking it. The price of a cradle here is $50 & such in the States would cost about $3. But I fear I am using too much time in writing to you. * Direct your letters to Sacramento City, California. Remember to all friends and relatives the sincerest affections and well wishes of your husband and companion. -- A. WINSOR. Page 3 Married in Pittsfield on the 29th ult. by Reuben W. SCANLAND, Esq., Mr. George J. STRINGER, of Peoria, to Miss Nancy Jane MCFADIN,of Pike County. Page 3 Administration Notice: William PARKS, deceased (Entire article not transcribed) Wednesday, February 13, 1850 Page 3 Administration Notice: Mary M. ANDERSON, deceased, Asher B. ANDERSON, deceased, (Entire article not transcribed) , Wednesday, January 24, 1855 Page 3 Married -- At the residence of Mr. John SHASTID in Pittsfield, on Sunday the 21st inst. by P.G. ATHEY, Esq., Mr. Rial A. WALKER to Miss Anna J. HUNTER. Also at the same time and place, Mr. Alexander RUSSELL to Miss Elizabeth FOREMAN. Also at the same time and place, Mr. David FOREMAN to Miss Nancy RUSSELL, all of Pike county. Wednesday, March 21, 1855 Page 3 Died -- In Memphis, Tenn, on the 14th inst., Mr. Z.N. GARBUTT, aged 42 years. Mr. GARBUTT had long been a resident of this place and was highly esteemed. He has left a widow and many friends to mourn his loss. Wednesday, April 18, 1855 Page 3 Died -- In Pittsfield, Illinois, at his residence, on the 6th inst., after a protracted illness, William H. SCANLAND, in the 39th year of his age. Died -- Three miles west of Pittsfield on Sunday the 15th, James DUTTON, aged 60. Mr. DUTTON was among the first settlers of the county. Died -- At Griggsville, April the 7th, Mrs. STAGG, wife of James STAGG. Died -- In Baton Rouge, La., of consumption, Flora GAY, aged 13, daughter of Stephen GAY, of this place. Wednesday, May 2, 1855 Page 2 Married -- In Griggsville on the 24th ult., by the Rev. R. MEARS, Surry L. EDWARDS, of Danville, formerly of Greenfield, IL, to Miss Emma A. DICKINSON, daughter of Mr. Theodore DICKINSON, of the former place. Married -- Near Barry, on the 24th ult., by Rev. D.H. HATTON, Mr. Thomas M. WORK?, of Fayette, Pa., to Miss Elizabeth DAVIS, daughter of James DAVIS, Esq. Married -- In Winchester, on Tuesday evening the 24th ult., in the Baptist Church by Rev. Gideon (?), Rev. Harvey H. STOCKTON to Miss Mary (?) (?)on, both of Winchester, Ill. Died -- In Griggsville on the 21st ult., Mary Isabel PETRIE, daughter of Mrs. M.S. PETRIE, aged 4 years. Died -- In Griggsville on the 23d ult, Joshua HAYS, son of Calvin HAYS (see correction published May 9th). Wednesday, May 9, 1855 Page 3 Died -- In Griggsville, May 4th, John STAGG, aged 21 years. Died -- In Griggsville on May 3d, Mary, daughter of Calvin HAYS, aged about 6 years. Died -- In Griggsville, May 4th, infant child of Henry BROWN. Died -- In Griggsville on the 23rd ult., Joshua HAYS, son of Stephen HAYS, in reference to which last name was an error last week. Monday, May 21, 1855 Page 3 Died -- In Fairmount, Ill., on Sunday 6th inst., Roxana W. MORRISON, daughter of William and Roxana MORRISON of Fairmount, aged 16 years. Monday, May 28, 1855 Page 3 Married -- On the 24th inst., by the Rev. D.H. HATTON, Mr. Thomas MUMMEY to Miss Drusilla JOHNSON, all of Pike. Died -- In Flint, Ill, on the 25th inst., Mr. George CRAWFORD, an early settler of that town and a highly respected citizen, aged about 40. Died -- Near Barry on the 27th of April, Mr. Charles HAMILTON, a highly respected citizen of the county. Monday, June 4, 1855 Page 3 Died -- In Griggsville on the 1st inst., Mrs. Lydia SAILOR, wife of Mr. John SAILOR, formerly of Richmond, Ia., in the 80th year of her age. Richmond papers please copy. Monday, June 11, 1855 Page 3 Died -- In Griggsville, on the 10th, Carlos M. PETRIE, son of Mrs. Martha? S. PETRIE, aged seven years and three months. Monday, June 18, 1855 Page 3 Died -- In Griggsville, June 16th, William Merrill CARLETON, in the 32d year of his age. Monday, June 25, 1855 Page 3 Married -- Near Milton, by Rev. Hardin WALLACE, on the 17th inst., Mr. Jacob FILKELD to Miss Nancy STUART, both of Milton. Died --In Griggsville, June 24th, Lyman HOUSTON, son of Mr. and Mrs. John HOUSTON, in the 2d year of his age. Monday, July 2, 1855 Page 3 Married -- Near Griggsville on the 8th ult. by Rev. Hardin WALLACE, Mr. John H. BRYANT and Miss Nancy ENGLISH. Died -- Near Griggsville, June 29, Charles, son of Mr. and Mrs. John HOUSTON, aged five years. Monday, July 9, 1855 Page 3 Married -- In Barry, on the 10th by Rev. D.H. HATTON, Mr. B.F. BROWNELL, JR to Miss Jane STILMAN?. Monday, July 23, 1855 Page 3 Died -- In Fairmount, Ill., on the 8th inst., Mrs. Betsy C. NOYES, wife of Jacob NOYES, aged 65 and formerly of Landoff, N.H. Died -- On the 17th inst., Mary Louisa, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John HOUSTON, of this place, aged three years and seven months. This is the third child which has been taken by the scarlet fever in less than four weeks from the bereaved and heavily afflicted parents. Casualty -- John GLADWELL, aged about 11 years, son of Dr. GLADWELL, of this place, was unfortunately drowned in the Illinois river near the Griggsville landing on Wednesday last. Monday, August 6, 1855 Page 3 Died -- In New Maysville on the 3rd inst., of disease of the lungs, Rabecca Adaline, daughter of Matthew A. and Mary Ann TAYLOR, in the 17th years of her age. Monday, August 13, 1855 Page 3 Died -- In Stillwater, Minnesota, on the 26th ult., Mary Caroline, daughter of M. H. and (?) (?) ABBO(?), (?) of Pittsfield (?) (?). Married -- In Griggsville, August 2d by Rev. B. B. CARPENTER, Mr. Samuel C. LAWRENCE of St. Louis, to Miss H.B. SHAW, of the same place. Monday, August 20, 1855 Page 3 Married -- In Griggsville, August 9th, by Rev. B.B. CARPENTER, Mr. Francis? HINDMAN? to Miss Henrietta? FIELDING?, all of this place. Monday, November 5, 1855 Page 3 Married -- On the 1st inst., by Rev. B.B. CARPENTER, Mr. Daniel W. HARRINGTON to Miss Mary E. SHELLY, all of this place. Died -- In New Salem, in this county, on Friday, October 31, Mr. Daniel FISHER, aged about 45. Mr. FISHER for the last three years has been a member of the Board of Supervisors from New Salem and for his sterling qualities of heart and mind, was universally beloved. Monday, November 12, 1855 Page 3 Married -- In Winchester, on the 25th ult., by the Rev. Mr. CLARK, Mr. Franklin CADWELL to Miss Jennie C. POND. Married -- At Mr. Robert ENGLISH's on the first inst., by Rev. Hardin WALLACE, Mr. William SWIGGET to Miss Harriett ENGLISH. Died -- In Wisconsin, October 28th, 1855, A.H. SCHOLL, formerly of this place in the 32d year of his age. Monday, November 26, 1855 Page 3 Married -- At Bethel Chapel, November 18, by Rev. M. BUTLER, Mr.Ashely A. BENTLEY, of Dwight, to Miss Mary Ann DIMMETT, of Griggsville. Monday, December 10, 1855 Page 2 The funeral sermon of A.H. SCHOLL will be preached on Sunday the 23rd inst. at the Methodist Episcopal Church, Griggsville, by Rev. J.H. BARGER. Page 3 Died-- In Griggsville, November 24th, at his son's residence, John SCOTT, Esq., aged 73 years. A soldier of the war of 1812 & 15, and one of the gallant sons of Kentucky who gained immortal fame under Maj. CROGHAN, and one of the pioneer settlers of Illinois. For the last seven or eight years of his life he has been a helpless cripple and his sufferings have been borne with patience and fortitude worthy of imitation. Peace to his ashes and honor to his memory. F. Page 3 Died -- In Griggsville, December 8th, Mr. Wilson LOW, aged 54 years. Mr. LOW emigrated to this county from the state of N.Y. in 1836 and by his estimable conduct and Christian life, secured the affection and love of an extensive circle of acquaintances. Monday, January 14, 1856 Page 3 Married -- In the Methodist Episcopal Church, on the 13th inst., by the Rev. Mr. LOCKE, Mr. Albert COHENOUR to Miss Sarah Jane DEAN, of this place. Died -- In Griggsville, on Friday, January 11th, Editha SHINN, aged three years and daughter of Mr. James SHINN, of this place. Monday, January 21, 1856 Page 3 Died -- In Griggsville on Wednesday the 1(6?)th inst., Mrs. (?) (?) (?) aged (?)7. Died -- In Griggsville, on the 17th inst., Capt. Samuel BROWN?, aged 77. Monday, February 4, 1856 Page 2 Married -- In Griggsville, on the 31st ult., at the residence of Mr. A. DONOVAN, by the Rev. B.B. CARPENTER, Mr. Geo. W. MURPHY to Miss Editha C. DONOVAN. The happy couple left our village on the same morning on a visit to Cincinnati. May happiness and prosperity attend them on their journey and through future life. Married -- On the 27th ult., in New Salem, by S.W. CRAIG, J.P., Mr. Michael GALVIN to Miss Irene S. GRAY, both of New Salem. Married -- Near Griggsville, on the 3d inst., by Rev. J.R. LOCKE, Mr. William BURLEND to Miss Elizabeth BICKERDIKE. Monday, February 11, 1856 Page 2 Died -- In Griggsville, on the 4th inst., Mrs. Rachel KENNEY, aged 69, formerly from near Philadelphia, Pa. Monday, February 25, 1856 Page 3 Died -- Near Maysville, on Saturday the 9th inst., Mrs. Nancy McKENNEY, wife of William McKENNEY, in the 62d year of her age. For a long term of years she has been a consistent member of the Presbyterian Church of New Maysville. She died in the full hope of a glorious immortality. Her end was peace. M. Monday, March 3, 1856 Page 2 Married -- At the residence of Mr. William BROWNING on the 28th ult., by Rev. B.F. CLEVELAND, Mr. Jonathan WHITAKER to Miss Martha E. BROWNING, both of Pike County. The dollar accompanied the above note and we tender to the parties our congratulations and wish them a long and prosperous life. Monday, March 10, 1856 Page 3 Married -- On the 28th ult., by S.W. CRAIG, J.P., Mr. Sylvester KIRTRIGHT to Miss Nancy Ellen WALL, both of Pike county, Illinois. Monday, March 24, 1856 Page 2 Died -- On the 19th inst., in Flint township, of consumption, Mrs. Ruth S. PAULLINE, aged 23 years, 9 months. Wife of Nathan PAULLINE, and daughter of the late Henry ALLEN, formerly of Boston, Mass. Monday, March 31, 1856 Page 2 Died -- In Griggsville, on Friday the 23 inst., the Rev. Rollin MEARS, aged 36 years. Mr. MEARS was a member of the first class, consisting of nine, which entered the preparatory department of the Illinois College, on the first Monday of January, 1830. At that time he was about ten years of age. Some eight or nine years subsequently he was graduated at the institution and after having pursued a course of theological studies at the Lane theological institute near Cincinnati, he was licensed as a minister at the early of 22. He was a humble, faithful and devoted follower of his Divine master, a close student, a clear and forcible writer, and one whose whole heart was absorbed in the discharge of his duties. About three years since he became the pastor of the Congregational church in this place and had become deeply endeared to this community and especially to the society of which he had charge. He leaves a wife and two children of tender age. His funeral services were performed on yesterday, the funeral discourse, based on the 13th verse of the 14th chapter of Revelations, being pronounced by his early instructor, the Rev. Mr. STURTEVANT, President of the Illinois College, to a large and sympathizing audience. Monday, April 14, 1856 Page 2 Married -- On the 1(0?)th inst., at the house of J. DERRY, near Griggsville, by Rev. J.R. LOCKE, Mr. Byron McGONIGLE and Miss Dorcas DERRY. Also at the same time and place by the same, Mr. James H. DERRY and Miss Ellen McGONIGLE. Monday, April 21, 1856 Page 2 Married -- In Griggsville (?) by the Rev. B.B. CARPENTER, Mr. John S. W(?) to Miss Rebecca W(?). Monday, April 28, 1856 Page 2 Died -- On the 14th inst., near Griggsville, of an acute inflammatory disease, Miss Henrietta H., daughter of N.W. and H. JONES, aged 13 years and 3 months. From a child she was amiable and affectionate and increasing age only increased those qualities which (?) more endeared her to her friends. (Not copied entirely). Monday, May 5, 1856 Page 2 Married -- Thursday, April 24?, by Rev. J. McCONNELL, Mr. John WHITE to Miss Mary E. CUNNINGHAM, all of Salem township, Pike county, Illinois. Monday, May 12, 1856 Page 2 Married -- On the 5th inst., by Rev. T.N. McCORKLE, Mr. Charles A. BENJAMIN to Miss Lavina HILL, both of New Salem, Illinois. Monday, May 19, 1856 Page 1 Letter from Oregon: We make the following extracts from a letter recently received by a gentleman of this vicinity, and handed to us with the request to publish. The extracts comprise all that would interest the general reader. Washington Co., O.T. --- March 26. Dear brother and sister: I address a few lines to you to inform you how we are situated at present. The Lord in his infinite mercy saw fit to take George from us. He departed this life on the night of the 16th of the present month. The neighbors generally are healthy around us, but I think this country will eventually be a bad place for lung complaints, there is so much damp, heavy, foggy weather in the winter. It is a notorious place for rheumatism, nearly two thirds of the grown persons are afflicted with it here. You want to know something about the country. I will say this much: you will never get paid for your trouble in moving here. I am sorry to say our country has had too many flattering tales told about it. We have had the hardest winter ever known in Oregon, this last winter; two thirds of the wheat throughout the country has been frozen out, and the people are sowing spring wheatMonday, May 26, 1856 Page 2 Married -- At the Union House, on the 6th, by Rev. D.R. BIDDLECOME, Mr. A.C. MARVIN, Esq., of Warsaw, Mo., and Mrs. Angeline BOOKER. Married -- In Naples, at the residence of John WHITE, on the 20th by Rev. D.R. BIDALECOME, Mr. James THRASHER and Miss Nancy V. HARP. "And he played on a HARP of a thousand strings." Monday, June 2, 1856 Page 2 Married -- In Griggsville, May 26, by Rev. N. HOLLISTER?, Mr. John W. LAFAVOUR, of Beverly, Mass., to Miss Emily G. HOLLISTER, daughter of the (?) HOLLISTER. Monday, June 9, 1856 Page 2 Married -- Near New Salem, June 5, by Rev. Milo BUTLER, Mr. James H. DARWAIT to Miss Hannah HOOPER, daughter of Esq. HOOPER, of Salem township. Monday, June 16, 1856 Page 2 Married -- At the residence of J.M. BUSH, by Rev. Robert RYALL, on the 10th of June, William A. GRIMSHAW to Miss Margaret, daughter of the late John U. GRIMSHAW. In the joy of the hour the printer was remembered. A dollar accompanied the notice. May they live to see many recurring anniversaries of the 10th of June, each one happier than the last. Monday, June 23, 1856 Page 3 Married -- In Naples, on the 19th, by Rev. D.R. BIDDLECOM, Mr. John SPERRY and Mrs. Elizabeth SMITH. Monday, June 30, 1856 Page 2 We have barely room to announce the death of Mrs. Jane Ann, wife of our esteemed townsman Saml HUTCHINSON, Esq., and daughter of Mr. Joel EDWARDS of Greene County. The sad event occurred on yesterday morning at 4 o'clock. Her illness was protracted but her dying bed "felt soft as downy pillows are" as she herself expressed it. The funeral will take place this afternoon.