Spirit of the Times Batavia, Genesee County, New York State Saturday, February 27-1864 TOWN AND COUNTRY ITEMS. Soldiers' Home. This Saturday evening, an entertainment is to be given at Concert Hall, by Col. Wm. H. YOUNG, and lady, for the purpose of establishing at Niagara Falls, a Home for the children of slain or disabled soldiers. The proposal is one that warmly appeals to the best and noblest emotions of our nature, and we cannot but believe will open the purse-strings of all who love their country, and have a heart to feel for the innocent sufferers by the heroic patriotism of their sires. As soon as sufficient funds are raised, for whom responsible Treasurers are appointed, it is intended to erect a commodious edifice and suitable offices, for the purposes of the institution; in the meantime buildings between the Falls and Suspension Bridge, are being rented for temporary occupation. ++ OLDEST MAN IN THE COUNTY. John French Meigs BRADLEY, residing near Pavilion Center, was 95 years and 6 months old on the 22d day of February inst., and is believed to be the oldest man now living in Genesee County. Capt. BRADLEY was born in East Guilford, Ct., on the 22nd of August,, 1768. When a young man he took up his residence in Sunderland, Bennington Co., Vt., where he raised a family of nine children, and uniformly held a high rank in society. Many years ago he removed to the place he now occupies, surrounded by his children, where he still lives in good health, able to ride or walk about, do his own chores, talk with his neighbors, and enjoy life remarkably well for one of his great age,--respected and beloved by all who know him. ++ PENSIONS, BOUNTY AND BACK PAY. Persons entitled under the laws of the United States to receive either pensions, bounty, or back pay from the Government, should at once employ a competent agent to prosecute their claims. By employing an experienced agent, the papers sent to the Departments will be properly prepared and the cases disposed of when first reached, instead of being delayed perhaps for months, till the papers are sent back to have numerous errors which inexperienced agents always make, corrected. By calling at the Pension Agency of Welden T. BLISS, in the old American Block, in this village, claimants will be sure to have their business properly done. ++ DESERTER ARRESTED. On Wednesday last a deserter by the name of Edward BREWER, in the town of Bethany, was arrested by Sheriff UPTON, at his father's residence. BREWER, it seems, is an old offender having deserted the service some three times; the last charge against him is that he enlisted in Rochester a short time ago, took his bounty, and then skedaddled. He is a man about 28 years of age. ++ REAL ESTATE CHANGES IN LE ROY. L.K. GOULD sold a small house on Gilbert street, formerly occupied by Henry BACHELDER, for $500. H.S. RIDER has bought the CUSHING place on Brockport street, for $2,300. It was stated upon good authority in this paper last week, that Mr. RIDER has purchased the PARKS house, but it seems that the trade was not fully consummated. Next week we shall note many changes in real estate in the County. Those knowing any such having changed owners will confer a favor by informing us in season, together with the prices paid and other items of interest and information. ++ DEATH OF SILAS TABER OF AKRON. This gentleman, well known in all this vicinity as a veteran practitioner in Justices' Courts, died recently at his residence near Akron. He filled a prominent position in the business of political affairs of his town, for many years. ++ MARRIED. In Batavia, at the Western Hotel, Feb. 23d, by M.W. HEWITT, Esq., Mr. Earl W. TAGGART of Pembroke, to Miss E. STRONG of Batavia. In Troy, N.Y., on Monday, the 15th instant, by Rev. Rufus W. CLARK, Mr. Jerome ROWAN, of Batavia, to Miss Susanna F. LANSING, of Troy. In Watertown, Wis., on the 10th instant, by Rev. Chas. BOYNTON, Mr. Nathan SLAWSON, of Columbus, Wis., to Miss Phoebe M. SHEPARD, daughter of James SHEPARD, Esq., of Bethany, N.Y. In Batavia, on the 8th instant, by Rev. CUNNINGHAM, Mr. Thomas McNULTY, to Miss Sarah GOSS, all of this place. In Cary, on the 17th inst., by Rev. N.M. CLUTE, Mr. H.F. OLMSTED, of Onondaga to Miss Nellie CHAMBERLIN, of the former place. ++ DIED. In Batavia, on the 14th inst., of congestion of the lungs, Mrs. Mary GESSERT, aged 31 years. In East Bethany, on the 16th inst., after a lingering illness, Sarah, youngest daughter of D.E. and Harriet C. PRINDLE, in the 21st year of her age. ++ NOTICE. The Trustees of the Union School have made an arrangement by which an entire change of Reading Books and Geographies be made throughout the Departments of the Union School.--Sanders set of Union Readers are substituted for his old series, containing entirely new matter, and more of it. Mitchell's New Geographies are substituted in room of McNALLY's. The students of the school who are now in attendance, or who design to attend at the Union, can receive new books for their old by attending to the exchange immediately, or within three months from the time of this notice. Those who have not the Readers and Geographies to return, can purchase anew at Introductory prices, which are about half of the usual rates. By order of the Trustees, N. WRIGHT, Principal. N.B.--An examination of the classes at the Union school will take place on the 9th and 10th of March. Also, the Library of the Union School will soon be replenished with $240 worth of books, and those in the District desiring the purchase of any favorite volumes will send a list to the Principal immediately and such list will be duly considered. ++ submitted by Linda Schmidt