Spirit of the Times Batavia, NY May 25-1852 Mount Morris Dam Several Whig papers are crowing lustily over the breaks at the Mount Morris Dam, by which the navigation of the Genesee Valley Canal is unavoidably retarded. Some vent their reproaches upon Commissioner Follett, others attribute them to the mismanagement of Mr. Martindale, the Superintendent, and others, in order that no delinquent shall escape, casts the blame upon the Democratic party in general. The Dam across the Genesee River at Mt. Morris, has for several years required much nursing and repairing, and was left in a somewhat precarious condition by the late Whig Canal Board. It is at best, (like that Canal, itself,) a very troublesome and expensive affair. The great force of the current at that place, and the liability of the Genesee to sudden and heavy freshets, subject it to these disasters. Work was commenced at the Dam early in the season, and experienced Engineers have been constantly employed ever since, with a large force of helpers. The spring is usually considered a bad time to repair Dams, but this spring, as every one knows, has been one of almost incessant rains, the Genesee River has been continuously swollen, and the difficulties of making the necessary repairs thereby rendered doubly harassing. The Superintendent, as we are credibly informed, has been unremitting in his efforts at that point, and for weeks together has not left the place, at all, night or day. The plans for stopping the several breaks were furnished by the Engineers, and the Superintendent had only to carry out those plans with all possible faithfulness and energy, which it is conceded he has done. On Saturday the 15th inst. Mr. McAlpine the State Engineer and Commissioner Follett, visited Mt. Morris--examined the work thoroughly and gave such further directions as were thought advisable. They both expressed the opinion that the Superintendent had followed closely the plans of the Engineer--that those plans were the best that could be devised, and that the Superintendent had been very thorough and faithful in his efforts. The work was nearly completed when the late sudden rise in the water proved too strong for the unfinished portion which was thus assaulted in its most critical condition.--A small part of the dam only was swept away, the balance remaining in admirable condition. The breach will be repaired with the utmost despatch, and navigation will be resumed in a few days. Fatal Casualty On Saturday morning last, Charles Thayer, a young man about 19 years of age, son of Augustus Thayer of this village, came to his death in the following manner. He was employed as a brakeman on the Buffalo and Rochester railroad. At Attica when the train was backing up for the purpose of hitching on some freight cars, young Thayer seated himself on the rear of the moving train, with his feet hanging near the ground, to be ready to couple the cars when they came together. While in this situation one of his feet caught in the "Frog" of the track, which pitched him lengthwise on the rail in such a way that the wheels ran over him diagonally from the foot that was fast, to the opposite shoulder, crushing him in an awful manner. His mangled body, not yet bereft of life, was taken to the Depot, and a locomotive and tender despatched with all speed to the place, for his Father and Mother, who reached him a few minutes after he expired, which was about three hours after the accident. His funeral, which was conducted according to the Order of the Sons of Temperance, of which he was a worthy member, took place on Sunday at the Presbyterian Church, and a very numerous prosession followed him to the grave, where the appropriate chosen ones of the 'Sons' were performed. submitted by Linda Web-Page Editor for Bethany BETHANY: Its Past and Present ~ Bethany Town Page http://www.arkwebshost.com/family/bluebird/TownOfBethany.shtml Contributor for the BUFFALO and Western NYS Website: www.buffalonian.com ~ History Through Newspapers