Miscellaneous, Dying in the Street, 1873

Dying in the Street - An Unfortunate Stranger

Bainbridge Republican, May 17, 1873

 

The Binghamton Times of the 12th says:  While people were going home from church, an old man was observed sitting on the steps near Stratton's saloon, apparently in a dying condition.  A crowd gathered around him and he was carried into Smith's drug store and revived.  He was evidently on the verge of the grave from the effects of consumption.

 

From his broken sentences was obtained an outline of what had transpired in the previous twenty-four hours.  It seems he had always been a working man, and had, at one time, owned a farm.  He spoke of his daughter, who was the last of his family and had been educated by him, and finally she died leaving him alone in the world.  For many years he had lived in Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], working at laying stone, ditching and all kinds of farm work.  He had also worked in Corning and other places.  He mentioned the name of James Moore, and others with whom he had worked, the names being recognized by some of our citizens.  He said he rode 16 miles in an open wagon, Saturday, and reached this city without money Saturday evening; he remained all night in the frightful Erie depot, and had no food; supported by his cane, and stopping five times on his way to rest his failing limbs, he tottered up Chenango street, and finally sank entirely exhausted upon the steps and was taken care of as above mentioned.  Credit is due to the humanity of those connected with Smith's drug store while he was there, and also to Assessor DeVoe who made a collection of over $5.00 for the unfortunate old stranger.  He is about sixty years of age, and his countenance indicates, that at best, could live but a few days.  He complained greatly of his lungs,  and said his limbs felt very numb and cold.  He was taken to the Lewis House by deputy Sheriff Black, and will be forwarded to his destination, Oxford, on an early train this morning, if he is living and able to go.  His name is David Devine.

 

The unfortunate man was a resident of Oxford several years ago, and also had resided in Guilford.  He arrived in Oxford Monday evening, and was kindly cared for at the Rogers house, and next day assisted to Guilford, where he desired to go. 

 

Utica Daily Observer

May 29, 1873

 

Chenango County:  The old man, David Devine, of whom we made mention some time since, died at the Poor House on Monday night of last week.  It seems he was taken there instead of Guilford..