Newspaper Events Ontario County NY

From Ontario Messenger 18 April 1860

Census Marshals - The gentlemen selected by U. S. Marshal Jewett to take the Census of the several towns in Ontario County, have received official notice of their appointments. They and their districts are as follows:

Henry Munson - Bristol and East Bloomfield
Dexter K. Hawks - Richmond and Canadice
Geo. W. Huntley - West Bloomfield
Horatio B. Brace - South Bristol and Naples
Iambert Gillis - Farmington
Nathaniel K. Cole - Manchester

G. G. Benham - Hopewell
F. O. Chamberlain - Gorham
Justus H. Dawley - Phelps
John Ackley - Seneca
William C. Dryer - Victor
J. J. Mattison - Canandaigua

From Geneva Courier 25 April 1860

Owen Dunn of the town of Phelps, on the evening of Sunday, the 15th inst., struck Erastus Case with a bar of Iron. He was taken before Judge Taylor and held to bail in the sum of $1000.

From Ontario Messenger 18 July 1860

We regret to hear that Caleb Boughton, an old and much esteemed citizen of Victor, is lying beyond hope of recovery, from injuries received by a fall on Friday of last week. He was engaged in sawing off a board upon the roof of a building, when he fell a distance of ten feet or so, striking head foremost upon a pile of bricks. He sustained injuries to the spinal column, which resulted in paralysis, and his decease in hourly looked for. Mr. Boughton is about sixty years of age, and was born in Victor. He has pursued the avocation of a farmer and accumulated a large property. He has three sons -- one a merchant, the others farmers -- all residing in Victor, and esteemed among the best citizens of the town.

From Geneva Courier 18 July 1860

MEETING OF EX-SHERIFFS - We attended a meeting of the Ex-Sheriffs of Ontario County, the 17th inst., at the residence (the jail) of Sheriff Hildreth, at Canandaigua. Every ex-sheriff of the county that has ever been elected by the people were in attendance except Eli Densmore, who was too feeble to attend, and Phineas P. Bates, who is dead.

They dined about one o'clock with Sheriff Hildreth, and we wish we had time and space to give a full account of what transpired at the table, and the fine style in which the meal was provided by Mrs. Hildreth, the lady of the house, but the repeated return of all those who generally inhabit that institution as boarders, is sufficient proof that all things were right and in perfect order. After dinner the party visited the ground on the east side of the village where wicket and base ball was being played, to the delight of a large concourse of people, from there they proceeded (at 4 1/2 o'clock, on board the Joseph Wood) up the Canandaigua Lake to Seneca Point where they were met by the Senecas, and a gala time was enjoyed for an hour or two in partaking of refreshments, and listening to speeches from individuals of the several parties. The party returned to Canandaigua at about eight o'clock in the evening where a friendly and happy parting took place, and one which will be long remembered by many of the inhabitants of this county.

The following are a few statistics which we gathered, touching the ex-sheriff of our county:

Joseph GARLINGHOUSE; born Sussex County NJ; 76 years old; married; served 1826-1828, 1835-1837; weighs 170 pounds; resides Cayuga County NY;

Jonathan BUELL; born Lichfield County CT; 75 years old; married; served 1829-1831; weights 198 pounds; now residing Lake County OH;

Jonas M. WHEELER; born Worcester County MA; 63 years old; married; served 1832-1834; weighs 180 pounds; resides Ontario County NY;

Myron H. CLARK; born Ontario County NY; 53 years old; married; served 1838-1840; weighs 150 pounds; resides Canandaigua NY;

John LAMPORT; born Rensselaer County NY; 78 years old; married; served 1841-1843; weighs 126 pounds; resides Canandaigua NY;

Eli DENSMORE; born Ontario County NY; 68 years old; widower; served 1844-1846; weighs 160 pounds; resides Ontario County NY;

Phineas KENT; born Ontario County NY; 53 years old; married; served 1847-1849; resides Ontario County NY;

W. H. LAMPORT; born Rensselaer County NY; 49 years old; married; served 1850; weighs 160 pounds; resides Ontario County NY;

Owen EDMONSTON; born Prince George County MD; 62 years old; married; served 1853; weighs 245 pounds; resides Ontario County NY;

Henry C. SWIFT; born Ontario County NY; 47 years old; married; served 1856-1858; weighs 212 pounds; resides Ontario County NY;

William HILDRETH; born Ontario County NY; 45 years old; married; present sheriff elected in 1858 and commenced upon the duties Jan. 1, 1959; weighs 210 pounds;

If there is any person in Ontario who doubts that Phelps is the richest town in the county, we would just advise them to examine the weight of Edmondston, Swift and Hildreth, who were residents of that town.

From Ontario Messenger 15 August 1860

George Persons of Gorham, while engaged in running a horse power one day last week, got his foot caught in the machinery. It was so severely crushed, that amputation was deemed advisable, which was successfully performed by Dr. Jewett of this village.

From Geneva Gazette 12 October 1860

FLUID ACCIDENT - The wife of JOHN W. MULLEN of this village, was terribly burned on Wednesday evening last, by the upsetting of a lighted fluid lamp into her lap, while she was sitting at a table. The accident occurred through the carelessness of her little daughter. Her clothing took fire, the flames running up her body to her face penetrating to the flesh on the side and breast, but her worst injuries are to her hands and arms, through her efforts to subdue the flames. She suffered severely during the night and the day following, but we learn that her injuries are not likely to be fatal.

From Geneva Courier 14 November 1860

Mr. James McMann, of East Bloomfield in the County, who is 98 years old, and had not been out of house for five years, was carried to the polls on election day and cast his vote for "Lincoln & Hamlin." All his previous votes have been for Democratic candidates.

From Geneva Gazette 8 February 1861

Serious Accident to a Lad - A little son of David Lefler, aged about 6 years, was on Tuesday last, seriously perhaps fatally injured, by coming in contact with a coal cart while riding on a hand sled down Milton street. The street is glary with ice, and the little fellow, unable to stop his sled, passed directly under the horse and cart. The driver endeavored to save him from harm, but the effort was fruitless. The horse kicked, striking the lad on the forehead, making a frightful wound. One of the wheels also passed over his body and arm, by which he sustained further injury. He was picked up and conveyed home in a senseless condition. He revived, however, but his injuries were so severe as to render his recovery almost hopeless.

Scarcely a day passes of the winter season, in which some one of our school boys does not narrowly escape the fate of young Lefler by the like practice of riding on handsleds down our public streets. Is it not high time the village ordinance prohibiting such practice is rigidly enforced?

From Geneva Gazette 15 February 1861

MYSTERIOUS -- A SKELETON FOUND - We learn verbally and by correspondence, that on Tuesday last the skeleton of a man was found on the farm of Allen Dodge, who lives in the Western part of this town, about half a mile west of Flint Creek. The remains were discovered in a low, swampy and unfrequented part of the farm, and it is supposed, have lain there for six months or longer. Nothing was discovered about the remains by which the dead person could be identified. As no one is missing in or about the neighborhood, the affair is wrapped in mystery, without a hope of its being unravelled.

LATER - We have been furnished with the following particulars by Coroner Aaron Young, before whom an inquest was held yesterday: The body was found lying on the top branches of a fallen tree, and from appearance had lain there a year; the person supposed to be about sixty years of age; 5 feet 6 inches high; three scattering teeth in lower jaws; very small and remarkably round skull; had black pants and coat, farmer's satin vest, knit underclothes, calf skin boots (patch on one of them) and felt cloth overcoat. In the pockets of his clothes were found a bullet mould and 42 cents in change. There appeared no marks of violence upon the body, nor any papers by which it could be identified.

The discovery has recalled to the mind of some of our citizens this circumstance: that some time ago a man by the name of Leary, who was partially deranged, was sent to the Poor House; that after remaining there a few days he decamped, since which nothing has been heard of him. His wife is in California. Possibly the poor man may have wandered off into the woods, and perished from hunger and cold in the manner indicated.

From Ontario Republican Times 12 April 1861

Mr. A. S. Loveland, of Victor, met with a serious accident on Sunday evening last. He had been leading a colt to the water trough, and on returning to the stable, he allowed the colt to roll; and on raising from the ground the colt, in a playful mood, pranced around Mr. L., when, with a bound, he jumped to one side, kicking Mr. L. on the forehead, which knocked him down, and had not Mr. Pittinger been providentially passing at the moment, no doubt but Mr. L. would have been a corpse today. He was attended by Dr. Wm. Ball, who pronounced the wound a dangerous one, but it is to be hoped, through the well-known skill of Dr. B., that Mr. L. may recover. He is at this writing in a critical condition. Dr. B. had the aid of Dr. Dewey, who is a young but skillful surgeon. Too much praise cannot be given to the neighbors who repaired to Mr. L.'s residence the moment facts became known.

Wm. H. Van Cott, of Victor, last week sold to an agent of President Lincoln, a pair of horses for the handsome sum of $2000. The horses are described as being sixteen and a half hands high, six years old, a beautiful dark brown in color, with tan noses, flowing tails, well-matched and altogether a very stylish and attractive team. The horses left Victor by cars on Saturday, enroute for Washington, Mr. Van Cott going with them as far as New York.

From Geneva Courier 17 April 1861

Kicked by a Horse - James Higgins, a carman in this village, was kicked by a horse on Friday last, and so severely injured that his life is despaired of. After the injured man had been taken care of, his aged father went to the stable to see the horse, and as soon as he came near him, the infuriated beast kicked the old man, throwing him under his feet and stamping upon him. The son hearing the cries of his father for help, forgetting his own injuries, sprang from the bed and ran to the rescue of his father. But for his help the old man would have been killed.

From Geneva Courier 15 May 1861

John Dey of this village was kicked by a horse on Thursday afternoon last, breaking his leg directly above the knee joint. We understand the injury is a very bad one, the bone being broken off very square. We hope it will not prove as serious as some apprehend it will.

From Ontario Republican Times 7 June 1861

We learn that Mrs. Julius N. Granger, of Manchester, only sister of Hon. S. A. Douglas, was badly injured last Saturday by being thrown from her carriage, while on the way to the depot at Clifton Springs, to take the train for Chicago. Her wrist was dislocated, her face considerably bruised, and she was otherwise so badly injured as to prevent her contemplated journey.

From Geneva Courier 17 July 1861

Mr. Enoch Ottley, of Phelps, in this county, who has been quite a speculator in produce and cattle, has, as near as can be ascertained, gathered together some ten thousand dollars and slid out of the country, leaving his creditors in the "suds."

From Ontario Republican Times 16 August 1861

Stephen Whitwell, while trying to load a breech loading pistol with a ball cartridge, in the upper story of Mr. Claudius' cigar shop, accidentally discharged the same, the ball passing through his left hand. It will probably produce a stiffness of the joint of the little finger. The injury, though not very serious, is sufficient to admonish Stephen that loaded pistols are dangerous playthings.

From Geneva Gazette 27 September 1861

Serious Affray between two Brothers - On Tuesday last an affray occurred between two brothers named Daniel and Allen B. Richards, at the house of the former in this village. Daniel took affront at something said or done by Allen, and commenced the assault with a poker or some other iron weapon, administering some heavy blows upon the body of the latter. Allen met the attack with a large pocket knife, and inflicted several dangerous stabs upon the person of his brother. Had one of the wounds in the back of the neck varied an inch from the locality where it was made, it would have proved instantly fatal. A woman was the cause of this murderous fracas. We believe neither party is under arrest but learn that Allen has sued Daniel in the Supreme Court to recover damages for making the assault.

From Ontario Republican 27 November 1861

Joseph Butler of East Bloomfield, who enlisted as a volunteer in a Lima company, attached to Col. Slocum's regiment, and who was reported among the killed at the Battle of Bull Run, passed through here last Monday, on his way home. He was wounded and taken prisoner on the occasion referred to and has since been confined at Richmond, until released on parole. He was struck by a musket ball which penetrated his right shoulder and passed obliquely upward through his neck, leaving him crippled for life. His right arm is entirely useless.

From Geneva Gazette 14 February 1862

Narrow Escape - Miss Isebella Ramsey, daughter of Mr. H. Ramsey of this village, came near losing her life on Monday morning last. A stove-pipe in her room by some means became disjointed, and so filled it with gas as to nearly suffocate her. On being called in the morning, she made no answer, and her father, on entering her room, found her entirely insensible, from which condition she could not be roused for more than an hour. If the discovery of her situation had been delayed but a few moments longer, life would in all probability have been extinct.

From Geneva Gazette 21 February 1862

Deputy Marshal Hildreth of Canandaigua, assisted by H. D. Mallory, last week arrested four men, named Wm. Corner, Nelson Vickery, Hiram Miller and Franklin Baker, residents of South Bristol in this county, charged with making and passing counterfeit coin. They found a quantity of the coin in the possession and on the premises occupied by these men, some of which was in the acid, and other portions completed. The men were lodged in the Canandaigua jail to await an examination.

From Geneva Gazette 18 April 1862

An Old Lady - The Phelps Star says there is a lady living at Plainsville, only four miles from that village, by the name of Jane Van Dyne, familiarly known as "Aunt Jennie," who is 115 years old, and is as smart as persons generally are at the age of 75. She is in good health and converses freely.

From Ontario Republican Times 30 April 1862

A few weeks since Henry G. Simmons of Naples made two attempts the same day to end his life by hanging. Domestic difficulty is the alleged excuse. Both times he went into the woods near his house with a rope, and suspended himself from a sapling. Each time he was discovered just before his life was extinct. Another has thus placed his name in the list of fools.

From Ontario Republican Times 14 May 1862

Joseph June of Phelps, attempted to commit suicide about four o'clock on Monday morning last, by hanging himself in his barn. He was discovered by a neighbor, suspended by the neck and in an insensible condition, but was cut down in time to save his life. The cause of the rash act is not known.

From Geneva Courier 9 July 1862

Habitual Drunkenness - A singular suit was tried before Judge Dusinberre, in Canandaigua last week. It was a suit brought by the children of Leonard Knapp, of Manchester, against their father for habitual drunkenness, and an effort was made to prove him incompetent to manage his own affairs. The Jury did not agree and there is to be another trial. Knapp has property amounting to $25,000.

From Geneva Courier 20 August 1862

AN OUTRAGE IN PHELPS

Wm. Dillon, Buchanan's Ex-Postmaster in Phelps, and the same person who caused the hens of that Town to roost high in 1860, and Wesley Roberts were arrested a few days since, by Marshal Hildreth for pulling down the American Flag. Dillon was arrested, we learn, on the testimony of a respectable lady, who swore she saw him commit the act from her own house, but he has been released again upon an affidavit of some of his particular friends who testified that Dillon was not at the place at the time the flag-staff was cut or bored down. This, we learn, is one reason why he was released, and another is, that he had a dollar subscription in the flag. The latter is no excuse at all. No man in these days should be allowed to haul down the Flag of our Country on account of his Rebel sympathies, without receiving the medicine recommended by Gen. Dix.

From Geneva Gazette 22 August 1862

FATAL CAMPHENE EXPLOSION -- We regret to learn that Mr. E. N. Phelps, formerly publisher of the "Phelps Democratic Star," was fatally burned by the explosion of a camphene lamp in our neighboring village of Vienna, last night. He was engaged in lighting lamps in one of the churches of that village, and as the explosion took place, the ignited liquid spread over his breast and arms, burning the skin to a crisp before succor reached him. At noon today he was barely alive, but scarcely a hope is entertained of his recovery.

From Ontario Republican Times 3 September 1862

We are informed that a disturbance occurred at the Hotel at Honeoye on Thursday evening last, during which Daniel Phelps and Gideon Pitts were severely injured by pistol shots. They were fired upon while attempting to quell the riot. Their wounds are not dangerous. Several other shots were fired, but fortunately without hurting anybody. Two of the rioters have been arrested.

From Ontario Republican Times 17 September 1862

A farmer named Peter VanDyne, residing in the village of Phelps, was kicked on the forehead by one of his horses yesterday morning, and very seriously, if not fatally, injured. Doctors Potter of Geneva and Carpenter of Phelps were called to attend him. Several pieces of bone were taken from the wound. The Surgeons express strong hopes of his recovery, but his case must be regarded as a very critical one, and to an unprofessional eye it would seem as though nothing short of a miracle could save him.

From Geneva Courier 22 October 1862

Serious Accident - Mr. Henry V. Barden, a resident of this town, was employed on a threshing machine at Thomas Robson's on the 15th inst., and while arranging the band while the machine was in motion, his hand was caught and twisted around a coupling, breaking the bone, from the fingers to the elbow, all to atoms.

Dr. Sloan of Bellona was called, and amputated the arm above the elbow. The operation was performed by Dr. Sloan in a skillful manner and with entire success.

From Ontario Republican Times 31 December 1862

On Christmas eve an affray occurred at the village of Phelps in which a blacksmith by the name of French was shot in the abdomen by a revolver, in the hands of one Thomas Van Dyne. There were two other shots fired, but without other effect than passing through the coat sleeve of an Irishman, whose name we have not learned. We understand that one of the bullets passed through a room of the American Hotel, going very near the head of the landlady. There has been no arrest we believe. The man French is said to be in a fair way of recovering. The ball is still in his body. It has been reported that the Coroner held an inquest over the body of French, although he is still a live man. We do not, however, vouch for the truth of the report. Van Dyne and the wounded man were said to be friendly, and it is supposed that the design was to shoot another man. It has become a much too common practice to carry revolvers in the country, and no one is safe while lawless persons are allowed to carry them in their pockets. We know nothing of this affray, but presume it proceeded from a drunken brawl, as it occurred at about 10 o'clock in the evening.

From Geneva Gazette 21 August 1863

Mike Sullivan's usually sedate old cart-horse took it into his head to have a little spree yesterday morning. He bid goodbye to Mike and went dashing up Seneca st. at a fast pace and with a monopoly of the roadway that was astonishing to behold, and perilous to teams that stood in the way. He came in collision with only one team, and that from behind, breaking the neck-yoke of the latter. One wheel of Sullivan's cart was torn from the hub. The frightened horse was at length arrested, luckily without injury to the animal. Mike must shorten his rations of oats.

From Ontario County Times 26 August 1863

A most terrific runaway occurred in this place yesterday morning. It appears that a hackman named Edward Rowley was conveying some ladies from the residence of Jacob Corson, Esq., on Bristol street to the depot to take the cars going east at six o'clock, and when approaching the station, his horses took fright at something, wheeled suddenly around, throwing him from his seat, and clashed down street at the top of their speed. They kept near the walk on the east side, and when opposite the Baptist Church, struck a gas post, and a few rods below run in between a couple of hitching posts and were brought to a stand. Fortunately none of the ladies were seriously injured, though they were dashed violently about inside the hack and received some ugly bruises. The driver was less fortunate, having been thrown forward so that the wheels of the hack passed directly over him. He was badly, though we believe not dangerously, hurt, and had no bones broken. The carriage was reduced to a shapeless wreck.

From Ontario County Times 8 June 1864

Mr. H. Barnes, residing on the Academy Tract, in this town, was seriously injured about the head by being thrown from a wagon load of lumber yesterday. He was going down Center street, when his horses ran away. In attempting to turn the corner of Center and Saltonstall streets, they ran into the ditch, throwing Mr. Barnes and his son, who was also on the load, violently upon the ground. Mr. B. was taken to the residence of Mr. A. J. Stannard, and a physician called, who dressed his wounds. He is now quite comfortable.

From Ontario County Times 15 June 1864

During the great tornado at Rushville, on Thursday last, Mr. Nehemiah Cole was struck on the right thigh by a falling timber in such a manner as to break the bone in two places. The injury is a severe one, but not likely to prove fatal. We do not hear that any other person was hurt.

The village of Rushville was visited on Thursday, the 9th instant, by a most terrific tornado, which swept directly through the business part of the place, unroofing several buildings and deranging things generally. It was first felt on the premises of Peter Fisher, about four miles northwest of the village, where it struck and partly unroofed a barn. Thence it approached Rushville, first striking the dwelling of Dr. Smith, and taking off a portion of the roof. Continuing its destructive course, other buildings were struck and injured as follows: The Catholic Church, unroofed and the roof carried nobody knows where. It cannot be found. Loomis Hotel, front part of roof blown off. A block of stores, four in number, owned by Erastus Green, unroofed, but contents not injured. W. W. Catlin's Cabinet Store, roof off and front and rear wall down. Stock considerably damaged. J. Wisewell's Dry Goods Store, unroofed and front wall down. Drug Store, front windows broken. J. Legg's Blacksmith Shop, completely demolished. R. Loomis' Wagon Shop, roof broken in by falling timbers. O. E. Blodgett's barn, about half a mile southeast of the village, was moved from its foundations but not otherwise damaged. An adjoining wood lot was stuck, and a swath cut through it from six to eight rods wide. The damage is variously estimated at from $5,000 to $10,000.

From Geneva Gazette 26 August 1864

A Stinging Accident - A rather singular accident happened to our townsman, Geo. Alcock, last Friday, by which he lost a valuable horse, and which nearly cost him his life. Mr. Alcock informs us that while on his way home with a lot of lambs he had purchased in Seneca County, and when passing the garden of Mr. H. Wooden, a skip of bees, containing eight hives, suddenly gave way and fell to the ground. The bees instantly attacked the horse and completely covered his head and parts of his body. Mr. Alcock says he tried to urge the horse forward, but finding he could not, he got out of the wagon, took him by the bridle and endeavored to get him away. Finding he could do nothing with the horse, and suffering terribly himself from the stings of the infuriated bees that completely covered his head and face, (his hat had got off in the struggle), he ran down the road nearly half a mile, when a man came out of a house and threw a quilt over him, and the bees left. Mr. A. says that while running, he was constantly scraping the bees from his face with both hands, crushing and throwing them down. After washing himself with salt and water, and drinking a quantity of it, he went back to his horse which he found in the barn yard of Mr. Wooden, rolling, kicking and writhing in the greatest agony, so much so that nothing could be done with him till Saturday morning. Everything was then done that could be to counteract the effects of the poison, but without avail. The horse died Sunday morning.

Mr. Alcock believes that the free use of salt and water, and drinking as much whiskey as he could, was all that saved his own life. This is the first instance of the kind we ever heard of; and it should admonish the farmers in this vicinity at least to place their hives on secure foundations.

From Ontario County Times 25 January 1865

Information wanted of Eliza Mack, who left her father's house in the village of Canandaigua, on Sunday, 23d inst. She stayed Sunday night at Marvin Lincoln's, and was last seen in that neighborhood, near the turnpike. She is aged 14 years and had on a black straw hat trimmed with crimson ribbon, a black mixed waterproof cloak, and a black and blue check dress. Any information of her will be gladly received by her parents. MILES P. MACK.

From Geneva Gazette 17 February 1865

Run Away - A horse belonging to N. Denton, while being driven on Thursday evening last by Henry Fessenden, a deaf mute from Naples, took fright and ran away. When near the cemetery on Washington street, the horse became totally unmanageable, swaying from one side of the road to the other, and kicking and striking out in every direction. The driver was thrown from the cutter, the horse several times striking him with his hoofs while down, leaving him in a fainting condition. While thus, a footman passed that way, and seeing how matters were, placed the fainting man in the cutter and drove to the Franklin House, where restoratives were applied and the gentleman was soon restored to consciousness, the horse brought to the door, and he was soon on his way rejoicing. The cutter was the greatest sufferer.

From Ontario County Times 7 June 1865

A frightful runaway accident occurred in this village on the 8th instant, resulting in the serious injury of a lady and child. The lady is the wife of Mr. Erastus A. Carroll of East Bloomfield. It appears that Mr. and Mrs. Carroll, with their child, had been in the rooms of the Messrs. Finleys, having pictures taken. Their horses and carriage were standing in front of the store. Mr. Carroll was helping his wife into the carriage, with the child in her arms, when the horses took fright at something and started to run. The gentleman did not have the lines in his hands, but before the frightened animals got beyond reach, succeeded in getting hold of the hitching-strap attached to the bit of the near one, and by that was dragged along several rods until he came in collision with another wagon, when his hold was broken. The horses then dashed up street at the top of their speed. Arriving at the Town House they turned the corner towards home, when Mrs. Carroll was thrown violently to the ground. At the railroad bridge the carriage struck against one of the supporting timbers, when the child, which had previously fallen to the bottom of the carriage, was also thrown out. The injured mother and child were taken immediately to the Canandaigua Hotel, where surgical aid was procured and every care bestowed upon them which their condition demanded. We are happy to hear that although very badly bruised, both are rapidly recovering.

From Geneva Gazette 28 July 1865

Accident - Last Saturday evening, as Byron Pierce of this village, a soldier belonging to the 98th Regiment, was in Mr. O'Grady's Billiard Saloon, sleeping in a chair, he was suddenly called. He jumped up and before he was fairly awakened, he walked out of the window of the saloon upon the frame awning over Fox's Clothing Store and from there fell to the pavement, a distance of about twelve feet, bruising himself severely. He was carried home and is now doing well. Ont. Messenger

From Ontario County Times 9 August 1865

A meeting was held at the Union Club Room Monday evening, Aug. 7th, 1865, for the purpose of organizing a Base Ball Club. I. R. Parcell, Esq., was chosen President, and S. P. Quick, Secretary, of the meeting. The following gentlemen were elected officers of the club by acclamation: President - Maj. T. Fitzgerald; Vice-President - Daniel Lefever; Secretary - J. C. Fairchild; Treasurer - J. Harvey Mason. The chairman appointed the following committee to procure grounds and implements for the use of the club: D. Lefever, H. Richardson, John Clarke, S. P. Quick. On motion of Maj. T. Fitzgerald, the club adopted the name of "Pioneer." On motion of Edw. Hicks, the members of the club were assessed the sum of $1 each, for defraying the expenses of the club. The following is a list of the present members of the club:

T. Fitzgerald
S. W. Salisbury
Thos. O'Grady, Jr.
E. P. Schemerhorn
J. Harvey Mason
Daniel Lefever
M. M. Mallory
Jas. C. Fairchild
Will E. Earl
C. W. Rand

F. B. Wilcox
Steve Lines
John W. Smalley
William Howard
Chas. A. Garlinghouse
Hewitt Farrington
Peter Faber
H. Paddelford
Patrick Judge
William Fox

S. L. Sterling
I. R. Parcell
Jas. A. Ellis
I. L. Turner
B. K. Turner
Horace M. Finley
S. Gooding
Walter H. Ellis
G. W. Brown
Geo. B. Chapin

John Clarke
John J. Decker
H. Richardson
John McKee
S. P. Quick
Edw. Hicks
W. A. Reed
M. Blakely

From Geneva Gazette 27 October 1865

Attempted Suicide - We learn that Phineas Forbes of East Bloomfield, aged about 65, made an attempt upon his own life last Monday by beating out his brains with an axe. He has lately been considerably out of health and quite despondent. At last accounts yesterday, he was still alive and conscious, but there is no prospect of his recovery. He expressed regret that he had not killed himself outright, as he wished to die. Repository & Messenger

From Geneva Gazette 22 December 1865

Sad Accident - Yesterday morning, while the Castle Street Mill was in operation, with its large wind gearing under full headway, one wing of the apparatus, which had become partially disarranged by long ,usage gave way, falling to the earth with a heavy thud, striking into Castle street. Mr. Wm. H. Fisher, was was sitting in his wagon, was struck on the head and breast by the falling mass, crushed through the buggy, and fell senseless to the earth. He was taken to the Franklin House, where he is now being attended by Drs. Carpenter, Dox, and Burr. His face and head are badly injured, his arm broken just above the wrist, otherwise injured about the breast and back, and it is feared somewhat internally. We hear that but very faint hopes of his recovery are entertained.

From Ontario Repository & Messenger 9 January 1867

Last Friday night, Rev. James B. Murray of this village, while attempting to cross the Railroad track in the north part of the village with a horse and buggy, was struck by a locomotive, receiving a deep gash in the skull and severe injuries in the back and side. He is expected to recover.

From Geneva Gazette 17 January 1867

Accidental Shooting - We learn that Mr. A. Beebe, living in East Bloomfield, accidentally shot himself on Sunday morning, the 6th inst., injuring him in such a manner that his life is despaired of. It seems that on Saturday he had been hunting, and on returning had left his gun in his wagon. On Sunday in attempting to lift it out, for the purpose of cleaning it, the trigger in some way caught on the side of the wagon, discharging the gun, the entire charge entering Mr. Beebe's arm, severing all the arteries but one. At last accounts he was yet alive. Ontario Messenger.

From Geneva Gazette 25 January 1867

Serious Accident - Last week, while Mr. John B. Shetler of South Bristol, was engaged in feeding a clover machine, one of his hands, in some manner was caught in it, completely tearing the hand in pieces. Can. Messenger

From Geneva Gazette 15 February 1867

Slander Suit - A suit that has excited much interest in the town of Phelps, was tried at the present Circuit at Canandaigua. It was an action for slander brought by James Ryan against John Q. Howe, both residents of Phelps. The alleged slander was an accusation by defendant that the plaintiff was implicated in some of the incendiary fires occurring in Phelps during the past few years. The case was tried by a jury who brought in a verdict for defendant, Joseph Herron for plaintiff, E. G. Lapham and S. Baldwin for defendant.

From Ontario Repository and Messenger 20 February 1867

Agnes Burns of Manchester, was arrested a few days ago at the instance of Annie Blackburn of Geneva, on a charge of having stolen from said Annie, a mink muff, and was taken before Justice Pritchett for examination. It appeared on the examination that the girls had traded muffs, Agnes getting the best of the bargain, and that Annie herself was the real thief, having stolen the muff in question of Mrs. H. C. Schell, her employer, and that she had thus traded it off to avoid detection. The death of Mrs. Schell occurring soon after, and Annie supposing all danger of detection passed, sought to recover the muff as above, but in the attempt has landed herself in the work house at Rochester for 60 days. Agnes was of course honorably acquitted.

From Geneva Gazette 22 March 1867

Serious Accident - Last Thursday evening a son of Mr. Luther Newton of East Bloomfield, about 17 years of age, while engaged in boiling sap, in some manner made a misstep, falling into the sap pan and badly scalding his side, arms and legs. After considerable exertion he succeeded in extricating himself -- took off his pants, wrung them out, went some distance after his horse and then rode nearly half a mile to a neighbor's for assistance. On his arrival there his clothing was frozen stiff, and in taking it off a portion of the flesh came with it. He is in great pain from his burns, but it is hoped that he will recover. Repos. & Messenger.

From Ontario Repository and Messenger 3 April 1867

Yesterday about noon, a team of horses belonging to Mr. Nathaniel Cooley, of this place, attached to a lumber wagon, containing a load of household goods, became frightened at the cars and came tearing down Main street at a furious rate. When near Bristol street they ran into a drove of cattle, knocking two of them down, and injuring one of them so badly that it had to be killed. The horses were finally stopped by a colored man rushing out and catching them by the bits. No other damage was done.

From Geneva Gazette 5 April 1867

Southern Relief Fund - The following sums have been received in aid of this fund:

Miss H. N. Bridge
Mrs. J. G. Stacey & family
Rev. A. A. Wood
John Robson
J. C. Blodgett
Lebbeus Phillips
John Herrington
W. W. Hankerson
Jonathan Phillips
W. A. Squier
John Van Arsdol
W. H. Snyder
J. G. Faulstich
John R. McCauley
James M. Lavery
T. A. McCauley
Hugh Kelley
Mrs. & Miss Powis
Enos Kent
I. A. Hawley
Rev. Geo. Patten
M. S. Read

Geneva, Apr 4, 1867
Total $166.00

$ 10.00
20.00
5.00
5.00
2.00
5.00
2.00
2.00
5.00
2.00
1.00
3.00
1.00
5.00
3.00
2.00
1.00
20.00
3.00
3.00
5.00
5.00

J. M. Rice
Charles Rice
James Wilson
Joseph Means
Russel Park
Joseph Rippey
George Fordon
Wm. Fordon
M. A. Squier
Wm. Smith
D. Brown
A. Onderdonk
A. Lawrence
A. McPherson
Jacob Berch
A. Onderdonk
G. W. Cone
H. Crozier
Edward Wiles
N. A. Read
G. O. Rippey
Thom. Moaw

5.00
5.00
3.00
2.00
5.00
5.00
5.00
2.00
2.00
1.00
5.00
2.00
2.00
1.00
3.00
.50
.50
1.00
2.00
1.00
1.00
2.00

From Ontario Repository and Messenger 17 April 1867

Mr. John Walthart, late a resident of Phelps, (in the employ of S. K. Bowker,) now of Geneva, together with his whole family, were poisoned last Saturday by eating scoke weed for greens, and on Saturday night little hopes were had of their recovery, but we are informed that they are now all doing well and and bid fair to recover.

From Ontario Repository and Messenger 17 April 1867

About four o'clock on Monday morning last Policemen Lester Thompson and Frank Early of this village, observed a rather suspicious looking man prowling about the street and examining some of the store doors. He was hailed and questioned as to his business, replying that he came from East Bloomfield to take the morning train east, was a shoemaker by trade, and was looking for a place to lie down. These answers threw our policemen off their guard somewhat, but Thompson still suspecting that all was not right, proceeded to search him, and putting his hand in the man's pocket drew forth a kit of burglar's tools, and at the same time Early observed that the man had slippers on his feet. While examining the kit, the burglar drew a revolver, presented it at the head of Thompson, and demanded the return of the tools, believing himself to be master of the situation. Early observing the predicament of his comrade made an assault upon the burglar who fired and then ran, and was closely pursued by the policemen. When near Bemis Hall entrance, he turned and fired again, hitting Early in the fleshy part of the knee, inflicting a painful but not dangerous wound. Thompson then followed the man up, firing several times but did not succeed in disabling or capturing him.

From Geneva Gazette 5 July 1867

An Escape ! - Edward Gray, of Orleans, one of the gang of counterfeiters under sentence for his crime, made his escape from the U. S. Deputy Marshals on Saturday evening last. Before going to the Penitentiary, he asked the favor of a private interview with his wife, which was granted. He was accompanied by two officers to Chapinsville, where he met his wife as per arrangement, and the couple were permitted to retire to a room by themselves. When the officers thought the interview had lasted as long as was necessary for the convenience of all concerned, they rapped for Gray to come out; but he didn't come. Then they burst the door open, when lo ! the "bird" was missing, having made his escape through a window; and he has not been seen nor heard of since ! It is regarded as a good joke on the officers, who are deeply chagrined at being thus outwitted.

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Updated 14 March 2006