Spirit of the Times Batavia, Genesee Co., NY Saturday December 18 1886 - conclusion - HAS THERE BEEN FOUL PLAY? In a small building north of the Institution for the Blind lived Joseph SMITH and his wife and a five-year-old boy, the son of SMITH's daughter. When sober SMITH is a quiet and law-abiding man, but when in liquor is very quarrelsome and disagreeable and when in this condition is reputed to have had numerous fights with his wife, beating and abusing her shamefully. __ SMITH is a day laborer, and she went about town doing washing. On Monday, December 6th, she worked at Mrs. S.J. LEWIS', on State street, going home after finishing. Since that time she has not been seen and the little boy says that she has not been at home since that night. Between nine and ten o'clock, the boys states, SMITH and wife left the house. The former returned early the next morning alone, saying tot he boy that his wife had gone to Le Roy. During all this time there has been nothing much to eat in the house and the lad has sold grated horse-radish to obtain something to eat. Deputy Sheriff JOHNSON visited Le Roy, Wednesday last to find Mrs. SMITH but learned that she was not nor had not been there. The affair has a serious aspect; none of Mrs. SMITH's friends or relatives know where she is and her husband professes ignorance as to her whereabouts. He is very anxious to sell his property here and go away. Sheriff (?) feels there are sufficient grounds to make the arrest of SMITH and will take him into custody to-day. Further developments are awaited with interest. + + NEWS OF THE COMMUNITIES. LINDEN LOCALS. DIED.--In Hebron, Ind.,, November 26th, little Myra, youngest daughter of Walter P. and Jennie STEVENS, formerly of this town. Mrs. John LAWREY left on Wednesday night for Jersey city to attend the funeral of her nephew, Richard SHORTALL, formerly of this place, aged 21 years. Mrs. Alden RICHARDS, of Wellsville, is visiting her brother, Myron J. KEMPTON. Miss Lena BROCKWAY, of Rochester, is also visiting Mr. KEMP, who is her great-uncle. Miss Edith KIMBALL has gone to Rochester, where she enters the hospital, to learn how to care for the sick and afflicted. We hope she will find the calling both pleasant and profitable. The firm of BLATCHFORD & CHOATE, successors to A.J. & W.P. VOORHEES, general store, seems to have collapsed after a precarious existence of about six weeks. Assets not given. The Messrs. VORHEES will continue the business. On Wednesday, Mrs. M.W. HAY took a little two-year-old waif from the poor house to Buffalo, to place in the care of some Catholic protectorate, as, I believe, by law they are not allowed to keep infants there after a certain age. There has been much speculation here over who is to be the new keeper at the Poor-house, whether he is a bourbon or not. A quondam republican recently made the remark that the extra meals and gratuities furnished outsiders, salaries of superintendent and keepers, together with the interest on county property, would hire each pauper board at a hotel at $8 per week. We think he means "squeal." At all events "the tap should be cut off" in every sense of the term, and better economy practiced. + + EAST PEMBROKE ITEMS. A Singing School has been instituted here with Prof. HYDE, of Bethany, as instructor. Mr. George H. DENNISON spent Tuesday at Buffalo selecting goods for the holiday trade. The select school at Rural Seminary will commence on Monday next, with Miss Ida PECK as teacher. The oyster supper given by the young people at Seminary Hall Friday evening was altogether an enjoyable affair. Rev. W.T. WILBER, of Batavia, is the guest of Rev. J.J. GALLIGAN.--Mr. C.E. DENNISON, of Rochester, spent Sunday in town.--Miss Julia A. BUTLER, of Palmyra, N.Y., is the guest of John PARKER and family.--Mr. Frank WRIGHT, with BARNES, HENGERER & Co., Buffalo, has been visiting old friends in town. L.S. MACE, general agent of the National Alliance Insurance Co., of New York, was in town Monday shaking hands with old friends. Mr. M. is an old Pembroke boy, who has recently returned from the west. Judging from his actions he has acquired some of the western push, for while here he appointed W.J. COFFEY agent and Dr. E.C. RICHARDSON medical examiner, besides writing up several thousands of insurance among our leading men. + + SOUTH BYRON BULLETIN. The SEAVER & HALL failure looks no brighter. Miss Agnes HOOKER, Batavia, visited here Saturday. Country roads are bad again, owing to too much "ethereal mildness." Mr. and Mrs. George CROFOOT, of Pavilion, were in the village over Sunday. Jas. SMITH, our lively little blacksmith, is repairing his living apartments. One of our young men admires his "shape" in a new $30 overcoat and $10 seal cap. About $8,000 in taxes will be collected from Byron this year. The rate is lower than last year. Mentis CAMPBELL felt of the teeth of a buzz-saw while in motion. The teeth of the saw are still intact. Edward KINGSLAND and clerk, of Geneva, were in town Tuesday, making collections for the PULTNEY estate. Rev. C.R. SPARROW, of South Byron, and Rev. Mr. McLAURY, of Byron Center, exchanged pulpits Sunday morning. Our school, under the supervision of James B. ARNOLD, of Byron, and Miss PRESCOTT, of Batavia, is quietly and skillfully managed. Baled hay and straw, pork, grain wood, cider, coal, etc., passing through the streets, gives an appearance of activity in the trade circles. So-called patent medicine has a large sale at stores. Does the maker ever think that "the pleasure is as great of being cheated as to cheat?" A Batavia man purchasing eggs at one of the stores here complained that the could not get fresh ones at home. How now! how now! Are the incubators a failure? It is reported that the town constable is busy serving summons upon delinquent debtors, and the justice's pocket is filling up rapidly. "Still there's more to follow." A N.Y.C. detective has been in town looking for the party who threw a stone through a car window last week, injuring some ladies, so said. The boys will be warned for the future. "Slacos" and "gravel" have bothered one of our citizens for some time, but he allows that a warrant from "Batavy" will square things if the boys "don't stop stop snowballin me." South Byron is the home of a writer, in fact, many productions have appeared at times in newspapers of wide circulation, at home as well as in distant parts, from the fact that considerable poetic qualification has been displayed. The writings have been lately published in book form and dedicated to "Jean," the sister of the writer. The title of the book is, "Lines and Interlines," and the writer is Miss Julia P. BOYNTON, Ingham University (Le Roy) students will be much interested in this little volume, as Miss B. was educated at that institution. + + BYRON BRIEFS. Mr. CROOK is very soon to occupy his new house. H.C. NORTON is buying wheat and shipping it at the West Shore station. It is rumored that a lumber yard is to be established at the West Shore station. Next Sabbath evening a Sunday-school concert will be given at the Presbyterian church. It will consist of Christmas exercises. Wm. BROWNING's saloon was burglarized a few nights since. The only property taken was beer (amount unknown) and one beer glass. Over 200 tickets for the Jubilee Singers' Concert have already been sold. There are yet desirable seats however, as the number of seats represented on the diagram has been increased by chairs in the aisles. Quite a number of our citizens have been in Batavia this week in attendance at the County Court. Some as jurors, others as witnesses in the case of KEEFE v. O'HARE, regarding work done on the former's house. Mr. McMAHON, the proprietor of the meat market, will soon take into partnership with him his mother. The business will be conducted at the same stand, for a time at least. We understand that Mr. M. has purchased a lot and will erect a dwelling house in the spring. On Tuesday occurred the death of Miss Frankie COLE, daughter of Geo. W. COLE. She had been confined to the house for several weeks, and her many friends who called left her fearing that she must soon pass away from their sight. A patient sufferer from a disease of the heart for many years, she has nevertheless been a useful member of society, and in her home an affectionate, helpful and idolized daughter. She was the president of the W.C.T.U. of this place, and also a member of the Presbyterian church. The funeral services will be held at the house on Friday afternoon. + + OAKFIELD OFFERINGS. Mrs. H.C. MARTIN fell on the icy sidewalk on Tuesday, fracturing her knee cap. There will be a Christmas tree with other appropriate services at the M.E. church on Friday evening next. The M.E. social at W.F. REED's on Friday evening last was well attended, the receipts amounting to over $6. The ladies of St. Michael's church gave a chicken pie supper at Chamberlain's hall on Tuesday and cleared over $23. J.I. COSWAY bought a pig last May that weighed 34 pounds. He kill it Dec. 7th, and it weighed dressed, 401 pounds--a gain of 307 pounds in about eight months. Who can beat that in the county? An elocutionary entertainment will be given in Chamberlain's hall on Monday evening next by Misses Lila HUME and Dora POST, graduates of Buffalo training school, assisted by Miss Jennie McKELL, of Akron. A fine entertainment is promised. + + ALEXANDER ARTICLES. Elder J. McEWEN still continues on the sick list. The weather is quite cold, with now and then a flake of snow. Norman BENTLY, a former resident of this place, having sold part of his farm, will return here next February to live again. Albert VICKERY, who has been quite sick with typhoid pneumonia for the past week is not improving very fast, we are sorry to say. William GUARD,one of our old citizens returned from Rugby, Tennessee, last Friday evening. He has been away nearly ten months, and has been employed at carpenter work most of the time. The members of the O.M. Society are requested to be present next Tuesday evening at their private parlors. Important matters are to be discussed and all should be present. + + ELBA. If people would do as well as any we would soon have the pleasure of listening to the first of a lecture course. The meetings at the Methodist church are being largely attended and the result of this good work is very manifest. Mrs. PRENTICE, who is staying with Mrs. Albert PARKER, purposes to get up a class in painting. Mrs. P. is an accomplished artist, so girls, embrace the opportunity. Wm. H. & W.H. RAYMOND have greatly improved the appearance of their business block by building a fence between their store and the market. W. A. HUNDREDMARK has also built a fence between his store and the drug store. Sunday last Rev. William WILLAHAN delivered an excellent sermon upon the subject of "The Resurrection." Many striking illustrations from nature were given, exploding the scientific objections to the resurrection. The change at the time of the resurrection was compared with the change of a caterpillar to a butterfly. Last Monday one of our boys took his books for school and informed all his friends that he was about to leave his native heath for the pleasanter prospects of a western house. He wandered to the far distant place of Idleport, staid one night, and then retraced his steps homeward. He may now be heard to say, "Boys, there's no place like home." It is currently reported about town that responsible parties intend very soon to erect a grain elevator and bean house at our railroad station. This is just what our farmers need, and would no doubt prove a profitable investment. This place is also regarded by many as a favorable location for a custom flouring mill, as we have now in this village, no less than five well stocked flour and feed stores, and another being "surveyed out" on Mechanic street. + + MORE LOCAL NEWS. Mr. and Mrs. FRANKLIN, of Bradford, are visiting their relatives here, the WHITNEY and EVART families.--Miss Ida SEEKINS spent Sunday at home. A meeting of the A.O.U.W. will be held on Tuesday evening next, 21st inst., in their room in the Burt Block, followed by an oyster supper, to which the public is invited. The donation given by Mrs. J.T. SMITH on Friday night last under the auspices of John M. Hutchinson Post, G.A.R., resulted in that lady's receiving between $20 and $30; of this ten dollars in cash was donated by the Post. Rev. J.F. BROWN, who is conducting revival services at Kendall settlement, the other part of his charge, reports much interest manifested there. He expects to hold special meetings here some time after the holidays. Placarding the houses of people who know their own circumstances better than any outsider can, is to be, and is condemned by all lovers of peace and good will. The old adage, "business before pleasure," is what actuated our respected townsman in the case referred to. Joshua ANNIS had two surprises on Tuesday last, the first one brought no joy for it came in the form of a cut foot, done while cutting wood in Mrs. HEATH's woods at Pearl Creek. He walked home from there with the aid of a stick, and about four hours after his arrival home, the second surprise came in the form of "pounding," administered by his friends and neighbors who took this way of showing their appreciation of Mr. and Mrs. ANNIS. 'Tis needless to say that this surprise brought joy and pleasure with it. Our merchants are displaying their usual good taste in a fine selection of holiday goods. W.I. CHASE has had on hand for the past two or three weeks a nice variety of plush, framed mirrors, broom holders, perfumery cases, dressing cases, etc. Wm. AUSTIN has out done himself in the display found there, of dolls, Christmas cards, broom holders, match safes, smoking sets, and things too numerous to mention. WYETH & WILSON are just getting in their goods so we cannot speak of their stock, only judging from their former good judgment in their holiday display we should say they well deserve the patronage of the community as do all our home merchants who are endeavoring to keep articles to suit all classes and conditions. William TURNER doesn't propose that we shall go without apples here this winter. As but few were raised in this vicinity he is shipping them in from out of town. The donation party held at the residence of H.P. PORTER last week for the benefit of Rev. Mr. HATHAWAY, the Universalist pastor, was a success both financially and socially. Chas. S. JACK, the proprietor of the Central House, who was to have a dance on the 15th inst.,, has been compelled to postpone the same indefinitely on account of sickness in the family. Bills are out for a "Midado Tea," to be given by the ladies of St. Luke's Episcopal Society at Barden Hall, Thursday evening, December 30th. Their annual festivals have always been the most entertaining of the kind in town, and o pains will be spared to make this one likewise. On last Friday evening the school entertainment conducted by Mr. Jas. HAROUN, the principal, assisted by Messrs. BOYINGTON, ENSBERGER and PEASE, from out of town, took place at Barden Hall. The house was well filled and the program passed off nicely, especially the musical part, which was highly spoken of by competent judges. The proceeds will be devoted to school purposes. It is rumored that we are to have two new doctors in town. One is to be Dr. KETCHELL, of Richville, who has rented a residence on East Main street. The other is a young homeopathic doctor from abroad, name unknown, who, we understand, has rented a house on West Main street. Verily, our little city, is bound to boom in more ways than one. Miss Zetta DAVIS, who is attending school at Batavia, spent the Sabbath with her parents here.--Prof.. C.D.W. BROWN, of Warsaw, was in town over Sunday.--Mrs. DODGE, who for the past few years, has been a resident of Wisconsin, is again to take up her residence among us.--G.R. SAFFORD was in town over the Sabbath, the guest of his parents.--The HOPKINS family, who for many years have been residents here, have removed to Buffalo.--Nathaniel READ, of East Pembroke, was in town the fore part of the week visiting relatives.--Ernst KINNIE, son of Chas. A. KINNIE, of Batavia, spent Sunday in town, the guest of his aunt, Mrs. W.E. SUMNER.--Mrs. JONES, of Salamanca, has been the guest of Mrs. GIDDINGS for the past few days. -- John LINCOLN, who has been absent in the far west for the past two months, has returned. + + - conclusion - submitted by Linda C. Schmidt + +