Saturday, September 11, 1897 Fatal Accident A party of chicken hunters, consisting of Frank FERRIS of White Creek, T. F. GODDING, Burt CAMPBELL, Jack PURCELL, George CRANDALL and Jerry STOWERS of Kilbourn, camped at FERRIS' marsh in the southwest part of this town, early last Monday morning, and from that point started out to find game. They had with them Frank FERRIS' bird dog, a nervous, vigorous, eager animal, inclined to press the game too closely, and needing constant attention to prevent his flushing the coveys. The party worked northward about a mile and a half to a point about a quarter of a mile southwest of the windmill on Bingham's cattle ranch. Two years ago that section was burned over by a severe prairie fire, and since has grown up, thickly with tall weeds. The work of the dogs indicated that game was near. FERRIS and CAMPBELL were moving forward only a few feet apart. The former hurried a little to the front looking for a sight as to the whereabouts of his dog and calling to him. Both men were carrying their guns with the breech below the thigh, ready to be swung to the shoulder instantly at the rise of a bird. Both were looking forward. In this condition FERRIS' dog came up behind the men, running almost frantically. He struck CAMPBELL's gun almost the instant be became aware that the dog was near him, and with such force as to knock it entirely out of his hands. The gun swung partially around and as it fell, exploded. FERRIS was only about ten feet from the muzzle, and the entire charge passed through his left thigh, about six inches above the knee joint, shattering the thigh bone into splinters, severing the large artery and sciatic nerve. CAMPBELL sprang and caught in his arms his falling friend. The others of the party hurried to the assistance of the wounded man, who seemed the coolest headed of them all. As quickly as possible a compress was brought to bear over the artery and tightly bound there, the spurting blood stopped, after considerable loss, and the wounded one hurriedly brought to Friendship. On the way he lapsed into unconsciousness. He was taken to the Niles House where Dr. FREDRICK attended him. It was apparent on examination that speedy amputation of the limb was the only hope for saving the wounded man's life, and Dr. NICOLL of Kilbourn summoned by telephone to assist Dr. FREDRICK, and the summons was quickly responded to. In the meantime restoratives were administered, the Neighbors of Friendship Camp, M. W. A. hurried to the assistance of their injured brother, and all that medical skill and sympathetic, generous hearts and hands could do, was done to relieve, soothe, and render him as comfortable as possible. Dr. NICOLL arrived about three o' clock having driven the distance in a little over three hours. The surgeons at once prepared for the work before them. FERRIS was placed under the influence of an anaesthetic, and the amputation performed-to the untrained eyes of the assistants, at least, it seemed with masterly skill and touch. After the operation FERRIS, somewhat slowly perhaps, revived and became conscious. His pulsations grew stronger. He called for water and drank it. He talked with the friends around him and exhibited much courage and fortitude. Thus two hours or more passed, and hope was rapidly rising in the hearts of those attending as well as of those who were outside waiting for the danger line to be passed and constantly inquiring as to how it fared with the sufferer. The end came quickly. FERRIS talked rationally for a few minutes, then his mind seemed to wander a little. An attendant turned to him and saw the death-shadow had fallen on the sufferer's face. A moment later life ceased. Frank FERRIS was about 26 years of age, the only son of Mr. Smith FERRIS, of White Creek, and the only grandson of Mrs. Sally FERRIS. These three comprised the family, and Frank was almost idolized by his father and grandmother. He was a good boy, full of kindly sympathies, and a social favorite. On the father and aged grandmother the blow has fallen with unspeakable force, and friends as they meet, speak of their great sorrow, in that measured undertone that, more than words can convey, tells how all-pervading is the deep, tender sympathies that go out to them in the community. The funeral was at White Creek on Wednesday, Rev. A. C. MARDEN officiating. Many people from Friendship, Kilbourn and surrounding towns were present. The number was one of the largest that ever attended a funeral at White Creek. Local Brevities E. KNIGHT visited Necedah Friday. Burt CAMPBELL, of Kilbourn, was in town this week. The Easton Band will furnish music at the county fair. J. A. HENRY, of Easton, was a Friendship visitor on Monday of this week. Regular meeting of Badgero Post G. A. R. and W. R. C. on Friday of this week. Don't forget that the next Adams County Fair opens one week from next Wednesday. Wm. HOLLIDAY and Pat and John MCDONNELL, of Colburn, were visitors in town on Monday. Miss Tilda HOLM starts on Friday of this week to resume her duties at the Whitewater Normal. Misses Mabel and Grace WOOCK and Mr. Will WOOCK returned to their home at Baraboo on Friday. An Indian Base Ball club, from Black River Falls, will play in the games at the Adams County Fair. Remember two dances by the M. W. A. Lodge of this place the last evening of the fair, one at Gunning's Hall and one at Williams' Hall. Attys. W. N. KELLY, of Plainfield, and F. B. LAMOREAUX, of Stevens Point, were business visitors in Friendship on Monday and Tuesday of this week. Very considerable work has been expended on the race track at the Fair Grounds, and it now looks like one of the best half mile tracks in the state. The Union Sunday School of this place purpose to give a concert in the near future, time and place to be given later, and are already making preparations for it. Our High School and Primary commenced the year's work last Monday morning, the High School under the direction of Prof. L. C. RUSSELL, and the Primary under the direction of Miss Carrie LAPHAM. The weather has been exceedingly warm for the first five days of the week, the thermometer registering as high as 95 degrees in the shade. This is hot for September and is doing great good in ripening the belated corn crop of this year. Mrs. Hattie YOUT and her daughter, Miss Ethel, who had spent a week with relatives here, returned to their home at Grand Rapids on Friday. Mr. and Mrs. W. R. ATCHERSON accompanied them home and Mrs. ATCHERSON remained for a visit with friends there. Mr. ATCHERSON returning Saturday. Among the people from Friendship who attended the funeral of Frank FERRIS at White Creek Wednesday were Mr. and Mrs. N. J. MARBLE, Mr. and Mrs. H. J. DARTT, Mrs. Jos. WILBER, Mrs. J. A. THOMAS, Misses Mame and Irene WILBER, May and Jessie PIERCE and Ada HOLM, and Messrs. N. M. JONES, R. S. HARRISON, Frank MCCONICK, G. W. BINGHAM, Paul PAULSON, Earl LEWIS, John DANKMIRE, Jos HODAN, Roy WRIGHT, Fred THOMM, Scott WAIT, John KEOGH and Harry PIERCE. Railroad Survey Mr. WELLS, of Chicago, with Engineer Raymond, and Mr. PENNIFILL, of Montello, are out looking up the most feasible route for a survey of the new line of road from Princeton. Just where the new survey will be made has not been decided upon, but work on the survey will be commenced next Monday. Mr. RAYMOND informs us that two experienced men, who are now in the employ of a railroad company, will be here to commence the survey with him on Monday and the work will be pushed through as rapidly as possible.-Montello Express. In Memoriam Hall of Quincy Lodge NO. 71, F. & A. M., Sept. 4th, 1897 Whereas, our brother, Albert F. CUMMINGS, was on the 3rd day of July, A. D. 1897, raised to that Sublime Degree, which all good masons hope to receive, in the Celestial Lodge above, where the Grand Architect of the universe presides, there to receive the rewards of a well spent life in having revealed to him those Glorious Mysteries dimly and transiently seen by us here, through the aid of that faith which pierces the veil of immortality, and which is evinced by a correct moral deportment. Resolved, that in passing to the Higher Degree, our brother left with us for our consideration and guidance, an example of sturdy, honest, truthful manhood which we may well emulate, and for which we cherish his memory. That inasmuch as he cannot return to advise, support and protect his orphan children, we commend them to Him who tempers the wind to the shorn lamb, and to the sympathetic care and watchfulness of our fraternity. That a copy of this be spread on the records of our Lodge, printed in the ADAMS COUNTY PRESS, and transmitted to his children. Resolutions by White Creek Camp, M. W. A., on the Death of Frank FERRIS At a meeting of the Modern Woodmen at White Creek, members of Friendship and Kilbourn camps being present, the following resolutions were adopted: WHEREAS, It has pleased the Ruler of the Universe to remove from our midst our neighbor and brother, Frank FERRIS, and while we bow submissively to the will of the Great Creator, we greatly deplore our loss. Therefore, be it Resolved, That White Creek Camp No. 3986 does hereby express sincere sorrow over the death of our esteemed neighbor, and deeply feel his absence from our camp circle and his earnest, efficient services in camp duties. Be it further Resolved, that we mourn with the family and extend around them the protection of Woodcraft. That the White Creek camp gratefully thanks the members of the camps at Friendship and Kilbourn City for their assistance, kindness and sympathy extended to the deceased, and for their attendance and aid at his funeral and burial. Resolved, that these resolutions be spread upon the Camp record, a copy sent to the family, and copies give the PRESS and Mirror-Gazette. From Local Correspondents Glen Mrs. CHURCHILL is making preparations to visit her son in Dakota. Mr. and Mrs. CRANDALL are again at home, after a two weeks' visit with friends at Coloma and vicinity. Born, to Mr. and Mrs. MALARKIE, September 4, a daughter. Mrs. LEVERTON and Mrs. BUSS are visiting their mother in Illinois. Miss Lizzie CRANDALL began her school in the Allen district Sept. 6. Maud EVANS, of Point Bluff, spent last week with her uncle, Mr. CUMMINGS, and his family. Mr. and Mrs. MAPP and daughter, Gladys, from Delton, are guests at C. HASKINS'. Miss BERGMON is spending a few days with Mrs. WHITMORE. Mr. DAWES and family expect to start in a few weeks for California, where they will make their future home. Plainville Miss Edna ENMONDS commenced her fall term of school at Dell Prairie Monday. Our school opens Monday, Sept. 13, with Miss Maud ATCHESON as teacher. Fred SOELDNER, of Kilbourn, is visiting with Fred. SPERBECK and Willie MANIS. Miss Laura LAPHAM, of Milwaukee, is visiting with her aunt and uncle, Mr. and Mrs. E. S. HIGBEE. Humphrey BURKE is attending school at Friendship this year. Miss Maud THOMPSON returned last Saturday from Packwaukee. O. S. ATCHERSON is having his house plastered. Mr. ZIMMERMAN, of Kilbourn, is doing the work. Mr. George HATHWAY, of Michigan, visited Sunday with C. W. ARMSTRONG's family. Mrs. Ed. BULLIS and son, Dick, are visiting with her sister this week. Miss Cleo Townsend returned to her home at Stevens Point. Big Flats J. H. SHURTLIFF, of Barnum, was seen on the Flats the last of the week. Mr. and Mrs. J. Gray, who have been visiting at their home in Belmont for a few weeks, returned home the last of the week. Miss Kate MATTHEWS, who has been on the sick list this week, is much better at the present writing. Mr. F. GRAY has his new house nearly completed. Miss Anna LINTNER, who has been visiting for some time with friends and relatives in Oshkosh, returned home Wednesday. Wm. GEORGE and several friends from Nekoosa, were on the Flats Friday for a day of pleasure hunting chickens. J. K. POWELL and Doctor, from New Lisbon, visited with A. REID's family the middle of the week. Chas. RICKEY and Wm. STARKES, who had been for some time in the southern part of the state, returned home Friday last. Chas. HAVEN and wife, of Monroe Center, visited at Mr. O. MATTHEWS' on Sunday last. Eugene WILSON and wife visited with their grandmother, Mrs. T. F. SHIPWAY, on Sunday last. O. V. HOLCOMB called on friends on the Flats Sunday. Miss Carrie CHRISTENSON and brother Albert and Edgar HOLMES visited Saturday with Mr. and Mrs. Jas. SHURTLIFF of Barnum. The Roche-a-Cris correspondent will please remember that it was not Little Dorothy who assumed their Nameless. LITTLE DOROTHY. Strongs Prairie M. F. HAMMOND reports his sorghum mill ready for work, after making some improvements and general repairs, and placing the steam power. C. WYMAN is also putting up a cane mill. The creamery is getting about 2000 pounds of milk per day now. Will RUSSELL, of Monroe, was putting the runners under Byron Sinclair's house to move it onto a new foundation. Dan. HAMMOND hauled a new wide-tired wagon home from Kilbourn one day last week. Corn is a fine crop hereabouts. Buckwheat will be the best crop for several years. The Farmers' Union is shipping potatoes this week. People here are beginning to ask "Are you going to the Fair?" Yes.
Back to Index of Articles
Back to Menu
Click here to send Joan an e-mailCopyright © 2001 - 2007 by Joan Benner or the original file contributor and last updated April 2007 Back to menu
