Bristol Springs, N. Y. - Mr. and Mrs. Isaac Trembley were
pleasantly surprised on the 26th, by their children, grandchildren, and
great-grandchildren, to the number of twenty-five, it being the
celebration of Mr. Trembley's 77th
birthday. Although his life is an uncertainty, Mr. Trembley looks as
though
he might live to see several birthdays yet and we hope he may.
From Naples Record 6 January 1892
The children of Mrs. Simon Smith and a few friends met at
her home in this village on New Year's day to enjoy one of those
old-fashioned New Year's gatherings. All could not be present on
account of illness. Those not present were Mrs. J. P. Richardson, of Naples, Mrs. J. C. Spencer of Perkinsville; and W. H. Smith, of
Rutherford, N. J., who was detained at home on account of the illness
of Mrs. Smith's mother, who has since died. After a sumptuous dinner,
and a very social chat, all bid each other good bye, to meet, should
lives be spared, on next New Year's day with Mother again.
From Ontario County Journal 8 January 1892
Rushville, N. Y. - The annual meeting of the Rushville Clydesdale
Breeders' Association was held at the Park House on Monday afternoon.
Besides the regular business of the society, officers were elected for
the ensuing year as follows: President - Daniel Emory;
Secretary - E. B. Vorhees; Treasurer
- W. H. Savage; Directors - W. R. Fitch, Z. H. Green,
Elmer
Wager, S. B. Douglass and Emmet A. Stearns.
From Ontario County Journal 15 January 1892
The late Ephraim Blodgett, of this village, who died at
the ripe old age of 96 years, was the last of a family of seven
children of Ludin Blodgett,
who settled in the town of Gorham in 1806. The united ages of the seven
children,
four men and three women, amounts to 615 years. Three of Mr. Blodgett's
brothers
were pensioners in the war of 1812.
From Ontario County Journal 5 February 1892
John B. Classey, Sr., father of J. B. Classey, Jr., and Fred S.
Classey, and one of the most widely known of our citizens, was
seriously injured Tuesday morning by a bale of hay accidentally falling
on him while he was passing through the Tracy House stables. The hay
was rolled down from the mow and struck him on the back of the neck.
Mr. Classey is receiving every medical aid, but it is feared that his
back is injured, and owing to his advanced age, serious results are
apprehended.
From Ontario County Times 10 February 1892
Canadice, N. Y. - Squier Coykendall's house burned early last
Thursday morning. The fire as supposed caught from sparks having
dropped from pipe in fireplace chimney to fire board. The family,
consisting of Mr. Coykendall and wife and two children and Mr. and Mrs.
Henry McCrossen, were asleep in the upper part of the house and were
not awakened till the fire had gained such headway that they could not
go down stairs. Mr. Coykendall threw a bed out of the window, put out
his little boy on the bed, who went to the barn and got a rope with
which the rest of the family descended from the chamber window with but
few clothes and without a stocking among all of them. The only goods
saved were a few thrown out of the chamber. The house was insured for
$800 and contents for $200.
Naples, N. Y. - Among those who have been confined to their homes with the grip, and have recovered sufficiently to be out, are Rev.
Mr. Millard, Hon. C. S. Lincoln, Geo. R. Granby, S. J. Parrish, Mr. and
Mrs. E. C. Clark, Miss Helen Lyon, Miss Anna Manning, and Mr. and Mrs. Melvin H. Davis. Hon. E. P. Babcock, Mrs. George Crocker, Mrs. John Hatch, Mrs. Helen Barker and others are still confined to the house.
From Geneva Gazette 12 February 1892
Last Monday, Thos. Carroll's five-year-old daughter was
injured quite badly. While seated in the rear of a milk sleigh, a
spirited team came up the road, and just as the horses were opposite
the sleigh, one of them kicked viciously striking the little one in the
head, inflicting an
ugly scalp wound. Several stitches were taken in the cut, which,
though not serious, is quite painful.
From Ontario County Times 24 February 1892
Shortsville, N. Y. - Last Friday night Thomas Kelley, who
lives near Clifton Springs, while suffering temporarily from indulgence
in the intoxicating bowl, started to drive home via the railroad track,
and only discovered his mistake when his horse and cutter were upon the
railroad bridge over the outlet. Help was summoned, the horse was
unhitched from the cutter, and while endeavoring to turn him around to
lead him back to terra firma, he lost his balance and fell from the
bridge, turned a complete somersault and landed in a snow bank twenty
feet below. Strange to relate he suffered no serious injury, and after
a day's rest was driven home by his drunken owner.
From Geneva Gazette 4 March 1892
Mr. Wm. McPherson, who made the Stanley district enumeration of
Seneca, found four inhabitants whose age exceeds 90 years -- :
viz. David Barron, 93; Mrs. Catherine Huag, 95; Mrs.
Anna Shannon, 95; and Michael Flynn, 96. Has any
other district of one thousand population an equal number of
nonagenarians?
From Geneva Gazette 11 March 1892
Garrett Courtright, a worthy and deserving colored man, received
notice this week that his claim for increased pension from $4 to $12
per month had been allowed .
From Ontario County Journal 1 April 1892
Cheshire, N. Y. - On Wednesday, March 9, a surprise was given by
the
ladies of Cheshire to Mrs. Laura Chamberlain. A goodly number
of the
ladies assembled at her home in the afternoon to congratulate her upon
its
being her 90th birthday. A couple of hours were spent in social
intercourse
and talking over old times and the great changes that have taken place
here
within her recollection. Mrs. Chamberlain retains her faculties
remarkably,
being able to walk around the village alone until about two months ago,
and
her mind is as clear as most persons at sixty.
From Ontario County Journal 22 April 1892
Manchester, N. Y. - Bird Farnsworth, who met with a serious
accident causing the dislocation and fracture of his ankle, besides the
fracture of ribs and some internal injuries, by falling of a horse upon
him while plowing recently, is doing as well as can be expected, under
the care of Dr. Pratt.
From Geneva Gazette 13 May 1892
Mrs. Ami Whitney of Flint Creek went to Rochester a few days ago
for treatment of a felon on a finger of her right hand. The
disease had assumed such malignity that the surgeon consulted advised
amputation, and the operation was submitted to and performed last
Monday. Mrs. Whitney will remain until it be determined that no
further operation is necessary.
From Geneva Gazette 27 May 1892
Mrs. Ulysses Warner of Orleans has had a narrow escape from death
by poisoning. Mistaking a liniment for outward application that
contained a portion of the deadly hellebore for a preparation she had
been dosing with to cure rheumatism, she swallowed a potion of the
former before discovering her mistake. The wrong dose began to
take effect while she was enroute to Geneva with her husband. She
was immediately placed under Dr. Covert's care, who by using a stomach
pump and antidotes eventually rescued her from danger; but for three or
four days she remained in a critical condition.
From Ontario County Journal 10 June 1892
On Thursday evening, while Mrs. Sadler, wife of W. H. Sadler, residing
north of the village on the Homer Chase farm, was riding on Main
street,
her carriage was overturned and she thrown heavily to the pavement,
sustaining
quite serious injuries about the head and face. Her daughter and driver
were
also thrown to the ground but were not badly injured.
As Nicholas Stevenson, the colt breaker, was driving a pair of
young
horses up Main street last Monday afternoon, a horse which he was
leading
behind his buggy became frightened and jumped upon the vehicle,
damaging
it to a considerable extent. The team broke away and tore up Main
street
at a mad pace. They did no damage until they overtook a carriage
belonging
to F. H. Hamlin, Esq., which was conveying Mrs. Geo. N.
Williams
to a meeting at the Orphan Asylum. They struck this vehicle in such
a
manner as to overturn it and throw themselves to the ground. Mrs.
Williams
and the driver were both thrown out but luckily escaped injury.
From Victor Herald 11 June 1892
Clarence F. Thompson, of Fishers, more familiarly known as
"Poodle," made a desperate, but ineffectual, attempt at suicide on
Monday afternoon between 5 and 6 o'clock. He had been to Canandaigua
that day, and when he returned was strongly under the influence of
the "Sleeping Beauty" bug juice, or other combination. He appeared to
be very much depressed in mind and said he was tired of life and was
going to make an end of himself, showing a box of rough on rats that he
had. He went down the creek below Brownell's mill, and when he came
back he said he had taken some of the poison, but no one believed it,
as
they thought it only bluffing on his part. The work train, in charge
of conductor John Hall, was heard coming in from the west, and as it
neared the station, Thompson was seen to throw himself across the
track, his hands tightly clinching the rail on the opposite side. Every
effort
was made to stop the train, but its headway and the nearness of the man
on the track made this an impossibility, and the man seemed doomed to
certain destruction. Persons who saw the imminent peril in which the
man had placed himself, rushed to his rescue, and he was pulled off the
track but the fraction of a second before the engine passed over the
place where he had lain. The poison he had taken began, by this time,
to get in its
work, and he was put in an empty freight car near by and vigorous
measures
used to relieve his stomach from its fearful load of whiskey and rat
poison,
but not before the victim was taken with convulsions and with rigidity
of
the muscles of the neck, while the heart action was increased to nearly
one hundred and fifty beats per minute. The prompt evacuation of his
stomach
gave relief and the man was soon out of danger.
In the meantime, Dr. Doane, of Pittsford had been telegraphed for,
reaching there soon after the man had been relieved, and only left some
medicine to quiet his nerves. He was taken to the hotel, where he was
watched by two men all night, and Tuesday morning, on complaint for
intoxication, was arrested and taken before Esquire H. P Fisher, where
he plead guilty in the charge. The sentence was suspended and the
prisoner paroled during good behavior.
From Ontario County Journal 24 June
1892
Last evening at about
half past nine o'clock a large crowd was seen collecting near the
corner of Main and Coach streets, and a Journal reporter got on the
spot in time to meet Officers Booth and Dedrick, who were accompanying William
Junior and wife to the
lockup. It seems William appropriated $3 of
his wife's earning to his own use, and when asked for the same he
choked and pounded her. Junior was placed in a cell and Mrs. Junior was
discharged to appear at 2 o'clock this afternoon.
From Ontario County Journal 1 July 1892
Academy, N. Y. - Edgar Coy
,
while returning from Canandaigua on Saturday last with a load of
lumber, fell from his load, and the wagon wheel passed over one of his
legs, breaking it at the ankle. He was carried to the office of Dr.
Hutchens, who reduced the fracture and sent him on home, but not
rejoicing. It is a bad accident for Mr. Coy, especially at this season
of the year.
Bristol,
N. Y. - A pleasant gathering was held at the home of Mrs.
Billings H. Case on Wednesday
afternoon, June 22, it being a neighbor social. The ladies present,
numbering twenty-six, were as follows: the Mrs. Ephraim Dunham,
Seymour Case, Thomas
Phinney, Benjamin Bartlett, Richard Bartlett, Jerome Case, George
Everett, Dennis Phillips, George Gregg, Gooding Barringer, Phebe (Case)
Gooding of
Gooding, Mich., Edward Murray, Albert
Johnson, George Simmons, Garrett Wheaton, Frank Hulbert, Herbert Case,
Fred Tones, Henry Allen, William Allen, Henry Olmstead, Walter Acheson,
Charles Fletcher, Constant Simmons, Miss Wilcox and Miss Marcia
Codding. Besides these
were seven children. From one family four generations were represented.
The visit was enjoyed, the afternoon passing away too soon; and as we
separated, we felt as though there would be a more friendly feeling if
neighborhood visits were indulged in more frequently. It brought
together strangers that resided within the limits of our own school
district.
Shortsville, N. Y. - A family reunion
was held at the residence of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Knapp, in
Hopewell, last Saturday. The children and grandchildren, twenty-four in
number, were all present. Ed. Knapp and family, Frank
Heath and family of this place, and Walter H. Knapp and
family of Canandaigua, were present. The remainder of the children and
grandchildren are staying at Mr. Knapp's
this summer. It was a very happy reunion. After dinner they all
assembled on the lawn and were photographed by Fred Titus of this place.
From Ontario County Journal 8 July 1892
On Saturday, Andrew Harris, aged 76 years, of this village
worked all day in the McKechnie woods northwest of this village. After
the day's work was done, he sat down on the ties of the "Peanut" track
to enjoy a rest and smoke before walking into town. The flyer due here
at 6:50 came along, and before Harris could get out of the way, the
steps of the forward car struck him in the back, rendering him
insensible. He was placed in the baggage car and brought to this
village, and had so far recovered as to be able to walk from the car.
Beyond a few bruises, he is not injured.
From Ontario County Journal 15 July 1892
(Note: in newspaper dated 22 July, the name was correctly changed to
SCOTTY REED)
East Bloomfield, N. Y. - Last xxx George Hurd went to
Victor, and after imbibing somewhat too freely, proceeded to make
things interesting for the people of that village. After quite a
skirmish, in which "Scotty" seems to have had things all his own way,
he was arrested, and bail from friends failing, was sent up for twenty
days. It may be sport to feel that one is a terror to a community, but
the novelty of the feeling must soon wear off, and the constituted
authorities usually get their work in in the end.
From Geneva Gazette 15 July 1892
Harvey Rice of Phelps, an old Genevan, was thrown from a wagon at
Flint Creek last Friday and sustained serious injuries, from which it
is feared he will never recover. Mrs. P.
F. Bassett, who was with him, fell upon her head and sustained a
shock which rendered her unconscious for some time.
From Ontario County Journal 22 July 1892
On Wednesday of last week, Philander Mott, the millionaire
farmer and real estate dealer, well-known in Ontario County, met with a
severe accident just after he had completed raking up hay on his farm
one mile northeast of Phelps. It is said that just as Mr. Mott was
leaving the hay field in some way he was thrown from the seat of the
horse rake and fell upon the machinery of the rake. He was injured
about the body severely, and it will take several days before he will
recover. It is fortunate that he was not instantly killed. Geneva
Saturday Review
From Geneva Gazette 5 August 1892
William S. Liddiard, the buttermilk peddler from Stanley, was at
Waterloo Wednesday, and being called by a customer across the street,
drove his horses over the track directly in front of the electric car
which had just started for Seneca Falls. Liddiard's wagon was
struck on the side and would have been capsized and smashed, had not
Conductor Belles promptly put on the brakes and brought the car to a
halt. Liddiard, with some difficulty, extricated the vehicle
which was caught under the front coupler of the car. He
threatened to bring action against the Seneca Electric railway company,
claiming that no warning of the approach of the car was given, and that
the axle of his wagon was badly sprung by the collision.
Conductor Belles claimed that he struck the gong of the car as a
warning, and that Liddiard drove carelessly onto the track.
From Ontario County Journal 5 August 1892
The relatives of Mrs. Mary A. Fisher surprised her last
Tuesday with a very pleasant party at the home of Mrs. William
Boswell, on Chapin street. It was the sixty-fifth anniversary of
Mrs. Fisher's birthday, and twenty-five of her relatives assembled at
the above place to do her honor. Felicitations were in order and were
given with great heartiness. A supper was served, and handsome gifts
bestowed upon the lady for whom the surprise was planned.
From Ontario County Journal 2 September 1892
Last Friday evening as Ernest Parsons was at work at the
desk of Wm. Parsons' grocery store, he reached up to one of the handles
which operates the cash railway carriages, and as is the custom pulled
it down with a violent jerk. The string by which the handle was
attached broke, and his hand, carried by the force exerted, went
violently toward the desk. At that precise point was a bar in which
pins are placed for the filing of sales items. His hand struck this and
three of the pins entered his hand quite deeply. For a moment he did
not notice the fact, and when he did he had considerable trouble in
releasing his hand. Dr. Hawley dressed the hand, which has since caused
considerable trouble, and has prevented him from working at the store.
From Geneva Gazette 9 September 1892
On the 8th inst. Mrs. Sophia Arms Van Vranken celebrated
her 90th birthday at the residence of her niece, Mrs. J. W. Smith, 196
Main St. Mrs. Van Vranken first came to Geneva in
1820, and her mind is as bright, her personality as charming and her
interest in current events as keen as when she paid her first visit
here, traveling by stage from Massachusetts, the home of her Puritan
ancestors.
From Ontario County Journal 16 September 1892
Naples, N. Y. - Spencer F. Lincoln, who graduated with honor from
the Cornell law school this summer, has gone to St. Paul, Minn., having
engaged with the West Law Publishing company, of that city, to prepare
a syllabus of court decisions for law reports.
From Ontario County Journal 28 October 1892
A distressing accident last Sunday befell the wife of Morgan
Bement, of Coy street. About four o'clock in the afternoon, as
Mrs. Bement was walking along Phoenix street, a short distance from
Pleasant street, the rubbers which she wore slipped upon the flagging,
wet from the shower of a short time before, and she fell heavily to the
sidewalk. She was lifted up and taken to her home. Dr. Hawley was
called to attend her. Though it was at first feared that the hip was
broken, it has since proved that the only injury was to the muscles of
the thigh. Mrs. Bement, though seventy-two years of age, is improving
rapidly.
From Geneva Gazette 18 November 1892
The case of Maggie Niece against Moses Griswold, a
Naples suit growing out of the excise troubles of a year ago, was tried
this week. The plaintiff asked for damages on account of alleged
cruelty of the defendant who, in endeavoring in his capacity as
constable to serve a warrant on Mrs.
Niece, handled her rather roughly and finally handcuffed her.
After a short deliberation the jury brought in a verdict of "No
cause of action."
From Geneva Advertiser-Gazette 7 February 1893
Ran Away Together - The Canandaigua Journal of September
30, 1892, noted the fact that George Soden, who had lived for
some time on Chapin street, that
village, had disappeared, leaving his family in some trouble.
News was received last week that his absence was not to be
accounted for from any charitable reason. For some time previous
to his disappearance Soden had been infatuated with a former Geneva
woman, named Mrs. S. F. Chapin, wife of Dan'l Chapin. At
the time of
his disappearance, Mrs. Chapin also left Geneva, although it was at
first believed that she had gone to join her husband and children in
Rochester.
For some time past, suspicion had seemed almost a certainty that George
Soden and Mrs. Chapin left together. This suspicion was finally
verified about a week ago, when Soden's mother and stepfather in Geneva
received a letter
from Mrs. Chapin, postmarked Indianapolis, Ind., stating that
if the letter was answered, she would offer information which they
would wish. The letter was answered and another received from
Mrs. Chapin saying that she and Soden had been living together and
conducting the Farmers' Restaurant on Washington street, Indianapolis;
that Mr. Soden had recently died and
that his body was being kept in a vault. She offered to
send the body to Benton, that it might be buried beside that of his
father, provided the necessary money be forwarded.
As a matter of precaution, a letter was sent Tuesday to the chief of
police of Indianapolis to ascertain the facts were as presented.
Up to last evening, no word had been
received. Mr. Soden's family have since his abrupt departure from
Canandaigua last September, removed to Rochester, where they are now
living. Canandaigua Journal
From Ontario County Journal 10 February 1893
As two gentlemen were walking along Chapin street about 8 o'clock
last Saturday evening, they heard groans issuing from the house
occupied by Mrs. Calista Marshall. Entering the house, the
gentlemen discovered Mrs. Marshall lying upon a couch in the sitting
room where she had apparently been resting and had fallen asleep. She
was almost asphyxiated by coal gas which filled the room. The windows
and doors of the room were quickly thrown open, and Mrs. Marshall soon
revived. Her mind, however, was confused, and she could give no
coherent account of the occurrence.
The case of Mrs. Isaac Dudley against her husband, for
non-support, was to have had a hearing before Justice E. H. Frary
Wednesday, but was postponed on account of the inability of plaintiff's
attorney, E. W. Gardner, Esq., to attend. Dudley was formerly of
Manchester, but went last year over into Wayne county. The plaintiff
resides in Canandaigua. Dudley has deposited with Justice Frary $500
for surety. A strange feature of the case consists in the fact that
Dudley and his wife, who are English, had lived together twenty-nine
years when they separated. As he expressed it to the justice, their
tempers, never good, had not improved with age.
From Ontario County Journal 24 February 1893
The sixteen-year old son of William Wesley of South
Bristol left his home Tuesday of last week, and nothing has been heard
or seen of him since. The boy was not bright, and there is no doubt
that he simply strayed. When he left home he was clad, besides the
ordinary garments, simply in a cap and a blue frock. Unless he has
somewhere found warm shelter and care, which seems improbable, the boy
must have perished soon after leaving the warmth of his home. Search
began soon after the boy's absence from home was discovered. As many as
seventy men from the town were soon engaged in hunting through the
entire neighborhood. Telephone messages were being sent about the
county. The only tracks discovered were those leading twice across what
is called Mill creek, a stream running near his home, and others
leading to the barn of a neighbor. The search continued eagerly till
Saturday, when it was evidently beyond hope that the boy would be found
alive, unless he had somewhere found shelter in a home. William Wesley,
the boy's father, who says that his son would only have wandered
through lots, carefully avoiding the highway, believes that the boy
must have wandered into some gully, and there died of hunger and cold.
Others believe it probable that the boy has fallen into Mill creek at
some point and drowned. In either case it is doubtful if the body will
be discovered until the present severe weather shall have passed away.
As an aid to identification of the boy, in case he is not dead but
still wandering about somewhere in the country, it is said that the
boy, in addition to his imbecility, walks with a stagger as though
intoxicated.
Monday morning shortly after 6 o'clock, as H. C. Claudius was
entering the cigar closet in his cigar store on Main street to get out
some stock for shipment by the early morning train, the lamp which he
carried in his hand exploded, setting fire to his clothing and to the
stock in the room. Mr. Claudius quickly wrapped himself about with a
heavy overcoat, thus stifling the flames. He escaped with light burns
upon his face, which carried away his moustache, eyebrows and hair.
Before the fire in the room could be quenched, stock to the value of
over $350 had been destroyed. The stock was fully covered by insurance
with E. Chapin Church.
From Ontario County Journal 10 March 1893
Manchester, N. Y. - Frank Cole has placed his infant child in the
orphan asylum and will start this week for Chicago, where he intends to
make his future home. He will take his two older children with him
where they will be cared for by his deceased wife's sisters.
From Geneva Gazette 24 March 1893
John Rolan of Hopewell has been arrested for forgery. It is
alleged that he has been carrying on such criminal operations for more
than a year past, using the avails of one forged note to take up at
maturity one previously negotiated. At last a forged note went to
protest, and when the endorser was called upon to pay, Rolan's
transactions were exposed. He had obtained in this fraudulent
manner upwards of $15,000.
From Geneva Gazette 31 March 1893
Oaks Corners - A serious and possibly fatal accident happened to Mrs.
George Taylor on Wednesday. Mr. H. Day called to
take her to see his daughter, Mrs. John Dillman, who is ill.
In stepping into the carriage her foot caught in her gown. Before
she could extricate it, the horse started throwing her down between the
wheels, and before
Mr. Day could stop him, backed up until he came with full weight upon
Mrs. Taylor's chest, almost crushing it and bruising and hurting her in
a terrible manner.
From Ontario County Journal 31 March 1893
East Bloomfield, N. Y. - Pat Canaan is in trouble. Last Saturday
afternoon he returned from Canandaigua with a comfortable supply of
"old rye" on board. On his way to his home in the swamp, he was passed
by his neighbor, Paddy O'Neil, who, from the safe vantage
ground of a buggy, began a song, the theme of which referred to a
long-standing feud between the Canaans and the O'Neils, which had once
given rise to a suit at law. Patrick's temper began to rise, and had
reached the boiling point when he reached O'Neil's and found Paddy just
emerging ready to do the evening chores. A wordy altercation began,
which was interrupted by Paddy's going inside his house. Pat's rage
must have been an outlet, and so he began hurling rocks and bricks at
the door and windows, demolishing a considerable part of the plate
glass. The result was Patrick's arrest on the charge of malicious
destruction of property. At his examination, his own confession and the
presence in evidence of several boulders taken from the floor of the
assaulted house were sufficient to authorize holding Pat for the grand
jury. A civil action will also be begun.
A team of horses belonging to Henry Mitchell, of Reed Corners,
created much excitement and consternation on Main street Monday
morning. Their owner had left them at the mill on Mill street, while he
was getting some bags. During his absence, they started and ran up to
Phoenix street, where they turned and ran to Main street. Their course
was then directly across Main street to the crosswalk in front of the
Paul drug store. There they knocked down a hitching post, ran into a
horse which was tied, turned into the sidewalk and ran full tilt upon
the sidewalk down in front of the Webster House, where they narrowly
escaped running over a woman wheeling a baby carriage. At the corner of
Bristol street they turned into the road, where they slipped and fell,
thus stopping their career.
From Ontario County Journal 7 April 1893
Tuesday forenoon as Horace Elwell and son, residing about
a mile and a half from the village on the Sand Hill road, were riding
on Howell street, behind a pair of spirited horses, one of which was a
colt, the team became frightened at a carpet hanging on a line in the
yard in front of Thompson Sutherland's residence. Though Mr.
Elwell and his son are both excellent horsemen, they were unable to
check the team. In front of the residence of S. C. McKechnie, Mr.
Elwell was thrown violently from the wagon, striking upon the stone
block. Mr. Elwell was carried to the house of Dr. J. H. France, and
Drs. Jewett and Buell, who were near at the time, were soon at
his side. Dr. Buell cared for the case. He found two or three ribs
broken and his head severely injured. As it was necessary to move him
to his home before inflammation could set in, if at all, the removal
was made shortly after noon. Since then his condition has been reported
as very serious.
Recently Mrs. S. F. Chapin, who left her home in Geneva last
year to elope with George Soden of this place, returned to her
husband in Rochester, whither he had removed. He has received her and
now they live together.
By a runaway accident on Mason and Bristol streets Tuesday evening, C.
H. Puffer and wife, of Beeman street, were thrown from the wagon
in which they were riding. Neither were injured. The extent of the
damage was a broken wheel.
Tuesday afternoon as G. G. Leiser, with two of his children,
was passing between F. W. Kinde's store and that of E. C. Williams, a
board blew from the top of the bank building, and, as it fell, struck
Mr. Leiser and his daughter. Mr. Leiser's hat was destroyed, and the
little girl sustained a scalp wound.
From Geneva Gazette 14 April 1893
Frightened to Death - Last Saturday afternoon quite a severe
hailstorm visited Geneva, lasting only a few minutes however. The
larger hail stones were as large as walnuts, and irregular and ragged
in shape. Exposed glass laid horizontally suffered to
considerable extent. When the storm broke upon us, nurserymen
were busy with men and teams in the packing fields. All who could
ran to shelter. James Ringer held reins over a fine
team belonging to Hammond and Willard. The pelting hail started
this team into a run. Young Ringer pluckily kept his seat and
clung to the lines. The team ran almost entirely around the
field, when suddenly one horse reared high in the air and the next
instant fell to the ground and soon expired. It seems to
have been a clear case of death from fright.
From Geneva Gazette 28 April 1893
Barney Kennedy, of Chapinville, was badly injured a few days ago
while attempting to board a passenger train at Canandaigua. He
fell under the wheels of the moving train, and before he could be
rescued one foot was crushed and he was otherwise injured.
From Ontario County Journal 28 April 1893
The strong man of Canandaigua, George Freistueck, whose
works in the meat market of John Gartland, has backers who
wish to pit him in feats of strength against Mervin Thompson, whose
muscular exploits were recounted in last week's Journal. If the contest
takes place it will be between native strength on the one hand and
strength backed by years of training upon the other.
From Ontario County Journal 5 May 1893
Thursday afternoon of last week, George Mosher, of Frost
Town, a hamlet of South Bristol, made an assault upon Mortimer
Hotchkiss, of the same place, which may have a fatal ending. The
circumstances of the case are as follows: Mosher was a tenant on
Hotchkiss' farm. An agreement is alleged to have been made, by the
terms of which Mosher was to pay his rent in labor for Hotchkiss. The
difference in the understanding of the agreement seems to have been the
primary cause of trouble, Hotchkiss assuming that the labor was to be
performed at any time which he should name while Mosher claimed the
right to work at such times as might be to him convenient. One day last
week, when Hotchkiss wished Mosher's help, Mosher worked instead for a
neighbor named Albert J. Renoldson. Frank Hotchkiss, a son of
Mortimer, went to Renoldson's to see Mosher in regard to the matter.
They became involved in a fight in which young Hotchkiss received the
worst of it. Later, Mortimer Hotchkiss went to Mosher's home, where he
found Mosher cleaning out a spring. The spring had been filled up with
rocks, a trick which it is alleged was committed by one of the
Hotchkiss family. This and previous trouble brought on a wordy
controversy in which, so Mosher alleges, Hotchkiss made threatening
remarks and gestures. Mosher seized upon a potato fork, and with it
struck Hotchkiss several sharp blows. The first blow struck Hotchkiss's
arm, and drove the tines through the biceps. Other blows fell upon
Hotchkiss's head and body. His skull was fractured and his body
lacerated.
Doctors Bell and Weitling of Naples were summoned in attendance, and
cared for the injured man. It was at first thought that the injuries
must be fatal, but Hotchkiss rallied from the shock, and, at last
reports was improving, with a fair chance of complete recovery. One of
the strange things in connection with the case is the disclosure of a
degree of barbarism prevailing in that neighborhood, which could
scarcely be imagined. Mosher has not been arrested, although the brutal
nature of the assault was known throughout the neighborhood. A paper
published in that vicinity, probably influenced by their lack of care
in the matter, even says: "Possibly, the matter will be
investigated by the courts." Officer M. J. McPhillips went Wednesday
afternoon to look into the facts of the case. Mosher was in the jail
last summer, having been arrested on a bench warrant by Officer
McPhillips, and convicted of illegal fishing.
From Ontario County Journal 12 May 1893
Naples, N. Y. - Another liquor suit has begun. Clark A. Niece,
who it will be remembered is an old offender, and who was after
months of resistance, convicted of selling intoxicating liquor without
a license and severely punished, is now accused of still selling the
stuff, and was arraigned before Justice McJannett last Saturday. He
denies the charge and the case is set down for trial by jury for today.
Niece was among those whose applications for license to the new license
board were rejected.
From Ontario County Journal 19 May 1893
Rushville, N. Y. - On Monday, Mrs. Jacob Walton made an
attempt upon her life by taking a large dose of chloral and laudanum.
The physicians made every effort to preserve her life, but there is
little hope of her recovery. Mrs. Walton is the only child of S. C.
Boots, a prominent farmer of Potter. It is believed that her mind had
become by a severe attack of la grippe with which she had been
suffering during the winter.
From Ontario County Journal 2 June 1893
Two colored citizens, William Junior and Abe Lincoln, have
applied during the week past for warrants for the arrest of their
wives. The former claimed openly and the other implied that his other
half had been the better half in a muscular encounter.
From Ontario County Journal 9 June 1893
Last Saturday night, Terence McStravick of Buffalo street,
was arrested and taken to the police station for a somewhat peculiar
offense. Over a year ago, McStravick let a neighbor, then a residence
of the village, take a wagon to shelter it. The wagon was not returned,
and when the neighbor's property was sold to pay taxes due,
McStravick's wagon was sold with the rest to William Hoffman. McStravick
later tried to get the wagon from Hoffman, who promptly refused.
McStravick, last Saturday evening, while intoxicated, took an ax, and
while Hoffman sat in a buggy on Buffalo street, went out with the
intention of destroying the wagon. He became penitent when sober, and
having fixed the matter up was let off last evening.
From Victor Herald 10 June 1893
Last Saturday evening, Mark Pomeroy, of Farmington,
started from the village for his home, the night was exceedingly dark
and all went well till he reached the Bower's crossing. Here he lost
his way and finally found himself on the rail road track, and a train
coming rapidly from the east. He at once realized his situation and
getting out of the buggy took his horse by the head, he had just got
off from the west bound track as the Flyer from the east came along and
crashed into the buggy which was still on the track. The vehicle was
smashed, the horse thrown down and badly cut about the legs, the force
of the train completely stripped the buggy and harness from the horse,
and he was found wandering on the track in the vicinity of Lovejoy's
barn. Mr. Pomeroy was not hurt and managed to make his way back to the
highway, he knows not how, he proceeded to Mr. O. D. Herendeen's, who
came to the village with him in search of the horse. The engineer
stopped the train as soon as he struck the rig, and
seeing part of the wrecked carriage on the front of the engine,
supposed the occupants were injured. A trainman was sent back and found
the horse as stated. It is supposed that Mr. Pomeroy's horse took the
part of the road that goes to Brace street and when it came to the
crossing followed the track instead of crossing it and was in the cut
when the train came along, be it as it may it was a very narrow escape
from a fearful death. We hope that no
time will be lost in putting the overhead bridge and its approaches in
order
for use. It may possibly be that the overhead bridge could have been
better
located than it is, but when it is finished it will be much better with
all its imperfections than the present death trap.
From Naples Record 14 June 1893
Honeoye, N. Y. - As Mr. and Mrs. John Abbey were returning
from Honeoye Falls the other day, the horse became frightened and began
kicking over the dash board, inflicting a severe flesh wound upon Mrs.
Abbey's right limb.
From Geneva Gazette 16 June 1893
The widow of Charles H. Avery, recently deceased, has
taken a lease of the Dorsey house on
Seneca street and will very soon open it as a lunch house and ice cream
parlors. We bespeak for her, now that she is thrown upon her own
resources for a living, a generous patronage.
From Ontario County Journal 30 June 1893
East Bloomfield, N. Y. - Last Saturday the family of Ashman B.
Gauss celebrated the one hundredth anniversary of the day on which
was signed the deed that brought the farm now occupied by them into the
possession of the family. The farm was purchased by Benjamin Gauss,
grandfather of the present owner from William Bacon, Berkshire
county, Mass. Ashman Gauss is the oldest lineal descendant. The farm is
believed to have been in the continuous possession of one family longer
than any other farm in Ontario County.
Last Sunday forenoon, George W. Ellis, residing on Chapin
street, while going down the cellar stairway of his home, slipped on a
shifting step and fell, striking upon his left wrist. The wrist, which
was weak, owing to its having been shot through during the war, was
broken by the fall in two places. Dr. James Hawley is attending Mr.
Ellis. He says that it will be two months at least before Mr. Ellis
will be able to resume work.
From Geneva Advertiser 11 July 1893
The venerable David Barron of Seneca will reach 93 years
of age on his next birthday. He is still in the enjoyment of good
health, and his friends hope that he will pull out to an even 100.
The old gentleman does not plow and plant and gather his crops as
he did fifty years ago -- he don't have to -- but he knows how it
should be done.
From Ontario County Journal 14 July 1893
Detective Long, of Rochester, last Friday arrested John Lucy, a
workman employed on the East Main street pavement in that city.
Constable Bement of Victor, took Lucy to Victor the same evening. The
reason of his arrest was his alleged desertion of his wife and son, nor
fourteen years of age, who live in Victor. When questioned regarding
the matter during his confinement at Rochester, Lucy acknowledged that
he had left the wife and child seven years ago, but curtly stated his
defense in this Bowery English: "My wife turn me inter de street, and
so I said ter myself, I'll let 'er run 'er own shebang."
From Ontario County Journal 11 August 1893
Bristol, N. Y. - The other day Mrs. Lucetta Jackson was
visiting at her niece's, Mrs. Eugene Wales. During the visit
Mr. Wales entertained his aunt with a little violin playing, one piece
being "The Devil's Dream." Mrs. Jackson could no longer keep quiet, and
tripped the light fantastic to that soul-inspiring tune. Pretty good
for a lady of 87 years !
From Victor Herald 19 August 1893
Alonzo Sage, of Millers Corners, 76 years of age, while fishing
on Long Level, a few days since, caught a silver eel weighing four and
one-half pounds. Pretty good for an old gentleman.
From Geneva Gazette 25 August 1893
A pension was recently granted to Mary C. Warner of
Phelps, widow of the late John C. Warner. A meritorious
award. The deceased husband never had a really well day after his
discharge from military service.
From Geneva Advertiser 5 September 1893
Captain Joseph S. Lewis of Geneva, now nearly 84 years of age, is
said to have been the first steamboat captain on Seneca Lake, the first
boat having been the "Seneca Chief," which made its first trip on the
4th of July, 1824 -- four years before Dr. Watkins became a resident of
Salubria, as Watkins was then
called. Captain Lewis is reported to be bright and clear
in his recollections, and he is, of all living men, best qualified to
give reliable information in regard to the history of
steam navigation on this beautiful lake. Havana Journal
From Ontario County Journal 8 September 1893
While William Sisson, of this village, was putting up a
telephone in Penn Yan Monday, he fell from a high fence on which he was
standing, and sustained quite serious injuries. No bones were broken
but it will be some time before he will be able to resume work.
From Geneva Gazette 15 September 1893
Canandaigua has three lady notaries public, : viz. Miss Julia
Failing in the office of Wynkoop & Rice; Miss Cora Wilder with
Clement &
Scott, and Miss Hawley with Judge Metcalf. Geneva has
one -- Miss Morrison, in the law office of
Geo. W. Nicholas.
From Victor Herald 16 September 1893
About fifty guests gathered at the home of Mr. George Grinnell,
Sept. 4th, to celebrate his sixtieth birthday. The day was spent
very pleasantly. After a bountiful repast was served consisting of
biscuit, meats, salad, cake, ice cream, oranges, peaches and bananas,
George was presented with a beautiful chair. Those from out-of town
were Mr. and Mrs. D. F. Stebbins of Palmyra, Mr. and Mrs.
N. L. Strong of Clifton Springs, Mr. and Mrs. E. S. Grinnell
of Port Gibson, Mr. Nelson Chase of Gypsum, Mr. Peter
Gehres and daughter of Rochester, Mr. and Mrs. George Philley
of Gypsum, Mr. George Gehres of Sandusky, O., Miss Libbie
Parker of Milo, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Kimble
and children of Rochester, also many friends and relatives of this
town.
All seemed to enjoy the occasion very much and hope he may be spared to
enjoy
many more.
From Ontario County Journal 22 September 1893
On Saturday, September 9, there was some rapid hop picking done in
the yard of James Trim at South Bloomfield. During the day Mrs.
George Parke picked 38 bushels, Miss Jennie Nudd 36
bushels. Miss Maud Parke and Miss Maggie McDowell each
picked 30 bushels.
From Victor Herald 23 September 1893
A lively runaway occurred on Tuesday. Mr. Henry Turner,
of this town, was driving a colt on East Main street, and when
nearly
opposite M. A. Wilbur's residence, bolted the track without any
apparent
cause, making a flying leap over the sidewalk on the south side of the
street, taking a whirl in the vacant lot. Mr. Turner was thrown from
the
wagon but retained a hold on one line, and the horse was finally
brought
to a stop. The wagon was somewhat demoralized, and Mr. Turner
considerably shaken up, but not seriously injured.
From Victor Herald 7 October 1893
Last Friday, Sept. 29th, a very pleasant gathering was enjoyed at
the home of Mr. and Mrs. Geo. H. Child, of this place, the
occasion being the celebration of Mrs. Child's 63rd birthday, by her
children
and grandchildren. Among those present were Mr. E. M. Decker and family
of Richmond; Mrs. O. E. Child and family of Victor; Wm. McLarey and
family and Frank W. Child and family of Canandaigua; and Miss Mary Case
and two
little motherless grandchildren of Bristol. And while a son and family
of Denver, Colo., could not be present yet they did not forget to
forward
through the mails a valuable token of their remembrance of mother.
There
were present six children and eleven grandchildren, and all enjoyed the
day in the most pleasant and agreeable way. At the close several
substantial
presents were left in evidence of their appreciation of mother and
grandmother.
And when the time of the evening trains drew nigh, the goodbyes were
said
and all went away happy, wishing for the return of many such days.
From Geneva Gazette 6 October 1893
Michael Kinsella, flagman at the Main street crossing at
Canandaigua, was recently discharged on account of age and decrepitude,
after a service of nearly 50 years. Having no visible means of
support, he betook himself to the county house.
From Geneva Gazette 27 October 1893
Malignant fever has invaded several families in the Bilsborrow
neighborhood. Two sons of S. B. Reed are down with the
disease, one of whom it is believed
has passed the danger point. Floyd, the 19 year old son
of James Holland, succumbed to it, dying after an illness of
nine days. He contracted the
disease while employed at Mr. Reed's. It is a very distressing
bereavement to his family and friends.
From Geneva Gazette 3 November 1893
All Hallowe'en was observed with a deal of mischievous merriment by
young lads and lassies Tuesday night last. A favorite method
resorted to of startling a family seated
quietly by the center table, was to send a handful of beans rattling
against the window panes. Gates were unhinged and carried off,
moveable horse blocks spirited away, piazzas strewn with cabbage
leaves, turnip tops, potato peelings, and kindred pranks performed in a
spirit of innocent fun.
The visitations were taken good-naturedly. Were not we old
'uns all boys and girls once?
From Ontario County Journal 10 November 1893
The relatives and friends of Theodore Crosby gathered at
his home on Main street, Wednesday, to congratulate him upon the
attainment of his ninety-first birthday, which was the day before, but
on account of election, the celebration was put over to the next day.
Among those present were, Alfred Crosby, a brother, 85 years,
and his wife of Phelps; Miss M. R. Sears, of Buffalo; Mr.
and Mrs. T. R. Sibley of Scottsville; Mrs. Emily Pond and Sarah
Crosby, of Phelps.
From Geneva Gazette 17 November 1893
Chas.
M. Dunham, a prominent young man of Naples, this county, was
sentenced last Tuesday to state prison for two years and four months,
by Recorder Smyth of New York, for stealing a watch from Robert E.
Shaw
of No. 442 East 122d st. on the night of Oct. 21st.
From Ontario County Journal 24 November 1893
Rushville, N. Y. - A very sad accident occurred on Sunday morning
last to Mrs. Sarah Erwin, an elderly lady, who occupies alone
one-half of the Benham house, on lower Main street. Leaving her room
upstairs to do down, she overreached the first step and fell headlong
to the bottom. She was picked up by neighbors who heard the noise, and
Dr. Wilkins was immediately summoned. Examination showed no bones
broken, but probable internal injuries. At this time of writing she is
quite feeble.
From Ontario County Journal 1 December 1893
Honeoye, N. Y. - In the spelling match held at the New England
supper last week Friday evening, one hundred words were pronounced.
Four of the spellers remained standing at the close, viz: Ralph
Short, Miss Mary Bostwick, Mrs. Lucas, and Mrs. Pennell. A
most bountiful old-time supper was served later for the too small sum
of fifteen cents.
Gorham has provided the background for a tragic drama, abounding in
sensational effects and strange incidents. The curtain rose upon the
first scene eight years ago; it has just fallen upon the latest, but
probably not the last. The drama is of absorbing interest. In the year
1885 Henry Smith and his wife lived on a farm half way between
Hall's Corners and Ferguson's Corners. They lived alone in the house.
They had barely passed their honeymoon and were a pleasant, agreeable
couple, who stood well in the opinion of those who knew them. In
another house on the same farm lived Mrs. Smith, the widow of Thomas
Smith, and the mother of Henry. The mother adored her son. In the
neighborhood lived a number of step-brothers and step-sisters of Henry,
all people of means and excellent standing in their communities. The
farm on which the mother and son lived had been left by Thomas Smith.
It was to go to Henry in case he survived his mother. If not, it was to
go to the step-children on Mrs. Smith's death.
On a Saturday night, in the early autumn of that year, Mr. and Mrs.
Smith retired as usual to their bedroom, a small apartment on the
ground floor of the house. At the foot of the bed and not more than
three or four feet from it was a window. It was a dark, threatening
night; one could not see his hand before his face. In the woods near
the house the trees swayed in the wind with noises like groans. During
the night some one crept to the window with a shot gun, both barrels of
which were heavily loaded with shot and slugs cut from sheet lead and
lead pipes. Resting the gun on the sill the would-be assassin fired
through the window at the sleeping couple, his gun's muzzle but a short
distance from their feet. The second barrel quickly followed the first.
Both shots took effect, but neither fatally at the time. Too stupefied
with shock and fright at first to move, the couple lay motionless.
Their loss of blood so weakened them they could not move. Hours passed
and day at length broke. Mustering all his strength the young husband
crawled to the door and cried to a passerby. A messenger was at once
sent to Gorham village for Dr. Allen. He went at once, accompanied by
his father, Dr. Alex. Allen. It was a ghastly sight they saw. The first
shot had struck the husband on the left leg above the knee, ploughing
its way to the hip, where it tore out a great piece of flesh.
Scattering shot were in the arm and leg. Dr. Allen removed forty-five
shot and slugs from the man's body. Part of the second charge had
struck the woman on the breast, in the face and head. The jagged slugs
had torn out great masses of her long black hair. The bed linen was
soaked with blood and covered with tresses. Twenty pieces of lead were
taken from the woman's breast and face. The main part of the second
discharge passed just above Mrs. Smith's head and tore through the head
of the bed and the partition behind a hole in which a man could easily
thrust his arm. Mr. Smith quickly recovered, his injuries being all
flesh wounds. Mrs. Smith never recovered. The shooting took place about
2 o'clock in the morning. Neighbors were awakened at that time by two
loud reports.
Sunday morning, two weeks after the shooting, a man hurriedly stepped
up the aisle of the Presbyterian church in Gorham, and touching Dr.
Allen on the shoulder, whispered in his ear: "Mrs. Smith has been
poisoned." The doctor hastened to the Smith home and found Mrs. Smith
suffering from arsenic poisoning. The dose, however, had evidently been
too heavy, for she had vomited profusely, and with the physician's aid
was soon out of danger from the poison. But the wounds and shocks she
had received were too much for her strength at last. She made a
desperate struggle for life. She recovered sufficiently to regain her
feet, but fell into a decline, and in a year died at the home of her
father, a neighboring farmer, where the couple had gone to live some
time after the shooting. Upon her death her husband went to live on the
fatal farm with his mother.
Several years ago he married again, bought a house in Gorham village on
the street leading from the main street to the Middlesex Valley
Railroad depot, and there lived quietly with his wife and child,
working at his trade of carpenter. Outwardly he lived peacefully, but
in reality he lived in perpetual fear. Six weeks ago he was awakened at
night by some one trying to gain an entrance to his house by the door.
Taking his revolver he crept to the door and called out: "Who is
there?" There was no reply. Then he fired two shots through the door. A
moment later he heard a wagon and horses' hoofs traveling rapidly away
from the house. Like himself, his wife had become a victim to fear. As
a protection, he bought a fine, large Newfoundland dog. A few days
later the dog was found dead. It had been poisoned. In the yard was
picked up a paper with some of the poison still adhering to it.
Then for the first time terror overmastered this man, who for eight
years lived down fear. To him every shadow was a possible assassin,
every noise the song of a bullet, every drink, perhaps his last. And it
was no vague, unreasonable fear that haunted him, not the fear of a
coward, but of a very brave man, for Henry Smith knows who is seeking
his life, knows beyond a doubt in his own mind, and, knowing, will not
tell.
The episode of the poisoned dog was too much for his already tense
nerves. Putting on his hat, as one might say, he left home, wife, child
and property. No one, excepting perhaps his wife, knows definitely
where he has gone. To California, it is said, but it is said, too, that
he has gone to join a relative in the wilds of the Rocky Mountains,
where it will be difficult and unsafe for a pursuer to follow. Before
he went he told the man who knows more of this strange history than
anyone else, that he was in danger of his life if he remained in
Gorham, and that he was certain from whom he was in danger. Mr. Smith
did not tell his secret to his confidant, but he told enough for
inference to supply the rest. If the inference is correct, Guy De
Muspassant in all his weird and acute analysis of human passions, has
never pictured such a strange and awful phase of human character.
From Ontario County Journal 15 December 1893
Clifton Springs, N. Y. - The following are the officers elect of
the Women's Relief Corps, chosen Tuesday afternoon:
President - Mrs. Mary G. Brown
Sr. Vice President - Mrs. Annie Conklin
Jr. Vice President - Mrs. Frank Caton
Chaplain - Mrs. Robinson
On Tuesday, Milton Stafford, of Victor, came to
Canandaigua in quest of work. He stopped at the Masseth house and
announced his intention of securing employment if possible. Becoming
despondent over his lack of success, he commenced to drink. On
Wednesday afternoon he came back to the house and retired early to his
room. A light was seen there during the evening. Yesterday morning he
did not put in an appearance, and at eleven o'clock the proprietor
attempted to arouse him. Being unsuccessful, he forced the door in and
found Mr. Stafford breathing heavily and unnaturally. Physicians were
immediately summoned and a telegram was sent to his relatives at
Victor. His son came on to Canandaigua and is now with his father. Dr.
Buel, who has the case in charge, says that his illness was undoubtedly
due to morphine poisoning. The Doctor considers that he is now out of
danger. Mr. Stafford was at one time a man of considerable property,
but he lost his money in unfortunate speculations.
The annual family reunion and Christmas tree of the Hutchens'
family was held at the home of Mr. and Mrs. H. L. Hutchens,
on Chapin street, last Sunday. The following were present: Mr. and
Mrs. W. C. Hutchens and son, Harold, Frank T. Hutchens, Floyd
Hutchens, Mr. and Mrs. Royal R. Scott and children, Mr. and
Mrs. L. L. Scott, H. C. Townsend, Mrs. Henry Hutchens, mother of H.
L. Hutchens, Charles H. Hutchens and wife, and Nodiah, Claude and
Henry Hutchens.