I have a relative who died in U Cocle, Panama in 1830. I thought this was curious, too. He was from Rensselaer Co. in NY. This is interesting because the name Sabin comes up with some regularity in the early history of Rensselaer Co. The only reason I can think of for someone from the Albany area of NY to be that far afield in the mid-1800's is missionary work. My family were strong members of The Seventh Day Baptists, so I thought missionary work was a real possibility for an explanation. The only problem was, when I contacted their missionary arm, they had no records of missions being sent to Panama. However, I did find in my general research that a number of groups DID send missionaries to Panama early and often. I was surprised by that (having just migrated from Rhode Island, you're going to then go to Central America?), but nevertheless, religous people were motivated and it happened. If interested, see my full profile on John Adams Scriven [
http://www.wikitree.com/wiki/Scriven-82]
As for Sabins in Rensselaer Co., NY, try burial records for Rensselaer Co. Although my ancestor died in Panama, he was buried locally.