Miscellaneous
News Stories

A NEW HAMPSHIRE MAN'S EXPERIENCE.

Wm. H. Turner of Manchester, N. H. an engineer and machinist, had for four years been in the habit of spending his winters on the plantation of Woodworth & Son, at Clintonville, S. C., about seventeen miles from Charleston. Previous to the election of Lincoln, in reply to a question of one of his fellow workmen, he said that if he had the casting vote he would give it for Mr. Lincoln.

About two weeks after the election, he was visited at the plantation by a Vigilance Committee, arrested, and taken to the Charleston jail, and locked up. As he passed through the streets, the bystanders hissed, hooted, and assailed him with threats of hanging, tar, and whipping, following him to the jail, and there collecting in a large mob, clamoring for his life, and threatening to kill the jailer if the prisoner was not given up. During the night Mr. Turner suffered from hunger, but more actually from thirst, and in the morning, up- on asking the Sheriff for a drink of water, he was told to "Go to h--I, and get water if you want it." Some hours later, the turnkey was asked for water, but the reply was, "Send down East and get it." He was taken before the "Vigilant Committee Tribunal" in the afternoon, and asked whether he had said what was charged against him. He replied in the affirmative. Judge Jeffers then tore up the original warrant, saying that another Court must take cognizance of the case, and ordered the prisoner back to jail, using the foulest language, and declaring that he ought to be hanged. He passed that night, and every day and night of his imprisonment, in his hole, a miserable apartment, 27 inches high, and about eight feet long, without a shred of bedding. The next morning, thirty-six hours after he was first taken, a small bit of hard black bread and a ???? of impure water was put into the cell, and this was the allowance he had each day during his confluement[sic].

On the morning of the 11th of March,more than fourteen weeks after his arrest he was allowed to depart in the steamer, working his passage to New York. His employer cheated him out of his wages some $248 and a watchmaker kept his watch and chain, which he had left to have repaired before his arrest. Mr. Turner will hereafter probably spend his winters in the North.

[Douglas Monthly, Rochester, N.Y. - May 1861 - Submitted by Candi H.]

BEANS AND HAM POISON 75 MEN
Three in Serious Condition After Textile Outing

Manchester -More than 75 men that attended the outing Saturday of the Amoskeag Textile club on the Recreation grounds at Rock Rimmon are suffering today from the effects of ptomaine poisoning as the result of eating contaminated baked beans and chopped ham sandwiches.

But a small percentage of the several hundred attending the outing were affected, and it is believed that these few ate the sole portions which contained the poison. Others who ate similar fare were unaffected, and the majority of those ill Saturday night were at their places of employment this morning.

The food was served immediately upon the arrival of the party at the Recreation field, but the poison did not begin to show its work until late in the afternoon and early evening.

Among the more well known victims of the poisoning are Albert Merrill, assistant superintendent of the electrical department of the mills, Cornelius Healy of the dye house department, and David Perry, a section hand in the dye house. These three are in serious condition, and many more are in the hands of physicians.

[Source: Manchester Leader & Evening Union - June 30, 1913 - transcribed by Helen Coughlin]

MAN SEVERS ARTERIES WHILE SLEEPING

Manchester - Costas Hadzivassal of 155 Maple St., was injured seriously while asleep early this morning when in attempting to turn over in bed, he pushed he left arm through a pane of glass severing an artery.

The police were called and Patrolman Graf finding the man's injury serious, sent in a call for the ambulance. Patrolman Potts and Chauffeur Moody responding at 1:40 o'clock. Hadzivassal was removed to the police station and City Physician Lightbody was called. He found the injuries of such nature that he ordered his removal to the Sacred Heart hospital.

Hadzivassal is unable to tell how the accident occurred. He had his bed near a window which was closed and is believed to have made an imaginary lunge while asleep. He awoke when the glass came tumbling about his head.

[Source: Manchester Leader & Evening Union - June 30, 1913 - transcribed by Helen Coughlin]

CITY CELEBRATES CENTENARY OF GENERAL'S DEATH
IMMENSE PATRIOTIC DEMONSTRATION TO MARK 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF JOHN STARK'S DEATH, MAYOR COMMITTEE FOR AFFAIR

Manchester - The 100th anniversary of the death of Gen. John Stark will be fittingly celebrated May 8 with a patriotic demonstration including a pageant, mass meetings, parades and school contests, if the plans outlined by Rev. Herbert Jump and endorsed by government officials at last nights meeting of the Board of Mayor and Alderman are carried out.

Mayor George E. Trudel is expected to name a committee of three tomorrow to outline a program and in turn appoint subcommittees to assist in the work. The mayor was authorized to start immediately in formulating plans.

Rev. Mr. Jump appeared before the board personally to explain his proposition. He wanted to see a spirit of cooperation, he said, and a spirit of patriotism. Mr. Jump referred to General Stark as one of Manchester's famous sons and stated that May 8, the anniversary of the general's death would be an excellent opportunity to give 8000 children a lesson in patriotism. He suggested that a committee be appointed to plan for the celebration and that this group arrange essay contests on John Stark. Clubs, Mr. Jump thought would donate the prizes.

Then he suggested a big parade to the grave of General Stark, at Stark park, where children representing each nationality might lay a wreath or a flag. A mass meeting could be held in the evening at which, among others, Governor Cox, a Manchester boy, would be one of the principal speakers. For financing the celebration, Mr. Jump thought that the Boy Scouts of Manchester might solicit small donations.

On motion of Alderman Clough, the mayor was authorized to appoint committees to arrange the preliminary details.

[Source: Manchester Leader and Evening Union - May 8, 1922 - transcribed  by Helen Coughlin]

SLATE FOUND AMHERST. N. H.

Nov. 7, (CP) An old slate marked "H.G." was auctioned off by John A. Hanson, who has occupied Horace Greeley's birthplace for the last 77 years. It was found in the attic.

[Source: Lima News, Lima, Ohio - Nov 7, 1940 - submitted by Linda Dietz]

Manchester Doctor Has Narrow Escape
Auto Is Struck By B & M Train

Hope is held out for the recovery of Dr. John C. O'Connor, who was struck by a train while driving his automobile along Union St. shortly before 11 o'clock this morning. He sustained multiple bruises about the head and body. Dr. O'Connor was injured at the Boston and Maine railroad crossing of Plummer and Union Sts. As he was nearing the crossing the oncoming Portsmouth train struck the automobile broadsides, completely demolishing it and throwing it a distance of about 20 feet. Eye witnesses of the accident say the doctor's escape from instant death was remarkable. Assistance was immediately given the stricken man. It was at first thought he was dead, but a more careful inspection disclosed that the doctor was temporarily rendered unconscious. A call was sent in for the police ambulance.

While awaiting for the arrival of the ambulance Dr. O'Connor regained consciousness and gave directions that he be driven to his home, 2324 Elm St. These instructions were carried out by the driver and a call was sent in for Dr. B. E. Sanborn, 430 Lake ave. According to the police Dr. O'Connor may have sustained a fractured skull in addition to his many other injuries but no corroboration of such injuries has been announced from the home.

Dr. O'Connor was the second to participate in an accident in this vicinity. But one block away on Willow st., the accident on Christmas day, from which one person died and seven others were injured occurred. Both machines were hurled to practically the same spot and the automobile of Dr. O'Connor, as in the preceding case was broken to pieces.

Considerable anxiety was caused by reports to the effect that Dr. O'Connor was instantly killed. Fears of his numerous friends, however, were allayed when information was given that in all probability the doctor would recover unless complications set in or internal injuries were found. Dr. O'Connor is well and favorably known in Manchester. He attained an enviable reputation among sport followers as being prominent in Dartmouth Athletics. At one time he was coach of the college football team and in his younger days he starred on the gridiron as an end. During the war Dr. O'Connor was a Major in the United States service, being identified with the hospital unit in France.

[Source: The Leader - January 8, 1920 - Submitted by Helen Coughlin]

ROOF COLLAPSE KILLS WOMAN
Husband Also Seriously Hurt in Local Wind Storm Accident

Manchester - At least one person was killed as a result of the storm and one person was in a critical condition at the Notre Dame hospital as a roof is reported to have caved in on a young couple walking on a West Manchester street early last night. The accident was said to have occurred on Laval street and police were investigating the circumstances of the accident late last night.

Mrs. Helen (Blasik) Lesmerises 19, wife of Laurent Lesmerises, 21, of 161 Joliette street, died shortly after 10 o'clock last night. A fractured skull resulted in her death, according to attending physicians.

In the meantime her husband Laurent Lesmerises, was in a critical condition at the same hospital where the couple was rushed by a passing motorist after the accident.

Mr. Lesmerises is believed to be suffering from a fractured skull and is in an unconscious condition at the hospital. His name is on the hospital danger list and attending physicians said that X-Ray pictures will be taken to learn the full extent of his injuries when his condition permits. The young man is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Camille Lesmerises of 412 Cartier street, West Manchester.

Details of how the accident occurred were a mystery and police were investigating the place and cause of the casualties. According to reports pieced together, a roof of a building on Laval street is said to have collapsed and fell on the young couple.

[Source - Manchester Union - Sep 22, 1938 - transcribed and submitted by Helen Coughlin]

FIREMAN INJURED ON WAY TO FIRE

Thrown from Ladder Truck as Vehicle Loses Tire

Manchester -The auto ladder truck of engine No. 6 came near turning turtle, and Joseph St. Germain of 377 Rimmon St. was hurled 10 feet into the air, when the fire apparatus lost a tire, speeding from Wayne St. into Notre Dame Ave. The accident happened Sunday morning at 11 o'clock, in response to the alarm of fire from box 542.

It was the second time that the same tire, on the left forward wheel, came off while responding to an alarm. As the auto truck, with Driver Hammond at the wheel, turned from Wayne St. into Notre Dame Ave, the auto turned to the left side and came near overturning when the tire rolled off. The firemen that were riding on the apparatus were thrown from their places, but all safely clung to the machine with the exception of St. Germain.

Driver Hammond did not bring the machine to a complete stop but slacked up. St. Germain placed one foot on the ground and as the auto started off on high speed he was hurled through the air and onto the sidewalk. He was unable to continue to the fire, being assisted to his home and his injuries, consisting of a bad bruise of the right hip and a cut on his head were dressed.

The auto truck continued to the fire on Second St.

St. Germain is a call man of the Fulton company and is confined to his home as the result of his injuries.

[Source: Manchester Leader & Evening Union - May 17, 1913 - submitted by Helen Coughlin]

HUDSON, NEW HAMPSHIRE FARMER CRITICALLY HURT IN FALL FROM HAYLOFT

Hudson, New Hampshire Nov 23, 1953

Judah H. Mellen, 52 of Barrett Hill road, remains in critical condition today at the Nashua Memorial hospital from head injuries he received when he toppled some 25 feet from a hayloft to a cement floor at his dairy barn, Saturday afternoon. The Physician attending him said Mellen suffered a compound skull fracture and is in serious condition.

According to Police Chief Andrew J. Polak, the farmer apparently fell from a hayloft while he was feeding cattle about 2 p.m. Saturday. He was discovered by his daughters, Ruth, 17 and Esther, 13 shortly after 5 p.m. when the girls and their mother returned home from a trip, discovered him. Mrs. Mellen said she suspected something was wrong when lights did not show at the home or at the barn.

Mrs. Mellen telephoned for the Nashua ambulance and police from that city were escorted to the scene by the Hudson authorities. Sgt John E. Barry and Patrolman Armand Roussel took Melen to the hospital in the city ambulance.

The injured man’s son, a Korean veteran, Airman 3/c Clayton R. Melen, arrived home early this morning from the Kessler Air Force base in Biloxi, Mississippi, where he was stationed. Through the Nashua chapter of the American Red Cross and air base authorities, he was able to obtain an emergency leave. Chief Polak and Officer Paul Amour conducted the preliminary investigation.

[Submitted by carole@wispernet.ca]