Miscellaneous News of Ontario County
1886
From Ontario County Journal 1 January 1886
Rushville, N. Y. - A load of hay overturned with Mr.
Wm. Huie as he was coming down the county line road to this
village on Saturday afternoon of last week. Mr. Huie was thrown to the
frozen ground and sustained a very dangerous fracture of the hip.
The citizens gave expression to their sympathy for Mr. H. in this
misfortune by making a "pound offering" on Tuesday of this week for
his benefit.
From Geneva Gazette 8 January 1886
Oaks Corners - What might have been a serious accident happened
last Saturday to Mrs. Clark Swan of Melvin Hill, while
driving. When nearly to Mr. O'Shea's just north of the
Corners, one of the little O'Shea boys happened to
run out with a flag which so frightened the horse that he wheeled
suddenly around throwing Mrs. Swan out of the carriage and bruising
her badly. The horse ran back to Mr. Oscar Whitney's, where
he was secured by Henry Whitney. The carriage escaped with a
badly torn top and a few scratches.
From Ontario County Times 13 January 1886
Shortsville, N. Y. - Mrs. Hannah Jessup, one of our
most respected citizens, who has been a resident of this village for
some twenty odd years, was agreeably surprised last Wednesday morning
by the unexpected arrival of several of her brothers and sisters from
Newark and vicinity, who took that pleasant method of celebrating her
72nd birthday. Mrs. Jessup was the third of a family of eleven
children, seven girls and four boys. Three of her sisters have departed
this life, and the youngest of the family now living has reached the
age of 52 years. Her father, Silas Pierson, removed from Long
Island to what is known as the Pierson farm near Hydesville, at an
early day and the place has never passed out of the family, it now
being owned by a son-in-law, Artemus Hyde. Present on this happy
occasion were Samuel Pierson and wife, Henry R. Pierson and
wife,
George H. Pierson and wife, Mrs. Phoebe Bailey, and
Mrs A. W. Hyde. Mrs. Jessup has two sons residing in this
village, and on this occasion we, in common with her many friends,
extend hearty congratulations and wish for her many happy returns.
From Ontario County Times 20 January 1886
Mrs. Albert Smith, living about a mile east of Centerfield in this
town, had a narrow escape from death on Monday morning. She attempted
to blow out a kerosene lamp when it exploded and threw the burning oil
over her dress. Instantly she was enveloped in flames, but with rare
presence of mind rushed out of the house and threw herself into the
snow succeeded in extinguishing the fire. She was badly burned,
however, about the face and breast and will be laid up for some weeks.
From Ontario County Times 3 February 1886
Victor, N. Y. - Frank Cobb and wife had a narrow escape from
suffocation by coal gas on Wednesday night. The coal stove in their
sleeping apartment was filled in the evening, and in replacing the
cover after filling, a small lump of coal prevented the cover from
closing as tightly as it should, thereby permitting a slow but
continual escape of gas through the night. Mrs. Cobb retired about 8
o'clock. Mr. Cobb went to Rochester in the afternoon, returning late in
the evening, noticed the smell of gas in the room and examined the
stove to ascertain its source of escape, but at the time could find
none, and concluded that it had escaped from the stove when it was
being filled. He retired about 11 o'clock. He awoke about 7 o'clock
Thursday morning, and upon attempting to dress found himself unable to
do so from weakness, but managed to get to the window and called the
attention of Mr. Dunlap, who was passing, by rapping on the window,
sent for his sister and the doctor, and crawled back to bed until
relief came. They were very ill for a time, but it will probably result
in no serious injury. It was a close call, and they may consider
themselves very fortunate in having escaped with their lives.
From Ontario County Times 10 February 1886
Seneca Castle, N. Y. - We are pleased to record the fact
that last Wednesday evening there assembled at Judge Ottley's a large
family gathering of nearly four score persons, mainly members of the
Porter family, one of whom only remains with us, viz: Mr. Joshua
Porter, who resides in Phelps. There were two brothers in Orleans
county, and two sisters here, one of whom married Mr. Ira Peck, the
other
Mr. Thomas Ottley, father of the numerous Ottley family
residing here. They have all been dead some years except "Uncle Josh,"
as he is called by the entire community. He was present and enlivened
the time with his tenor violin, manufactured by himself sixty-four
years ago. He had there also his book of patent notes that he bought
sixty years since. The time passed off pleasantly with vocal and
instrumental music. The refreshments were very fine, as was to be
expected by all who have been cognizant of the performances of the
amiable hostess on former occasions. Mr. Porter, who is eighty-two
years old, added much to the enjoyment of the occasion by recounting
his exploits of ancient and modern times. Last winter he cut a tree
down that was three feet in diameter and sawed it into logs for the
mill, and even this winter has cut down a tree two feet through and cut
it up for stave bolts. As to his walking, he will beat in speed and
endurance one-half of our young men, and often gives surprising feats
in this line. His eyesight is almost entirely unimpaired, so that he
can read ordinary print with ease by the naked eye.
From Neapolitan Record 24 February 1886
Mrs. Noyce was badly injured by the collision of the sleigh she was riding in with a loaded sleigh. Eugene Sanford with his family and Mrs. Noyce were coming up the hill south of Cheshire when they met Mark Simmons with
a load of grain and the sleighs collided, upsetting Mr. Sanford's
sleigh and holding Mrs. Noyce under the box; she was dragged some
distance breaking two or three ribs and otherwise injuring her.
From Ontario County Journal 26 February 1886
Shortsville, N. Y. - Mr. Zadok Warfield celebrated his 78th
birthday on the 15th of February at his home in Littleville. Several
members of the family were present and assisted in making
the occasion a very pleasant one. He came from Frederick county,
Maryland, in 1828, and has ever since resided in Littleville -- a
period of
58 years. His wife will be 73 years of age on the 27th of this month.
Eight children - the oldest being 52 years and the youngest 34 - were
born to them, all of whom are still living., their aggregated ages
being
352 years. No deaths have as yet occurred among the children or
grandchildren,
there being nineteen of the latter. Mr. and Mrs. Warfield celebrated
their 53d wedding anniversary on the 25th of last December. Such
instances of family relations being undisturbed by the visitation of
death are
extremely rare, and we sincerely trust that many long years may
intervene
before the family circle is broken. Father Warfield has two brothers
and one sister living - John, E. J. and Elizabeth, (the latter being an
invalid, not having been able to walk for two years or more), aged 76,
65 and 63 years respectively; also a great aunt of the writer, (aunt of
Zadok and John, living with John), the oldest person in the town of
Manchester,
named Dorcas Chambers, in her 94th year. Mother Warfield is one
of seven sisters and one brother living, the oldest now 75 and the
youngest
over 50 years. Father and mother have lived 48 years where they now do.
Mother was born on the adjoining farm, and has always lived in sight of
her birthplace.
From Ontario County Journal 5 March 1886
Reed's Corners, N. Y. - On Monday afternoon of this week John
Jobson and Benjamin Meens, two young men residing here,
met with a serious accident coming from Canandaigua. Jobson was driving
a spirited team before a heavy lumber wagon, Meens riding with him. One
of the bits broke and also the lines, Jobson thus
losing control of the horses, when they began to run, throwing both
young men out upon the frozen ground at what is known as the Poplar
Corners. Both men were injured badly about the head. Meens was
insensible when picked up shortly afterward by Mr. and Mrs. Russel
Henry, who fortunately happened along and who took him into Mr.
Dewey's near
by. Word was sent to the Corners, and Mr. Wm. Bain at once
took
a buggy and brought him home. At the time of writing he still lies at
the
house of his father, unconscious in a great measure. Dr. Shannon says,
however, that the prospects are that he will come out all right, which
we sincerely hope may be the case. The team and wagon were recovered
not
much injured, we understand. Jobson's bruises are not so serious as
those
of Meens, and it is probable that he will be all right in a few days,
as
he was able to drive the team home. They were stopped after running
about
a mile and a half from the scene of the accident.
From Geneva Gazette 12 March 1886
Rumor has it that Dr. Skinner of Flint Creek followed Mrs.
Frank
M.
Dodge
to Canada about two weeks ago, when and where they
were privately married, and that from thence they faced towards
Michigan where they are to settle down to a quiet farm life.
From Ontario County Journal 19 March 1886
East Bloomfield, N. Y. - Last Saturday Mr. Edward Clarey of
this
place,
while
engaged
in
thrashing
clover
seed
in
Richmond,
had
the
misfortune
to
have
his
left hand caught in the cylinder and so badly
injured that it was found necessary to amputate the arm at the elbow.
The operation was performed at Stouts Hotel, Honeoye, by Dr. Greene.
From Ontario County Times 24 March 1886
Matthew Macy of Richmond Mills attempted suicide by cutting his
throat one day recently, but the prompt effort of surgeons saved his
life. Macy is said to be a confirmed opium eater and is at times
uncontrollable.
From Ontario County Times 31 March 1886
A most brutal stabbing affray occurred on Sunday in this village in
the saloon pompously named the "Casino," which is managed by Homer
Chase. We have found it difficult to obtain the exact particulars,
but from all accounts it appears that about 4 o'clock two young men, Carlos
French
and George Williams, entered the saloon by the
rear door with the intention of getting something to drink. Edward
Fleming, the barkeeper, it is alleged, ordered the men to leave.
High words followed, then scuffling, and then a desperate struggle,
which ended with the drawing of a knife by French and the stabbing of
the barkeeper in the back. The blade cut a deep and dangerous gash in
Flemming's right shoulder, but fortunately did not reach a vital organ,
and unless inflammation sets in, is not likely to be attended with
fatal results. The wounded man has been taken to Mr. White's residence
north of the village, and at last accounts his condition was considered
favorable to recovery. The struggle was witnessed both by Williams and
by an employee of the establishment named Johnson, who was sleeping
when the visitors entered, but was awakened by the subsequent quarrel.
It is a fair presumption that all the parties to the disgraceful affair
were more or less under the influence of liquor. Williams and French
had been drinking before they entered the "Casino." French was arrested
on a charge of attempted manslaughter, and his examination, begun
yesterday before Police Justice Gooding, is being continued today. It
will undoubtedly result in his being held to await the action of the
Grand Jury.
From Ontario County Times 14 April 1886
Naples, N. Y. - Basile Kaltenbach met with a serious accident on
Thursday last, by which he lost the end of his thumb and finger on the
left hand. He was blasting out some rock in the glen on his premises,
and while preparing a charge accidentally dropped the cartridge of
nitro-glycerine while placing it, when it exploded, taking off the
thumb and forefinger at the first joint of each as cleanly as if it had
been done with a knife. No other serious harm was done, but Basile
feels that it was a very narrow escape.
From Ontario County Times 21 April 1886
The Phelps Citizen tells a story to the effect that Anson C.
Loomis, of Oaks Corners, and other Loomis families, have suddenly
found themselves heirs to property which, it is said, amounts to
$150,000,000. Seven title deeds on parchment in the Dutch language were
found in an old bureau drawer, on removing a square piece of tin which
had been nailed on, as it was supposed to hide a defect. Part of this
property is some 50,000 acres of land in New Jersey, which was leased
for 99 years, and which lease will soon expire. The real estate in New
York city, as well as the other, was owned by a Mrs. Provost and these
Loomis families are the heirs.
From Ontario County Times 5 May 1886
A horse driven by Mrs. Gaines Randall, of Manchester,
became frightened on Main street in this village last Thursday and
overturned the buggy. Mrs. Randall was severely cut about the face.
From Ontario County Journal 7 May 1886
A very painful accident occurred to Mr. Charles
Parshall of Cheshire, at Victor on Thursday of last week. He
was engaged in putting up a telephone line for Dr. Mead. and in moving
a ladder with sharp spikes in the bottom, it accidentally fell and the
spike penetrated his left foot, making a severe and painful wound.
Another young man named Taylor of Cheshire, was injured a few days ago
by falling from a tree on Bristol street while working on a telephone
line.
From Geneva Gazette 14 May 1886
Whirled in the Cruel Wheels - As Mr. S. D.
Willard was returning home from his nurseries on Tuesday evening
last
he noticed a team of horses attached to a wagon running away across a
field. Mr. Willard says he did not feel like chasing
a running team across fields as he thought they would come to a
stop sooner or later anyway, but the thought suddenly flashed across
his mind that there was undoubtedly some one with the team and
as his eye glanced across the field he perceived a black object lying
motionless on the ground. At first he thought it was a stump, but
upon closer inspection he made up his mind that it was a human
being. Jumping from his carriage he ran to the object, and judge
of his
surprise and horror when he beheld before him, apparently lifeless,
the body of Mr. William Tills. Mr. Willard immediately
procured assistance, Mr. Tills was gently rolled on a horse blanket
and as tenderly as possible lifted into the wagon. Mr. Tills
had recovered sufficiently to state that in attempting to stop his
team running away, in some manner he was thrown into the wheels,
whirled round and round and at last cast bleeding and almost lifeless
on the
ground. He was taken to his home, Dr. Eddy was summoned who
made an examination of the injured man. It was found that his
left leg was broken in two places, his right leg in one place while he
was severely bruised all over the body, and it is thought that one
or more ribs were cracked. Dr. Eddy reduced the fractures and
made the injured man as comfortable as possible, but it is extremely
doubtful if he recovers from his injuries and the severe shock that
his system sustained.
From Ontario County Times 16 June 1886
Rushville, N. Y. - A very delightful occasion called together half
a hundred or more people at the residence of N. H. Green, Esq.,
last Friday afternoon, June 4. It was the eighty-fourth birthday of Mrs.
Catharine
Fisher,
who has been making it her home for several
months with the family of Mr. Green. The afternoon was passed very
pleasantly. The guests were nearly all relatives of Mrs. Fisher, who is
most highly esteemed by all who know her. The aggregate age of three
old ladies present is 250 years. Refreshments were served by Mr. and
Mrs. Green, who assisted Mrs. F. in the generous entertainment
provided, and played the part of host and hostess very acceptably. The
kindness and generosity of Mrs. Fisher are a.most proverbial, and her
thoughtfulness of the welfare of her relatives and friends was never
more fully evidenced than in connection with the event we chronicle.
Several useful and elegant presents made to her showed that her
kindness was most heartily appreciated. May she behold many returns of
her anniversary day.
From Ontario County Times 30 June 1886
During the storm of last Friday morning, Mr. Richard Preston, living
near
Stanley
in
this
county,
was knocked down by lightning while in a
field unhitching his horses from a plow. He fortunately escaped serious
injury, but, strange to relate, the electric fluid struck in the same
field on the afternoon of the same day. A man in the employ of Mr.
Preston had continued the work of plowing, and on the approach of a
thunder shower had unhitched his horses and tied them to neighboring
posts on the line of a wire fence. He then started for the barn near
by, but had hardly gained its shelter when the storm burst upon the
field with a terrific flash of lightning, and he immediately discovered
that the lightning had struck the fence and knocked both horses down,
killing one of them instantly.
Mr. Fred McGough, of this village, was very dangerously injured
one day last week, while engaged in a game of base ball. He was struck
in the side of the head with the ball, and for four days afterwards was
unconscious, and is still in a very critical condition.
Mr. James Driscoll, of Stanley, made his appearance behind the
bat for the Rochester nine last week, and was frequently applauded by
the spectators for his brilliant plays. Mr. Driscoll several years ago
caught for the Academy nine of this village.
From Geneva Gazette 9 July 1886
Michael Rogan, who is employed on the Coal trestles, jumped from
the 4:45 train going east last Tuesday. The train was going a little
faster than he expected no doubt, for he stumbled and fell, cutting
quite a severe gash on his chin. The wound was properly dressed and he
will be all right probably in a few days.
From Ontario County Times 14 July 1886
Isaac Thatcher, of Shortsville, was dangerously injured last
Wednesday while at work taking down an old barn on the premises of Stephen
Smith
in Farmington. A heavy oak rafter fell upon his head and
knocked him to the floor senseless, cutting a gash over five inches
long, but fortunately not fracturing the skull. It is believed that he
will recover.
From Ontario County Times 21 July 1886
Mr. Frank Smith, of this village, has joined the Little Falls base
ball club.
From Ontario County Journal 23 July 1886
Gorham, N. Y. - During the storm on Saturday evening last, about
11 o'clock, lightning struck the telephone wire running between the
house of Wm. Millspaugh and that of James Smith. Mr.
Smith was quite severely shocked; so much so as to disable him
at present for work. His watch hung on a nail in his room. The crystal
was melted, the clothing and carpet set on fire, but it was
extinguished. The lightning entered the room below, ran up the stove
pipe into Mrs. Smith's sleeping room and melted three thicknesses of
wire on the stove pipe. Most of the work seems to have been on the
Smith end of the line. It slivered a few sidings on Mr. Millspaugh's
house, but caused no shock. This is the second time this summer that
telephone wires have been struck by lightning in this place. The people
are getting afraid of them.
From Ontario County Times 28 July 1886
Another lot of Fresh Air children will arrive in Canandaigua on the
4th of August. They will be entertained for a couple of weeks by and at
the expense of charitably disposed citizens, whose names are given
below: Hattie E. Henry, 2; Miss Phelps, lower Main
street, 2; Mrs. John B. Cooley, 2; John Maltman, 3;
Geo. W. Latham, 2; Mrs. Fred Alverson, 1; Dr. John
Potter, 2; Mrs. Caroline B. Cook, 1; Mrs. Mary C.
Worthington, 1; Mrs. O. J. Cooley, 2; Miss Ann Hall, 2;
Mrs. McGowan, 1; Mrs. Geo. Blanchard, 3; Mrs.
Burton Smith, 1; Mrs. N. Grimes, 2; Mrs. Levi
Brown, Padelford, 3; Geo. B. Anderson, 1; Mrs. James
S. McKechnie, 1.
From Ontario County Journal 30 July 1886
On Tuesday afternoon last about three o'clock, as James
Hefferson, a young farmer living near Seneca Castle, about six
miles from Geneva, was engaged in cutting bands on shocks of grain
with a large meat knife, he met with a severe accident. In grasping the
band with the left hand, he raised is right one holding the knife to
cut
it, when another shock was dropped upon it, striking the knife as the
stroke was made. This held the knife on his wrist and a deep gash was
made in it, severing several arteries and causing a great flow. He was
brought
to Geneva as quickly as possible and surgical assistance rendered. At
last accounts he was doing nicely.
From Ontario County Times 4 August 1886
The following young ladies, known as the "Nixies," are spending a
week at the "Benedict Cottage": Emily Steele, Libbie Steele, Hattie
Dowding, of East Bloomfield; Cora Hatch, of West
Bloomfield; Rona Weller, Edith Weller, Belle Reynolds, Ida
Bently, Mattie Thrall, Lucy Beal, Belle Doane, Louise Doane, Nettie Van
Sickle, Julia Booth of Shortsville; Hattie Howland of
Manchester; Emma Martin of Chapinsville; Mollie Utt, of
Union
Springs;
Nellie Doane of Syracuse; Minnie Godfrey of
Canandaigua; and Ada Hall of Walworth.
From Geneva Gazette 13 August 1886
A dispatch from West Bloomfield to the Democrat and Chronicle says a
strong vein of gas was struck on the Reed farm near Honeoye
yesterday afternoon, at a depth of 675 feet.
From Ontario County Journal 20 August 1886
Frank Bell, of Honeoye, while gunning recently with some
friends, unexpectedly came in range just as one of them shot at a bird,
and received the whole charge of shot in his breast and face. One shot
entered
one of his eyes, destroying the sight. Aside from that he escaped
injury,
but his face is badly scarred.
From Ontario County Journal 27 August 1886
Hopewell, N. Y. - Mrs. George Brundage met with a sad accident
last
week. She was riding in a democrat wagon with her husband, when the
hind
seat she was sitting on let her fall over back. She struck on her head,
hurting
her very badly. At last accounts she had not revived yet from the shock.
From Ontario County Times 1 September 1886
Mr. John Travis, of Bristol, has shown us a curious relic which he
found some weeks since while working in a hop yard. It is nothing more
nor less than an ancient brass button. It is of a large size, and
around its edge are the words "Long Live the President," and in the
center in larger characters are the initials "G. W." Mr. Travis says
that some time ago he found in the same field a brass button of about
the same size, which had a row of stars about its edge but no
lettering. They both undoubtedly date back to the time of George
Washington's administration.
From Ontario County Journal 3 September 1886
Victor, N. Y. - John E. Gillson and Miss Jennie Mills, both
of
Victor,
were
rowing
upon
Sodus
Bay
early
last
Sunday
evening,
when
they
attempted
to
change
seats in their boat. Miss Mills was
frightened, and making a misstep, the boat was suddenly overturned, and
the couple thrown out into the water. Gillson is a strong swimmer, and
with presence of mind, seized Miss Mills. Both of them held on to the
boat for their lives. Fortunately it was not dark, and their struggles
in the water,
a mile from land, happened to be seen by a farmer on the land. He
pushed off in his boat to Gillson and Miss Mills, and in half an hour
succeeded in returning them safely to shore.
From Ontario County Times 8 September 1886
Reed's Corner, N. Y. - Among the preserved papers found in
the town clerk's office of the town of Gorham may be found the
following manumission of a slave in the year 1821, while slavery still
existed in the State of New York. "To all to whom these presents shall
come, greetings: I, Robert Buchan, of the town of Gorham,
County of Ontario, and State of New York, hereby for myself, my heirs,
executors, and administrators, manumit and set free a negro woman
slave, named Bettie or Betsey, aged about seventy years,
belonging to the subscriber. The above certificate of manumission is at
the request and solicitation of the negro woman herself. Witness my
hand this 29th day of Sept., 1821. Robert Buchan."
From Ontario County Times 15 September 1886
Bristol, N. Y. - Lafayette Gladding and his two sons, Eben and
Sylvester, met with quite a serious accident last Friday. While they
were all at work shingling their barn, they at the same time stood on
one board, which was not strong enough for the occasion; consequently
they were precipitated to a big manure pile below, with pieces of the
stage following them in their trip toward the center. Lafayette had his
right arm broken above the elbow, Eben had three ribs and a collar bone
broken, and Sylvester escaped with a broken nose and some scratches
about the head. Dr. Green was summoned and attended to their many
wounds. At this writing we understand they are doing as well as could
be expected.
Victor, N. Y. - Mr. George N. West received severe injuries
from a fall off the back stairway at his residence a few days ago,
caused by the giving away of the hand rail, fracturing his collar bone
and breaking some of his ribs. He is reported in a critical condition
and doubts are entertained of his recovery.
From Ontario County Journal 17 September 1886
The descendants of Nathan Herendeen held their fourth annual
reunion on the grounds of Gardner L. Sheldon, at Farmington,
on Wednesday of last week. There was a large number present, and the
day was spent very pleasantly. Officers for the ensuing year were
chosen
as follows: C. H. Herendeen, President; Mrs. Hannah
Herendeen,
Secretary; John Harmer, Treasurer. Vice-Presidents were
elected
from every branch of the family, viz: Wilkinson A. Herendeen, Oscar
D.
Herendeen, Mrs. S. E. Everett, Mr. Simeon Porter, Mrs. Cholett
Collins,
Miss Libbie Hathaway, Mrs. A. Alspaugh, Sidney Durfee.
An exciting runaway occurred on Main Street last evening about five
o'clock. Mr. Elmer Stanley, a man employed by Chas. E.
Tuttle, was driving "Whittaker Boy," Will L. Smith's trotter
down
Main
St.,
when
opposite
the
M.
E.
Church
the
horse
threw
his
check
rein
off,
and immediately after it was adjusted, he started at a
terrific rate down the street. In front of the Webster House there were
so many vehicles the driver was compelled to turn in on Coy street, and
in so doing narrowly escaped running over several bystanders. In the
stampede Frankie Boswell was thrown into the gutter and the
buggy passed over him without injury. One wheel of the buggy was
completely demolished but no other serious damage was done. The horse
stopped immediately after the crash and remained
perfectly still.
From Ontario County Times 29 September 1886
Last Saturday, the 25th, the friends and relatives of Mrs.
Lavina Tiffany gathered around her to celebrate her ninetieth
birthday. The number was not so large as usual, but few of the grand
children and great-grand-children being present, owing to the feeble
health of the old lady. Mrs. Tiffany has seven children, nineteen
grandchildren and fourteen great-grandchildren. The sons and daughters
present were Mr. Chas. Tiffany of Springwater; Mr. Joseph
Tiffany of East Bloomfield; Mrs. J. C. Backus of
Lockport, Ill.; Mrs. Sarah Norton of Albion, Mich.; Mrs.
Luther Lyon of Philadelphia; and Mrs. Angeline Wells of
this place. In addition to these there were guests from Syracuse,
Waterport, Gaines, and East Bloomfield. One daughter, Mrs. Short, was
unable
to
be present on account of ill health. Many little tokens of
respect and esteem were received, some from distant friends, and the
day passed off very happily to the aged lady and the guests assembled
to do her honor. At the close of the dinner, a birthday greeting which
was sent by another lady of the same age was read.
From Ontario County Journal 29 October 1886
Gorham, N. Y. - Wm. Caward and wife had a serious accident on
Friday of last week. They were a mile west of the village, on the
Rushville road, returning home from a visit in Steuben county, when a
tug unhooked. The horses were frightened, jumped, and let the tongue
down,
and they were violently thrown from the wagon. Mrs. C.'s arm was
broken, and she was otherwise quite severely injured. Mr. C. was so
stunned
that at first he was thought to be dead, but after a little he came
to, but was quite seriously bruised. They were taken into the house
of W. F. Hankinson, where they were well cared for. On Monday
they were able to be moved to their own home, and are now doing well.
From From Ontario County Times 3 November 1886
Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Johnson, of this village, have lost three
bright boys by diphtheria within a week. They have the sympathy of the
entire community in their sad affliction.
From Ontario County Journal 5 November 1886
North Bloomfield, N. Y. - James Dawley met with a severe
accident a few weeks ago. He was helping move a stove, and stumbled
and fell, his hand having hold of the sharp edge of the stove and
striking a flag stone, which severed three of his fingers, two being
left on the stone.
From Geneva Gazette 5 November 1886
On Saturday evening last while in a slightly befuddled condition, John
Welch,
who lives about three miles north of Geneva, walked off the
steamboat dock into the lake. Some one happened
to see him when he fell in, and Welch was immediately rescued and
sent home.
From Geneva Gazette 19 November 1886
One of the saddest incidents connected with the recent heavy
snow-storm was the serious injury sustained by Mr. Milton Wheeler
who resides on Elm street. He was walking along Exchange
street and happened to be directly under the large wooden awning
erected on Mr. M. W. Hemiup's building, when it was carried down
by the weight of the snow. Mr. Wheeler suffered a broken arm
and a broken leg besides internal injuries. He is receiving good
medical attendance and there is ever prospect that he will
recover. No amount of money however could adequately recompense
him for
the days and weeks of intense suffering he will have to undergo before
he can possibly recover the use of his limbs. Either
the village or Mr. Hemiup should be held responsible to the sufferer
for his injuries.
Without doubt the oldest monument in this county, and among the
oldest in the western part of the State, is at Hathaway Corners
in the town of Farmington, this county. It was erected to
the memory of Mrs. Isaac Hathaway in 1793. Isaac
Hathaway came to this section of country about the year 1780,
purchasing
six or seven hundred acres of land at what is know as Hathaway's
Corners, the garden spot of Ontario county. The first frame
building (a barn) erected in the town of Farmington was built upon
this place by Mr. Hathaway, and it was destroyed by fire only a few
years ago. The old homestead is the property of Mr. J. P.
Hathaway, and there not a more nicely situated farm residence within
the
borders of the State, nor is there a more productive farm in the
County.
Long may he live to enjoy his inheritance. Victor Herald.
From Ontario County Journal 3 December 1886
Clifton Springs, N. Y. - The morning papers of last Saturday
contained telegraphic reports of a case before Judge Arnold, in
Philadelphia, in which Mrs. Geo. N. Brown, formerly Miss
Mary Selleck, of Clifton Springs, was an interested party. The
report says: "A very pretty, prepossessing blonde is Mrs. George Norman
Brown, who was Miss Mary Selleck of Clifton Springs, N. Y. This morning
she sat in Judge Arnold's court and asked that her husband be made to
support her. Miss Selleck was living with her mother in Clifton Springs
in February, 1884, when the clerk in the village drug store, an elderly
man of good habits, asked the privilege of introducing his friend,
George Norman Brown, the son of Edward H. Brown of Germantown. Miss
Selleck gave her permission and the introduction was accomplished.
'My mother was very sick at this time,' said Mrs. Brown to a reporter
this
morning, 'and I had to meet George elsewhere than at home. We had a
rendezvous,
however, and there we used to have our clandestine meetings. George
told
me that he was a nephew of John Wanamaker, and that he was a
millionaire
in his own right. Two weeks after he met me he proposed marriage to me.
I
married him on June 23d of the same year. Rev. Dr. James Rankine of
Geneva
performed the ceremony. I never saw such a change in a man as in Mr.
Brown
after the marriage. He had been tender and thoughtful and affectionate,
but
after the marriage he was indifferent to me. He treated me with
absolute
contempt, and then told me he was simply fooling when he said he was a
millionaire
in his own right; that he did like me at first because I had a pretty
face,
but that he had tired of me then. One day about five weeks after we had
been
married he came to me and said that he had to go to Philadelphia to see
his
mother. He borrowed all the money that I had, and assured me that he
would
return in two days. If he did not get back by that time, I was to go to
Philadelphia. He did not come, and I went to Philadelphia, but could
not find him. I
never saw him again until last July, when I met him in the office of
John
Scullay of 138 South Thirtieth street.' In the hearing before Judge
Arnold,
Lawyer Sculley, Mrs. Brown's counsel, exhibited several letters from
Episcopal
clergymen in the vicinity of Clifton Springs, Miss Selleck's birthplace.
'If it please the court,' said Mr. Brown's counsel, 'my client
has been petted all his life. He has been supplied with money by his
father, and has never been made to work; in addition he is an habitual
drunkard, and he was on a spree when he married the young woman, and
she
ought to have known it. I do not know where he is now. The last that
was
heard from him tended to show that was in the west. I emphatically
insist
that he was not responsible when he married the woman.' 'That does not
matter,' decided Judge Arnold. 'Brown must pay $8 a week for the
support
of his wife.' " Young Brown at the time he met Miss Selleck was
stopping
at the Clifton Springs Sanitarium and was a very handsome young man and
to all appearances very respectable. It was generally known, however,
among
those best informed that he was rather fast. Mrs. Brown was a young
lady
of good reputation, though moderate circumstances, and her sportive
husband
should in all justice be made to support her as handsomely as he is
able.
From Geneva Gazette 9 December 1886
The little village of Manchester is considerably excited over the
sudden and strange disappearance of Paul Wooden, who left
home to go to work November 17th, and he has not been seen or heard
from since. He has a wife and three children, and two married
daughters, all of whom are greatly alarmed as to his whereabouts and
are doing everything in their power to find him.
From Ontario County Journal 24 December 1886
Flint Creek, N. Y. - Quite a number of cases of typhoid fever
have been reported in town but as yet only one person has died. W.
H. Crittenden is recovering rapidly, Oliver Covert's condition
is
thought
to
be
very
critical.
A very exciting runaway took place on Main street last Saturday evening
about five o'clock. Leonard Phillips of Cheshire, while
transacting some business in the office of McKechnie's brewery, left
his team attached to a lumber wagon in charge of his eight year old
son. A
train of cars passing the brewery frightened the horses and a very
lively
runaway up Buffalo street and down Main street ensued. When nearly
opposite
the Academy the panic-stricken boy jumped from the wagon bruising
himself
slightly but fortunately receiving no injuries. The horses continued
their
mad course down Main street until nearly opposite Grimes's grocery
store
when they collided with the horse and dray wagon of "Corkey" Welch.
They
were going with such a great velocity that the thill of Welch's cart
penetrated
the breast of one of the horses to the depth of about 25 inches causing
death in a very short time. Fortunately the horse which was killed was
valued
at only seventy-five dollars, while its mate was a valuable animal. The
wagon remained right side up throughout the course of the run and no
damage
was done except to Welch's cart and horse and to the team. The little
boy
was picked up by James Orr and carried to Simmon's drug store
where
he soon recovered from his fright.
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