The casualty resulting in the death of this bright and promising lad, at the tender age of nearly eight years, has shed a cloud of sorrow over all who knew him. He was with his mates on the east end of Head Street, in this village, on Tuesday afternoon, December 21st, enjoying the old pleasure to both youth and age, coasting, when, by some obstruction, his sled was turned from its direct course to the wayside, and the lad's head struck a tree, by which the front base of his skull on the right side was injured, inflammation set in, and death followed on Christmas night.
Arthur was the oldest son of Mr. and Mrs. Archie Dains, and till last year the only grandson of his mother's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Seeley Finger, yet amid all the natural petting and indulgence, he was not spoiled, but developed a manly gentlemanly lad, studious and giving promise of years to come.
He was much attached to his Sunday School, his teacher, and even their pastor, Rev. Mr. Beebee, of the M. K. Church, who, on Tuesday,
the 28th, preached a most consoling sermon, and his Sunday school class, led by their teacher, sang Arthur's favorite hymn. A large audience attended in the Baptist Church (the Methodist Church not yet being completed) and amid the teachers of loved ones and his little beautiful casket covered with the flowers given by sympathizing friends, little Arthur's remains were laid away to rest. - Penn Yan Express January 5, 1898
A later reprint of the above names him as
Perry Arthur Finger -
Rushville Chronicle and Gorham New Age December 28, 1923