Spirit of the Times Batavia, Genesee County, New York State Saturday, June 15-1861 -cont'd.- The Past, Present, and the Future. The change in the proprietorship of a public Journal is always a matter of deep interest to the incoming publisher, but under the present circumstances, I feel a greater degree of responsibility in assuming the charge of the 'Spirit of the Times,' knowing, as I do, that so many men more able than myself have directed its course for a term of nearly forty years. In reviving the old Democratic newspaper of the County of Genesee, I do so under a firm conviction that such a step is desirable at the present momentous period, and meets with the approval and wishes of the Democracy of the County. The vacillating and irresponsible course of the 'Genesee County Herald' for the past year, has also determined me in the resolve to re-establish the 'Times'--a paper that stood strong in the affections of the entire Democratic Party of the "old Genesee," and enjoyed also, in a high degree, the respect and confidence of the business community--and thereby wipe out the 'Herald' of the past. Thinking that a few Historical reminiscences of this old and popular paper may not be uninteresting to the public. I publish the following history of the 'Times' from the hour of its birth up to the time when the establishment came to the hammer, and was swallowed in the rapacious maw of "Live Oak George," November, 1856. For the following information, I am much indebted to William SEAVER, Esq., who possesses bound copies of the 'Times' from its earliest day, when it was issued in a small quarto form, up to the end of its career in the hands of Mr. HURLEY, a period of nearly thirty-nine years. The first number of the Batavia 'Spirit of the Times' was issued in February, 1819, by Orrin FOLLETT, who printed it until May, 1825, when his brother Frederick FOLLETT became its proprietor. Capt. FOLLETT continued its publication until August, 1836, when it was purchased by a company of gentlemen of Batavia, consisting of H.J. REDFIELD, Wm. SEAVER, S.S. GRANT, D.E. EVANS, E. MIX, D.H. CHANDLER, J.B. SKINNER, R.H. SMITH, S. CUMMINGS, and W.B. COLLAR. The paper was then placed in the hands of Nelson D. WOOD, who printed the same for its owners until 1837, when Capt. FOLLETT, who in the interim had returned from his military expedition to Texas, was reinstated in his old position, and continued at its head until June, 1840, when the proprietors sold the establishment to Lucas SEAVER. In June, 1845, he disposed of it to William SEAVER & Son, who published the 'Times' until 1853, when Col. SEAVER sold the office to Chas. S. HURLEY, the last proprietor. In 1856, after an existence of thirty-eight years and twenty-one weeks, the paper came to an untimely decease by the hands of the auctioneer. The path of the publisher of a country newspaper is, at best, a rugged one, and I think the prospect before me, for a time, will be a difficult task, owing to the depleted state of the Establishment, but trust by close application to business, avoiding the publication of scurrilous, personal and offensive articles, and conducting the paper in conformity to the dictates of sound judgment, to surmount the difficulties and once more win back that popular and liberal patronage so justly bestowed on the old paper. At the commencement, I wish my friends and the Democracy of the County to understand that the 'Times' is not, nor will be controlled by any clique or ambitious individuals for gratifying any selfish views, which was unfortunately the case with the 'Democrat' when under my charge in 1856; but I intend to use that discernment and watchfulness which I consider essential requisites to successfully carry on the publication of any newspaper. In examining the Subscription list of the 'Herald,' I am sorry to find many--yes, very many names of subscribers who belong to an extensive organization, called Pay-Nothings; to these I shall be compelled to use the pruning knife pretty freely, and only retain and solicit the names of those who are willing to "pay the Printer" his small but just and hard-earned dues. With these few remarks, I once more undertake to publish a newspaper, which I will endeavor to render acceptable to my patrons, by sustaining intact, the Union, the Constitution, and the Federal Government. -Henry TODD. *** submitted by Linda C. Schmidt *********************************************

Also in "Historical Sketch of Village Batavia 1798-1810" was named Frederick Follett, printer of paper; Oran Follett, printer/publisher of "Spirit of the Times"; Nathan Follett, hatter (--1875). Does anybody know if the above three were related and if there is any other information that might be available? Marny Howe in Perth, Western Australia

I was reading "Historical Sketch of Village Batavia 1798-1810" on a LDS film and saw "Joseph Baker, tavern-keeper in 1819", and a JF Baker was named as one of 7 doctors in about 1840. Does anybody know if these two Bakers are related? I have a Dr John F Baker (born 1815, died ?)of Batavia who is my gr gr grandfather. I presume that the above JF Baker in about 1840 is the same person. My John F Baker's father was named as Joseph Baker farmer. The book title gave dates from 1798-1810 but the information in the book continued on past those dates. I would love to hear from any Baker researchers who might have information on the above two Bakers. Marny Howe in Perth, Western Australia

Spirit of the Times Batavia, Genesee County, New York State January 3-1843 -cont'd.- Capital Punishment--it's Social Responsibility. That, at which the better part of humanity revolts, it will be difficult to execute. No law odious from its barbarity, can long withstand the force and pressure of enlightened sentiment, and fair, sober discussion. Such a law is blood for blood, entirely out of joint with the genius of the age, and that general political sympathy of brother with brother. In this fraternal republic all men are proudly sensible of their direct agency in making and administering their laws, and should be cautiously alive to the danger of executing bad ones. We do not fraternize to take life, but to protect it. It is no part of public policy, nor right, to imitate crime, but prevent it. Where do we get the right to murder a man because he had murdered? Republican Rome existed five hundred years without the bloody code, and these were her most palmy and flourishing days. Under Roman tyrants this humane code sank, and with it the greatness of Rome, and the red, ensanguined laws of the basest of men smeared their statute pages. As all tyrants are cowards, and cowards tyrants, it became necessary for their own peace to be cruel. By such a lesson, we should profit, not follow; while the pure and lofty example of the Republic, where the people were the law makers, the philanthropist will delight to imitate. When we see the ancient Roman, the Pagan Roman, duly appreciating the right conception of the majesty of man; there is something deeply humiliating to the Christian American, to feel and see, that he is still bound to the ear of Jewish tradition--that the cruel coeds of that scattered and disposed people for their wickedness, still hold the mighty sway of nations of freemen in its grasp, as absolute masters, even to life and death. This doubtless, arises out of too much of the impulsive, and too little of the thinking man. We should beware lest the divine sympathies of our nature be stifled under a bigoted, irreflective education, and leave us regretful of our social responsibility. A man may err the highest authority has enjoined us to let it be on the side of mercy and humanity. As all may need mercy from his fellow, none should grudge it. In this country all our institutions and laws are the creatures of public voice. In one way and another every individual is an actor in their adoption; be they just, equitable, and humane, he takes merit; be they the contrary, he must take the consequences. One man cannot shake the wrong from his own skirts, and pin it to another. Each for himself, may ask an excuse, but there is none to grant it; he is left to his own solitary conscience for converse and apology, but the tribunal denies the pardon. There is no escape--no shifting the terrible responsibility of judicial homicide, from the individual to the community: each are liable, as it takes each and every to compose the aggregate. Responsibility of bad laws and injustice rests somewhere; if not on each--where? Where do we go for reform and alteration of odious laws, but to ourselves, the highest, only sovereignty we recognise? Our legislators, our judges, juries and sheriffs are our instruments to do our bidding, for our social convenience. This shifts not the condition of things; they only act, while we the people direct, and when we direct them to commit offences at which the affections moan, we are self-convited and they acquitted. In this country a man must be his own comforter of the injury has done another by a mutually bad law. Every elector is a partnership ruler, and he must stand or fall by his good or bad ruling. The monarch here is the inmaterial intelligence, as dispersed as the number of intelligent and responsible beings, or electors; here is no local point which the oppressed may attack for its faults, and clamor for redress; no crowned head dispensing ruin or blessings upon subjects, according to his vasillating caprice and whim of an hour. We have no such fountain of faults to lay our grievances upon, it could not live an hour in our atmosphere. Our crowns are thoughts, sober, sedate, regulated by virtue, morality, and the kind emanations of the heart, despising useless severity, however venerable with practice or antiquated by time. As a people we have assumed to take our destinies into our own hands, and have marked our future course in independence of the arbitrary and stale dicta of rude and uncivilized ages, adopted without a reason of which we know, nor having application to our condition; yet strange as it may seem, the chains of those times are upon our limbs and their superstitions our masters, with an origin of four thousand years from our existence. When common sense is really free, such things will pass for what they are worth, not till then. There is no reason why we should be absurd. Why do we tamely submit to Jewish rule at this late day? The stickler for old things and ignorant times may answer. The individual denies himself the right to take human life, yet claims it as one of the community. We admit in our legislation no mystic powers, no divine rights, such as the juggles of monarchs once charmed their stupid wassals with, and awed them to endure the iron rod of this sham divine right inflicted by the heartless prince robber. Such trickery has melted before the concentrated rays of enlightened intellect, the only jewel worth man's possession. Wherefore then delights come to a community, if the individual has not the inherent right? Does the community get any rights, but from the aggregate of individual rights? We think not. Then if the individual has not the right to take human life, from what, or who does the community obtain it? Is it not a cruel and solemn mockery to assert and enforce it? Is it unpardonable hypocrisy to affect a shudder at savage barbarism, while we, like a pack of ravenous wolves, by the powers of the state, fall upon a single individual and strangle him to death with the cold cord of the hangman. He did a deed which human nature abhors and community repeats it. This savage practice must be abolished, and our pen shall not tire while it lasts. *** submitted by Linda Schmidt *********************************************

Buffalo Courier Buffalo, Erie County, New York State November 23-1919 * Batavia. Miss Catherine A. DUEGAW, daughter of Joseph DUEGAW of Antwerp, Jefferson county, and Louis F. STOLL, son of Mr.and Mrs. Louis STOLL of No. 130 South Main street, were married Tuesday morning at St. Mary's church, the ceremony being performed by the Rev. C.D. DALY. Irving G. RUSSELL and Miss Mary F. SASS of Batavia were the attendants. The bride wore a brown broadcloth suit with hat to match and carried a bouquet of bride roses, and Miss SASS wore a brown broadcloth coat and hat, and carried pink roses. A wedding breakfast was served at the home of the groom's parents after the ceremony on a trip to Albany and New York. After Dec. 1 they will be at home at No. 130 South Main street. Howard F. ROBERTS and Mrs. Fredericka M. RICE of Batavia were married Monday afternoon at the home of the bride's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Frank H. HANLON of No. 9 Summit street, the Rev. Stanley U. MOCK, pastor of the Presbyterian church officiating. The ceremony was attended only by members of the immediate family. After a wedding trip, Mr. and Mrs. ROBERTS will be at home at No. 423 East Main street, Batavia. * Leroy. The marriage of Miss Sarah KELSALL to Clayton STONE of Livonia took place at the home of the bride's niece, Mrs. John FITZPATRICK at No. 90 Copeland street, Rochester on Tuesday, only the immediate relatives being present. Miss KELSALL is well known in Le Roy, having made her home with Mrs. Charles F. PRENTICE of Church street up to the time of her marriage. Le Roy friends have received cards from Mr. and Mrs. J. Ernest SPRAGUE of Detroit, formerly of Le Roy, announcing the marriage of their daughter, Miss Viahnett Louisa SPRAGUE, to Ernest J. MARTIN, C.Y.U.S.N., which took place Monday, November 10 in Detroit. Until Mr. MARTIN completes his enlistment in the navy, Mrs. MARTIN will continue to live with her parents at No. 1260 Woodward avenue, Detroit. * submitted by Linda Schmidt

I am reposting an inquiry seeking information about WILLIAM M. BAILEY. He was born in New York State in 1852. He married EMMA BURDICK. They resided in Avon, New York and had 10 children. NELLIE was the oldest and she was born in 1872. Other children were: GEORGE, JOHN, CLARA, WILLIAM E., EMMA, LOIS, LOU, ETHEL, and GERTRUDE. NELLIE was my grandmother. I believe they may have moved to the Pavilion area at some point. Frances C. Eustis Parachute CO

The Daily News Batavia, Genesee County, New York State April 28-1881 A Skeleton Unearthed. Mr. William HUYCK, who owns a farm at Fort Hill, near LeRoy, having had two sheep accidentally killed sent his man out into his garden yesterday to bury them. The man was doing this when his spade struck something hard, which, on examination proved to be the skull of an Indian. The man thinking that there might be some more there, went on digging and so uncovered the whole skeleton of a man and part of another. Mr. HUYCK brought these curiosities to LeRoy and put them into S.F. CURTISS' store. A large number of persons went Tuesday to see them. *** Le Roy Locals. Interesting Items Written Daily by the Le Roy Reporter of the "News." Mr. John COOK, the grocer on the dock, is painting the front part of his store. We learn that the Misses ALLIS have offered their premises for sale or exchange for village property. Mr. Tom LARKIN received a telegram yesterday from Jamestown, stating one of his relations had died. Died.-At his home, four miles north of Le Roy, on Monday, April 25th, Mr. E. RIDER, in the forty-eighth year of his age. Mr. George WILLIAMS, one of our enterprising milkmen, is building him a house on land recently purchased on South street. The neatness that marks the grounds of the Catholic cemetery, is much to the credit of the authorities thereof in that denomination. Mr. J.T. ESTEE left to-day for Aurora, Ill., where he intends to live. He has the best wishes of all his friends, who are sorry to lose him. John CHAMPION left this morning for Canada, in order to purchase another car load of horses. He will return in a few weeks with some very fine driving horses. The village authorities have been obliged to throw open nearly the whole length of East Myrtle street, in their effort to find the whereabouts of a defect in the gas main. Mr. John NIVENS, a member of the Rochester Bicycle club, was in town yesterday on his bicycle. He informs us that the roads are now in a very fine condition for those machines. He is a very fine rider. It being the time for the regular meeting of the Academy Lyceum, the meeting was called to order, last evening, by the president, and after the reading of the minutes of the last meeting, a good program was carried out. The recitation in German by S.D. GILBERT, was very creditable to him. Space will not allow of the publishing of the whole program as it was quiet a long one. The next meeting occurs two weeks from last night. The third and last University concert, under the direction of Prof. Henri APPY, occurred last evening. The program was a fine one, and almost every piece was encored and responded to. Miss Nettie GRAVES of the University gave a piano solo entitled "Fantasy impromptu," and was loudly applauded. The violin solo by Henri APPY, was also encored. Mrs. HIRSHFIELD and Miss MORTON did exceedingly well as usual, also Prof. COPELAND. * submitted by Linda C. Schmidt *********************************************

The Daily News Published Every Evening Batavia, Genesee County, New York State Monday, October 3-1881 Cows Beheaded by Dynamite. Dynamite is very useful in blowing up rocks, Czars, and ocean steamships, and that it can be used for other purposes, the "Buffalo Courier" says, was clearly demonstrated at Cheektowaga a day or two since. The Messrs. GOLEY, who are contractors on the New York Lackawanna and Western railway, had occasion to do some blasting at that place, and of course used dynamite. In an open box was about one hundred pounds of the explosive compound. It has a salty taste, and when two cows belonging to a farmer named Bruce happened along they decided it was something good to eat. Accordingly, they began to refresh themselves, when all of a sudden there was an explosion, and two cows were minus their heads. Forty-five dollars apiece was all that their owner asked, and it was paid without a murmur. *** Dr. Russell J. WHITE. Dr. Russell J. WHITE can be consulted at Batavia, St. James Hotel, Tuesday, October 18th; Le Roy, Lampson House, Wednesday, October 19th; Rochester, Osborn House, Thursday, October 20th and Thursday, December 22nd; Brockport, Getty House, Friday, October 21st. Dr. WHITE treats all forms of chronic diseases successfully. *** Mere Mention. The Schoolmaster. O'er wayward childhood would'st thou hold firm rule, And sun thee in the light of happy faces; Love, Hope and Patience--these must be thy graces, And, in thine own heart let them first keep school. - Coleridge. * To-morrow will be the day of atonement. The dry goods and clothing stores will close at 7;20 beginning this evening. H.A. BLOSSER has opened a restaurant and billiard room at Caryville, and has very neat and cosy quarters. Mr. C.D. MORGAN has taken the contract to build a neat dwelling house on Otis street for the Homestead Association. The temperance organizations of the village have changed the time of their meetings from 8 o'clock to 7:20 p.m. The Sunday meeting will hereafter commence at 4 o'clock. Charles QUACKENBUSH, a brakeman on the State Line, met with an accident at Le Roy junction Friday night. His shoulder was badly bruised and his head injured. His home is in Salamanca. Quite a number of new advertisements appear in to-day's News, all of which are worth reading. Business firms that advertise are not afraid to show their goods or to announce their prices, and they are consequently the most desirable to deal with. The village cross-walks were in an abominable condition yesterday. The mud was two inches thick on nearly all of them, which persons going to church were obliged to wade through. In muddy weather it has been the custom for the corporation hands to clean the cross-walks Saturday evenings. * Personals. Malcolm DOUGLASS, Jr., of Andover, Mass., is visiting Miss Mary DOUGLASS. * A Twelve-Year-Old Thief. A Little Lad from Rochester Arrested for Stealing a Horse. Yesterday Miss Hattie CONE of Bethany came to Batavia to attend the Presbyterian church, hitching her horse in front of Mrs. PETTIT's store. A little lad from Rochester stood near and when the young lady proceeded towards the church the boy followed her and saw her enter the building. Returning to where the horse was, he unhitched it, and drove off. He turned down Jackson street and followed the creek road. Passing the residence of Miss CONE, the dog owned by the family, recognizing the rig, came out and trotted behind the carriage. About four miles from the village the boy overtook C.J. HARRIS of Bethany and inquired of him if he was on the road to Rochester. Mr. HARRIS's suspicions were aroused, and telling the lad to follow him they drove to the next house on the road, that of John BENNINGTON's, and to him Mr. HARRIS related his belief that the horse belonged to Mrs. CONE. The boy was closely questioned and said that his father bought the horse a few weeks ago and gave it to him. He said he had driven from Lockport to Batavia, bringing an aunt here to visit relatives, and was on his way home in Rochester. The men thought the story a simple one, and taking charge of the rig, returned to this village, and gave the lad in charge of the officers. To Justice JOHNSON the boy told that his name was Charles GREEN and that he lived on Jay street in Rochester with his parents. He said he was twelve years old. His father, he said, is Joseph GREEN, an engineer on the State Line railroad. He was sent to jail. This morning he was arraigned and in conversation with Mrs. and Miss CONE admitted the theft. He is a bright appearing boy, not poorly dressed, and what induced him to leave his home is a mystery. The justice remanded him to jail, and has communicated with his parents. He will be disposed of to-morrow, probably. * submitted by Linda C. Schmidt *********************************************

I have been transcribing the parish registers of Christ Church, Episcopal, in Ballston Spa, and found a marriage which pertains to Genesee County. 1845. Mar. 4. Benjamin R. Backus of Darien, Genesee Co. NY to Eliza Clark of Ballston Spa. 1844. Jan. 1. Charles Oscar Benedict of Batavia to Hannah Mary Frost of Saratoga Springs. Hope this helps someone. Sarah in Soggy Texas

The Daily News Batavia, Genesee County, New York State July 1-1882 The Morgan Monument. The Foundation Laid - Description of the Statue. Preparations have already been commenced in the old Cemetery for the erection of the monument, to be unveiled next September, to the memory of William MORGAN. A deep excavation has been made on the lot, which has been filled with a substantial foundation of solid masonry, upon which the granite pedestal will stand. The bronze statue of Morgan, which is to surmount the pedestal is thus described by the New York Tribune: "The memory of old-time politicians will be revived shortly in Western New York by the erection at Batavia of a statue of William MORGAN, the assailant of Free Masonry. A.C. VREEDENBURGH, a sculptor of Kingston has just finished a model of the statue. The model, which is only three feet in height, will be sent to Vermont to be cut in granite in heroic size. It represents Morgan standing firmly erect, with is right leg advanced and his knee slightly bent, the weight of the figure resting on the left foot. The body is gracefully outlined by the close-fitting coat; the right arm bent, the hand resting in the buttoned coat, while the left arm hangs naturally at the side, with its hand grasping a scroll. The pose of the head is good. A countenance indicating frankness and openness is crowned by a large forehead. The nose is aqualine, the lips thin and somewhat pressed, and the chin large. *** submitted by Linda C. Schmidt *********************************************

Good Morning: I have a Grandmother born at Erie, Genesee County, New York in 1842. Could anyone tell me if birth certificates can be obtained for that year and if so, how to go about doing it? Thanks, Florence

Daily News Batavia, Genesee County, New York State Tuesday, August 7-1883 Price, One Cent Lost Letters Found. Reaching Batavia After Long Rides in a Postal Car. The following communication, which is in a measure self explanatory, was received at the Batavia postoffice this morning. It is from Superintendent of the Second Division of the Railway mail Service: P.M. Batavia, Sir:--In regard to the enclosed four letters for delivery at your office please explain to the addressee that they were recently found in tearing out the fittings of an old mail car, they having fallen out of sight unnoticed in a crevice. It is very much regretted that this serious delay should have occurred. Respectfully, R.C. JACKSON, Supt. Four letters in time stained envelopes bearing evidences of water and dust were inclosed with the official's communication. One was addressed to a former rector of St. James' church, or his wife, who now reside in Portland, Oregon, as follows: Rev'd George F. PLUMMER, or Mrs. PLUMMER, Batavia, Western New York. The postmark is very indistinct, but the first three letters of the post place are "Lan". Presumably it was mailed at Lancaster. Another is addressed to a well known resident of Batavia, now deceased: Elias FOOT, Esq., Batavia, Wyoming Co., N.Y. The postmark is "Perry, N.Y., Dec. 5, 1865." Another is addressed: Miss Augusta McNAIR, Mrs. Bryan's Seminary, Batavia, N.Y. It was mailed at Geneseo, March 8, 1865. The address on the fourth is somewhat obliterated, but by close observation it can be read, as below: Miss Margaret Win-s Batavia, N.Y. Care R.O. HOLDEN. The stamp is canceled in handwriting: "Bennington, March 10--68." Three of the stamps are of the same issue, old fashioned ones, with the head of Washington upon them. The other is of a later issue, a square green stamp, upon which is a train of cars. The letters were found in an old Erie railway postal car that ran over this division of the road between Buffalo and Corning. As the Superintendent writes, the car was recently overhauled and, it having been loosely constructed about the mail boxes, the letters dropped between the boards and were lost to sight. Their recovery at this late day makes them quite a curiosity. So far as known only one of the parties addressed is dead, and Deputy Postmaster FERREN will make an effort to forward the other letters to their rightful owners. *** Brick for Sale. Hard and soft brick for sale at the Brick Yard on Howard Street, which will be delivered in large or small quantities, to suit purchaser. Orders may be left at the Lumber Office of Howard & Company, on Evans St. *** Current Events in Le Roy. The Coming Catholic Fair, the Salt Works and Other Matters. Father VANDERPOEL desires us to state that a watch has been donated to the coming Catholic fair, but not by Mr. MALONEY, as was erroneously reported; also a pair of gold bracelets and a White sewing machine. The trustees of the church held a meeting and decided upon Mr. M. MURNAN, pressman of the Times office, and Mr. D. SWEENEY, of Prentice's mills, as being two very popular young men to be voted for, the one having the highest number of votes to receive the watch, while the other two presents will go to the more gentle sex, to be hereafter named. Great preparations are being made for the event, and a good time may be expected from the 13th to the 17th of the present month. The LeRoy salt field was visited yesterday by seven gentlemen from Geneseo and vicinity, who came to see the progress made, and to inquire into the method by which the LeRoy company expect to manufacture salt. After a thorough inspection they were positive that LeRoy was in earnest with her salt boom, and seemed satisfied that our method is one of the best to be found. They also made a visit to Warsaw, and will profit by what they learned in this region, in the manufacture of their own salt, the buildings for which will soon be erected. The band rendered some choice music Saturday evening, and were handsomely entertained by mine host, Mr. and Mrs. COCHRAN of the Lampson House, for which they extend thanks. A little agitation on the subject of a band stand, might result in something substantial if a subscription paper in the hands of the proper persons was circulated. LeRoy shouldn't be behind other smaller towns in a matter like this. The open air concerts by the band are largely appreciated. The remains of Mrs. Washington WARD were buried in Machpelah cemetery to-day. She died on Sunday afternoon at 1 o'clock of dropsy, after several years of suffering. She was very well known and respected, having resided in LeRoy for thirty-three years. She was formerly a Bergen lady, nee Caroline SMITH, and her age was 73 years and 3 months. The funeral services were conducted by Revs. TOTHEROH and DEAN. Numerous applications are being made for admissions to Ingham for the coming year, which commences September 6th. The number now exceeds seventy-five, and there is a good prospect of many more. Every inducement will be held out to scholars from abroad, and there is no doubt that the coming year will be Ingham's most prosperous one for a long time. Mr. William BECKWITH, who some fourteen years ago was connected with the firm of Carpenter & Bixby, has been in town for a few days calling on old acquaintances. submitted by Linda C. Schmidt *********************************************

The Daily News Batavia, Genesee County, New York State February 5-1881 -cont'd.- Batavia's Beauties, And Their Numerous Attractions. Exclusively for Our Lady Readers, Which We Trust They Will Peruse with Care. (cont'd.) LAY, Charles M.-Is the society pet of Batavia. Tall, magnificent form, straight dark hair, black eyes that make the girls' hearts flutter, and a black, slightly curling moustache, and an excellent dancer; age about 28. His every movement indicates grace and dignity. He is head clerk in the large dry goods establishment of R.O. HOLDEN & Son and has the entire supervision of trimming their large show windows, in which work his taste cannot be excelled. Taking all into consideration, Charles is the most popular young man in town with both the girls and boys. Now girls, here is a great catch for you. LOOMIS, John-At present is clerk in the First National Bank, but hopes at some future day to be president. Has a great faculty of catching on to all the latest songs. Is inclined to be bashful, but is gradually improving in that respect. Is about five feet nine, and a brunette; aged 22. McLEAN, Louis-Aged 26. A heavy weight, but fine form, of medium height, iron grey hair, blue eyes and a handsome nose. The girls say he is a duck and that they can't make any impression on him. He will always "call" a needy friend to his side and was never known to "pass" the poor when he had a "full" purse. "Scotch" is a nice boy and is very popular. He is a bank clerk, and stops at the St. James. MILLER, A.T.-Another bank clerk, black hair combed straight back. The girls think him a darling. Has pretty eyes and is fond of ladies' society. Age 19. McWAIN, A.J.-The local pages of the 'Batavian' bear witness to the ability, good taste and energy of this commendable young gentleman. Dark hair and eyes, slim and graceful, with a frank, open countenance upon which is depicted lots of fun and mischief. Somewhat capricious in his tastes for the fair sex. Full of good natured combativeness. He is sure to win an enviable distinction in the ranks of journalism. Age 20. McCANN, Will-Blonde, aged about 25, and carries a small but handsome figure. Dresses with elegance and taste. Dresses with elegance and taste. The girls all go into raptures over him, but we believe his heart is still free; however if we are misinformed we shall be glad at any time to correct it in our columns. He jerks calico in the dry goods store of E.N. STONE, and we doubt not that Mr. STONE owes the most of the fair ones' trade to the captivating manners of his efficient clerk. O'CONNOR, E.-Is a thorough going business fellow. Not married but ought to be. Is also of the opinion that HANCOCK ought to have been elected. Drives a fast horse. Not bad looking and would make a good catch. PERFIELD, Tom-Another member of the bar (St. James), has any amount of friends and always greets them with a smile. Good looking, handsome moustache, and wherever he goes always leaves a good impression. Would make a girl a good man, but he man(ages) to avoid their society as much as possible. We are informed by Mr. PERFIELD that his marriage will take place at an early date. PAGE, Onis-Tall and slim, quite good looking; by occupation a dry goods clerk. Good base singer, and never does anything base. Boards at the European, and has lots of fun. Age 29. PAGE, Frank-Now here we have a splendid fellow. Blonde, medium height, blue eyes, and just the nicest little moustache you ever saw. Frank handles the cue in a pretty manner, and can do the swell act in the finest way. "Donk," as he is commonly called, is a great ladies' man, and from appearances he is in a fair way to give up his bachelor quarters. TYRRELL, Will-Somewhat quiet. He is familiarly known as "Bob," and is chuck full of dry wit and humor. His laugh comes right from the heart. Has a light moustache and is about 21 years of age. WORTHINGTON, Gad-Jolly and full of fun. Is the life of the party and an excellent singer. Blonde and of medium size. Aged about 25. He should have a wife by all means. WOOD, Will-Painter by trade and leads in his profession. Somewhat bashful in female society, but is quite the reverse with the opposite sex. Plays in the band, and seems to enjoy it. Will probably not marry for some time to come. Age, 26. WOOD, Frank S.-A catch because he can be depended upon and the girls are not slow in seeing it. He is about medium height, and straight as an arrow. Black hair and eyes, and a nice little brown moustache. There is no young man in town we know of who is better situated, both in business and financially than Frank. He is a deep thinker and says but little. Age about 25. YOUNG, Webster-The handsomest man in town, is a real swell, but don't part his hair in the middle. Just about right size and graceful form. Brunette, fine black eyes and a lovely moustache. He is a New Yorker, and is here assisting his brother managing "The Cottage." Steals all the girls hearts but don't seem to know it. Is a fine conversationalist, aged 30. YOUNG, James-Handsome as a picture and a great society man. Sets a bad example to all the young men in living a bachelor life. Clutch him girls! Is ticket agent of the Erie road, tall, black hair and eyes, a daisy of a moustache and aged about 35. "Jim" is always on hand at parties, and when he does his specialty acts never fails to elicit rounds of applause. *** Pigeon Match. A match shoot at pigeons to-day between H.C. FISH and Wm. TUTTLE ended in favor of Mr. TUTTLE. Mr. TUTTLE took his birds easily, and won the favor of the party, although pools sold against him. Mr. FISH now challenges any amateur in Buffalo or Batavia for $25. *** Small-Pox Panic. Chicago, Feb. 4.-The many cases of small-pox in the County Poor-House at Jefferson caused a sensation here. Near the Poor-House stands the Insane Asylum. The inmates of both institutions number 1,300. *** Personals. C.J. FERRIN has returned from Washington where he has been for the past week or two. E.N. STONE left yesterday afternoon for Chicago, on a business trip. J.L. FOSTER leaves Monday on an extended business trip through the Western and Southern States. *** The new shoe store in the Walker block is the place for good goods and low prices. submitted by Linda C. Schmidt *********************************************

Batavia Daily News Feb. 5, 1898 Mr. Maybee All right Ex-Poormaster Griffis's Opinion of His Labors Syracuse Man Has found Good Homes for Three Batavia Children at Compaaratively Small Expense-Placed on Child in a Good Home in This Village "From what I know personally about the Rev. W. Jarvis Maybee of Syracuse, State Superintendent of the National Children's Home Society, and his methods of work" said ex-Poormaster Griffis of Batavia, "I believe him to be all right and consider that the work which he is doing is a grand one. Many boys and girls have good homes and are being properly educated today, who woud be living in filth and squalor with immoral surroundings but for Mr. Maybee's efforts in their behalf. To be sure he asks for and received compensation for such services, but it is no more than he is entitled to. He is a laborer who is worth of his hire in the fullest sense of the expression. "Two years ago last summer, as Poormaster of Batavia, I engaged Mr. Maybee to find homes for the two Palmer children of Batavia, a boy and a girl, aged between four and seven years, whose mother had deserted them and whose father was unable to support them. I know that he placed them in very desirable homes. I paid him $50 for placing the two children and it was the cheapest thing for the town that could have been done. Another case was where Mrs. Stevens, a deserted wife, died, leaving an infant. Mr. Maybee took the child and found a home for it and made no charge whatever for the service. "I know that when Mr. Maybee took children he invariably informed the relatives they would be given no information whatever in regard to the whereabouts of the children after they had been placed in homes and I think that it is perfectly proper. People who adopt children don't want relatives following them. Mr. Maybee always makes it a point to find homes for children in families that are able to support them and where the suroundings will be entirely satisfactory." Syracuse papers say that in his statement in regard to where he had placed certain children Mr. Maybee said that he found a desireable home for Edith or Hazel Vader in Batavia. Hazel Vader, who was then 2 1/2 years of age, was adopted on Oct. 21, 1895, by Letter-Carrier Ira Howe. She was delivered into his custody by James H. Meaghler, Superintendent of the Poor in Syracuse, who stated that she had been deserted by her parents and had been a charge on the city of Syracuse for two years. SYRACUSE Feb. 5-Grace Lamphere, the 12 year old daughter of Herbert Lamphere of Herkimer, was restored to her father yesterday. Two years ago the Rev. W. Jarvis Maybee of this city took the girl from her father, agreeing to find a good home for her. Mr. Maybee took heer into his own family as a servant, it is claimed and has not allowed her to go to school.

The Daily News Batavia, Genesee County, New York State Saturday evening, February 5-1881 Batavia's Beauties, And Their Numerous Attractions. Exclusively for Our Lady Readers, Which We Trust They Will Peruse with Care. Emulating the example of a neighboring city, the News presents to its readers a list of the chief masculine attractions of this most attractive of towns. The list comprises many eligible and marriageable young men, an array of which we may all justly be proud. Behold and read: ANDREWS, Willis J.-Commonly called "Billy;" is of medium height, with black hair and eyes; wears a beautiful moustache, that he is justly proud of; it is on exhibition every day at the St. James billiard room. He is particularly fond of the ladies and drives the nobblest team in town. Billiards is his strong hold. Aged 20. AUSTIN, C.B.-Better known as "Skip," is another one of Batavia's nice young men. Would look younger if he was not somewhat bald; is a blonde and it cannot be said ever parts his hair in the middle. Clad is one of the shining lights of the Alert hose company and whenever there is a fire is always up-stairs in bed. Age about 23. BROWN, Albert.-Rather inclined to be a blonde; medium height and is called good looking. Goes out of town occasionally on short trips; is fond of dancing and is reported to be engaged. He is C.M. BOSWORTH's right hand man. Aged 20. BERGMAN, M.-A very estimable young man; good looking, and when he laughs displays an elegant set of teeth; wears diamonds and a heavy gold watch. Report says he is soon to enter the matrimonial harness. Age 24. BIERCE, Manley-Another good fellow, aged about 21; tall, and some of the girls say fine looking; takes in all the parties and is a good dancer. Something dark is appearing on his upper lip, but don't know what it is; is head clerk in his father's dry goods store. CLARK, Arthur-Handsome, and is very much sought after in society. Dark, black eyes, and rather tall. His friends are always greeted with a pleasant smile, and it does a person good to hear his hearty laugh. Arthur is located in the law office of Wm.C. WATSON and can truly be called a legal Adonis. He is considered a great catch, and the girls are wondering why he is holding back. DONOHUE, John-Cuts calico at the store of E.N. STONE; admires good looking girls and is quite popular with old women; John was working hard for a certain government job during the fall campaign, but like Hancock, "got left." Talks Land League loudly; is quite healthy and weighs "329" pounds. DUNCAN, James-Another calico clipper; has a clergical way about him; wears a nice black moustache; never says much, but thinks a great deal. Likes to go to the opera and always seems to enjoy it. Taken altogether is a tiptop good fellow. Age about 23. EAGAR, W.T.-Aged 21; is dark and weighs 141 pounds. He has a great many friends and would make a good ladies' man, but we are afraid is a little shy. Wears no whiskers, but at the present time is looking anxiously for a moustache. FERREN, Henry C.-Is a genius and takes the lead in musical circles. He is a member of the Presbyterian church choir, and the most successful opera house manager that Batavia has ever had. Harry is bound to make the public his friend by his untiring efforts in their behalf. He is about 5 feet 7 inches in height; dark hair, blue eyes and dark brown moustache. Age 22. Is a great society man. FOX, Will-Is a nice young man; painter by trade and does a good business; wears a nice light ulster and is quite a dandy boy. Aged about 24; black hair and eyes, moustache, and nicely proportioned. Ranks second as a billiard player. Goes out of town often. Great musical ability. FISH, Henry C.-First Lieutenant of the 14th Sep. Co., N.G.S. N.Y., and is the best appearing man in the company. What Henry don't known about military matters is not worth knowing. Black hair and eyes, and wears a full black beard; is about 5 feet 11 inches in height; and is 38 years of age; takes the lead in all sporting matters and is a splendid shot; has a match shoot on hand with Wm. TUTTLE, another of our sportsmen, for $100 a side--ten birds. Has the most stylish reversible ulster in town. Should get married. GRANT, Will-Came here from Byron, and clerks for R.O. HOLDEN, is well liked by all who know him. Has recently raised a moustache, and now presents a manly appearance. Age 22, "Go for him girls." HAY, Howard-Has always gone by the name of "Monk." Is a hale fellow, never gets mad, and the boys think him a "deuced" good fellow. Not a bit shy, age about 20. HAMILTON, John M.-Short in statute, dark, has curly hair and is a candidate for Chief Engineer. Is a remarkable funny man and throws his shots right and left regardless of who they hit, he affords much amusement. Belongs to the Alert Hose Company, and is called "Hacker" by his most intimate friends. Puts on lots of style, and is a successful business man. His age is unknown. Is now raising a moustache which requires considerable nursing. KEMP, B. George-In height is about 6 feet, dark brown hair and black eyes. Is a model of elegance and grace, is pronounced by the girls as "just too lovely for anything." The moustache is George's pride, and it is a beauty, too. He is studying for the legal profession and will no doubt prove a valuable acquisition to the ranks. George is a general favorite among the boys as well as the girls. Will make a good husband for the fortunate one. Aged about 24. KINSEY, Russell L.-Pen cannot do justice to him. Brown hair and eyes, finely formed nose and beautiful complexion. He is 5 feet 9 in height and weighs about 150 pounds. Loves all the girls. Is a great sportsman and a good judge of horse-flesh. The girls are all after him, and he is a favorite with the boys. KING, Clarence M.-Is advance and press agent of the Bohemian Glass Blowers. Been here a week, during which time he has ingratiated himself in the good graces of all our citizens. He is a King amongst men. Hair slightly tinged with gray, wears burnsides, and all in all is quite handsome. Leaves for Canandaigua next Monday. Sorry to part with him, but he must go. Age about 30. - to be continued - submitted by Linda C. Schmidt *********************************************

Daily News Batavia, Genesee County, New York State October 4-1881 Is it Murder or Suicide? A Mysterious Tragedy in Orleans County Yesterday an associated press dispatch from Albion was printed in The News, stating that Nellie WRIGHT, a young woman, had been found drowned in the canal at that place, and intimating that there was foul play. The body was discovered Sunday morning by a boatman and promptly recovered and removed to a vacant house, where the coroner's jury viewed it. After inspecting the remains the jurors adjourned the inquest to yesterday morning, to enable the coroner to make an autopsy of the body. A careful examination of the remains, however, says the Rochester Democrat, gave two or three clues to the identity of the still handsome form and features fixed in death. On one of the young woman's fingers there was a heavy plain gold ring. This was removed and it was found that its interior surface was marked with the letters "F.H. to N.W." The discovery of these initials stimulated further search--The cheap black dress which covered the body was discovered to be on back-side before, with several of the buttons pulled off. Strangely enough the only other clothing she had on was a chemise, a pair of stockings and a skirt. There was a long, deep gash through the scalp, extending back through the top-center of the head to a point near one of the ears, in such shape as to peel back and lay the scalp open. Then there was a bruise over one of the eyes and an abrasion on the nose. With these observations it was remembered by the examiners that blood had flowed from one of the ears when the corpse was removed from the water--an almost unheard of thing in bodies drowned, ordinarily--and that some blood was noticed to have escaped at the nose. This, in view of the fresh appearance of the corpse, warranted careful investigation Two letters were found sewed in the dress pocket, one addressed to her father, "Mr. James WRIGHT, Millville, Orleans county, N.Y.," and marked "send this to father," and the other to her mother, "Mrs. Sarah WRIGHT," and marked in the same manner. They were quite similar in character, each explaining the purpose of the writer to commit suicide by poisoning herself, because of the faithlessness and the wrongs done her by Fred HOPKINS, a young farmer with whom she had been too intimate for some time. After this there was no difficulty in identifying the corpse as that of Miss Nellie WRIGHT whose parents reside in Millville, seven miles west of Albion, and whose father runs a threshing machine and labors on a farm. Once identified, they who saw poor, dead Nellie recalled some of the last sad and bad facts of her life, with which most of the people in and around Albion were conversant. She was twenty years old, and the most comely in form and features of all the eight daughters among whom she was numbered. Poor and illiterate, she had been compelled at an early age to work out as a domestic servant. While thus away from home and those who would have guarded her from harm, she became enamored of one Fred. A. HOPKINS, a married man, son of Farmer Frank HOPKINS, whose splendid place is situated a short distance to the south and east of Albion. Young HOPKINS, though he had a wife and son, became very attentive to Nellie, and subsequently very intimate with her--so much so as to cause a separation between himself and wife. Since then Fred HOPKINS, who is now over thirty years of age, and whose son is almost a young man, has been commonly known in and around Albion as a fellow who was frequently maintaining shameful relations with the brown-haired and dark-eyed girl. In fact one of his last and most important admissions is to the effect that as late as Thursday night last week the young woman slept with him in his otherwise unoccupied house, just west of his father's dwelling. Upon the strength of these discoveries, HOPKINS was arrested, charged with the murder of the young woman whom, he says, he thought more of than any girl living. He was taken to jail. He was quite calm when arrested and at first did not ask with what he was charged, but finally did, and in speaking of the affair protested his innocence. One day last week the girl bought a quantity of strychnine of a druggist in Albion, saying she wanted to poison rats. The physicians' examination found traces of the poison in her stomach. It was also discovered that she had been enciente for about twenty to thirty days before her death. The case is certainly a very mysterious one and the investigation of it will have to be searching to clearly establish the facts. The case is not entirely unlike the celebrated Jennie CRAMER case of New Haven, and is exciting a great deal of interest and attention in the vicinity of Albion. Its progress will be closely watched. *** submitted by Linda C. Schmidt *********************************************

Batavia Daily News 28 Sept. 1895 Deserted by Parents they arre turned over to an organized Society: Poormaster Griffis has turned a girl aged 8 years and a boy aged 6 years over to Rev. W. J. Maybee of Syracuse, State agent for the National Children's Home Society. The little ones are the children of james palmer, a former resident of Batavia and an employee of the Central road, whose wife, Hattie, ran away from their home on Sept. 13, 1893. Mrs. Palmer took her 4 mo. old daughter with her, but left the two other children. Palmeer entrusted the children to the care of his wife's mother, Mrs. Nancy Hess of Batavia, agreeing to pay their board. He has failed to pay up for a long time and as his present whereabouts is unknown Mrs. Hess turned the children over to Poormaster Griffis unable to care for them herself. The children are : Harriet Loretta Palmer b. 30 June 1888 Batavia. She is the great grandmother of my children and is accounted for. She was brought to Canajoharie, Montgomery Co.NY before 1900; in 1900 she is in T/ Palatine, Montgomery Co. and married age 16 to Alexander Saltsman. Bertram Palmer was b. 25 Mar. 1890. He disappeared and was likely adopted. It was learned that he was a career Navy man who never married and was on shore duty in Hawaii in 1942. Not proven. Edith Mae Palmer b. 15 Jan. 1893 Batavia. She is alive 23 July 1958 when she filed for her Social Security benefits in Batavia. This is the daughter that her mother took with her when she disappeared. The mother has never been found. In Edith's SS application she said that she is was Edith Mae Palmer aka Gibbs. The mother's maiden name was Gibbs and the child probably took this surname. I cannot locate Edith Mae after the 1958 date. In a later email I'll give more information re Rev. Maybee taken from the Batavia Daily News. Deanna Smith

Progressive Batavian Batavia, Genesee County, New York State September 10-1875 -cont'd.- East Pembroke.-What We See and Hear.- As we go west on the old Buffalo road we see that ground is broken, and that enterprising builder, Mr. D.H. GORHAM, of East Pembroke, has contracted to erect a church for the society of Friends at Bushville. As we go about one mile west we come to the beautiful residence of John PARSONS', surrounded by its acres of small fruits, such as strawberries, raspberries, tomatoes, &c., and we see that Mr. PARSONS has erected a building for steaming and canning the different kinds of fruit that he cultivates. Passing on west about three miles, we come to the beautiful village of East Pembroke, and we see two of the finest looking churches in Western New York. We see that James H. COVERT is renovating and painting his store on the inside. We see that the store occupied for forty-three years by the late Geo. W. WRIGHT is undergoing a thorough repairing inside and out, and is now looking better than it has in 30 years. We hear that J.T. ARNOLD is about to remove his stock of goods into the WRIGHT store, the store that he erected some five years ago, being too small for his rapidly increasing business. We hear that he has rented his old store to Mr. E. SEAMANS. We see that Dr. L. B. PARMLE has erected a very neat drug store, and filled it with drugs, wines and liquors, for medical purposes. We hear that the trustees of Rural Seminary have secured the services of Andrew E. WARNER, of Chester, Conn., as Principal. We hear that the fall term is to commence Sept. 13. We hear that the Good Templars of East Pembroke are a very benevolent institution--they assisted Mr. Nathan PECK, not a member of the order, to four dollars in cash. We hear that the cheese factory is doing a good business this summer. We hear that the Baptist church and society have secured the services of the Rev. Dr. BURROUGHS, of LaGrange, as pastor of their church. *** submitted by Linda C. Schmidt *********************************************

Progressive Batavian Batavia, Genesee County, New York State September 10-1875 -cont'd.- Elba.- Mrs. LEONETTO, the Indian doctress, is doing quite a thriving business here. Many diseases of long standing are readily yielding to her medicine. H. HOFFMAN, the great apple merchant in this section, is again going the rounds in search of fruit. He has already purchased several orchards of fine fruit. Rev. E.A. WHEAT and family are at present stopping in the southern counties of the State, attending to conferences and other business. The barrel trade is again reviving. Messrs.J.A. STAPLES & Co. are now employing four men manufacturing the same. The firm of FRENCH & RUGG are also pushing the same business with vigor. Russell CROSBY has moved into the house recently occupied by Mrs. D. BARTHOLOMEW. Miss E.K. BUELL has resigned her position as teacher in our school, to accept a like position in the Union School of Batavia. The farmers about here are busily engaged in sowing their winter wheat, of which the acreage is about as large as usual. Mr. Wm. RITTER, of the firm of Brockway & Ritter, has been quite sick of late, but is now on the improve. Mr. J.H. YATES, of Batavia, addressed the congregation of the Presbyterian society on Sabbath last, in the absence of the pastor. *** Corfu.- Now the voice of the festive hop picker is heard in the land. Duck shooting is now in order. To the front, ye sportive Nimrods. Miss Katie PORTER has gone to Middletown to attend school. Curtis WHITTLESEY has the tastiest residence in town. Mr. J.H. YATES of your place preached to an appreciative audience last Sunday, vice Rev. DODD, absent. Mr. YATES preaches here again on Sunday next, 12th inst. School closed on Friday last. Miss FINN in the higher department, and Cora BURNHAM in the primary, have given good satisfaction. The Stars of E. Pembroke played a match game with a scrub nine here on Wednesday last, and "scooped 'em." The batting of the Corfu boys was weak and their fielding poor. Not having made a match this season, they were all of practice. The catching of WINANS and fielding of McCORMICK was good. Only 7 innings were played. Score 42 to 11 in favor of Stars. The picnic has come and gone and yet we are not happy. Expectation had been wrought up to a high pitch, but it failed to "pan out." It was given out that there would be a union picnic, and at an early hour on Wednesday morning the pleasure seekers began to assemble. At 10 o'clock, headed by a "chin band," (the brass band came up subsequently in a wagon,) the procession marched to the grove of Mrs. REID. Arriving here, it was plain to the most casual observer that an "irrepressible conflict": was raging. Doubtless they believed, and endeavored to illustrate by example, that "distance lends enchantment," for instead of uniting they seemed bent on getting as far remote from each other as possible. It was an exemplification of the old proverb, that "too many cooks spoil the broth," and although Rev. PETERS directed his people to move their tables into closer proximity to their Methodist brethren, it was at best only a mixture and not a union. Would it not be better if, in spirit, they were more like Him who said: "Yet another commandment give I unto you, that ye love one another?" *** Darien.-Since my last epistle all nature seems to have undergone a change. The hot, parching atmosphere has given place to cool, refreshing breezes, and frequent showers have blessed the dry earth and stimulated vegetation. The spirit of enterprise has not left us. Mr. A. HOLMES is making extensive repairs on his house, and when completed there will be a few more pleasant residences in town. Warren SAWTELL has had his house remodeled and repainted, to the great improvement of its appearance and convenience. Geo. STRONG has re-arranged his old barn, and is making preparations to build a new one in addition. Henry VANDEBOGART, our popular grocer, has found it necessary, because of his increasing business, to enlarge his store. *** Great Robbery at Hermitage, Wyoming County. On Friday night last, a daring and successful robbery was perpetrated at Hermitage, Wyoming county. The victim of this robbery is Mr. James L. BLODGETT, Postmaster at Hermitage. He is a bachelor, and only his aged mother, a woman of some 80 years, resides in the house with him. He is a wealthy man and a money lender, and it was generally known he usually kept considerable money in his safe. On Friday night he had retired to bed, as usual, and the first intimation he had of anything wrong was the flashing of a light in his face, and a voice exclaiming "here he is." Immediately two powerful men rushed upon him and seized him before he could rise up, much less reach his pistols. He struggled fiercely to release himself, and in so doing tore the covering from the face of one of the robbers, so that he caught a sight of the man's features, by which he thinks he would be able to recognize him. Finally they got a sheet around his neck and choked him to a condition of insensibility. Then they gagged him with a piece of wood, handling him so roughly as to knock out two of his teeth, and procuring a clothes line from the yard, bound him fast to the bedstead. The desperadoes numbered three, inside the house, and Mrs. BLODGETT< who was up and saw the whole performance of breaking and rifling the safe, says she saw, also, another one outside keeping watch. The rascals said to Mrs. BLODGETT, with a pistol exhibition by way of emphasis, "Mother, we don't want to hurt you, but you must keep quiet," and she dared not do otherwise. After securing Mr. BLODGETT, two of them stood guard while the other broke open the safe with a sledge and abstracted therefrom $10,000 or $12,000 in currency. None of the bonds which the safe contained were taken. After completing their work of rifling the safe they asked Mrs. BLODGETT for something to eat, and she directed them to the pantry, from which they obtained a hearty lunch. They then ordered Mrs. B. into her bedroom, and getting a long scantling, they braced it against the door so as effectually to fasten her in, and then took their departure. Going to the barn of Rev. Mr. HORTON a Baptist minister, residing not far distant, they appropriated his horse and buggy to aid them in their escape. After driving about five miles the vehicle broke down, and they abandoned it. After considerable difficulty Mr. BLODGETT loosed himself, and he then lost no time in calling out the neighbors, but the thieves had made good their escape in the darkness. He offers a thousand dollars reward for their capture, and we understand Mr. H. BLODGETT, of Pike, Wyoming county, a brother of James, and who is partner in the loss, offers another thousand for the same purpose. *** submitted by Linda C. Schmidt *********************************************

Progressive Batavian Batavia, Genesee County, New York State September 10-1875 Local Record. Our 'Times' neighbor is suffering again from worm colic. Oats find a very ready market at 35 to 38 cents per bushel. Montgomery Queen's great show will be in Batavia on Wednesday next, 15th inst. Barley is coming to market quite freely at one dollar per bushel--for the six-rowed variety. Horace GIBBS, formerly resident here and father of Lovel and H.D. GIBBS, died at Salt Lake City, Aug. 18th, aged 88 years. Annular Eclipse.-An annular eclipse of the sun, visible here if you see it, will occur on Wednesday morning, 29th inst. The show will end at 7 o'clock a.m. Two large loads of summer complaint, and sich, in the shape of watermelons, were retailed in our streets on Tuesday last. They came from Ridgeway, Niagara co. Potatoes.-Mr. Henry IVES tells us that in his estimation the potato crop will not be so large as has been anticipated--the yield does not nearly equal the promise. Street Grading-Isn't it about time there was some established grade for our streets and sidewalks, or are we to go on turnpiking and sidewalk raising forever? Batavia Union School commenced its fall term on Monday last and has already 370 pupils--by far the largest number ever registered in the first week of a fall term. The Fall School Term at the Institute for the Blind commenced Thursday, 9th inst. About 100 pupils have already arrived, and more are coming with every train. Come out to the Fair on Wednesday and Thursday next, 15th and 16th insts. There are indications that it will be one of the most interesting and successful ever held in the county. The Removal of the fence in front of the Institute for the Blind, and the improvements made on streets and park adjoining, have greatly added to the beauty of the Institute grounds. Quite a religious interest is manifested in the Wortendyke neighborhood. At a meeting held in the schoolhouse there by Rev. J.E. BILLS on Sunday afternoon last, four persons rose for prayers. Nearly Drowned--A little child of Mr. UTRICH, on State street, fell into a cistern on Saturday morning last, and was nearly drowned. Mrs. DUFFY, a near neighbor, discovered and rescued the child. Hop Picking is now the order of the day at C.D. LANE's. He has about 130 pickers and helpers employed; and there is now much gal-vanic attraction in his hop field. The hop yield promises to be good. Lost His Hand-While threshing in the barn of Elisha WINANS of Darien, on Monday last, a man named Wm. WADE's hand cut off by being caught in the gearing of the machine. Dr. RENO of Corfu dressed the wound. Miss THRALL's excellent school commences its fall term on Monday next, 13th inst. The indications are that the attendance will be large. Miss THRALL's well known capabilities and success as an educator crowds her schools. Some Twenty-Four, or more, thousand bushels of potatoes have been purchased this fall for shipment by our Batavia dealers. Most of them have been purchased at 30 cts per bushel, but dealers are only paying about 20 cts now. Peach Festival-The ladies of the Union Christian Society of Stafford will hold a Peach Festival for the benefit of their bell fund, at the church in Morganville, on Tuesday evening, Sept. 14th. Tickets of admission 25 cents, and good at the table for that amount. Brisk Old Man.-At Portage Bridge, the other day, Mr. Eli PECKHAM, of Pembroke, over eighty years of age, was traveling around as brisk as any of 'em. Among other feats he walked down and up the long stairway on the east bank-a feat which many of the younger men declined to perform. Died in Kansas.-The numerous friends and acquaintances of John B. FISHER, son of R.S. FISHER, of Pembroke, will regret to learn that he died at Garnet, Anderson Co., Kansas, on Thursday, 26th ult., of bilious fever. Mr. FISHER was about 31 years of age. He was a resident of this county until about two years ago. During the war he was a soldier, enlisting in the 2d N.Y. Mounted Rifles, and serving until the close of the war. Neighboring Counties. There are six Sunday papers in Buffalo. A new railroad depot rejoices the Albion citizens. Medina has shipped 25,000 tons of stone this season. Coal is sold in Warsaw, Wyoming county, at $6.50 per ton. Balcony entertainments are becoming popular in Brockport. The Hornellsville Town Fair will be held Sept. 15th and 16th. The Warsaw Water Works have declared a dividend of 3 1/2 per cent. The Middleport 'Mail' reports potatoes rotting in some places in Niagara Co. Clement of the Geneseo 'Republican' is sick of fever. We wish him a speedy recovery. A $60,000 Episcopal church and a $70,000 Presbyterian church are under way in Bath. The New York and Erie Bank, at Buffalo, has closed its doors and a receiver is to be appointed. The Attica 'News' is after the Tonawanda Valley Agricultural Society managers with "hot blocks." The large flouring mill of the Shakers at Sonyea, Livingston county, was destroyed by fire a few nights since. The Orleans 'Republican' says: Thousands of pigeons are being caught on the farms of B.B. HERRICK and C.C. EVERETT in Barre. The 'Herald' says Messrs. J.C. CAMERON & Co., of Tonawanda, are filling a bill of 400,000 feet of dressed lumber to go to Australia. James BURNSIDE, aged 45, who resided in the "Conrad Settlement," Cattaraugus Co., was struck by lightning, a few days since, and instantly killed. On one acre and thirty rods of land Mr. Geo. FRIDD, of Geneseo, raised this year 48 bushels of pease--and thinks it a big yield. What say our farmers? The tickledest editor in Western N. Y., is FERREN of the Cattaraugus 'Republican.' It's a boy and weighs eight pounds--every ounce Republican. Here, FERREN, a shake. The Cuba House and barns, at Cuba, Allegany Co., were consumed by fire on Saturday morning last. It is reported that one man perished in the fire. A number of horses were also burned. A shocking case of baby farming has been brought to light in Rochester. A woman admits that three out of four babies brought to her to board have died within five weeks. She says they are taken from their mothers so young they cannot be expected to live. A woman in Canandaigua--Mrs. SULLIVAN--was in the habit of walking in her sleep. On a recent night she arose in a somnambulistic state, stepped out of a second story window, and was precipitated to the ground -- receiving injuries which resulted in death. The Orleans 'Republican' states on the authority of the contractors, that the Lake Shore Railroad will be in running order as far as Lyndonville, in the town of Yates, by the 1st of January next, and trains will be making their regular journey over the whole line by next summer. A sad sequel to a marriage ceremony occurred at Forestville, Chautauqua county, last Thursday. J.C. MOUNT was married to Grace CROMWELL in the forenoon, and at noon the couple drove to the railway station to start on their wedding tour. While unloading trunks the team became frightened and ran away, throwing the lady out of the wagon. In falling, her head struck a post; and she was so badly hurt that she lived only fifteen minutes. The remains of David AYRAULT, of Leicester, were found in the Genesee river, near Mt. Morris, on Wednesday morning, 1st inst. How the body got into the river is unknown. Mr. AYRAULT had been drawing off his barley, and had expected to receive about $800 that evening, which was known. He was at the Red Jacket saloon near the river bridge about 11 o'clock at night in company with a man by the name of WILLIS, and this appears to be about the last trace of him alive. WILLIS was held to await the action of the Grand Jury. A Man Killed in Attica.-On Saturday last two little girls discovered a man lying beside the Erie railroad track, some twenty rods east from the depot, with both legs cut off. The alarm was given and help came, but the man was just breathing his last. It appears that he was walking on the track towards his home, and was prevented from hearing the train by the high wind which was prevailing, and which also raised such a cloud of dust that he was not perceived by any of the men on the train. We understand his name was FOOTE. J.W. BOSWORTH, of Linden, has rented his mills to Thomas E. RICH. Mr. RICH has increased the grinding power of the mill by putting in a 40-horse power engine. Shocked by Lightning.-On Sunday evening last, as four children of Mr. Wm. GILLONS, of this town, were returning from the Sunday School Concert at Daw's Corners, there came a blinding flash of lightning, and an electric shock so powerful as to seriously benumb all of them--one of them, a young lady of some sixteen years, being rendered entirely insensible, from which condition she did not recover, notwithstanding all the means used for that purpose, until the next morning. The Friends and neighbors at Bushville have much to encourage them in their new church building enterprise. Though the work is just commenced, there is abundant and constant evidence of a growth of spiritual interest in the community. This is denoted by the crowded meetings, the number of seekers after a religious experience, and the faithfulness and earnestness of the professed Christians. Mrs. Mary Jane WEAVER, of the Society of Friends, is the preacher there, and God is blessing her labors with promise of rich spiritual fruitage. The Fat Men's Ball Play came off on Redfield's grounds on Tuesday last. The day was fine, and quite a crowed of people assembled to see the fun. The players were: Batavia. O.J. WATERMAN, A.C. COVERT, D. PERSON, Chris WARNER, Capt. PARKER, Capt. BAILEY, "Gene" HARMON, WM. PLATO, A.A. LAWSON. The total weight of these boys was 1,865 pounds--an average of 207 2/9 pounds each. Le Roy. R.H. MILLER, Jas. GILLETT, E. BANNISTER, Lewis SNOW, A.E. MILLER, C.F. GILSON, M.N. KING, Robert TAFT, John CROW. Total weight not known, but considerably less than Batavian's. The game developed a large amount of fun, but the phat boys played well and in excellent spirits, and the result stood 21 scores for the Batavians to 17 for the Le Royans. A splendid supper at Waterman's was the "afterpiece." The return game is to be played in Le Roy to-day, (Friday). A Murderous Assault by a Tramp.--On Wednesday of this week a tramp called at the house of Mr. LYNCH, near Daw's Corners, and asked of a young girl, of some fourteen or fifteen years of age, something to eat. The girl was out of doors and being the only one of the family at home, told him so, and declined to go into the house to get him food. Finding he could not prevail on her to do so, he drew a revolver and shot her, the ball lodging in her arm. He then fled. As quickly as possible the news was communicated to this village, and Sheriff ROBERTSON, Capt. BAILEY, Constables GRAHAM and BUXTON, Justice JOHNSON, Capt. COLLINS, A.J. FOX, E. COVERT, Gene HARMON, H. ENSIGN, and others hurried to the place, and scoured the roads and woods and cornfields for miles around to find the miscreant, but, we are sorry to add, without success. On the return of some of the scouting parties we learned the man's name was CLARK--that he formerly worked for LYNCH, but has been gone some time--that he believed by many to be insane or idiotic. Dr. TOZIER probed the wound in the girl's arm for the ball, but did not succeed in finding it. P.S. It is said this, Thursday, morning, that CLARK returned to the LYNCH premises and slept in his barn last night. Officers are in search for him. *** submitted by Linda C. Schmidt *********************************************