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Richland Co., Ohio |
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Neighborhood News |
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e NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS f The Richland Star (Bellville) -- 20 November 1879 |
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Source: The Richland Star: 20 November 1879, Vol. III, No. 8 (source document held by Bellville / Jefferson Township Historical Museum) |
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WAS THE CHILD KILLED? THE INQUEST
OVER THE DEATH OF SHERMAN BIXLER'S CHILD. Sherman Bixler's
oldest child died last Saturday, and was buried Monday.
Shortly after, the town was full of rumors to the effect that the
child's death was caused by violent usage on the part of the
parents, and it was even talked that the child had been poisoned.
The matter was agitated so much that finally steps were taken to old
an inquest. The Coroner is out of the State, and in such a
circumstance a Justice of the Peace can be called to fill the
office. Accordingly 'Squire Mowry was put in the harness, and
an inquest commenced at the Township Hall last Tuesday night at 7
o'clock. Seven witnesses were called and sworn, four women and
three men, and the taking of testimony was commenced. John
Montis was called first and so far as his testimony went in proving
anything on the question, it amounted to mum. Mrs. John Montis
did not really know of any misusage. Phillip McKinney knew no
evil. Mrs. Philip McKinney said the child was not taken care
of during its sickness as she would take care of one of her children
in sickness. Mrs. William F. Charles did not know of any ill
treatment during the child's sickness that might have caused its
death, but knew of ill treatment of the child by its parents before
its sickness, which was whipping, kicking and cuffing it around.
She could not say that this ill treatment caused its death. To
her knowledge, no drugs or poisons had been given the child to cause
its death. She knew of a room in which the child was kept
nights and during warm weather, and the child had very light
clothing and underwear. James Cornwall, nothing new.
Mrs. James Cornwell saw that the child's bowels and back were
blue-spotted, and had scars on its forehead and breast, which she
saw the child make itself. She helped to lay out the child,
and Mrs. Bixler was present part of the time, who told them not to
wash the child all over, but did not know the reason. She had
no reason to believe that poison had been given to cause death.
She did not know that a shroud had been bought for the child, but
Mrs. Bixler told to go down and get the one Mary had picked out the
day before. Had no knowledge why the shroud was picked out.
Wednesday morning the inquest was continued at 9 o'clock, and 16
persons were called including those who were sworn but not examined
before, 9 women and 7 men. Dr. Austin attending physician
testified the child had constipation and inflammation of the bowels;
had no reason to believe that any poisonous drugs had been given to
cause the child's death; did not see any but good treatment of
the child while there; knew no cause of the sickness but
constipation; did all in his power to save the child;
did not see any bruises on the child's person; examined
child's bowels during its sickness and saw no bruises or scars on
them. He had no reason to believe that the child came to its
death by violence or any undue means. Mrs. Hiram Charles told
all about her visits during the child's sickness, which was too
lengthy for insertion here. She stated, she thought Mrs.
Bixler had asked her on Friday, whether a shroud could be got
ready-made and said that Mr. Bixler had went down (in town) to see
about a shroud. The above is given as the substance of what
was said, and not the language. This report reaches to
Wednesday noon. A reporter called upon the parents of the
child Wednesday morning, and heard their side of the story.
They stated that the child had strong destroying propensities, and
would tear to pieces, break and destroy everything it could get at.
Its garments made in the ordinary way, it would tear to shreds,
break dishes, get the knives and forks out of the cupboard and would
bite the other children. At one time it almost bit one of the
other children's fingers off. It would also crawl out of the
house and wander into the big road if the eyes of its parents were
not continually upon it, and not being able to walk only a short
distance at a time, would fall in the mud or water when it happened
to get where it was. The bin or room in question is a small
room eight or ten feet long and four or five feet wide, and was made
on purpose to place the child in. We would here state that
from a short time after infancy the child was not right in mind
until its death. Whenever the child was brought in the
presence of company, it would gather all its clothes up under its
arms, and one reason that thin clothes were worn upon it was because
it had no restraint upon its depurating channels and would wet and
dirty its clothes. It would not sleep on an ordinary bed, but
roll or crawl out upon the floor and pull the bed clothes from the
bed. The room was prepared, that the child might be placed
where it would not require the unceasing eye of its parents.
In regard to the shroud they said the Doctor had said on Friday that
he thought the child would not live, but would come back, which he
did and gave the child up. They talked abut the shroud, and
Mary Bixler said she did not know how to make one and would go down
to Lanehart's and see how they were made. She went down and
examined them (this was before the child's death) and on her return
said they could get one ready-made; also they stated that no
shroud was picked out, and the reason that a shroud was looked after
so soon was because Sunday was so near. Mr. Bixler says it was
impossible to treat the child with unquestioned mildness, because of
its propensity to destroy everything that came within its grasp;
but firmly denies doing anything to cause its death. LITTLE OLLA BERRY MEETS WITH A TERRIBLE ACCIDENT. A serious if not fatal accident occurred to a little seven-year-old daughter of Rev. Peter Berry's Wednesday of last week. Mr. Berry lives near Hastings and is engaged in farming and carpentry. The afternoon of the casualty, Mr. Berry was in the woods near, and southwest from his house, getting out timber. A son was doing the hauling on a wagon without a bed. The wagon left the house with five children on board, who meant to gather nuts while the wagon was being loaded. They had scarcely reached the woods, when a violent wind blew down a tall hickory, sixteen inches in diameter. It fell directly over the hind part of the wagon, mashing a wheel down to the hub, where it rested. This was not the worst Little Olla, who was sitting on the bounds, had thrown her left arm over the tree, perhaps to raise herself up, when a large portion of the top, which had broken off by striking a standing tree, fell back and met the fallen part just at the point where Olla's arm lay. This literally rasped a large part of the flesh from her arm, between the elbow and wrist, laying bare the tendons and bones. The elbow joint was dislocated, but no bones were broken. The presence of coagulated blood around the eyes showed that the system had received a violent shock. The rest saw their danger and were fortunate enough to escape unhurt. The team was secured a short distance away. Mr. Berry hurried to the scene and extricated the suffering child, at the same <<illegible>> sending for medical aid. The parents had hopes of saving the arm until Saturday, when signs of mortification were present, and amputation was found necessary. This rather difficult operation fell upon the attending surgeon, Dr. J.B. Lewis. Within ten minutes from time of commencing preparations, the arm was severed, stitched and dressed, and it was considered very quickly and skillfully done. The limb was amputated just above the elbow. Mr. Lydy was attendant. Monday we visited the little girl in company with the Doctor. She was suffering intensely, but always ready with a pleasant "Yes sir", or "No Sir" to questions asked. Up to Tuesday noon, the child has not taken any food. The function of digestion seems to be wholly destroyed. This, with other severe internal injuries, predict a fatal termination. This Wednesday morning we learn that the little girl died at nine o'clock last evening. IN MEMORY OF MARY BIXLER -- Died, Nov. 15th., 1879, Miss Mary Agnes Bixler, aged 6 years, 1 month and 6 days. She was born near Darlington, Richland Co., Ohio, Oct. 9th., 1873. Her disease was very complicated, having inflammation of the bowels and spinal disease. She was a sufferer all her short life, never fully recovering from a sickness which befell her in infancy. During her last illness, all was done that could be done to alleviate her sufferings, even after the attending physician had given up all hopes, but she was beyond mortal aid. The funeral services were held at the Disciple Church, preaching by Rev. Simons. IN MEMORIAM. Departed this life on the morning of Nov. 8th., 1879, Miss Christianna Gerhart, aged 76 years, after a brief but painful illness which she bore with patience and resignation, knowing her time on earth was limited. She was born in Cumberland Co., Pa., but spent the most of her years in Pittsburgh among friends of cherished affections. She united with the Baptist Church a number of years ago, of which she lived a true and firm member till death. Returning to Bellville, the last years of her life were spent with friends to whom she was strongly attached. For some time she realized that she would soon cross the dark River, that deep repose from which she ne'er will wake or rise to weep. She has gone home to die no more. I will miss her in her various walks of life. Her many kind acts and genial ways and pleasant smiles endeared her to the family circle, and an aching void is left not soon to be filled. Death had no fears for her, she firmly trusted in that immortal life-promise beyond the grave. In taking leave of her friends and the world she left a parting blessing, trusting to meet them all again in the sweet bye and bye, where parting is unknown. [Scripture omitted] CARD OF THANKS. We the undersigned desire to tender our sincere and heartfelt thanks for the timely aid and sympathy which our kind neighbors and friends have rendered us during the sickness, death and burial of our child; also thank are due to the choir for their attendance and beautiful singing. The respect that has been paid us and our child will ever be remembered by us with grateful hearts. -- S.W. Bixler & Lottie Bixler. Bellville. B.L. Garber has moved to the home farm with his father. George Blanford and lady paid his parents, living east of here, a short visit last week. Nelt Hamilton will make a sale orator some of these days. That sounds well with "Squire". The sale at Samuel Garber's last Friday was well attended, notwithstanding the rain, and things sold for a fair price. The sum of $2850 brings Jehu Durbin in possession of the beautiful little farm recently occupied by B.L. Garber. There are twenty-six acres in it. Thursday evening of last week, Mr. G.E. Crain and Miss Jennie A. Garber appeared before Justice Mowry, and submitted to the matrimonial tie. Anna Milcher avers that Andrew Brandt, on the 27th. of October, struck and hit her with a stone, for which she demands $5,000 damages. -- Mansfield Call. John A. Lee, ex-County Treasurer, an important member of the Odd Fellows, and an influential citizen of Mansfield, died Saturday morning at two o'clock. Married, in Mansfield, Nov. 12th., 1879, at the M.E. Parsonage, by Rev. F.M. Searles, Mr. J.C. Ackerman, of New Cumberland, O., and Mrs. B.R. Adams, of Mansfield, O. No cards. W.R. Marshall, a former citizen of this place, was recently elected Clerk of Reno County, Kansas, his present place of residence. His opponent had before filled the office with good satisfaction, which makes Mr. Marshall's success all the more flattering. Daniel Cramer stopped, and passed a few pleasant words with us, Wednesday of last week, on his way to Deep Cut, where he is engaged to teach a six months term of school. We like to meet gentlemen of his bearing. Settlements will be made by the following persons before the Probate Court on Monday, December 1st.: Partial: G.W. Aungst, guardian of B.F. Divilbiss; A. Vandorn, ex'r of G.W. Campbell, 6th. amendment. Final: G.W. Aungst, guardian of D.W. Divilbiss; L.B. Walters, guardian of Jeremiah Bull; Margaret Balliet, guardian of Amanda Balliet; Joseph S. Hedges, ex'r of James A. Hedges; M.I. McKenzie ex'r of Mary Ann Sutton; Ephraim Bull, adm'r of Catharine Bowser; W.S. Umbarger, guardian of Wm. M. Church; Amy B. Chew, adm'r of Joseph Chew. Last Monday, Grant Riggle, son of Daniel Riggle, was coming to town in a buggy and when near Henry McCluers, a train rushed out from behind the bank, the railroad being only a few fet from the wagon road, and frightened the horse, which sidled toward the creek, and the buggy struck a tree, turned over the bank, the two tugs of the harness broke, and the horse jerked the lines through the driver's hand and severely injured his left hand between the thumb and first finger. Otherwise there was not much damage done. The horse ran several rods and was caught. Charley Brown came last Friday to visit his parents. S. Lemuel, son of Congressman Geo. W. Geddis, of Mansfield, died suddenly last Saturday evening. I.H. Steele and James Whitford, of Fredericktown, and A.R. Kanaga and Oscar Truckenmiller, of Mansfield, were among the Sunday visitors. Licenses to marry have been issued to J.J. Lantz & Rosa Mathys; Wm. Shanabarger & Rosa Barrow; James C. Picking & Celia L. Cooper; Adam Steinmetz & Lizzie Ullich; Warren Barr & Mary C. Bennett. On Tuesday, Nov. 25th., Jacob Oyster will have public sale at his residence two miles south of Bellville, commencing at 10 o'clock. A.M. Stock, farming utensils and household furniture, comprise the property to be disposed of. A fine young Buzard, weighing about seven pounds, was found a few days ago at the residence of Mr. R.P. Buzzard, southwest of Iberia, who thinks it is the nicest girl in that part of the country. -- Caledonia (Ohio) Argus. On a recent visit to this place, A.T. Shafer called to see us. We noticed he was looking unusually well. His business has taken on good paying proportions, which is indeed, rather pleasant. Plymouth is his home. Last Thursday, Lewis Garber started home from the cornfield with a side board of corn, and in the act of mounting the wagon as it started, his foot slipped and a rear wagon wheel passed over the toes of one of his feet. The ground was solid and the toes had to stand blunt. They didn't "holler" but they hurt. The following persons were granted certificates to teach at the examination held on October 25th.: For 24 months -- Emily D. Pomeroy, Anna C. Gunning, Matilda Snyder, Matilda Mueller, Jennie D. Case, Mansfield; Maranda Palmer, Butler. For 18 months -- Hiram S. Anderson, Bellville; Wm. Simpson, Mansfield; Elizabeth Scoedinger, Mansfield; Chas. W. Marriott, Shiloh. For 12 months -- Samuel B. Swisher, Mansfield; F. Chase Rutan and Linda M. Mann, Shelby; John Clever and John S. Steel, Bellville; Wm. Vance, Loudonville; W. Legrande McDaniel, Fredericktown. For 6 months -- Franklin P. Fox, Adario; Wm. A. Cassell, Crestline. Saturday afternoon we sauntered up to the Township house and took in the corn show. Owing to the bad weather and a too brief notice, the exhibit was not large. A table was placed in the room on which the corn was laid as fast as received and around which our good farmers stood each explaining why his corn was the best. There were seventeen specimen lots displayed: three of white, eight of yellow, three of calico, and one each of eight-row, sweet, and popcorn. Three judges were selected to decide on the best lots. They were A. Leedy, Samuel Shafer and T. Yearian. According to agreement, those having the best were entitled to all of that variety. john Hamilton carried away the white, H. Farber the yellow, and Jehu Garber the calico. There was no competition on the other varieties. Such demonstrations as these are pleasant, and we think profitable. The sensation Monday was the runaway which occurred about one o'clock. H. Alexander had returned from the mills below Independence with a grist in his spring-wagon, and tied his team in front the Bank. One of the horses in raising its foot, caught and lifted the top-most of a pile of three planks, which fell with a loud report. The team scared, and bounded up street at lightning speed. Striking a wagon, the moving rig was reduced to kindling wood, and the flour was emptied into the street. The team was now detached from the vehicle. The next and last thing demolished was J. Swadener's wagon. This was done by one of the horses running against it. The bed was split to pieces, and an axle broken. The team was secured in front of Lanehart's furniture store. No injury to any one except Swadener, who had a finger pealed in his hasty exit from the wagon. Mr. Alexander hauled the wrecks to the repair shop without delay. A.I. Beach has put in two more fancy show cases. Mrs. M.C. Lash is lying prostrate from neuralgia. Miss Sadie Andrews left last Monday for Flat Rock, expecting to stay for some time. It's another Leedy, and Byron says it weighs nine pounds. Born Saturday morning, Dr. McMahon attendant. Miss Frank Beck, having recovered from a severe attack of quinsy, opened school at Red Brush last Monday. While Mrs. Samuel Shafer, was tending plants Friday evening, a prickly leaf entered her eye, cause a severe inflammation to set in, which at present is subsiding. Mice invaded Elijah Leedy's and Mike Myers' Sunday hats a few nights ago. They made Mike's crown holy in four places, and got away with part of 'Lije's rim. Frank Lanehart commenced school at Center Grove last Monday and Hiram Anderson at Walnut Hill. For some time Uncle F.M. Fitting has been indisposed, and last Friday he had another chill and has been confined to his bed most of the time since. He suffers considerable pain. The third anniversary of the marriage of Mr. & Mrs. M.L. Bonar was celebrated at their home by the assembling of a select circle of friends, on last Saturday evening. WRIGHT-WILLIAMS. An interesting social event transpired Tuesday night in the marriage of Mr. Henry C. Wright, formerly of this place, but now of Washington, D.C., to Miss Addah Williams. The ceremony occurred at the residence of the bride's mother on Bell St., in the presence of relatives and a few intimate friends. Rev. W.T. Lewis pronounced them man and wife in his usual pleasing and impressive manner. After the many heartfelt congratulations were over, an excellent supper was served, which could not have been excelled. A number of valuable presents were received from friends present and absent. The Band soon put in an appearance and ably serenaded the happy couple, with some of their sweet music for which our Band is noted, the newly wedded making their appearance. Miss Addah will be greatly missed by her many friends, not only in social circles, but in the Church and Sabbath School, to which she was devotedly attached, and the wishes of her many friends will follow her wherever she goes. We feel like saying "Henry you are a lucky fellow." Henry is well known among us as one of those genial, good natured, fun-loving young men, who always has a host of warm friends, and who all wish for him much joy, in his new life. Mr. and Mrs. Wright left on the 10:19 train on their bridal tour, surrounded by loving friends wishing them all the blessings earth can afford for their future. May the chain of friendship remain unbroken, through the years to come, and be more strongly cemented here on earth, and perfected in Heaven. GONE TO REST. Died -- On the 13th. inst. at her late residence in Perry Township, Mrs. Nancy Baughman, aged 86 years, 7 months and 13 days. She was the daughter of Jacob Ebersole and was born in Erie Co., Pa., March 31, 1793. She was married to John W. Baughman in Knox Co., O., in 1821, and moved to Perry Township, Richland Co., in 1829. She was a member of the German Lutheran Church since 1821, and lived a Christian life. Funeral services were held at Salem Church, by Rev. W.W. Anderson, in the absence of the pastor, Rev. G.M. Heindel. Another pioneer mother is gone, one who had been a resident of this county for more than fifty years. She leaves two sons, two daughters and other friends to mourn her loss. Her end was peace. Independence. A collision occurred last Saturday morning near H. Cassel's, no damage of much moment was done, other than the delay of the morning train. Dr. Hubbs' family are taking a visit at Loudonville. Wise is bound to win. He has added a new stock of ready made clothing this week. A very severe accident befell Chauncy Traxler last week, at Mansfield. While he was coupling cars his jaws were caught between two long timbers which the cars were loaded with. He was sent to his home at Newark. He was thought at first to be fatally hurt, but those of his relatives who were down to see him, report that he is recovering nicely and will soon be able to go to work again. Bob. Phipps was at home last Sunday. He works on a freight train on the P., Ft. W. & C. R.R. J.C. Potts, of the Bellville Weekly, was the guest of Wm. Traxler last Thursday. Rev. M.B. Mohn was in to see us. He was at home and is now on his way to his work. H. Tresham has returned from the West. M. Crowner, proprietor of our hotel, has hoisted a livery and feed stable sign. Success to Mike. Mr. & Mrs. A.J. Myers will celebrate their crystal wedding this (Thursday) evening, fifteen years of their married life having passed. Asa Hettinger will have a shooting match next Saturday. he will put up a cow, a pig and chickens. There will also be a shooting match at R. Phike's. The family circle of George Wise's was again broken by the death of their only twin child last week. Phil. Traxler will conduct the school in Andrews[' district, known as the Hurricane Deck school. A son at Marion McClellan's, born last Sunday morning. William Wohlford will go to Kansas next week. Mrs. Mass Simmons bought a large quantity of stocking yarn which, will be shipped with a lot of other goods, to her son in Texas. Dore Plank has been very sick but is now able to be up and about. The oldest girl of John Hays has just recovered from a severe spell of sickness. Bangor. Born, to Mr. and Mrs. Evinger, Oct. 27th., a daughter. Mrs. Almira Denman, of Williams County, is visiting friends in this vicinity. Mrs. Peter Wirick is very sick. Mr. and Mrs. Elias Murphy have returned from Kansas, where they were visiting relatives. James Lee has gone to Kansas to purchase land, if he likes the country. Mrs. Sinklinger has repaired her house which beautifies the looks. Chas. Follin and F. Hosack started to Valparaiso, Ind., Monday, to attend school. |
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Transcribed by Amy E. Armstrong, Sunday, August 19, 2007
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Sunday, August 19, 2007