Source: Waldron Recorder 30 Jan. 1903 Tired of Life - Former Waldronite Died - George VanOrsdale, a young man about thirty years old, who has been a porter at the Keefer House by taking an ounce of laudanum, but because he had been drinking considerable just previous to the act, he seemed to be in a jolly mood and told several of the help in the hotel and also showed them the empty bottle. Dr. Frankhauser who was summoned at once, but VanOrsdale refused to let him touch him saying that he wanted to die and the sheriff had been called. After several hours, part of which time he was unconscious, the Doctor finally got him returned to the hotel. Dr. Frankhauser said that had it not been for the liquor that he had previously taken an ounce of laudanum would have killed him in forty-five minutes, as it was fully that long before he could get any medicine into him. It was evident that his intentions were not long before committing the deed as he purchased the poison only a short time before taking it. The only reason ! that he gave for his action was that he had the blues and wanted to die - Hillsdale Leader.

Source: Hillsdale Daily News 22 Apr. 1904 Rena Lickley, aged 16, daughter of Newton Lickley of Bird Lake, was killed by a passenger train No. 7 at Pittsford yesterday. Miss Lickley was a pupil in the Pittsford high school and in company with others was going to the depot to take the train for Hillsdale. In their hurry they started to cross the tracks in front of the train, which was slowing down for the station, when the unfortunate girl stumbled and fell. The train ran over her and her remains were horribly mutilated Source: Hudson Post 22 Apr. 1904 Miss Rena Lickly, aged 16, was killed at Pittsford yesterday by the noon train westward bound. Her foot caught in a cattle guard and she could not escape. Buried Blount Cemetery

Source: Hillsdale Daily News 12 Jan. 1892 Died December 31, 1893, at his residence in Wright, Hillsdale Co. Michigan, after an illness of six days, Maurice J. Lickley. He was attacked by the grip on Christmas night and died New Year's eve. Lung troubles soon developed from the past and no medicine seemed to do him any good. His suffering were severe but he bore them patiently and heroically. Deceased was born in Putnam Co. N.Y. August 20, 1829, hence was a little over 62 years of age at the time of his death. At the age of seven, he moved with his parents to Hillsdale County, and since that time has lived here for the most part. In 1852, he was married to Miss Harriet Cooper, whom he leaves with five sons and one daughter, numerous relatives and a large number of friends to mourn his departure. Just as the old year went out the spirt took it's flight, as he said "To awake in a new light," which words were strangely prophetic of the end so near. Although the call was sudden he was found ready, for he was a most earnest and consistent Christian. He was deeply interested in Sunday school and Christian Endeavor work, and the many weeping eyes on the day of the funeral, testified to the strong hold he had upon the congregational church was formed at Lickley's Corners he was warmly in favor of the movement and took a very active part. He was appointed one of the deacons and superintendent of the Sunday school. He dearly loved the study of the bible and was inspired others with the same love. He was a conscience but outspoken man. He always had the courage of his convictions but worked first to know what was thrust and right. Not only does death come with terrible meaning to the large family connections, but to the little church, the S.S., to the Endeavor society, and to the community at large. His sons speak of him as a "model father", and all declare a very useful man has gone. It will be a long time before his place will be a long time before his place is filled. It seems strange that so able and useful man should be thus stricken down, but such are the ways of Providence. There are mysteries past finding out that compass our lives at every point. We reach out and ask, why ? But only a mocking echo comes back to us. The funeral services were held at the church, conducted by Rev. G. S. Bradley of Hudson, in the presence of a very large concourse of people. Source: Hudson Gazette 8 Jan. 1892 Died December 31, 1891, at his home in Wright, Maurice J. Lickly. Born in Putnam County, New York August 20, 1829 and was a little more than 62 at death. At 7, he moved with his parents to Hillsdale County. In 1852, he married Miss Harriet Cooper, who survives as do 5 sons and 1 daughter. 3 of his sons are from Saginaw, Lewis, Leroy, and James.

Source: Hudson Post 4 May, 1888 Mrs. Lois Lickly, of Wright, Hillsdale County, Michigan, wife of Michael Lickly, was born in Putman County, New York June 29, 1808 and died at her home in Wright April 29, 1888. Married Michael Lickly June 24, 1827. In 1836 they moved to Wright. This family have had much to do with settling the country in the vicinity of Wright and in giving charter to it's society. The point known at Lickly's Corners received it's name from this family. Burial in Lickly's Corners Cemetery.

Source: Hudson Post 18 Sept. 1891 Michael Lickly was born in Putnam Co. New York, April 9, 1800, was reared there and married Miss Lois Denny, of the same place, November 27, 1826. In the fall of 1835. the same family went to Western New York, where he left the family and went to Michigan. He got his family and they arrived here May 26, 1836. After the children were grown, they moved to Pittsford, Hudson and later to the old homestead. They had 9 children, 5 living. He died September 1, 1891, aged 91 years, 4 months.

Source: Hudson Post 23 Jan. 1912 William John Lickley died at his home at Lickley's Corners last Thursday, aged 83. John W. Lickley, eldest son of Michael and Lois Lickley, was born in Putnam County, New York, August 22, 1827 and died in Wright Township January 18, aged 84. He came to Hillsdale County with his parents in 1837, when he was 10. On May 23, 1862, he married Ruth A. Barclay, daughter of Rev. Robert and Amy Barclay. His wife died in 1904. They had 7 children, the oldest. a son, dying in infancy: Sarah A. Barber, who died in April 1903: Theron D., Ord, Nebraska, Emma J. who died December 29, 1910, Jessie J. Morris, Illinois, Susan A. Davis. Kearney, Nebraska and Michael at home. Also survived by 1 brother, George W. Lickly , who lives in Hillsdale County, 14 grandchildren, Burial in Lickley's Corners Cemetery. Source: Waldron Recorder 26 Jan. 1912 The death of Mr. Lickley took place last Thursday at the old home North of Prattville. He was enjoyed fair health for a man of his years until a few weeks ago when he received a fall which fractured his hip, and since been sinking rapidly until death came to his relief Funeral services were held Monday at the Lickley's Corners Church, conducted by Rev. George Carter, and interment was made in the cemetery near by. John W. Lickley, oldest son of Michael and Lois Lickley, was born in Putnam County, New York, August 22, 1827 and died in Wright Township, Hillsdale County, Michigan, January 18, 1912, aged 84 years. In 1837, when 10 years of age, he came with his parents to Hillsdale County, Michigan, settling in Wright Township where he has since lived. He shared with his parents the hardships and privations of frontier life attending the crude country school a few month in the year until he was 21. He then traded a yoke of oxen to his father for 40 acres of land: his father the! n gave him another 40. This is a part of the present home farm. May 23, 1852, he was united in marriage to Ruth A. Barclay, daughter of Rev. Robert and Amy Barclay. Their married life extended over a period of 52 years until the death of his Wife in 1904. They were the parents of 7 children, the oldest a son dying in infancy, Sarah A. barber who died in April, 1903, Theron D. of Ord, Nebraska, Emma J. who died December 29, 1910, Jesse J. of Morris, Illinois, Susan A. Davis of Kearney, Nebraska, and Michael who lives on the home farm and cared for him during his last sickness. He leaves besides his children, one brother, George W. Lickley, who resides in Hillsdale County, 14 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. He was an exceptionally kind husband and father thinking more of his family than his own. The rule of his life was "Do unto others as ye would that they should do unto you" and to give value received in all business transactions.

Source: Hudson Post 5 Sep. 1884 Mrs. L. L. Woods (nee Lickley) left on the train last evening for her home in Morrison, ILL. Was called home by sickness and death of her aged father, John M. Lickley, of Wright. He died last week Thursday. Was 93 years old.

Source: Hudson Post 29 Dec. 1911 J. Berry Lickly died on Christmas day. Survived by his wife snd 2 daughters, Mrs. Nora Jones, Troy, Ohio, and Mrs. Bessie Jewell, Spokana, Wash. and one sister, Mrs. Andrew Carver of Ransom. Burail in Lickly Corners Cemetery. Source: Hudson Post 2 Jan. 1912 John Barry Lickley was born July 28, 1845, in Wright Township and died at his home December 25, 1911, aged 67. Was married to Olive Baker October 18, 1868. They had 2 children, Mrs. Clara Jones, Troy, Ohio and Mrs. Bessie Jewel of Portland, Ore. Survived by his wife, two daughters, three grandchildren and sisters, Mrs. Elizabeth Carner, Ransom, Mi. and Mrs. Lavina Woods of Iowa. Burial in Lickley's Corners Cemetery.

Source: Hudson Post 21 Nov. 1884 Mary Ellen, wife of George W. Lickly, died at Lickly's Corners, October 23, of consumption, October 26, of chloera infantum, Kitty May, infant daughter of George and Mary Ellen Lickly, died November 28, Mary Ellen was in her 39th year. Mary Ellen Covehoven was born in Maryland Township, Otsego County, New York, May 14, 1849. At 5 came with her mother, brother and sister, in June, 1854, to Wright Township. In September following, her mother died, leaving 3 orphan children, who were cared for by their Uncle and Aunt, Mr. and Mrs. Montgomery Mackey, of Pittsford, with whom she lived until her marriage December 24, 1867. Was a mother of 8 children, 7 of whom survived her. 3 days after her death, her babe, Kittie May, 13 months, was laid be her side. Mrs. Margaret Stafford, of Martin, Michigan, sister of deceased, is still living, the only one of her family.

Source: Hudson Post 9 Apr. 1915 Frank Lickly, died at the home of Mrs. Evatt in Hudson on Wednesday. His father was James Lickly, of Ransom. He was 75. Source: Hudson Post 13 Apr. 1915 Frank A. Lickly was born in Wright Township, the 2nd son of James and Emily Lickly. His father was killed in the war and his mother died when he was young. He made his home with aunt, Mrs. Eunice Evatt. He died April 7. Burial at Lickly's Corners Cemetery.

Source: Hudson Post 30 Dec. 1910 Miss Emma J. Lickly, teacher in the central building, died suddenly yesterday Source Hudson Post 3 Jan. 1911 Emma J. Lickly, daughter of J. W. and Ruth A. Lickly, was born in Wright Township, Hillsdale County, Michigan, near Lickley Corners, July 4, 1858 and died in the city of Hudson, December 29, 1910. Miss Lickly was a consistent Christian, having been a member of the M. E. Church the greater part of her life, and also was a very Ernest temperaance worker. She leaves to mourn their loss her aged father and brothers, Theron, Ord, Neb., Dr. J. J. Lickly, Morris, ILL. sister, Mrs. C. K. Davis, Carney, Neb., and brother, Michael, who lives near Lickly's Corners, on the old farm. Of her efficiency as an educator we need not make mention, as the Rev. J. Stanley Shaw pronounced a beautiful and fitting eulogy. The funeral was held at the old home church on Sunday morning, conducted by the resident minister. The interment was at Lickly's Corners, where her mother and other relatives are buried. We will just say those that knew her best loved her most.

Source: Hudson Post date unknown Died very suddenly Friday, February 19, 1897 of heart disease. Mrs. Nathan Hills of Wright Township, Hillsdale County, Mich. The funeral services were held in the Baptist Church at Lickley Corners, Monday, February 22. In charge of Rev. A. E. Seibert of Prattville Congregation Church. Mrs. Hills was born in Big Flats, Chemung County, New York October 3, 1825, was married to Nathan Hills January 1, 1843. To them were born 5 children of whom 4 sons survive her. The husband and father died about 10 years ago and a son by accident 6 years ago. After a long and wearisome journey by wagon from Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Hills settled on the present homestead. Here by dint of hard work, a comfortable home was provided. The sons grew to manhood and the last days of life were pleasantly spent. Lickley Corner News: Mrs, Hills, mother of the Hills Brothers of the tile yard Factory, South East of the corners, died very suddenly at her home last Saturday. The funeral was held Monday from the Baptist Church of this place and was largely attended. Rev. Seibert of Congressional Church of Prattville took charge of the funeral. Interment was in the Lickley's Corners Cemetery

Source: Waldron Recorder 25 Aug. 1905 Eli Gale Hills, the infant son of Eli N. Hills, was born August 21, 1905 and lived but one half hour after birth. A brief service was held at the home on August 22, conducted by Rev. J. W. Bell. Interment was in Lickley's Corners Cemetery.

Source: Prattville News Hudson Post 27 January 1905 Sudden death in Wright Township - Last Friday, morning, Abe Hills of Wright Township was in front yard when he suddenly fell to the ground and expired in a few minutes. Heart disease being given as the cause. This makes three sudden death's in the family of Hills Brothers. About two years ago, Luke Hills was suddenly stricken with death and before that William Hills was killed by dropping from a trestle South of Hudson. The family is one of the most respected in the Township and the sympathy of a host of friends is extended to the family which is thus again suddenly bereaved. Source: Hudson Post 27 January 1905 Abraham Hills living 2 miles West and 2 miles South of here died very suddenly on Friday last, of heart trouble. His mother and one brother died in similar manner. Funeral at Lickley's Corners. The funeral services of Abraham Hills, who died suddenly at his home Southeast of here were held at the Baptist Church at Lickley's Corners Monday at 1:00 and were conducted by Rev. Preston was largely attended. He was well know and highly respected by all who knew him. The bereaved family has the sympathy of all in their sudden and sad affliction Source: Waldron Recorder 3 February, 1905 Dies Suddenly - Was highly respected citizen. Resided 41 years in Wright Township. Abraham Hills was born in Elkland, Tioga County, Pa. August 14, 1849 and died at his home in Wright Township on January 20, 1905, aged 55 years, 5 months, 6 days. He, with his parents, came to Scott Township, Sandusky County, Ohio at the age of nine years and six years later came to Michigan. He was married to Miss Christine Thompson January 25, 1870.

Source: Waldron Recorder 23 March, 1900 Elizabeth Sprague Hills was born in Lysander, New York July 26, 1851 and died in Wright Township Michigan March 16, 1900. Aged 48 years, 8 months, 10 days. She was united in marriage with Luke Hills July 4, 1871. She was a devoted wife and loving mother. She was converted to Christ upon her sick bed and died a true Christian. She longed for the end to come and often said "I am only waiting to go home" She leaves a husband, four sons, two daughters, and many friends to mourn; but although our hearts are heavy with sorrow, we feel that our loss is her eternal gain. Funeral services were held in the Baptist Church at Lickley's Corners, conducted by Rev. Elmer Leisenring, text James 4;14, and the body laid to rest in Lickley's Cemetery there to await the resurrection of the just. Cards of Thanks We desire to thank our friends and neighbors for their kindness during the sickness and burial of our wife and mother, also the choir that made such sweet music and the minister that spoke such words of comfort Luke Hills and children (followed by a long sad poem) Source: Waldron Recorder 23 March, 1900 Waldron and vicinity The people of this vicinity are wading first in mud, then water. Mrs. Luke Hills died last Friday. The funeral sermon was preached at Lickley's Corners Sunday. Mrs. Hills has been a long and patient sufferer and that dreaded disease, consumption, has claimed another victim.

Source: Hudson Post 11 Apr. 1890 Hills Brothers received over the C J & M last week, a new stationary engine for their tile and brick yard. Source: Hudson Post 27 March 1891 Luke Hills, near Wyoming Corners, met with sad accident in the sawmill last Thursday. By some means he stumbled and his foot struck the saw, sawing it completely off, just above the instep and throwing his foot over the saw where his son was tending the engine. His brother, Abe being at hand at that time, was probably the means of saving his life, as he came very near falling on the saw. The foot was taken off at the ankle joint. The Hill family have the sympathy of the community, as this is the second calamity that has befallen them this winter Source: Hudson Gazette 27 Mar. 1891 Luke Hills, a young man employed in a sawmill South West of Prattville, was pushing a car out of the mill last Saturday, when he slipped and fell, throwing his right foot against a buzz saw in such a matter that it severed from the limb. The unfortunate young man is a brother of William Hill, who lost his life by falling from a Mackinaw trestle a few weeks ago. Source: Waldron Recorder 30 Jan. 1903 Luke Hills was born in Elkland, Tioga County, Pa. August 26, 1847 and died at his home in Wright Township January 21, 1903, aged 55 years, 4 months, 26 days. When eleven years of age, he, with his parents, emmigrated to Scott Township, Sandusky County, Oh. In the fall of 1864, they came to Michigan. He was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Sprague July 4, 1871. To them were born six children. His wife died March 15, 1900. Source: Hudson Post 21 January, 1903 Luke Hills, a member of Hills Bros. firm of Tile and Brick makers dropped dead Wednesday about 4:00 p.m. in the mill where he was to work. Mr. Hills had complained for some time about his heart paining him at times, but was considered to be his usual good self and spirit Wednesday and in the morning went to Hudson on the train, returning at noon and going into the mill to do his usual work in the afternoon, when he was taken with severe pain about the heart, threw up his hands, cried out in pain and expired in a few minutes before aid could be summoned. Mr. Hills was much respected and will be greatly missed. Mr. Hills mother and brother died of heart trouble suddenly also. Prattville News We have just learned that Luke Hills, 2 miles West and 2 miles South dropped dead today, in the sawmill where he was working. Mr. Hills lost a foot a few years age in the mill. Lickley Corners News Luke Hills died suddenly of heart disease Wednesday afternoon. He had visited Hudson in the morning and returned home in apparently good health. He was working with his brothers in their sawmill Northwest of Waldron, when he was taken with severe pain in the region of his heart. He exclaimed, "Boys, I am going to die" and immediately fell dead. The funeral will be held Sunday morning at Lickley's Corners.

Source: Hudson Gazett 30 Jan. 1891 PLUNGED T0 DEATH !! William Hills falls from a Mackinaw trestle and crushes his skull. The terrible accident suggest a sad lesson to thoughtless young man. William Hills, a young man, twenty five years of age, who was associated with his brothers in the brick and tile business near Waldron, fell from a trestle on the Mackinaw two miles South of Hudson Tuesday afternoon and was instantly killed. When his cousin, George Rowley, who was walking on the track a little behind him, reached the place where he lay on the hard ground, life was extinct. The young man had fallen head foremost and being very solid built, the weight of his body had crushed his head into a jelly and his brains had oozed out into his cap. The body was allowed to remain where it had fallen until Dr. Nix arrived from Hudson and pronounced an inquest unnecessary. Then it was placed in H, D. Bailey's wagon and taken to the home of the young man, where he lived with his mother and several brothers. The victim o! f the sad occupancies had been in Hudson during the forenoon with his cousin, who lived not far from where the accident happened. They were on their way home, young Hills intending to pass the night at Rowley's and start a kiln of bricks for Gill & Gillman, near Mallory Lake, the following day. He probably would have lived to carry out his plans if during their few hours stay in this village if the pair, under the plea of "having a good time" had not fallen into the indiscretion which is, alas, too often the ruin of otherwise worthy young men. A man talked with the young men just as they were leaving Hudson said both men were intoxicated and were seen later on the railroad scuffling with one another as they went along. Mrs. Freiss and Mrs. Keller, who were looking out of the window of their home as they walked over the trestle, said that young Hills was several feet ahead of Rowley and was walking on the outside of the rails on the East side of the trestle. Suddenly they saw! him stumble and take several quick steps forward as to catch himself and then he seemed to lose his balance and to their horror, plunged headlong to the ground. The news of the terrible accident was received with profound sorrow at Waldron where the young man bore a good reputation for industry and integrity and had many friends. Source: Hillsdale Standard 3 Feb. 1891 WILLIAM HILLS OF WALDRON FALLS AND BREAKS HIS SKULL Three times within the pass few weeks, our citizens have been horrified by accidents on the railroads, two of the cases being fatal. The last occurred on the Mackinaw and was instantly killed. Mr. Hills was a resident of Wright, and employed at the brick and tile yard of his brothers, near Waldron. He is described as a steady, industrious young man. 25 to 30 years old, who seldom left his work. Last Monday however, he visited his cousin, George Rowley, in South Pittsford and the next day the two came to Hudson. On their way back to Rowley's, they followed the railroad and it was near the residence of Mrs. Bruen, three and one half mile South of Hudson, where the accident occurred. Mrs. Keller and Mrs. Freeze (Friess) saw the two men start to cross the trestle. They were two thirds of the way across, when young Hills stumbled and made an effort to recover his balance, but failed in doing so, and fell over the side of the trestle. He was a heavy man, his weight being probably ! 200 pounds and as he struck the frozen ground squarely on top of his head, the skull was crushed in, bruised and battered. A message was dispatched to Hudson and Dr, Nix reached the spot as soon as possible, but the evidence was so conclusive that he advised them to take the body home, as an inquest would be unnecessary. The Hills family is highly respected in the community where they reside and the sudden taking off of one of the members in full strength of early manhood will be sincerely regretted.

Source: Hudson Post 29 Nov. 1901 Walter Pixley died November 22, 1901, age 76. Born February 25, 1824 in Monroe County New York. He married Mary Jane Richards in 1952. She died January 8, 1856. To them were born 2 children, one of whom, A. W. Pixley, who resides at Coldwater, is still living. After the death of his wife, Mr. Pixley went to California and spent the next 13 years in the gold fields. He came back to Michigan and married Sophrona Borroughs, February 2, 1869. To them was born 1 child, Ervin A., who died at the age of 18 months.

Source: Hudson Gazette 13 May 1879 Joseph Pixley received a telegram telling him that his son, Orrin A. Pixley, was killed yesterday by a collision at Franklin, 40 miles from St. Louis, on the Missouri Pacific Railroad. He was single, aged 27 and had left Hudson about 3 years ago. He leaves his parents.

Source: Hudson Post 7 Jun. 1907 Lucas Pixley was born in Wright Township, February 13, 1841 and died at his home May 26, 1907, aged 66. His father, Calvin Pixley was one of the first settlers in Wright Township, having settled there in 1833. He married Miss Sarah Beagle September 4, 1867. They had one son, who with his mother, survives. He was one of a family of ten children; four brothers and one sister survive him. Cards of thanks signed by Mrs. Sarah Pixley and Mr. John Pixley.