Miscellaneous newspaper events

From Ontario Repository & Messenger 7 January 1874

The Lima Recorder states that George P. Marble, the station agent at East Bloomfield, met with quite a serious accident on the 27th ult. He was assisting in making up a train, and did not take into consideration that the bumpers of the Northern Central cars are shorter than the New York Central, and standing sideways instead of flatwise between them, and when they came together, he was caught by the shoulders and pretty thoroughly squeezed, breaking his collar bone in three places. Dr. Brayton reduced the fractures, and he is now doing well; but it was a narrow escape from death.

From Geneva Gazette 9 January 1874

One of our citizens met with a narrow escape from a severe, possibly fatal, wound on Saturday last, by the reckless discharge of fire arms by some person unknown. Mr. A. Buttles Smith, (of the firm of Conger, McKay & Co.,) while seated in his office just east of the canal bridge, heard a report, and the next instant a slug came crashing through a pane of glass, struck the zinc sheathing surrounding the stove, glanced off and imbedded itself an inch in the door casing. From the range of the shot and position of Mr. Smith, (who sat with his feet elevated one above the other,) he is sure it passed between his legs on its dangerous mission. A few moments before his position was such that if the shot had then been fired at the same range, his body would inevitably have received the deadly messenger. Cannot the discharge of fire-arms within our corporate limits be prohibited, under penalties?

From Ontario County Journal 30 January 1874

Burning Accident - A shocking accident occurred at Centrefield last Saturday, as related by a correspondent of the Times. Mr. Wm. Beals and wife left home in the morning, leaving Rhoda Cooly, a girl of fifteen, in charge of the house and their children. Rhoda had been cracking some nuts, and while throwing the shells in the stove, her apron caught fire. She attempted to tear off the apron, but her other clothing was soon on fire, when she ran to a near neighbor's for help. When she reached there she was completely enveloped in flames, and her clothing was all burned from her person before the fire was extinguished. She was most shockingly burned of course, and though her injuries are severe, it is hoped she will recover. Dr. Silvernail, of East Bloomfield, was called as soon as possible, and he did all that was possible to relieve her suffering and prevent inflammation.

Note: Rhoda Cooley died 9 February 1874.

From Geneva Gazette 6 February 1874

Stephen H. Ainsworth of West Bloomfield, while in the witness box at the Court House at Canandaigua, was attacked with a fainting spell, one following another, until he was removed to the hotel, where he partially rallied. He was attended by Dr. C. Wood of West Bloomfield, and Dr. Bennett of Canandaigua. They pronounced it an attack of paralysis, and consider him in a very critical situation.

From Geneva Courier 18 February 1874

Kicked by a Horse - On Thursday a Mr. Joseph Brooks of Seneca Castle, who was in the employ of Lewis A. Page of that place, met with a serious and dangerous accident. He was attending to some horses in Mr. Page's stable when one of them kicked him in the abdomen -- kicking with such force as to throw him entirely across the stable. He was picked up and carried to the house in an insensible condition and for a time it was thought he was fatally injured but under the care of Dr. Bell who was immediately summoned, he rallied and is now doing so well that there is every prospect of his ultimate recovery.

From Ontario County Journal 20 February 1874

Rushville, Feb. 19th 1874 - A birthday party occurred at the residence of Mr. Edward Perry, on Tuesday evening, Feb. 17. This gentlemen invited guests to the number of 500 to attend his 70th birthday anniversary, of which one hundred and ten appeared; the deficiency was in consequence of parties, Lyceum and a Masonic lecture, and the usual prayer meeting. Your correspondent was not present, but is safe in saying that a general good time as had as he is one who believes in living and helping others to do the same.

From Naples Record 21 February 1874

Canadice - Mr. Noah Tibbals is at present suffering severely from a brain difficulty. The disease at first assumed the form of neuralgia located in the region of the head and neck, thus affecting the whole nervous system, rendering it impossible to assume a reclining position. The pain has abated but the brain is very much affected. The symptoms are better at this writing and his recovery is expected.

From Geneva Courier 4 March 1874

A young man named Edwin Van Vleck of excellent character and studious habits, who has resided for some months with Mr. Richard Washburn near this village, suddenly disappeared from his home under circumstances that would indicate mental aberration He was last seen about two miles east of Mr. Washburn's and going toward Gorham station on the Northern Central Railroad, and is believed to have taken the cars at that place. Mr. Washburn immediately instituted a search for him, which he has prosecuted up to the present time without success. He is about 20 years old, above medium height, fair complexion, no beard, was dressed in a cardigan jacket, overalls, and plush cap. Any information of him will be thankfully received by Mr. Richard Washburn, Rushville N. Y. Naples Record

From Ontario Repository and Messenger 4 March 1874

Frank Blair is at Clifton Springs, badly broken down, his right leg and hand being considerably paralized. He thinks it is partly the result of excessive smoking, it having been his habit to use from 30 to 40 cigars per day, which he could stand when in active service in the war, but proved rather too much for a sedentary life.

From Ontario County Journal 6 March 1874

The Farmers' Mechanics' and Hop Growers' Association of Bristol, at their annual meeting held on the 3d inst., elected the following officers:

President - Norman W. Randall
Vice President - Benjamin T. Philips
Recording Sec'y - Mark A. Case
Corres. Sec'y - Harlan M. Fisher
Treasurer - Billings T. Case
Marshal - Erastus H. Allen
Assist. Marshal - Horatio B. Sisson
Executive Committee - Nathan W. Thomas, John Smith, John Sisson

From Ontario County Journal 27 March 1874

Triplets - The wife of Mr. Michael Patterson, residing on Phelps street in this village (Canandaigua) gave birth to three children -- two girls and a boy -- on Wednesday morning last. The mother and little ones are all doing well. They weighed at birth about seven pounds. The incident created quite a talk among our people and we understand a large number visited the newcomers on Wednesday, and that various presents were made for the benefit of the little ones. We think the parents are entitled to a pension for their patriotic observance of the scriptural injunction. The trio were christened on Wednesday. Their names are Anna, Mary and Charles.

From Geneva Courier 29 April 1874

Two of the triplets recently born to Mrs. Patterson, living on Phelps street (Canandaigua), are dead, and the attending physician has but slight hopes for the life of the remaining one.

From Naples Record 28 March 1874

German Benevolent Society - The German inhabitants of this place have combined themselves into a Society, for the poor and distressed countrymen and women. The following were elected officers for the ensuing half year: President, John Huber; vice-president, Jacob Shlafer; treasurer, Wm. Griesa; secretary, Philip Dinzler; trustees, Fred F. Hoecker, John Huber, Wm. Griesa; finance com., Martin Dinzler, Caspar Klingenberger, Christian Koby.

From Ontario Repository & Messenger 1 April 1874

Edward Rowley, working in the spoke factory, lost his thumb, and had his hand badly cut, while fooling around a buzz saw last Thursday.

From Geneva Gazette 3 April 1874

One day recently Mr. and Mrs. James Simons of this place arrived home by one of the day trains on the N. Y. Central. Being behind time, the engineer did not stop long enough for his Geneva passengers to alight before starting off again. Mr. Simons had reached the lower step and swung off, but held to the railing, and was drawn in between the cars. Just as he fell across the rail, Bert Brown (the well-known hackman) noticed his perilous situation and quick as lightning seized him by the coat collar and dragged him from beneath the moving car - and not an instant too soon - for the murderous car wheel just grazed Mr. Simons' foot in passing. Mrs. Simons had not yet descended from the platform, and saw all except the rescue. The train attained considerable headway before the conductor signalled to stop, back up and let Mrs. Simons off, and then not until threatened by a gentleman passenger that he should be reported. Mr. Simons recognized the important service which Bert Brown had rendered in a substantial pecuniary reward; and this was followed by another from Mrs. Simons - the present of a large, handsomely bound Album-Bible. These presents were indeed well-merited, for he may well regard the recipient as his preserver from a shocking death.

From Naples Record 11 April 1874

Names of the first settlers from Naples to and through Hunts Hollow:

Alanson Lyon, Elisha Sutton, Ephraim Cleveland, Charles Wilcox, Isaac Sutton, Solomon Garfield, William Sullivan, Andrew Hunt, Elijah Belknap, William Porter, James Wright, Henry Naracong, Jacob Holden, James Hartwell, James Garlinghouse, John Kelley, John Otto, Isaac Maltby, Samuel Parker, James Moore, J. P., Gail Washburn.

First settlers on the road from Naples to Cohocton:

Wm. James, Asa Perry, Nathan Watkins, Oliver Tenny, John Barber, Lemuel Barber, Otis Pierce, Deacon Cornier, Amos Stancliff, John Cronk, William Wilson, William Parks, Thomas Wilson, Amasa Tift, Nathan Corey, Waldo Curtiss.

From Ontario Repository and Messenger 15 April 1874

The Phelps Citizen says that on Saturday evening, as a Mr. Reynolds of that place, was on his way home, he was met by Mr. John Bennett and his son, Eugene, who were in a wagon. They began to insult Mr. R., calling him many indecent names. Mr. R. made some reply, whereupon Bennett Sr. set out with the threat of striking Mr. R., but for some reason he did not, but got into the wagon again; Bennett Jr. next got out and commenced to beat Mr. R. most unmercifully, striking him in the face, injuring his eye very badly, and breaking his nose, and would probably have done him some injury had not Mr. Wm. Jovell, Jr., interfered. Mr. R. is in bad condition. He immediately got out a supreme writ for Bennett and his son. It seems that the cause of all this trouble was an old quarrel about breaking a glass in a level.

From Geneva Courier 22 April 1874

Mrs. Ann Prentiss, a resident of Chapel street (Canandaigua), during a fit of temporary insanity on Sunday last, attempted to commit suicide by throwing herself into the lake. Fortunately, assistance was near at hand, and she was rescued, but as yet she is not sufficiently recovered to give a lucid explanation of her strange actions.

From Ontario County Journal 24 April 1874

RUNAWAY - A frightful runaway occurred Wednesday evening on Main St. Mr. Thomas Bushfield was driving his team near the railroad crossing, when the horses became frightened by an approaching train, and broke into a run down the street. The traces became detached from the whiffletrees and the latter from the wagon, and Mr. Bushfield pulled so hard as to draw the wagon by the lines for about a half mile, when the pole dropped from the neckyoke to the ground and left the horses free, as the driver could guide them no further. The wagon continued some five or six rods after the pole struck the ground. Nobody was hurt, and nothing was broken. We can but think it was a very narrow escape from a severe accident for Mr. Bushfield.

From Ontario County Times 29 April 1874

Victor, N. Y. - Mr. Peter Van Denbergh and wife, of Farmington, returning from East Bloomfield on Wednesday afternoon last, in a covered buggy, were overturned at the crossing near the East Bloomfield station. The accident was caused by their horse becoming badly frightened by the cars. Mr. Van Denbergh, although nearly eighty-two years of age, clung to the lines with bull-dog tenacity, which prevented a runaway. The old gentleman's shoulder, upon which he struck when he fell, has been quite lame since. The carriage was but little damaged, and they may consider themselves fortunate that they escaped so well.

From Ontario County Times 6 May 1874

We learned yesterday that Michael Cummins, of Farmington, had a narrow escape from death a short time since. He was in the woods cutting some small trees, and one lodged; he cut the second and they both lodged again; he cut the third and they all fell unexpectedly, catching him in the descent, one being under and the other over his neck, holding him a close prisoner, but did not come together near enough to injure him materially. Being alone his situation was precarious, but by repeated calls for help succeeded at last in attracting attention and was relieved from his dilemma.

From Ontario County Journal 15 May 1874

GORHAM NY, May 9, 1874 - A Victim of Misplaced Confidence - Harry Palmer, a farmer living in our vicinity, was the victim to the tune of fifteen dollars, and it happened in this wise. Some six or seven weeks since there came to his place a young man (a stranger) inquiring for work, and as H. was in want of help, he employed him for the season, at rather a low figure. In the course of a week or two the young man met with an accident by having his arm broken, which of course incapacitated him for labor. He remained however, and sat at Harry's board as usual, partaking of his hospitality in many ways, and appeared anxious to be able to use his arm so that he might be of service to his employer. Last Tuesday, Harry being very busy on his farm, concluded that fifteen dollars expended for feed for his teams would be required, and he concluded to send his young man down to the mill (about three miles) to purchase the feed and bring it home. The young man thought he could do that muchly. The consequence was that, he was rigged out with a team and the money, drove to the mill, fastened the team under a shed, and told the miller he believed he would take the cars and have a ride, and put out. Harry becoming uneasy, after dinner started to ascertain his whereabouts, supposing some accident or that he was waiting for the feed to be ground. He finally bro't up, at the mill, and the result is -- Harry is out just fifteen dollars in money, some four or five weeks board and worse of all, has lost a good trusty hand.

From Ontario County Journal 15 May 1874

Missing - Mr. John Halpine, residing at Fort Hill, one mile east of this place, left his home on Wednesday, May 6th, ostensibly to come to town on some errands. He has not been seen or heard from since. He had a considerable sum of money when he left home, and some fears are entertained of foul play. His family, consisting of a wife and two children, are greatly concerned on account of his absence, and would be grateful for any information of his whereabouts. Mr. Halpine is about forty years old, 6 feet 2 inches in height, slender built and weighs about 175 lbs.; wore chin whiskers, light brown; hair cut short and mixed with gray. Had on when he left home a suit of yellowish brown clothes, coat cut sack fashion, blue check shirt, paper collar, coarse boots, and soft black hat.

From Ontario County Journal 22 May 1874

Halpine Heard From - We are informed that Mr. John Halpine, who disappeared from his home in this village last week has been heard from. He is reported to have went east to the place whence he came a year or more ago. He was thought to be laboring under a slight aberration of mind.

From Ontario County Journal 22 May 1874

Honeoye - In returning from the sheep show at Canandaigua, Mr. Philip Reed and his adopted son were thrown from their top buggy by the horse getting frightened, and were quite badly bruised. The horse left with the buggy; it was badly demoralized.

From Ontario County Times 27 May 1874

On Friday of last week a team of horses attached to a lumber wagon and belonging to Mr. John Simmons of Bristol became frightened while standing near the steam mill in this place and started up Mill street on a keen run. Reaching Phoenix street they turned west running directly across Main street and against the railing in front of Exchange Bank and there stopped. The only damage done was the bending of the heavy iron bar of the railing against which they ran, with slight injuries to the harness and to a wagon standing near. This is remarkable as there was hardly room between the teams on either side for the frightened horses to reach the railing.

From Ontario County Journal 5 June 1874

Over One Hundred Years Old - Jesse Swarthout, of Phelps, was one hundred years old on the 3d of April last, and retains to a remarkable degree, all his faculties. His vigor and manner is that of people called smart at the age of seventy-five, and promises to live many years yet. Is a pensioner for services in the war of 1812, on the Niagara frontier. He is out of a long-lived family -- his father lived to be one hundred and four years old, one brother and one sister lived to be over ninety years. His father had a large family, every child grew up and one died under seventy-five years of age.

From Ontario County Times 10 June 1874

A lively runaway occurred at West Farmington on Monday afternoon. Mr. Garret Preston, of Victor, came to the station after a passenger, and while waiting for the train, took the opportunity to fix the bridle on the horse, partially taking it off, when the horse sprung in air, and started off at a lively gait, with Mr. Preston clinging to the check-rein, taking him over a large pile of boards and upsetting the buggy. A portion of the harness gave way, which released the horse, who went but a short distance and commenced feeding. The springs of the buggy were badly broken, dashboard and seat somewhat injured. Fortunately no one was hurt.

The Palmyra Courier says: One of the oldest residents in this section of the country is probably Mrs. Eunice White, widow of Peleg White, of "sticking-salve" memory. Mrs. White was 99 years old on the 21st of May last, and is still in possession of all her faculties, and quite active in her every-day duties. She resides with her granddaughter, Mrs. George W. Smith, in the town of Farmington, about six miles from Palmyra.

A case of poisoning occurred in this town on Monday last, by which five persons of the family or in the employ of Wm. S. Doolittle came very near dying. The circumstances, as near as we can learn, are as follows: On Sunday they made and ate rice pudding for dinner, and at breakfast the next morning, Frank Doolittle, wife and child and a man and woman who were there at work ate again of the pudding, and in a short time were taken very ill, having the symptoms of being poisoned. Mr. Doolittle and wife did not eat of the pudding, and as they were not sick it is thought that the poison was in the pudding, but how it got there and why it did not affect them the day before, is a mystery. At present they are reported as beyond danger and in a fair way to recover.

From Geneva Courier 10 June 1874

HORRIBLE ACCIDENT - One day last week, Tuesday, our informant thinks, a terrible accident took place in the town of Seneca, but a short distance from the Presbyterian Church in that town known as No. 9, by which two little children of Samuel Speers, sexton of the church, were horribly scalded, one of them dying the next day and the life of the other one is despaired of.

It seems that the two children were playing upon the floor near the stove and as the mother of the children was attending to her household affairs and standing by the stove near the children, she reached over the stove and over the teakettle standing on the stove and in drawing back her arm, her sleeve caught in the teakettle, upsetting and pouring its boiling contents upon the children at their play. Everything possible was done to alleviate the sufferings of the little ones. Death soon released one and it is just possible the other may recover.

From Naples Record 13 June 1874

Ira C. Williams has a horse that takes the piston rod, at the top of pump, in his teeth and pumps water for himself and others. This has been seen in the lot back of the lower cemetery, and he does it when the trough is empty and they need water.

From Ontario County Journal 19 June 1874

The wife of William Hurlbut, Bristol Hill, was stricken down by lightning on Saturday morning last. She was near an open window and getting ready to skim her milk when the shaft entered the room. She was prostrated and still remains in a critical condition, although it is thought she will recover. The mother stood within three feet of her and was not hurt, neither was the building. Naples Record.

From Geneva Courier 24 June 1874

DISAPPEARANCE - George Harriott, a lad about sixteen years of age, although looking much younger, with light hair and complexion, dark eyes, and a scar on the top of his head, left his father's house in Clifton Springs on the morning of the 8th inst., with a horse to go to Shaw's blacksmith shop to get a wagon that had been left there for repairs. Not returning, his father went to the shop and found the horse hitched and boy missing. Upon inquiring, no one remembered of having seen him, and extended inquiry has failed to elicit any information of his whereabouts.

It is now ten days since he has been seen, and no clue whatever can be obtained of him. No cause can be assigned by his friends for his voluntary absence from home. When he left he had on a coarse working suit of clothes and was not known to have any money. Any information concerning him will be thankfully received by his father, George Harriott, Sen., Clifton Springs.

From Ontario County Times 1 July 1874

Canadice, N. Y. - Another serious runaway occurred in this town on June 20th. As Smith Ross, wife and young child, were riding along near Mr. B. H. Burch's, the horse became frightened and started to run. The occupants were thrown out of the buggy, the horse getting away from Mr. Ross; but after going a short distance the frightened animal was caught before doing much damage. Mr. Ross and the child were not very much hurt, but Mrs. Ross received quite serious injuries internally, though no bones were broken.

From Ontario County Journal 3 July 1874

Accident at Honeoye - The Honeoye correspondent of the Naples Record gives the following: Sunday p.m. as Mr. and Mrs. Randolph Pennell were riding down a very steep hill above Wm. Pierce's, the harness gave way. Mr. Pennell told the lady to jump. She sprang from the wagon, striking her weight on one foot. The foot turned under, breaking the ankle joint very badly, the bones protruding through the stocking. She was brought home on Monday morning. Dr. Richardson, a very excellent surgeon from Livonia station, assisted by Dr. L. F. Wilbur, reduced the fracture. At this writing, the lady is as comfortable as could be expected.

From Ontario Repository and Messenger 8 July 1874

A young man named Chester Baggerly, living near Orleans, was attacked by highway robbers a few nights since. A revolver was aimed at his head, but he knocked it aside, and whipping up his horse escaped.

From Ontario County Journal 17 July 1874

FRIGHTFUL RUNAWAY - We witnessed on Tuesday morning last, a most frightful runaway which promised, during its progress, certain fatal results and yet resulted in but slight damage to person or property. Mr. Charles H. Buzzell of Rushville had upon his wagon a load of goods, and had started homeward from the Central depot. While crossing the railroad track on Main street, and nearly in front of the Journal office, his seat slipped, and he was thrown under his wagon with his feet tangled in the lines. His high-strung horses, free from restraint, started at a fearful pace down Main street with Mr. Buzzell dragging upon the ground under the wagon. Every one who saw him in his perilous situation, expected to see him killed almost instantly. The team ran down the street for about a quarter of a mile and turned to the east side when about opposite the Webster House, halting amidst other teams hitched there, Mr. Buzzell was taken out and found to be comparatively uninjured. No bones were broken and only two or three slight bruises were visible, from which he will probably be somewhat stiff and lame for a few days. The wagon lost one hind wheel by the breaking of an axle, and the horses were uninjured. It was certainly a miraculous escape from a fatal accident.

From Ontario County Journal 17 July 1874

ACCIDENT AT FISHER'S - Last Monday while Mr. Henry Garber was handling a gun at Fisher's Station, it exploded, wounding his hand severely. He went to Rochester and entered the hospital. The hand was amputated.

From Naples Record 18 July 1874

Mrs. George Simmons, a few days since, broke her left limb just above the ankle. She was walking along Vine street, just at dark, and the right foot slipped into a hole in the edge of the walk in such a way as to badly fracture this one. She is suffering much, but as comfortable as the case will admit.

From Geneva Courier 22 July 1874

Canandaigua NY - Wm. Butler, an employee at the McKechnies' Brewery, had his hand mashed in the machinery of the establishment, on Wednesday last. It is an ugly wound, but he is receiving efficient surgical treatment, consequently is doing well.

From Geneva Courier 22 July 1874

Canandaigua NY - On Monday afternoon last, while Messrs. Charles L. Tutt and Wm. Doyle were upon a scaffold ceiling around the dome or tower of the new Fire Department building, the support of the scaffold gave way and they were precipitated to the floor, a distance of about nine feet. In falling, Mr. Tutt broke his leg, near the ankle, in such a manner that the bones penetrated through the flesh. He was carried home, where he received surgical assistance. It was deemed advisable to amputate the limb just above the fracture, which was successfully accomplished by Dr. Swarts, assisted by Drs. Simmons and Welles. Mr. Tutt is now in a comfortable situation. Mr. Doyle was more fortunate than his fellow-workman, recovering only slight bruises.

From Ontario County Journal 24 July 1874

From Baptist Hill - Dear Journal: Thinking it might not be uninteresting to your readers, we have taken a few leisure moments to ascertain the facts and herewith give you in brief review an idea of the business done in this hamlet.

We have two general stores, one hotel, one harness shop, one blacksmith, and wagon and carriage shop, one boot and shoe shop, and two or three painters. Judging from the new buildings already completed and being completed, and not being able to speak from knowledge, having been here but a short time, we conclude there were other mechanics, which is probably the case.

There are here two large church buildings of the Baptist and Universalist denomination. The former in earlier years from its flourishing condition gave the place its present name. The building for some time past has been unused but is now opened and services are conducted regularly. The society in September sends Rev. E. G. Phillips to the Assam Mission, India. The Universalist society is the strongest in the county we understand. At present their pulpit is without a regular pastor. They conduct a very successful Sunday school. They comprise many of the solid men and best women of Bristol. The school we know to furnish as good a collection of scholars as the average of the county.

S. H. Wheeler & Co. are the firm of Bristol and are doing the largest trade of any of the four stores in the township. They are wide awake and reliable dealers in general merchandise, popularly known for liberality and uniform low prices to cash purchasers. In connection with this firm Mr. Frank Hicks who has conducted the business here for 25 years, carries on the trade of harness making, etc., in a neat little shop adjoining. He also has a stock of horse blankets of first quality and of trunks, valises, etc.

We were sorry to find the junior member, Mr. W. H. Doyle, confined to his room, but still able to greet old friends in his agreeable way with the vein of wit and sociability which makes "Will" a general favorite now and then revealing itself.

J. A. Carpenter & Co. are upright and gentlemanly dealers in a general stock. A steady patronage of eight years speaks more highly of this firm than any words we can add. Mr. Shulters, the partner of Mr. C. here takes the place of U. S. in the way of mails, among which every morning may be seen several Rochester dailies.

The trade of wagon and carriage making is represented very ably by Robert McMaster, who is noted for the durability of the jobs he executes not only in repairing but manufacturing. Next door, is the shop of S. R. & W. N. Evarts, who in the line of blacksmithing are considered throughout Bristol as hard to excel as horse shoers. We have visited their shop several times, and could never learn how they find time to do other kinds of work when there is always someone waiting with another horse to be shod.

Here we meet the pleasant old gentleman, Phineas Kent, who has for the past half century nearly struck off the goods of
restless farmers hereabouts, and has been a hop grower of Bristol the past twelve or more years.

Sylvester Marble, or Squire Marble as he is familiarly called, makes good boots and shoes for the active people of "The Hill," who always come to his place when the soles of foreign made articles give out, and get repaired, or better still show their good sense by buying a boot or shoe made by trusty hands at home. Squire Marble always greets you with a pleasant word and a good paper or periodical to read while waiting for the peg that holds.

Mr. Frank Mitchell and Boswell Inse do the painting. In other words, they are "the finishers" of the Hill. Mr. Mitchell, son of Joseph Mitchell, of established ability as a painter, is doing a good business over McMaster's shop, and judging from the stripes his brush leaves on the buggies, etc., turned over to his skill in "the ornamental," we should say Frank is an artist of "the right stripe." Frank also draws a good bow on the violin.

Now comes the jovial tailor, Mr. John Shay, who is always drawing our attention to the dilapidated and ancient appearance of our coat. John, if you do as good a thing as you did last winter on the suit you made for us, we think now while we are writing and look once more at the place where the button ought to be on our "store clothes," and the bare thread, so lonely looking and pleading for our pride in a new suit of clothes, and for the tailor's pocket, we think you may take our measure once more. A second measure will be necessary, for the cloth Wheeler sold us has been so heavy and warm these summer days with your tight seams and snug fit that with much exercise our shadow has grown less. Yes, cut them out.

From Ontario County Times 29 July 1874

Mr. George Smith, a carpenter, of Geneva, on Wednesday last, while at work on a house, by the breaking of a ladder on which he stood, was precipitated to the ground, a distance of twenty feet. Both bones of his right leg were broken just above the ankle, which may prove a serious matter in consequence of the patient's advanced age, he being 60 years old.

From Ontario County Journal 31 July 1874

Painful Accident - We understand that Mr. Daniel Arnold, an old resident of the town of Farmington, last Wednesday met with a serious accident. It seems that he was in the act of descending the cellar stairs, when he lost his foothold and fell to the bottom, breaking his hip in two places. Dr. Simmons of Canandaigua was called but was unable to set it. Mr. Arnold is an old man of some eighty years, and stands well in his town, having been for several years Supervisor.

From Ontario County Times 5 August 1874

A young man named Ottawell Cooper, living in East Bloomfield, met with a very distressing, if not fatal, accident on Saturday afternoon last. It appears that he was at work on a mow in a barn on the premises of Mr. S. R. Wheeler, storing away grain, when he lost his footing and fell from the mow. A fork had unfortunately been left leaning against the side of the mow, and upon that the young man struck in his descent and then pitched forward to the floor. The handle of the fork penetrated the abdomen, inflicting very painful and dangerous injuries. The accident occurred about five o'clock. Dr. Murphy was summoned to attend the injured man, but while dressing the wounds was suddenly prostrated by an attack of paralysis. Messengers were then dispatched for other physicians, by whom the dressing was completed and everything possible done to make the patient comfortable and ensure his recovery. He is very badly hurt, but we are happy to hear that his injuries are not of such a character as to necessarily cause death. The condition of Dr. Murphy, we are informed, is such as to excite the worst apprehensions. All efforts to restore consciousness have thus far failed, and the attending physicians say there is scarcely a possibility of his recovery.

From Ontario County Journal 7 August 1874

Mr. Wm. J. Massingham of Bristol in this county, met with a terrible misfortune at Corning Sunday morning last. He jumped from a train of cars while in motion and one of his legs was so badly injured that amputation was necessary. Mr. M. has been engaged for some time past teaching penmanship in various parts of this county, and was very generally respected. His misfortune must be a very serious one to a man of his active and industrious habits. We sincerely sympathize with him in his misfortune.

From Ontario Journal 7 August 1874

Accident in Farmington - Last Friday, Mr. John Hall, a resident of Brownsville, met with an accident of a serious nature. It seems that while he was driving on a reaper, a portion of the harness got out of gear. He leaned forward in order to remedy the difficulty, in doing which he received a kick from one of the horses, breaking three of his ribs. Dr. Palmer was called. The Dr. reports him doing as well as could be expected under the circumstances.

From Geneva Gazette 7 August 1874

Child Lost and Found - On Friday last, about two o'clock P. M., the wife of Patrick Hurley, who resides in the town of Gorham, about three-fourths of a mile from Rushville, went to visit a neighbor who lived about three-fourths of a mile distant. She left at home, asleep, two children -- little girls - aged respectively two and a half and five years. She was absent about half an hour, and when she returned her youngest child was gone, the eldest being still asleep. She made immediate search, but no trace of the lost one could be found. Becoming anxious and alarmed she sent for her husband and neighbors. The search was kept up all night and the forenoon of the next day. By this time the people of the whole neighborhood had been apprised of the sad calamity, and about thirty had joined in the search. Every well, cistern and place in the neighborhood into which the child could have fallen or crawled was carefully examined. About 2 o'clock in the afternoon, the little girl was found in the woods of Avery Blodgett, about three-fourths of a mile from home. She was badly bitten by mosquitoes, and very much exhausted. She is able to talk quite plainly, and stated that she slept in the woods all night. In order to reach the place where she was found, she had to pass through several pieces of grain, and climb over five or six fences -- certainly a wonderful exploit for a child so young. It was most fortunate that the night was warm, as the only clothes the child had on was a thin dress. During the search the parents suffered the most agonizing suspense, and their joy at the recovery of their darling can be better imagined than described. Penn Yan Express

From Geneva Gazette 14 August 1874

Joseph Gray, well-known to many of our older inhabitants, as for a long time a resident of this village, is still living, and although in his 90th year, enjoys comparatively good health. He is at present a member of the family of Leonard J. Riland, one of our oldest subscribers at Stanley, in the town of Seneca, whose wife is a daughter of widow Robson, present wife of Mr. G. Mr. Gray is a native of Lancaster Co., Pa., and came to the town of Seneca in 1795 -- quite an early day. His first wife was Betsey Blackmer, by whom he had four children, three of whom are living, viz: Jane, wife of Henry Mitchell, Esq., of Gorham; John B., at present employed at Willard Insane Asylum, and Mary, a resident of Stanley. She died in 1829, and Mr. G. remained a widower until about 1844, when he married his present wife. Mr. Gray held the office of Collector in the town of Seneca several terms, and was constable fourteen years. He has a good memory and relates many incidents of the early settlement of this country -- reads the paper regularly, without glasses, and appears to take as much interest in public matters and passing events as any one.

From Ontario County Times 26 August 1874

Victor, N. Y. - Levi Simmons was thrown from his buggy last Sunday morning receiving quite severe injuries. He was returning from Scottsville, where he had been to carry a man who wished to attend some "doings" at that place on Saturday evening, and, when near East Mendon, his horse shied, and being a hard working farmer, unaccustomed to late hours, was taking a little "snooze" at the time and lost his equilibrium and fell out, receiving a severe scalp wound, cracking one of his ribs and injuring his wrist. The horse went on home, and Mr. Simmons continued his journey on foot, a distance of nearly five miles. When he reached home he found the horse, buggy and harness in proper condition, not having received the slightest injury on the way. The wounds of Mr. Simmons were attended by Dr. Chas. Ball.

From Ontario Repository and Messenger 26 August 1874

Interesting Relics - The Geneva Gazette of a late date says: On Wednesday last Mr. William Reed, who works the farm of his late step-father, Melancton S. Reed -- the farm being situated on the Hall's Corners road and first north of the old Melspaugh (now Vosburgh) farm -- while plowing a field just south of the creek, turned up what proved beyond doubt to be the skeleton of an Indian. On further search being made a number of relics were discovered, which according to Indian custom, were buried with the deceased, probably more than a century ago. The relics consisted of a string of beads, glass and amber, a portion of the cord preserved, a heavy silver plated spoon a slight rubbing of which restored its original polish; a brass medal, on one side showing the figures of Joseph, the Virgin Mary and infant child, Jesus, in her lap, surrounded with the following inscription: "Anna, M. M. Vis. Roma." On the reverse, the figures Jesus, as a youth, and Joseph -- inscription: "Jesu Cvm Joseph." There were seven copper crosses representing in bas relief, on one side a crucifixion, and on the other the Virgin, with inscription "Jesu Maria."

From Ontario County Times 2 September 1874

Shortsville, N. Y. - Some little time since there was an old folks' tea party at the residence of Mrs. Nancy Herendeen, in this village, which was something quite worthy of mention. Among the old people present were five sisters, the youngest of whom has nearly completed her three score and ten years. The oldest is scarcely seven years older than the youngest. In the early days of the settlement of this part of the State, Levi Smith and his wife, Tabitha, settled in what is now the town of Farmington. They had five daughters, Nancy, Rhobe, Mary, Abigail and Lucinda, and afterwards four sons, William, Ira, Levi and Moses. Of these nine children, seven are now living. The five sisters all married. Nancy married Lyman Herendeen of Farmington; Rhobe married J. W. Gardner of Farmington; Mary married Durfee Herendeen of Macedon; Abigail married William Clapp of Jackson, Michigan; and Lucinda married Reuben Payne, of Farmington. The ages and names of the respective sisters are as follows:

Nancy Herendeen, Shortsville, N. Y. - aged 75 years;
Rhobe Gardner, Farmington, N. Y. - aged 74 years;
Mary Herendeen, Macedon, N. Y. - aged 72 years;
Abigail Clapp, Jackson, Mich. - aged 70 years;
Lucinda Payne, Farmington, N. Y. - aged 68 years.

The sisters went to Rochester and had a photograph taken of the five in a group. The picture is a fine one, finished in the best manner and is invaluable to the members of the family as a memento of a remarkable instance of the longevity of all the sisters of a family. May their circle remain long unbroken.

From Ontario Repository & Messenger 2 September 1874

An employee in the Star Paper Mill at Shortsville, named John McGinty, had three of his fingers of his right hand badly crushed between two of the heavy iron cylinders in the paper machine, one day last week.

From Ontario Repository and Messenger 9 September 1874

Last Thursday Mr. Harlow Hill met with a serious accident while setting fire to stumps on his farm in Victor. He was using kerosene when the can exploded and his clothes took fire. With great presence of mind, Mr. Hill cast off his outer clothing, thus averting a frightful burning, but in so doing his hands were terribly burned.

From Ontario County Journal 11 September 1874

A Serious Accident - Phillip Brand, Jr., while threshing near Academy P. O., had both bones of his leg broken in two places. A careless boy in hitching on a team after dinner left a hold back chain dragging from the end of a sweep; the hook caught the tumbling rod and uncoupled them and drew the rod around to an angle where it did not run true. Mr. Brand in attempting to stop the horses, was hit by the rod. Jonathan Monks drove one of his farm horses to Cheshire and back, a distance of four miles each way, and brought Dr. F. R. Bently to Mr. Brand's in just forty minutes, which is fast time over such a hilly road.

From Ontario Repository and Messenger 11 October 1874

Attempted Suicide - Jacob Knapp of Gorham, attempted to destroy himself on Wednesday evening of last week, by taking half a drachm of arsenic. Dr. Phinney was immediately summoned, and by skillful treatment succeeded in saving his life.

From Geneva Courier 21 October 1874

A Stabbing Affray - A stabbing affray occurred in Geneva on Saturday night which came near terminating fatally. A young man named Joseph Crouthers, being dangerously wounded while fighting with Theodore Beattie -- Beattie stabbing him with a knife. Crouthers, though at one time regarded as in a critical condition, is recovering. There are conflicting stories as to the matter, and while we believe we have the entire facts, we prefer to wait the result of the examination which is to be held soon. In the meantime, we will merely say in view of the statement in the Rochester Union, that there are occasions in which self-defense in any manner is justifiable and the proof will show if this be one such.

From Geneva Gazette 13 November 1874

When in Canandaigua, the place to get your money's worth in a "square" dish of oysters is JOHNNY FLANNEGAN'S, east side of Main st. A man needs a most capacious stomach to stow away all the plump bivalves, lusciously stewed, which Johnny serves up in one dish at the moderate sum of 40 cents, with a "wash" of cider gratis. In court time his place is the popular resort alike of townsmen and countrymen - bench and bar, jurors and witnesses.

From Geneva Gazette 25 December 1874

Two women hailing from Chapinville in this county, giving the names of Eunice Daley and Phoebe Ryel, were arrested at Rochester on Tuesday last for "shoplifting." A large quantity of stolen combs, brushes, laces, gloves, bead work, &c., were found concealed about their persons underneath their dresses.

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