Rochester, Monroe, NY
Democrat & Chronicle
Wed
Mar 8, 1905
MURDERER BURIES VICTIM
BODY DUG UP FROM CELLAR IN GATES
Charles M. Ames Killed on Sunday Last
Son First To Report Crime
Saw Bloodspots When Looking for His Father
Arrest of Suspect Hints Of A Motive
Teamster of No 16 Starling Street Foully Murdered
on Farm He Had Leased on Lyell Road -
Body Buried in Cellar-
Search for Missing Man Revealed the Crime
Murder came to light under horrifying circumstances last night when the bloody, begrimed body of Charles M. AMES, a teamster of middle-age, the skull twice crushed with blows of an ax, was disinterred from the cellar of a Gates farm-house on Lyell avenue, three miles from the city line.
Two hours afterward, Berry G. JACKSON, negro coachman for W. E. WOODBURY, of Lake avenue, and one of the best known and respected men of his race in Rochester, said to be a Civil war veteran and possessed of considerable means, went to police headquarters to submit to examination as to his movements on Sunday afternoon last, when AMES, JACKSON'S tenant on the Gates farm, was last seen alive.
The police story of the case begins with Monday night, when AMES'S 17-year-old son, Elmer, reported to Lieutenant O'GRADY, of the Fifth precinct, that his father had left their home at No. 16 Starling street about 2:30 o'clock the previous afternoon,
professedly to go to the farm, and that he had not returned. The boy said he had gone to the farmhouse and been alarmed by finding windows broken, splashes of blood and other evidences of a struggle. He could find no trace of his father.
This was about 9 P. M. The Lieutenant advised the boy to hunt up a Gates constable at once and have the house searched. Then O'GRADY sent out the following description of the missing man to all precincts, notifying headquarters: "Charles AMES, 47 years, 5 feet 9 inches, 160 to 170 pounds, dressed in black overcoat, check trousers, black felt hat and felt boots."
SON'S SEARCH FOR AMES
When AMES did not return home Sunday night no great concern was felt, although it was unusual for him to remain away from home, his son said. On Monday the boy became alarmed and looked about the city for him. He reported to the police of the Fifth precinct that his father was missing, and asked them to help find him.
Yesterday the boy went to the house in Gates, and looked about outside. He found the doors locked. He said he "felt bad." He could not describe the peculiar feeling. He determined to get into that house if possible. So he went across the road and got Albert MELLICK, a son of Gustave MELLICK, to assist him in getting in.
The boys broke a window and crawled through. Once inside young AMES'S attention was directed to blood stains on the window sill. The boys looked into every room, but could see nothing. Then they went into the cellar. There they saw nothing of moment. AMES looked into the cistern. Just why he had an idea that his father was dead the boy couldn't say.
After leaving the cellar young AMES went direct to Constable KLEINHENZ'S hotel, about a mile or more beyond, and asked him to help him. KLEINHENZ went back to the house, and again the building was thoroughly explored. The constable said he thought the ground by the wall looked as if it had been disturbed.
He examined it, and with a spade kept turning over the soil until he was startled by uncovering a human hand. Then he observed the streaks of blood in the pool of water.
Young AMES was terribly agitated, and both left the house at once. KLEINHENZ remained to watch the premises, while AMES hurried to the city and notified Coroner KLEINDIENST of what he and the constable had seen.
Back to the house in Gates the boy went, and Coroner KLEINDIENST, Sheriff BAILEY and the others were soon on their way to the farm house. When the Coroner reached the place he talked with farmers, and on the information obtained requested Chief HAYDEN to arrest JACKSON.
After a consultation among the county officials the work of exhuming the body proceeded. As soon as the face was upturned to the light of the lantern and candles Roy MELLIBER, a brother-in-law of AMES, identified the remains. Young AMES remained out of doors while the Sheriff and Coroner uncovered the remains of his father.
The visit of the Sheriff and Coroner to that section of Gates was a great shock to the natives, none of whom had the remotest idea that a crime had been committed.
AUTHORITIES VISIT THE SCENE OF THE MURDER
The home in which the murder was committed is a two and a half story frame building, situated about fifty feet from the roadway. Back of it are a barn and a shed. It is about three miles beyond the city line and a half-mile beyond BARHYDT'S hotel, on the same side of the Lyell road. The 20-acre farm is the property of Berry JACKSON. The house was erected several years ago by a man named KOHLMYER.
The house has been vacant during the past three weeks. When the Sheriff's party, consisting of Sheriff BAILEY, Coroner KLEINDIENST, Deputy Sheriff ADAMS, Assistant District-Attorney MATSON and newspaper men reached the scene of the murder the place was in darkness, and outside everything looked far from inviting.
Sheriff BAILEY and the Coroner led the way, and following came a small army of farmers and others who had gathered from the vicinity. The Sheriff and his party reached the house at about 9:15 o'clock.
(next 2 lines unreadable)
committed. This viewed by the light of a lantern and two candles, the next trio was to the cellar. There in the southeast corner of the cellar, close to the wall and just beyond a pool of water, the body of Charles M. AMES was buried.
As the men filed into the cellar they saw a hand protruding from beneath the earth.
EXHUMING OF THE BODY
After Coroner KLEINDIENST had talked with farmers who live near the premises, he and the Sheriff began the work of digging the body from its rude grave. It was hard work, owing to the fact that so many stones had been placed over the corpse, and the water from a drain had run into the gravel and earth. Finally the arms were exposed. Two men seized them and by main strength drew the body from the hole.
When the body was exposed to view after being removed from its place of burial it was seen that death had been caused by a blow from some edged instrument. A three-cornered depression appeared in the forehead, above the right eye. The skull had been crushed and death probably had ensued at once. That accounted for the absence of blood stains and the other usual ___ marks of a murder about the house.
Some blood had escaped from the cruel wound made in the head, and it had run into the water that had backed up in a pool from the drain until it had become discolored to a great extent.
The body was fully clothed, even to the heavy felt boots. It was removed from the building and taken to Scheuerman's undertaking rooms. Coroner KLEINDIENST had sent word to Chief HAYDEN asking him to cause the arrest of JACKSON at once.
FORMER RESIDENT OF GATES
AMES was a former resident of Gates, but was not popular with many farmers of that section. He did teaming in the city and had leased the farm from JACKSON. He had sub-leased the farm to a man named COLEMAN. For some reason JACKSON did not want COLEMAN on the premises, and recently he caused the man to vacate the premises.
Elmer AMES, a son of the dead man, said JACKSON and his father had had a serious quarrel concerning the ousting of COLEMAN, and that a month or so ago they quarreled in Main street east.
On Sunday AMES had an engagement to meet John BLACK, said to live in St. Paul street, at his house in Starling street. BLACK did not put in an appearance, so AMES thought he would go to the place. He thought BLACK might have gone out to see the premises. On the way to the farm he was overtaken by a rig that contained JACKSON and two men, described as Jews. AMES had gone in a car to the city line, walking the rest of the way. When they were seen by Ezra CARTER, whose farm adjoins that of JACKSON, the rig was ahead and AMES was following on foot. It was then about 2:30 o'clock.
CARTER told the Coroner that JACKSON'S two companions remained about the place about three-quarters of an hour, and then drove away. They were thinking of leaving the farm for poultry purposes.
Gustave MELLECK, who lives across the road from the JACKSON house, saw the negro and the other men about the place Sunday afternoon, and also saw the two men drive away. He did not see the negro or AMES leave the place at that time, but CARTER saw JACKSON between 7 and 8 o'clock on his way back to the city. He met him east of BARHYDT'S hotel. CARTER said JACKSON told him he had been up to the house sweeping it up and getting it in shape to let to a tenant.
George PEASE, another farmer of that immediate vicinity, saw the negro about the place that afternoon.
MRS. AMES DIDN'T KNOW OF HUSBAND'S MURDER
Mr. AMES lived with his wife and five children at No. 16 Starling street, a comfortable story and a half frame house, on the corner of Walker place, just north of the Erie canal. He owned the house he lived in and three others in the vicinity, two on Starling street and one on Walker place. He is said to have had a thriving business as a teamster.
At 11 o'clock last night Mrs. AMES had not learned of her husband's death. All that she knew was that he had left the house Sunday afternoon and had not returned. Her son, Elmer, aged 18, had been to the Gates farm looking for his father on Monday and on his return did not acquaint his mother with all the
facts that he had learned. Young AMES, however, told neighbors of finding the broken windows and doors at the farm and of seeing blood spots, and this was repeated to Mrs. AMES yesterday. Elmer AMES left the house yesterday morning to continue his investigation, and as he had not returned up to a late hour, his mother did not know of the murder.
WIFE FEARED THE WORST
Mrs. AMES was seen by a Democrat and Chronicle reporter last night shortly after 10 o'clock. She has been a partial invalid for some time and the strain on her nerves since Sunday night was beginning to break her down. She had sent for her aged father, who was at the house. Four of her children, Oscar, aged 15; Rosell, aged 12; Grace, aged 10, and Bessie, aged 8, were with her, too frightened to wish to go to bed, yet scarcely understanding what it all meant. Benjamin, another son, aged 17, is living in Avon.
Mrs. AMES said that she had not heard from her son, Elmer, since he left in the morning, and, although she could not believe her husband was dead, she admitted that she feared the worst, because of the story told her by the neighbors concerning the blood spots.
"So far as I know," said Mrs. AMES, "my husband did not have an enemy in the world. He left here Sunday afternoon about 1:30 o'clock to go out to the farm in Gates. I know that he had only a small amount of change with him. Although he did not say he would be back that night, I supposed that he would, as a matter of course. I was ill and in bed at the time he left, and did not pay any particular attention to it. I knew that he had to go to the farm, as the house was left vacant on March 1st, and he had to go out to see that everything was all right."
FARM OWNED BY JACKSON
Mrs. AMES explained that the farm consisted of twenty-one acres about four miles out the Lyell road in Gates. The farm, she said, was owned by Berry G. JACKSON, colored coachman for W. E. WOODBURY.
Mr. AMES had leased the farm last fall for five years, and had since sub-let five acres.
"Mr. JACKSON did not like it because Mr. AMES sub-let the farm," said Mrs. AMES, "and he did his best to get the tenant out. Aside from that he always treated Mr. AMES in a friendly way. I do not know that there was anything between them, but I never liked Mr. JACKSON, and somehow I can't get over the idea that he has had something to do with my husband's disappearance."
Mrs. AMES did not know that JACKSON had been arrested. She said she thought the police ought to be told to watch him.
"Did Mr. AMES go out to Gates alone?" was asked.
STARTED OUT ALONE
"Yes," replied Mrs. AMES. "He was waiting for a Mr. BLACK who expected to go out with him to look at the place, Mr. BLACK did not come, so he started out alone, and said he was going to walk. My neighbor's boy tells me that the people who live nearest the farm in Gates said they saw Mr. JACKSON and his son-in-law, who works in Lee's Hospital, drive into the place Sunday afternoon."
"I stayed up late Sunday night waiting for my husband," Mrs. AMES continued, "and have worried about him ever since. If I wasn't sick, I would go out there myself. Elmer went out yesterday, but he would not tell me very much. He told me that the doors on the house that my husband put on to please the tenant had been taken off and broken to pieces. Mr. JACKSON did not like it because my husband put on these doors. I do not think the tenant would go back and do that kind of work.
HAD NO MONEY ON HIS PERSON
"I know that Mr. AMES did not take any money with him; at least nothing more than a few cents. He was not of quarrelsome disposition, but was friendly with everyone."
Mrs. AMES broke down and wept several times while telling her story. She seemed anxious for some news that would relieve the suspense. She said she feared every moment that his body would be brought home. A neighbor came in during the evening and talked with her in an effort to prepare her for the crushing blow that was to come in the news that her husband had been foully murdered.
Mr. AMES was of English descent and proud of his lineage. By his thrift he had come to own quite a little property. He leased the Gates farm, expecting to sub-let the house and part of the land and to work the remainder himself, with the aid of his sons. He has six brothers, Thomas, of Lockport; William, of Kent, N. Y.; George, of Medina, and three others living outside the state. He had one sister, Mrs. Helen SMITH, living with Thomas AMES at Lockport. His mother lives with his brother, George, at Medina.
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COLORED COACHMAN, OWNER OF FARM
WHERE CRIME WAS COMMITTED, HELD BY POLICE
Berry G. Jackson Taken to Headquarters by Coroner's order-
May Know Something of Murder
The facts that led to the request of the authorities to JACKSON to make a statement of his movements are these. Some three weeks ago he had a lawsuit with Conrad KOHLMEIER, who sublets the farm from AMES, and was defeated, in the court of Justice of the Peace LEDDY of Gates. The proceeding should have been instituted against AMES, who rented, direct from JACKSON, ruled the court it being in the (next 2 lines unreadable) outcome of this case.
The other principal damaging circumstance as regards JACKSON, is that Policeman William McDONALD, of the Fifth precinct, saw JACKSON going out Lyell avenue, into the town of Gates, early Sunday afternoon and exchanged conversation with him. JACKSON tells the police that he did go to the Gates farm Sunday, but saw nothing of AMES. The WOODBURYS says the coachman was away from their residence from 1 o'clock to 7 Sunday afternoon. Officer DOYLE saw JACKSON on a Lake avenue car late in the afternoon, and it is said another person claims to have seen the negro come into town on a Lyell avenue car and that he transferred to Lake avenue.
Lieutenant O'GRADY was notified about 8:15 o'clock last night of the finding of AMES's body. He got in communication with police headquarters at once. The lieutenant was to a certain extent prepared for a serious development. At 8:45 o'clock, Chief HAYDEN told him to find JACKSON and bring him to headquarters.
Sergeant ALT and Policeman Roy RECTOR and James MURPHY went to the house where JACKSON dwells alone, at No. 186 Frank street. MURPHY stood guard in a neighboring yard while ALT and RECTOR entered the house. The door was locked with a night latch as well as a key. JACKSON, who had been sitting reading, partly disrobed, answered the knock and readily admitted the policemen.
"The Chief wants to see," said ALT (next 2 lines unreadable)
naturally, with mild surprise of manner.
The officer nodded affirmatively and JACKSON immediately dressed and accompanied him. He asked what the chief wanted, and the officers replied evasively, avoiding reference to the discovery of the body. Had JACKSON refused to accompany them, they were under orders to arrest him.
Coming uptown on a street car, JACKSON, in reply to questions of the policemen, said he had not seen AMES in three weeks, since they had the lawsuit before Justice of the Peace LEDDY, of Gates. At headquarters he sat, composed and silent, unless spoken to, for hours, until the county authorities were on hand to conduct his examination. JACKSON had learned, on the way to the station, that AMES's body, evidencing murder, had been found. He expressed shocked surprise. His demeanor was perfectly natural.
Chief HAYDEN spared him any quizzing until the District-Attorney's office was represented at the hearing, and Coroner KLIENDIENST.
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Nominations in Brighton
Caucuses by both parties have been held in Brighton village and tickets named to be voted for at the charter election, March 21st. The Republicans nominated Henry PECK for village president, Hobart PERRIN for trustee, Rodney McMANN for collector, Edwin O'TERRILL for treasurer. The Democrats named T. B. RIDER for president, J. F. LeCLARE for trustee, Mark HALLINGS for collector and J. W. SHELLMEYER for treasurer. It is said that annexation is the issue, the Republicans being against and the Democrats for union with the city.
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Park Avenue Church Social
The attendance was large last night at the March social of the Park Avenue Baptist Church. A musical programme which added much to the pleasure of the evening had been arranged by H. E. LEACH. He introduced M. SCHUTTE, who played a number of piano selections. Miss WHITE, of Newark, sang several soprano solos. Miss VAY was the contraito. Mrs. LEACH was in charge of the refreshments.
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Wainscoting Caught Fire
While a water pipe was being thawed out in the kitchen of the house at No. 108 St. Paul street yesterday afternoon, the wainscoating caught fire. A still alarm was sent to fire headquarters, and Battalion Chief ATKINSON, Hose 12, and Truck 2 responded. One small chemical extinguished the blaze before a dollar's damage had been done. The house is occupied by H. BRANDT.
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Progressive Pedro Played
Miss Tudie McGUIRE, of No. 21 Marshall street, entertained twenty of her friends Monday evening. Progressive pedro was played and prizes were won by Miss Minnie BLEDENBACH, Miss Mildred WIRADEIN and Miss Margaret FLYNN.
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Married By Contract
Gertrude A. CONFER, of White Springs, Pa., and Fred J. GRAY, of Rochester, were united in marriage at the health office by Registrar W. F. HITCHCOCK. It was a civil marriage by contract under the law of 1902.
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BODY WAS GROUND INTO SMALL PIECES
George Peters, a Farmer Living Near Lyons, Killed by West Shore Train
Lyons, March 7 - George PETERS a farmer who has lived near the "Blue Cut," a mile and a half from here, was struck by a train at the New York Central crossing at midnight last night and his body so literally ground to pieces that beyond a few scraps of (unreadable) there was nothing by which identification could be established.
West Shore train, number 1,001, due here at 11:17 was approaching over the New York Central tracks at a high rate of speed, because it was an hour late. Night Gateman Jacob STEEBE had just lowered the gates at the Geneva street crossing when he saw a man step upon the tracks from the vicinity of the yard master's office several feet east of the gates. As the man showed no sign of waiting for the oncoming train Mr. STEEBE shouted a warning to him, but probably through bewilderment he walked directly in front of the engine.
From the point where the engine struck him he was hurled 65 feet in almost a straight line and landed just beyond the gateman's shanty where the train again struck him (unreadable) passed over the body, (unreadable) fragments. The largest portion of the remains to be found were gathered up without any one having the least idea as to the identity of the man.
This morning a son of the dead man came into the village looking for his father, whose non-appearance at home last night had alarmed the family, and from bits of clothing established his identity.
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BUT ONE CASE READY TO TRY
Supreme Court in Session At Watkins
George Raines In Court
Rochester Attorney Opposed Motion Regarding Trust Estate-
Foreclosure Action Against Union Salt Company
Watkins, March 7 - Justice Albert H. SEWELL convened a term of Supreme Court here yesterday. There were ten cases on the calendar. Only one of these, that of George LOSAW vs. M. Truman SMITH, for malicious prosecution, was found ready for trial at this term.
Two very interesting motions were argued. In the foreclosure action of Matthias H. ARNOT vs. the Union Salt Company Attorney O. P. HURD, made an application to have some of the parties holding bonds of the company made defendants in the suit.
The motion was vigorously opposed by Frederick COLLINS of Elmira, and (next 3 lines unreadable) Attorney COLLIN revealed the tangled affairs of the company and he charged that some of the bondholders were attempting to place the salt plant at Watkins in the hands of the International Salt Company, otherwise known as the salt trust, and to close its doors, a proceeding which Mr. ARNOT, the mortgagee, strenuously opposes.
Attorney S. G. H. TURNER, of Elmira, applied for the appointment of a trustee in the place of Seymour DEXTER, deceased, to hold and control that portion of the estate of the late Simeon BENJAMIN which was left in trust to Simeon P. RATHBUN, of Hammondsport. Attorney George RAINES, of Rochester, opposed the application and moved that the trust be terminated and the property turned over by the Court to Mr. RATHBUN, he contending that the latter is perfectly competent to manage his affairs. Briefs are to be submitted next Saturday. The amount claimed by Mr. RATHBUN is said to be about $60,000.
In the divorce case of Erastus Hamilton RHYNEHART vs. Maggie RHYNEHART, a final decree was entered.
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COUNTY COURT
Matters Before Judge Sawyer at Lyons Yesterday
Lyons, March 7 - Judge SAWYER held the regular term of County Court without a jury in the Court House here to-day. Angelina DES CAMPS, of Newark, and Cornelius SCHLISTRA, of Walworth, formerly subjects of H. R. H. Queen Wilhelmina of Holland, and Francisco CAPPARELL, once of Italy, now of Clyde, were granted final naturalization papers.
A motion was made by Thaddeus W. COLLINS, Jr., for leave to issue execution against Frank WALSH, of Sodus, on a judgment granted in favor of Gaylord against WALSH. The motion was opposed by Philetus CHAMBERLAIN, of Rochester, on the ground that Mr. COLLINS was not the owner of the judgment, but had bought it for one of the heirs of the WALSH estate. Judge SAWYER granted leave to issue the execution.
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DEATH AT PALMYRA
Palmyra, March 7 - Mrs. LYON, widow of the late Lyman LYON, a former well known Palmyra banker, died at her home on Washington street last night, after a long illness, aged 82 years. Mrs. LYON had been a resident of Palmyra for a good many years and was a woman greatly respected by everyone who knew her. She was a member of the Methodist Church. She is survived by two daughters, Mrs. A. R. KNAPP, of this village, and Mrs. ?. J. REED, of New York city.
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TAKEN TO WILLARD ASYLUM
Clyde, March 7 - George DUSSLER, of this village, who for several weeks past has manifested symptoms of a disordered brain, was examined yesterday by Doctors COLVIN and ALLEN, of Clyde, commissioners in lunacy appointed by Judge S. N. SAWYER, and pronounced of unsound mind. Attendants from the asylum at Ovid arrived in Clyde this morning and this afternoon they returned to Ovid, accompanied by DUSSLER.
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GRANGER - SHEAR
North Rose, March 7 - Yesterday, at the home of the bride's parents, Mr. and Mrs. W. L. SHEAR, occurred the marriage of Miss Satie SHEAR and Irving GRANGER. The bride was attended by Miss Eva JONES of Wolcott, and the groom by Perry(?) SHEAR. The ceremony was performed by Rev. J. J. EDWARDS, pastor of the Methodist Church. After a short wedding trip Mr. and Mrs. GRANGER will reside in this place.
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CLYDE REPUBLICAN TICKET
Clyde, March 7 - At a Republican caucus held in the lower town hall last evening the following ticket was nominated to be supported at the coming charter election. President, Elmer R. BOCKOVEN; trustees, Henry P. LOUSTER, Arthur E. LITTLEJOHN; collector, Charles H. TUCK; treasurer, Edwin B. PALMER; police justice, James L. HOWARD.
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DEATH OF PETER DEDEE
Williamson, March 7 - Peter DEDEE, aged 82 years, died yesterday at the home of his son, north of this village. He had been in poor health for several years. The deceased was born in Holland, but lived fifty years in this town, where he located upon coming to the United States.
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CANANDAIGUA FIREMEN
Merrill Hose Company Netted $1,700 From the Exposition
Canandaigua, March 7 - The Merrill Hose Company has got in all the outstanding bills, and finds that the total expenses of the exposition last week were $1,?25. The total receipts were $3,125, leaving a net balance for the company's treasury of $1,700.
The Merrills have been invited to go to Albany on Monday next and will do so. They will travel with their own special car, and remain in Albany over night. Some of them will go on to New York and others will return home the next night. They will be shown some social honors while in the state capital, and the expenses will be borne by the members of the company individually and not from the company funds. A number of representative citizens will accompany them.
The Mutual Hook & Ladder Company, of this place, has a big heart, individually and collectively. One of their number, Warren INGRAHAM, is ill at his home in Hopewell. The company has raised a purse for him and has arranged for his medical treatment in a Rochester institution at their expense.
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YATES
Officers Elected by the Literary Societies of Starkey Seminary
Dundee, march 7 - The literary societies of Starkey Seminary have just elected officers for the term as follows:
Adelphian Society - President, Harry M. EATON; vice-president, George J. CLAUSS; secretary, Henry D. MATTESON; literary director, Vincent J. FROST; critic, Ada G. UHL; corresponding secretary, Claude D. PIERCE; curator, Edward E. GARLICK.
Emersonian Society - President, Harriett J. EASTERBROOK; vice-president, David C. BRAGG; secretary, M. Ernest HOPKINS; treasurer, Mabel E. WALINWRIGHT; literary director, Mabel L. WILCOX; musical director, Henry G. CONNOLLY; critic, Maude E. JENKINS; librarian, Rose U. BRATE; marshal, D. S. SPRAGUE.
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MARRIAGE ANNOUNCEMENT
Dundee, March 7 - Announcement is made of the marriage of Miss Maie Irene PENDEGRAS and John L. HARPENDING, both of this village, which occurred Thursday, March 2d. The ceremony was performed by Rev. A. Y. WILCOX of the Presbyterian Church.
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OLEAN CHARTER BILL
A Number of Changes in Measure Introduced by Senator Fancher
Albany, March 7 - An Olean charter amendment bill was introduced to-day by Senator FANCHER. It provides for the appointment of a deputy city clerk, abolishes the office of fire warden and provides for a chief of the fire department and an assistant and as many firemen as the Common Council may deem necessary. The terms of the clerk and fire chief and assistant are fixed at two years.
The mayor is authorized to make and establish, with the approval of the Common Council, rules and regulations for the police and fire department and shall have power to punish summarily any violation thereof by a fine not exceeding $25, by suspending the offending officer to serve without pay for thirty days.
The deputy clerk shall assist the clerk and in his absence shall possess all his powers. The bill further prescribes the duties of the fire chief and his assistants.
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FOR MISUSING A BEER GLASS
Fine of $150 Imposed on Defendant in Police Court
In police court yesterday Judge CHADSEY fined Harvey KENNEDY $150, with the alternative of spending five months in jail, for having struck Frank SCHWARTZ on the head with a beer glass. The men fought in the saloon at No. 41 Front street on the night of February 27th. SCHWARTZ was so badly cut that it was necessary to send him to the City Hospital for repairs. Since that time he has been recovering at the jail. There he and KENNEDY framed up some sort of a case for police court.
When placed on the stand yesterday SCHWARTZ had forgotten a great deal about the trouble, and really did not know who had hit him with the Front street beer glass. The prosecution was surprised when SCHWARTZ testified. Lawyer McDOWELL announced that his client would plead guilty to assault in the third degree. Judge CHADSEY promptly handed KENNEDY the $150 fine. There is little chance that KENNEDY will pay it.
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BOY COULDN'T HEAR WHISTLE
Coroner KLEINDIENST has granted a certificate of accidental death in the case of Frank MURA, the 8-year-old boy who was struck by a train near the Jay street crossing on Thursday last. The boy was returning from school to his home at No. 9 Hammill place when the train came upon him. Engineer John CANAVAN, of Niagara Falls, said that the boy wore a cap that covered his ears and probably prevented him from hearing the whistle, which he sounded continuously. Frank WHITE, the fireman, who lives in Rochester, corroborated CANAVAN. CANAVAN said it was strange more children were not killed or injured, as many play on the tracks every day.
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FOUR CHILDREN TAKEN BY S. P. C. C.
Eldest 12 and Youngest 8 Years of Age
Mother Neglected Them
Home Filthy and Children's Condition No Better -
Father of the Youngsters Not Living With the Mother -
Children at the Shelter
An investigation into one of the worst cases of neglect and general indifference on the part of a mother in the care of her children that has come to the attention of the authorities in years ended yesterday morning in the arrest of four children of Erasmus and Mary BLANK, of No. 24 Henry street. The case involves conditions that cannot be made public. Its details are decidedly pathetic, so far as the children are concerned, and it is likely that before the affair is officially closed the children will be taken from the mother and given homes where she cannot communicate with them.
Mrs. BLANK, according to Captain RUSS, of the Fourth precinct, and William KILLIP, S. P. C. C. agent, does not live with her husband. About two years ago she had him arrested for non-support and after this he (next 2 lines unreadable) are well off. Last year the husband came back to Rochester and lived for a time with Mrs. BLANK. She told the authorities that he was a drinking man and that she could not get along with him. He did not stay long.
The condition of Mrs. BLANK and her children became known to the attention of Agent KILLIP in January of this year. The family then lived in Weaver street. About February 3d Mrs. BLANK was thrown into the street by her landlord. Her few household effects lay for three or four days in the road near her house. Mr. KILLIP made inquiries in the neighborhood and was told that Mrs. BLANK and the children had gone to stay with friends. He could not find them.
Children and House Filthy
The family came to his attention next in Henry street. Monday afternoon Mr. KILLIP went with Captain RUSS to the house. The place was in a deplorable state. Filth was everywhere. The children were unclean.
What little clothing they had on was dirty and badly torn. They did not look as if they had been given attention in weeks. There was no fire in the house and nothing to eat. Mr. KILLIP immediately applied for a warrant, after exacting from the mother the promise that she would procure food for the children. She said that she occasionally took in washing and that she could get food.
Mr. KILLIP obtained the warrant and with Captain RUSS and Policeman HURLEY, of the Fourth precinct, served it yesterday morning on the children. When they served the warrant the house was cold. If there had been a fire it had gone out and there was no decent food. On the table was an empty whisky bottle, about a pound of lard in a box, a half-loaf of bread, four or five potatoes and some oatmeal. A small slice of bread, half eaten, was smeared with lard. The children had not been cleaned since Mr. KILLIP's previous visit and were more filthy, if possible, than before.
Children Taken to Shelter
The children were taken away from the mother and lodged in the Shelter, Plymouth avenue north. The oldest is Anthony, aged 12. The others are George, 11 years old; Clara, 10 years old, and Loretta, 8 years old. One girl, about 17, went to work without breakfast before the officers reached the house. One boy, the mother said, had enlisted recently, and another had been working away from home. The officers did not learn where he is. In the house was a young man, who Mrs. BLANK said was a boarder. Mr. KILLIP could not see what Mrs. BLANK had to offer on which a boarder might live, and said last night that he did not believe the woman.
At the Shelter the children were bathed and given clean clothing and a good breakfast. They once attended No. 22 School, but lately have been attending at No. 20 School. In speaking of the case last night Mr. KILLIP arraigned in severe terms the mother, who apparently has made an effort to care for the children. In part he said:
"I can't say whether we will get out a warrant for Mrs. BLANK. It is entirely possible. I think it best that the children be taken away from her permanently and placed in the care of the Children's Aid Society. They should have homes where she could not get to them. When her husband deserted her she got help for a time from the city. She says her husband is in Virginia. She has made no effort to care for her children.
Mr. KILLIP told of evidence in his possession that Mrs. BLANK was morally unfit to bring up her children.
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INJURED BY AN EXPLOSION DUE TO OWN CARELESSNESS
Three Laborers at National Car Wheel Works Badly Burned
by Molten Brass - Moist Ladle
Three men were seriously injured and one of them may lose his sight by an explosion of molten metal at the Leighton avenue plant of the National Car Wheel Company yesterday morning. The accident was caused by the carelessness of the men in using a moist ladle. The injured are:
Patrick SULLIVAN, 38 years of age, living at No. 1477 Main street east; left leg badly burned entire length, neck and face burned.
Charles ERDMAN, Jr., 18 years old, living at No. 197 Second street, burned about the face, hands and arms.
Thomas MAHONEY, 19 years old, of No. 54 Barnum street; badly burned about face, hands and head; may lose sight.
The men were skimming a kettle of molten brass shortly before 11 o'clock. The large ladle in use was not quite dry and when the surface came in contact with the metal, an explosion that scattered the substance over all in the immediate vicinity occurred. Workman rushed to the assistance of the injured and emergency remedies were applied. The Homeopathic Hospital ambulance removed the three men to that institution. Last night they were as comfortable as could be expected and no serious results are expected, except that MAHONEY may lose his sight.
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VIOLENT DEATH OF WM. KINNEY
Avon Young Man Killed in Runaway
Mr. Kinney's Body Was Found Yesterday Morning by William Light.
Was Probably Dragged Some Distance- Both Young Men Well Known
Avon, March 7 - William KINNEY, a dealer in junk, who resides about two miles southeast of the village of Avon, was killed last evening in a runaway accident at Light's mills, at Littleville, about a mile south of this place. KINNEY, who is a man of about 30 years of age, had been to town yesterday afternoon. Here he ran into another man, about his own age, one Alfred BOYD, of South Avon, who has been working in Rochester at the cooper trade for some time past, and who was in Avon visiting for a few days.
There was a dance in the Opera House last evening, and it was proposed that they drive to the home of KINNEY and get their supper there. BOYD left his horse hitched in a shed on West Main street and drove KINNEY's horse and (next 2 lines unreadable) arrived home, got supper and about 9 o'clock started for the village. The horse had evidently been hitched up too close and his feet struck the runners, with the result that he was soon running and kicking.
The horse ran by a house in which a Mr. KREISCHER resided, and he noticed the commotion, ran out of the house and followed the horse for a ways. The driver appeared to be getting the horse under control, and when the cutter went out of sight KREISCHER came back to his house. The next that is definitely known is that the horse came dashing into the Genesee Hotel sheds about half-past 9 and hit its head against a post, being injured so badly that it was necessary for the veterinary to kill him this morning.
About 6:30 this morning William LIGHT, a member of the firm of LIGHT Brothers Company, who operate Glen Avon Mills, was coming down the road, a few rods from the mill, and up against a great stone wall ten feet high, he discovered the ball of a man. Going up to it he recognized the man as KINNEY and could see that he was dead. His face was battered in, and he was in a great pool of blood. Some distance away was the wreckage of the cutter, which leading away from this was the trail of another man, who appeared to have been bleeding cop----, and the marks showed that this man had fallen down a couple of times after getting away from the wreck.
After notifying Coroner PRESTON, LIGHT went to his horse barn, where, sleeping on a pile of hay in a box stall and so dazed that he did not know where he was, was BOYD. He thought he was downtown, and asked for his horse. He had no knowledge of having been with KINNEY. He was badly cut and bruised, but his injuries are not serious.
Coroner PRESTON was soon on the scene. He stated that KINNEY's death must have been instantaneous, although after death the body bled profusely. The night was bitterly cold and the body was frozen. The appearances are that KINNEY was kicked out of the rig before the stone wall was reached and dragged by his heels for several rods.
KINNEY is survived by his mother. He had been an industrious young man, establishing quite a business in the junk line.
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BODY OF UNKNOWN MAN FOUND NEAR CALEDONIA
Autopsy Showed That Heart Disease Had Caused His Death -
Has Not Been Identified
Caledonia, March 7 - This morning about 6:30 o'clock, as Joseph BAKER, an employee at the Portland Cement Plant, was coming to his work he saw the body of a man lying by the side of the New York Central track. Word was telegraphed to the railroad men in this village who
went to the place and brought the body to the station. Coroner PRESTON of Avon, was notified and was soon on hand.
As no marks or bruises were found on the body to indicate that he had been struck by the train the coroner decided that the man had died from natural causes. A post-mortem was held by
Dr. R. J. MENZIE of this village, assisted by Charles THOMPSON, a trained nurse. The autopsy disclosed the fact that the man's heart was badly diseased, which was the cause of death.
No one in the community has been able to recognize the man. He is a fine looking man, apparently about 30 years of age, five feet eleven inches in height, weighing 160 pounds, with dark
eyes and hair. He was well dressed.
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INDIANAPOLIS MAN DIED AT FAIRPORT
Death Was Due to Morphine Poisoning -
Found Unconscious in Bed
Fairport, March 7 - W. J. PYATT of Indianapolis died at the Cottage Hotel in this village, last night, from morphine poisoning, and it is generally thought to be a case of suicide. Mr. PYATT is a brother of D. A. PYATT, who lives just west of this village, and came to Fairport, February 23d. His home is in Indianapolis, where he has a wife and two grown ?? daughters. He was formerly a railroad engineer, but having contracted the drug habit, he was unable to hold his position. He went to a sanitarium for treatment and spent considerable money in trying to rid himself of the habit, but was unable to do so.
Saturday night he went to the hotel and secured a room. Sunday, as he had not appeared at noon, the clerk, Jerry McCARTHY, went to the room and called him. He replied and said that he would get up soon. At 6 o'clock he had not appeared and the second time the clerk visited the ___. This time he heard groans and thought that something must be wrong. He called John McLAUGHLIN, a barber who has rooms in the hotel, and together they forced the door into the man's room. Mr. PYATT was on the bed, but was unconscious (line unreadable) and active measures were at once taken for the relief of the unconscious man. He seemed to improve somewhat but remained in a semi-conscious condition and yesterday Dr. J. W. FOX was called.
Despite the efforts of both physicians, the man died last night. Coroner KILLIP was notified.
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ILL WITH VARIOLOID
A Student of the Normal School Under Quarantine at Her Home
Brockport, March 7 - Miss Luella SMITH, of Clarkson, a student at Brockport Normal School, is ill at the home of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Henry L. SMITH, with what Dr. DARROW, of this place, has diagnosed as a light case of varioloid. Miss SMITH went home Friday afternoon. She was taken ill Sunday, but her condition was not serious, and the physician was not called until yesterday.
He found symptoms of varioloid, but considers the case a very light one. The house was quarantined to-day.
It was reported here to-day that Miss SMITH had a severe case of smallpox, and considerable excitement was caused at the Normal school. Doctors say; however, that there is no cause for alarm and but little danger of the disease spreading.
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INDORSED THE REPUBLICAN TICKET
Hilton, March 7 - The Republican caucus was held last night to nominate village officers. The following ticket was accepted:
Thomas STOTHARD, president; Henry BUFTON, trustee for two years; Joseph INGHAM, treasurer; Melton BUTCHER, collector; Henry BUFTON, trustee of village library for five years; H. S. COSSMAN, trustee of village library for two years (to fill a vacancy).
The Democratic caucus was also held last evening. The Republican ticket was indorsed. The village election is March 21st.
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EWING - WOMBWELL
Fairport, March 7 - William EWING and Miss Mae WOMBWELL were married at Palmyra, last Thursday, by Rev. Edward J. BOOKER, pastor of the Baptist Church of that village. Mr. EWING served in the Spanish-American war, and was in the Philippines for two years. He has quite a local reputation as an athlete. The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas WOMBWELL of East Church street. The couple will live on North street, and will be at home to their friends after March 10th.
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MISSIONARY CAMPAIGN
Livonia, March 7 - The opening meeting of a missionary campaign to be conducted on the Rochester District of the M. E. Church was held this afternoon and evening in the auditorium of the Methodist Church. Many noted speakers were heard, among them Rev. M. R. WEBSTER, D. D., of Rochester, Rev. J. M. WALTERS of Rochester, Rev. E. M. TAYLOR, D. D., of Boston and Rev. C. E. HAMILTON, D. D., of Rochester. This evening Dr. HAMILTON gave his lecture on "David Livingston" to an appreciative audience.
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MRS. BENJAMIN SIMPSON
Caledonia, March 7 - Mrs. Benjamin SIMPSON died to-day at her home, two miles west of Fowlerville, at the age of 83 years. She leaves her aged husband and ten children, Mrs. Andrew EDGAR of this village, Mrs. MURDOCK and Mrs. SPITTAL of Batavia, Mrs. SISSON of Pavilion, Mrs. NOBLES of Linwood, Miss Emma SIMPSON of Fowlerville, Benjamin, Robert, William and Charles of York. Mr. and Mrs. SIMPSON celebrated the sixtieth anniversary of their marriage last November.
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RECEPTION AND BALL
Dansville, March 7 - The twenty-ninth annual reception and ball of the Fearless Hook and Ladder Company of Dansville took place last evening at the Heckman Opera House. There was about eight hundred guests and the spacious floor of the opera house was filled all evening.
Ellsworth's (?) orchestra furnished the music. The affair was a great success socially and insocially.
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GEORGE GILLMORE
Caledonia, March 7 - George GILLMORE died this morning at his home about a mile southwest of Fowlerville, in the town of ?fork. He was about 70 years of age and had been ailing for some time. His wife died about a year ago. He is survived by two daughters.
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ENTERTAINED YOUNG PATRIOTS
Pittsford, March 7 - Hon. George A. GOSS and wife entertained at their home, the guests being the "Young Patriots," of the Congregational Church of Fairport, and eighteen of their friends, chaperoned by Mrs. Henry BILLINGHURST, Mrs. STEELE and Miss WESTERMAN, of Fairport. Games and supper served to give them a delightful evening.
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CAUCUS AT PITTSFORD
Pittsford, March 7 - A meeting of the Republican electors of this village is called for next Friday evening at the town hall at 7:30 o'clock to nominate officers to be voted for at the annual village election, March 21st, and to transact any other business that may come before the meeting.
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WYOMING
Husband's Death Followed Soon After Golden Wedding
Warsaw, March 7 - William J. SERVICE died this morning after a brief illness from grip, aged 75 years. He had been a resident of Warsaw for thirty years, removing here from Varysburg. On March 1, 1855, Mr. SERVICE was married to Miss Mary CRAWFORD, who survives him. He leaves also three daughters, Mrs. W. F. SCHERMERHORN of Le Roy, Mrs. Robert D. MILLER and Miss Nettie SERVICE of Warsaw; and two brothers, Malcolm SERVICE of Le Roy and Thomas SERVICE who resides in the state of Washington.
Mr. SERVICE was a member of the Presbyterian Church; had held high offices in Warsaw Lodge, F. & A. M., and was most highly respected. He was bookkeeper in the Wyoming County National Bank for many years. Mr. and Mrs. Service gave a family dinner last Wednesday in celebration of their golden wedding.
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VILLAGE CAUCUS AT PERRY
Perry, March 7 - The village caucus, irrespective of party, was held last night in the Fire Department rooms, for the purpose of nominating officers to be elected at the annual election, to be held March 21st. The following ticket was put in nomination : President, Robert R. DOW; trustees, full term, Charles RUDD, Earl V. JENKS, H. L. PIKE; police justice, W. D. OLMSTED; treasurer, L. P. BENEDICT; assessor, J. M. HEWETT; collector, Charles H. HOMAN; citizens' committee, F. D. FANNING, C. C. HOLLISTER and W. W. GRIEVE.
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DEATH OF JOHN ARNOLD
Holley, March 7 John ARNOLD, a well known and highly respected citizen of this place, died at his home to-day of consumption. He was 53 years old and for the last ten years had been employed in the stone quarry as a quarryman. Besides his wife, he leaves two daughters, Lillian and Gertrude, and three sons, James, John and Bernard, together with two brothers, Bernard and Peter, both of Medina.
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HORR GIRL AGAIN IN CUSTODY
At a brief session of infants' court yesterday, the only case before Judge CHADSEY was that of Maud HORR, a West Virginia girl, who says she is 13 years of age. Miss HORR was arrested for vagrancy by Sergeant MEHLE and Special Courneen. She denied the accusation strenuously, and the Court decided to delay the hearing until he could investigate. The HORR girl was sent to Albion a short time ago, but was paroled.
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RECORD OF DEATHS
Mrs. Eleanor M. REYNOLDS died yesterday morning at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Ralph J. BENDON, No. 50 Hubbell park, Mrs. REYNOLDS was 72 years old. She leaves three sons, James, Joseph F. and Michael; three daughters, Mrs. A. S. BARR, of Yonkers, N. Y.,; Mrs. P. A. McGILL and Mrs. R. J. BENDON; eleven grandchildren and three sisters, Mrs. Susan MELLANEY(?), Miss Kathe Lue MULLANEY and Sister M. VINCENT, Order of St. Mary, Lockport, N.Y.
John H. ARNOLD died at his home in Holley yesterday. He leaves besides his wife and five children, five sisters of this city, Mrs. Margaret BURNS, Mrs. T. D. B---, Mrs. J. B. LANE, Mrs. B. H. EDDY and Mrs. A. L. EDMONDS.
Charles A. JARVIS died yesterday, aged 38 years. He leaves two sisters, Isabelle and Jennie GUYETT, of this city, and one brother Fred, of Canandaigua.
The funeral of John E. CARROLL will be held at 10 o'clock Thursday morning from Immaculate Conception Church.
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ARCACIA CLUB'S ANNUAL DANCE
The fifth annual reception and ball of the Arcacia Club was held at Maccabee Temple Monday night. About two hundred couples enjoyed the dancing. The following named members had charge; L. MAGILL, ? O'BRIEN, E. M. BRANNIGAN, H. L. JE??ERER, A. GANGROSS, M. MAGILL, P. O'BRIEN, G. ROWLAND, F. MAGILL, G. WERNER, E. RODENBECK, J. O'KANE, J. HALL, G. BROWN, J. CONNER, L. KAMMER, Carl LA?GGUTH'S Orchestra furnished the music.
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DIED
BUTTERWORTH - In this city, Monday, March 6, 1905, Peter BUTTERWORTH, aged 22 years.
-Funeral from the residence of his brother, Joseph V. BUTTERWORTH, No. 201 Myrtle street, on Thursday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock. Burial at Riverside.
DANCY - In this city, Monday, March 6, 1905, at St. Mary's Hospital, Isabella DANCY, wife of Wallace W. DANCY, of Clyde, N. Y., formerly of this city. Deceased is survived by her husband, her parents, Anthony and Margaret VROOMAN, of East Syracuse, N. Y.
-Funeral service will be conducted by Rev. Wallace H. WATTS, of St. Paul's Episcopal Church, and members of Ruth Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star, at the residence of Mrs. A. GRIBBROEK, No. 139 Hudson avenue, at 3 P.M. Wednesday. Burial at Schenectady, Thursday at 4 P. M. Buffalo and Syracuse papers please copy.
OLDFIELD - In this city, Tuesday, March 7, 1905, at the family residence, No. 37 Richmond street, Mrs. George B. OLDFIELD. She is survived by husband, George B. OLDFIELD, mother, Mrs. Alice PHILLIPS, two brothers, Frederick and Charles PHILLIPS, and one sister, Mrs. W. T. MACKIE.
-Funeral on Friday at 2:30 P. M. from the house. Burial at Mount Hope.
SHEWMAN - The funeral of James SHEWMAN will be held from the family residence, no. 162 William street, on Thursday, March 9th, at 3 P. M.
KELLY - In this city, Tuesday, March 7, 1905, at the family residence, No. 120 South Union street, Mary, wife of John and mother of Anna, Helen and Margaret, of Rochester, and Thomas and James KELLY, of Hamilton, N. Y., aged 73 years.
-The burial will take place in Hamilton, N. Y., March 9th.
EATON - At her home in West Brighton, Tuesday, March 7th, Elizabeth EATON. She is survived by one sister, Sarah A. EATON, and two brothers, Frederick and Hiram L. EATON, all of West Brighton.
-Funeral from her residence Thursday afternoon at 2 o'clock.
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