Founding the Congregational Church

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The founding of the Congregational Church of Mott’s Corners is recorded in the volume Congregational Church 1868-1933 Minutes of Meetings and Membership. Images and transcriptions published with permission from Caroline Valley Community Church. Also, initial identification and exploration of the founders.

“I shall always have a very kindly feeling for the dear old Church of our Fathers and Mothers.”

“He was one of three trustees elected Mar 28, 1868. All are gone now.”

The first church in Caroline was the Dutch Reformed, which organized in 1812 and put up a large building west of Boiceville in 1820. The minister for twenty-five years was Rev. Garrett Mandeville. Persuaded by his wife’s cousin, Simeon DeWitt, to visit Ithaca, he came from Ulster County and served in Ithaca and Trumansburg until 1812, when he bought a farm in Caroline. A post office for Boiceville, opened in 1823, was named Slaterville after Levi Slater, the first town clerk. The village developed to the east with a Methodist church, stores, mills, and taverns to serve the farmers and turnpike traffic.

— Molly Adams, “Town of Caroline” in The Towns of Tompkins County: From Podunk to the Magnetic Springs edited by Jane Marsh Dieckmann, p52-53.

In 1868 the CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH was formed at Brooktondale by members of the BROOKTON METHODIST and the REFORMED CHURCH OF AMERICA. A foundation had been created for a Methodist Church, but when the new organization was formed, the Varna Presbyterian Church building was purchased and moved to the Methodist Foundation. The building is in active use by the CAROLINE VALLEY FEDERATED CHURCH. The steeple was blown down during a wind storm in 1925. A fiberglass steeple was lifted to its platform by a crane from H. D. Besemer Co. on 22 June 1977. The bell was bought from the Dutch Reformed Church by the Congregationalists, and is probably the oldest bell in this area.

— 1994, A History of the Town of Caroline Tompkins County, New York United States of America, revised and compiled by Barbara B. M. Kone, Town of Caroline Historian.

The bell formerly in the Dutch Reformed church at Boiceville was purchased by W. V. and Charles Personius for the Congregational church here and is now being put in place. There will now be no excuse for people coming late to church.

– 26 Apr 1889, Ithaca Daily Journal, Ithaca NY, p3, nyshistoricnewspapers.org.

A history of the first 65 years of the Church, beginning weeks before their official organization, are found in one volume:

Congregational Church

1868-1933

Minutes of Meetings & Membership

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The volume has been re-bound, likely more than once over the years, so that now it is common for words on the inside edges of pages to be hidden within the more recent binding.

Of the images on this page, those with a white background are scanned images found on a compact disk in the records of the Church, and were likely done by, or at the direction of, Barbara Kone. The remaining images were taken by my phone camera in the Church basement, mostly in Fall 2021, with some additional photographs taken in Spring 2023.

The numerous overhead fluorescent lights in the basement of the Church made it difficult to avoid casting shadows on the photographs. The green pattern behind is a table covering in the basement of the Church. Elaine Sapp was very helpful and generous with her time helping me with the church’s records on these and other occasions.

In the transcriptions that follow, I normalized inconsistent capitalization and punctuation, but otherwise attempted to faithfully reproduce the text, including misspelled names.

Also see Amy Atwater’s History of the Congregational Church, Brooktondale, New York for a summary of these meetings.

The initial inside pages of the book:

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Church organised Mch 12 1868

Church built

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Church organised Mch 12 1868

Church built

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Thursday 05 Mar 1868

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Motts Corners Tompkins Co. N.Y.

March 5, 1868

Minutes of an informal meeting held at the residence of Walker V. Personius, Motts Corners Tompkins Co. N.Y. for the purpose of taking into consideration the expediting of organizing a Congregational Church at the foresaid Motts Corners Tompkins Co. N.Y.

The following named persons where [sic] present

George T. Sanders

Cantine Lounsbery

John L. Mandeville

N. G. Edwards

Richard Lounsbery

William Personius

Edward Lounsbery

George Wolcott

Walker V. Personius

C. W. Personius

And Rev. Wm. S. Hills of Pottersville PA.

On motion of Edward Lounsbery, Mr. William Personius was chosen Chairman and Walker V. Personius Secretary.

After an interchange of views and a careful examination of the subject, on motion a committee was appointed consisting of N. J. Roe, Richard Lounsbery, George Wolcott, and Cantine Lounsbery for the purpose of consulting with the members of the Methodist and Reformed Dutch Churches to secure their cooperation on the organization of a Congregational Church.

Motion made and carried & adjourned to meet on Thursday Evening March 12, 1868.

William Personius, Chairman

W. V. Personius, Secretary

It appears that the originally written date, subsequently crossed out, reads “28th”.

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Thursday 12 Mar 1868

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Motts Corners Tompkins Co. NY

March 12th 1868

Meet pursuant to call from adjourned meeting of March 5, 1868 for the purpose of organizing a Congregational Church at Motts Corners Tompkins Co. NY.

When on motion Bro. William Personius was chosen Chairman and Walker V. Personius, Secretary.

Minutes of meeting March 5, 1868 were read and approved.

Committee of last meeting’s appointment were then called upon to report, when the following report was handed in.

That the committee upon the part of the Dutch Reformed Church, find upon a careful canvass but a few opposed and a part are willing to unite in the organization of a Congregational Church at Motts Corners, Tompkins Co. NY.

When a motion was made and seconded that we now proceed to organize a Congregational Church and that persons of all Orthodox churches and all Christians who wish are invited to unite with the same.

Motion carried unanimously.

Motion was then made that we now record the names of all persons who wish to unite with the Congregational Church.

The following named persons under the foregoing resolution [?] on gave their assent to the [subscribing?] of the same

Mr. William Personius deceased

Mrs. Julie Almira Personius

Mrs. Sara F. Edwards

Mrs. Ellen S. Lounsbery

Mrs. Augusta G. White

Mrs. Amanda L. Lounsbery

Mrs. Ellen M. Personius

Mrs. Maria Sanders deceased

Mrs. Sarah A. Perry

Mrs. Sarah J. Lounsbery

Mrs. Jane Ault

Miss Emma G. Lounsbery

Miss Helen Roe

Mr. George W. White

Mr. George T. Sanders

Mr. G. S. Sloughter

Mr. George Wolcott

Mrs. Julia Wolcott

Mr. Richard Lounsbery

Mr. Walker V. Personius

Mr. Daniel Boyce

Mr. S. B. Landon

Mrs. Abie Landon

Mr. B. V. Sloughter

Mr. J. J. Boyce

Mr. Barnabas Genung

Mrs. Urena J. Genung

Mr. Robert W. Edwards

Mr. Thomas H. Giffith

Mrs. Amanda Griffith

Mr. N. G. Edwards

Mr. Cantine Lounsbery

Mr. Benjamin Losey

Mrs. Hellen M. Losey

Mrs. Harriet Lounsbery

Mrs. Betsy Boyce

Mr. John P. Allen

Mrs. Julia Allen

Mrs. Amelia Jansen

Mrs. Lydia Webster

Mr. Martin Besemer

Mrs. Emma Besemer

Mrs. Herman C. Ostrander

Mrs. Mandana J. Ostrander

Miss Mariette Perry

Mr. Edward Lounsbery

When a motion was made and carried unanimously that the Congregational Church and Society extend a call to the Rev. William S. Hills, of Pottersville, Bradford Co. PA. to the office of pastor to the foresaid Congregational Church for one year to commence April first 1868.

When on motion Cantine Lounsbery, N. G. Edwards and Richard Lounsbery were appointed a committee to solicit subscriptions for the salary of the pastor of the foresaid Congregational Church.

On motion the meeting adjourned for one week from this evening, March 12, 1868, to meet March 19, 1868.

Wm. Personius, Chairman

W. V. Personius, Secretary

  • The word “deceased” was written by a few names at a later time.
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Thursday 19 Mar 1868

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Motts Corners Tompkins Co. NUY

March 19, 1868

Congregational Church meet pursuant to adjournment when on motion N. J. Roe was chosen Moderator and Walker V. Personius, Scribe.

Object of the meeting stated by the moderator to be the completion of the Congregational organization and after an interchange of view a motion was made to adjourn until Saturday evening March 28, 1868

N. J. Roe, Moderator

W. V. Personius, Secretary

Saturday 28 Mar 1868

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March 28 1868 Motts Corners

Congregational Church meet pursuant to adjournment.

On motion George T. Sanders was chosen Moderator and Walker V. Personius Secretary.

Object of meeting stated by the Moderator to be the completion of the Congregational Church and the election of officers.

When a motion was made that we proceed to the election of Deacons by ballot.

When on motion George W. White, Benjamin Losey and George Wolcott were appointed the board of inspectors of election.

The result of first ballot, William Personius was chosen.

When on motion Wm. Personius was declared unanimously elected.

The result of the second ballot, Bro. Benjamin Losey was declared unanimously elected.

The result of the third ballot George T. Sanders was chosen.

When on motion Bro. George T. Sanders was declared unanimously elected.

When on fourth ballet Bro. George W. White was chosen.

When on motion Bro. George W. White was also declared unanimously elected.

When on motion made and carried S. B. Landon, Thomas H. Griffith and N. G. Edwards were chosen church committee for the ensuing year. Also H. C. Ostrander, Cantine Lounsbery and George Wolcott.

The joint committee of Deacons and Church Committee declared George T. Sanders the clerk of the Church for the ensuing year.

[See notes for crossed out sections at this place in the text.]

When a motion was made to adjourn.

W. V. Personius, Secretary

George T. Sanders, Moderator

  • The meeting contains two sections that were later crossed out with the word “error” as a marginal note for each:

Error: When a motion was made to have all who wish record their names as charter members when the following named persons presented themselves.

Error: James H. McWhorter, Harriet A. McWhorter, and the name of Mrs. Catherine was also placed on the role of membership by her request or consent.

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Saturday 25 April 1868

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Motts Corners Tompkins Co. NY

April 25

The Church meet pursuant a call from the join committee of officers of the same Congregational Church.

When the object of the meeting was stated by the Pastor who was in the chair.

The object being the adoption of the history of the Church, principles of Church polity, articles of faith, rules and by laws, principles of discipline, profession of religion, and joining the Church, which was then read as they had been adjusted by the officer of the Church.

When a motion was made that all persons who wish can now record their names as charter members and vote in the above named [events?] when the following named persons presented themselves. James H. McWhorter, Harriet A. McWhorter and the name of Mrs. Catherine Ault was added to the role of membership with her consent.

When the yeas and nays were called for in the forgoing, history, principles of Church polity, articles of faith, rules and by laws, principles of discipline, profession of religion and joining the Church.

When the following named persons members of the church and voters answered to their names in the affirmative the clerk of the Church calling the names of said Church members.

Wm. Personius

Julie Almira Personius

Sarah F. Edwards

Ellen S. Lounsbery

Agusta G. White

Amanda L. Lounsbery

Ellen M. Personius

Walker V. Personius

Maria Sanders

Sarah A. Perry

Sarah J. Lounsbery

Emma G. Lounsbery

Marrette Perry

George W. White

G. S. Sloughter

George Wolcott

Julia A. Wolcott

Richard Lounsbery

Daniel Boyce

S. B. Landon

Abie Landon

B. V. Sloughter

J. J. Boyce

Edward Lounsbery

Barnabas Genung

G. T. Sanders

Robert W. Edwards

Thomas H. Griffith

Amanda Griffith

N. G. Edwards

Cantine Lounsbery

Benjamin Losey

Hellen M. Losey

Harriet Lounsbery

Betsey Boyce

John P. Allen

Julia Allen

Amelia Jansen

Lydia Webster

Martin Besemer

Emma Besemer

James H. McWhorter

Harriet A. McWhorter

Herman C. Ostrander

Mandana J. Ostrander

The following named persons were not present and therefore did not vote: Jane Ault, Hellen Roe, Catherine Ault.

When on motion the foregoing history, principles of Church polity, articles of faith, rules and by-laws, principles of discipline, profession of religion and joining the Church, as presented by the officer of the Church and read before this body and voted upon be declared unanimously adopted and used as the platform of the Congregational Church of Mott’s Corners, Tompkins Co. NY.

When it was resolved to have one hundred copies of the above named principles printed and presented to the Church in book form.

When on motion Nelson G. Edwards and Richard Lounsbery were appointed by the Church a publishing committee.

When a motion was made to take collections in the public congregation for the defraying the expenses of the Church.

When on motion three more names were added to the Church committee: Cantine Lounsbery, George Wolcott and Herman C. Ostrander.

When the meeting adjourned

G. T. Sanders, Clerk

Wm. S. Hills, Moderator

April 25, 1868

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Incorporation of the Congregational Church of Motts Corners

Incorporation of the Congregational Church of Motts Corners.

State of New York, County of Tompkins:rs We the undersigned two of the members of the Religious Society hereafter mentioned do hereby certify that on the 28th day of March 1868, the male persons of full age belonging to the Congregational Society in which divine worship is celebrated according to the rites of the Congregational Church and not already incorporated met at the place of Public worship heretofore occupied by said religious Society in Motts Corners, Town of Caroline, County of Tompkins for the purpose of incorporating themselves and did then and there elect by plurality of votes Edward Lounsbery, Walker V. Personius and John Wolcott, as Trustees of the said Church and the said persons did and there determine by the like plurality of votes that the said Trustees and their sucessors [sic] should forever be called and known by the name or Title of the Trustees of the Congregational Church of Motts Corners, County and State aforesaid. Witness our hands and seals this 18th day of April 1868. ([5? ?])

Signed and sealed in the presence of:

George T. Sanders SS Chrmn

Walker V. Personius SS Secty

State of New York, Tompkins County:rs On this 18th day of April 1868, before me came G. T. Sanders and Walker V. Personius to me known to be the individuals described in and who executed the [within?] and acknowledged that they executed the [within?] certificate.

Benjamin Losey, Justice of the Peace in aforesaid Town of Caroline.

Recorded April 20th 1868 at 2 o’clock P.M. T. J. McElheny clerk.

20 Apr 1868, Incorporation of the Congregational Church of Motts Corners, Tompkins County Clerk, Ithaca NY, 02 Misc Book, p371. View largest available size.

The Congregational Church of Mott's Corners, Tompkins County, in the State of New York, completed its organization on March 28, 1868.

The original members, 55 in number, came from the Methodist E. Church, of Mott’s Corners, N. Y., and from the Reformed Church of America, in the town of Caroline, Tompkins Co., N. Y. When the following Brethren were chosen Deacons: William Personius, Benjamin Losey, George T. Saunders, and George W. White.

Also the following Brethren were chosen Church Committee: Sextus B. Landon, Thomas H. Griffith, N. G. Edwards, Herman C. Ostrander, George Wolcott, and Cantine Lounsbery.

When the Rev. William S. Hills, of Pottersville, Bradford County, Penn., was called to the work of Pastor and teacher in the church. (April 1st, 1868 — Dec. 1, 1868).

The Society (Congregational) met March 28, 1868 and elected the following named persons trustees: Edward Lounsbery, Walker V. Personius, and John Wolcott. The certificate of incorporation was placed on file in the County Clerk’s office in Tompkins Co., N. Y., April 20, 1868.”

(The above is copied from a Manual, 100 copies of which were printed in 1868, containing church Discipline, Principles of church policy, Articles of Faith, Rule and By-laws, Profession of Religion. Names of charter members were also listed.)

History of the Congregational Church, Brooktondale, New York. Compiled and edited by Mrs. Amy Atwater on the occasion of The Centennial Celebration of the Caroline Valley Federated Church, Brooktondale, New York, June 16th, 1968.

Reverend William S. Hills

The first pastor of the Congregational Church of Mott’s Corners was Rev. William S. Hills (16 May 1834 to 26 Oct 1906), who had most recently come from Pottersville PA. His wife is Julia Ann (Fuller) Hills (18 Feb 1834 to 10 Jan 1907).

Before Rev. Hills took up his duties, a committee of three was appointed to solicit subscriptions for the pastor’s salary. No figures are given on this, but the pastor hired in 1872 was given a salary of $600, a donation, and a parsonage.
History of the Congregational Church, Brooktondale, New York. Compiled and edited by Mrs. Amy Atwater on the occasion of The Centennial Celebration of the Caroline Valley Federated Church, Brooktondale, New York, June 16th, 1968.

REV. WM. S. HILLS

Rev Wm. S. Hills, pastor of the Congregational church of this city, crossed the River Friday, October 26, at 5:45 a.m. after a long and painful sickness that has elicited the warm sympathy of the whole community towards him and his family. Mr. Hills was born of English parentage on North River, near Tarrytown, New York, May 16, 1834, and thus was nearly midway between 72 and 73 years of age at the time of his death. His parents were emmigrants from Yarmouth, England and he was reared under the care of a good foster mother, who instilled into his mind in his earliest years the elements of the Christian religion.

Mr. Hills’ education for his life work was gained through the common schools of New York, and through the handcrafts of wagon making, baker, and mechanic, a start in life of no mean sort coming to so earnest a soul. In 1854 Mr. Hills married Mrs. Julia Sackett, whom he now leaves a widow of 52 years of wedded life at an age equal to his own. Three children were born of this union, of whom one only, Laura Amelia, together with an adopted grandson, William Walter, survive the death of their father.

When the war broke out Mr. Hills resided in New York. He answered the call of his country by active service in the South with the Engineer Corps as a bridge-builder, but, somehow or other and unfortunately, without being formally enlisted as a soldier. This fact debarred him from the advantages that come with the wearing of the G. A. R. Button, not the least of which was the eligibility to pension and the right to a soldiers’ claim of Government land.

Mr. Hills was reared in an Episcopalian atmosphere, but while still a youth turned to the non-ritualistic religion and worship of the Congregational church. He felt the call to preach and began work as a lay preacher. It was his good fortune to be thrown into the company of the famous Beecher family various members of which took a lively interest in the growing layman and shaped his course in life by superintending the lay-preacher’s studies. At different times Mr. Hills recited his studies in Theology and homiletics to James, T. K., Henry Ward or Harriet Beacher. When Mr. Hills was ordained in 1866 at Wellburg, N. Y. into the regular Congregational ministry, it was largely the outcome of the inspiration of the direction of this gifted family.

The career of Rev. W. S. has been characteristic of frontier times. Very surely upon him has fallen the heat and burden of the day. Could the whole story of Mr. Hills’ ministry be told it would rank with the classics of frontier ministry. This partial list of places covered by Mr. Hills’ ministry tells a story of strenuous life, of hardships endured as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. Mr. Hills served Congregational churches at Pottersville, Penn., Perry and Bevier, Mo., York Town, Neb., where he and a Methodist circuit rider had the work of four counties divided between them; Hamilton, Verdon, Eagle, Wymore and Alma, Neb.; Garfield, Nickerson, Ochletree, Linwood and Longton, Kansas. Besides these scattered points Mr. Hills had appointments in Texas, and in the Territory and Oklahoma.

In all this frontier work Mr. Hills was serving under the commission of the Home Missionary Society, and at a salary that never really reached the dignity of a living wage. Had Mr. Hills followed his trade he would doubtless long ago laid up a competency, for he was active, energetic and of the temperament that leads to success in business. But he literally devoted himself to the preaching of the Gospel and sad to relate, as a consequence his widow and daughter are left in destitute circumstances, so far as this worlds goods are concerned. Both are in delicate health and will need the financial assistance of the benevolent. There ought to be some system by which the churches that have thriven on Mr. Hills’ life blood in past years might have an opportunity to take care of his family now that he is gone.

Though serving small frontier churches through a long life time Mr. Hills was a forceful and efficient preacher. His pulpit work showed the earmarks of the Beechers, who were his teachers and he was worthy of much wider hearing that circumstances accorded him. The citizens of Longton, without regard to church affiliations, acting generously upon broad humanitarian principles have nobly done their part in the work of relief, and will still do more. The Congregational churches of the state will help the widow and daughter of the deceased.

Rev. Arthur Metcalf, Independence, Ks.

02 Nov 1906, The Longton Gleaner, Longton KS, p2, newspapers.com. View largest available size.

OBITUARY.

Julia Ann Fuller was born in Union, Pennysylvania, February 18, 1834. January 15, 1854 she was married to Rev. W S. Hills at Binghampton, New York. To this union three children were born. A son and daughter survive her. Her daughter Laura and grandson, Walter Hills, were with her during her last sickness.

Mrs. Hills came to Longton in Ang. 1906, to join her husband who had been called to the pastorate of the Congregational church. Mr. Hills preached but one Sunday and was taken sick. On October 26, he died and Mrs. Hills, an invalid was left to the care of her daughter and her grandson. She was taken down with pneumonia Sunday and Thursday, Jan. 10, 1907, she passed away. The funeral was conducted at the Congregational church by Rev. B. Watts, and the remains laid to rest beside her husband in the Longton cemetery, Sunday Jan. 13.

The children have the sympathy of all the people of Longton in this, their second bereavement.

18 Jan 1907, The Longton Gleaner, Longton KS, p2, newspapers.com. View largest available size.

The Founders

The following are my attempts to identify each person mentioned in the initial meetings, which includes the charter members as well as others recorded helping to organize the church. (Reverend William S. Mills is explored above.)

Note that in the tables that follow the rows can be re-sorted by clicking the appropriate column header.

Starting with their identities and relationships:

ListingOrderNameBornDiedNotes
Charter1William Krum Personius18111887Married to Julie Almira (Vorhis) Personius. Father of Walker Vorhis and Charles W. Personius.
Charter2Julie Almira (Vorhis) Personius18171897Married to William Personius. Father of Walker Vorhis and Charles Personius.
Charter3Sarah F. (Sanders) Edwards18401896Married to Nelson G. Edwards. Sister of Amanda (Sanders) Lounsbery.
Charter4Ellen S. (Tobey) Lounsbery18411921Married to Richard Lounsbery.
Charter5Augusta G. (Pettigrove) White18351895Married to George W. White.
Charter6Amanda L. (Sanders) Lounsbery18421921Married to Edward Lounsbery.
Charter7Ella M. Personius18401900Married to Walker Vorhis Personius.
Charter8Walker Voorhis Personius18361914Married to Ellen M. Personius. Son of William Krum and Julie Almira (Vorhis) Personius. Brother of Charles W. Personius.
Charter9Lurana Maria (Nicholas) Sanders18201884Married to George Townley Sanders. Mother of Amanda Lounsbery and Libbie Peck.
Charter10Sarah A. (Van Gelder) Perry18371905Married to Alamanza A. Perry.
Charter11Sarah J. (Schutt) Lounsbery18331900Married to Cantine Lounsbery.
Charter12Emma G. (Rarrick) Lounsbery18561939Married to Fred B. Lounsbery, whose parents are Cantine and Sarah Lounsbery.
Charter13Miss Mariette Perry1850Recorded as “Maryetta” in 1850 US Census.
Charter14George W. White18241891Married to Agusta G. White.
Charter15(Likely) Garret Smith Sloughter18491941Son of Benjamin Vandermark Sloughter. Brother of Richard Middaugh Sloughter. Name is sometimes listed as “Smith Garret Sloughter” and it appears he went by “Smith”.
Charter16George Wolcott18361916Married to Julia (Lounsbery) Wolcott, who is Edward Lounsbery’s sister. Brother of William Benton and John W. Wolcott.
Charter17Julia A. (Lounsbery) Wolcott18381899Married to George Wolcott.
Charter18Richard Lounsbery18361881Brother of Edward and Cantine Lounsbery.
Charter19Daniel H. Boyce1849Son of Betsy Boyce. Brother of John J. Boyce.
Charter20Sextus Barnes Landon18341925Married to Abigail ‘Abbie’ (Keeler) Landon.
Charter21Abigail “Abbie” (Keeler) Landon18361909Married to Sextus Barnes Landon.
Charter22(Likely) Benjamin Vandermark Sloughter18141899Father of Richard Middaugh and Garret Smith Sloughter.
Charter23John J. Boyce18471931His grave shows the year he died was 1929.
Charter24Edward Lounsbery18331904Married to Amanda L. (Sanders) Lounsbery.
Charter25(Likely) Barnabas Jacob Genung Jr. II18331904Married to Urena J. Genung. His older brother is Barnabas Jacob Genung Jr. (1808-1911).
Charter26George Townley Sanders18181887Married to Lurana Maria (Nicholas) Sanders. Father of Amanda L. (Sanders) Lounsbery.
Charter27Robert W. Edwards18431921Brother of Nelson G. Edwards.
Charter28Thomas Huston Griffith18281914Married to Amanda (Latta) Griffith.
Charter29Amanda (Latta) Griffith18291910Married to Thomas Huston Griffith.
Charter30Nelson G. Edwards18351920Married to Sarah F. (Sanders) Edwards, who is Amanda L. (Sanders) Lounsbery’s sister. Brother of Robert W. Edwards.
Charter31Cantine Lounsbery18311910Married to Sarah J. (Schutt) Lounsbery. Brother of Edward and Richard Lounsbery.
Charter32Benjamin Losey18161896Married to Helen M. Losey.
Charter33Helen M. Losey18261913Married to Benjamin Losey.
Charter34Harriet (Cantine) Lounsbery18011880Married to Peter Lounsbery, married 21 Jun 1824, Marbletown NY. Mother of Cantine, Richard, Edward and Julia Lounsbery among others not listed.
Charter35Betsey Vann (Doty) Boyce18221899Mother of Daniel H. and John J. Boyce.
Charter36John “JP” Price Allen18131892Married to Julia (Schutt) Allen. Father of Amelia (Allen) Jansen.
Charter37Julia (Schutt) Allen18251901Married to John P. Allen.
Charter38Amelia (Allen) Jansen18451881
Charter39Lydia Webster18011886
Charter40Dr. Martin Besemer18471916Married to Emma (Wolcott) Besemer.
Charter41Emma (Wolcott) Besemer18451917Married to Dr. Martin Besmer.
Charter42James H. McWhorter18231905Married to Harriet Adaline McWhorter. Father of Frances McWhorter.
Charter43Harriet Adaline McWhorter18351892Married to James H. McWhorter. Mother of Frances McWhorter.
Charter44Herman Camp Ostrander18401912Married to Mandana Jane (Howard) Ostrander.
Charter45Mandana Jane (Howard) Ostrander18431919Married to Herman Camp Ostrander.
Charter46Jane Ault17991884
Charter47Helen (Roe) Shurter18481877
Charter48Catherine A. Ault18231873Mother of Hattie Ault.
AtwaterReverend William S. Hills18341906Married to Julia Ann (Fuller) Hills. First Pastor of the Congregational Church.
AtwaterJulia A. Hills18341907Married to Reverend William S. Hills.
AtwaterAlamanza Perry18331909Married to Sarah A. (Van Gelder) Perry.
AtwaterHarriet “Hattie” Augusta Ault18481881Daughter of Catherine A. Ault.
AtwaterUrena Genung18381881Married to Barnabas Jacob Genung Jr. II.
AtwaterRichard Middaugh Sloughter18471916Son of Benjamin Vandermark Sloughter. Brother of Garret Smith Sloughter.
AtwaterFrances McWhorter1852
SmithJohn L. Mandeville18361907Son of Garrett Mandeville, grandson of Reverend Garrett Mandeville.
SmithCharles W. Personius18401924Son of William Krum and Julie Almira (Vorhis) Personius. Brother of Walker Voorhis Personius.
SmithNathaniel James Roe18311908
SmithJohn W. Wolcott18301897Brother of William Benton and George Wolcott.

Click column headers to change sort order. Download source data.

More information on the Founders:

NameBornDiedApprox age at foundingOccupationOffice held at founding
William Krum Personius1811188757farmerDeacon (first chosen)
Julie Almira (Vorhis) Personius1817189751keeping house
Sarah F. (Sanders) Edwards1840189628keeping house
Ellen S. (Tobey) Lounsbery1841192127keeping house
Augusta G. (Pettigrove) White1835189533keeping house
Amanda L. (Sanders) Lounsbery1842192126keeping house
Ella M. Personius1840190028
Walker Voorhis Personius1836191432dry goods merchantTrustee
Lurana Maria (Nicholas) Sanders1820188448keeping house
Sarah A. (Van Gelder) Perry1837190531
Sarah J. (Schutt) Lounsbery1833190035keeping house
Emma G. (Rarrick) Lounsbery1856193912
Miss Mariette Perry185018domestic servant
George W. White1824189144Deacon (fourth and final chosen)
(Likely) Garret Smith Sloughter1849194119farm laborer
George Wolcott1836191632carpenterChurch Committee
Julia A. (Lounsbery) Wolcott1838189930keeping house
Richard Lounsbery1836188132farmer
Daniel H. Boyce184919
Sextus Barnes Landon1834192534butcher, farmerChurch Committee
Abigail “Abbie” (Keeler) Landon1836190932keeping house
(Likely) Benjamin Vandermark Sloughter1814189954works in woolen mill
John J. Boyce1847193121
Edward Lounsbery1833190435farmer, tanner and currier, “dealer in hides”Trustee
(Likely) Barnabas Jacob Genung Jr. II1833190435farm laborer
George Townley Sanders1818188750dealer in dry goods and groceries (ret)Deacon (third chosen), Clerk
Robert W. Edwards1843192125works in woolen mill
Thomas Huston Griffith1828191440millerChurch Committee
Amanda (Latta) Griffith1829191039
Nelson G. Edwards1835192033gunsmith (1865), dealer in boots and shoes (1870)Church Committee
Cantine Lounsbery1831191037farmerChurch Committee
Benjamin Losey1816189652gunbarrel maker, Justice of the PeaceDeacon (second chosen)
Helen M. Losey1826191342keeping house
Harriet (Cantine) Lounsbery1801188067
Betsey Vann (Doty) Boyce1822189946
John “JP” Price Allen1813189255lumberman
Julia (Schutt) Allen1825190143keeping house
Amelia (Allen) Jansen1845188123keeping house
Lydia Webster1801188667
Dr. Martin Besemer1847191621
Emma (Wolcott) Besemer1845191723
James H. McWhorter1823190545blacksmith
Harriet Adaline McWhorter1835189233keeping house
Herman Camp Ostrander1840191228Church Committee
Mandana Jane (Howard) Ostrander1843191925
Jane Ault1799188469keeping house
Helen (Roe) Shurter1848187720at home
Catherine A. Ault1823187345keeping house
Reverend William S. Hills1834190634
Julia A. Hills1834190734
Alamanza Perry1833190935farmer
Harriet “Hattie” Augusta Ault1848188120school teacher
Urena Genung1838188130keeping house
Richard Middaugh Sloughter1847191621
Frances McWhorter185216attended school that year
John L. Mandeville1836190732farmer (from obituary), surveyor (from 1886 Stone & Steward Atlas), owned brickyard (Drive-by Tour)
Charles W. Personius1840192428miller
Nathaniel James Roe1831190837
John W. Wolcott1830189738carpenterTrustee

Click column headers to change sort order. Download source data.

A number of the founders can be found on the 1866 Stone & Stewart Atlas that included Mott’s Corners:

MOTT’S CORNERS BUSINESS DIRECTORY.

E. C. Marsh…Grocery and Provision Store.

J. Vandemark…Carding Mill, Manufacturer of Woolen Cloths.

W. Shurter….Dealer in all kinds of Grains and Mill Stuffs. Custom Grinding.

E. Lounsbery…Tanner and Currier. Dealer in Hides and Leather.

R. G. Tucker…Dry, Goods, Groceries, &c.

W. V. Personius…Dry, Goods, Groceries, &c.

J. L. Mandeville…Surveyor.

J. Quick…Veterinary Surgeon.

J. Besemer…Resident.

A. Keeler…Miller.

D. C. Hanford…Cabinet Maker and Upholsterer, near Mott’s Corners.

S. B. Landon…Butcher and Dealer in all kinds of Fresh Meats, near Mott’s Corners.

J. Stoddard…Telegraph Operator, Caroline Depot.

G. W. Atwood…Section Foreman…Caroline Depot.

J. R. Miller…R. R. Man, Caroline Depot.

C. Stevens…Farmer. Coopering in all its Branches, East of Caroline Depot.

1866, Photographic Atlas of Tompkins County, New York. Stone & Stewart, Philadelphia, p21. View largest available size.

And several of the founding members were Civil War veterans. John Mandeville, William B. Wolcott and Charles Personius were photographed with other GAR members in 1906, in front of Walker V. Personius’ store.

MEMORIAL DAY 1906 in Brooktondale with members of the David Ireland Post taking part. The names are not in order of the men in line and some are identified only by first name initial. J. W. Finn, James Cole, J. L. Mandeville, W. B. Wolcott, Sam Woodhull, J. J. Peters, D. Hanford, G. Middaugh, Charles W. Personius, D. Malady, L. Young.

19 Dec 1959, The Ithaca Journal, Ithaca NY, p12, newspapers.com. Emphasis added.View largest available size.

View largest available size.

Edward and Amanda Lounsbery

Edward Lounsbery (11 Oct 1833 to 27 Nov 1904) was a tanner and currier, a Civil War veteran and a founding member of the David Ireland Post #158 in Brookton. Edward and wife Amanda were also leaders of the Independent Order of Good Templars Lodges and the Sons of Temperance Division #.

Edward fought in the 179th Infantry: “Enrolled, August 31, 1864, at Caroline, to serve one year; mustered in as private, Co. B, October 1, 1864; as first lieutenant, October 28, 1864; mustered out with company, June 8, 1865, near Alexandria, Va. Commissioned first lieutenant, November 19, 1864, with rank from October 9, 1864, vice G. Cook promoted.” (179th Infrantry Regiment Unit Roster, New York State Military Museum and Veterans Research Center.)

Edward Lounsbery. From a family collection uploaded to Ancestry.com by J. Burbank, reproduced here with permission, Identity confirmed by J. Burbank, personal correspondence. View largest available size.

From a family collection and posted to Ancestry.com by Debra Rogers, reproduced here with permission. View largest available size.

Edward died within the Congregational Church while addressing the Christian Endeavor Society.

STRICKEN WHILE GIVING ADDRESS.

EDWARD LOUNSBERY FALLS DEAD IN A BROOKTON CHURCH.

Was Speaking at a Meeting of the Christian Endeavor Society When Overcome—Prominent and Respected Resident of the Community.

Edward Lounsbery, a prominent resident of Brookton, dropped dead suddenly about 7 o’clock last night while speaking before the Christian Endeavor Society in the Congregational Church in that village. He had been talking but a short time when he suddenly reeled back and fell heavily to the floor. Those sitting nearby raised him up while others went for a physician. Death, however, had come instantaneously and was caused by apoplexy brought on it is thought by the mental effort he exerted in addressing the meeting.

Mr. Lounsbery came from an old and prominent family who early settled in the vicinity of Brookton. He was born in the village 71 years ago and had always lived there. He was a member of the firm of Lounsbery & Peck, dealers in hides. Mr. Lounsbery was very active in church affairs and also was a member of the Prohibition party being one of its leaders in this county.

He is survived by his wife and two sisters, Mrs. Culver Little of Brookton and Mrs. Fred J. Marsh of this city. The funeral arrangements will be announced later.

28 Nov 1904, Ithaca Daily Journal, Ithaca NY, p6, nyshistoricnewspapers.org. View largest available size.

RESIDENTS OF CAROLINE LOSE POPULAR CITZIEN [sic]

Death of Edward Lounsbery Widly[sic] Mourned by Neighbors and Townsmen—Born in Brookton About 71 Years Ago—Ancestors Prominent in Early History of Ulster County and in the Revolution.

The sudden death of Edward Lounsbery of Brookton on Sunday was a shock to the feelings of his Caroline neighbors and townsmen among whom his whole life had been pleasantly and usefully spent excepting a few years absence in the army in the war of the Rebellion. He was a genial, kindly man and a true gentleman.

He was born in Brookton about 71 years ago, His farther, Peter Lounsbery came from the town about 1828. He was a tanner by trade and carried on the business for many years. He came from Marbletown, Ulster county, about the time or shortly after the emigration of his father-in-law, the first Charles Cantine.

Firm Organized.

Mr. Lounsbery was one of the wealthy citizens of Caroline, was supervisor, justice of the peace and back in the early ‘40’s [?] was member of assembly for one term.

After retiring from the tanning business his son, who has just passed away, succeeded him and the firm of Lounsbery & Ryan carried on the trade several years. The partner was John Ryan who later conducted an extensive business in Candor and is still a resident of Caroline.

Mr. Lounsbery was one of a family of three brothers, of whom only Cantine Lounsbery is now living, a younger brother, Richard, having died about 20 years ago.

The Lounsbery and Cantine families, ancestors of the deceased, were among the oldest, long resident and respected families of Ulster county. General John Cantine was the great-grandfather of the deceased and, besides being very prominent in the Revolution, was the fore-runner and founder of the settlement of the town of Caroline where he died in 1808. He is buried at Brookton. M.

02 Dec 1904, Ithaca Daily News, Ithaca NY, p5, nyshistoricnewspapers.org. View largest available size.

Edward married Amanda (Sanders) Lounsbery (12 Oct 1842 to 13 Nov 1921). Amanda was clerk in the church for many years, including after Edward’s death and many entries in the church records are written by her hand. (She signed many meeting minutes, for example, and the handwriting matches many other handwritten records in the church.) Edward and Amanda also owned the Mills’ Store building for many years, and after Amanda’s death, Mills’ store passed to Amanda’s sister Libbie Peck.

Amanda Lounsbery. From a family collection uploaded to Ancestry.com by J. Burbank, reproduced here with permission, Identity confirmed by J. Burbank, personal correspondence. View largest available size.

Mrs. Amanda L. Lounsbery.

Mrs. Amanda L. Lounsbery, 79, widow of Edward Lounsbery, died at 10 o’clock Sunday night at the home of her sister, Mrs. George R. Peck of Brookton.

The funeral will be held at 2 o’clock Wednesday afternoon from the Peck home. Rev. S. A. Worden of this city will officiate. Interment will be at Brookton.

14 Nov 1921, The Ithaca Journal, Ithaca NY, p5, newspapers.com. View largest available size.

More information on Edward and Amanda Lounsbery can be found in the following sections:

George Townley and Lurana Maria “Maria” (Nicholas) Sanders

George Townley Sanders (14 Nov 1818 to 04 May 1887) married Lurana Maria “Maria” (Nicholas) Sanders (30 Oct 1820 to 13 Jan 1884). George T. was postmaster from 20 Jul 1861 ti 15 Dec 1864, and afterward, ran the store opposite the lower grist mill for a number of years immediately prior to E. H. Mills, during which time the building was legally owned by his son George E. who eventually sold it to his brother-in-law Edward Lounsbery discussed above. The Sanders family was also very active in the local temperance movement.

George Townley Sanders. From a family collection uploaded to Ancestry.com by J. Burbank, reproduced here with permission, Identity confirmed by J. Burbank, personal correspondence. View largest available size.

Maria Sanders. From a family collection uploaded to Ancestry.com by J. Burbank, reproduced here with permission, Identity confirmed by J. Burbank, personal correspondence. Cropped. View largest available size.

DIED.

SANDERS.–In Cortland, at the home of her daughter, Libbie Sanders Peck, Sunday Jan. 18, 1884, of paralysis, Maria Sanders, wife of George T. Sanders, of Brookton, aged 63 years.

05 Feb 1884, Ithaca Daily Journal, Ithaca NY, p3, nyshistoricnewspapers.org. View largest available size.

DIED.

SANDERS.–In Brookton, at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Edward Lonnsbery [sic], May 4, 1887, George Townley Sanders, in the 69th year of his age.

18 May 1887, Ithaca Daily Journal, Ithaca NY, p3, nyshistoricnewspapers.org. View largest available size.

—George Townley Sanders, who died at Brookton, N. Y., on the 4th instant, at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Edward Lounsbery, at the advanced age of 69, was at one time a leading man and merchant in that village. He was universally esteemed in public relations and in private life.

10 May 1887, Ithaca Daily Journal, Ithaca NY, p3, nyshistoricnewspapers.org. View largest available size.

BROOKTON.

Lyman Shurter spent Sunday with his parents at this place.

Delmer Singer visited his brother Frank in Varna last Sabbath.

Miss Lela Roe, of Philadelphia, and Clarence Wolcott, of Boston, are home on a vacation.

The ball playing season has opened here. The Brookton nine go to Candor to play a match game next Saturday.

James Brooks’ bay barn was completed this week, and Chas. Bacon is having his barn on the Colman farm repaired.

The funeral of George T. Sanders was held at the Congregational church on Friday afternoon last, Rey. Q. J. Collin, a former pastor of the church, presided with all his old time power.

13 May 1887, Ithaca Daily Journal, Ithaca NY, p3, nyshistoricnewspapers.org. View largest available size.

More information on the Sanders family can be found in the sections:

The name Sanders is misspelled as “Saunders” in several sources.

Walker Voorhis and Ella M. Personius

Walker V. Personeus, Sept 24, 1914. He was one of three trustees elected Mar 28, 1868. All are gone now. His age was 78. (Seventy Eight)

Digitally photographed entry in Congregational Church 1868-1933 Minutes of Meetings and Membership, used with permission from Caroline Valley Community Church. View largest available size.

From Molly Adams’ research notes in the Caroline History Room: “Walker Personius was a Civil War veteran and the village postmaster in 1882. He seems to have been the owner of Mott’s original store which he called Personius Hall. The building had a large meeting space on the second floor, with seats that folded down from the wall. Memorial Day (then called Decoration Day) processions always formed in front of that building (see photo) and perhaps the David Ireland Post of Civil War Veterans met in that building. It seems clear that the post office was still at 559 Brooktondale Road in 1882.” I don’t know what photo was being referenced in the preceding passage.

From “Tour 3 - P8” in A Drive-by Tour of the Town of Caroline: “1st Post Office & store, left – 559 Brooktondale Road. We think this building was built by Mr. Mott, who owned most of the land at that time. …The G.A.R. lined up here to march to the [Quick, presently Brookton] cemetery to put flowers on the graves. There was a tannery between this house and the next before 1853 owned by Silsbury & [Edward] Lounsbery.”

Walker was also Justice of the Peace at one time.

Walker Voorhis Personius (1836 to 1914). “Enrolled, August 22, 1861, at Millport; mustered in as captain, Co. G, September 14, 1861, to serve three years; mustered out, September 20, 1864, at Elmira, N.Y.; commissioned captain, October 14, 1861, with rank from September 16, 1861, original.” (50th Engineer Regiment Unit Roster, New York State Military Museum and Veterans Research Center.)

The 50th Engineer Regiment of New York, which also included Walker’s brother Charles (below), as well as others from Caroline, organized as the 50th New York Infantry Regiment 18 Sep 1861 in Elmira NY and on 22 Oct 1861: “Detailed as sappers, miners and pontooners, and designated 50th New York Engineers at Washington, D.C. Attached to Woodbury’s Brigade, Army of the Potomac for duty at Alexandria, Va.” The Regiment participated in the Chancellorsville, Fredericksburg and Gettysburg campaigns, but they were not on the battlefield at Gettysburg. The Regiment was present at the surrender of General Lee at Appomattox Court House 09 Apr 1865.

BROOKTON.

DEATH OF MRS. W. V. PERSONIUS.

Mrs. Ella M. Personius, wife of Capt. W. V. Personius, died at 2 P. M. on Sunday, March 14th. Death was due to stomach trouble from which she had suffered many years. She was in her 70th year. She leaves her husband and one daughter, Mrs. W. G. Besemer, at whose home at Besemer’s her death occurred. The funeral was largely attended from her daughter’s home on Tuesday, the Rev. A. B. Woodworth, of Brookton, and Mrs. F. E. Bates, of Ithaca, officiating. The interment was in the West Slaterville cemetery. Mrs. Personius was held in high esteem for her many good qualities and will be greatly missed by a large circle of friends not only in Brookton, where she made her home for a good many years, but in Ithaca, where she had been spending the winter. Attorney Edward N. Jackson and wife and Mrs. Julia Piatt, of Park Place, Ithaca, were in town to attend the funeral of Mrs. W. V. Personius on Tuesday.

From the historical records of Caroline Valley Community Church. Original source unknown. View largest available size.

Charles Personius

Charles W. Personius (1840 to 02 Feb 1924) was the owner of Personius Flouring Mills in Brookton, on the present site of Dalebrook. Charles sold a portion of the mill property to to William Wolcott, what would become known as “the Wolcott lot” and later, “The Mills Place”.

Charles Personius was a Civil War veteran, having enlisted and mustered in 25 Aug 1862 at Middletown NY to Company G of the 50th Engineers Regiment with the rank of Private. He mustered out 13 Jun 1865, Fort Barry VA, under Colonel Pettes, with the rank of Sergeant, having been promoted twice. (New York: Report of the Adjutant-General 1893-1906, ancestry.com)

More information on Charles Personius can be found in the section on Deeds and Other Past Owners.

C. W. Personeus, 83, Well Known Resident Of Brookton, is Dead

Charles W. Personeus, one of the most prominent residents of Brookton, died suddenly about 4 o’clock Saturday afternoon at his home of chronic nephritis, He had been in failing health for several years, but had not been seriously ill at any time, and his sudden death came as a shock to his many friends, He was 83 years old and a veteran of the Civil War, during which he served with Company G, 50th New York Volunteers.

For many years he was assessor for the town of Caroline, and at one time was part owner of the flour mill in Brookton. He was born in Brookton and had always resided there. Mr. Personeus was a member of the First Congregational church.

The funeral will be held at 2 o’clock Tuesday afternoon from the residence. Rev. Wade Pinckney will officiate and interment will be made in the Quick cemetery. Surviving are his widow and one sister—Mrs. Julia Piatt of this city; also one nephew and several nieces,

04 Feb 1924, The Ithaca Journal, Ithaca NY, p5, newspapers.com. View largest available size.

Besemer, Feb. 11.—Mr. and Mrs. W. B. Besemer attended the funeral of their uncle, Charles Personius, at Brookton last Tuesday.

11 Feb 1924, The Ithaca Journal, Ithaca NY, p11, newspapers.com. View largest available size.

A large number of friends and relatives attended the funeral of Charles Personius, which was held from his home in this village Tuesday afternoon.

12 Feb 1924, The Ithaca Journal, Ithaca NY, p11, newspapers.com. View largest available size.

John L. Mandeville

John L. Mandeville (1836 to 29 Nov 1907) was the grandson of Reverend Garrett Mandeville (18 May 1775 to 11 Dec 1853), who was the minister of the Dutch Reformed Church that along with the Methodist, split to form the Congregational Church. John Mandeville was a Civil War veteran, and he was a “well-to-do and well known farmer”. He is listed as “surveyor” on the 1866 Stone & Steward map of Mott’s Corners.

John Mandeville advocated for the improved roads throughout Tompkins County, including the macadam road constructed in 1912.

John “Good Roads” Mandeville went to Scotland to study the macadam process before designing the road through Brookton in 1912.

— Molly Adams, “Town of Caroline” in The Towns of Tompkins County: From Podunk to the Magnetic Springs edited by Jane Marsh Dieckmann, p61.

OBITUARY

JOHN L. MANDEVILLE.

John L. Mandeville, a native and life long resident of the town of Caroline died last evening at his home near Brookton of apoplexy, aged 71 years. He was stricken a week ago today, became unconscious on Wednesday and remained in that condition until he passed away.

Mr. Mandeville was a well-to-do and well known farmer, but obtained prominence in his town, and throughout the country as well, chiefly by his efforts in behalf of the good roads movement. For years, with voice and pen he advocated road betterment with an insistence and faith that never wavered. Tuesday before his last illness began he was out watching the surveyors at work on the projected new “good road” in Caroline, and offering suggestions relative to the matter. Mr. Mandeville was a member of the Congregational Church of Brookton. In politics he was a Republican.

He was also a veteran of the Civil War, a member of David Ireland Post, G. A. R., and likewise an active Granger, being a member of Brookton Grange and of the Tompkins County Pomona Grange.

He is survived by his widow and one son, Robert. His funeral will be held on Monday Dec. 2 at 1 p.m. Burial will take place in Quick Cemetery.

30 Nov 1907, Ithaca Daily Journal, Ithaca NY, p3, nyshistoricnewspapers.org. View largest available size.

The late John L. Mandeville, of Brookton, was the pioneer advocate of good roads in this county. Against the wishes of his fellow agriculturist he urged the cause far in advance of bicyclists and automobilists. He lived to see the work begun.

05 Dec 1907, Ithaca Daily Journal, Ithaca NY, p4, nyshistoricnewspapers.org. View largest available size.

Mariette Perry

Although the exact spelling is unclear, how “Mariette” is pronounced is clear from how it is spelled in the 1870 census. She is the daughter of James Perry (04 Dec 1810 to 06 Jun 1898) and Cynthia (German) Perry (26 Apr 1808 to 02 Jan 1857). At that time, she is a domestic servant living in the town of Taylor, Cortland County NY.

Sextus Barnes and Abigail “Abbie” Landon

Brookton

Death of Mrs. S. B. Landon.

Mrs. Abigail Keeler Landon, of this place, died last Tuesday night at the home of her daughter, Mrs. M. C. Holcomb, in Binghamton. Mrs. Landon had not been well for a long time. She was born and passed most of her life in Brookton, where she has many friends. Besides her husband, Sextus B. Landon, She is survived by four children, viz: Albert H., of Brookton, and E. B. Landon, of St. Louis; Mrs. Dr. Fish of Ludlowville, and Mrs. Holcomb, of Binghamton. The remains were brought here for the funeral and burial.

27 Mar 1909, from the historical records of Caroline Valley Community Church. Original source unknown. View largest available size.

MRS. SEXTUS B. LANDON.

(Contributed.)

The funeral of Mrs. Sextus B, Landon was held at her late home, near Brookton, at 2 o’clock on the afternoon of April 2, Rev. A. B. Woodworth officiating. Interment was in Brookton Cemetery.

Mrs. Landon was born at Scott, Cortland County, October 28, 1836. Since her marriage, 54 years ago, she has lived in Brookton, and was a charter member of the Congregational Church of that place, and endeared herself by her consistent Christian life, her kindly and thoughtful interest in all about her, and especially by her lovable character, to a very large circle of friends, by whom she will be sincerely mourned.

Of her family of four sons and two daughters, two sons, Elmer and James, preceded her to the other side, there to await and welcome her coming.

The floral tributes were very numerous and beautiful, attesting the esteem and loving remembrance in which she is held.

Among the relatives from a distance who were in attendance were Mr. and Mrs. Edward Dean, Jamaica, L. I.; Mr. and Mrs. Harrison Keeler, Mr. and Mrs. David Keeler and Porter Keeler, Owego; Mr. and Mrs. George Keeler, Mrs. Homer Wool, Mr. and Mrs. Justis Heath, Mrs. Edward Young, and Mr. and Mrs. Willard M. Kent, Ithaca.

Besides her husband, Sextus B. Landon, She is survived by two sons, Albert H. Landon of Brookton and Edward B. Landon of Gibsland Ia., and two daughters, Mrs. Dr. W. G. Fish of Ludlowville, and Mrs. M. A. Holcomb, of Binghamton.

05 Apr 1909, Ithaca Daily Journal, Ithaca NY, p6, nyshistoricnewspapers.org. View largest available size.

Funeral of Mrs. Abigail K. Landon.

The funeral of Mrs. Abigail Keeler Landon, who died on Wednesday night in Binghamton, was held this afternoon at 2 o’clock from her late residence in Brookton.

02 Apr 1909, Ithaca Daily Journal, Ithaca NY, p3, nyshistoricnewspapers.org. View largest available size.

The funeral of Mrs. S. B. Landon was held from her late home yesterday afternoon, Rev. A. B. Woodworth officiating. Interment was in Quick Cemetery.

03 Apr 1909, Ithaca Daily Journal, Ithaca NY, p9, nyshistoricnewspapers.org. View largest available size.

Sextus B. Landon, 91, Mason Over 40 Years, Dies in This City

Sextus B. Landon, 91, prominent resident of Brookton, died at 6:30 o’clock Sunday morning at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Wilbur G. Fish, 504 North Aurora street. He was a member of Slaterville Lodge, F. and A. Masons, for over 40 years, and was a charter member of the Congregational Church of Brookton, where he had resided practically all his life.

He leaves two daughters — Mrs. Fish of this city, at whose home he died, and Mrs. Merian Holcomb of Long Beach, Calif.; two sons—A. H. Landon of Brookton and E. B. Landon of Webster Groves, Mo., also five grandchildren and six great grand children.

A prayer service will be held at the Gilbert Undertaking parlors, 125 East Buffalo street, tomorrow afternoon at 1:15 o’clock. The body will be taken to Brookton where the funeral will be held at the Congregational Church at 2 o’clock. Interment will be in the Quick cemetery.

25 May 1925, The Ithaca Journal, Ithaca NY, p5, newspapers.com. View largest available size.

In the 1866 Stone & Stewart Atlas shown above, S. B. Landon is listed as a “butcher and dealer in all kinds of fresh meats, near Mott’s Corners.”

Robert W. Edwards

At a regular meeting of the Congregational Church, June 13, 1880 Mr. Robert W. Edwards was at his own request dismissed by letter.

J. H. Smiley, Clerk

13 Jun 1880, from the historical records of Caroline Valley Community Church. Original source unknown. View largest available size.

Thomas Huston and Amanda Latta Griffith

Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Griffith, of Lansing, Mich., are visiting friends and relatives of this place. Mr. Griffith was a resident of Brookton forty years ago. He will be remembered by the older people as a miller in the various flour mills in this vicinity.

25 Aug 1905, Ithaca Daily Journal, Ithaca NY, p7, nyshistoricnewspapers.org. View largest available size.

Mrs. Amanda Latta Griffith wife of Thomas H. Griffith died Feb 3, 1910 at her home in Grand Rapids, Mich. She was also one of our Charter Members. On their removal to Mich a good many years ago, they did not take letter preferring to remain members of this Ch. Her husband still has his membership here.

Removed by letter Mrs. Julia A. Piatt asked for a letter from this Church, that she might unite with the First Congregational Church of Ithaca N. Y. the 1st Sunday in Oct 1910. Her home is in that city. In making the request she writes, “I shall always have a very kindly feeling for the dear old Church of our Fathers and Mothers”.

Digitally photographed entry in Congregational Church 1868-1933 Minutes of Meetings and Membership, used with permission from Caroline Valley Community Church. View largest available size.

Withdrawn by letter Mrs. Mary Forbes Robinson & rec’d Oct 4, 1914 into membership by the First Pres. Ch. of Ithaca N.Y.

Died.

Deacon Jackson Graves, Mar 6, 1914 in his 85th year and was elected Dea. in 1893.

Rev. Jas. R. Robinson Apr 10, 1914, our pastor from Jan 1st to July 1, 1906.

Thomas H. Griffith, May 9, 1914 aged 85 yrs. He was one of the 1st Church committee chosen Mar. 28, 1868. There are 3 still living.

Walker V. Personius, Sept 24, 1914, he was one of three trustees elected Mar 28, 1868. All are gone now. His age was 78. (Seventy-eight)

Alonzo Gorsline, Nov 13, 1914.

Digitally photographed entry in Congregational Church 1868-1933 Minutes of Meetings and Membership, used with permission from Caroline Valley Community Church. View largest available size.

Nathaniel J. Roe

Nathaniel J. Roe (11 May 1831 to 09 Sep 1908) is a farmer in Caroline at the time the church was formed, he would eventually move to Michigan where his occupation is “grocer”. He fought in the Civil War, mustering 31 Oct 1864 in Company U of the 179th Infantry Regiment, the same regiment as Edward Lounsbery (above).

Alamanza A. and Sara A. Perry

BROOKTON

Brookton, May 6.

Mrs. W. J. Vandermark is seriously ill.

H. H. Shepard is moving his family to Slaterville Springs.

Miss Harriet McWhorter of Ithaca is visiting at the home of Mr. and Mrs W. T. Graham.

John Caveney is moving into Mrs. Archie Schutt’s house on Elm street, recently vacated by W. B. Wolcott.

A band of Gypsies, composed of two women and five men, with seven horses, camped last night about a mile west of this place.

The remains of Alamanza A. Perry, who died at the home of his son. Charles Perry, at Ithaca, were brought here today for interment in the Quick Cemetery.

06 May 1909, Ithaca Daily Journal, Ithaca NY, p9, nyshistoricnewspapers.org. View largest available size.

Richard Middaugh Sloughter

Mrs. Richard Sloughter left on Saturday to join her husband at Ripley, N. Y., where they expect to make their home.

12 Apr 1909, Ithaca Daily Journal, Ithaca NY, p9, nyshistoricnewspapers.org. View largest available size.

Funerary Poems

Finally, the following two poems were also clipped out of newspapers and stored along with similarly clipped obituaries of church members, some of which are shown above. Apparently, they had special significance.

“What though in sorrow must their names be spoken,

‘Tis ours to keep the muster roll unbroken.

They are not dead for whom our strong tears fall,

They are not dead for whom we softly call,

They are with God–and God is over all.”

From the historical records of Caroline Valley Community Church. Original source unknown. View largest available size.

Promoted

They are not dead! For death

Can only take away the mortal breath;

And life, commencing here,

Is but the prelude to its full career.

From the historical records of Caroline Valley Community Church. Original source unknown. View largest available size.

Variations of these lines are quoted often not only in relation to funerals, but also by temperance organizations like the Women’s Christian Temperance Union in their proceedings and publications. Typically, two final lines are also quoted.

Thou art not dead! For death

Can only take away the mortal breath;

And life commencing here,

Is but the prelude of its full career.

And hope and faith the blest assurance give,

“We do not live to die! We die, to live!"

27 Apr 1889, The Recorder, Greenfield MA, p8, newspapers.com. View largest available size.

He is not dead, for death

Can only take away the mortal breath,

And life commencing here

Is but a prelude to its full career,

And hope and faith the best assurance give.

We do not live to die, we die to live.

24 Sep 1897, Norwich Courant, Norwich KS, p4, newspapers.com. View largest available size.

Passing Away 
Poet: Unknown

The fragrance of the rose, Whose dewy leaves in morning’s light unclose, Goes not more sweetly up From its rich heart, as from an incense cup, Than thy freed spirit from its earthly shrine Passed with the still angel to the rest divine.

Oh no! Thou didst not die! Thou hast but lain the soul’s frail vesture by, And soared to that pure height Where day serene is followed by no night, And where the discipline of mortal woe No shadow over thee can ever throw.

Death never comes to such With chillness in the mystery of his touch: They gently pass away As melts the morning star in golden day; They leave the places they have known below, And through the white gates of the morning go.

We would not call thee back To the frail flowers that wither on our track, Perhaps to have thy feet Pierced by the thorns that we so often meet: For thou art in that fairer world than ours Where love mourns not the fading of the flowers.

Why should we weep for thee When thy pure soul from every ill is free? Our only tears should flow For those, the loved, who linger still below, From whom the light of thy dear smile is fled, Who feel indeed that thou art with the dead.

We know the gloomy grave Holds not the spirit which our Father gave; That loving, lustrous light, That made the sphere in which it moved so bright, Is shining with a clear and quenchless flame. Rekindled at the source from whence it came.

Thou art not dead! For death Can only take away the mortal breath; And life, commencing here. Is but the prelude to its full career; And Hope and Faith the blest assurance give - “We do not live to die! We die to live!”

Best Wishes, weddingjm.com