From Ontario Repository & Messenger 25 January 1871

Mr. Seymour T. Swartz, a resident of the town of South Bristol, while at work in the woods loading some maple logs for wood, took hold of one to roll it to the sleigh, when the log started, the skirt of his coat catching fast to a knot, and failing to disengage himself, he was thrown over in front, the log rolling over his right arm and stopping upon his body. He reached up with his left hand and loosened his coat, but with all the strength he could muster he failed to roll the log back, and in order to get loose, he was obliged to let the log roll over him. It must have owing to the unevenness of the ground that he was not killed instantly, but as good luck would have it, he came off with a sore head and other bruises about his body which are not considered dangerous. He is around and it is hoped he will be all right again in a few days. Rochester Democrat


From Ontario Repository & Messenger 15 February 1871

Wednesday morning last Mr. Lyman Eldridge, while engaged in coupling cars at the yard in this village, was caught between the bumpers and quite seriously injured. We understand that he is now in a very critical condition.


From Ontario Repository & Messenger 8 March 1871

Mr. Myron Taft of West Bloomfield, while out driving last Monday, was quite seriously injured by being run into by another party. Mr. T. was thrown violently to the ground, striking on his head, injuring him so severely that his life was despaired of for a long time. He is now slowly recovering from his injuries, but it will be several weeks before he will be able to attend to his business.


From Geneva Gazette 10 March 1871

ACCIDENT - We learn that a shocking accident occurred in Orleans this week, in which our young friend, Palmer Moore, is likely to lose his left arm.  He was at work with a circular saw, and his coat sleeve accidentally getting caught in a revolving shaft, twisted it and the arm, breaking, the latter below the elbow in places.


From Ontario Repository & Messenger 15 March 1871

On Friday night last an elderly man named James Madden, living near Seneca Point, was out on the Lake in a small boat, and next day his hat and the boat turned bottom upward were found floating near Tichenor's Point. Madden has been missing since that time, and it is surmised he has been drowned. Of course all speculation in reference to the affair is useless, as there is no clue to the matter, further than what we have stated. He is well known in this village, was a poor man and a laborer, and was in town intoxicated on Friday. If he was drowned in very deep water, it is possible his remains may never be recovered, as has frequently been the case in this Lake.


From Ontario Repository & Messenger 22 March 1871

In the old cemetery of this village, we noticed recently, for the first time, a trio of very old, dark-colored slabs, erected many years ago to the memory of the wives of Moses Goodale. The decease of the first is recorded in 1813, the second in 1814, and the third in 1815. Thus he married three times in three years, and buried a wife as often. Verily, Moses had a large heart, as susceptible to woman's charms as he was destructive and fatal to their being, or proof against the ways and courtesies of society. The history of such old, eccentric characters is always interesting, Who knew him?


On Tuesday night of last week, as Mr. Darwin Cheney, the Sheriff of this county, was returning from the east, he wished to get off at Clifton Springs. But sleep had laid a heavy hand upon him, and he did not get fully aroused to the fact that the train had arrived at Clifton, until after it had left the depot a short distance. He hastily made his exit from the car, and jumped from the train, which was not running very fast; but on alighting he fell into a cattle guard, breaking one of his ribs, and otherwise hurting and cutting himself. This is the second time within a year that he has met with severe accidents, having broken a rib last fall at East Bloomfield. He is able to be around, however, and attends to his duties as usual.

From Geneva Gazette 31 March  1871
Our esteemed friend and subscriber, Mr. Elijah Goodale, has favored us with a copy of the Geneva Gazette of date May 9, 1821 - lacking but a few weeks of fifty years old. And Mr. G. states that this copy has been in his possession since the week of the issue. In local matters editors paid much less attention than now to current events at home. It announces the marriages in Gorham of Pliny Hubbard to Mrs. Charity B. Curtis; the deaths in Geneva of the wife of Rev. Orin Clark, rector of Trinity Church, aged 27, and of Susan, only child of Wm. W. Watson.

From Ontario Repository & Messenger 5 April 1871
Monday forenoon last, Mr. Charles Powell, one of the proprietors of the steam spoke factory near the Lake, at the foot of Main street, met with a serious and dangerous accident. While tending to one of the circular saws, a butt of wood was, by some unfortunate circumstance, carried up around the saw, and, descending, struck Mr. Powell in the abdomen with such force as to lay him senseless on the floor. He was immediately conveyed to his home, where he has since remained in a very critical condition, and it is not yet known whether he can ever recover from the internal injuries which he sustained. He is attended by Dr. H. F. Bennett.

From Ontario Repository & Messenger 12 April 1871

Clifton Springs, N. Y. - An exciting runaway occurred in this village a day or two ago, as Mr. M. A. Payne and H. K. Wyman were enjoying a ride behind the beautiful five-year-old colt of the former gentleman. It seems that as they were passing the Water Cure, the horse became frightened at a dog which came through a fence, jumping sideways, the concussion was such as to wrench one of the hind wheels of the buggy completely off, and as the wagon settled down, Mr. Payne was thrown backward, still holding on to the lines, which snapped in two with the force of both man and beast, leaving My Wyman in the vehicle alone, with a runaway horse before him, and no lines to hold on to. With considerable presence of mind, he attempted to get on to the horse's back, but just as he was stepping over the dash board, a colt came along beside the already frightened horse which made him still more infuriated and unmanageable than before. Mr. W. was of course thrown instantly to the ground, and had the cap of his elbow loosened and his wrist badly sprained. Mr. P. also sustained similar injuries. The buggy was smashed into kindling wood.

From Ontario County Times 12 April 1871

Patrick Hayes, of Victor, went to Rochester on Saturday last, bought a suit of clothes, and then got drunk. He had his clothes stolen from him twice before leaving the city but they were recovered through the efforts of the police. Patrick should keep sober.

From Ontario Repository & Messenger 19 April 1871

We learn from the Phelps Citizen that while Dr. Wm. A. Carson of Rushville, was returning from a recent visit to a patient late at night, he fell asleep in his carriage, and team turning into the gateway of Mr. Ira Washburn, and striking against a post, the doctor was thrown out upon his head, cutting him severely. Mr. Washburn heard the noise, and going out to the doctor's relief, found him insensible. Doctors Jewett of Canandaigua, and Allen of Gorham, were called, and they pronounced him in a very critical condition. At last accounts he was improving.

From Ontario County Times 19 April 1871

On Thursday of last week, John Paddock, of East Bloomfield, came to town and got pretty drunk, and while in that condition was struck with a poker by one of the employees in the basement of the Canandaigua Hotel, which inflicted a severe scalp wound, and otherwise injured him about the face. What caused the row we are not informed, but probably it was whiskey. We doubt very much whether a person could justify himself, before a court of justice, for striking a drunken man with so deadly a weapon as an iron poker.
From Ontario County Times 26 April 1871
We unintentionally did an injustice to the young man who struck John Paddock with a poker, an account of which appeared in the Times last week. The facts of the case are that Paddock was very ugly, and threatened and committed an assault upon the young man, who was forced to use the weapon in self defence. We are glad to make amende honorable.

From Geneva Gazette 21 April 1871

AN ABORTION CASE - On duly sworn complaint before Justice Bean, a warrant was issued by that officer against Dr. E. G. Carpenter of Phelps, charged with producing an abortion in the case of an unmarried woman named Kittie Morrin, also of Phelps.  The case had a partial hearing on Wednesday last.  The woman herself was produced as a witness, and testified pointedly that an operation was performed upon her person by Dr. C. which resulted in a miscarriage.  The Doctor waived further examination, and was held to bail to await the action of our next Grand Jury.  The girl was also required to enter into a recognizance with sureties to appear as a witness before the Grand Jury.  No little excitement prevails in Phelps over this affair some being extremely anxious to procure conviction and the consequent penalty; and others, the Doctor's friends, alleging that he is being maliciously persecuted for reasons very far removed from a regard for public morals.  We take no stock in either side of the issue.


From Naples Record 13 May 1871

Rushville - The usual quiet of our little village was disturbed on Tuesday by a runaway team pushing through at a fearful speed, with only a buggy pole attached to them. Persons following them soon came up and we learned that the team belonged to Mr. Darwin Holbrook, living about two miles south of this place; and that as Mr. Holbrook was passing out of his gate, the bit on one of his horses broke, they became unmanageable and ran down the street at a fearful pace; one of buggy wheels giving way, he was overturned, and drawn with the buggy and part of the time under it several rods, but escaped without any serious injury. The horses, after passing through the village, turned into the mill yard, and were secured. They appeared considerably injured but to what extent, I have not learned.


From Naples Record 10 June 1871

A boy aged 14 years, ran away from the Orphan Asylum at Canandaigua. His name is George Steele. His friends want him.

From Geneva Gazette 30 June 1871

A Young Man Shot in Canandaigua - A young man by the name of John Ryan, while at a house of ill-fame in Canandaigua last Sunday night, was shot in the hand and thigh by one of the inmates of the house by the name of Hattie Boyd.  He is not dangerously injured.  Several other disturbances occurred during the evening.


From Ontario Repository & Messenger 5 July 1871

We are informed that a very serious accident occurred in Geneva, last Thursday forenoon, by which a young man named John Moshier, employed in the ship yard there, was so severely injured that his life is now despaired of. It appears that he was working on one of the wheel houses of the steamer Langdon, when by some means the blocking by which the wheel was secured gave way, precipitating him to the ground. In his descent, he struck the sharp edge of a plank, inflicting a severe injury to the spinal column. He was picked up and conveyed to his home in an insensible condition, and remained so for several hours. Physicians were called in and upon examining him found that the lower limbs were completely paralyzed, and that he was in a very critical condition.


From Geneva Gazette 28 July 1871

One of our Canandaigua contemporaries says that Mrs. Mary Wilson owns a farm of 150 acres near Reed's corners, Ontario county, and, although seventy-two years of age, has gathered in all her grain without help.  She was found by an interviewer pitching off a load of wheat, and a day or two ago had been mowing.  She swings a scythe and handles a pitchfork with the ease of a man in his prime.


From Ontario Repository & Messenger 2 August 1871

On Monday last, about the hour of noon, a young man named Truman Powers of Farmington, met with a serious and perhaps fatal accident in this village. He had driven into town with a team of horses and a lumber wagon, and when opposite the Atwater Block, the pin fastening one of the whiffletrees came out, allowing it to strike one of the horse's heels. The pole then fell from its socket in the neck-yoke, and the horses became almost unmanageable. They then turned up Jail street, and when near the Court House, came in contact with the new walk recently constructed, the wagon bounded upward as it struck the wide stone over the gutter, and Mr. Powers was thrown quite a distance into the air. He fell on his head and shoulders, and was picked up insensible. Blood oozed from his nose and ears, showing an hemorrhage in the head. He was immediately conveyed to the Ontario House, where he was attended by Drs. Smith and Simmons. He has since been removed to his home, where he lies in a very low condition, and recovery is doubtful.


According to the Phelps Citizen a serious accident occurred to Mr. John Houbner of Clifton Springs. While driving a load of wood he was thrown off, and part of the load fell on him, dislocating the hip joint and splintering the bone. Drs. Archer and Dimock were called, who reset the joint and otherwise relieved the patient.

From Ontario County Times 2 August 1871
 
A little girl named Annie Hendrick left her home in Phelps on Monday, July 24th, and mysteriously disappeared. She is 13 years of age, had on a purple and white plaid dress, with black overskirt, and a drab hat. She has light hair, blue eyes, and a scar on the left side of her neck. Her widowed mother is in great distress on account of her loss. Information in regard to the child may be forwarded to Patrick H. Kelley, Phelps, N. Y.


From Geneva Gazette 4 August 1871

Stung to Death by Bees - A horse belonging to Anson Gage, who resides on the Lake shore some six miles from Canandaigua, was stung to death by honey bees on Thursday, 27th ult.  A hive accidentally upset, when the bees made an onslaught upon the horse which was hitched near by, swarming upon his neck and body, filling it with stings until the poor animal, after suffering most excruciating agony for upwards of three hours, expired.  Several hives joined in the attack, and more than a swarm were killed by those attempting to relieve the horse; and yet, strange to say, none of them received a sting.


From Ontario County Times 16 August 1871

Josiah Q. Howe, son of Dr. J. Q. Howe, came near receiving a fatal injury on Thursday of this week. He was engaged in drawing timber to the Snyder mills, and had a heavy oak stick thirty feet in length on the wagon, and while he was crossing the bridge, near said mills, at the point where there is no railing or guards on the side of the bridge, the reach of the wagon, which held the wheels to the timber, became disconnected and allowed the wheels to cut off one side of the bridge, overturning the wagon, by which his leg, near the knee, was caught between the stake and timber and cutting a fearful gash in the flesh by the stake, and holding him so firmly that several persons had to make great effort to extricate him. He is confined to the house and doing as well as the nature of the case would allow. Phelps Citizen


From Geneva Gazette 25 August 1871

Sad Accident - A young man aged 17 years, named Dyson Denison, in the employ of Messrs. Parker & Morrison, met with a serious accident on Saturday last while engaged in razing the old house of J. W. Smith.  Just as some of the workmen were casting off one of the joists of the second story, Denison, who was upon the ground, started to run out of the way, but tripped and was prostrated, when the joist fell upon him, striking him in the "small of the back."  How he escaped without a broken spine is a miracle.  The injury seems to have been greatest in his breast, and though serious is not considered dangerous.  Dr. Picot attended him promptly.  


From Ontario Repository & Messenger 4 October 1871

The Naples Record says that on Thursday last, Mrs. Emily Voorheis of South Bristol, met with quite a serious accident. She, in company with her daughter, were riding over to Honeoye, and as they were passing over an uneven portion of the road, the buggy tipped, throwing Mrs. V. out upon the stones, breaking her right arm just above the elbow, and dislocating the elbow joint. The ends of the broken bones protruded through the flesh, causing great pain and suffering. Her wounds were dressed by Dr. Wilbur, and she is now getting along as well as could be expected.


From Ontario Repository & Messenger 1 November 1871

We are informed that Mr. Jarvis Carr of South Bristol, met with a very serious accident on Saturday week. It appears that he was at a neighbor's, Mr. Stillman Phillips, helping thrash, and Mr. C. sat down upon a stack of straw, very near the edge, and in some way slipped off, striking heavily on the ground with his right shoulder, stunning and bruising him so badly that at first his life was despaired of. Dr. Durgan of Honeoye, was called, who found him in a critical condition, and at last accounts his recovery was doubtful.


From Ontario Repository & Messenger 8 November 1871

The Clifton Springs News of last week publishes an account of an infant, less than a week old, being kidnapped by its inhuman father. It states that a year ago a man, or rather a brute, by the name of Mike Lavin was married. Shortly after his marriage he began to treat his wife in a most cruel manner, kicking and whipping her dreadfully. Sometimes even tying her to the floor and stripping her back and shoulders so that he could better do his devilish work. Under such treatment Mrs. L. could not long survive, and in order to save her life, she left him and has since worked for her own support. For some time lately, she has been living at a Mr. Bailey's about two miles from Clifton Springs. Lavin had called to see her several times, and since she has had a little babe has been to see her once or twice. On Tuesday evening last, Lavin, with his sister called to see her, when L's sister taking the babe made some pretext for going in the other room. Lavin immediately left and went out to his buggy that was at the gate, where he was joined by his sister with the babe, and the first thing known they were leaving the place as fast as the horse could go. This inhuman act places two lives in peril. Mrs. L. is laying at death's door in consequence thereof, and 'tis by no means certain that babe, less than a week old taken out into the chilly October air and carried no one knows how far, will survive. We have not words to express our indignation towards a wretch who would do as Lavin has done. From all quarters comes news of his brutality and heartlessness.


From Naples Record 18 November 1871

Young Mason Reed of Reeds Corners, had his leg broken by running into Mr. Lincoln's buggy on a dark night last week. Mr. Reed was at full speed on horseback, accompanied by another horseman.

From Geneva Gazette 5 January 1872

At a gathering of the HEARTWELL family in this town recently, there were present representatives of four generations, viz: (1) Benjamin; (2) Oscar F.; (3) James B; (4) Charles L.  Their united ages were 182 years, average 42.  All are in the enjoyment of good health, and the senior bids fair to survive till another generation is added to his descendants.

From Naples Record 13 January 1872

About the middle of December last, G. H. Griner and Loomis Wright, of Garlinghouse, this town, killed a beef, throwing the intestines one side for the fowls. A few days afterwards Tuisco Griner, a younger brother, saw a bright object that was laid bare by the scratching of the hens, upon the stomach thus thrown out, which upon examination proved to be a silver thimble, with the name of E. Tobey plainly marked upon it. It proved to be a present from an aunt to then Miss Tobey, now Mrs. George Wiley; and being too large was much used by her. The residence of the owner of the thimble is six miles from Mr. Griner's and the animal was never from home. How did the thimble get into the ox's stomach six miles away? Perhaps it would be proper to state that, living in the same house with Mr. Wiley, is a brother and brother-in-law of Mr. Wright, joint owner of the beef with Mr. Griner; and by the visiting of a large family of relatives between the two places, the thimble could have got into clothing and carried away but how could it get into the stomach.

From Ontario Repository & Messenger 17 January 1872

Mrs. Sylvanus White of Naples, while doing her usual work about the house a short time ago, tripped her toe in the carpet and was thrown to the floor, breaking her right arm above the elbow.

From Geneva Gazette 19 January 1872

A sad accident befel Mr. William Baxter, an employe at T. Smith & Co.'s steam bent works on Wednesday afternoon last. While engaged at one of the small circular saws, by a slip or misstep, he lost his balance and his left hand came in contact with the saw which was revolving at full speed.  In a twinkling the four fingers were severed between the second and third joints and thumb at the second joint.  Drs. Cox and Clark were summoned speedily as possible, who attended upon the injured man. Mr. Baxter has sustained injuries on one or two previous occasions at these works, but none so serious as the last. He has the commiseration of numerous friends in his misfortune.


From Ontario Repository & Messenger 31 January 1872

One day last week, a young man named Charles McCarty, at work in Johnson & Wilcox's planing mill, was engaged around some part of the machinery, when his right arm became caught in the belting, and his fingers were smashed and his wrist broken in two places. A brother of the above came very near losing his life the next day by being squeezed between two cars, on the Northern Central rail road, while trying to couple them.

Mr. E. C. Yaw, on Saturday last met with an accident that will prove a serious one to him. He was drawing logs, and while rolling one upon his sled, having rolled it up the skid to the rave of the sled, reached down to lift the end of the skid or lever, with his right hand to throw the log over, when the end of the skid on the rave slipped off, letting the log down upon his left leg. The ankle is badly put out and broken, and the leg broken, just above. Drs. Conley and Stoddard set the fractured limb in good style and the unfortunate one is doing as well as could be expected; but the fracture in such a place will necessarily destroy Mr. Yaw's activity for a long time. He is at his father-in-law's, Mr. F. Hatch, Cohocton st., but much time in necessary. He has the sympathy of his many friends. Naples Record.

From Ontario County Repository & Messenger 7 February 1872
John Smith of Geneva, was one hundred years old on the 24th of January.


On Thursday evening, January 25th, at a Catholic Festival in Phelps, which are largely attended, there was a high state of pleasant excitement over two gold-headed canes. The best cane, costing about fifty dollars, was to be presented to the most popular man in Phelps, and this was to be determined by the votes of those present. Mr. T. O. Hotchkiss received 910 votes, and Mr. H. McBurney received 851.

From Ontario County Repository & Messenger 14 February 1872

Alexander Rogers, while chopping wood upon Mr. Pottle's farm on Thursday of this week, narrowly escaped being killed by the falling of a tree. His brother was felling the tree and spoke to him, but he did not get out entirely of its reach. The top struck him upon the shoulders and back, seriously injuring him, but not fatally. Dr. Lusk reports no bones broken, and that he will slowly recover from the blow. Naples Record

From Ontario County Repository & Messenger 13 March 1872

According to the Phelps Citizen, a resident of that town, Mr. J. W. Griffeth, while hunting a few weeks ago, chased a fox into the barnyard of "farmer Swan," where he fired upon the cornered animal twice -- the first shot taking effect in the neck of a calf, and the second in the neck of a cow, after which the fox escaped from the yard, but was pursued and overtaken by the hunter's dog.


From Ontario County Times 13 March 1872

On Saturday last an Irishman named Patrick Doyle, driving a team belonging to Clark Fairbanks on Railroad Avenue, observed a stake fall from his cart and went back a few steps to recover the lost article, leaving the horses meantime to take care of themselves. While standing thus unattended the horses became frightened, probably by a passing train of cars, and dashed off upon a run. Reaching Main street, they turned toward the lake and kept on at the top of their speed, scattering the imperiled wayfarers right and left and causing a lively excitement. On the corner of Bristol street they collided with and demolished a lamp post. After running a few rods further they were brought to a stand and secured. Fortunately this exciting escapade was not attended with any very serious consequences. The horses, although greatly frightened, were not injured at all. The cart was damaged only to the amount of a few dollars.

From Geneva Gazette 15 March 1872

Hannah Fosmire, indicted for keeping a house of ill-fame in Geneva, will make Rochester her home till March, 1873.

From Ontario County Times 24 April 1872

On the evening of the 20th instant, Mrs. Eliza Converse of Farmington, was happily surprised by receiving an unexpected, but most welcome visit from her children, grandchildren, and a few other near friends. The day chosen for this visit was her seventy-first birthday. Mrs. Converse is the widow of the late Joseph Converse, and was formerly the widow of John Sheldon. She has lived in Farmington from early girlhood, having been among the first settlers there, and can well remember the time when an assemblage, numbering as many persons as participated in her late surprise party, would have embraced a very large portion of the population of the town. After the "surprise" was over, and Mrs. Converse had been warmly congratulated by her numerous guests, the latter proceeded to spread the table with bountiful refreshments which they had considerately provided for the occasion, and of which all partook with a keen relish. The company departed at a reasonable hour, with earnestly expressed hopes that their aged relatives might be long spared to enjoy the comforts of life and the society of her friends, and feeling that they had passed the evening most delightfully.

At a meeting of the Bristol Farmers' and Mechanics' Association, held pursuant to notice, the following officers were elected for the ensuing year: A. Chandler Hathaway, president; Luther Pomeroy, Jr., John T. Sisson, vice-presidents; Seymour W. Case, recording secretary; Peleg F. Hicks, treasurer. Membership fee 50 cents. Committee to solicit membership: Elihu Briggs, Leonard Jones, Billings T. Case, Alonzo Parks, James M. Case, James Reed, George Everett, Nathan W. Thomas, Clark M. Phillips, Simon P. Hall, Augustus Reed, Jeremiah Ketcham, William Cobb, Stilman Phillips. 


From Ontario County Repository & Messenger 1 May 1872

Mr. John S. McClure of this village, had the misfortune to meet with quite a serious accident on Monday evening. In driving around the west side of the park on Gibson street, near Park street entrance, a horse and buggy, driven by Mr. J. C. Sayre, came around from the east side and collided with him, overturning the wagon and throwing Mr. McClure heavily to the ground, breaking his left leg and shattering the ankle. He was taken to his residence, which was nearby, and a physician summoned, who set the limb, and made the patient as comfortable as the circumstances would permit.

From Ontario County Times 1 May 1872

On Sunday morning last, Mr. Peter Wolverton, living in the west part of this town, came to the village for the purpose of attending church. After service he started for home, driving a spirited pair of horses before a democrat wagon, and accompanied by his wife and daughter and another lady. The horses held hard, and just after passing under the railroad bridge, one of the bits broke, when they became quite unmanageable and commenced running at the top of their speed. Before going far the wagon-pole dropped to the ground, and the end of it struck against some obstruction in the road, whereby its forward movement was suddenly checked and the vehicle capsized. The occupants of the wagon were, of course, all thrown together upon the ground in a heap, while the frightened animals freed themselves from the wreck and continued their wild race towards and over arsenal hill, until they reached Mr. Sackett's place, when they turned into his yard and stopped. Fortunately this frightful escapade was not attended with serious consequences to any one. Mr. Wolverton and his companions, although considerably frightened, all escaped without other injury than a severe shock and some trifling bruises. The horses were also uninjured, and even the wagon and harness were but little broken. It is, indeed, surprising that such an accident should have happened and so little damage been done.

From Naples Record 4 May 1872

Simon Smith, about two months ago, while foddering, had the misfortune to get a chaff or piece of straw in his left eye wich destroyed the sight for a time, and now the other is much worse from its over work. He has been and still is bad off as far as his sight is concerned,  but is improving.

From Ontario County Times 29 May 1872

About nine o'clock this morning, Mr. Amasa Miles, of Hopewell, was driving into town, accompanied by his wife, and when near the corner of Pleasant and Saltonstall streets, his horse took fright from the breaking of some part of the wagon and became unmanageable and commenced running. Mr. Edward Nickolson, of Hopewell, was driving a short distance ahead, and his wagon was run into, and he was violently thrown to the ground, while Mr. and Mrs. Miles were served in a similar manner. Mr. Miles was so badly injured about the head that it is feared he cannot recover. His wife had an arm broken and was otherwise considerably bruised. Mr. Nickolson fortunately escaped without serious injury.

Jordan Backman, of Hopewell, near Lewis' Station, met with a serious injury on the 20th instant, by a terrible mutilation of both of his hands, by coming in contact with a buzz saw, which he was operating at the same time. Five of the fingers were cut off close to the hands, and some of the others badly injured.

From Ontario County Repository & Messenger 29 May 1872

Monday afternoon, as Mr. Jas. McB. Gillett of Hopewell, was crossing the railroad track on Main street, his horses became frightened at the cars, and starting suddenly the pole dropped down, and Mr. G. was thrown out of the wagon, heavily to the ground, breaking his leg.

From Naples Record 6 June 1872

On Sunday last, a singular accident happened to one of our townsman. As Milo Crippen was returning from church, driving his team with two horse carriage, in which his mother and four others were seated, the neckyoke broke, near S. S. Luther's residence, allowing the pole to drop to the ground, which rendered the horses unmanageable. They ran, but somehow three of the tugs became unhitched and the horses, by the unequal pulling, went round and round throwing the occupants of the wagon out. Mrs. Crippen, who is somewhat advanced in life and a fleshy lady, was thrown upon out upon her shoulder and much hurt, and other ladies are somewhat injured. The horses broke entirely loose from the wagon and ran up Main Street, but the manner in which they were checked was a singular one. They ran up the street far enough to cross both bridges, when they overtook Aaron Bartholomew and wife also driving home from church. The horses separated, one going each side of the buggy. The cross lines of the team swept Mr. and Mrs. B. over to the dashboard which allowed the lines to pass over the buggy, but they caught in the harness and so sudden was the shock given them that they were turned in the opposite direction. Luckily, Mr. and Mrs. B. were not hurt, although frightened, and no injury done to their buggy and horses. By the help of the neighbors, the horses were secured and restored to the owner. Mr. Crippen's wagon are some broken. Mrs. Crippen was carried to her home, after an examination by a physician, and is doing as well as can be expected.

From Naples Record 13 June 1872

In answer to our calling for assistance in collecting a list of the persons in town -- the old settlers -- Mrs. Anable, now with her son-in-law, F. B. Johnson, in an adjoining Co., send us the following. It is a well-written letter, and very remarkably so for a lady nearly 87 years old:
May 14th, 1872 - Mr. Deyo: I was born in 1785. My father was one of the first settlers of Naples; he, with a part of his family, moved to Naples in 1790, and my mother and the remainder of the family went there in 1796. My home has been Naples ever since '95 till last September. I now live in Canandaigua I now consider myself one of the old settlers of Naples; my age is 86 last September; my hand trembles so that I can't write anything that you can read; my last year has been one of sickness and (can't read word) and I soon expect to find rest in Heaven. If you cannot make out what I have written let Irving Anable read it to you, he knows my handwriting.        SALLY ANABLE


From Naples Record 22 June 1872

Canadice, N. Y. - Last Tuesday, Abner Jackman fell from the scaffold over the barn floor, through the stairway to the ground floor, a distance of eighteen feet, striking on his head and shoulders. He was picked up for dead but revived and is getting better.

From Naples Record 29 June 1872

Some of the Old Residents - "Uncle Fletcher", (colored), is 103 years old; health good; lives at Platt Johnson's. Thomas Hooker -- 87 years old, health good for a man of his age and activity; lives on a farm where he has so long resided. Chester Reed - 83 years old; health very good; lives with his son, M. B. Reed; he can be seen every Sunday wending his way to the Presbyterian church, of which he has been a worthy member for a half century. Thomas Covel -- 82 years old; and Sally Covel, 79 years old; are in good health; they live happily together in their comfortable residence, Monier st., near their son's, James Covel. Jacob Sutton - 87 years old; is decrepid and palsied; lives with Sylvanus White, where he is liberally provided for by his generous son, G. P. Sutton of Sanitarium Francisco. Oliver S. Williams - is 79 years old; he recently lost his aged, worthy companion; he lives at present at Thomas Hooker's. Abel Moor - 74 years old; health is good; lives with his son-in-law, John A Lewis a portion of the time, and with P. H. Pierce a portion.

From Naples Record 6 July 1872

On Saturday last, Abel Moore, while at work in the hot sun, was stricken down by the heat, and has been in a critical condition since. He recovers slowly. He is at the residence of P. H. Pierce, under the care of Dr. Lusk.

From Naples Record 6 July 1872

OLD RESIDENTS - Mrs. Polly Johnson, relict of William. B. Johnson, is 85 years old; health good; is living in the old homestead where she has lived for a half century. Mrs. Ann Hotchkiss, relict of Luman Hotchkiss, is 82 years old, health is good, lives in the south wing of her old homestead, now owned and occupied by John Oakley. Mrs. Abigail Hinckley, relict of Guy Hinckley, is 72 years old; her health is poor, and she is becoming helpless; she lives with Orville Hinckley at the homestead. Dea. Abner P. Lyon is 75 years old; his health is good, and works in his vineyard and fruit every day; he resides on the corner of Vine and Elizabeth Sts. Mrs. Shay, mother of Mrs. Jaqua, is an old lady, 78 years old, living with Mrs. Jaqua; her health is poor. Joseph Rathbone -- 72 years old; health is good; lives on his farm in the west part of the town on what was once the Barringer place. John Kenfield is 74 years old; his health is good and he is active; he owned a small farm in the west part of the town, but lives on the I. M. Lyon's farm near Linus F. Lincoln's.

 
From Ontario County Repository & Messenger 10 July 1872

Last Thursday, while a young man named Patrick Conroy, was driving up Buffalo street, his horse became frightened at something and ran into a tree. Conroy was thrown out on the whiffletrees, and had three ribs broken and his head and shoulder badly cut.

From Ontario County Times 10 July 1872

Dr. James Flood, of this village, a few days since removed from the neck of Jonathan Wilder, of Seneca, a large and painful tumor, with which he has been afflicted nearly twenty years. It grew directly across the spine, and for the past year has grown very rapidly. During this time the patient has suffered greatly and was fast declining in general health. Mr. Wilder is among the oldest and most respected residents of the town of Seneca. His many friends will learn with pleasure that he is able again to be about, and that he is rapidly improving in health. He was in town for the first time since the operation, we believe, on Friday last. We have heard the operation characterized as a great success, and Dr. Flood highly complimented for his skill. Geneva Courier.


From Ontario County Times 10 July 1872

On Wednesday of last week, Ira W. Lincoln, of this place, while riding in a buggy, a little this side of East Farmington, met with quite a serious accident. He was accompanied by his son, aged ten years, who was driving. The horse got his tail over one of the lines and commenced kicking, striking the boy in the face and hitting Mr. Lincoln in one of his legs. The former had his jaw broken and severe gash cut across his cheek. He was taken to the residence of Mr. David Wood, near by, where surgical aid was obtained and his wounds properly dressed. He has since been brought home and is reported to be doing well.

From Ontario County Times 17 July 1872

On Wednesday afternoon of last week, as Mr. Alfred N. Hollis, accompanied by Miss Eva Smith, daughter of Mrs. Emma Smith, and Miss Carrie Hawley, daughter of John Hawley, all of this village, were enjoying a sail on Canandaigua Lake, in a small sailboat, their boat was suddenly capsized by a gust of wind, and they were all precipitated into the water. They had started from Hazel Dell cabin, about a mile this side of Woodville, for the opposite side of the lake, and had reached within about half a mile of the shore when the accident occurred. Mr. Hollis immediately caught hold of the boat, and the young ladies hold of him, and in this condition they were compelled to remain about an hour and a half, when by their cries they attracted the attention of some workmen who were at work on Mr. E. G. Lapham's house, on what is known as the Munger place, and they immediately proceeded to rescue them from their perilous situation. When they reached the shore, they were all very much exhausted, and could not have held out much longer. The young ladies were both about 18 years of age, and Mr. Hollis states that throughout the trying ordeal, they remained courageous and calm, and to this and the heroic efforts of Mr. Hollis, they may attribute their rescue from a watery grave.

From Ontario County Repository & Messenger 24 July 1872

Last Saturday afternoon, while several men were engaged in painting the outside of Foster's new building, corner of Main and Bristol streets, one of them, named Thomas Gray, was using a scaffolding, which being insecurely fastened, gave way, and he fell heavily on the flagging beneath. He was picked up insensible and conveyed to his residence on Jail street, where upon medical examination it was found that the elbow of his left arm was badly fractured, and his head and shoulders severely bruised.

From Geneva Gazette 26 July 1872

An unmarried woman, Joanna Powers, from Geneva, abandoned a child only four days old at the Central hotel, Auburn, last week, and attempted to take a train at the N. Y. C. depot.  She was detained, and made to reassume the charge of her infant.

From Ontario County Times 31 July 1872

On Friday evening last, as a Mr. Bennett, of Manchester, and Patrick Brady, of this village, were passing the railroad track, on Main street, in a one-horse buggy, the horse became frightened at the headlight of an approaching locomotive, and ran down Main street at a terrific pace. Fetching up against a post in front of Tracy's grocery store, both of the occupants of the buggy were violently thrown to the ground, but not seriously hurt. The front part of the buggy was badly broken, but the horse escaped injury.

On Saturday evening last, John Oulahan, of this village, while laboring under great mental excitement, induced by domestic unhappiness and copious draughts of whisky, shot himself in the arm, inflicting a slight flesh wound. Whether he contemplated self-destruction or not we cannot learn; if so, he was eminently unsuccessful. A short time after, he was arrested at the Lake Breeze House, for a breach of the peace, and taken before Police Justice Howell, by whom he was committed to jail for further examination. The case has not been fully disposed of.

From Naples Record 3 August 1872

OLD RESIDENTS - Rev. John C. Morgan is 82 years of age, and Mrs. Morgan is over 80; their healths are good for such old people; they reside on their place, Water St. Mrs. Ruth Porter, relict of Henry Porter, is 74 years old; health usually good, she lives on the Curtis place now which she owns, with her son, Charles. Abraham Sutton is now 85 years old; health good; lived on the homestead where he has resided 61 years; he settled in this town in 1805. Mrs. Sarah Johnson, relict of Amasa Johnson, is 73 years old; health not very good; she lives with Moses Raymond who occupies her homestead at the south side of the village. Mrs. Almira A. Thrall, relict of William Thrall, is 72 years of age; health good; she is now visiting her daughter in Nunda but her home is with her son, L. G. Thrall.

From Naples Record 10 August 1872

OLD RESIDENTS - Dr. V. Manahan is now 78 years old; he holds his age well, indeed we can see no change for the twenty-five years last past; he farms and doctors, and is well situated upon his farm. Mr. John Moore is 80 years of age; health quite good; his wife is aged 67; health very poor; they are living in the north part of the town where they have resided for the last 30 years. Mrs. Laura Clark is now 79 years old; she resides with Hon. C. S. Lincoln, her son-in-law. on the old homestead; she has very good health physically, and as to the intellectual, Col. Clark say "she knows more than any of her children." She taught school in the old log town house near the square, in 1815. Among the old folks may be reckoned Mrs. Helitje Mills, relict of Elisha Mills, who enter her 90th year on the 16th of Feb. last. In consequence of an injury she received several years since, she is not able to walk, but otherwise her health is tolerably good, for one of her years. The daughter, Mrs. Townsend, near Penn Yan, in her 70th year, visits her frequently, and is as cheery, and sprightly, as one of half her years.

FIRST SETTLERS - The names of the first settlers together with the names of those occupying the same lands on the road leading from Naples to the South Bristol line through West Hollow:
Col. John Johnson in 1811, now owned by Mr. Christian.
Wm. B. Johnson, now owned by Mrs. Johnson.
John Hinckley in 1812, now owned by J. A. Pierce.
Nathan Goodell, now owned by Sullivan Henry.
John Larrabee, now owned by E. R. Porter.
John Clement, now owned by Monier Estate.
Ami Baker, now owned by Monier Estate.
James Niles, now owned by Monier Estate.
William Watkins, now owned by F. M. Whitman.
Hiram Sayles, now owned by F. M. Whitman.
Joshua Lyon, in 1813, now owed by D. R.
Mr. Collins, now owned by J. D. Sutton.
Mr. Mooney, now owned by Freeman French.
Jervis White, now owned by M. C. Sutton.
Erastus Parrish, now owned by M. C. Sutton.
Tower Stetson, now owned by J. M. French.
John Sutton, now owned by S. H. Sutton.
Nathan Clark, now owned by Alexander Cleaveland.
Abraham Sutton, now owned by S. H. Sutton.
Joel Norton, now owned by Orlando Cleaveland.
The first saw mills that were built on the West Hollow creek, were built by Samuel Wing, William Watkins, Asa Wilder, John Carpenter, Joshua Jones, and John Low. Lyman Bundy and Major Clark settled on the hill east of C. W. Clark's.


From Ontario County Repository & Messenger 14 August 1872

Last Thursday, while Fred Crandall, an employee of Messrs. Finley & Sons, was in Ehrlich & Co.'s store fooling with their hoisting apparatus and drawing himself up with it, he lost his balance and fell from the second story through the trap door to the hard floor beneath, breaking his wrist and severely bruising himself.


From Ontario County Times 14 August 1872

The Naples Record states that on Wednesday morning, as Mrs. Horace Dunton was driving past Mr. Muck's, in the north part of the town, having in the buggy a Mrs. Demerritt and another lady, the horse took fright and ran, throwing over the buggy, and dragging Mrs. Dunton and Mrs. Demerritt under it. Both were much injured, Mrs. Demerritt quite seriously.


The wife and daughter of Allis Childs, of Hopewell, while driving into town on the 6th instant, were thrown from their buggy and severely injured about the heads and faces. The accident was caused by the breaking of some part of the harness, which caused the horse to run and become unmanageable.


From Ontario County Times 28 August 1872

On Sunday last a painful accident befell two young men of this village -- James Burns, son of Michael Burns, blacksmith, and Edgar E. Bates, son of H. D. Bates, grocer. The accident occurred near the school-house, on the Lake Road, west side, about three miles from this village. The boys were out riding in a one-horse buggy. They had gone out the Middle Road, and were coming down the cross-road toward the Lake Road, and when they had reached the hill near the residence of Mr. Wolverton, the snap to the hold back strap broke, and the horse became frightened and unmanageable, and ran down the hill at a fearful pace. Young Burns was soon thrown out of the buggy, forward, over the dash, and on to the heels of the horse, his head striking a stone or some other hard substance, making a frightful wound, from which the blood flowed profusely. The wheels of the buggy also passed over his body, seriously injuring him about the abdomen, and leaving him in an insensible condition. A little further on young Bates attempted to jump from the buggy, but his clothing becoming entangled in something, he was likewise thrown under the wheels, and one of legs badly bruised. Standing near the school house above mentioned were several children who had been attending Sunday school. As soon as they saw the runaway animal approaching, they scattered in every direction, attempting to get out of the way, but, unfortunately, one little girl, Alice Bowdy by name, was not quick enough, and the wheels passed over one of her feet, sorely injuring it. On reaching the Lake Road, the horse attempted to turn toward the village, but his momentum was so great that he was thrown down, and with the buggy, rolled over two or three times, and pitched down the embankment into the lake. The horse and buggy were owned by Mr. Bates. The horse was not seriously injured, but the buggy was made a complete wreck. The unfortunate young men were brought to their homes in this village in the afternoon, medical aid summoned, and their wounds dressed. They are
now doing nicely, and are able to be about.

From Naples Record 31 August 1872

South Bristol - Among your list of old people, there seems to be two old ladies forgotten: Mrs. Smith who lives with her son, David M. Smith, and aged 85 years; she is feeble and childish; Mrs. Benson T. Hawkins, aged 72; very poor in health.

From Naples Record 7 September 1872

Mrs. Mary Dunton, "Aunt Polly," relict of Joseph Dunton, called on us yesterday. She is 73 years old and retains her strength and vigor to a remarkable degree. She came here 56 years ago, and lived on the spot where Deacon Wheeler lives, 42 years. At 70 years of age she spun 50 runs of woolen yarn and doubled and twisted the most of it, also quilted 7 bedquilts for 2 dollars each; even at the present time she does her own work and sews for other people. This spring she quilted a silk bedquilt -- all silk -- for Mrs. Monier. When we lose such old ladies, who will take their places?

From Naples Record 12 October 1872

South Bristol - We have at least two grandmothers whom I think have as yet been overlooked among the list of old people in our town. Mrs. Deborah Porter, relict of Clark Porter, aged 75 years, born in the county of Grafton, N. H., has been a resident of this county 51 years, and for a number of years past has been living here with her daughter, Mrs. Amasa Coy. As one sees her in the midst of her grandchildren, honored and beloved as good grandmothers deserve to be, her stock of stories and kindly encouragement never exhausted, one can readily imagine how they may think.

Also Mrs. Elizabeth Richards, relict of Daniel Richards, an aunt by marriage to Fanny Forrester; she is 87 years of age, was born in 1785 in Bradford, N. H., has been a resident of this State 55 years, and of this town 23 years. She lives with her daughter, Mrs. Hill, and during last month picked hops in Mr. Vanderburghs yard for a number of days; walked to and from the yard morning and evening, a good half mile, and it is said there were few in the yard who could out pick her.

From Naples Record 19 October 1872

Among our old people, Rev. Waldo Curtis should have been mentioned. He is 76 years old and enjoys good health; he, during the past harvest, with his son, pitched on ten loads of grain in a day; also one forenoon pitched six loads of hay. He came here in 1814 and had been identified with the interests of our people most sixty years. Also "Aunt Laura Fuller," relict of Dr. Fuller; she is now 83 years old and has tolerable health. She resides with her daughter on Lyon street . She intends to spend the winter in Mich. among her relatives.


From Ontario Repository & Messenger 23 October 1872

Mr. Wm. Heartwell, and his sister Eva, met with a severe accident one evening last week. As they were driving towards their home, west of Geneva, in a buggy, they met a man on horseback, whose horse began kicking violently. This frightened their horse so that he jumped aside in such a way as to precipitate the buggy and occupants down a steep bank. Miss Eva struck her head against a stone and was picked up insensible, while Mr. Heartwell was badly injured in the knee. The buggy was smashed all to pieces, and the horse was hurt though not seriously. The only wonder is that both persons were not killed outright.


From Ontario Repository & Messenger 27 October 1872

A gentleman from Phelps informs us that up to Monday evening there were reported but three cases of small pox in that village. The first was that of Mr. Michael Kelley, a former merchant of that village, who it is supposed contracted the disease at Chicago. Mr. Kelley has quite recovered, but his child of only nine months of age died sometime last week. The third case was a Miss Mary Owen, about 22 years old, who had visited the house of Mr. Kelley as a neighbor. It was not supposed that Miss Kelley (sic) could live through the night. We have since learned that she is improving and will undoubtedly recover.

From Naples Record 2 November 1872

We have in Garlinghouse a very old lady that deserves mentioning. It is Elizabeth Westbrook, relict of Isaac Westbrook, formerly of Sussex Co., N.Y. Her home is now with her son-in-law, Thomas Goundry. She is 95 years old, in good health, and seems as young and sprightly as half a century ago.

On Thursday, just at night, M. Wright Peck, while attending the cutting machine at Johnson's Box factory, had fingers of one of his hands badly cut. One report was that the fingers had the nails shaved off like a wedge, but they are shaved off only to the bone, which is bad enough.

At Frost Town resides an old gentleman by the name of John M. Porter. He is nearly 80 years and has been there nearly twenty years. His wife died 17 years ago, and he resides with his son, James O. Porter. He is yet very smart for a man of his age; he can make almost anything of wood, iron, leather or steel; he made for himself a nice boat to fish with in Honeoye lake; if he needs a tub or barrel he can make it; if he wants a sleigh or wagon, he can make it; if he wants a gun, he can make that; and on knife blades he can beat the world. He can make as neat a steel trap as you ever saw; if he wants a pair of boots, he can make them; he kills his own deer, tans the skins, makes his own mittens and gloves and many to sell; he can shoe a horse. He is a good workman at all this -- no botching on his plate. Politically he is a tanner.


From Naples Record 23 November 1872

On Friday of last week, James Hyland went to take David Reeder's team home, and when he was just beyond his residence going down a hill, the team ran away with him, throwing him out on a pile of stumps, cutting him over the right eye, bruising the left shoulder and side and breaking his left arm. He was hurt so internally that his sufferings are greater than from the bruises and breaks. Dr. Conley was called who rendered the necessary assistance. The man is doing well.

From Geneva Gazette 29 November 1872

Stabbing Affray - The Courier gives the particulars of a quarrel and stabbing affray occurring in our village last Saturday night. The principals to the melee were Christian Frederick, the assailant, and Michael Ryan, the assailed.  Both parties live on the lake road, a little below the malt house.  Frederick was intoxicated, and at enmity with Ryan.  The parties met in the roadway, when Frederick commenced the quarrel by applying vile epithets to and cursing Ryan, ending by plunging the large blade of a pocket knife into his neck in dangerous proximity to the jugular vein.  The blade cut through two thicknesses of a stiff collar, and made a gash in Ryan's neck about half an inch in length.  The collar probably averted a serious wound.

Frederick was arrested and examined before Police Justice Parker.  It was proven that he had repeatedly threatened the life of Ryan. He was, upon the evidence, fully committed to await the action of the Grand Jury on a charge of "assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill" -- a state prison offense if convicted.

From Geneva Courier 4 December 1872

Yesterday, about 12 M, a staging in the rear of the new Soverhill Block, Water street, gave way precipitating the two occupants, Mr. T. N. Jimerson, and Mr. Charles Bailey, carpenters, violently to the ground. The men were engaged in putting on the cornices, and fell a distance of nearly twenty feet. Mr. Bailey was badly injured, his left leg being dislocated at the ankle joint, and the large bone also fractured. Mr. Jimerson was not seriously injured, though badly bruised about the back. It would seem, in view of the frequency of such occurrences, that builders would use more precaution in the erection of scaffoldings.

From Naples Record 14 December 1872

Frank Merkel, while at work at Ira C. Williams' on Monday last, met with a serious accident. The threshers were there and all had gone into tea, Frank with the rest. He had washed and wiped when in turning away from this he slipped, fell upon the floor so hard, and in such a way as to break his left wrist. Dr. Silvernail was at once called who set the limb. We are glad to hear that Frank is doing well.

From Naples Record 21 December 1872

Mrs. Laura Fuller, now 83 years old, accompanied by her daughter, Laura Long, will go to Michigan next week to spend the winter. Quite a trip for so old a lady but she is equal to the task.

Calvin Clark visited our sanctum and we had a good talk about boyhood. He tells of an incident that occurred about forty years ago when the barn on Mrs. William LeValley's homestead was raised, and we were pleased. We just remember when it was a newish one. Jason Goodrich and John Armstrong, framed the barn and were several months doing it, but with the great time taken to do it in, somehow a mistake was made, and the "raising" was a tedious one. "Ben" Robinson said such a good job should have a name, so when it was up in good shape as possible, he mounted to the top of the frame with a jug full of the "real critter" -- such as only those times could have when men were honest -- and "got off" the following:
John's industry and Jason's delight,
Six months framing and didn't get it right.
He drank and broke his jug in the form of christening.

From Naples Record 28 December 1872

Bristol Springs - As Mr. William Kauffman, Uncle Billy as he is called, was walking out yesterday (Sunday) morning, he slipped and fell badly fracturing his leg. It is said to be broken in three different places.

From Ontario Repository and Messenger 8 January 1873

Our old friend, "Cal" Persons met with quite a serious accident on the evening of January 2d. He was on his way home, and while passing the Niagara House, tripped and fell head foremost from the steps of that hotel, striking his face on some cakes of ice that had been carelessly left there, severely cutting and bruising his head and face. Conductor Moses Cleveland also had a fall at the same place, but was fortunate enough to escape without any severe damage. We understand that Mrs. John Andrews, on Bristol street, also fell on the ice a few days since and was considerably hurt.


From Geneva Gazette 17 January 1873

Attempted Suicide - Monday night the jail was the scene of an attempted suicide, which very nearly resulted in the death of Christian Fredericks, of Geneva.  Fredericks was brought into court on Monday afternoon on a charge of assault and battery with intent to kill, the assault having been made upon Michael Ryan in Geneva, but was remanded back to jail, to be brought in again Tuesday morning.  But Tuesday morning found Fredericks in no state to appear in court, for, during the night he had cut a gash in his throat about four inches long with a razor, nearly severing the wind-pipe.  Although not fatally injured, he is in a very low condition, in consequence of which his case has been put over until the next term.  The razor with which he attempted to end his life belonged to the jail, but was missed some time ago and given up as lost, and nothing was seen again of it until its strange reappearance on Tuesday morning.    Can. Times


From Ontario Repository and Messenger 22 January 1873

On Saturday, the 11th of January, 1873, there occurred at the residence of Mr. Stephen Ferguson, near Rushville, an assemblage of people unprecedented, perhaps, in the annals of our country. Mr. Ferguson's seventy-fifth birthday occurring on that day, he took measures to observe it by inviting all the old people within the circle of his acquaintance, who had attained to the age of three score and ten, to meet at his house on that occasion. So he issued his invitations, and spent several days in personal visits, that he might be sure to include all who had survived long enough to entitle them to the honor. The Rev. and venerable Gideon Laning, of Rushville, being himself more than eighty years of age, was invited to act as Chaplain. But, having sustained some injury from slipping on the icy sidewalk recently, and being unable to be present, the Rev. Dr. Buck, Pastor of the Methodist Episcopal Church in Rushville, was invited to officiate in Mr. Laning's stead.

As nearly as could be ascertained, the following is a correct account of the persons present on this extraordinary occasion, and their ages respectively. In two or three instances the age was marked as seventy, though a little short of it:

Stephen Ferguson - 75
 Caleb Holbrook - 80
 John H. Francisco - 74
 Loren Hunter - 78
Chester Loomis - 83
David Reddout - 71
 John Salisbury - 77
 William Blodget - 78
 Chauncey Adams - 80
 Squire Prouty - 77
 James Fitch - 71
 Joshua Washburn - 70
 Joseph Voak - 71
 William Case - 74
 Jonathan Hawley - 73
 Luther S. Harwood - 74
 		Abram Young - 73
 Edward Perry - 70
 Samuel Jones - 74
 John Wisewell - 71
 Heman Barnes - 71
 Horace Howell - 75
 Benjamin Washburn - 83
 Erastus Green  - 71
 Joseph Blodget - 80
 Jarvis Dwelle - 73
Four brothers:
 Christian Fisher - 88
 Peter Fisher - 80
 James Fisher - 73
 Coonrod Fisher - 70


Jarvis Dwelle, named above, was born on the last day, of the last week, of the last month, of the last year, of the last century!

Many of the ladies were several years younger than their husbands, and their names are not reported among the venerables of three score and ten. The following, however, reported themselves as entitled to the honors of the occasion:

Mrs. Ann Sturtevant - 72
 Mrs. Elizabeth Salisbury - 75
 Mrs. Betsy Wood - 78
 Mrs. Nancy Prouty - 72
 Mrs. Candace P. Fisher - 76
Mrs. Emeline Wallbridge - 72
 		Mrs. Lydia Blodget - 77
 Mrs. Mittie Mallard - 75
 Mrs. Eliza Case - 71
 Mrs. Lavina Washburn - 78
 Mrs. George Winants - 71

The following gentlemen had lived in marriage relations with their wives more than half a century:

John Salisbury
Peter Fisher
William Blodget
William Case
Jonathan Hawley
Squire Prouty
 		Samuel Jones
David Reddout
Horace Howell
Benja. Washburn
Sylvester Lewis (not present) 65 years


From Geneva Courier 29 January 1873

A heartless wretch named Luther Daskam, who has lived in this village for many years, left for parts unknown last week, abandoning his family consisting of a wife and four young children.  On the next day after his departure, his youngest child died. He left two or more letters giving reasons for leaving, which was trouble with his family.  It seems that he has been in the habit of abusing his family and when they objected, he considered it trouble.  He is a bad man and though his family are left in a destitute condition, the community is a gainer by his contemptible desertion.


From Ontario Repository and Messenger 5 February 1873

The Naples Record says: Of the family of Mr. Lubin Blodget, a revolutionary soldier, who lived near Rushville, there are still living seven children -- four sons and three daughters -- aged respectfully as follows: Patty (Mrs. Wadsworth) 81 years, William, 78 years, Ehraim, 77 years, Mitty (Mrs. Millard) 76 years, Avery, 72 years, and Susannah (Mrs. Green), 67 years. Their united ages January 16th, 1873, was 535 years, 1 month and 8 days. Who can name another family like this?


Last Wednesday evening, about half past six o'clock, an oldish man named David Smith, who keeps a blacksmith shop on the corner of Railroad avenue and Pleasant street, was struck by a train of cars, which was backing down on the Northern Central track , thrown to the ground, the flange of the wheels passing over his left leg, mangling it in a terrible manner. He was found in an almost insensible condition and conveyed to his residence on Pleasant street. Dr. Jewett, assisted by Drs. Simmons and Hayes, successfully amputated the injured limb, and the patient is now in a fair way of recovery.

From Geneva Gazette 7 February 1873

Distressing Accident - A little son of Mrs. Geo. Gilbert by her first husband (Kime), aged four or five years, was fearfully if not fatally scalded on Tuesday last, by stumbling over and upsetting upon him a pail of hot water.  The little fellow's face and breast are terrible scalded.  He has remained unconscious up to the present time, and it cannot yet be determined whether the sufferer will or not survive his injury.  The family reside on South Pultney street.  Dr. Covert has the case in hand.

From Naples Record 8 February 1873

Hunts Hollow - Solomon Washburn slipped and fell one day last week, breaking his leg twice below the knee. He was at work at Honeoye.

From Naples Record 8 February 1873

Bristol - Leonard Reed, a young man 22 or 23 years old, attempted to cut his throat with an old pocket knife, on Jan. 28th. He has been sick nearly a year, and had become discouraged, and concluded to end his troubles. He lost the use of lower limbs last spring, and had been told that there was no help for him. He still lives, but deranged. He has the sympathy of all.


From Geneva Courier 12 February 1873

A Severe Fall - About half-past eight this morning, Mr. Wm. Fothergill, the well-known builder, fell from the roof of the new house of Mr. Broderick, on Grove street, fracturing his leg just below the thigh, and being otherwise severely bruised about the hip.  At this writing it is impossible to state the full extent of injuries sustained, which, to say the least, are very severe. The Drs. Eddy were called in attendance.


From Ontario Repository and Messenger 19 February 1873

A correspondent of the Naples Record, writing from Rushville, says that quite an excitement occurred in that village last Saturday evening over the report that a young man was stabbed at Halbert's Hotel. The facts are about as follows: A feud had for a long time existed between John Kelley and Henry Carroll, and fight has been talked of between them for a long time. Having met at the hotel on the evening above-named, many hard words and threats passed between them. Kelley proposed to settle their difficulty by a trial of strength and invited Carroll into the street to fight him. This Carroll refused to do. Kelley then attempted to force him into the street, Carroll warned him to keep off or he would make daylight shine through him. By this time a number of spectators had gathered around the parties, when Carroll suddenly drew a knife, and with a downward blow, struck Kelley in the chest, inflicting a severe though not dangerous wound. A bystander saw Carroll's movement and threw his arm before the knife. The blade passed through his coat sleeve and through several thicknesses of Kelley's clothing and was finally stopped by striking one of his ribs. Here the affray ended. Kelley went to Dr. Nichols' office to have his wounds dressed and Carroll was taken away by some of his friends. On Monday Carroll was arraigned before Justice Sayer on complaint of James Kelley, father of John, for an assault with deadly weapons. Carroll received an examination and gave bonds to appear at the county court at Penn Yan.


From Ontario Repository and Messenger 26 February 1873

Frost Town - Uncle Ezra Daniels is 82 years old. Last season he planted, hoed, cultivated and dug, alone, one half an acre of tomatoes; also tended the same amount of land planted to corn, and a large garden; he also tended a field of oats and peas and threshed it all with the flail. In haying he could and did keep up in ordinary grass with the best young men in mowing. What he does is well done, and he is a very good, energetic old gentleman.


From Naples Record 1 March 1873
The village of Rushville is 81 years old. Its first inhabitant was Elias Gilbert, who settled there in 1792. The village now contains a population of 550 inhabitants, who live in 132 dwelling houses.

From Ontario Repository and Messenger 9 April 1873

An accident which nearly caused serious results happened to the family of our townsman, Mr. A. S. Field, on Wednesday night of last week. On the night in question, Mr. F. went downstairs as usual to attend to the furnace fires, and as the night was quite warm, put on coal but neglected to open the drafts as customary, to let the gas which arises from the coal escape. During the night some members of the family were called up for a time, and noticed the strange smell which pervaded the atmosphere, but as the gas was often smelled in the apartment, paid no particular attention to it. In the morning, however, when Mr. F. arose, (he being the first member of the family up) he felt a strange dizziness, and immediately went to the outer door to get some fresh air, but was scarcely outdoors a brief time, he came back to the house feeling better, and supposed he for some reason or other had been made sick by the smell of the gas, but not thinking the other members were affected by it. When his wife came to get up, she was unable to rise, and this was also the case with his daughter, and at once serious alarm was felt, and a physician sent for. Upon his arrival, by the giving of proper remedies, the inmates of the house were enabled to be about by the latter part of Thursday afternoon, and were about in their usual health the next day. The escape of the household from suffocation was a very narrow one, and Mr. F.'s family have reason to be thankful that it was no worse. Geneva Gazette


From Ontario Repository and Messenger 16 April 1873

The Clifton Spring News says that on Sunday, the 15th inst., a very painful accident occurred to John Burns, of that place, who has been in the employ of the N. Y. C. R. R. Company, as a section hand, for the past eighteen years. The accident occurred at the culvert near Geneva, the scene of the late disaster, and was caused by a very heavy timber, which he was helping to put in place, falling on him. His ankle was put out of joint and his leg badly broken. He was brought up on the train and his injuries attended by Dr. Crittenden, and is doing well. We hope the company will not allow him to suffer any pecuniary loss, as he has a large family dependent upon his labor for support.


From Ontario County Times 23 April 1873

Victor, N. Y. - A case of poisoning with strychnine occurred here on Saturday. The particulars of the case, so far as I have been informed, are as follows: A man by the name of John Doolittle, who has lived in the village for several years, was afflicted with the asthma, and had been in the practice of taking this deadly poison in small quantities for relief from his complaint. Saturday, about ten o'clock, he was seen to go to his room, in Howe's hotel, and towards noon sounds were heard to proceed from there by one of the family, who said that Mr. Doolittle was calling for some one. On going to his room he was found in a critical condition, his face turning black, and suffering terribly from convulsions. Dr. Townsend was first sent for, and afterwards Dr. J. T. Smith was called, who immediately took active measures for the man's relief, and soon restored him to his speech and senses. It was thought, from all appearances, that he had attempted to commit suicide. He undressed himself and put his clothes on a chair, took about three times the quantity of the strychnine that he was accustomed to take as a medicine, and got into bed, covered himself up as he was found. He said he took it as a medicine, but a very large dose, and purchased it in Canandaigua. The spasms or convulsions continued through Saturday and Sunday. On Monday he was some better, and it is thought he will recover.

From Naples Record 26 April 1873

Honeoye - Wesley W. Ray, having loaded grist into his wagon and started for mill, his horses took advantage of him before he got out of the yard, tipping over the wagon and catching him between the wagon and barn. He was severely hurt and had to be carried into the house where he was obliged to lie in one position for several days but is now able to get about the room on crutches.

From Geneva Gazette 2 May 1873

Runaway - Boy Badly Hurt - On Monday afternoon between 5 and 6 o'clock, a pair of horses owned by Andrew Wind, teamster, took fright from an incoming train and dashed up Water street at furious speed. Opposite the Geneva House the wagon was wrecked by coming in contact with a telegraph pole and the horses pursued their wild course with pole and forward attached.  In front of Warth's they ran over a young lad named Willie Collins, (whose parents reside on Geneva St.;) knocking him senseless.  They were soon thereafter brought to a stop without doing further injury. The boy was conveyed home in an unconscious condition by Mr. H. King, and a surgeon summoned, who on examination found the little fellow had sustained fracture of three ribs, and more or less flesh wounds; but it is believed that, unless he suffered internal injuries greater than then or since seemed apparent, no serious results may be apprehended.  Friends of the family hope for the best.


From Ontario Repository and Messenger 7 May 1873

Our citizens were startled last Friday morning over the report of the sudden disappearance and probable suicide of Mr. John H. Franklin, a highly respected and wealthy citizen of this village, residing near Fort Hill. It appears that he arose from his bed early Friday morning and went to the residence of his son on Wood street, and awakened him by tapping on the window, notified him that his mother was very ill and desired to see him. The son hastily arose, donned his apparel and hastened to his mother, whom he found enjoying a calm repose and in her usual health. Having aroused the family, he made known the facts of his father's nocturnal visit, and procuring assistance, search was immediately made but with no success. While the search was going on a carefully written letter was found in his bed chamber stating that notwithstanding the fact of his being surrounded by a kind and loving family, and having a good home and an abundance of this world's goods, he was tired of life. After directing how he wanted his affairs settled, and where his will could be found, he bade his family farewell and said he was going to the water. Every effort is being made to find him but thus far without success. Mr. Franklin has been in ill health for some time, and without a doubt was partially deranged.

From Naples Record 17 May 1873

John Kenfield was thrown from his wagon last Sunday morning, in front of the M. E. Church, and his shoulder much hurt.

From Naples Record 31 May 1873

As Willie Hosmer, on Friday morning, was riding with a man from West Hollow, towards home, he was thrown from the board on which he sat, by the starting of the team near the bridge in the hollow, under the wagon and the side of his face and head was much cut. Dr. Lusk attended at once, sewed up the cuts and bruises and the lad is as comfortable as possible. Here is another case of neglect from the pathmasters and the district, for the want of dirt at that bridge, the accident happened.

From Naples Record 7 June 1873

On Wednesday of this week, Samuel Garlinghouse, while at work on Joseph French's barn, West Hollow, fell and broke three ribs. He was seriously hurt, and fears are entertained that the accident will prove fatal. Dr. Lusk and the friends are doing all that can be done and we look for a slow recovery.


The bridge near Mr. Hooker's, on the Cross Road, across the flats to Parrish's, one day last week gave way in the center as Mr. Henry Standish was crossing it with a load of plaster in barrels; and his load, wagon and team were precipitated into the big creek. The plaster was lost, but fortunately not much damage was done to him or team.

From Naples Record 14 June 1873

On Saturday, last week, while Andrew Coons was at work on the new building of Charles Leggett's, Cohocton Street, he accidentally fell to the ground, a distance of twenty or twenty-two feet, breaking one rib on the right side and very seriously injuring his hip and spine. Mr. Coons was taken at once to the house of his son-in-law, Elijah Wilson, near by, and Dr. Conley sent for; it is a very serious case, and slow of recovery, but is is expected he will fully recover.

From Ontario County Times 18 June 1873

On Saturday evening last, one John Roe was brought before Police Justice Howell for abusing his wife. It appeared, on the examination, that Roe, a barkeeper by occupation, arrived here with his wife, on Friday morning, from Cleveland, Ohio, and took up his residence with his sister, who is now living on Bristol street. He had already squandered, in some manner, a part of $200, which he obtained by selling his furniture, &c, in Cleveland, and with the rest, on Saturday, he announced his determination of starting to Palmyra on a gambling expedition. As might be expected, his wife made some objections to this proposition, when he became enraged, slapping her face, knocking her down and abusing her otherwise. She immediately called for help, and sent for a constable. Roe was arrested and brought before the Police Justice, who fined him $10, and placed him under bonds to keep the peace.


From Geneva Gazette 27 June 1873

We are pained to learn of an accident occurring to our esteemed friend and patron, Mr. C. Shewman, which resulted in breaking his right arm.  His horse was standing on Water Street near the International Hotel; his was a democrat wagon, the seat being adjusted rather loosely on the box.  In reaching over from the seat to assist a little boy into the wagon, it tipped forward throwing Mr. Shewman to the ground, and dislocating the right arm near the wrist.  His injuries, under the skillful treatment of Dr. Flood, will be but temporary, as his friends will all be pleased to learn.


From Ontario Repository and Messenger 2 July 1873

On Saturday, last week, while Andrew Coons was at work on the new building of Charles Leggett's Cohocton street, Naples, he accidentally fell to the ground -- a distance of twenty-two feet, breaking one rib on the right side and very seriously injuring his hip and spine. Mr. Coon was taken at once to the house of his son-in-law, Elijah Wilson, near by, and Dr. Conley sent for; it is a very serious case, and slow of recovery, but it is expected that he will fully recover.


From Ontario County Times 16 July 1873

Victor, N. Y. - Walter Norton met with a serious accident about two weeks ago. He was cutting some grass by the roadside, and set his scythe against the fence to pick up a stone or some other other obstruction, when the scythe fell, striking him on the inside of his right hand, cutting down into his wrist, making a wound several inches in length and deep enough to strike the bone. It has been very painful, and he has suffered very much since receiving the injury.


From Geneva Gazette 25 July 1873

We are favored by a fellow-townsman with a copy of the Nantucket Inquirer, July 10, which devotes a couple of columns to a genealogy of the Folger family as among the early settlers of the island dating back to an early period in the 17th century -- ancestors of our distinguished townsman, the Judge. The genealogy was produced under the auspices of the Nantucket Historical-Genealogical Society. Among other illustrious scions of the family was Benjamin Franklin, whose mother was Abigail Folger, born in 1667, married to Josiah Franklin in 1689.


From Ontario Repository and Messenger 6 August 1873

We learn that Mr. and Mrs. Stewart Elwell, of Reeds Corners, met with quite a serious accident Monday evening, by their horses running away. They were driving down hill, on the turnpike, when some part of the harness broke, which frightened the horses, causing them to run. In some manner the buggy overturned, throwing both Mr. and Mrs. Elwell heavily to the ground. Mr. Elwell is quite seriously injured about the head and shoulders, and Mrs. E., had one leg broken, besides being otherwise bruised.


From Geneva Courier 13 August 1873

Severely Injured -- We learn the following particulars of a runaway which occurred in this vicinity on Monday afternoon last, and which was attended with quite serious consequences.  Between the hours of four and five, as Mr. and Mrs. Elmwood, who reside about a mile south of Reed's Corners, were approaching this village, and when descending the hill near the residence of the late Nathaniel Cooley, on the turnpike road, the thills became loosened, and the young colt they were driving started on a furious run.  Mr. Elmwood was thrown out attempting to stop the buggy by holding one of the wheels. The horse continued on his way until at the next corner the buggy capsized throwing Mrs. Elmwood to the ground.  She fell on her shoulder and hip, sustaining a fracture of the right arm near the wrist, with various less severe hurts.  Mr. Elmwood was also much bruised, but suffered no serious injuries.  Ont. Co. Times


From Geneva Gazette 15 August 1873

Mrs. Kate Neele, while emerging from a hack in front of her store on Tuesday afternoon, was, by the sudden starting up of the horses, thrown to the pavement with some violence, spraining an ankle, and receiving other injuries more or less severe, but, we are glad to hear, not dangerous, though compelling her to keep her room for a few days.

From Naples Record 23 August 1873

Honeoye - James S. Stout, by jumping off a horse, was thrown backward from the buggy, striking on his head and shoulder, hurting him considerably.

From Geneva Courier 27 August 1873

Seneca Castle - In these days of voyaging and travel by steam, the old and the young go and come, see what there is to be seen, hear what there is to be heard, and enjoy what there is to be enjoyed, as never before.  Many very aged people are rejuvenated for the time being by a bit of travel.

Quite a remarkable incident occurred the other day, (the 29th), the 91st anniversary of the birth of Mr. Luther Whitney, who lives a few rods west of the Castleton Depot.  Though feeble, he walks several times a day to the crossing to see the trains pass, where seventy years ago this autumn he cut the underbrush for a road, and commenced felling the trees for a house.  To commemorate his birthday and to break in upon the monotony of his every day life, he was persuaded to take his first ride upon the cars.  His younger brother, Cheney, in his 79th year, and his brother, Otis, next younger than himself, together with fifteen or twenty others -- children, grand-children and others -- accompanied him on a short excursion.  No wonder, when he thought of his oxen and sled, and the unbroken forest of 70 years ago, that he now thought he was "riding fast," and the "the country was sufficiently cleared up."

He has two other brothers, five in all, the average age of whom is near 85 years, men of clear heads and of deep moral and religious convictions.  Where, Mr. Editor, will you find another family of equal number and age?

From Naples Record 30 August 1873

South Bristol - The descendants of Roderick and Rebecca Holcomb, to the number of nearly 100, held their annual family picnic on Holcomb's Point, Canandaigua Lake, (now owned by Col. Cook), Aug, 21st, 1873. Frederick Winthrop Holcomb, the eldest of their family of 14 children, now 85 years old, the pioneer of the family to this country 61 years ago, was present; also 5 of the 10 surviving children. Mr. Isaac Wood, one of the pioneers of South Bristol and who assisted Winthrop Holcomb to make his first clearing, 79 years old, came 4 miles on foot to meet his old friends. Col. Cook kindly volunteered the use of his grounds; extensive tables were spread and the party enjoyed themselves in true Holcomb style. Speeches were made by Rev. Theodore Holcomb of Illinois, Rev. Joseph S. Penoyer of Cheshire, Wm. Marks and others. After refreshments, the party were invited by Col. Cook, into the parlors of his splendid residence, where music was discoursed by the party, Mrs. Rev. Theodore Holcomb presiding at the piano. After a vote of thanks to Col. Cook for his kindness and hospitality, the party adjourned to meet next year at the call of the President, 30 days notice to be given.


From Ontario Repository and Messenger 3 September 1873

Mr. James Murray, of this village, met with a sad accident last week. He was at work in his mill, when by some means the fingers of his left hand were caught in the machinery, which drew his arm in as far up as the elbow, lacerating and mangling it in such a horrible manner as to cause its amputation, which was successfully performed by Dr. Simmons. Jimmy is now quite comfortable considering the injury received.


From Ontario Repository and Messenger 10 September 1873

Edward Murphey, a thresher by occupation, and residing near Chapinville, was found this morning about four o'clock, lying on the side of the road on Butcher street, insensible. He was conveyed to the Ontario House, and medical assistance summoned, when it was found that three ribs on his left side and the left arm were broken. He states that some person had unfastened a part of the harness of his horse, which ran away, throwing him out.

From Naples Record 13 September 1873

The wife of Cyrus Bassett decamped with a less likely man on Wednesday of this week. The fortunate man was Ellsworth, recently in the employ of Capt. Griswold. Mr. Bassett was out of town at the time, at work painting. She took a good load of household goods and left a sick old mother and three children. Mr. Bassett does not know or care where she has gone. What next?


From Geneva Gazette 19 September 1873

Last Sunday, in Farmington, a chap named Alphonso Cotton, entered the house of Eliza Converse while the family were at church and stole a feather bed !  That fellow had evidently got ahead of "Old Probabilities";  prognosticated a cold winter and was preparing for it.

From Naples Record 27 September 1873

The house across the flat that was burned Wednesday morning was built by Clark Goodrich forty-eight years ago.

From Geneva Gazette 3 October 1873

On the night of Sept. 24th, a brown horse, thirteen years old, was stolen from the pasture of Thos. W. Hall, Hall's Corners. The affair was taken up by the neighborhood "Association for recovering stolen property," who sent out riders in pursuit, and extensively advertised $100 reward for recovery of the horse and arrest of the thief.

P. S.  On Wednesday Mr. Hall received intelligence of the discovery and recovery of his stolen horse in a border town of Pennsylvania.  The advertisement thro' postal cards led to this result.


From Geneva Courier 8 October 1873

Rushville - A suit was brought by Mrs. Joseph Davis, under the recent Civil damage law, against the proprietors of the Webster House, Canandaigua, for damages from the sale of intoxicating liquors to her husband.  The trial came off on Friday last, before Wm. Ketenem Esq., of this village.  J. Sayre and S. Blair Esqrs., appeared as counsel for plaintiff,  Esq. Field, of the firm of Metcalf and Field, Canandaigua, for defendants.  The damage was fully proven, and judgment was rendered against the defendants for damages and costs, amounting to $18.75.  This is a good proceeding.  Naples Record

From Naples Record 1 November 1873

Milo Crippen, on Monday, while crossing a highway near home, slipped and fell with his right arm under him in such a way as to break it and otherwise injure it. Dr. Lusk was called and set things to right at once.

From Ontario County Times 5 November 1873

Walling Armstrong, of Canadice, met with a very serious accident on Monday, the 27th ult. While riding in a buggy, his horse became frightened at an umbrella which he was holding, and Mr. Armstrong was thrown from the buggy, and had three ribs broken, besides receiving several severe bruises. Miss Beers, of Springwater, who was also in the buggy, was thrown to the ground, but fortunately received no serious injury. The reins were caught in the wheel, by which the horse was prevented from injuring either himself or the buggy to any extent.

From Naples Record 13 December 1873

In 1798 there were four boys in Rushville of nearly the same age. They are now in their 84th year and reside in and near this village. Their names are Chester Loomis, Samuel French, Thomas Pearce and Baxter Hobart.

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