Newspaper Events Ontario County NY

From Ontario County Journal 7 January 1881

Fishers, N. Y. - Jacob Stouder, well-known as the "iron man", had a very narrow escape from being killed a few days ago. Mr. Stouder was at work in the woods, and after having nearly felled a large tree, he began to clear away for its fall; but unexpectedly, the tree started, and Jake started also. The tree caught him, and hurling him to the ground beneath its wonderful weight, cut and bruised him in a very bad way. It is one of the seven miracles that he was not killed. Iron is better in some cases than steel. It will bend before breaking. But a good deal of the rust was rubbed off from old Jake.

From Ontario County Times 12 January 1881

Naples, N. Y. - James L. Covel is suffering with an injury to his hand, received in a singular way. His favorite dog being sick, he undertook to pry its mouth open to administer some medicine, when the animal bit him through the hand. It is thought that the dog was poisoned, as the hand is swollen and painful.

On Saturday evening, Mr. Thomas M. Howell of this village, had the misfortune to fall heavily, striking his head with great force against the corner of a sofa. The shock rendered him for the moment senseless, but he soon recovered, and the next Monday morning was about the streets again. The accident was caused by a projecting nail in the heel of his slipper, which caught in the carpet as he was going rapidly down stairs. The readers of the Times will unite with the editors in congratulating Mr. Howell upon his fortunate escape, for his genial contributions to our columns have made them all his well-wishers.

From Ontario County Times 19 January 1881

While Mrs. Stephen Couch, of this village, was returning from church Sunday evening and when near the corner of Main and Chapin streets, she slipped on the icy pavement and fell heavily to the sidewalk, breaking one of her arms near the wrist. The fracture was promptly reduced, and the lady is as comfortable as the serious character of her injury will admit.

From Geneva Gazette 11 February 1881

The following have been elected officers of the Rushville Union Agricultural Society for the ensuing year:

M. A. Pearce - President
John Voorhees, George Washburn, A. C. Lindsley - Vice-Presidents
S. H. Green - Corresponding Secretary
Henry Blodgett - Recording Secretary
E. B. Lindsley, W. H. Savage, E. G. Chapman - Marshals

From Ontario County Journal 11 February 1881

Browne's Baby Boom - Mr. Will R. Browne, of the Bohemian Glass Blowers, exhibiting at the Town Hall this week, is managing a contest over the mooted question as to who is the prettiest child in town under five years of age. The voting up to yesterday afternoon stood as follows:

Charles Beebe
Frank Lapham
Francis Lee
Harry Ferguson
Georgie Wright
Ione King
Maud Scott
Frank Geswarx
Mildred Heath
Lansing Burnett

51
24
24
7
3
4
9
1
1
1

Harry Wilcox
Austin Wilcox
Anna Poyzer
Irene Briscoe
Josie Masseth
Mary McAdam
Carrie Squires
Jean Hoyt
Clarence Brown

32
27
4
10
2
2
1
2
3

From Ontario County Journal 11 February 1881

We learn that Dr. W. M. Cheney, of West Bloomfield, narrowly escaped death by freezing on Thursday of last week. The doctor was enroute from East Pike to Pike Hollow, in the stage, and though the distance is only four miles, the roads were so badly drifted that the stage was three hours on the way, and on reaching Pike Hollow the driver found Dr. Cheney asleep and could not rouse him. He was taken into a house and physicians called, who applied blisters and administered stimulants in vain endeavor to arouse him from his stupor. As a last resort an electric battery was tried, which started the circulation, the Doctor having been unconscious for eight hours. Dr. Cheney is now at home and nearly recovered. He is to be congratulated on his escape, and his friends are rejoicing that the result not such as they had reason to fear.

From Geneva Gazette 18 February 1881

Judging from the number of votes which are being cast for the handsomest baby in town, the attendance at the exhibition of the glass blowers in Dove block is quite large. The number of babies on the list is 33, and the number of votes already cast is over 1,000, as will be seen by the following record, which is complete to last night:

Mamie Kennedy - 342
May Smith - 164
Addie Gerue - 72
Edith Smith - 60
Willie Eddy - 53
Sally Van Duyne - 36
Annie K. Hardison - 31
Jennie Shewman - 29
Nellie Johnson - 26
Bertha Robinson - 26
Charlie Folger - 25

Dora Atwood - 22
Fred Prince, Jr. - 21
F. Dean Atwood - 18
Baby - 17
Edith Steele - 17
Mabel Frantz - 15
Harry Slocum - 14
Gertrude Webster - 12
Ollie Wilson - 11
Lottie Rutherford - 7
Kattie Barber - 6

Willie Brush - 6
Alice Benedict - 5
Ida Taylor - 5
Lottie Gambee - 4
Emily Merriman - 4
J. Zobrist's baby - 4
Jenny Brown - 3
Catherine Eddy - 3
Truxton Morris - 3
Seth Lewis - 3
George Smith - 2

The baby receiving the largest vote will be awarded a beautiful ornamental case, value $75. Saturday evening a pipe valued at $10 will be awarded to the homeliest man in Geneva by a committee of three ladies.

From Geneva Gazette 25 February 1881

Patrick Lynch, residing in the Clark block near the railroad depot, lost another child on Monday last, the second within two weeks. Both fell victims to scarlet fever.

From Ontario County Journal 25 February 1881

East Bloomfield, N. Y. - Last Saturday Mr. Frank Page met with a serious accident while cutting feed. The machine was run by horse power. Mr. Page, thinking one of the boxes was loose, reached under with the left hand to make an examination. In some manner his mitten came in contact with the gearing and his hand was drawn in among the cogs, crushing two fingers and a thumb so badly that amputation was found necessary. The operation was performed by Dr. O. E. Hollister.

From Ontario County Journal 25 February 1881

Academy, N. Y. - On Friday, the 4th inst., as John Casby was trying to extricate his team from a snow drift, one of the horses made a plunge and jumped on him, knocking him down and badly injuring him. He was carried to his home and a physician summoned, under whose care he is slowly recovering. None of his bruises proved of a serious nature.

From Geneva Gazette 11 March 1881

Valentine Pike, aged about 50 years, living near the foot of the lake, while felling a tree yesterday, a limb about 4 inches in diameter fell striking him on the left side of the head near the top, cutting down to the bone and raising the scalp for five inches, also badly bruising his shoulder. Dr. Johnson was called, who dressed the wounds, and the sufferer is doing as well as could be expected considering the severe nature of his injuries.

From Ontario County Journal 11 March 1881

East Bloomfield, N. Y. - A young man by the name of William Carroll, son of Sanford E. Carroll, was arrested and tried before Squire Leete last week for neglect to support his wife and child. It was proved on the trial that a pair of shoes costing one dollar, towards which his wife contributed forty cents, was all the clothing or money he had furnished her during the winter. The prisoner was discharged. An attempt was then made on the part of the friends of the prisoner, to send his wife to the State Alms House at Rochester, which, however, proved a failure. Carroll is a young man twenty-two years of age and is able to earn a good living. Several of the neighbors contributed some money and bought her some clothing.

From Ontario County Journal 18 March 1881

Narrow Escape - On Monday last, a team of colts belonging to Mr. John Burke, became frightened and ran away on Main street at a terrific pace. Mr. B. S. Driggs, business manager of the McGibney Family, was crossing the street, and before he saw the team and had time to turn aside, he was struck in the breast by the neck yoke, and it appeared as if he would certainly be killed. Mr. Driggs clung to the neck yoke, however, and was dragged by the frightened animals through the mud, until one of the horses stepped upon his overcoat and was thrown to the ground. Mr. Driggs miraculously escaped with but few bruises, his coat and hat having been sadly demoralized in his fearful ride between the horses.

From Ontario County Journal 18 March 1881

Flint Creek, N. Y. - Mrs. Allen Dodge and two of her children had quite a narrow escape on Saturday last. They went to Seneca Castle, and just as they were entering the village the horse took fright and started on a run, throwing Mrs. Dodge from the cutter; and continuing his flight, attempted to enter the yard of one of the residents of the place; in so doing the cutter struck the gate post, and one of the children, a little girl, jumped and was thrown over the fence, but falling in the snow escaped injury. The other, a boy, passed through the gate, and when he too made up his mind he had rode far enough, got out in the snow. The horse was caught after spoiling the cutter.

From Ontario County Times 6 April 1881

On the occasion of Mr. Samuel P. Ottley's fifty-fifth birthday, March 24th, a large number of his friends gathered at his residence on Prospect Hill in Seneca to extend their congratulations. A pleasing feature of the evening was the reading of an original poem by Gen. C. A. Hughes.

From Ontario County Journal 8 April 1881

John Countee -- The Old Sexton

Nigh to a grave that was newly made, Leaned a sexton on his earth-worn spade,
His work was done, and he paused to wait, The funeral train through the open gate;
A relic of by-gone days was he, and his locks were white as the foamy sea.

As the procession yesterday, which followed the remains of the late William Hildreth to their last resting place, entered the cemetery at Phelps, the above words came instinctively to the minds of many as they saw the venerable John Countee, the sexton, standing beside the open grave. Mr. Countee is a colored man of medium height, with short, crisp hair, white as the foamy sea and bearing other unmistakable evidences of great age. His exact age is not known, but probably approximates ninety years. He was born in Maryland, and in the early part of this century was brought as a slave to Ontario county by Archibald Bell, and he continued as a slave until slavery was abolished in this State in 1817. About that year he commenced to dig graves and has followed that as his principal occupation since. Unfortunately he has kept no record of the whole number of graves he has dug, but it is believed they number nearly if not quite three thousand, and have comprised graves for the old and the young, rich and poor, maid and matron, and the sweet-lipped babe, the forefathers of the hamlet and their descendants to the third and fourth generations. What griefs and anguish he has witnessed. What tears fall; what solemn scenes have passed under his eyes as he stood by the graves in the old and new burying grounds in that village. Rochester Union

From Ontario County Journal 8 April 1881

East Bloomfield Station, N. Y. - Mr. Stephen B. Carroll met with a serious accident last Saturday while engaged in cutting feed at his farm. His left hand was caught between two cog wheels of the machine and three fingers were badly crushed and mangled, which made amputation of the first two fingers necessary. The operation was performed by Dr. E. O. Hollister. Not less than three other persons in town have injured in nearly the same way, by feed-cutting machines, during the past winter. It would seem that they are machines which should be handled with care.

From Ontario County Journal 8 April 1881

Naples, N. Y. - A shooting affair is the latest sensation here. On Monday morning, constable C. C. Lewis, having a warrant of dispossession went to the residence of Mrs. O. C. Tenney to eject her from the premises. She had threatened to shoot anyone who should attempt to enter the house for that purpose, but only those who knew her best believed she would carry out her threat. The constable knocked on the door and was refused admittance. He then began to force open the door and Mrs. Tenny fired at him with a revolver, the ball passing through the door but a few inches from the constable's head. She then went upstairs, opened a window and ordered Lewis away. He did not go, and she levelled at him again, but the gun snapped. As she was about shooting again, the constable fired at her, the ball entering the right breast, inflicting a severe but not dangerous wound, and she is in a fair way to recover. The constables have possession of the house and propose to hold it until Mrs. Tenney can be removed. She has the reputation of being a violent woman, and there is not much sympathy for her in the community. The officer gave himself up, and an examination will be held today. The affair creates a great deal of talk.

From Geneva Gazette 22 April 1881

Yesterday, Mrs. Alice Brophy, in going down stairs at her residence on North Exchange street, fell striking on her head and left side - bruising herself badly, and confining her to bed. Dr. Weyburn was called and did all in his power to aid nature in recovery. Just one month ago on the day of the accident, Mrs. Brophy's daughter died of congestion of the brain.

From Ontario County Times 27 April 1881

A horse attached to a top buggy belonging to Bert Randall of Covell Settlement became frightened yesterday at a piece of flying paper while hitched in front of the store of Burch and Curtiss. He snapped the hitching strap and crossing the street took to the sidewalk in front Flannigan's, and demolished things generally until he was stopped in front of Mutschler's meat market. The buggy was totally wrecked, comparatively nothing was left of the harness, and a large cauldron kettle standing in front of Cooley's hardware stone was knocked over and broken. Fortunately nobody was injured.

A team of horses belonging to Mr. Bradley Remington, who resides a few miles from this village on the Middle road west of the lake, became frightened by a locomotive while potatoes were being transferred from the wagon to the cars opposite the depot, on Wednesday last and a lively runaway was the result. Mr. Remington was thrown from the wagon and sustained quite severe injuries about the head. The team straddled a telegraph pole on the corner of Main street and were stopped after doing considerable damage to the harness.

From Ontario County Times 4 May 1881

The eleventh party of orphan children, numbering sixty-five persons, who have been sent to seek western homes by Whitelaw Reid, editor of the New York Tribune, left New York city on Monday of last week. Included in this company were four children from the Ontario Orphan Asylum in this village, named respectively, Francis Hutchison, seven years old; Emma Hamm, aged eight years; William Gaffeny, aged thirteen years; and William Spencer, aged eleven years.

The first named was a ward of the State Board of Charities, and was placed in the asylum about four years ago by Dr. Chas. S. Hoyt, of this village, secretary of the Board. Dr. Hoyt recently decided to remove his charge from the asylum here and place him in the hands of the agents of Mr. Reid, as the most favorable reports have been received from the children previously placed in Western homes through that gentleman's instrumentality. It was at Dr. Hoyt's suggestion and by his influence that the other three became members of the party.

The little colored girl, Emma Hamm, was placed in the asylum about five years ago by the poor authorities of Yates county. A year ago she was adopted into the family of Samuel Green, a colored man living in this village, but was reclaimed by the ladies of the asylum after they had become convinced that she was being ill treated.

William Gaffeny was born in Geneva. His mother, who had been deserted by her husband, was found dead in bed in 1870 with this two-year-old boy and a baby sister, younger, sleeping by her side.

William Spencer is an octoroon colored boy and was brought to the asylum when a baby by his white mother, who lived at Geneva. She stayed at the asylum for a number of years as a domestic, and when she left the boy was unconditionally surrendered to the care of the lady directors.

The children were taken to New York by Mr. Ten Eyck Munson of this village, and their final destination is the State of Iowa. They are said to have been extremely happy over the prospect of finding homes in the west, and there is no room for doubt they will be afforded better advantages for becoming useful members of society than if adopted into families in this immediate vicinity.

From Geneva Gazette 6 May 1881

We learn that Mr. E. W. Sherman of Clifton was thrown from his wagon last Wednesday, as the result of his horse running away, sustaining very serious injuries of head and shoulders. In fact, grave apprehension exists that his hurts may prove fatal.

From Ontario County Journal 6 May 1881

It is stated that Mr. George Derr, who recently died in Shortsville at the advanced age of 90 years, purchased the first ticket sold by the New York Central Railroad Company. It was in 1832, and was for passage from Albany to Schenectady.

From Geneva Gazette 13 May 1881

Stanley, N. Y. - Mr. Chas. Carson, residing a mile west of here, met with a painful and nearly fatal accident last Wednesday. He was engaged in rolling a piece of ground near his father's barn. Coming near the barn, a flock of sheep ran out from under a shed and scared his team, precipitating him underneath the roller which passed over his head and shoulders, bruising him in a terrible manner. We understand he is doing as well as could be expected under the circumstances.

From Neapolitan Record 19 May 1881

On Sunday last, while Joseph W. Price was driving a colt south of the village, his youngest daughter, Jessie, accompanying him, the animal became frightened and commenced backing and plunging, which overturned the buggy. Mr. Price and daughter were thrown violently to the ground by the overturning of the buggy, and Mr. Price had his shoulder dislocated. We learn he is doing well.

From Geneva Gazette 27 May 1881

Gorham, N. Y. - One week ago last Sunday two men under the influence of liquor, broke their wagon near the shop and residence of Jacob S. Buckelew in this town, and at once applied to him to repair the wagon, which he refused to do before the next day, saying to them it would take a half day to do it. One of the men ordered him to proceed at once to repair the wagon or he would throw his tools into the road and swore he would kill him, and proceeded to carry out his threat. At this Buckelew reached behind the shop door, drew out his rifle, cocked it, and took aim for that man's heart, telling him to come one step farther and that step would be his last. Then the man who carried the least liquor sprang upon his friend, knocked him down and choked him until he was insensible, and dragged him off, and we are cheated out of a first-class item.

From Neapolitan Record 2 June 1881

Honeoye, N. Y. - Last Saturday evening, John Blackmer's horse, "Pedro", made tracks for somewhere but nobody could tell just the exact locality. He was found the next day up in Bristol on the Joseph Paul farm, now occupied by a Mr. Powers.

Daniel Alverson, of Canandaigua, was knocked down by a mad cow last week, and had three ribs broken.

Mrs. Gideon Granger has given a beautiful portrait of her husband to be hung in the Court House at Canandaigua.

From Geneva Gazette 3 June 1881

Charles Arnold and E. E. Stetson of Naples were run away with while driving down a steep hill Saturday evening. Stetson escaped with a few bruises, but Arnold had his skull fractured, his collar bone broken in two places, and received serious injuries on other parts of his body.

From Ontario County Journal 3 June 1881

Allen's Hill, N. Y. - The very many friends and acquaintances of our esteemed fellow townsman, Marion P. Worthy, will learn with regret of the painful accident which befell him last Friday evening. While riding on horseback through his yard to the stable, unmindful of the metallic clothes line stretched across his path, he was thrown violently from his horse, striking the gate post with such force as to fracture one of his ribs and otherwise seriously injure him. When we consider that he was riding rapidly, and that the line caught him under the chin, it is almost a marvel that he was not more seriously injured. The same day another of our townsmen, Mr. David Crooks, fell from the porch at his residence and striking across the steps fractured a rib.

Naples, N. Y. - An accident occurred on Saturday about sunset, by which Mr. Chas. Arnold, a journeyman butcher just from Canandaigua, came near losing his life. He was thrown from a wagon by a run off the bank of a ravine, and after a fearful leap of some thirty feet in the air, he fell heavily, striking his forehead upon a stone, cutting a horrible gash and fracturing his skull, and also breaking his collar bone. He was picked up for dead and carried to town, receiving prompt surgical attention , and he is said to be doing well now. His wife was sent for Monday and she is now with him. He was in the employ of E. E. Stetson, who was with him at the time, and who was also injured to a considerable extent. It seems that the horse they were driving refused to hold the load when coming down the "dug-way," and kicked and plunged desperately, whirling the whole thing, horse, wagon, calf and men down this fearful steep. The wagon was a sad wreck, and the men are devoutly thankful they escaped with their lives.

From Ontario County Times 8 June 1881

Mr. Mark Mead of this village was quite severely injured on Friday last while assisting in raising the frame of a large barn on the Berry farm near Padelford's Station. A portion of the heavy frame work slipped, knocking him from the top of the stone foundation to the ground, a distance of ten feet, and crushing his foot in a painful manner. He received other bruises about the body, and will probably be laid up for some time.

From Ontario County Journal 10 June 1881

East Bloomfield, N. Y. - Mr. John K. Butler met with quite a disastrous runaway in the north part of the town last Wednesday when hauling a load of compost from his residence to the farm a half mile distant. While passing Mr. Norton's, he stepped into the house a moment to speak with the ladies, when the team, taking advantage of the situation, started down the road at a break-neck speed, disposing of the wagon and its entire contents in a very summary manner. It was a sad sight to see John as he stood with tears in his eyes gazing on the little bits that were left of his wagon, while the neighbors gathered around to sympathize with him on the loss of his compost. No damage to the team.

From Ontario County Journal 24 June 1881

Runaway Accident - On Saturday evening, Mr. Lucas Smith, of this village, returning home from camp meeting, was driving along Gibson street, when one of his horses, a spirited animal, becoming frightened by the noise of wagons on the street, started into a run. Mr. S. pulled the horse back, when the tugs became unfastened and the horse lunged ahead; the end of the tongue struck the ground, and by breaking the cross bar, freed the team, and Mr. Smith was violently pulled over the dash board to the ground. The team ran a few rods when, by coming in contact with a tree they were compelled to stop. Mr. Smith fortunately was uninjured , and the lady occupants of the wagon also escaped harm. The horses were somewhat bruised, but no serious damage resulted.

From Ontario County Times 29 June 1881

Naples, N. Y. - The continued absence of A. Frank Oakley has created consternation in the minds of his creditors. He went away from home about the first of June with the expressed intention of returning in a few days. He drove away a valuable horse with carriage and harness. He failed to return as expected, and inquiries revealed the fact that his debts amounted to nearly three thousand dollars, and his assets hardly a tenth of that sum. One of his creditors found him at Ovid, Seneca county, last week where he had advertised his horse, buggy and harness for sale. He stated his intention of returning to Naples next morning with his creditor, but rose early and skipped for parts unknown. He leaves his wife here in her present condition to the care of strangers. He came to Naples some three years ago, and stated that he was worth over $5000, and that it was invested in mortgages at Bath, Schenectady and Troy, which proves to be wholly false. He bought a place here, and made improvements upon it, but only made a small payment. This and his plausible statements account for the amount of credit he received from our merchants and business men. Officers are looking for him. He is wanted badly.

From Ontario County Journal 8 July 1881

A Hundred Years Old - W. S. Townsend, architect, of this village, is making repairs and changes in the house on Chapel street, occupied by Miss Eliza Cleveland. This house was built about one hundred years ago, and is certainly a curiosity. It contains a massive chimney, about 7 x 8 feet, which has three fire places and a large oven. The house was built by the grandfather of Miss Cleveland, Abner Beach, who cleared the forest, hewed the lumber and made every nail used in its construction in his blacksmith shop near by. No changes have been made in the building since it was erected. It is a relic of the times when houses were built well, and in its day was doubtless considered a very handsome residence. Mrs. Mary E. Huggans, a sister of Miss Cleveland, and also of Moses Cleveland, of this village, occupied the house with her. Mr. Townsend is to preserve the exterior appearance of the house as much as possible. A remarkable fact in regard to the Cleveland family of eleven children -- seven sons and four daughters, of whom Miss Eliza is the youngest -- is that no death has ever occurred in the family. Moses Cleveland, the father of the family, was 70 years of age, and his wife died at 78. The grandparents both lived to be over 90 years.

From Ontario County Journal 8 July 1881

Terrible Accident - On the Fourth of July William Belcher, of West Bloomfield, in company with Miss Fannie Andrews, attended a picnic on the east side of Honeoye lake, at a place known as "Bray's". The couple are supposed to have left this resort at 2 o'clock Tuesday morning. Shortly after daylight on that day they were both found insensible in a deep gorge crossing the road about a mile below "Bray's", and later reports say that they have both since died from their injuries. The cause of the accident is unknown, but it is supposed the horse became frightened at this point, and by a sudden turn overturned the buggy and threw the occupants on the rocks below. The horse was found near the scene of the accident, badly injured. Rochester Democrat

From Ontario County Journal 15 July 1881

Rushville, N. Y. - Mrs. Helen Wait was badly burned last Sunday. She turned kerosene on to live coals in a pan containing potato bugs. The oil took fire in the can and exploded, throwing the oil over her clothes. Her injuries are not considered fatal.

From Ontario County Journal 22 July 1881

The Fat-Lean Contest - The baseball game between the nine fat men and nine lean men takes place on the Fair Ground today at 4 o'clock p.m. The nines are composed of the following gentlemen:

Fat Nine - Will M. Spangle, T. O'Brien, Wm. McClarey, J. Torrey, Frank Osborne, Henry Senglhub, Jr., Geo. R. West, J. Parsons, George Reed.

Lean Nine - F. W. Kinde, J. E. Powelson, W. McCabe, Will L. Smith, Charles Wilder, P. Mulligan, J. Hudson, Perry Collins, C. E. Cooley

The players will appear in gorgeous uniforms, and as both sides have been practicing for some time, a lively game may be expected. In order to defray the expense of caring for the wounded and providing for the widows and orphans, the paltry sum of fifteen cents will be charged at the gate. Ladies admitted free.

From Ontario County Times 27 July 1881

Mrs. Tuohey, widow of the late Michael Tuohey, living on Tillotson street, attempted suicide yesterday by poisoning. Mrs. Tuohey is the mother of six children, four of whom are grown up and able to contribute to their own support. She says she wished to die because her children caused her trouble, and that she wanted to go to her husband who had appeared to her in a dream. It seems that the immediate cause of her rash act was the fact that her son, Bernard, who works on the N. Y. Central Road, had been drinking for a few days, and that Sunday he sold or pawned a watch which she had given him some time before. She told her daughter, Katy, at the Ontario House and others yesterday afternoon that she intended to kill herself, but it was not supposed she would carry her threat into execution. She procured a bottle from Katy, ostensibly to get some medicine from Dr. Hallenbeck, and, as she claims, purchased ten cents worth of sulphuric acid, and five cents worth of arsenic. This she carried home and putting it in a glass of beer, she swallowed the entire amount, enough to kill a dozen men. It being an overdose she immediately commenced vomiting and then ate a quantity of beefsteak, as she says, to "keep the rest of it down." She told nobody of what she had done until the poison began to take effect, when her friends sent for Dr. Hallenbeck. The doctor administered emetics and an antidote, which had the desired effect, and she is reported this morning as being out of danger.

From Neapolitan Record 11 August 1881

Mrs. Rebecca Abbey, while riding with Moses Seward, last week Thursday, on the road to Frost Town, had the misfortune to be thrown out of the buggy and have both arms broken in the accident; the two bones broken in the left arm protruded from the flesh. She was immediately taken home and cared for, but fears are entertained for her recovery. This poor woman probably thinks she is having her share of trials, as she barely saved her life last winter, when her house burned to the ground.

From Ontario County Journal 12 August 1881

Victor, N. Y. - The past week was a chapter of accidents for George Moore, who has the reputation of keeping the ugliest horses and being the most reckless driver in this part of the country. Last Sunday he borrowed a horse, which he formerly owned, now the property of D. Gibson, and started for R. When near home the horse became fractious and finally succeeded in smashing things generally. Thursday as he was driving home, one of his lines broke and the horses became unmanageable, throwing him on the ground and dragging him some distance. He finally got away, and the team ran into the carriage of Mr. James Gallup, upsetting it and turning out Mr. Gallup and his wife and demolishing a wheel of the buggy. On the team ran in their mad career, upsetting Mr. Williams and a young lady who was riding with him, demolishing their buggy and bruising them somewhat. George has four carriages at the shop, and we hope he is a sadder and wiser -- boy.

East Bloomfield, N. Y. - Last Monday afternoon Mr. Hiram Holcomb met with a serious accident while passing from the barn to the house. It was caused by a calf that was tied to a stake near the walk suddenly starting up; and catching his feet in the rope, he was thrown to the ground with such force as to fracture his thigh. Dr. O. E. Hollister was immediately called and succeeded in reducing the fracture.

From Ontario County Journal 26 August 1881

Victor, N. Y. - A bad runaway occurred in the village Tuesday. A horse belonging to Mr. Louis Frost was left standing in the street, when it became restless and broke its halter, running up the street by Lovejoy's market it plunged on the sidewalk. Mrs. William Dryer was just passing and attempted to get over the fence, but was knocked over forcibly by the horse striking her foot, bruising her quite badly. Bement's hack was standing in the street and Mrs. Dryer was placed in it and carried to her home.

Naples, N. Y. - A runaway today resulted somewhat disastrously. Ira Crocker, of the firm of Porter & Crocker, with his wife and Miss Kittie Whiting, were up one of our hill roads driving a double team. A dog running out scared the horses and they turned suddenly and ran. Mr. Crocker and Miss Whiting, by jumping out, escaped serious injury, but Mrs. Crocker was thrown violently from the wagon and quite badly hurt - how badly I cannot now ascertain. The horses ran into a deep gully by the side of the road and were both badly cut and bruised. Another runaway yesterday on Main street left a smashed-up buggy on the sidewalk, and a badly scared boy in the street. A son of Daniel Kennedy in a buggy, somehow allowed his horse to turn suddenly with him, tipping him out. The horse took the sidewalk in front of Exchange Block, with the buggy dragging, and crossing by the Stewart House, ran into a post, leaving the buggy, and dashing on was stopped by Editor McJannet of the Record. No one was hurt.

From Ontario County Times 31 August 1881

Naples, N. Y. - "Misfortunes never come single," is an adage whose truth was demonstrated last week. On Monday, a merchant named William Teal, living on Italy Hill, some four miles east of this village, attempted suicide by taking Paris green. Domestic trouble is supposed to be the cause. He swallowed the poison in his wife's presence. Antidotes were promptly administered, and it is though he will recover though his life was for some time despaired of.

On Tuesday morning of last week, Mrs. Keiren Drennen of Geneva, started on foot from that village for Rushville, to visit a son who resides in the latter place. When in the vicinity of Stanley, she seated herself by the roadside to rest and enjoy a smoke. Putting the pipe back into her pocket, she resumed her journey, but soon discovered that he clothing had taken fire, presumably from matches in her pocket which a spark from the pipe had ignited. Failing to extinguish the flames, the unfortunate woman rushed frantically into the nearest house, that of J. V. Snyder, seeking aid and shelter. It is stated by Mrs. Snyder and other inmates of the house, all being women, that Mrs. Drennen seized a large bread knife on entering and threatened their lives. Thinking they had to deal with an insane person, and shocked beyond measure at the sight of a human being burning alive, they promptly ejected her from the house. Mrs. Brennen (sic), almost nude and terribly burned, again sought the highway, and the flames were finally smothered with horse blankets by three ladies who happened to be passing at the time in a buggy. The unfortunate woman was kindly taken care of and removed to her home in Geneva, where she is in critical condition.

From Geneva Gazette 2 September 1881

Stanley, N. Y. - A serious and nearly fatal accident happened here last night about sundown. Mr. Allie Blake was drawing tile from the tile-yard and asked Tommy Jewett, Jr., to go along and hold his colts. He got in the wagon, and on getting to the tile-yard, jumped out and started to go to the heads of the team when one of the kicked him, one foot striking him on the right side of the face, and the other foot striking him on the right side just above the liver. He was picked up senseless and conveyed to the house of Mr. Wm. Preston. Dr. J. H. Allen was summoned, and upon examination found that no bones were broken. The lad remained in an unconscious state until this morning, when he was removed home. The Dr. thinks if inflammation does not set in he will get along all right.

From Geneva Gazette 2 September 1881

Stanley, N. Y. - Last night an elopement occurred in this place. Mr. E. W. Hipolite's hired man, Geo. Burbridge, skipped out with a girl Mr. Hipolite took to bring up, Bridget O'Laughlin by name; which way they are gone or where is a matter of conjecture.

From Ontario County Journal 9 September 1881

Last Monday Thomas Stephenson, a jeweler, of this village, in company with his wife, met Officer McPhillips on the street and requested him to accompany him to the dental office of Dr. J. F. Deacon. McPhillips complied with the request. On reaching the office, Stephenson asked Dr. Deacon if he knows Mrs. Stephenson. The Doctor replied that he did not, when Stephenson, calling him a liar, struck him heavily on the head with a large cane, and whipped out a revolver, avowing his intention to shoot him. At this McPhillips interfered, and Stephenson was prevented from doing further violence. Dr. Deacon was severely stunned by the blow and astonished as the assault. He was not long in procuring a warrant for Stephenson's arrest, and the latter was the following morning arraigned before assistant Police Justice Delos Doolittle. The case was postponed until the following day. Stephenson has arrived at the conclusion that Dr. Deacon was not the man for whom he was looking. Stephenson found he had committed a deadly assault on a man with no cause whatever, and may congratulate himself that his manipulations of the club and revolver did not culminate in more severe results. It seems that although circumstances which brought about this unfortunate affair were such as to give Stephenson an impression that all was not right in his household, he has become convinced that he acted rashly, and without real cause. It was a case of mistaken identity; an unfortunate affair brought about by mischievous meddling with family matters which have many times culminated in broken heads and other serious consequences.

From Geneva Gazette 30 September 1881

97 Years Old - On Monday, the 26th inst., Mrs. Susan C. Pratt of this village attained the advanced age of 97 years. She is undoubtedly the oldest person in our town if not in the county. This venerable lady is the mother of Mrs. Wm. A. Herrick with whom she has a loving home. She is also an aunt of Bishop Coxe and the emanate Prelate never fails to call and pay loving respect to her when in Geneva. She is a native of Norwich, Conn., and daughter of a Presbyterian clergyman. She is not as infirm physically as would naturally be expected in one of her great age, while her mind is perfectly clear, and she reads and writes with remarkable facility. Many kind neighbors called on her birthday to congratulate her on the event, and to wish her yet many years of life and happiness, she returning the greetings with dignified courtesy. About a month ago, Mrs. Pratt received intelligence of the birth of a great-great-granddaughter. Thus are living five generations of her family, a circumstance having few parallels. The the life of this venerable "mother in Israel" may be further prolonged in health and happiness will be the wish of all who know her.

From Ontario County Times 12 October 1881

Mr. Clarence Cooley of this village, who is employed as dispatcher by the N. C. R. W. Co., met with a serious accident on Saturday last. Some person had placed a railroad torpedo on the track, not as a danger signal, but probably to enjoy the fun of an explosion. The torpedo was exploded by the engine on which Mr. Cooley was riding and a large piece of the sheet iron which encased the explosive material was lodged in the calf of his leg, making an ugly but not dangerous wound. Mr. Cooley was made as comfortable as the circumstances would allow, but it will be some time before he regains the use of his limbs.

From Ontario County Journal 14 October 1881

Another Victim of the Shotgun - Last Saturday a young lad named Fred Wood, whose home is in Farmington, was hunting with companions up the lake. A rain was coming up, the boys, who were out in a boat, rowed in to shore near Nathaniel Gifford's. Young Wood, when he got out of the boat, did precisely what a great many have done again and again - he pulled his gun from the boat with the muzzle toward him. The hammers caught on the edge of the boat and the gun discharged, the boy receiving a good share of the shot in the face. He was badly wounded.

From Ontario County Times 2 November 1881

Canadice, N. Y. - John Caskey received a pistol shot wound in his had some days ago while on his way from Canandaigua and passing over Bristol hill after dark. He was about to meet a team that was driving toward him quite fast, and to give notice of his whereabouts in the darkness, raised his hand and spoke out to those he was about to meet to give the road, when he received a shot in his hand as before stated, and the buggy containing the two unknown persons passed on in the darkness.

23 November 1881 - Same paper

The shooting affair reported some time ago in which John Caskey received a wound to his hand, has a different aspect as viewed by one who drove in company with Caskey and Wright from Canandaigua on that occasion. It appears from information received from this source that the boys were a little hilarious and practiced some with a revolver on the way, and that they arrived at Honeoye before dark, when Caskey had occasion to have his hand dressed. If this be true it is unfair to accuse even an unknown person of shooting at another while passing in the darkness or light, and without provocation.

From Ontario County Times 9 November 1881

Shortsville, N. Y. - Mr. James Moyatt attempted suicide this evening by taking laudanum. Taking more than the necessary quantity, it acted as an emetic. Dr. Wheeler was immediately summoned, and at last accounts the patient was doing well.

From Ontario County Times 16 November 1881

The children, grandchildren and friends of Mr. Benjamin Estes, of the town of Farmington, gathered at this home on the 5th inst., to commemorate his seventieth birthday. The occasion was a most enjoyable one to all who participated in it.

From Ontario County Times 7 December 1881

Farmington, N. Y. - An old resident of our town, a colored man by the name of Selby Howard, after a long and eventful life, is now about to retire to private life. He claims to be 80 years old. In his early life, he, with five brothers, was a slave in Maryland. In course of time his brothers were sold to a planter away in Georgia. Selby being left alone soon conceived the idea of making his escape, and in due time was successful. About the year 1850 he located in this town, where he has lived and labored as a peaceful neighbor, a good citizen, and for one who is illiterate, exemplified the traits of a Christian character to an eminent degree. A few years ago his wife died, an event which, with several children having gone before, left the old man childless and alone. Two years later his house was burned, leaving him homeless, but fortunately not without friends. Since that, he has shared the hospitality of his neighbors. From this date he will be found at, and known as proprietor of, "Uncle Selby's Cabin," just east of the Friend's on land owned by Wm. Wood, where he will be glad to receive a call from his acquaintances and friends. As he has no means of support, a well-filled basket left occasionally, will not only be acceptably, but gratefully received. Long live Uncle Selby.

From Geneva Gazette 16 December 1881

Gorham, N. Y. - Myron C. Thompson of Geneva, in attempting to get a plank from the loft of the grain barn on the home farm in this village, fell some fifteen feet to the floor below, breaking his leg and otherwise injuring himself severely. He has the sympathy of his many friends.

From Ontario County Journal 30 December 1881

Flint Creek, N. Y. - On Tuesday forenoon last Mr. P. F. Bassett met with a very sad accident. In descending from a hay mow in his barn, he stepped upon a part of the ladder which extended above the hay, thus moving the lower end of the ladder so that it slipped, and Mr. B. was thrown to the floor, a distance of about 12 feet. His shoulder and ankle were badly injured, but no bones were broken.

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