The articles below come from a privately-owned 550+ page leather-bound ledger. This ledger was originally used by an unknown business(es) that sold meat, grain, dry goods, tools, etc., entries made for the years 1856, 1861, and 1870. All pages were pasted over with an estimated 2,000+ newspaper clippings, ranging in date from 1887 to 1899, the bulk from 1894 to 1897. All Wayne County-related articles have been transcribed into 5 files, presented in order of appearance. The small fraction of names still visible at page tops will be listed at the end of Part 5.
Wayne County news clippings primarily pertain to Sodus, Sodus Centre, Williamson, Arcadia, and Newark, with a few from the Lyons paper. As a scrapbook, it was kept by a woman of wide-ranging interests. It contains newspaper pictures of society women from the U.S. and Europe; many articles about New York State, U.S. and European history; the Spanish-American War; recent presidents and their families; scandals and murders; prominent or notorious Wayne County citizens; believe-it-or-not type and yellow journalism articles; British and other European female royalty; accounts of New York State religious meetings from many faiths; two Newark cemetery interment lists, and a few floral decals. Absent in over 550 pages of clippings are recipes or household hints.
Selected clipping of marriages and other family events might show a pattern of relationship to some of our site visitors. Could anyone conjecture who kept this scrapbook - if not the individual, perhaps a family cluster she belonged to? A couple of dozen or so articles cover events in Newburgh, New York, but aren't of the vital records type of article. Perhaps she spent time there or they were sent to her by someone residing in that area. The cemetery interment lists, from 1887 and 1896, may contain people of specific family interest to her. Due to the fragility of the spine and weight of the ledger, requests for photocopies can't be honored, but all articles of obvious Wayne County interest are being transcribed.
Sensational Elopement of Sodus Center Couple.
Miss Peeler Was Engaged to an Episcopalian Rector.
Became Infatuated With the Village Telegraph Operator.
Minister Arrived in Full Dress -- Prospective Bride Had Flown.
A Brilliant Society Event Spoiled by Girlish Affection.
(Special Dispatch to The Herald.)
Sodus, Dec. 30 - Miss Susie Peeler, the only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. George W. Peeler, of Sodus Center, whose marriage to Rev. George Gurnell, rector of the Church of Epiphany, Bellevue, Pa., had been announced to take place at St. Luke's Church next Sunday morning, eloped with H.O. Lyon, an extra station agent of the Northern Central Railway Co., Tuesday.
In this, Sodus society has another sensation, which is probably the most remarkable in its history. The fact that one of the society belles of the town had eloped just before she was about to be married has set society all agog, and nothing else can be heard but discussions concerning it. Nothing like it has ever occurred here before, and people with perplexed faces and bewildered looks congregate to hear the latest reports concerning the affair.
It seems that Miss Peeler dreaded the approaching marriage, it being more of a family arrangement than a love affair, which had been announced to take place Monday next. It was an open secret that while she was greatly admired the man to whom she was engaged to be married, that she did not possess the love for him that is generally expected to seal matrimony.
After her engagement had been announced to a few friends, she met H.O. Lyon, who was acting as an extra agent at the Wallington station. A strong friendship sprang up between them, which developed into pure, unadulterated love. Mr. Lyon became acquainted with the fact that she was engaged to Rev. Mr. Gurnell, but he continued to give his attention to Miss Peeler. They were seen at parties together, and friends of both saw that something stronger than friendship existed, although the young people laughed when the subject was mentioned.
Their intimacy continued after the public announcement of the approaching wedding had been made, much to the surprise of their friends. Miss Peeler's parents had great respect for Mr. Lyon and they made no objection to his frequent calls.
Nearly four weeks ago Lyon left his duties at Wallington and started for his home in Pennsylvania. Later he came ___ to accept a position with the Northern Central.
After his return to Elmira he made frequent visits to Sodus Center, and made arrangements to attend the party which was given at that village last Friday night. It seems that Miss Peeler wrote her fiance regarding the matter, and he informed her that he was willing to sanction her going with Mr. Lyon. It is thought that at that time the two young people talked over the approaching marriage and partially decided that it would be unwise for Miss Peeler to become the wife of the Episcopalian rector. There is every reason to believe that a friend was taken into confidence and that it was arranged to leave Sodus Center and friends behind.
In the meantime Rev. Mr. Gurnell had written from his Pennsylvania home that he would like to have his prospective bride meet him in Rochester Wednesday, where he would purchase a piano and ship the same to Bellevue. He had already furnished a very nice home, which they expected to occupy after the 10th day of February, when they would be at home to their friends.
Miss Peeler wrote him that she would meet him that day as requested and that she would leave Sodus Center the day before and remain with Newark friends over night there and take the morning train the next day for the Flower City.
When Tuesday came Miss Peeler went to Wallington and remained a few hours with a friend, informing her people before leaving that she would take the afternoon train for Newark and proceed for Rochester the next day.
The train from the south, due at Wallington at 11 o'clock a.m. brought Mr. Lyon from Elmira. He was met by Miss Peeler and her friend. The lovers held a consultation and it was evident that Miss Peeler began to regret the step she had taken, as she was seen shedding tears and was visibly affected. She was calmed by Mr. Lyon and when the train going south drew out of Wallington the lovers were aboard. They remained on the train until it reached Stanley. There tickets were bought for Rochester and they were married in that city. That night the telegraph wires announced the event to Wallington friends at the station, but they kept it still until yesterday when it became rumored that something of the kind had taken place. Nothing could be verified, though, until last night, and the particularsl did not reach the public until to-day.
Mr. and Mrs. Lyon left for Elmira. A message from that city stated that they had crossed the line into Pennsylvania, but no further trace of them can be found. Last night a letter was handed a mail clerk addressed to Mrs. Lyon at Elmira, so it is probable that they will return to that city soon.
On Wednesday the Rev. Mr. Gurnell reached Rochester, but was deeply disappointed when he did not find Miss Peeler waiting for him as she had agreed. He telegraphed the friends in Newark where she was to have remained over night. He was surprised when a message announced that she had not been there. Mr. Gurnell took the next train for Sodus Center, and there he found that his fiance had eloped with Lyon. He was greatly shocked and nearly crazed. When he became satisfied that his prospective bride had flown, he took the next R.W. & O. train for New York.
The parents are nearly wild with the outcome of the affair. Her marriage with the rector promised to be such a brilliant society event that their disappointment is keen. The wedding garments were completed some time ago and everything had been prepared for the future event. Wednesday night a party was arranged for Miss Peeler and Mr. Gurnell and another was scheduled for to-night. The parties concerned are highly respectable and have always been looked upon as being society leaders.
A clipping from another day, almost verbatim reportage, had the following heading:
ELOPED!
Miss Susie Peeler, Who Was to Have
Married Rev. George Gurnell Next
Monday, Deserts Her
Fiance
The only difference is this final sentence:
It is said that Mr. Lyon has been once married and that he has a divorce, but no one seems able to show proof of the assertion.
[no date]
Married in Fishkill on the Hudson November 14, by Rev. Mr. Cornist, Henry C. Haight to Jessie M. Bryant.
[no date]
The End Came at Eight O'clock.
Francis Poucher is dead.
The announcement of his death this morning startled the entire community. It came so unexpectedly that nothing but surprise could be seen in the faces of those who had learned of the sad event.
Mr. Poucher has been at his place of business regularly until within a day or two. Wednesday he felt badly, and remained at the house a greater part of the time. Yesterday he felt some better and came over to the market for a little time.
Miss Marie Beurman was at Mr. Poucher's home Wednesday and he told her he was feeling miserably. She informed him that she would have Dr. J.F. Myers prepare some medicine for him, which he did, and also make a professional call.
He seemed to improve until last night about nine o'clock when his wife notifued that he was growing worse. Dr. Myers was called immediately, but his condition continued to become still more alarming, and shortly before midnight Dr. W.G. Thirkell was sent for.
When Dr. Thirkell reached his side he was unconscious, in which state he remained until his death.
The physicians did all in their power for the sick man, but in spite of their efforts he died at eight o'clock this morning. Dr. W.G. Thirkell, W.E. Allen and Miss Marie Beurman being at his bedside.
Francis Poucher was one of the best known men in the town of Sodus and Wayne County. He was born in Sodus, July, 1835, and at the time of his death was 61 years, 11 months and 14 days old. He has always resided here.
During his early life he engaged with his father, the late David Poucher, in the cattle business. Later, he became proprietor of a meat market in this village.
Besides a sife and daughter he leaves a brother, Refine Poucher, of New York City, and three sisters, Miss Kate Poucher, of Chicago, Miss Finette Poucher, of Rochester, and Mrs. Rachel Johnson, of Rochester.
REPUBLICAN
For Judge of the Court of Appeals
William J. Wallace
For County Judge and Surrogate
S. Nelson Sawyer of Palmyra
For District Attorney
Edward H. Kellogg of Wolcott
For Sheriff
Dewitt C. Wheeler of South Butler
For Coroner
Cyrus T. Jennings of Macedon
For Member of Assembly
Marvin I. Greenwood of Newark
DEMOCRATIC
For Chief Judge of the Court of Appeals
Alton B. Parker
For County Judge and Surrogate
Charles McLouth
For Sheriff
Perry Morgan
For District Attorney
Myric M. Kelly
For Member of Assembly
John H. Rogers
For Coroner
J. Selden Brandt
[no date; tax sales are proof of ownership, so deeds an be sought. Some of these amounts are very small so likely debts were paid before the sale date.]
County Treasurer Ellison has advertised the following property in this town for sale for unpaid taxes. The sale will be held Nov. 18:
George Caves, house and lot, $1.84
Emmet Powell, lots 14 and 15, 38 acres of land, also lot 27, 20 acres of land, $15.18
C.B. White, 9 acres of land, $1.09
M.D. White, lot 107, 48 acres of land; lots 98 and 100, 100 acres of land; mill, $54.65
Wm. Erasmus, lot 16, 11 acres of land, $3.22
Benjamin Felker, lot 5, 8 acres of land, $7.11
Elizabeth Lane, lot 6, 16 acres of land, $5.65
Heirs of Mrs. C.P. Moody, house and lot, Maple Ave., $44.10
Wm. E. Swales, lot 4, 465 acres of land, $16.28
M.V. Teetor, lot 4, 49 acres of land, $15.08
Robert Barclay, house and lot, 75 cents
Hiram Clark, house and lot, $4.03
Orville Daggett, cottage, Mason's Beach, $1.53
John Deede, house and lot, Alton, $2.94
Alonzo Daily, house and lot, Alton, $4.20
Harry Hermeberg, lot 8, 11 acres of land, $5.97
Abram Jewell, house and lot, $2.20
James Kemper, boat house and lot, Sand Point, $2.20
George Lepper, house and lot, Sand Point, $2.30
Eugene Nellis, house and lot, Sand Point, 75 cents
Charles Stuart, cottage, Sand Point, $3.78
Albert Smith, house and lot, South Sodus, $2.94
David Sedore, house and lot, Alton, $2.94
Jay Seely, vacant lot, Sand Point, $1.25
Charles Stuart, boat house, Sand Point, $.75
[no date]
Yesterday afternoon as Miss McKuen of the firm of Young & McKuen of Williamson, was cleaning
an article of millinery with gasolene, someone opened the stove door. In an instant the room was in
flames. Before the flames extinguished three hundred dollars damage was done to the building and stock.
Miss McKuen was severely burned. Her condition this morning was reported as improving.
[no date]
The Royal Templars have paid three claims in Sodus council within five months, the last being that of Mary A.
Powers of Clyde. A total disability claim has also been allowed W.T. Gaylord.
[no date]
Brothers and Sister Meet After a Quarter of a Century.
One Brother not Recognized.
Some days ago A.N. King left his home and business in house furnishing goods in Anderson, Ind., and in two and a half days rode his wheel 240 miles to Morocco, Mich., to the home of his brother, W.F. King, who is a farmer. The two started east and wheeled to Toledo, took the boat for Buffalo, and Saturday evening wheeled to our village to visit their brother, Eugene King. All of them are going to Sodus to visit a sister, and they are having a fine visit. Twenty-nine years ago W.F. went west and twenty-five years ago A.N. went also. This is their first visit home. Several years ago their father, Ebenezer King, went to visit the latter brother on his farm, and the old gentleman died there some time after his arrival. Only five or six are now left out of eleven brothers and sisters of their father - Fairport Herald.
Few Sodus people are aware that the three brothers mentioned above have been among us, and that they have left behind them a sister whose daily life is filled with sadness beause of their visit. But such is the case, and we learned the facts from her own lips.
The sister referred to in the above paragraph is Mrs. Charles Featherly, whose maiden name was King.
It seems her two brothers, A.N. King, now of Anderson, Ind., and W.F. King, of Morocco, Mich., left Fairport in boyhood to seek their fortunes in the West. The latter has been absent twenty-eight years, and the former twenty-five years.
When they first left home letters were frequently received from them, but as time passed their messages became less numerous because of business interests, and finally they ceased altogether. This was several years ago and Mrs. Featherly had not heard from them in a long while.
They reached Fairport from their western homes, as mentioned in the above abstract from the Herald, several days ago. When they left that village for Sodus Eugene King accompanied them.
When they reached this place they decided to surprise their sister and concluded to appear as strangers seeking food and shelter.
Eugene, whom Mrs. Featherly has seen frequently, preceeded the other two, and was greeted affectionately by his sister, informing her that he had come for a few days' visit.
In a short time a knock was heard at the door and Mrs. Featherly responded. A nicely dressed man appeared before her and asked for a drink of water. He had hardly spoken when Mrs. Featherly exclaimed to her husband: "I believe that man is a King, " and a moment later excitedly said: "It is a King, and my brother Frank, too." Then there was a touching scene which lasted several minutes. Mrs. (lower edge of clipping missing) to her own brother, told him she thought it impossible as they had company and were not prepared to keep any more.
About this time the men made their appearances, and she told them the situation. Her husband remarked that they had better keep him as he hated to turn a stranger away. The sister could not see how they could care for him, and he suggested that he could sleep in the barn if necessary.
At this point Mrs. Featherly nearly fainted when it was announced that the tramp was a King, and her brother Allen whom she had not seen in twenty-five years. She cried "No, No, It is not Allen! You don't resemble the brother I used to play with in the least. If you are Allen King tell me the nick name you used to call me."
He declined to answer the question and she was still more puzzled when he said "Lady, don't let these men fool you."
A moment afterward she heard him say, "Well, I believe your name used to be 'Topsy'."
He had hardly spoken the sentence when Mrs. Featherly uttered a joyful cry and then a pathetic as well as humorous scene was enacted. The sister was fairly crazed with joy, and yet frantic with grief to think she could not recognize him. She grabbed hold of him like a wild woman and threw him to the floor, when she rolled him over and over until her strength was exhausted.
She then began to sob because she could not make it seem real that the brother she had not seen in twenty-five years was standing before her and she could not see the slightest resemblance. It was heartrending to the four men who stood beside her but nothing could be done to make her see her brother as she used to.
To make a long story short we simply add that the brother remained several days, but try as hard as she could the sister could not be reconciled to the fact that her brother had returned to her. He seemed like a stranger, and to this day she cannot make it seem real.
In telling the story for The Record she said "It is a terrible feeling I have. I can't describe it," and at this juncture she burst into tears.
Another scene from life's panorama.
[short notices from one clipping, no date]
Chester C. Kelley, will teach in the Whitbeck district during the coming school year.
Miss Lulah B. Ward will teach the Fall term of school in the Vosburg district.
Born. - To Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Thayer, on Thursday, Aug. 5th, a daughter.
[no date]
The death of C.L. Brundage occurred yesterday, after a protracted illness. Mr. Brundage was born in the town of Fishkill 86 years ago.
In 1849 he came to South Sodus, where he remained until about ten years ago when he came to this village. He has taught school for a
number of years in this town and had, until a few months ago, when he was taken ill, been very active in politics. The deceased leaves
a wife, son and one daughter. The funeral will be held tomorrow and burial will be made at South Sodus.
[no date]
Prof. Fred L. Fox and family of Croton-on-the-Hudson, are spending the summer with relatives in town.
[no date]
County Officials
County Judge and Surrogate
Luther M. Norton, Newark
County Clerk
L.S. Cuyler, Lyons
County Treasurer
Richard T. Ellison, Walworth
District Attorney
E.H. Kellogg, Wolcott
Sheriff
George M. Sweezey, Lyons
Superintendent of the Poor
Melvin B. Gates, Lakeside
Coroners
Dr. Carr, Williamson
Dr. York, Huron
Dr. E.P. Thatcher, Newark
School Commissioners
1st Dist. - Samuel Cosad, Wolcott
2nd Dist. - Rufus N. Backus, Palmyra
Town Officials
Supervisor - Lewis H. Clark
Town Clerk - Frank D. Gaylord
Justices of the Peace - W.J. Toor, George Emery, J. W. Watson, C.W. Wright, Albert Harris
Collector - Sanger W. Case
Assessors - Stephen G. Turner, J.T. Pearsall, Geo. Van Antwerp
Com'rs of Highways - J.M. Proseus, Prine Riggs, C.M. Sentell
Overseers of the Poor - David Vandy, David Harris
Constables - Frank L. Doane, Henry W. Shaver, George Hines, William H. Buys, William Fonda
State Officials
Governor - Frank S. Black, Troy
Lieutenant Governor - Timothy J. Woodruff, Brooklyn
Member of Congress - Sereno E. Payne, Auburn
State Senator - John Raines, Canandaigua
Member of Assembly - George S. Horton, Canandaigua
[poems under the heading "Lake Road", dated 1897]
Miss Edna Heath of Pultneyville,
Last Monday, on her bike
Came down this way some friends to see
Whom she does greatly like.
But when she comes again we hope
She'll make a longer stay
So she can visit all her friends
And hurry not away.
Miss Lena Isabelle Valorn
In visiting delights
'Tis only a few days ago
She was over at DeRight's.
Miss Edith Vosburg to her home
Returned last Friday Eve
But Monday morn again for school
From home she took her leave.
And then, to Anson Pulver's
To visit them there came
A fellow I ne'er saw before
Nor even know his name.
Miss Lulah Ward we find to be
The teacher that we need
With tact and drill and discipline
Her pupils learn with speed.
And when school's term is finished
We'll lose Miss Ward we know,
And we shall miss her greatly
Because we like her so.
Thomas Yeomans and Peter Valorn
Their evaporators run;
Of apples they have dried this fall
As many as a ton.
James Dubois of Ontario,
Has made a two weeks stay,
With his aunt and uncle who are
Mr. and Mrs. William Day.
Our friends, George Tunley and Neil Tack,
I'm glad that I can tell
Live in supreme contentment
Since all with them is well.
Of this I wonder what is thought
By Mr. Adrian Boss
But to know his mind about it
I'm fully at a loss.
And Mr. Willis Dufloo
Is full of business still
And many are the dollars
That his pocket always fill.
[short notices, dated 1897]
Rev. Troop is preaching at Wolcott.
The marriage of Miss Maude Bradly to Clifford J. Robinson occurred at the home of the bride Wednesday afternoon at 3 o'clock. Many were present from out of town. The presents received were many and costly. They took the evening train for the west. Congratulations.
The Misses Maud Troop and Ha Granger visited Newark friends Sunday and Monday.
Hezekiah Dunlapp has purchased the Messinger house and lot on Rail Road street.
Claude Borradaile is offering five cents apiece for red ears of corn, in anticipation of an invitation to a Zurich husking bee.
Invitations have been issued for the marriage of Frank J. Sergeant and Miss Belle M. Reynolds, of Wallington, on Wednesday, Sept. 15.
[no date]
J.J. Wylie, Sodus, N.Y., whose picture is herewith presented, can be truthfully named as one of the live, up-to-date undertakers of the State. There is no appliance that is in use for the proper burial of the dead that he is not in possession of. He possesses two handsome hearses; carries in stock from 50 to 60 caskets and a large stock of hardware and trimmings. His furniture establishment is on the north side of Main street, while his undertaking parlors, which are models of neatness and convenience, are on the opposite side. Here are displayed two superb couch caskets. He carries in stock grave vaults and sells many of them. As an embalmer he is a graduate of the veteran Renouard. The furniture and undertaking business was founded by his father, the late John H. Wylie, in 1859, and in 1874 he admitted his son, J.J. Wylie, and for years the business was carried on successfully under the firm name of J.H. Wylie & Son, until the death of the senior member of the firm June 1, 1889, since which time the trade has been conducted by J.J. Wylie, one of Sodus' most public spirited and esteemed citizens. Mr. Wylie has always taken an active part in the affairs of the place and has done his share towards its prosperity. He is a leading member of the F. and A.M. Sodus lodge, and is a warden of St. John's Episcopal church, and as an undertaker and embalmer has a record for excellency that is not surpassed by any in the State. - New York Sunnyside.
[short notices, no date]
Sodus.
Sodus, Sept. 11. - J.H. Teats & Sons of Williamson have shipped a carload of peaches every day during the past week, and on two occasions two cars were filled for shipment. They have employed 35 men to harvest the crop.
Mr. and Mrs. William Messinger of Sodus Centre celebrated their golden wedding yesterday. Over one hundred relatives and friends were present to make merry with them. Many costly presents were given them.
Composed by CALEB MUNSON, Sodus, N.Y., June 10, 1826
A new religion's come to light,
And lately placed within our sight
And people flock in crowding throng
To hear them praise their God in songs,
On Moses' law, it can't be found,
Nor was it e'er on Canaan's ground;
Nor was it e'er by Jesus taught,
Or by the Apostles ever sought.
The greatest tenets they proclaim,
Are to deny the loving flame;
No marriage contract they allow,
Nor aught connected with that vow.
No resurrection will they own,
No more than they themselves have known;
They hold no Devil but in Man,
That's all they will and all they can.
They hold to mortify the lust,
For that's the crime that brought the curse;
They hold to honesty in dealing,
To charity and humane feeling.
No suffering man though he be poor,
Is e'er sent hungry from their door;
No trick in dealing like a fraud,
Can by this people be allowed.
My hardest task is yet to do,
To lead you all their worship through;
They meet on Sunday by the clock,
To exercise their loving flock.
They sing again and march the field,
To this obediently they yield;
They keep the time and clap their hands,
Like soldiers trained in warlike bands.
They then return and dance the floor,
As David danced in days of yore;
Sometimes they shake like augue fits,
You'd think they'd lost their brightest wits.
Sometimes they whirl with swiftest motion,
You'd think the Devil gave the notion;
Their intermediate meetings stand,
To labor for the promised land.
To sing with voice uplifted high,
To shake the earth and rend the sky;
Their limbs unite in sounding praise,
Like thunder's roll or lightning's blaze.
You place yourself on yonder land
In evening shade and there do stand
To hear the sound of hands and feet,
And voice unite in concert sweet.
Reverberating from the hills,
And echoing through the distant vales;
The winds and waves in silence stand
For miles and miles throughout the land.
They firstly chant a tuneful song,
And then exhort the numerous throng;
They sing again with joy and mirth,
Like pilgrims passing from the earth.
A true description here you find,
Now Judge them with a canded mind,
And not condemn without a cause
Nor justify by unjust laws.
[no date]
ACCIDENT OCCURED THIS MORNING.
Fell from a Tree While Gathering Chestnuts.
William Seeley was killed at ten o'clock this morning at Sodus Point.
Mr. Seeley was in Margaretta Grove to gather chestnuts. He climbed a tree to the height of forty feet, and drew the ladder up after him. This he placed across a limb. He climbed out on it, and it turned over with him. He fell ten feet and struck a limb which broke with him. He tried to grasp another but failed and fell to the ground, thirty feet more.
When picked up it was found his back and three ribs were broken and his shoulder out of joint.
Dr. Wilson was out of town and Dr. Seaman of Alton was sent for. He arrived in about a half hour, but Mr. Seeley was breathing his last. Dr. Wilson came on the train from the south at 10:30 a.m., but he was dead before he reached his side.
A widow survives him.
[no date}
John Du Burk Leave for Parts Unknown.
A Sodus Sensation.
Sodus has another sensation.
One of her citizens has decamped for parts unknown, and left his wife to fight the battle of life alone. The people of this town are greatly surprised at the affair, and many will not be convinced that John Du Burk has deserted the woman he once promised to love and cherish.
Mr. Du Burk until the 3d. of July had acted as clerk in the store of A. B. Williams. On the morning of the date mentioned he left Sodus to visit his sister, Miss Susie Du Burk, in Rochester. The following day he was seen at Ontario Beach by three Sodusites, and at that time he was with his sister. He told the Sodus parties he would reach here about Monday July 5th, and be ready for work. This was the last seen of him.
When he did not return home, as agreed, Mr. Williams made inquiries, but learned nothing as to his whereabouts. Suspicions were aroused and an investigation was instituted, the result being that a representative of Mr. Williams made a trip to Rochester to discover the reason for Du Burk's non appearance. In the mean time Mrs. Du Burk, who has been at Ontario for a short time, came to Sodus last Friday to see her husband, and was greatly surprised to find he was not here. She did not worry as she knew he intended to visit his sister and thought he had made arrangements with his employer for a vacation.
She remained here over night with friends and left for Ontario the next day.
Mr. Williams' representative started for Rochester on his Mission Tuesday. On reaching there he went immediately to the boarding place of Miss Du Burk. He found her absent, but the landlady consented to be interviewed.
On being questioned with regard to how much she knew about Du Burk, she said he called for his sister Sunday, and left with her while she was at church. She saw nothing more of him. When asked if there was not some trouble with Du Burk she said there was something of a disturbing nature but she was not at liberty to explain.
When he reached Sodus the gentleman learned from Williamson parties that Mrs. Du Burk had just received a letter from her husband saying that he would never return to her or Sodus, and that she need not look for him for she would never be able to find him. He also added that the household goods were at her disposal. The news came to her like a thunderclap from a clear sky, and the poor woman knows not what to do. She is at present staying with her stepmother and brother on their farm near Ontario.
An incident just related may throw some light on the affair.
It seems that only a few days ago Du Burk was seen to make a clipping from a paper. He cut the paper in such a peculiar manner that some one secured another copy that they might discover what the item was.
On comparing the two papers it was found that he had cut out an article that referred to a divorce case in a western state. This would naturally lead one to think that he might attempt to secure a legal separation from his wife.
John Du Burk was born in the town of Williamson, where he has resided most of the time. He came to Sodus April 1st. and accepted a position with A.B. Williams.
He and his wife began housekeeping in the old Burnett house, but she became afraid, it is said, to remain at the home evenings. As a result the household goods were stored and Mrs. Du Burk returned to Ontario, her husband securing rooms at L. DeF. Vaughn's.
No one has suspected, not even their closest friends, that there was any difference existing between the two, and when it was learned for a surety that he had disappeared, the case seemed all the more mysterious.
Mr. Du Burk was a quiet fellow, and paid close attention to his own business. This, coupled with the fact that he was very genial, made for him many friends.
The report reached Sodus this morning that Du Burk had written a letter to his wife from Rockford, Ill. It cannot be verified, however.
[poems under the heading "Lake Road", no date]
Miss Matie Lander came to us
Last week upon her wheel,
And made some business calls, I think
To settle an old deal.
And Mr. Charles Merriman
Of Chicago, Illinois,
Is now at L.L. Coleman's
Where a visit he enjoys.
He brought his camera with him
And for pleasure's only sake
He roams about the country,
That pictures he may take.
At Mr. Samuel H. Deright's
Our friend Cornelius Tack
A pleasant stay of two days made,
Then to Valorn's went back.
Miss Edith Vosburg came last week,
Back to her Lake Road home,
Where she will wait and take a rest,
Ere she again shall roam.
From Sodus, Sunday, came Frank Case,
And also Carl Gurnee,
Upon their wheels in early morn,
Their friend, Ray Hill, to see.
And Mr. Ezra Stewart
Who works for W. Dufloo,
Is thinking that ere long he will
to California go.
Miss Ada Slocum has a wheel -
Her pleasure and her pride;
We trust that very soon, in deed,
The bike she'll learn to ride.
And Mr. Warren Munson,
We're sad to say, is ill,
We know hopes for recovery,
His anxious friends' minds fill.
[no date]
Frank Rice has received a great outfit from Syracuse and is now prepared to run a first class
boarding house. Frank says he can accommodate 50 guests and take care of them well. After meals they
can enjoy themselves in the "Crow's Nest" and when tired of this they can make use of the
dancing apartments.
He will probably introduce electric lights, natural gas, free mail delivery and pretty girls to his admiring boarders. We expect to hear soon that prominent New York hotel men will be in town to get a line on our metropolitan place. One thing is certain - if they do come, Frank will show them a thing or two about the art of entertaining.
[no date]
Wayne County was visited by a severe rain and wind storm Monday afternoon, which destroyed considerable property in several of the towns.
Our own village escaped without a great deal of damage. P.P. Butts suffered the most as his entire peach crop was ruined. George Wride's barn was struck by lightning, the cupola being shattered and a few shingles torn off. Frank Seymour was in the barn at the time, but was not aware that the building had been injured until told. Several trees belonging to different persons were damaged.
At Newark the house owned by Charles Siegrist was struck by lightning, and the dwelling was immediately in flames. The fire department extinguished the blaze.
Ontario lost trees, telephone poles, fences, etc., besides a barn belonging to Michael Albright, which was consumed by fire.
At Savannah the West Shore station was struck, and partly destroyed by the flames before the department put out the fire. The barn of Christopher Morgan was burned. Loss, $300, partly insured.
[several notes on one clipping, no date]
Mr. and Mrs. Howard Wentworth and son Harold of Albany, Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Gibson of Wallington, Mrs. James Gibson, Miss
Estella Gibson and Miss Ella Swales of Sodus were guests of Mrs. R.J. Nash, Jr., on Friday of last week. - Williamson Sentinel.
Dr. W.G. Thirkell made a report on the drainage in the south western part of the town Tuesday to the effect that Salmon Creek really needed enlarging and deepening in order that a free passage be effected to Sodus Centre. He stated that he did not believe it was in the jurisdiction of the Board of Health, but that the towns of Arcadia, Marion and Sodus should co-operate to correct the drainage. (remaining resolutions omitted here).
[no date]
Harry S. Boyd and Miss Lillian B. Poucher Married Tuesday.
Last Tuesday morning at nine o'clock the home of Mrs. Susan Poucher was the scene of a quiet wedding, when Harry Seeley Boyd and Lillian Belle Poucher were united in the holy bonds of matrimony.
The wedding was unpretentious on account of the recent bereavement in the family of which the bride is a member.
The ceremony was performed by Rev. E.C. Bennett, Rector of St. John's Episcopal Church. Those present besides the members of the two families were Mr. and Mrs. S.W. Brundage, Miss Ethel Whitbeck and Miss Ella Hathaway.
Mr. and Mrs. Boyd took the ten o'clock train for Niagara Falls where they will pass their honeymoon. It is expected that they will return to Sodus early next week.
The young couple have a host of friends who unite in wishing them a bon voyage over the matrimonial sea.
It is a fact worthy of mention that three other couples took the same train Mr. and Mrs. Boyd left on between here and Lewiston. When the train pulled into Niagara Falls four couples married that morning stepped from the train.
Back to Historical Articles Section
Back to Families and Bios Section