Rochester, Monroe, NY
Democrat & Chronicle
Jan. 2, 1871
DIED
DRESSER - On Sunday evening, January 1st. Hattie Louisa, only daughter of Jonathan and Louisa DRESSER, aged 5 years,
9 months and 6 days.
-Notice of funeral hereafter
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BRAKEMAN KILLED - A young man named Moses MERCER, employed as a brakeman on Cyrus LITTLEFIELD'S freight train,
which arrives in this city from the Falls at 7:25 P. M., was instantly killed on Saturday evening, about one mile
and a half west of Brockport. In coming through Holley, it seems that the train, composed of thirty-nine cars,
broke in two, and the fact was not ascertained until the train had reached within two miles of Brockport. MERCER
was riding on the engine at the time, and on discovering that the train was divided, he immediately mounted the
freight cars to set the brakes. While engaged in this duty, his head came in contact with "County Line"
bridge, knocking him down between the cars, upon the track, five or six of which passed over his body. Both of
his legs were cut off below the knee, and one of his hands was severed from the arm. His head was also fearfully
mangled, and other bruises were inflicted upon his person. Of course, he was instantly killed. His remains were
picked up, placed on board the train, and brought to this city, where he resides. Coroner MORRISON happened to
be in Brockport when the train reached that village, and he immediately notified Coroner CHAMBERLAIN, who summoned
a jury, and the result of the verdict was in accordance with the facts stated above. On the arrival of the train
in this city, the remains were taken to Mudge's undertaking rooms on State street, and transferred yesterday to
the residence of his father on Elizabeth street. MERCER was a single man, and bore a good character. His many friends
will regret his untimely death. We understand that he boarded with Policeman Charles GREEN, on Dean street.
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THE CONDITION OF PLACE
Edwin PLACE, the young man who attempted to take his own life Thursday evening on account of domestic troubles,
is still lying very low at the residence of his father on Tappan street. His chances for recovery are considered
favorable. Dr. WHITBECK is watching his patient closely, and the unfortunate man is being tenderly nursed by his
father and mother. The stories set afloat in regard to his dissipated habits are contradicted by his neighbors
and acquaintances, who knew him from his childhood. It i stated that his wife has not yet learned of the real act
committed by her husband.
Jan 4, 1871
MARRIED
CLARK - SAFFORD - In Norwich, Conn., Dec. 27th, 1870, at the residence of the bride's father, by the Rev. J. W.
ASHTON, Mr. Frank H. CLARK, of Lima, N. Y., and Miss Etta K. SAFFORD, of the former place.
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DIED
CURTIS - In this city, January 3d, 1871, H. N. CURTIS, aged 72 years.
-Funeral from his late residence, No. 11 Mortimer street, on Thursday, January 5th, at 2 P. M.
RECHE - At San Luis Req, California, December 16th, 1870. Abbie Eugenia, youngest daughter of Vital C. and Amelia
MAGEE RECHE, aged 8 years and ? months.
DRESSER - On Sunday evening, January 1st. Hattie Louisa, only daughter of Jonathan and Louisa DRESSER, aged 5 years,
9 months and 6 days.
-Funeral at the residence, No. 32 Monroe avenue, this (Wednesday) afternoon, at 2 o'clock. Friends are invited
to attend.
COLVIN - In this city, on the 3d inst., Hiram D. COLVIN, aged 77 years.
-Notice of funeral hereafter.
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DEATH OF A PIONEER
Avon, Dec. 27, 1870
To-day our venerable townsman, Merritt W. RIGGS, was killed near the Avon depot, by the backing of a train. He
lived a brief time after the accident, in the possession of trason(?) To the last. Thus, not in the course of nature,
but by violent death, has been removed one of the old pioneers. On the 18th of November last he had completed the
term of three score years and ten. This gentleman seemed to have a premonition of coming doom, remarking to his
friends, since the advent of Christmas, that his days were numbered, that he had but a few days to live.
Mr. RIGGS leaves a widow, and five children, three sons and two daughters, James W. RIGGS, the eldest son, is commercial
editor of the World, and his youngest son, Wm. DeLancy RIGGS, is a young man of promise, residing in New York city.
The deceased was a native of Oxford, Conn., and when a lad of tender years, his parents became residents of Livonia,
in this county. He married in 1824 Harriet KELLOGG, sister of Mr. John KELLOGG, one of the oldest residents of
Avon, who survives to mourn the sudden and fearful death of a kind husband.
When a young man Mr. RIGGS was a school teacher, prosecuting that arduous calling with diligence. He was gifted
with great musical talents, and his voice of great strength, and purity of tone was unbroken by age. In times of
early settlement he was held in great repute as a singing master, and many teachers live to mourn their old master.
His mind was one of more than ordinary power, and his retentive memory of past events rendered his conversation
entertaining and sometimes instructive. In the relations of friend and neighbor he was kind, and will be favorably
remembered. Fond of historic reading, familiar with political statistics, full of genial love for old songs, his
companionship was often sought by young men.