~ OLD NEWS ITEMS ~ News Relating To Our Fitzgerald Family Locations in New York and Iowa

Creston, Ia. - Mark Fitzgerald, a resident of Clarke county, near Truro, claims to have been raised from the dead, or rather a sick bed, after the spirit had left his body and made a visit to heaven. Mr. Fitzgerald is one of the prosperous farmers of that section and not at all given to visionary exhibitions. He is about 40 years of age, and for several weeks past has been very ill and his recovery believed doubtful. His family were much surprised on a certain morning when he arose and dressed and appeared as well and strong as ever. Fitzgerald claims he really did die and that his spirit visited the heavenly abode and talked with friends and mambers of his family long since dead, and that the Lord told him not to touch them, as he was still unclean. He says he told the Lord if he were permitted to return to earth he would devote the rest of his life to doing good and for the cause of humanity. Fitzgerald says he is now completely cured and proposes to sell off his stock and devote his time and life to religious work. He has been conducting meetings for the past two weeks at different places. The story of his sickness and afterwards seeming recovery is vouched for by his friends and his neighbors as well as business men of Truro.

Creston, Ia., Feb. 28 - Martin Fitzgerald, the Truro, Madison county man who claims to have seen heaven during a recent illness and who was sent back to this world by the Lord in answer to the prayers of his friends, so he claims, is now trying to raise money by subscription to buy a tabernacle to fulfill the promise he made the Lord that he would devote his life henceforth to the good of humanity. He says he finds the most opposition in doing this comes from the ministers who seem not to want him to use their churches in which to speak and tell his experience in heaven, and the Lord has told him to buy a tabernacle.

Mrs. M. E. Savage celebrated her 84th birthday Tuesday. She is remarkably active for one of her age.

Mrs. Zelpha Fitzgerald of Truro came Monday for a few days visit at the Aaron Middaugh and Mrs. M. E. Savage homes.

Wednesday evening, May 15, John R. Derrickson received a second stroke of paralysis and died at the home of his niece, Mrs. F. Cunningham, in Clayton township Saturday, May 18, at 3:00 A.M., aged 76 years. Funeral services were held at the First Baptist church Tuesday, May 21, at 11:00 A.M., conducted by Rev. C. C. Hatcher. Interment in Bedford cemetery.

Mr. Derrickson was the victim of a stroke of paralysis last November and was for some time in critical condition, but gradually regained his former self until he received a second stroke Wednesday which resulted in his death.

Mr. Derrickson was among the first settlers of taylor county, having lived in the county 64 years.

John R. Derrickson began his life on earth Nov. 7, 1841, in Shelby county, Indiana, and entered the realms of the life eternal from the Francis Cunningham home southeast of Bedford on May 18, 1918.

He was one of seven children born to the late Albert and Phoebe Derrickson.

On August 22, 1867, he was married to Miss Margaret Fitzjerald. To them were born three children, two sons dying in very early childhood and Mrs. Nellie Van Sickle, deceased.

On March 17, 1861, deceased took oath of allegiance to the Union and became a member of Co. G. Mo. Cavalry. After four years of service he was mustered out of service on honorable discharge on March 17, 1865. For a number of years he was a member of the local Grand Army Post.

When but nine years of age he became a member of the Little Blue River Baptist church in Shelby county. Though not a devotee to the church in active service of late years, Brother Derrickson was of simple and unwabering faith and trust in Christ as his Lord and Master. He found (illegible) satisfaction in his personal acceptance of Christ and had no fears of things earthly or harm to his eternal hopes, being fully assured in his trustful allegiance to his Lord.

Not a great while before yielding his spirit to the heavenly command he was deeply thrilled at thought of meetin those gone before and spoke in confidence of seeing loved ones now on the other shore.

There survive this good man, one brother, Carey Derrickson, of Belle Fourche, S. D. Six grandchildren, sons and daughters of the area? Mrs. Nellie Van Sickle, four great-grandchildren, a niece and nephew, Mrs. C. E. Fitch and Mr. Frank Golding of Bedford.

There was but one John R. Derrickson. Genteel, retiring, trustful. Peace unto his ashes. He has now realized the fond hopes of years of trustful waiting. The re-union is eternal.

On Tuesday Ben Savage took his mother, Mrs. Ellen Savage to the home of Mrs. Francis Cunningham near Bedford because of that ladys serious illness. Mrs. Cunningham is a daughter of Mrs. Savage.

Ben Savage and family were in Murray Sunday attending the funeral of their cousin, Mr. Jones, who was killed by bandits near there last week.

Little Dorothy, the only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ben Savage was wafted to her eternal home Tuesday morning when the Death Angel touched her with his chilling breath. Dorothy had been ill with croup a week or two ago, and had apparently recovered, but she had a relapse, and despite all that medical skill, coupled with tender and loving care, could do, the paralizing hand of death reached out and claimed her for his own.

Dorothy was an extremely bright and winsome child, the pride and joy of the home, and her taking away leaves a void which nothing can fill. none of us can fathom the ways of Providence and when death visits the home and snatches the apple of their eye, it is hard for the parents to believe that He doeth all thing for the best. But in his own good time the viel will be torn from our eyes and we shall understand.

Mr. and Mrs. Savage, in their hour of trial and grief, have the heartfelt sympathy of the whole community.

Funeral services were held at the home Wednesday afternoon and the little form was laid away to await the great day when all tears shall be wiped away.

Viva Dorothy Savage, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ben Savage, was born Dec. 24, 1914 and departed this life Nov. 15, 1921, aged 6 years, 10 months and 22 days. She leaves to morn their loss a father, mother, 5 brothers, 2 grandmothers, one great-grandmother, aunts, uncles and cousins together with all who knew her. Her sickness was of short duration and she was a patient little sufferer. Everything possible was done to relieve her but to no avail.

In the quiet little graveyard
There is now a new made mound,
And the form that was so cherished,
Has been laid beneath the ground
But up yonder in the portals,
That are shining very fair.
Little Dorothy now is sheltered
By the loving Savior's care.

CARD OF THANKS
We sincerely desire to thank the friends and neighbors who so kindly assisted us during the sickness and death of our darling. Also for the lovely floral offerings, especially those presented by her little schoolmates.
Mr. and Mrs. Ben Savage and family.

The children and grand children of Mrs. Ella Savage gave her a surprise Sunday at the Ben Savage home, the occasion being her birthday. The surprisers brought baskets filled with good things to eat, and at noon a most bounteous dinner was spread before the assembled guests. A most delightful day was spent by all.

Dow and Paul Savage and families spent Sunday in the Frank Cunningham home.

Chester Savage of Gravity visited at Cliff Allisons Sunday.

Miss Nellie Cunningham is spending a months vacation at homebefore commencing work in the Fields Seed House January 1.

(Special to The Olean Herald)
BELMONT, [Allegany Co, New York] Feb, 19, [1929]- Janet Pierson, 12 year old daughter of R. E. Pierson of this village whose mother was killed in a Buffalo Valley Bus Line coach near Fillmore on Dec. 8, was called to the stand this morning as one of the prosecutions witnesses against Roy Dennis of Wellsville, driver of the bus, who is being tried in County Court for second degree manslaughter.

The child was asked if she recalled the bus stopping before Dennis drove it onto the tracks of the Pennsylvania Railroad ahead of the gasoline train and she replied in the negative. Other questions were asked but were ruled out by Judge Guy O. Hinman.

The prosecution rested its case before adjournment shortly after noon. Fifteen witnesses were questioned during this morning's session.

Dennis' attorneys expect to take up its defense when court reconvenes at 1:30 o'clock this afternoon.

BELMONT, Feb. 19. - Roy Dennis of Wellsville, driver of the Buffalo Valley Bus in which Mrs. Russell E. Pierson lost her life Dec. 8 when it was struck by a Pennsylvania Railroad gasoline train a mile north of Fillmore, did not stop his bus before driving it on to the crossing. Henry Sizer, 18, of Allentown, the third passenger in the bus, testified yesterday afternoon in County Court before Judge Guy B. Hinman.

Dennis is being tried on a charge of second degree manslaughter. A pivotal point in the case is whether he brought the bus to a full stop before proceeding over the railroad tracks. Janet, 12-year-old daughter of Mrs. Pierson, suffered minor injuries.

Sizer said the bus did not stop completely, but was slowed down enough by Dennis to enable him to shift from high to second gear. As he was shifting the gears he looked to the left, then to the right, then shouted "Look out," Sizer told the court.

Engineer Saw Vehicle

Another important prosecution witness was Fred McGivern of Olean, engineer of the gasoline train. He said he had observed a vehicle on the highway paralleling the tracks, but because of snow blowing up in its wake, did not identify it as the bus until he was between 300 and 400 feet from the crossing. The bus then was traveling at between 25 and 30 miles an hour while his gasoline train was going at between 38 and 40 miles an hour he said.

When he saw the bus approaching the tracks and unlikely to get across ahead of the train, he set emergency brakes, the engineer testified. The bus was hit just back of the rear wheel on the right side, he said. It shot into the air and turned over, landing upside down parallel to the tracks and about six feet from the ties, he said.

McGivern estimated the train went about 400 feet beyond the crossing before stopping. Under ordinary conditions 1,500 feet is required to bring the gasoline train to a halt, he testified.

Coroner Frederick Ballard of Rushford testified Mrs. Pierson suffered a fractured skull, broken neck and fractured spinal vertebrae, any one of which would have caused death. Other witnesses called by District Attorney Walter A. Renwick were Hiram Russell of Buffalo, civil engineer who identified a map showing distances of important points at the scene of the accident: William H. Brandall of Buffalo, photographer, who identified pictures he made of the location.

Told to Stop at Grade

Undersheriff Schuyler Cline and Sheriff E. A. Brigham, who testified as to observation made after the accident; Zenas Hill of Buffalo, secretary of the Buffalo Valley Bus Line, who testified drivers for the company were instructed to stop always before proceeding over a railroad crossing and Sanford Pendleton of Buffalo, former employe of the bus company, who said he had taught Dennis how to operate busses and instructed him to stop before going over crossings.

The trial opened yesterday morning with selection of 12 jurors. Ellis J. Hopkins of Wellsville and Ward Hopkins of Cuba, attorneys for Dennis, are expected to open his defense late today.

A Christmas dinner was enjoyed at the Ben Savage home when a large number of families, all relatives, gathered there to enjoy the day together. A jolly time was had by all and the day will long be remembered as a very pleasant occasion.

Those present were Frank Cunningham and family, Paul Savage and family, Manford Adams and family, Dow Savage and family, Abel Greenway and family, Merl Savage and family, Fred Savage, wife and baby, Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Adams and Mr. and Mrs. Ross Savage.

Just as we were going to press, we learned of two marriages taking place this week.

Mr. Darrell Cunningham, son of Mr. and Mrs. Francis Cunningham of New Market and Miss Cleone Minor, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jesse Minor of Hawleyville were married at Shambaugh, Wednesday February 17th, Rev. E. D. Young officiating.

Mr. Frank Cade, son of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Cade and Miss Emma Burnsides, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Roy Burnside, both of New Market were married today February 18th, at Maryville. Mr. and Mrs. Ross Savage accompanied them.

The many friends of each contracting party extended hearty congratulations.

NEW MARKET - Mrs. Zelpha Fitzgerald and son Charles Fitzgerald of Truro, Iowa, arrived Saturday for a visit at the home of Mrs. Sarepta Middaugh.

Mrs. Sarah Savage visited at the home of MR. and Mrs. D. E. pace.

Mr. and Mrs. Frank Savage, Mr. and Mrs. Jesse Savage and Mrs. Sarah Savage spent Sunday at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Glen Savage in Sharpsburg.

NEW MARKET - Mrs. Syreptia Middaugh, 78, died at her home in New Market, Thurday, Feb. 22. The funeral services were held at the Methodist Episcopal church conducted by Rev. L. M. Kirby. Burial was in the Memory cemetery.

Mrs. Middaugh, whose maiden name was Savage, was born in Jackson county, O., Aug. 25, 1856.

While yet a small child her family moved to Henry county, Iowa, and a few years later to Taylor county. July 4, 1884, she was married to Aaron Middaugh. Their entire married life was spent in the New Market community. Mr. Middaugh died Feb. 27, 1927. Since his death she has lived alone in the little home where he left her. There were never any children in the home.

Mrs. Middaugh was possibly best known for her birds. For many years she has raised canaries. She had sold many of them all over the country, and when you went into her home, they were always singing. They were her company as she lived alone. To those children that came near enough to really get acquainted she would give birds, because she seemed to love to have them about her.

She was always interested in the work of the church, having been a member for many years.

NEW MARKET - Among those from a distance who attended the funeral services of Mrs. Syreptia Middaugh, Saturday, were Mr. and Mrs. Peterson, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Fitzgerald and Ed Fitzgerald, all of Truro, Iowa, and Mr. and Mrs. Earl Chase of Omaha.

Belmont, [Allegany Co, New York]- In a pretty home wedding, Miss Janet Agnes Peirson, daughter of Russell E. Peirson, here, and the late Zetta Elliott Peirson, became the bride of Ensign Arthur Metcalf Bush, son of Mr. and Mrs. William W. Bush, also of Belmont. The wedding was solomized at the Fillmore residence of Mr. and Mrs. H. A. Geiser, aunt of the bride, and was attended by many relatives and close friends.

The Rev. Donald Partington of Hoeoye Falls, former pastor of the Belmont Methodist Church, performed the wedding ceremony before an altar of white syringa, .......

Belmont, [Allegany Co, New York] - Russell E. Pierson, for the past thirty-three years editor and publisher of the Belmont Dispatch, died unexpectedly in his home here this morning. Mr. Pierson, was found dead about eleven o'clock today when Mrs. Grace Youngs, who was associated with him in the conduct of the newspaper called at the home on business.

Mr. Pierson was born August 2, 1880 and came to Belmont in December, 1914, to become the editor of the Dispatch. He had conducted the newspaper continnously since that time.

He is survived by one daughter, Mrs. Arthur Bush, Rochester. His wife died twenty years ago.

Funeral arrangements are incomplete.

Belmont-Funeral services were held at the late home, 3 South Street, Sunday afternoon at three-thirty o'clock for Russell E Peirson, editor, who died Friday.

The home was filled with relatives and friends to pay their last respects. The publishers of newspapers in nearly every village of the county, including the dean of county publishers, Frank A. Crumb of the Alfred Sun, were in attendance.

The Rev. J. Donald Partington of Eden, N.Y., a Methodist Clergyman in Belmont a dozen years ago, officiated at the service. He read Scripture selections, including the Twenty-third Psalm, offering prayer, and voicing a eulogy, in which he related his relations with Mr. Peirson as particularly friendly, from which he drew the lesson that friendship is greatly needed in the Christian world of today.

Burial was in Pine Grove Cemetery. Fillmore, in the family plot.

Bearers were all residents of Belmont; Harlen R. Sortore, Edson A. Brigham, Richard E. Hall, William R. Van Campen, Jr., Charles H. Horner and Arthur C. Carlson.

Merle Savage, a former New Market resident, died on July 3 at his home in Modesta, Calif. Services were held July 6 in Modesta.

His parents are Rosco and Ellen Savage, now deceased. He is survived by his wife, Crystal of Modesta.

Mrs. Ethel Adams of New Market is a sister. He is also survived by a brother, Dow Savage and six daughters, all of Calif.

The Malcoms, Miss Nellie Artur, Mrs. Pearl Pierson attended the Open House Sunday in Clarinda for Mrs. Paul Savage who was eighty years of age.

JOWEST

Updated October 30, 2012