****************** Spirit of the Times Batavia, Genesee County, New York State January 7-1865 The Genesee & Venango Petroleum Co. Capital................$300,000. The Genesee and Venango Petroleum Company. Some of our most enterprising citizens ever alive to the interests of the county, have organized a Company for the purpose of mining for Petroleum in the midst of the rich and valuable oil regions of Pennsylvania. The Company is duly organized under the laws of the State, under the title of "The Genesee and Venango Petroleum Company," (the prospectus of which we publish in another column,) with a capital of $300,000, and intend as early as the requisite machinery can be transported, to commence operations. The following gentlemen are the officers of the Company: Trustees-Trumbull CARY, Tracy PARDEE, Eli H. FISH, Lyman TERRY, E.M. McCORMICK, H.L. ONDERDONK, Elias A. LEWIS, Johnson B. BROWN, and R.H. FARNHAM. President-R.H. FARNHAM. Vice-President-Elias A. LEWIS. Treasurer-Eli H. FISH. Secretary-Wm. H. STORY. The unprecedented success that has attended almost every Petroleum Company that has commenced operations in the oil regions of Pennsylvania, and especially those wells that are in close proximity to the land purchased by the Batavia Company, is causing a great demand for the limited amount of stock which this new Company have issued, and the prospects are so flattering for a rich return, that the original purchasers almost concluded not to issue any stock at all. At the rate the stock is being applied for, it will soon all be bought up, and as far as we can judge it is one of the most promising speculations in which any man can invest his money. The gentlemen composing the officers of the Company and who have the management of its affairs, are all citizens of Batavia, and men of thorough business qualifications and unquestionable integrity, and we feel sure that this great oil speculation will result so favorably as to astonish and gratify even the most cautious and skeptical. In regard to the oil business, the Cleveland 'Plaindealer' has some very timely and appropriate remarks, which are well worth considering by those intending to purchase. * * John B. GOUGH's Lecture. The subject chosen by Mr. GOUGH for his lecture on Wednesday evening, will give an excellent opportunity for the employment of his peculiar talent in representing character. In this department Mr. GOUGH is without an equal, as his thoro' insight into human nature, and unrivalled powers of imitation, even to the minutest shade of character, makes every individual he personates seem really before the audience. His lecture on "Peculiar People" give this faculty of Mr. GOUGH's full play, and we are not surprised that wherever he has delivered it, the public pronounces it the best of his oratorical efforts. The lecture commences at half past seven o'clock. Mr. GOUGH delivered his lecture, "Peculiar People," in Boston last week to an immense audience, 2,600 tickets having been sold. * * From the 'Buffalo Commercial Advertiser.' The Late Hon. Benjamin FOLLET, of Ypsilanti, Mich.-The large circle of relatives and friends in this city and State who mourn the death of Mr. FOLLET, will read the following particulars in regard to the deceased with affectionate interest.- He was born at Batavia, Genesee County, and went to Ypsilanti in 1837. At the age of 18 he occupied the position of Cashier of the Bank of Ypsilanti. He returned to this State in 1840, and was Cashier of the Bank of Alexander. Went back to Michigan in 1843, where he resided until his death, occupying a prominent position in the religious, social and commercial affairs of the State. He was Treasurer, and for several years, President, of the State Agricultural Society. Was a member of the National Democratic Committee. He went to the Democratic Convention at Chicago, last Summer, apparently in perfect health, and was there seized with hemorrhage, returning home in a very feeble state. He was taken to the Water Cure at Elmira, in this State, where he died on Monday last, the 26th inst., at the age of 45 years, his wife and children being with him. His remains were taken to Ypsilanti, and the funeral took place last Wednesday, attended by a large number of mourning relatives and friends. The Detroit Board of Trade passed a series of sympathetic Resolutions, and a large delegation of citizens attended the funeral. * * Removal.-By reference to the card of Mrs. McMAHON, it will be observed that she has removed her stock of Millinery to No. 53 Main St. The ladies will please note the change. * * Married. In Batavia, on the 5th instant, by the Rev. M. FOWLER, George W. MORRIS, to Sarah A. WOODWARD. In Batavia, on the 4th instant, at the Eagle Hotel, by M.W. HEWITT, Esq., Mr. Bradley JACKSON, to Miss Sarah SHELDON, both of Barre, Orleans Co. * * Annual Report of the Batavia Gas Light Company. A dividend of Three per cent has been declared, payable on February 1st. Directors and Officers elected for the ensuing year:- Homer BOSTWICK, Batavia, President, Frank CHAMBERLAIN, Albany, Alva SMITH, Batavia, Dean RICHMOND, do Gad B. WORTHINGTON, do Elias A. LEWIS, do Levi OTIS, do Directors. Wilber SMITH, Secretary and Treasurer. Wm. M. TOMPKINS, Superintendent. Subscribed and sworn to this 4th day of January, 1865, before me W.T. BLISS, Notary Public for said County. * * Notice. Whereas, my wife POLLY, has left my bed and board without just cause; and I hereby give notice that all persons are forbid to trust her on my account, as I will pay no debts of her contracting after this date. Le Roy, Jan 2d, 1865, Miller MILLS. * * Woodward & Tarbox Attorneys & Counsellors-at-Law Office in American Block, Batavia. Special attention given to claims for Bounty, Back Pay, and Pensions. Mr. WOODWARD has already had considerable experience in this branch of business, and Mr. TARBOX for the past two years has been engaged in paying sick and discharged soldiers in U.S. hospitals. They thus possess unusual facilities for the prosecution of all claims against the government. Nathan A. WOODWARD. Henry F. TARBOX. * * Concert Hall. John B. GOUGH, Will speak in Concert Hall, Batavia, Wednesday Eve., Jan. 11, 1865, Subject, "Peculiar People." Tickets, 50 Cents. For sale at the Stores of C.W. HULL and Tryon & Main. Doors open at 6 1/2 o'clock, Lecture to commence at 7 1/2. * * Dr. LISTON, Consulting and Operating Surgeon for All Surgical Diseases. All Diseases of the Eye & Ear, Receive Special Attention. Albany General Infirmary, 115 Grand St., Albany, N.Y. Box 1043. Blindness! Sore Eyes, Diseased Lids, Watering Eyes, Dross Eyes, Cataracts, Artificial Pupils, Artificial eyes, Deafness, Catarrh, Discharges from the ear, noises in the head, and all the various acute and chronic diseases of the eye, throat, and ear. * * submitted by Linda Schmidt *********************************************