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Daniel Dobbins

May 19, 1888

The Funeral Services this Afternoon

Brief Sketch of His Life

The funeral of Daniel Dobbins took place last Saturday from his late residence on Main Street, in this village.  The burial was in charge of the Masonic lodge here, of which the deceased had been for many years a member.  Rev. A. Coit gave a brief address at the house, and interment was had in the family burying ground at the foot of Genesee street.  (Actually buried at Woodlawn).  No service was had at the church as Mrs. Dobbins is very seriously affected with inflammatory rheumatism and unable to leave the house.

Mr. Dobbins was born at Troy, Bradford Co., PA., Oct 31, 1815, and was therefore 72 years of age.  His earlier life was spent there successfully engaged in blacksmithing, milling and mercantile pursuits.  He removed to Wellsville in the winter of 1855-6 to engage in the lumbering business at what was then known as the Coats Switch, and in later years Riverside, our west suburb.  The venture was not successful for him and in 1860 he removed to this village taking up the trade he learned in youth, of blacksmithing, seeking to regain the lost ground and to replace the fruits of former years – work that had been swallowed up in flood and by other causes.  Here for many years he worked until failing health compelled a stop.  A citizen of Wellsville, of say fifteen or twenty years past, will recall his stone blacksmith shop standing where Rider’s and the Thornton block have since been built.  Mr. Dobbins was twice married.  His first wife was Miriam Fassett, of South Creek, Bradford Co., PA.  She died here July 22, 1865.  Their children, four in number all living, are Mrs. James Thornton, Miss Fannie and Horace Dobbins, and Mrs. Frank C. Scoville of Greenwich NY.  He was married Dec 26, 1871 to Mrs. Julia Bundy of Andover.

The last day in September 1879, Mr. Dobbins suffered a partial stroke of paralysis, since which time he has been in feeble health although until the time of his death showing great interest in State and local affairs.  He had been quite sick for the past two weeks but seemed much better at the very hour when the sudden summons came.  He was an old and respected citizen, more prominently identified with the past rather than the present of Wellsville.  No man ever had kinder heart or action than he, and the memory of his patience and love to all his family during the years of trial and suffering will never be forgotten by them.

Allegany County Reporter - Transcribed by Mary Rhodes