New York, 1895
John Barring, a brakeman on the Port Jefferson freight train, was crushed to death at Jamaica Monday morning while two cars were being switched to a side track. Barring was at the brake, when the cars came together suddenly, throwing him from his perch on top of the car under the wheels, which passed over his body, killing him instantly. The unfortunate man lived at Ridgewood. He was about 27 years old. The remains were taken in charge by Coroner Nutt, who will hold an inquest.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, March 29, 1895, p. 8.
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
The Surrogate's Court
New York, 1895
Surrogate Weller on Friday admitted to probate the will of Walter Adams. Decree was filed in the accounting of the executors of Sophronia Marshall.
Surrogate Weller yesterday heard testimony in the contested will case of Elbert Ludlum. He admitted to probate the wills of George B. Roe, Lee Johnson, and John S. Smith. Decrees were filed in the administration case of Mary Kilduff, and the accounting of executors of William Doxsey.
To-day's calendar — Will cases of Annie Napier, Francis May, Mary Bogart and Sarah A. Griffin; accounting of the estates of Robert H. Johnston, Jacob Scholberg and Mathew F. Robbins.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, March 29, 1895, p. 8.
Surrogate Weller on Friday admitted to probate the will of Walter Adams. Decree was filed in the accounting of the executors of Sophronia Marshall.
Surrogate Weller yesterday heard testimony in the contested will case of Elbert Ludlum. He admitted to probate the wills of George B. Roe, Lee Johnson, and John S. Smith. Decrees were filed in the administration case of Mary Kilduff, and the accounting of executors of William Doxsey.
To-day's calendar — Will cases of Annie Napier, Francis May, Mary Bogart and Sarah A. Griffin; accounting of the estates of Robert H. Johnston, Jacob Scholberg and Mathew F. Robbins.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, March 29, 1895, p. 8.
Friday, June 13, 2008
The Casket In the Window
1895
"I used to wonder," said Mr. Goslington, "if the sight of caskets displayed in undertakers' windows ever disturbed people. I knew it never did me, but I wondered if it did others, and it seemed to me as though it might frighten children, but only yesterday I saw looking at a beautiful little casket, a child's casket, in an undertaker's window, two little children, a sweet faced, wholesome little girl of about 7, and her brother, a boy of about 9. 'What a cunning little casket!' said the little girl. Her only thought was of its beauty. 'See the little pillow,' said her brother, the older child, more soberly, with a sort of mild awe, but without fear."
"I used to wonder," said Mr. Goslington, "if the sight of caskets displayed in undertakers' windows ever disturbed people. I knew it never did me, but I wondered if it did others, and it seemed to me as though it might frighten children, but only yesterday I saw looking at a beautiful little casket, a child's casket, in an undertaker's window, two little children, a sweet faced, wholesome little girl of about 7, and her brother, a boy of about 9. 'What a cunning little casket!' said the little girl. Her only thought was of its beauty. 'See the little pillow,' said her brother, the older child, more soberly, with a sort of mild awe, but without fear."
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Other Commentary on Death
So here's the post I'm thinking of:
Death Due to Exposure
The body of James McCarthy was found alongside the railroad track near Manor station Tuesday morning. It was at first thought McCarthy might have met with foul play, but it is now believed he was frozen to death while intoxicated.
Sometimes if I'm at a graveside of someone I don't know -- for whatever reason -- I wonder, what'd that guy die of?
So, if you're ever at the graveside of James McCarthy, New York, who died in March 1895, you can look down and say, They found him alongside the railroad track. At first they thought maybe it was foul play, but later they believed it was something worse. Intoxicated, went over by the railroad track and froze to death.
Not a great way to go!
Death Due to Exposure
The body of James McCarthy was found alongside the railroad track near Manor station Tuesday morning. It was at first thought McCarthy might have met with foul play, but it is now believed he was frozen to death while intoxicated.
Sometimes if I'm at a graveside of someone I don't know -- for whatever reason -- I wonder, what'd that guy die of?
So, if you're ever at the graveside of James McCarthy, New York, who died in March 1895, you can look down and say, They found him alongside the railroad track. At first they thought maybe it was foul play, but later they believed it was something worse. Intoxicated, went over by the railroad track and froze to death.
Not a great way to go!
Commentary on Death
I like reading about people's odd deaths. Some of them are odd only in the sense that you'd prefer death to be fairly noble; you're gathered with your family and give them each a blessing like in biblical times. They sit you up. You reach for the air like Fred Sanford, perhaps grab a rose and extend it up like an offering, then fall over dead.
Everyone stands around, a respectful few minutes of silence, then they start looking at each other like, "What now?" Someone smiles and says something in a half humorous way, a proud statement, "He was quite a fighter," and everyone nods and smiles. But then there's always a cousin or uncle who needs to get out "for air," because death makes him uncomfortable. And anyway, he's been in and out of the room for the last week and is tired of it. So he's out in the parking lot 10 minutes later having a cigarette.
The nurses are checking in in a very quiet way, offering coffee to the survivors, all in a hushed way. But since they're all familiar to the family by now, someone from the family, a lady about 43 -- it could very well be that she does scrapbooking for her family -- will go over and hug them, thank them for all their kindness, and say, yes, I will have a coffee, it sounds good. Someone else will point around the room at 20 used cups, as if to say, "Of course we'll have coffee." Very friendly laughing.
By now, most of the family is away from deceased. But there's always going to be one or two going over, a quick pat on your wrist. You're laying there totally still, mouth still slightly open, but not enough to bother anyone. They're just glad to not be hearing your death rattle and rasping. The peacefulness, though, is stark.
That's not as profound a death as I think would be ideal. It's hard to think right now what the ideal would be. Maybe forgoing morphine, grinning and bearing the pain, telling the family you love them but they can go home, that you want to be alone with your thoughts.
Everyone stands around, a respectful few minutes of silence, then they start looking at each other like, "What now?" Someone smiles and says something in a half humorous way, a proud statement, "He was quite a fighter," and everyone nods and smiles. But then there's always a cousin or uncle who needs to get out "for air," because death makes him uncomfortable. And anyway, he's been in and out of the room for the last week and is tired of it. So he's out in the parking lot 10 minutes later having a cigarette.
The nurses are checking in in a very quiet way, offering coffee to the survivors, all in a hushed way. But since they're all familiar to the family by now, someone from the family, a lady about 43 -- it could very well be that she does scrapbooking for her family -- will go over and hug them, thank them for all their kindness, and say, yes, I will have a coffee, it sounds good. Someone else will point around the room at 20 used cups, as if to say, "Of course we'll have coffee." Very friendly laughing.
By now, most of the family is away from deceased. But there's always going to be one or two going over, a quick pat on your wrist. You're laying there totally still, mouth still slightly open, but not enough to bother anyone. They're just glad to not be hearing your death rattle and rasping. The peacefulness, though, is stark.
That's not as profound a death as I think would be ideal. It's hard to think right now what the ideal would be. Maybe forgoing morphine, grinning and bearing the pain, telling the family you love them but they can go home, that you want to be alone with your thoughts.
Stabbed His Father-In-Law
New York, 1895
Edward Mott, sexton of the First Baptist church, Flushing, lies in a precarious condition from a stab wound in the hip inflicted by his son-in-law, George Gildersleeve. Gildersleeve's wife visited her father Sunday evening and Gildersleeve went there at a late hour to find her. It is said that he was drunk and noisy. George Stair, another son-in-law of the injured man, went to the door and expostulated with Gildersleeve and an altercation took place during which Mr. Mott came down and took a hand in the disturbance.
Killed by a Gravel Train
John Powell, while driving to Hempstead over the Rockaway road at Woodfield, was struck by a gravel train on the New York Bay extension railroad Tuesday morning. The train hit the fore part of the wagon, throwing Powell forty feet. When picked up it was found that both legs were nearly severed from the body. Powell was brought to Hempstead, where Dr. Lanehart attended him. Powell died soon after his arrival at Hempstead.
An Aged Sailor Dead
Charles Eldredge, a seafaring man and an old resident of Sag Harbor, died on Monday. He was 77 years old and was a prominent figure when whale fishing was an important industry at Sag Harbor.
A brother of the deceased, James H. Eldredge, who was formerly tax collector in Sag Harbor, is very ill.
Death Due to Exposure
The body of James McCarthy was found alongside the railroad track near Manor station Tuesday morning. It was at first thought McCarthy might have met with foul play, but it is now believed he was frozen to death while intoxicated.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, March 22, 1895, p. 1.
Edward Mott, sexton of the First Baptist church, Flushing, lies in a precarious condition from a stab wound in the hip inflicted by his son-in-law, George Gildersleeve. Gildersleeve's wife visited her father Sunday evening and Gildersleeve went there at a late hour to find her. It is said that he was drunk and noisy. George Stair, another son-in-law of the injured man, went to the door and expostulated with Gildersleeve and an altercation took place during which Mr. Mott came down and took a hand in the disturbance.
Killed by a Gravel Train
John Powell, while driving to Hempstead over the Rockaway road at Woodfield, was struck by a gravel train on the New York Bay extension railroad Tuesday morning. The train hit the fore part of the wagon, throwing Powell forty feet. When picked up it was found that both legs were nearly severed from the body. Powell was brought to Hempstead, where Dr. Lanehart attended him. Powell died soon after his arrival at Hempstead.
An Aged Sailor Dead
Charles Eldredge, a seafaring man and an old resident of Sag Harbor, died on Monday. He was 77 years old and was a prominent figure when whale fishing was an important industry at Sag Harbor.
A brother of the deceased, James H. Eldredge, who was formerly tax collector in Sag Harbor, is very ill.
Death Due to Exposure
The body of James McCarthy was found alongside the railroad track near Manor station Tuesday morning. It was at first thought McCarthy might have met with foul play, but it is now believed he was frozen to death while intoxicated.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, March 22, 1895, p. 1.
Found Her Dead in a Lot
New York, 1895
Constable Brechtner, of Ridgewood, while searching for Mrs. Maggie Leibler, Wednesday afternoon, found her body in a vacant lot near Leibinger & Noehn's brewery. Mrs. Leibler did not live happily with her husband on account of her fondness for drink. The body was removed to the Newtown morgue. The woman had bled to death from a cut on her hand, which she received in breaking a window in the saloon of Herman Frost the evening previous.
Left Her Sick Husband
Mrs. James B. Remsen, of East Norwich, left her home and sick husband Thursday afternoon after several weeks of incessant watching. Search was made and several hours later the fact that she boarded a train at Oyster Bay for Brooklyn was learned.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, March 22, 1895, p. 1.
Constable Brechtner, of Ridgewood, while searching for Mrs. Maggie Leibler, Wednesday afternoon, found her body in a vacant lot near Leibinger & Noehn's brewery. Mrs. Leibler did not live happily with her husband on account of her fondness for drink. The body was removed to the Newtown morgue. The woman had bled to death from a cut on her hand, which she received in breaking a window in the saloon of Herman Frost the evening previous.
Left Her Sick Husband
Mrs. James B. Remsen, of East Norwich, left her home and sick husband Thursday afternoon after several weeks of incessant watching. Search was made and several hours later the fact that she boarded a train at Oyster Bay for Brooklyn was learned.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, March 22, 1895, p. 1.
Death of General Badeau
New York, 1895
General Adam Badeau, who for some time resided in Jamaica in the family of General Busteed, being a relative of Mrs. Busteed, died suddenly from a stroke of apoplexy on Tuesday evening at Lakewood, N. J. The deceased was born in New Rochelle, N. Y., on the 29th of December, 1831. He served with distinction during the war on the staff of General Grant, was consul to Havana, and in 1869 and 1870 secretary of legation to London. He was the author of several books and a frequent contributor to the magazines.
Skeleton Found at Manhasset
While excavating on the property of John Wright, at Manhasset, Henry A. Spellman and John Foley found the skeleton of a man. The skeleton was in a crouching position about two feet under ground.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, March 22, 1895, p. 1.
General Adam Badeau, who for some time resided in Jamaica in the family of General Busteed, being a relative of Mrs. Busteed, died suddenly from a stroke of apoplexy on Tuesday evening at Lakewood, N. J. The deceased was born in New Rochelle, N. Y., on the 29th of December, 1831. He served with distinction during the war on the staff of General Grant, was consul to Havana, and in 1869 and 1870 secretary of legation to London. He was the author of several books and a frequent contributor to the magazines.
Skeleton Found at Manhasset
While excavating on the property of John Wright, at Manhasset, Henry A. Spellman and John Foley found the skeleton of a man. The skeleton was in a crouching position about two feet under ground.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, March 22, 1895, p. 1.
Frank White's Body Found
New York, 1895
The body of Frank White, an insurance agent, of Flushing, who disappeared on Christmas night, was found Friday morning in Whitepot Creek, a little stream emptying into Flushing Creek. His watch had stopped at nine minutes past one, little less than half an hour after Henry Meinke left White at the doorstep of his mother's residence the night he disappeared.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, March 22, 1895, p. 1.
The body of Frank White, an insurance agent, of Flushing, who disappeared on Christmas night, was found Friday morning in Whitepot Creek, a little stream emptying into Flushing Creek. His watch had stopped at nine minutes past one, little less than half an hour after Henry Meinke left White at the doorstep of his mother's residence the night he disappeared.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, March 22, 1895, p. 1.
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
The Surrogate's Court
New York, 1895
Surrogate Weller on Friday admitted to probate the wills of August Leonhardt and Hobart Weeks. Decrees were entered in the cases of George K. Smith, Phebe Betts, John L. Brinckerhoff and Alois Maag.
Surrogate Weller yesterday admitted to probate the wills of Henry Zeh, Anna Lynch and Jacob W. Dredger. Objections were filed to the probate of the will of Magdelena Daniels.
To-day's calendar — Will cases of Increase C. Hendrickson and Walter Adams; matter estates of Frederick P. J. Clark and David Foster; accounting estates of Sophronia Marshall and Mary A. Clark.
Stricken Away from Home
Willet C. Durland of Union Hall street, Jamaica, salesman for F. H. Leggett & Co., was taken suddenly ill from indigestion while at Southampton on Monday. Dr. Hildreth was summoned and revived him to consciousness. Tuesday he returned home and is now under the care of Dr. P. K. Meynen.
Jamaica Personals
Charles L. Hogeboom, M. D., for a number of years a resident of Jamaica, died at St Peter's hospital, Brooklyn, last week from a stroke of paralysis.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, March 22, 1895, p. 8.
Surrogate Weller on Friday admitted to probate the wills of August Leonhardt and Hobart Weeks. Decrees were entered in the cases of George K. Smith, Phebe Betts, John L. Brinckerhoff and Alois Maag.
Surrogate Weller yesterday admitted to probate the wills of Henry Zeh, Anna Lynch and Jacob W. Dredger. Objections were filed to the probate of the will of Magdelena Daniels.
To-day's calendar — Will cases of Increase C. Hendrickson and Walter Adams; matter estates of Frederick P. J. Clark and David Foster; accounting estates of Sophronia Marshall and Mary A. Clark.
Stricken Away from Home
Willet C. Durland of Union Hall street, Jamaica, salesman for F. H. Leggett & Co., was taken suddenly ill from indigestion while at Southampton on Monday. Dr. Hildreth was summoned and revived him to consciousness. Tuesday he returned home and is now under the care of Dr. P. K. Meynen.
Jamaica Personals
Charles L. Hogeboom, M. D., for a number of years a resident of Jamaica, died at St Peter's hospital, Brooklyn, last week from a stroke of paralysis.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, March 22, 1895, p. 8.
Undertaker Rouff Fined
New York, 1895
The board of health of the village of Jamaica Friday fined Leonard Rouff, an undertaker at Ozone Park, $25 for burying a body without a permit. The body was that of a Professor Miller, who died suddenly in Dietz's saloon while drinking a cup of coffee.
Death of Mrs. Clegg
Mrs. Victoria L. Clegg, aged 91 years, widow of the late James Clegg, died at her home on Union Hall street, Jamaica, on Sunday. Funeral services were held in Grace church on Wednesday afternoon, the Rev. William M. Bottome officiating. The interment was in Grace churchyard.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, March 22, 1895, p. 8.
The board of health of the village of Jamaica Friday fined Leonard Rouff, an undertaker at Ozone Park, $25 for burying a body without a permit. The body was that of a Professor Miller, who died suddenly in Dietz's saloon while drinking a cup of coffee.
Death of Mrs. Clegg
Mrs. Victoria L. Clegg, aged 91 years, widow of the late James Clegg, died at her home on Union Hall street, Jamaica, on Sunday. Funeral services were held in Grace church on Wednesday afternoon, the Rev. William M. Bottome officiating. The interment was in Grace churchyard.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, March 22, 1895, p. 8.
Monday, June 9, 2008
Sank Waist Deep in Mud
New York, 1895
Saturday the 7 year old son of Samuel Holmes, when crossing Shelton avenue at the corner of Harriman avenue, slipped off the crosswalk and sank in the mud nearly up to his waist. Fortunately his predicament was seen by two men who were passing who rescued him.
The Surrogate's Court
Surrogate Weller on Friday admitted to probate the wills of Abraham Stoothoff and Thomas Muldery. Decree was entered rejecting the will of Charles Hinch, of Richmond Hill.
Surrogate Weller yesterday admitted to probate the wills of Ellen D. Magarey, Mary Davis and Isaac H. Higbie. Final accounting was had in the estate of Anna E. Smallwood. Decree was filed in the accounting of the executors of Cornelius Amberman.
Board of Health Meeting
The town board of health held their regular monthly meeting at the Town Hall on Monday. Supervisor Everitt presided. Justices Lott and Kissam were absent. Dr. Flynn reported a case of measles at Richmond Hill, and a case of diphtheria at Brooklyn Hills. The following bills were ordered paid: John B. McCook, services as secretary to board of health and recording vital statistics, $65.75; John Faust, removing dead animals, $22.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, March 15, 1895, p. 8.
Saturday the 7 year old son of Samuel Holmes, when crossing Shelton avenue at the corner of Harriman avenue, slipped off the crosswalk and sank in the mud nearly up to his waist. Fortunately his predicament was seen by two men who were passing who rescued him.
The Surrogate's Court
Surrogate Weller on Friday admitted to probate the wills of Abraham Stoothoff and Thomas Muldery. Decree was entered rejecting the will of Charles Hinch, of Richmond Hill.
Surrogate Weller yesterday admitted to probate the wills of Ellen D. Magarey, Mary Davis and Isaac H. Higbie. Final accounting was had in the estate of Anna E. Smallwood. Decree was filed in the accounting of the executors of Cornelius Amberman.
Board of Health Meeting
The town board of health held their regular monthly meeting at the Town Hall on Monday. Supervisor Everitt presided. Justices Lott and Kissam were absent. Dr. Flynn reported a case of measles at Richmond Hill, and a case of diphtheria at Brooklyn Hills. The following bills were ordered paid: John B. McCook, services as secretary to board of health and recording vital statistics, $65.75; John Faust, removing dead animals, $22.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, March 15, 1895, p. 8.
Death of Littleton Teagle
New York, 1895
Littleton Teagle, colored, for many years coachman for John M. Crane, died suddenly Friday night at his home on Evergreen avenue. Jamaica, from heart disease. He was 72 years old, and was esteemed as one of the worthy and respectable colored men of the village.
Funeral services were held Monday afternoon at Shiloh Baptist church, the Rev. W. T. Dixon, of Brooklyn, officiating. John M. Crane was present at the service, and made a short address, paying a high tribute to the character of the deceased. The interment was in Maple Grove cemetery.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, March 15, 1895, p. 8.
Littleton Teagle, colored, for many years coachman for John M. Crane, died suddenly Friday night at his home on Evergreen avenue. Jamaica, from heart disease. He was 72 years old, and was esteemed as one of the worthy and respectable colored men of the village.
Funeral services were held Monday afternoon at Shiloh Baptist church, the Rev. W. T. Dixon, of Brooklyn, officiating. John M. Crane was present at the service, and made a short address, paying a high tribute to the character of the deceased. The interment was in Maple Grove cemetery.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, March 15, 1895, p. 8.
A Modern Idea (1895 advertisement)
New York, 1895
At a funeral in the Cedar Grove Cemetery (located on the old Mill road near Flushing) was noticed a new idea in cemetery courtesy.
The weather being inclement a dark canvas roof or tent was erected over the plot and the relatives and friends were thus protected overhead during the services, heavy matting protecting them under foot.
These precautions, the proper tolling of the deep toned bell, and the attendants being uniformed in a sober appropriate uniform, show that modern ideas can be applied to our most solemn ceremonies with advantage.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, March 15, 1895, p. 4.
At a funeral in the Cedar Grove Cemetery (located on the old Mill road near Flushing) was noticed a new idea in cemetery courtesy.
The weather being inclement a dark canvas roof or tent was erected over the plot and the relatives and friends were thus protected overhead during the services, heavy matting protecting them under foot.
These precautions, the proper tolling of the deep toned bell, and the attendants being uniformed in a sober appropriate uniform, show that modern ideas can be applied to our most solemn ceremonies with advantage.
—The Long Island Farmer, Jamaica, NY, March 15, 1895, p. 4.
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