Old News from Out-of-Town Papers
Town of Little Falls
Herkimer County, NY
2/14/09 From the Utica Herald-Dispatch, August 13, 1902
Little Falls
The Klossner Inquest
At 2 o'clock yesterday afternoon in the Common Council chambers the Coroner, Dr. R. P. Douglass, held an inquest into the death of the late Jacob Klossner. Eleven witnesses were examined. After the inquest Coroner Douglass stated that the drowning of Jacob Klossner was purely accidental.
2/14/09 From the Utica Herald-Dispatch, December 2, 1904
Little Falls Liners
The engagement of Dr. W. P. Earl of this city to Miss May Avery of Herkimer has been announced among their friends.
2/14/09 From the Utica Herald-Dispatch, July 25, 1910
Little Falls.
Andrew Beals has moved his family to Syracuse, where he will be employed in the future. His many friends regret that he is going to leave the city but are pleased that he has a fine position.
2/14/09 From the Utica Herald-Dispatch, July 25, 1911
Little Falls.
Samuel S. Hudson and his son George S. have returned from an extended stay at the Crystal Spring House, Mount Clemens, Mich., seeking relief from rheumatism. It is pleasing news to their many friends that each were benefited by the sojourn.
Two articles found by Lisa Slaski!
From the Observer-Dispatch, Utica, NY, 13 Apr 1941
BLAST WRECKS BUILDING
Man Injured In Little Falls
Little Falls - Fumes, believed to have escaped from a gasoline tank in front of William Murray's gasoline station, E. Main and Ward, ignited last night and the resulting explosion injured the proprietor, blew the two-story building off its foundation and fire damage estimated at about $10,000 was done.
Murray, 53, was found unconscious by firemen in the basement with body burns. He was taken to the Little Falls Hospital where he was revived by Patrick Nagle, 168 Burwell, an employe of the Central New York Power Corporation who used artificial respiration. His condition was reported as serious.
Two Escape Injury
Mrs. Murray who was upstairs in the building escaped without injury and Harry Jackson, 44? Petrie, who had just come into the store jumped through the window.
The Murray's conducted a combination gasoline station and candy store and lived in the rear and on the second floor of the structure.
Fire Chief Edward J. Cooney reported the explosion occurred at about 9:15 and almost immediately afterward fire broke out in the building almost completely ruining the interior. The chief said the tank in front of the building had been filled yesterday afternoon.
Blames Escaping Fumes
He expressed the belief that the explosion was caused by fumes "escaping or seeping from the tank."
Shortly after the wreck of the Lake Shore Limited on the New York Central last spring residents of the area complained about smelling gas. The street was torn up but the investigation failed to answer the problem.
From The Journal and Republican, Lowville NY, Thursday, 25 Apr 1940
Thirty Killed in Train Wreck
New York Central Train Derailed on Curve at Little Falls with 30 Dead and 100 Injured.
One of the worst disasters in the railroad history of New York state occured Friday at Little Falls, when the [?] Lake Shore LImited of the New York Central system left the tracks on the Gulf Curve at the city [?].
[?] the sharp curve at high speed the locomotive leaped its track careened over the other three tracks of the right-of-way, and crashed into the side of a 200 foot rock embankment. Its boiler exploded, shooting up a huge cloud of live steam. By a strange freak the baggage car immediately behind was broken free and rolled on down the tracks, halting 20 yards away. But the mail car, directly behind the baggaged car, piled into the locomotive and was telescoped into a fourth of its length. The following Pullman smashed into the top of the wreckage, the next Pullman piled up on top of the first Pullman, and the third Pullman piled into this mountain of wreckage.
The third Pullman was smashed. The Pullman behind it was telescoped and its roof was partly torn off, the heavy steel torn as though it were paper. The seven Pullman coaches next[?] were flopped on their sides, their windows were broken, their wheels torn off or loose, but otherwise they did not appear severely damaged. Five coaches - all Pullmans except one - behind them remained upright on the tracks. The last coach was a day coach which contained chinese prisoners of the immigration service en route to San Francisco for deportation.
... [there is more to this article, but this gives a brief look at this horrific accident]
From the Utica Daily Press, July 29, 1931, page 15.
RELEASED FROM HOSPITAL
Little Falls, July 29.- Frank Spraker, 17, of Stone Arabia, who was burned in the wagon house on the farm conducted by his parents Saturday night, and who made his way to this city, where he was taken to the local hospital, has left that institution and relatives have taken him back home. Following the blaze, he disappeared and at first it was thought he had lost his life.
From the Evening Herald, March 11, 1900. (Syracuse NY)
Bauer's Toe Amputated.
Little Falls, March 10.- For forty-two years, aged Adam Bauer has been a faithful employee in the New York Central freight house in this city and for nearly fifty years he has been troubled with an obnoxious and painful bunion on the big toe of his right foot. On Thursday the foot became so bad that Mr. Bauer was compelled to take to his bed. To-day Dr. Stephen A. Ingham amputated the afflicted toe and Mr. Bauer felt so much relieved that he thinks he will be able to attend to his duties in a few days.
From the Evening Herald, March 25, 1900. (Syracuse NY)
Mrs. Bealer's Will Contested.
Little Falls, March 24.- The will of Catherine Bealer of this city, who died several months ago, will be contested by her son, John, who claims that his mother was unduly influenced in the distribution of her property. There are several thousand dollars involved, which was distributed to relatives. A. H. Bellinger is the attorney for the contestant.
From the Evening Herald, January 18, 1904. (Syracuse NY)
WOMAN IN PULPIT.
The Parson Was Ill and His
Wife Preached Sermon.
ON THE 2D COMMANDMENT.
Did Not Wish to See the Congregation Dis-
appointed by Going Sermonless - The
Minister's Wife Had TAken a Theological
Course in College and Had an Oppor-
tunity to Demonstrate Her Ability.
Little Falls, Jan. 18.- The Rev. H. E. Benton, pastor of St. Paul's Universalist church, has not been a well man for several months and yesterday morning he was taken so ill that he could not officiate at the services.
There was no substitute to be had, and in order not to disappoint the congregation Mrs. Benton, who is an exceedingly bright woman and who took a theological course in college for the Universalist ministry, but was never ordained, came to the rescue and conducted the services. She made a very acceptable substitute for her husband. The Rev. Mr. Benton's subject was to be "The Second Commandment," the third of a series of discourses on popular subjects.
With but little preparation Mrs. Benton took up the subject and preached a most excellent sermon. She showed herself to be thoroughly at home in the pulpit. Her versatility in church work as well as is society and domestic affairs is something out of the ordinary and which was commented upon by the members of the congregation yesterday. There was no service in the evening.
Election of Officers.
Little Falls, Jan. 18.- The Little Falls Fish and Game Protective association has elected these officers: President, Charles Clackner; vice president, Alvin Walrath; secretary, Frank Walby; treasurer, Solomon Bowers; directors, Fred Nethaway, Eugene McGuire, Fred Clingen, Albert Tyler, Edward Ray; shooting committee, Frank Walsh, captain, Fred Nethaway, F. W. Ashenhurst, Guy Kretzer, Bert Casler.
The annual report shows the association to be in a very prosperous condition.
From the Evening Herald, January 4, 1904. (Syracuse NY)
LITTLE FALLS.
GOOD BYE TO WIFE.
Prominent Dolgeville Physician,
It is Though, Has Eloped.
CREDITORS MAKE A LEVY.
New York Woman, Wealthy and Married,
Has Been Missing, It Is Reported, Since
the Doctor Left Town - A Warran Has
Been Issued For the Latter's Arrest, It
Is Stated.
Little Falls, Jan. 4.- Dr. W. G. Mangold, a prominent physician of Dolgeville, has written a letter to his wife in New York, it is reported, never to return. She came to Dolgeville this forenoon to take the household goods away. Mangold had creditors in Dolgeville who are levying on his property and a warrant is reported to have been issued in New York for his arrest.
It is thought Mangold has eloped with a rich married woman from New York, who formerly lived in Dolgeville and who is reported to have been missing since Mangold disappeared. Mangold was well known in Little Falls and was very popular.
From the Evening Herald, January 18, 1904. (Syracuse NY)
Little Falls, Jan. 18.- Charles F. Leahy, familiarly known to his friends as "The Czar," who has been a mixer of drinks in a New York restaurant, is visiting his home here. He is preparing to go to San Francisco, by steamer to Galveston and from there by rail to the coast. He will return to New York in a few weeks.
From the Evening Herald, January 25, 1904. (Syracuse NY)
Little Falls, Jan. 25.- Dennis Dinneen severed his connection with the Fire department Saturday night. He left for Syracuse to-day, where he will make his future home. He will become associated with a funeral undertaking establishment and learn embalming.
Nicholas Becker Reported Missing From
His Home in German Street.
Mrs. Becker of German street reported to the police this morning that her husband, Nicholas Becker, is missing. She said he left the house Saturday afternoon to draw his pay in Becker's shoddy mill, where he had been employed and that is the last she has seen of him. Mrs. Becker says that her husband is not a drinking man and that he never before remained away from home without notifying her. Becker is about 50 years old. He has a family of three children.
From the Evening Herald, January 1, 1904 (a Syracuse NY newspaper)
MERCHANT ARRESTED.
B. C. Brown Charged With Complicity on Arson Charge
BAILED IN SUM OF $1,500
Proprietor of a Furniture Store, Which
Has Been Visited by Two Mysterious
Fires, Taken Into Custody at Herkimer
Yesterday Afternoon.
Little Falls, Jan. 1.- B. C. Brown, who keep the furniture store in the Coyne block, where two mysterious fires occurred, was arrested at the Court House in Herkimer last evening on a bench warrant issued by Justice Scripture, charging him with being an accomplice of George Jones, one of his employees, who was arrested on the charge of arson, third degree in setting the building afire.
Mr. Brown was in Rochester on the night of the last fire. It is understood that the Grand jury has found an indictment against him. Mr. Brown went to Herkimer with Irving J. Cusack of Fulton last night and furnished bail for Jones, who has been in jail since Monday. There are two indictments against Jones and he was no sooner liberated than he was rearrested on the second account.
Mr. Brown was at the same time arrested and locked up. About 9 o'clock he was released on bail in the sum of $1,500, furnished by a merchant and professional man of this city
From The Syracuse Herald, Sunday, May 24, 1908, page 20 (a Syracuse NY newspaper).
ESCAPED DROWNING.
Little Falls Men, Reported Dead, Turned Up Later.
Herkimer, May 23.- Springsten and Upright, the Little Falls men who went over Five-mile dam at Little Falls this forenoon and were supposed to be drowned, turned up this evening. They floated down the river and were washed ashore. They were nearly drowned and were thrown ashore by the current.
From The Syracuse Herald, January 29, 1905, page 22 (a Syracuse NY newspaper).
Historic Landmark to be Preserved.
Little Falls, Jan. 28.- A movement has been started in this city for the preservation of the old Gen. Nicholas Herkimer manor, which is located about three miles east of this city. The members of the Herkimer County Historical society and the Daughters of the American Revolution have taken the matter in hand and were spurred to increased activity through the fire which occurred at the place a few days ago.
The property is owned by Mrs. Gertrude Garlock of this city, who is directly descended from the famous Revolutionary general. The house is built of brick, three stories high, and is of the old colonial architecture. It is about 300 feet from the graveyard of the family, upon which stands a 300 foot granite obelisk, erected to the memory of General Herkimer. Under the old barn near the house stands the old powder magazine, still intact. The portholes through which the patriots trained their guns are still visible.
Little Falls Notes.
Little Falls, Jan. 28.- John H. Smith, a local manufacturer, is critically ill at his home in Monroe street with an attack of pneumonia. He is attended by Doctor Eveleth of this city and Doctor Gibson of Utica.
Doctor Glass of Utica was called to this city to-day to examine Dennis Buckley's foot, which was believed to have been broken by a fall last Friday night. On account of the swelling at the time of the accident the broken bones were not set. Doctor Glass accomplished this task today.
Dr. C. H. Glidden was called to Denver, Col, late this afternoon, where his brother is seriously ill.
Miss Ruby Gibbs, a student at the Albany Business college, is spending Sunday with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. George D. Gibbs, in Albany street.
Contributed by Lisa Slaski
The Herkimer Democrat
January 1, 1890
Little Falls
Married
Cramer - Lee -- At Little Falls, December 25, 1889, by Rev. L. J. Dean, Louis H. Cramer, of Herkimer, and Miss Ada Lee, of Little Falls.
Scanell - Sager -- In Little Falls, December 18, 1889, by Rev. J. B. Hammond, Thomas Scannell and Miss Emma Sager, both of Little Falls.
Schultz - Werner -- In Little Falls, at the home of the bride, December 21, 1889, by Rev. A. A. Holzwarth, Emmanuel Schultz and Miss Lena Werner, both of Little Falls.
Glowatzki - Seawright -- At the residence of the officiating clergyman, Rev. C. S. Richardson, in Little Falls, December 20, 1889, Christ Glowatzki and Miss Anne J. Seawright, both of Little Falls.
Died
Killeen -- In Little Falls, December 27, 1889, of diphtheria, Miss Dollie E. Killeen, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W. M. Killeen, aged 12 years and 5 months.
Baum -- In Little Falls, December 25, 1889 of diphtheria, Katalena, daughter of Henry F. and Sophronia Baum, aged 10 years and 11 months.
Bowen -- In Little Falls, NY, December 21, 1889, Elizabeth, wife of Asa Bowen, aged 41 years.
Paul -- In Little Falls, December 18, 1889, of diphtheria, Miss Lena Paul, aged 8 years and 6 months.
-- Peter Casler & Company are erecting a new building on the South side near their sawmill for the manufacture of Cross' patent adjustable baby chair, for which there seems to be a big demand in the market. The building is 46 x 22 feet and two stories high.
The Herkimer Democrat
January 8, 1890
Little Falls.
-- Miss May Carroll and Miss Nellie Tony, of Rome, are spending a few days with friends in this place.
-- Charles H. Clark has gone to Washington, to accept a clerkship in the House of Representatives.
-- Those seriously ill are Senator Titus Sheard, ex-Supervisor P. A. Staring, Thomas A. Kane and Dr. J. B. Ellis.
-- The members of the Little Falls Lodge of Elks entertained their friends New Year's day, from 11 A.M. to 5 P.M., at Elk Hall.
-- Thomas Murphy has purchased the saloon on Mary street formerly owned by George Stark, and will hereafter conduct the business.
-- Arabella Law, aged 11 years, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. F. W. Law died Thursday morning of diphtheria, and was buried Friday afternoon.
-- The total number of deaths in Little Falls during the year was 138, a decrease of 21 as compared with 1888. There were last year 171 births and 115 marriages.
-- John Fahey, Sr., a farmer, was severely kicked and stamped upon by a vicious horse, Wednesday last, and may not recover. His head and back were badly gashed.
-- "Uncle" John Feeter, the venerable and well known resident, fired off his ancient revolutionary musket New Year's morning, which has been his usual custom for the past fifty years.
-- There was never so much sickness in Little Falls as at the present time. It is estimated there are over 200 cases of "grip" in the village. Twenty-three employees at the tannery are unable to attend to their duties.
-- A barn belonging to A. Haight, on Gansevoort St., was destroyed by fire last Wednesday night. The building was occupied by Edwin Sizer, who lost about $50 worth of hay and other things. The fire is supposed to be of an incendiary origin.
-- Edwin Jones, collector of water taxes, went to the residence of N. C. Loucks, on William street, and levied on five chairs, which were in Mr. Loucks' parlors, for the non-payment of water tax. Mr. Loucks intends to contest the case.
The Utica Observer
Jan 29, 1901
Fire Did $10,000 Damage.
Threatened Further Destruction -
Little Falls, Jan. 29 (Special) - A fire in the business section of the city this morning created considerable excitement and ruined about $10,000 worth of property. It was about 12:30 this morning when J. R. Baker, proprietor of the restaurant in the basement of the block at the corner of Main and Ann streets, discovered smoke and flames coming down through the ceiling. He gave the alarm from box 13 and the department found the fruit and confectionery store owned by Joseph White on Main street a mass of flames. Chief Cooney sent in a second alarm when he arrived and the entire department was soon on the scene. Four streams were soon laid and throwing water on the flames, which had broken through the rear and were destroying the goods in O'Rourke & Hurley's storehouse, and by a skylight had communicated with the roof. Chief Cooney and his men worked for two hours and finally put out the blaze. As the building, which is owned by J. R. Baker, is an old one the flames penetrated all parts of the building and was concealed behind the plaster and laths. It was necessary to call the department out at 4:25, as the fire had broken out again. It was quickly extinguished. Joe White places his loss at $1,000 and has $700 insurance. His stock is a total loss and he is unable to explain the origin of the flames. He locked his store up about a half an hour before the fire was discovered. O'Rourke & Hurley's drug store is damaged several thousand dollars and Baker's restaurant suffered about $500 by water. The loss to the building will be about $2,000, and other occupants of the block suffered by smoke and water. Most of the damage is covered by insurance. Owing to a strong wind it looked at one time as if a bad conflagration would result.
At about 8:30 this morning the fire department was called to Arthur street, where a small blaze was started in John Murphy's house by an attempt to thaw out frozen water pipes, by a carpet and lighted lamp. The damage was slight.