| FALL ON ICE PROVES FATAL Hiram J. Raymond Dies at Home on Oxford Ave., Wednesday Hiram Jefferson Raymond, veteran, tax collector of Dudley, Grand Army man, and one of the most widely known citizens of Webster and Dudley, died at his home, 40 Oxford Avenue, Wednesday morning from the effects of a fall on Chase Avenue Sunday night. The accident occurred while in the best of health, and his sudden death came as a shock to the people of the community. Last Sunday night, between 11 and 12 o’clock, he was found on Chase Avenue in a dazed condition from the effects of a fall on an ice covered curbstone. He was assisted to his home and Dr. Joseph O. Genereux summoned. An examination showed an injury to the spinal column, which caused paralysis to his limbs. His mind remained clear and he realized the seriousness of his injury. His condition grew gradually worse, and death came at 7:45 o’clock Wednesday morning. Mr. Raymond was widely known through his serving for many years in the office of tax collector, constable, and several terms as assessor and selectman. He numbered his friends by the hundreds, and everyone always had a word of praise for Hiram, as he was familiarly known. For years he has served the town faithfully and honestly and Hiram went hand in hand. As a tax collector he made friends where most men would loose them, and still the duties of that exacting office never suffered by his methods. His collections were always well up, and only last week his report was submitted for his work of the past year. Mr. Raymond saw long and hard service in the defence of his country. He enlisted from Webster May 20, 1861, in Company I, 15th Massachusetts Infantry. He was discharged Aug.8, 1864, on expiration of term of service. In May 1864, he was transferred to Co. B, Veteran Reserve Corps. His first engagement was at Ball’s Bluff. Some other engagements in which he took part are Fair Oakes, Savage Station, White Oak Swamp, Malvern Hill, Antietam, Fredericksburg, Siege of Yorktown, Golding’s Farm, and the campaign about South Mountain. He was wounded in the cheek at Fredericksburg and was confined a short time in the Stanton hospital in Washington D. C. He was taken prisoner at Ball’s Bluff Oct. 21, 1861, and was confined in different prisons about Richmond until Feb. 22, 1862, when he was paroled. His most intimate comrades in the service were Henry Russak, William Brandes, and Mylo Converse. While confined in prison, (William) Converse, his cousin, died. When the prisoners were marked to be sent away, Raymond was scheduled to be sent to Salisbury, N. C. and Converse was to be sent home. When Converse died , Raymond took his place and name and was thus enabled to secure his release. He joined Nathaniel Lyon Post. G. A. R. May 13, 1870, and has since been a prominent member. He has held the office of Officer of the Day, Junior Vice-Commander and Officer of the Guard. He always maintained a lively interest in Grand Army affairs and had an interesting way of telling of a varied line of experiences. Mr. Raymond was twice married. His first wife Mrs. Elizabeth (Hill) Raymond died many years ago. Two daughters by this marriage survive. Mrs. Bessie Bateman, wife of Frank Bateman of Dudley, and Miss Maud Raymond of Westfield. His second wife Mrs. Myra (Dorous) Raymond and a son Arthur F. Raymond, aged 11 years, and a sister, Mrs. Sara Sibley of Orange, also survive The funeral will be held Friday afternoon at his late home. A delegation from Nathaniel Lyon Post Post will attend. Members of the Masonic Order of which he is a member, will also attend. Burial will be in Dudley cemetery. |