From Ontario County Journal 1 January 1909

Allen's Hill, N. Y. -
At a regular meeting of Camp No. 9058, Modern Woodmen of America, the following officers were elected:

Venerable consul - G. E. Patterson
Worthy adviser - M. H. Bell
Excellent banker - J. B. Sleight
Efficient clerk - H. L. Bennett
Escort - C. M. Henry
Watchman - L. M. Affalter
Sentry - G. R. Beach
Physician - E. B. Sayre, M. D.
Manager, 3 yrs - G. R. Beach
To fill vacancy, 2 yrs - G. E. Patterson

Naples, N. Y. - Wanda chapter, No. 415, Order of Eastern Star, is now fully organized.

Worthy matron - Emma S. Bolles
Worthy patron - Gordon Lewis
Associate matron - Mary B. Tozer
Conductor - Josephine Kunes
Associate conductor - Alice Conley
Secretary - Maude E. Charles
Treasurer - Carrie Housel
Trustees - May Clement, Mrs. Briggs,
Josephine Borden



From Geneva Daily Times 2 January 1909

Joseph Madia
of this city received word yesterday from Italy to the effect that all of his relatives were safe. Mr. Madia, with his wife, returned from Italy, where they had been visiting, last week and as his relatives live in the section reported destroyed, Mr. Madia feared for their safety. He cabled to Italy as soon as possible and word came back that his old home was out of the district destroyed and that all of his friends were safe.



From Geneva Daily Times 4 January 1909

Phelps, N. Y. - Richard Neafie,
an employee at the Crown Drill Works, was badly bruised up by falling down the elevator shaft from the first floor to the basement Saturday. His left arm was badly cut and he may have been injured internally. Owing to his advanced age, the injuries are considered quite serious.



From Geneva Daily Times 5 January 1909

Flint, N. Y.
- Quite a little excitement was created here Friday by the performance of a mad steer owned by M. N. Black. The animal refused to walk upon the scales to be weighed and made a bolt for Seneca Castle. It was captured there but on being started for home turned on its captors and speedily sent them running in all directions. Finally it was shot and now hangs in Robert Crabtree's slaughter house. It is said that the hide will be given to the man who put an end to the animal and will be made into a fur coat.



Mrs. George R. Turner sustained a severe injury this morning at about 9 o'clock by falling from the top step of the porch at the back of the house. She fell forwards down the four steps and broke her collar bone and seriously sprained the right arm. Dr. J. J. Collie was immediately summoned and reduced the fracture. This afternoon Mrs. Turner is resting fairly comfortably. Mr. and Mrs. Turner but a few weeks ago moved to their new home west of this city on the Seneca Castle road near Litigation Hill.



From Geneva Daily Times 7 January 1909

Phelps, N. Y. - William Wright,
of this place, the young man who mistook bichloride of mercury for headache powders and took a liberal dose to relieve a headache, last Wednesday night, has suffered a relapse and today his condition is very critical. Almost immediately after taking the deadly mixture, Wright discovered his mistake and informed the members of his family of his condition. An emetic to relieve his stomach of the poison was quickly administered by his father and nearly all of it was thrown off. Wright rallied from the effects of the drug and was thought to be out of danger, but on Sunday night, he was again taken violently ill and Dr. W. A. Howe was called on the case. A quantity of the mercury, it is supposed, worked its way into the man's system. His chances at present for a recovery are very slight.



From Ontario County Journal 8 January 1909

Naples, N. Y. -
The 99th birthday of Mrs. Samantha Nellis, widow of John D. Nellis and mother of J. Warren Nellis, was celebrated on Tuesday at the home of her son. The wonderful vitality and strength of Mrs. Nellis seems no less to the casual observer than it was ten years ago. She is sprightly and active, does needle work nearly all of the time, attends church often, hears very well and is genial with everyone she meets. She is slight of form, but not of will power. Mrs. Nellis came from the eastern part of the state to Naples in 1843, having then been married 14 years. The farm on which they settled here is still in the family and was about 60 years her home. She is a real daughter of the Revolution, her father, Elijah Stanton, having served in the Revolutionary war. She bids fair to pass quite beyond the century mark.



Rushville, N. Y. - Mr. and Mrs. John French
pleasantly entertained the following people at their home on New Year's Day: Mr. and Mrs. Clarence King and Master Harold King of Orleans; S. King, Colgate University; Mr. and Mrs. Spencer Mallory, Miss Frances Mallory, Rushville; Miss Jessie Mallory, Clifton Springs; Mr. and Mrs. Oscar Taylor, Mr. and Mrs. C. H. Baldwin, Middlesex; Dr. George E. Baldwin, Geneva, and Mrs. Minnie Newman, Canandaigua. After partaking of the bountiful dinner, a short literary programme was given. As the guests were informed that this was to be a permanent invitation to meet there on New Year's Day, as long as Mr. and Mrs. French lived, it was decided to organize a club, taking the name of C. S. A. H. - "Can't Stay At Home" club, and elected the following officers: President, Mrs. King; vice president, Mrs. Taylor; secretary, Mrs. Mallory.



Honeoye, N. Y. - On Thursday afternoon of last week while Harry Clark of Richmond Mills, and Miss Nellie Mayle, of this village, were out driving a spirited span of ponies, they were suddenly frightened at some passing object and becoming unmanageable, started to run; after running for a short distance, they dashed to one side of the road throwing the occupants of the carriage some distance to the ground. Young Clark was badly cut and bruised about the head and face, and was otherwise injured. He was removed to the home of his grandparents in this village, and Dr. Standish took eight stitches to close the wound across the forehead. Fortunately the young lady escaped with only slight injuries.



Honeoye, N. Y. - Mr. and Mrs. Albert Francis entertained the following at dinner on New Year's; Mr. and Mrs. Henry Harris of Naples; Mr. and Mrs. John Harris and Mr. and Mrs. Fred Francis of Honeoye; and Mr. and Mrs. Ray Francis and Mr. and Mrs. Hadley Crooks of Canadice.



From Shortsville Enterprise 15 January 1909

Pasquale Pacca,
a Manchester Italian, now lies in a critical condition at a Canandaigua hospital as a result of a stabbing affray, which occurred at Manchester on Sunday night. Pacca, who boards at the place commonly known as the "Pig's Ear," just south of the Lehigh crossing, and which is conducted by Saverio Gragnuaniella, was trying to prevent a quarrel which had been started between Frank Bernadino and Angelo Catchator at the boarding house. Bernadino request Pacca to step outside the building as he wished to talk with him, and when outside, it is stated, that he drew a knife and stabbed Pacca in the left side, below the ribs, inflicting an ugly wound. Seeing that he had badly injured the man, Bernadino skipped out and went to Oaks Corners, from where he boarded the 9:25 a.m. westbound Lehigh passenger train. As the train drew into Manchester station he was seen by some Italians and they at once entered the car and dragged him to the platform, where he was held until the arrival of Officer L. H. Aldrich of this village. A search of Bernadino's person revealed a dangerous looking knife, which was very sharp and also bloodstained. He also had plenty of money with him. It is said that his real name is Francesco Sanslone. He was brought to this village by the officer, where examinations were held on Monday and Tuesday, but adjournment was taken to await the outcome of Pacca's injury, which is considered very serious. 



From Ontario County Journal 22 January 1909

Naples, N. Y. -
The Sons of Veterans installation took place on Saturday. Veteran John R. Dixon was the installing officer. The officials are:

Commander - John Huber
Sr. vice-commander - F. S. Richardson
Jr. vice-commander - George Eldredge
Patriotic instructor - A. F. Hotchkiss
Camp council - Arthur Briggs, Louis Huber,
Frank Eldredge

Chaplain - Frank Eldredge
Secretary - F. A. McMillan
Treasurer - L. A. Huber
Color bearer - William Tompkins
Guide - William Riker
Musician - Walter Tompkins
Inner guard - Jacob Schwingle
Outer guard - Conrad Schwingle



From Geneva Daily Times 25 January 1909

Clifton Springs, N. Y. -
At the meeting of the Modern Woodmen of America held in Castle Hall, the newly elected officers of the lodge were installed:

Council - A. L. Maslyn
Adviser - E. B. Weimers
Banker - M. Post
Clerk - Leslie Becker
Escort - August Garney
Watchman - William Crawford
Sentinel - Hiram Brown
Camp physician - Dr. Frank H. Newland
Trustee - G. Bert Durkee



From Ontario County Journal 29 January 1909

Pelatiah G. Thomas,
a farmer residing in the western part of the town, lies at the Memorial hospital in a precarious condition as the result of an accident which occurred on Friday morning. He was repairing the belt on a gasoline engine, which he was using in sawing wood, and his foot caught in the pulley and he was drawn into the engine. Had it not been that he struck the engine with such force that the wires connecting the battery were broken and the engine stopped, it is thought that his life would have been crushed out before he could have been rescued. His left limb was terribly injured. The bones of the leg were broken about four inches below the knee and were protruding through the skin and the clothing as well, while the bone of the thigh was fractured about five inches above the knee. The muscles of the hip were badly bruised. Physicians were summoned and he was removed to the Memorial hospital, where the fractures were reduced with the hope of saving the limb. But the injury was so great that circulation was impaired, and on Monday it became necessary to remove the limb about half way to the hip. His condition is considered very serious by his physicians. Great sympathy is felt for his wife and four children during these hours of grave apprehension.



From Shortsville Enterprise 29 January 1909

Manchester, N. Y. - Mrs. Hannah Rouse
celebrated her eighty-sixth birthday anniversary on Saturday. The local scribe to a Rochester daily has the following to say of the estimable lady: "All who know Mrs. Rouse claim that she is one of the most heroic women of the age as on the breaking out of the Civil War, and when the family was in very poor circumstances, her husband enlisted and went to the front, leaving her with five small children to support; the youngest less than two years of age and the oldest only 11 years old. All through the years of this trying ordeal, this woman toiled to supply her children with foot until her husband's return at the close of the war. Her maiden name was Hannah French and she was born in Warwickshire, England, in 1828, and was united in marriage to William Rouse in December, 1846. In November, 1851, she and her husband started for America, making the voyage on a sailing vessel which was 39 days at sea. She first resided at Canandaigua, but moved here in 1885, and has now been a resident for 44 years. Mrs. Rouse united with the Methodist Episcopal Church in the year 1859 and has proved herself an exemplary Christian."



From Ontario County Journal 5 February 1909

Honeoye, N. Y. -
A painful accident befell Mrs. Eliza Phillips on Saturday morning. In arising from her bed, she fell, striking the bedstead in such a manner as to fracture two lower ribs. On account of her advanced age, 88 years, grave apprehension is felt by her family, but at present she is doing well. Her daughter, Mrs. Cyrus Monks, of Bristol Center, is with her.



Honeoye, N. Y. - On Monday morning, while Dr. Standish, with Edward Swartout, driver, was driving a span of colts down the east lake shore road, when opposite the Deyo farm, the animals shied to one side of the road, upsetting the cutter and throwing the occupants into the snow. The horses started at a breakneck pace down the road, the driver pluckily clinging to the reins for some distance, but after being dragged in the snow, he relinquished his hold. The horses, thus freed, ran home to the hotel barns, a distance of about two miles. The cutter was strewn at intervals along the highway. In the afternoon Dr. Standish was seen driving the same span attached to a heavy bob sleigh.



Naples, N. Y. - Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Boals, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Springstead, Mr. and Mrs. R. F. Myers, George and Frank Harvey, of Naples, attended the funeral of Mrs. Jacob Harvey at Cohocton on January 29. The above include four of her seven children, whose home has been in Naples since their childhood. Some 12 years ago Mr. and Mrs. Harvey removed to Cohocton.



From Geneva Daily Times 9 February 1909

Phelps, N. Y. - Tony Marvis,
a resident of Phelps who went to visit relatives in Italy last fall, and who was about to take passage from Messina to this country on the day of the great earthquake, arrived here yesterday. Tony was unable to leave Messina for this country until January 25th and during the enforced stay in the stricken city, endured awful suffering from hunger and exposure. His features plainly indicate the ordeal he passed through and from a heavy robust build, the man is reduced to a mere shadow of his former self.



Gorham, N. Y. - Mr. and Mrs. T. P. Stokoe celebrated Mr. Stokoe's 77th birthday on Saturday by entertaining a party of relatives and friends at dinner. Among those present were Mr. and Mrs. Austin Pulver, Mr. and Mrs. James Adamson, Mr. and Mrs. George Southerland, Mr. and Mrs. Howard Stokoe and children, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Brown, Clifford Hypolite and mother, Mrs. John Stokoe and Mr. and Mrs. Adney Phillips.



From Geneva Daily Times 10 February 1909

Having been a daughter of Jerome Loomis, who served with Major Whitcomb's Northern Rangers, who harassed General Burgoyne's operations in Northern New York during the Revolution, the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution has just paid an honor to the late Miss Cordelia C. Loomis. The honor comes in the form of a certificate which certifies that Miss Loomis was one of the very few actual daughters of Revolutionary soldiers. Owing to the recent death of Miss Loomis, which occurred on the 27th of last month, she did not receive the honor herself, but the certificate was delivered to her brother, Henry Loomis, Geneva's oldest citizen. Mr. Loomis is proud of the honor which has been paid his sister, but regrets that she could not have received the certificate herself. It was slightly over a year ago that Miss Loomis became a member of the Seneca Chapter, D. A. R., but owing to delays in the national office of the society her certificate was not executed until Feb. 15th, 1909. The certificate is engrossed upon parchment and bears an engraving of Martha Washington. Its text is as follows: "This is to certify that Miss Cordelia C. Loomis is a regularly approved member of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution in connection with Seneca Chapter, having been admitted by the National Board of Managers by virtue of her descent from Jerome Loomis, who, with unfailing loyalty, rendered material aid to the cause of the American Independence, as a soldier during the Revolutionary War." The certificate is executed by Emily Nelson Ritchie McLean, president general; Elizabeth F. Pierce, recording secretary general, and Belle Merrill Draper, registrar general.



From Ontario County Journal 12 February 1909

Bristol Springs, N. Y. - William Trickey's
sixty-seventh birthday fell on Sunday. His family gave a dinner on Saturday to a large group of relatives.

Edgar A. Alford
and Floyd H. Alford attended the funeral of their cousin, Miss Evelyn Briggs, at Vincent, on Friday. Miss Briggs was a former resident of this place.



From Geneva Daily Times 12 February 1909

Canandaigua, N. Y. -
The disappearance Wednesday afternoon of Adelbert Bigham from his farm between Reed's Corners and Rushville has created considerable excitement, and his friends and relatives are anxiously searching for him. It is believed that Mr. Bigham is temporarily deranged, having been worried of late over business matters. Bigham has been traced to Canandaigua, and it has been learned that a man answering his description boarded a car bound for Rochester in the afternoon. Wednesday about noon, Bigham and his father, John H. Bigham, started from home and the elder man left the rig at Reed's Corners. The son then turned back and drove toward home for a short distance. Then he again headed for Canandaigua, where he left his horse in the Pierson feed barn. The last seen of him in this village was about 4 o'clock. He is about 23 years of age, five feet tall and has red hair. He was attired in a grey suit, a short dark green overcoat and a black cap. Any information may be telephoned to Herber Roat at Rushville.



Canandaigua, N. Y. - William Bradt, aged 62 years, a farmer residing near Cheshire, a few miles from this village, suffered a serious accident about 2 o'clock yesterday afternoon when he was thrown from his buggy and struck the ground violently on his head, partially tearing off his scalp. It is said that the buggy tipped over as a result of the horse attempting to cross a ditch into a lot. The Memorial Hospital ambulance was sent for and the injured man was brought to this village, where his injuries were attended to by Dr. Harry C. Buell. The ambulance made the run to the scene of the accident and back, a distance of four miles, in about thirty minutes.



From Ontario County Journal 19 February 1909

Bristol Center, N. Y. - Mr. and Mrs. John Walker
entertained on Feb. 10 in honor of the 78th birthday of Mrs. Walker's mother, Mrs. Jane Raymond. The guests were: Mrs. Myra Bostwick and brother, Rufus Whitmarsh, of East Bloomfield; Mr. and Mrs. P. P. Bliss of Vincent; Mrs. Laura Sears, of Maywood; Mr. and Mrs. Levi Totman, Mrs. Amelia Gardner, Mrs. Mary Reed, Mrs. Elenora Gladding, Mrs. Jennie Sisson, the Misses Victoria and Lillie Burge; Miss Prudence Williams and Arnold Beach. Mrs. Raymond received pleasant remembrances.



From Ontario County Journal 26 February 1909

Bristol Springs, N. Y. -
At the home of Mr. and Mrs. George E. Kimble on Tuesday evening there was a pleasant surprise for the members of the Bristol Center Military band. After the regular weekly rehearsal was concluded, they were invited to the home of Mr. Kimble, where they were surprised to find their wives. An excellent supper was served and then followed a general good time. The band rendered a number of selections. Those present included Mr. and Mrs. Marton Montanye, Mr. and Mrs. William Allen and sons, Erastus and Bernard; Mr. and Mrs. Leon Packard, Mr. and Mrs. Clifford Reed, Mr. and Mrs. S. B. Ketchum, Billings Case and mother, Mr. and Mrs. Morris C. Randall, Charles Travis and family, Mr. and Mrs. Eugene Simonds, Allen Simonds, Charles Hicks and family, Mr. and Mrs. S. Case and Charles Waldron.



Canadice, N. Y. -
On Friday as Peter Moore and D. H. Preston were splitting posts, Mr. Preston accidentally struck Mr. Moore on the head with his axe, inflicting quite a deep gash. Mr. Moore drove to his home at Springwater, where the wound was dressed, the doctor taking out seven pieces of bone.



Bristol Center, N. Y. - What might have been a fatal accident occurred to William Strong on Monday afternoon. He was drawing logs down a steep hill with a deep gully at one side. The sled skidded and the team plunged head first down the gully and were caught by a tree. Mr. Strong could see that they would soon choke and, although his ankle was fearfully sprained, he cut the evener which held them and the tugs, and the team fell to the bottom of the gully. Neither was hurt. Mr. Strong's injury will confine him to the house for some time.



From Geneva Daily Times 1 March 1909

Phelps, N. Y. -
While walking home Saturday night John Burns, who resides near Phelps Junction, fell of the sidewalk of West Main street hill, east of the stone bridge and broke the bones of his left leg between the ankle and knee. He was taken to one of the stores and Dr. Vanderhoof reduced the fracture.



Gorham, N. Y. - Wilson Butcher, an aged farmer living north of the village, had the misfortune one day last week to break one of his arms and has since been in a prostrate condition from the shock.



From Geneva Daily Times 2 March 1909

Two accidents from falling on slippery walks are reported, both to women of advance age. Mrs. Michael Reddy, of Center street, fell in front of the parochial residence of St. Francis DeSales church, breaking her arm near the wrist. Dr. Charles D. Neider was called and reduced the fracture. Mrs. Timothy Kelleher, of William street, fell on the walk near the corner of Pulteney Park place and Main street, breaking her right arm in two places. Dr. Charles D. McCarthy was called in this case and reduced the fractures.



From Ontario County Journal 5 March 1909

Allen's Hill, N. Y. - Mrs. H. G. Peck
pleasantly entertained a family party on Wednesday in honor of her father, H. C. Arnold's seventy-first birthday. The event was one of more than passing interest and will long be remembered by Mr. Arnold. Dinner was served, and after a social visit of several hours, the company departed, all wishing the guest of honor many happy returns of the day.



From Geneva Daily Times 5 March 1909

Gorham, N. Y. -
Since Jan 1st, 1908, there have been 22 burials in the Gorham Cemetery. The names and dates of burial follow: Jan. 5th, 1908, Wendell Stape, died in Potter of heart failure, aged 1 years and ten months; Jan. 16, Mrs. Nancy Torrey, died in Middlesex, cause of death sarcoma, age 54 years; Jan 22d, Kate F. Pearson, died in Gorham, cause of death gallstones, age 50 years; Feb. 5th, Charles Worley, died in Gorham, cause fracture of skull, age 39 years;  Mrs. Helen Raymer, died in Gorham, apoplexy, age 64 years; Apr 6th, Mrs. Hannah Kearney, died in Gorham, of neuralgia, age 80 years; May 10th, John A. DePew died in Seneca, cause hardening of the arteries, May 16th, W. A. Burgess, died in town of Palmyra, cause, suicide by drowning; May 27th, Isaac Secor, died in Gorham, cause suicide by hanging; June 19th, Mary E. Becker, died in Potter, cause hardening of the arteries, age 74 years; July 5th, Mrs. Martha C. Lawrence, died at Stanley of apoplexy, age 54 years; Charles Jonson, died in Town of Gorham, cause fractured skull, age 58 years; July 24th, Mrs. Jean Pybus, of apoplexy, age 72 years; Aug. 5th, Fenton Knapp, died in Potter, cause scald, age 2 years and five months; Sept. 3d, John H. Miller, cause cancer, age 73 years;  Sept. 21st, infant of Theodore Knapp, died in Potter; Sept. 27th, George Montgomery, died in Montour Falls, of paralysis; Oct. 20th, Mrs. Amelia Mathews, died in Lakewood, N. J., cause cancer; age 72 years; Oct. 14th, Mrs. Lydia Pulver, died in Gorham, cause cancer, age 93 years; Dec. 2d, Mrs. Harriet Hershey, died in Seneca of apoplexy, age 57 years; Jan. 5, 1909, Mrs. Miranda Ferguson, died in Benton, of apoplexy, age 87 years; Feb. 17th, Mrs. Rose Lacy, died at Southern Pines, North Carolina, of consumption, age 57 years.



From Shortsville Enterprise 5 March 1909

Justus Sheldon,
of this village, who is employed at the Swift & Company's ice house at Manchester, received injuries in that building on Saturday which will doubtless confine him to his home for several weeks. The large ice house is now being filled with the yearly supply of ice and in storing the frozen I aqua pure, it is taken up to the different floors on small elevators run by a gasolene engine. Mr. Sheldon was employed on one of the elevators and in taking up a load of ice, for some unknown reason, the car did not stop at the desired landing, but kept on ascending until it crashed into the pulley at the top of the building. He was severely injured, and fears are expressed that he may have received internal injuries. He was taken to his home on Main street and is in the care of a physician.



From Geneva Daily Times 6 March 1909

Philip Morrissey
of Phelps was rescued from death in a well on the property of the Geneva-Seneca Electric Company last night by Lawrence Murphy and Lyman Gray of this city. Morrissey was pulled from the open well in the yard of the electric company by the men who were attracted to the place by his cries. Morrissey had been in Geneva for the evening and was on his way home. He intended to return on the late train on the New York Central and stated that he started for the station. Evidently he lost his way and instead of going toward the station wandered along the towpath in the direction of the electric light plant. In the yard of this company near the towpath is a large well about twenty feet deep and twelve feet wide. the well is open at the top and Morrissey, after wandering into the yard, fell into the well. At present the well contains about six feet of water and the man, when he struck the water thought he had fallen into the lake. Leading from the well to the electric light plant are two suction pipes and when Morrissey came to the surface he grasped these pipes and immediately and began to call for help. It is not known just how long the man was in the water but shortly after 10 o'clock Mr. Murphy, an employee of the Geneva-Seneca Company, upon going late into the yard, heard the man's cries of distress. The cries came from the direction of the well and after investigating and finding that there was a man clinging to the pipes, Mr. Murphy hurried back to the engine room and secured Mr. Gray. The men secured pike poles and a rope and with the aid of those were able to rescue Morrissey. The man was taken to the engine room where he was given dry clothing and revived. The man was nearly exhausted and it was sometime before he was able to leave the place. He was taken to a hotel and put to bed. Morrissey stated that he was employed on the Hallenbeck farm about three miles from Phelps.



From Shortsville Enterprise 12 March 1909

On Monday afternoon of last week Alexander Herro, a Pollock living at Manchester, and who is employed on the ash track by the Lehigh Valley railroad, had the misfortune to fall from a moving flat car and strike in such a manner that the car wheel ran over one foot, splitting it from the toe to the ankle. He was then caught by the brake beam on the car and dragged for several feet, severely cutting his face and sustaining other bruises. He was taken to the Memorial hospital at Canandaigua where the injured man received proper care. It is stated that the physicians hope to save the injured foot from amputation. Herro had on a heavy felt boot and rubber at the time of the accident and these protected the ankle bone.



At the regular service on Sunday, February 28th, the following candidates were admitted to membership in the Trinity church by baptism: Harriet Moyer, Dorothea Moyer, Kenneth Moyer, Harriet Gaylord, Levi Huntington, Florence Stafford, John Stafford, Charles Edward Peck, Robert McGurk. The church was completely filled with a large and interested congregation.



From Geneva Daily Times 15 March 1909

Canandaigua, N. Y. - Matthew P. O'Brien
of this place, a brakeman on a freight train that runs between Canandaigua and Batavia, on what is known as the "Peanut Branch" of the Central, was seriously injured Saturday evening near Ionia. The crew was switching cars at that place when he was caught between two of the cars and crushed. He was placed on the engine and carried to Canandaigua. The Memorial Hospital ambulance met the train at the Central station and the injured was taken to the hospital. It was learned that the man had suffered internal injuries, the seriousness of which is not known. It was stated at the hospital yesterday that he might recover. Conductor John Ranny and Engineer Long were in charge of the train.



From Ontario County Journal 19 March 1909

Naples, N. Y. -
A lodge known as "Onna-Wanna," of the order of Rebekah was organized here last week. The Noble Grand is Mrs. Harriett Gillette; V. G., Mrs. Sarah Seamans; secretary, Mrs. Bessie Smith; financial secretary, Mrs. Elizabeth Klingenberger; treasurer, Mrs. Hermonie Seamans; trustees, Miss Margaret Huber, Mrs. Clara Hotchkiss, Mrs. Mina Covel.



It is said that it is but a step from the commonplace to the heroic, but people who witnessed the brave act of Byron VanOrman on Monday morning feel that there are only a few who ever take the step. A horse driven by Thomas Benham, who was bringing his mother, Mrs. F. G. Benham, and brother to town from their home on the lake shore, took fright at an R. & E. car as it came onto Main street from Chapin street and dashed down Main street. As it did so a part of  the harness broke, letting the carriage onto its heels. With this it began to kick. The driver was unable to control it and it was making its way madly when Byron VanOrman came out of the Bateman store, where he is employed, and in the instant he was on the street and with one lunge at the horse's bridle and mane, he brought it to the ground, but in so doing he fell under it and the carriage passed over him. Bystanders held their breath, for they expected that Van Orman's life must have been crushed out by the weight of the horse. He was picked up unconscious and carried into the Bateman store. Both ambulances were quickly on the spot, but when he revived he refused to be taken to a hospital and walked to the office of Dr. P. M. Donovan, where he was found to have suffered cuts on the face and a painfully bruised body. Mr. VanOrman's act deserves the highest praise, for at the risk of his own life, he snatched other lives from danger.



From Ontario County Journal 26 March 1909

Honeoye, N. Y. -
On Saturday morning, while at work in the woods on his farm on the west lake shore road, Fred Francis was badly injured by a falling tree. He, with two hired men, were felling trees with a cross saw. As the tree was about to fall, Francis ran to get out of its reach, when he tripped and fell directly in its path, the falling tree striking him across both limb below the knees. One ankle was badly sprained, while the other was badly bruised and the ligaments torn loose. Dr. Standish made him as comfortable as possible, but he will doubtless be confined to the house some weeks.



From Shortsville Enterprise 26 March 1909

The following list of names has been handed us by a subscriber who is authority for the statement that it contains the names of persons who have died in Shortsville and vicinity during the past 30 years, and who were 70 years of age or older at the time of their demise: Roswell Sheffer, B. T. Adams, M. M. Buck, DeWitt Newton, William Camp, Hiram McDonald, Jeremiah Huntington, P. L. Woodruff, Adison Lane, Mr. Eelton, Dr. Deming, William Bryant, James Brewster, James Jones, Dr. John Melvin, John Crain, Manly Crain, Frank Knapp, James Cuer, James Johnson, Solomon E. Burton, William Potter, George Record, Hiram L. Brown, Calvin P. Brown, Garrett VanSickle, Mr. Mersereau, Webster Dewey, Seymour Aldrich, E. D. Aldrich, Newton Harrington, Danford Booth, Jacob Latting, James Dillon, J. B. Wilcox, Patrick O'Brien, James O'Hora, Zadok Warfield, John Warfield, James Corey, James Harlow, John Fish, James McGarry, Mr. Runyon, Mrs. Hiram Brown, Mrs. Mary Brown, Mrs. McDonald, Mrs. Edward Hoff, Mrs. Clara Van de Carr, Mrs. Henry Kipp, Mrs. Garrett VanSickle, Mrs. H. E. Woodruff, Mrs. Warner, Mrs. Toplif, Mrs. Whitney, Mrs. P. T. Adams, Mrs. Harlow, Mrs. Runyon, Mrs. Darling, Mrs. Bronk, Mrs. James Corey, Mrs. Manley Crain, Mrs. John Crain, Mrs. Felton, Mrs. Weller, Mrs. Lydia Washburn, Mrs. John Melvin, Mrs. Dr. Deming, Mrs. Hart Lane, Mrs. Danford Booth, Mrs. James Johnson, Mrs. Henry Derr, Mrs. Jeremiah Huntington, Mrs. William Lewis, Mrs. Jacob Latting, Mrs. J. B. Wilcox, Mrs. William Camp, Mrs. Mersereau, Mrs. Chauncey Sheldon, Mrs. James Cuer, Mrs. Seymour Aldrich.



From Geneva Daily Times 31 March 1909

Manchester, N. Y. - Hiram Collet,
a well-known resident of the town of Farmington, Monday, while engaged in repairing the roof of his house, slipped and fell to the ground, a distance of sixteen feet, breaking his left arm and receiving many serious cuts and bruises.



From Geneva Daily Times 1 April 1909

Shortsville, N. Y. - Mike Catansare,
an Italian 32 years of age, was seriously injured in the Lehigh Valley yards, just northwest of this village, yesterday morning. The man was an employee of the Lehigh Valley Railroad Company and was at work in the yards, when he fell under a car and his right leg was crushed just above the ankle. No one saw the accident, and Catansare had been lying on the tracks over half an hour when discovered. Medical aid was at once summoned and the man's wounds dressed, but the injury was such a serious one that the leg will have to be amputated, so the Black Diamond was flagged and Catansare sent to a Sayre Hospital. The man has a wife and four children and lived in Sayre before coming to Manchester.



Canandaigua, N. Y., - James Johnson, of Cheshire, had the misfortune to step on a scythe while working on the John Murray place Saturday, cutting his foot severely.

Edson Ward, a young man residing with his father, Charles M. Ward, about four miles south of this village, while working around the cattle in the barn last evening, had his abdomen torn open by one of the cattle, which became infuriated and caught the young man in the groin. He was removed to the house and a doctor summoned. It was found necessary to take seven stitches in the wound.



From Geneva Daily Times 2 April 1909

Clifton Springs, N. Y. -
The following officers have been chosen by the Clifton Springs Military Band to act during the ensuing year: President, C. Lindner; vice-president, E. Slater; secretary, W. Hughes; treasurer, George Walter; directors, V. Siegwald, A. Siegwald, A. J. Lindner, V. Washburn, V. LaRue; musical director, Leo Lindner. A great improvement has been made in the band by the adding of electric lights.



Rushville, N. Y. - Barney Parker,
who was found Wednesday morning stiff with the cold, is suffering from a badly bruised hip, the result of a fall. Tuesday night he fell on the railroad track while intoxicated. It is believed that from here he crawled on his hands and knees to the barn in the lumber yard, where he was found the next morning. Shortly after being discovered he was carried home. Dr. A. T. Halstead was summoned and treated his injuries.



From Geneva Daily Times 6 April 1909

Rushville, N. Y. -
The newly elected officers of the Dunsmore National Protective Legion, No. 533, are: Past president, Miss Alice Whitman; president, David Bagley; vice-president, Ira Randall; secretary and treasurer, J. B. Dewick; chaplain, Mrs. J. B. DeWick; conductor, Mrs. Lizzie Blain; guard; David Harvey; sentinel, Barney Barker.



From Ontario County Journal 9 April 1909

Manchester, N. Y. -
The Manchester High school has organized a baseball team among the pupils of the school as follows: Floyd Coxe, manager; Charles Smith, captain; Alvin Howland, treasurer; the others are: Edwin VerPlanck, Henry Jones, Edward Smith, Mitchel Bennett, Gordon Cole, Stuart Hawkes, George Heaney, and James Craig.



From Ontario County Journal 16 April 1909

Mrs. Abraham Hawkins,
of Geneva, wife of a prominent hardware dealer on Castle street, was bitten on the hand by a mad dog on Thursday of last week. A son of Mrs. James Green, of Seneca county, was also bitten. The dog was later killed and the head sent to Dr. Moore at Ithaca for analysis, from whom a report was later received that the examination showed unmistakable evidence of rabies. Mrs. Hawkins and the Green boy, upon the advice of physicians, left in the evening of the day they were bitten for New York City, where they are receiving treatment at the Pasteur Institute. The attack upon Mrs. Hawkins was made by the dog while she was upon the porch at her home on North Genesee street. Mrs. Hawkins was on the rear porch of the house when the dog ran into the yard. She thought the animal which acted strangely wanted a drink, so she went into the house and returned with some water, which was placed on the floor of the porch. The dog refused to touch the water and so Mrs. Hawkins went back into the house and brought out a piece of meat, which she laid down. The dog, instead of appreciating the kindness, immediately snapped at Mrs. Hawkins and caught her by the hand. The attack was so sudden that the dog had caught her by the arm again before she was able to get inside the door. On Friday, Alfred Luiz and Harry Covert, two farmers residing at Fayette, identified the remains of the dead animal as one that had escaped from the Luiz farm, where it had been tied up, having slipped its collar. The dog also bit a dog and a cow belonging to Mr. Covert.



From Geneva Daily Times 16 April 1909

Gorham, N. Y. -
At the baseball meeting held last Saturday afternoon at the New Age office the following officers were elected for the season: Manager, Charles Adamson; assistant manager, Charles Bell; captain, John Ferguson; secretary and treasurer, John L. Deal. The following board of directors was also chosen: George Fake, Alonzo Walter, Dr. Charles Compton.



From Geneva Daily Times 20 April 1909

Rushville, N. Y. - David Emory,
who fell from the roof of his farm house last week, is recovering from the terrible bruises he received. That he was no killed or seriously injured is miraculous. He was engaged in painting the roof. In some way he lost his footing and fell to the ground, a distance of 27 or 28 feet.



From Geneva Daily Times 23 April 1909

Phelps, N. Y. -
At a meeting of the Political Equality Club held last evening, officers for the ensuing year were elected as follows: President, Mrs. Carrie A. Bussey; first vice-president, Mrs. Lucretia Holbrooke; second vice-president, Mrs. Sarah J. Ottley; recording secretary, Mrs. Eva Dear; corresponding secretary, Mrs. Jennie McKinney; treasurer, Mrs. Harriet Padden; auditors, Mrs. Charlotte Johnson and Mrs. N. W. Wolcott; delegate to state convention, Mrs. Carrie A. Bussey; alternate, Mrs. James McKinney; delegates to the county convention, Mrs. A. J. Wright, Mrs. Parmalee, Mrs. Van Nostrand and Mrs. Pond; alternates, Miss Stewart, Mrs. Wolcott, Mrs. Dewey and Mrs. Mulcahy. The prize offered by the club for the best essay on woman suffrage was awarded to Miss Grace Crampton, who will read the essay at the county convention of the political equality clubs to be held at Phelps May 24th. Second prize was awarded to Miss Anna Devoll.



From Geneva Daily Times 29 April 1909

Phelps, N. Y. - Howard Jones,
an employee at Fridley's saw mill, north of Phelps, was painfully injured yesterday by being struck on the side of the head with a small stick of wood repelled from a buzz saw. The lobe of his right ear was mangled and the glancing blow of the stick on the skull made an ugly wound. Dr. W. A. Howe was called to dress the injury. Had the stick struck squarely, it is quite probable that Mr. Jones would have been fatally injured.



From Ontario County Journal 30 April 1909

While driving down Ontario street shortly after noon on Friday, Michael O'Hora, who lives a short distance east of Shortsville, was thrown from his wagon and seriously injured. O'Hora had been to the mill and was on his way home, the heavy wagon loaded with feed. When in front of the jail, a clovis attaching the right hand whippletree dropped off, allowing it to strike the horse's heels. The wagon tongue then dropped down and the horses started to run. O'Hora clung to the reins, but when near the corner of Wood street, the front wheel struck the curb and O'Hora was thrown to the pavement, one of the wheels grazing and badly bruising his head. The horses were caught on Wood street by James Mooney. Dr. P. M. Donovan attended the injuries of O'Hora and he was removed to the Memorial hospital.



Bristol, N. Y. - There are a few new cases of measles at Baptist Hill: Ralph Atcheson, Alfonso Fisher, Mabel Wells, Lloyd Wells, Harold Ingraham, and several cases in the western part of the town.



From Geneva Daily Times 1 May 1909

While going up Genesee street at 11 o'clock this morning, one of the delivery wagons of the Geneva Milk Co. was struck by a street car at a point nearly opposite John street. The wagon was overturned and the driver, George Cooley, was thrown to the pavement, receiving a fracture of the collar bone. Dr. Gardner B. Young was called and reduced the fracture. The glass of the wagon was smashed, but otherwise was not seriously damaged. The horse escaped injury.



From Geneva Daily Times 3 May 1909

Manchester, N. Y. - Mrs. Elizabeth Smith
of State street, the oldest person in this village, and who is now in her 89th year, is engaged in the work of piecing a quilt which is nearly completed. This quilt will contain nearly 700 pieces and will require nearly two million stitches. Mrs. Smith is an expert with the needle, and in her girlhood days was considered one of the finest lace makers in England. She was engaged in making what was known as Nottingham lace, and the fine needlework displayed in this quilt shows her remarkable skill. When she was 84 years of age, she made a quilt. Then she did not use spectacles, and her eyesight is good today considering that she has nearly reached four score and ten, and she sometimes indulges in sewing for an hour with her "glasses." She was born in Nottingham, England, where she married Reuben Smith. She came to America 67 years ago on a sailing vessel and was 39 days making the journey from Liverpool to New York. She has lived in the same house over 62 years, and when she first came to Manchester, which was 67 years ago, the settled portion of the village was along Main street. Where her house now stands was then a dense woods. Today it is one of the principal streets of the village. Mrs. Smith's mind is remarkably bright, and she can relate in a glowing manner descriptions of many of the places of interest that she visited in her younger days.



From Ontario County Journal 7 May 1909

Bristol, N. Y. - Mr. and Mrs. John Savage,
two sons and daughter, Leona, Mr. and Mrs. Hollis McPherson and daughter and Floyd Murray attended a family reunion at the home of Thomas Murray, at Canadice, the occasion being Mr. Murray's 75th birthday. Mr. Murray has been a lifelong Republican.



Naples, N. Y. - Two serious accidents are reported, both victims being aged veterans. During one of the recent gales, David L. Ross, of Gulick, was standing near a hay stack pile of poles, and the stack was lifted and the poles sent every way; two of them fell upon him nearly breaking his back and smashing his head. He feels that he had a very narrow escape from death. Saturday, C. W. Watkins, of the village, about 80 years of age, somehow, he knows not how, fell down the cellar stairs very heavily. No one else was in the house and he lay at the bottom with a dislocated shoulder and a cut in his head, from which the blood had flowed so profusely as to form a pool. It was 45 minutes before he was found. He had no remembrance of anything that had happened. He was restored, his shoulder set and his deep cut sewed up. It was a severe shock, but he may recover.



Bristol Center, N. Y. - Last Friday, as James Reed was standing in the barn near the door, a furious gust of wind wrenched the hook and staple off and the big door struck and rendered him unconscious, cutting a gash two inches long over his eye and severely bruising the back of his head and shoulders. Dr. McDowell took two stitches in the wound. Mr. Reed is 86 years old. He is comfortable at present.



From Ontario County Journal 14 May 1909

Last Friday evening an informal meeting was held in the lodge rooms of No. 377, F. & A. M., for the purpose of selecting officers for a chapter of the Eastern Star, which be organized here. Twenty-five ladies were present and the following officers elected:

Worthy matron - Mrs. Florence Savage
Asso. matron - Mrs. Mary E. B. Turner
Worthy patron - W. F. Halton
Treasurer - Miss Rhoda Abbott
Secretary - Miss Adelaide Sutphen
Conductress - Mrs. Bessie Beach
Chaplain - Mrs. Ruby Walbridge
Marshal - Mrs. Mary A. Walbridge
Historian - Miss Adelaide Sutphen
Organist - Mrs. Helen Carson
Warden - Mrs. Sallie Randall
Ruth - Miss Grace Voorhees
Ada - Miss Mabel Voorhees
Martha - Miss Edna Olmstead
Esther - Mrs. Irene Allen
Electa - Mrs. Helen Voorhis
Sentinel - Charles Allen



From Geneva Daily Times 25 May 1909

Canandaigua, N. Y. -
A serious accident befell a young man named Thomas O'Brien, who resides at Fishers, this county, last night about 7 o'clock. In attempting to board a moving freight train he lost his hold and slipped down, going under the wheels, which passed over his right leg above the ankle, crushing the bone. As train No. 19 was passing through Fishers, young O'Brien, who is about twenty years of age, caught the front end of the caboose and attempted to swing on, but was drawn down and caught. O'Brien was placed on board train 18, a passenger train, brought to this village and taken to Memorial Hospital, where Drs. Buell and Hallenbeck amputated his leg three inches below the knee joint. The young man stood the shock well.



From Ontario County Journal 28 May 1909

The sixth annual convention of the Ontario County Woman Suffrage association was held at Phelps on Monday. It was a busy day and included many addresses, Professor Schmidt, of Cornell, being heard by a large audience. The officers elected are:

President - Mrs. A. G. Lewis, Geneva
Vice-president - Miss Alice Ashley, Honeoye
Secretary - Miss Jennie F. Robinson, Geneva
Corr. Secy. - Mrs. Lucretia Holbrooke, Phelps
Treasurer - Dr. F. A. Green, Geneva
Auditors - Mrs. R. M. Ashley, Honeoye,
H. A. Wheat, Geneva; Miss Mary Coolidge,
Clifton Springs



From Shortsville Enterprise 28 May 1909

Manchester, N. Y. -
A christening was held at the home of Mr. and Mrs. George Abbott in this village on Sunday afternoon, when Rev. John Alexie, a Syrian priest from Glen Falls, baptized their daughter, Beatrice Abbott, after which followed the christening according to the rites and customs of the Syrian church. A Syrian orchestra from Albany furnished the music throughout the afternoon and many of the Syrian dances were indulged in by the numerous guests, many of them coming from a distance. Refreshments of all kinds were served to all who called to pay their respects to the family.



Farmington, N. Y. - Barney Romeiser, Sr., met with an accident a short time ago. He was cutting bushes which were growing by the fences upon his farm when he cut a deep gash in his left leg, severing an artery. A neighbor, John Smith, chanced to pass by and finding the aged man, assisted him to his home. Had he remained alone but a short time longer, he would doubtless have bled to death, as the wound was bleeding profusely. He is slowly recovering.



From Geneva Daily Times 4 June 1909

Manchester, N. Y. -
A lively runaway took place on State street, this village, yesterday when a horse attached to T. C. Brophy's delivery wagon from Shortsville and driven by Joseph Corcoran of Manchester, kicked turning the wagon over twice and throwing Corcoran out. His mother was passing on the street, and thinking her son was killed, fainted on the sidewalk. Corcoran's only injuries are several bruises, but Mrs. Corcoran from the effects of the shock is suffering from serious prostration.



From Ontario County Journal 4 June 1909

Rushville, N. Y. -
One lot in the Rushville cemetery contains the graves of three soldiers, Joel, John and Charles Davis, father and two sons.



From Ontario County Journal 11 June 1909

Edward McIntyre,
baggageman at the New York Central station, made a quick move on Monday evening which doubtless saved the life of Homer Woodruff, an aged Shortsville resident. The old man attempted to board the 6:10 east bound train after it had started. McIntyre saw him nervously running after the train and hastened to his side just as the old man grasped for and missed the handles of a forward platform. He was thrown to the ground with great force and rolled partially under the car, Mr. McIntyre pulling him out just in time to miss the wheels of the rear truck. The train was stopped and the old man, badly shaken up and suffering considerable from the shock, was placed aboard and taken to his home.



From Geneva Daily Times 14 June 1909

Phelps, N. Y. - Jeffery Binning,
who resides on South Wayne street, fell from the bumpers of a freight car Saturday night and sustained painful injuries to his right shoulder. Mr. Binning, it is said, attempted to cross the Central tracks at South Wayne street by climbing between the box cars of a freight train, said to have been blocking the street crossing, and fell just as he was about to leap to the ground on the opposite side of the train. Dr. W. A. Howe was called to attend the injuries.



From Ontario County Journal 25 June 1909

The descendants of Thomas and Rachel Totman picnicked at H. C. Trafton's Sylvan cottage on the lake, on Saturday. Thomas was born in 1768 and Rachel the next year. They were married in 1782 and had 10 children, and five of these were represented at the reunion. Samuel, the oldest, by two children, Mrs. Lucretia Briggs, of Holcomb, and granddaughter, Hazel Tiffany, of this place;  Releaf Moore, by Grace Gourley Brace and son, Norman, Mrs. Eli M. Gourley and two children, Lucile and Stuart, of Victor. Calvin Totman was represented by Mrs. A. B. Gilbert of Adams; Mr. and Mrs. H. C. Trafton and daughter, Miss Minnie L. Trafton, of this place. Mrs. Eliza A. Trafton, of this place, aged 89 years, and Mrs. Lottie Brown, of Northville, aged 51, sisters of Mrs. Gilbert, were in Canandaigua, but not able to attend. Releaf Washburn, another sister, aged 91 years, and one brother, Monroe Totman, reside in Adams. Rachel Rice's descendants were represented by Mrs. Ada Shay, of Holcomb.

Ward Totman, the youngest of the children, was represented by 38 descendants, including his daughter, Kate and husband, P. P. Bliss of Bristol; Mr. and Mrs. Harry W. Bliss and children, Roland, Elva, Leslie, Florence, Leota, Edith, Madelene; Mr. and Mrs. William R. Andrews and children, Morris and Malvina; Mrs. Winifred Flanders and children, Myron E. and Edna Wilder; Mr. and Mrs. Lester P. Bliss and children, Kenneth, Helen, Ruth and Harlan P.; Mr. and Mrs. Gooding H. Bliss and daughter, Zilpha I. Bliss; Levi W. Totman and wife, Mrs. Ella Totman Case and son, Maxwell B.; Florence Totman, Mr. and Mrs. Joel W. Totman and daughter, Marie F.; Mr. and Mrs. W. L. Reed and daughter, Carol.

L. W. Totman,
the president, and Mrs. B. F. Case arranged a good program. W. L. Reed treated the company to a launch ride in the Wallanick. The day was perfect and enjoyed by all.



From Geneva Daily Times 29 June 1909

Frederick Hyde,
an employee of William F. Humphrey, had a rather narrow escape from drowning last evening by falling from a boat into the lake. Hyde and a number of other young people of this city had secured a launch and made a trip to Kashong. When the party started to return, Hyde, in some unaccountable manner, fell overboard. Not being able to swim, his predicament was not a pleasant one. Albert Fairfax, another member of the party immediately jumped in and pulled his friend to a place of safety. Hyde was none the worse for his escapade, except having had a good ducking.



From Ontario County Journal 2 July 1909

Rushville, N. Y. -
The annual reunion of the Read family was held at Electric Park, Lake Keuka, on June 24. Sixty members were present. After a bountiful dinner, the president called a business meeting and the following officers were elected: President, Austin Read, Rushville; vice-president, Henry T. Read, Penn Yan; secretary and treasurer, Charles A. Read, Dresden; historian, C. Maude Read, Rushville; assistant historian, Arthur S. Bostwick, Rochester. Following this, Mr. Bostwick gave an interesting talk on the early history of the Read family, which also included on the maternal side the history of Captain Jaspar Parrish, the famous Indian interpreter, who was one of the earliest settlers of Canandaigua. The family are the descendants of Joshua and Judith Read, who had four children, all becoming heads of families and having in all 48 children. Descendants of each of those four were present, and the following were appointed to write a history of each branch, before another year: Henry T. Read, Penn Yan; Mrs. Charles Burrows, Elmira; Dr. William Hawley, Dundee; Austin Read, Rushville. At the conclusion of Mr. Bostwick's remarks, Mrs. Frank Cole, of Benton, read a letter from Mrs. F. Snyder Wright, reminiscent of early life. It was voted to instruct the secretary to convey to Mrs. Wright greetings, and a vote of appreciation for her letter. The next reunion will be held at Electric Park in June, 1910.



Bristol, N. Y. - The eighth annual reunion of the descendants of Isaiah and Sarah Francis was held at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Selden Burlingham, at this place, on Saturday. Forty-one sat down to an excellent dinner and a very pleasant day was spent. Next year the reunion will be held at the home of Mr. and Mrs. F. M. Pierce, at Bristol Center.



Bristol, N. Y. - The following from the town of Bristol attended the 14th annual reunion of the descendants of David and Polly Wheaton on Saturday, held at the home of Benton Cartwright in East Bloomfield:  Mr. and Mrs. G. F. Wheaton and daughters, Mabel, Florence, Ruth and Lois; Mr. and Mrs. Roy B. Case and daughters, Esther and Ruth, little Ruth being the youngest member present.



From Geneva Daily Times 6 July 1909

As a result of a premature celebration of the Fourth of July, Mrs. John Van Scouter, who resides a few miles north of this city on the Pre-emption road, is today lying in the City Hospital with a badly burnt and mangled hand, the result of having a giant cracker explode in her hand. Mrs. Van Scouter, with a number of small children, was shooting off fireworks and firecrackers near their home on the evening of July 3d. Among the materials on hand were several giant crackers, and not wishing to trust her young seven-year-old boy with these, she was setting them off for him. Several were fired without mishap. One of the crackers, about three inches long, after being lit did not explode, and Mrs. Van Scouter picked it up to light it again. No sooner had she done so when it exploded in her hand. The little and fourth fingers were torn completely away and the top of the third finger blown off while the palm of her right hand was badly riddled, and the flesh reduced to a pulp. A portion of the cracker flying off penetrated her left wrist and made a large hold about a half inch in diameter. Dr. Vanderhoof of Phelps was hurriedly summoned and the woman was removed to the Geneva City Hospital where treatment was given her. Today she is reported as doing well with no indications up the present of blood poisoning or lockjaw.



From Geneva Daily Times 8 July 1909

Clifton Springs, N. Y. -
Two accidents of quite a serious nature have befallen residents of this village during the past few days. On Wednesday while Samuel J. Walters, who conducts a store in this village, was at the farm of M. J. Tower, just south of this village, and was handling a young colt, the animal became unmanageable and threw him from his feet, and he struck near the horse's rear feet. The animal commenced to kick and to save his face, he put up his left hand, which was struck by a hoof in such a manner as to break his fore arm, and also severely cut one of his fingers.

The other accident happened to Louis Irish, an employee of the Acme cigar factory. Mr. Irish was in Phelps on Monday evening and had lighted a large firecracker, and threw the same away from him. After waiting considerable time and there was no explosion, he picked the same up and it exploded in his hand, badly burning three fingers. His wounds were dressed by a physician and he will be laid up for several days.



From Ontario County Journal 9 July 1909

Rushville, N. Y. - Mrs. Will French,
who lives two and a half miles south of this village, is in a critical condition as a result, it is said, of an attempt to take her own life by drinking two ounces of carbolic acid last Thursday morning. Between 1 and 2 o'clock in the morning her husband called on a neighbor to come over to his house as his wife was very ill. Not knowing any of the circumstances, she went alone, and was horrified to find Mrs. French lying on the lawn near the house, convulsed with agony, and her tongue so badly swollen that it protruded from her mouth. Physicians from this village were summoned, and every effort made to relieve the patient. Her throat was so badly burned from the acid that it was impossible to do much for her, and at present she is able to take but little nourishment.



From Geneva Daily Times 10 July 1909

Mrs. Coleman Watson
of 317 Lake street was severely burned Thursday afternoon as a result of accidentally drinking a quantity of ammonia. Mrs. Watson was not feeling well Thursday afternoon and she called to one of the members of the household to get her a bottle of medicine from a closet. What was supposed to be the bottle was brought and Mrs. Watson took a large mouthful of the liquid before discovering that a mistake had been made. As soon as the liquid touched the throat and mouth, it began to burn and Mrs. Watson instantly realized that something was wrong. A hasty call was sent to the office of Dr. H. D. Weyburn, who responded immediately. After receiving treatment, Mrs. Watson rallied and it is believed that she will suffer no ill effects. The attending physician stated this morning that in all probability Mrs. Watson did not swallow any of the liquid and that she would recover.



From Geneva Daily Times 12 July 1909

Shortsville, N. Y. - James McGurk,
proprietor of the Perfection Steam Laundry of this village, is suffering from the effects of a premature explosion of a giant fire cracker which exploded in his face, doing injury to one of his eyes. A party of young people were quietly celebrating the Fourth at the home of Mr. and Mrs. H. VanCott, a couple of miles southeast of the village, when the accident happened. He went to the home of a neighbor, Mr. Eugene Heath, and stayed the following day, hoping the eye would be all right in a short time, but such not being the case, he went to Rochester the middle of this week to consult an oculist. Mr. McGurk reports to his people here that the eye has not cleared enough from the powder yet for the doctor to give a satisfactory report.



Carmelo Rizzo, an Italian employed on the New York Central railroad is in a serious condition as a result of a peculiar accident yesterday afternoon. A particle of steel broke from a chisel which Rizzo was using and struck him in the neck, penetrated the flesh and severed an artery. Rizzo was unconscious for a considerable time as a result of the accident and is still in a weakened condition owing to the quantity of blood which he lost. Rizzo is employed with the section gang which has charge of the tracks in the Central yards. Yesterday afternoon in company with the other men in the gang, he was engaged in putting in new rails near the station. In the work it was necessary to cut one of the rails and Rizzo was holding the chisel while another employee hit it with a sledge. As the chisel was struck a heavy blow with a sledge, a small chip of steel flew either from the chisel or rail and struck Rizzo in the left side of the neck, just in front of the jugular vein. Blood spurted in a stream from the wound and the man fell to the ground. The other members of the gang hastily carried Rizzo to the shade of the trainshed and did everything possible to stop the flow of blood without succeeding. Rizzo was after a time removed to his home in Wadsworth street and Dr. C. D. Neider summoned. The man was unconscious when the physician arrived and was very weak from loss of blood. After the wound had been dressed and the severed artery taken up he rallied, however, and it was stated that he will probably recover. It was said that had the sliver of steel struck just an eighth of an inch further back, it would have severed the jugular vein.



From Geneva Daily Times 16 July 1909

Clifton Springs, N. Y. -
The forepart of this week, a very painful and serious accident befell William H. Reed, a prominent farmer and fruit grower who resides about three miles north of this village. Mr. Reed was in the loft of his farm adjusting the ropes to a hay fork when he lost his balance and fell to the floor below, a distance of several feet, and struck in such a manner as to break his right arm and left ankle. A physician was called who reduced his fractures, but he will be confined to his home for several weeks.



Rushville, N. Y. - An organization known as the Baldwin Corners Cemetery Association was formed on Tuesday last for the purpose of improving the Baldwin Corners Cemetery. The officers elected were: President, Newell Phelps; secretary and treasurer, Albert Blodgett; trustees, Hiram Harkness, Burt Blodgett and Adelbert Powell.



Seneca Castle, N. Y. - Mrs. H. J. Whitney of this place was the victim of a painful though not serious accident this morning. While walking rapidly across the front yard of her home, she tripped over a wire that was stretched a short distance above the ground and falling heavily struck on her face with sufficient force to fracture her nose. Dr. C. E. Grove of Geneva was summoned.



From Geneva Daily Times 17 July 1909

Naples, N. Y. -
Yesterday evening Mrs. Frank Fink, of this village, filled a kerosene lamp by mistake with gasoline. She lit it and it blazed in an alarming manner. Before an explosion could occur, her husband threw it out of the door, where the fierce blaze excited alarm. The neighbors, believed that a fire had started on the premises or that related fireworks were being used. There was no other damage than the destruction of the lamp.



From Ontario County Journal 23 July 1909

Allen's Hill, N. Y. -
A very serious accident befell Elmer Shetler of Allen's Hill, last Friday while he was driving from Lima to Honeoye Falls. When near Dann's corner, where the trolley tracks cross the road, a car came along and just as it was opposite the rig, the horse, a colt, reared and turned about, starting for a narrow space between a pole and a stone wall. In trying to guide the frightened horse, he turned so short that the rig was upset and Mr. Shetler was thrown out against the trolley pole, breaking his left leg and arm, and his face was badly bruised and his nose broken. It was feared that he was hurt internally.



From Geneva Daily Times 24 July 1909

Hall's Corners, N. Y. - Mr. and Mrs. B. M. Stephens
entertained the following company in honor of their niece, Miss Etta Fogelsonger, of Buffalo, Thursday evening: Messrs. Charles Temple, Willard Onderdonk, Harry Onderdonk, John Dorman, Dudley M. Dixon, Henry Sutherland, John Murray, Thomas Murray, Walter Robson and Mr. Easton; Misses Mae Dixon, Florence Southerland, Mercy Crosier, Anna Ledgerwod, Jennie Robson, Miss Kuner of Saugerties, Helen Mead, Elsie Mead, Harriet Dorman, Margaret Milton, Florence VanDeVorh, Grace Rippey, Dora Horton, Emma Hibbard.



From Geneva Daily Times 29 July 1909

Clifton Springs, N. Y. -
Several accidents of a more or less serious nature have occurred to residents of this village during the past few days. On Tuesday while at work on a scaffold on the outside of the second floor of the new residence of William A. Hulse on Broad street, Seward A. Stone, a carpenter, lost his footing and fell to the ground. In his fall he struck a piece of timber which cut a deep gash over his right eye, and he was otherwise cut and bruised. On Wednesday while drawing in a load of grain on the Fox farm, just south of this village, John Sanders was thrown from the load and struck in such a manner as to break his collar bone. The fracture has been reduced by a physician, but the young man will be laid up for several days. On Thursday Elmer Chapin, an employee of the Cash Store on Crane street, was washing a window, and in some manner the glass gave way and Mr. Chapin received a gash in his right hand. David Hatmaker is suffering from an attack of blood poisoning. On Saturday last he discovered a small sliver in the little finger of his right hand and he removed the same with the blade of a pocket knife. On Sunday his hand pained him and commenced to swell, and on Tuesday  when he consulted a physician, it was found that he was suffering from blood poisoning. His hand and arm are still badly swollen and the wound is very painful.



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