Deeds and Other Past Owners
This section explores the historical deeds and the lives of some of the other former owners of the home beginning in the 1860’s, when the property is first sub-divided from the lower grist mill and called “The Wolcott Lot” for the first owner of record, William Benton Wolcott, through to the 1960’s ownership by Jessie (Shurter) Brewer. It is unclear exactly when the Mills family first moved into the home, although I believe the 1880 census strongly suggests that they lived in the home shortly after their move to Mott’s Corners, if not immediately so.
“[Emily Mills] lived across the street from Dr. Lockwood, in a little house that sat back near the hill.”
“I was with [Earl Wolcott] almost up to the last moment of this life and he told me he would give anything if he could go home. He said that several times, so I expect he died thinking of you people at home he cared about.”
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The mid-2000’s real estate listing indicated the home was built in 1865, although I can’t confirm that. As noted in the deed descriptions, the Mills’ home was originally part of the grist mill property next door, what is presently Dalebrook Apartments.
The grist mill was known as the “lower mill” and over the years, the lot was subdivided several times. The roof and foundation of Dalebrook are what survives today of the grist mill structure. Still present in the stone foundation are rings that horses were tied to while wagons were loaded and unloaded in the upper basement level. Evidence of the mill pond and the course of the mill race can still be seen in the landscape in 2022.
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— Caroline History Room, Slaterville Spring NY. View largest available size.
Several phrases from the Mills’ home deeds are quoted in Molly Adams’ “A Note on Emily Mills”, including that the house was “part of the grist mill lot” and that it was “occupied by E. H. Mills as tenant” prior to him purchasing the home.
A summary of the historical deeds referenced below, up to the time it was owned by Jessie Brewer:
Book | Book num | Page num | Document date | Recorded date | Grantor | Grantee | Amount |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Caroline Deeds | 1 | 572 | 22 May 1869 | 27 Nov 1869 | Jacob Vandemark, Charles W. Personeus & Marcie E. his wife | William B. Wolcott | 100 |
Caroline Deeds | 5 | 70 | 23 Oct 1883 | 10 Nov 1883 | William B. Wolcott and Ellen Wolcott, his wife | Horace N. Humiston senior | 830 |
Caroline Deeds | 5 | 138 | 01 Apr 1885 | 11 Apr 1885 | Horace N. Humiston | Esther C. Vorhis | 830 |
Deeds | 138 | 329 | 15 Jul 1891 | 30 Jun 1891 | Esther C. Vorhis and Frank C. Vorhis | Edward Lounsbery | 800 |
Deeds | 157 | 593 | 05 Jan 1903 | 13 Feb 1903 | Edward Lounsbery and Amanda S. Lounsbery | Edward H. Mills | 800 |
Deeds | 172 | 306 | 21 Jul 1909 | 30 Jul 1909 | Hannah Mills and M. Emily Mills | Fordyce A. Cobb | 1 |
Deeds | 171 | 44 | 21 Jul 1909 | 30 Jul 1909 | Fordyce A. Cobb, a single man | Hannah Mills and M. Emilly Mills as joint tenants, survirvor to take the whole | 1 |
Deeds | 248 | 238 | 31 Jul 1938 | 02 Aug 1938 | Charles E. Thomas as Administrator of Goods, Chattels and credits of Mary Emily Mills, deceased | Lewis Brewer and Jessie Brewer, his wife, as tenants by the entirety, the survivor to take the whole | 900 |
— 475 Brooktondale Road, Brooktondale NY, Tompkins County Clerk, Ithaca NY. Click column headers to change sort order. Download source data.
The following is the first deed for the property after it was sub-divided from the grist mill lot. Thanks to Alanna Congdon at the Tompkins County Clerks Office, who provided an alternative scan of the original to the one already available online. I present both as each is clearer in areas where the other is not:
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— 22 May 1869, Jacob Vandemark, Charles W. Personius & Marcie E. his wife to William B. Wolcott, Caroline Deeds Book 1, p572, Tompkins County Clerk, Ithaca NY. View largest available size.
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— 22 May 1869, Jacob Vandemark, Charles W. Personius & Marcie E. his wife to William B. Wolcott, Caroline Deeds Book 1, p572, Tompkins County Clerk, Ithaca NY. Alternate scan provided by Tompkins County Clerk, with contrast enhanced. View largest available size.
Jacob Vandemark and Charles W. Personius
It appears that the grist mill was co-owned by Jacob Vandemark (1802 to 15 Dec 1873) and Charles William Personius (1840 to 02 Feb 1924) at the time it was divided to create The Wolcott Lot. In 1868, Mills’ store deeds describe the lot as “nearly on opposite side of the highway from Jacob Vandemark’s Grist Mill” (Caroline Deeds 1, p556), and in 1874 the phrase is changed to “nearly on opposite side of the highway from Charles Personius’ Mills” (Caroline Deeds 3, p234). In 1934: “nearly opposite the mill formerly owned by Charles Personius, now occupied by the Lockwood apartment building” (Deeds 235, p84). Of course, the Lockwood apartment building is Dalebrook. Jacob’s exact role is unclear, but Charles was described elsewhere as a miller, and he is often referred to as the owner of the grist mill in later years, and when it is sold to A. Cameron Vorhis, the mill was called Personius Flouring Mills.
(Personius is sometimes spelled Personeus, but it seems that most often Personius is used for Charles and Walker, so I have chosen to stick with that spelling unless quoting someone else.)
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DIED.
…VANDEMARK—In Mott’s Corners, Monday, Dec. 15th, Jacob Vandemark, aged 71 years.
Mr. Vandemark has long been known in this vicinity as a man of unflinching integrity, and those who were more intimately acquainted with him loved and honored him for his kindness of heart and christian sympathy.
The poor will miss him, his neighbors will cherish his memory with tender regard, while the members of his own family will long mourn for him as the faithful guardian of their prosperity and happiness.— [Com.
— 22 Dec 1873, Ithaca Daily Journal, Ithaca NY, p4, nyshistoricnewspapers.org. View largest available size.
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CAROLINE.
Thomas Vandemark and others to Charles W. Personius, property at Mott’s Corners, $3,400.
Charlies W. Persodnius to Thomas Vandemark and others, property in Mott’s Corners, nominal.
Willis Shurter to heirs of Jacob Vandemark, property in Mott’s Corners, nominal.
Jacob Vandemark and others to Charies W. Personius, property in Mott’s Corner, $265.
— 12 Jan 1874, Ithaca Daily Journal, Ithaca NY, p4, nyshistoricnewspapers.org. View largest available size.
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SUICIDE AT MOTT’S CORNERS.
Mrs. M. E. Personius Drowns Herself in a Mill Race.
Mrs. M. E. Personius, wife of Charles W. Personius, of Mott’s Corners, committed suicide by drowning on Saturday afternoon last. The body was found in the mill race back of her house floating upon the face in less than two feet of water. She had removed her shoes and stockings and tied a rope to a tree and around her body so that she might not float away. These facts go to show that her self-destruction was premeditated. Coroner Brown was sent.for; he went up Saturday night, and held an inquest yesterday morning. The evidence given showed that deceased was deranged and had been for over a year, as she had previously attempted self destruction by poison, but had been frustrated. Mrs. Personius’ age was 27 years and 3 months. Her funeral was held to-day (Monday) at 2 o’clock. We append an abstract of the testimony taken before the Coroner’s jury, which consisted of Cornelius Johnson, Simon Sawyer, Ch’s. W. Burt, Martin Besemer, W. Harrison Shurter, Geo. B. Vandemark, William Vandemark and Willis Shurter:
Charles W. Personius sworn—Am the husband of the deceased, Marshy [sic] E. Personius; occupation a miller; came to the House between 5 and 6 o’clock Saturday evening; found no one in the house; searched it without finding my wife; went to Wm. Wolcott’s and inquired for her her, also to Almanzo Perry’s; neither had seen her; Mr. Perry came home with me to search for her; we went through the house again, and then went back to the mill race, when we found her lying in the water directly back of the house, about twenty rods from the mill. The water was from 18 inches to two feet in depth; the body was floating on the water held up by a rope, tied about her waist and fastened to a tree; I took hold of the rope and tried to pull her out but could not because the rope interfered; so I cut it and Mr. Perry and I pulled her out; then Mr. Bacon assisted in getting her into the house; our cries for help had attracted the attention of several neighbors, who came to the house; as my wife was found to be dead the coroner was sent for; there were no marks of violence on the body; I believe she committed suicide; have had fears since the early part of summer that she was not in her right mind, from remarks that she made and from her actions; she stated to me several times that she did not wish to live; said she “wished she was dead;” never heard her say so before this summer; she has opposed me in almost everything I have attempted or proposed for the last three or four months; this was one reason why I thought her insane; never became angry with her or opposed her, during these spells, knowing her condition; we have always lived happily during our married life until her derangement since which time my anxiety for her has greatly marred my happiness; on the 11th of October last she attempted suicide by taking laudanum; I found her in the garret in a stupor; two empty laudanum bottles were lying by her and an ounce bottle of belladonna, three fourths full; I endeavored to arouse her and after a time she informed me she had taken laudanum, and said it was all right; I assisted her down stairs; placed her in bed and sent for Dr. Besemer; it was about 12 o’clock at night; I had worked in the mill till 10 o’clock, and when I came home supposed my wife had called at some of the neighbors to await my return from the mill; sat down and read the newspaper an hour; then became drowsy and went, to bed, but did not intend to go to sleep until she returned; but 1 did fall asleep and awoke in about an hour, when I was frightened at her continued absence; got up and searched the house, finding her as above stated. She was not in the habit of staying out late, but on this particular occasion she had asked me how late I was going to be in the mill; told her I did not know; at that time of year I was in the habit of grinding until 11 or 12 o’clock; So I supposed she was was for my accustomed time to return. My wife’s health has been poor a year and a half; about 7 years ago she gave birth to a deformed child which lived ten months; in April, 1874, we took from the Orphan’s Home in Elmira, a crippled child 12 or 13 months old; we became much attached to it, but after 7 or 8 months, my wife’s health failing, she took the child back to the home; cannot say whether this was one cause of her insanity or not; she said the care of the child and her household duties were too much for her strength; my wife has a cousin living who is now deranged.
Mr. Almanzo A. Perry and Dr. Besemer gave testimony corroborating that of Mr. Personius.
— 20 Dec 1875, Ithaca Daily Journal, Ithaca NY, p4, nyshistoricnewspapers.org. View largest available size.
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BROOKTON.
A number from here attended Easter services in Ithaca last Sunday.
The Ladies’ Aid Society of the Baptist church will give a Washington party at the rink next Tuesday evening, April 30.
Cameron Vorhis was taken seriously ill last Saturday morning. He is attended by Dr. Besemer and is now considerably improved.
Flora Auchmoody was married in Ithaca, Tuesday, to a Mr. Johnson of Dakota. They will leave for their western home this week.
Rev. Mr. Underhill, formerly assistant pastor of the State street church, Ithaca, and now of West Newton, was visiting at Moses Hurlbut’s last week.
Officer Norton in town Monday and arrested some of our young men, who created a disturbance in Ithaca Saturday night while intoxicated. The went down Tuesday for examination.
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.
A large company were invited to the pleasant home of Mr. and Mrs. George E. Sanders, last Thursday evening, to enjoy a progressive euchre party. All present were highly entertained, the only accident of the evening being the escape of the booby before the sentence could be executed.
The trustees of the Congregational church have secured the services of Mrs. S. E. Eastman for the next three months. Those who have heard her preach the past two Sundays need not be told that the people of this vicinity will enjoy listening to her. She especially requests that the people will try and be in their seats promptly on time, 11 A. M. and 7:30 P. M., in order that the services may not be disturbed.
— 26 Apr 1889, Ithaca Daily Journal, Ithaca NY, p3, nyshistoricnewspapers.org. View largest available size.
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)
The following from the 50th Engineer Regiment unit roster does differ slightly in some details.
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PERSONIUS, CHARLES W.—Age, 22 years. Enlisted, August 25, 1862, at Millport; mustered in as private, Co. G, August 25, 1862, to serve three years; promoted corporal, February 16, 1863; sergeant, March 4, 1864; mustered out with company, June 13, 1865, at Fort Barry, Va.
— 50th Engineer Regiment Unit Roster, New York State Military Museum and Veterans Research Center. View largest available size.
The locations and activities of Union regiments throughout the Civil War are well documented, providing an indirect account of the soldiers’ lives during those years. The 50th Engineer Regiment of New York, which also included Charles’ brother Walker, 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.
According to the website The Civil War in the East: “The 50th New York Infantry Regiment, which became the 50th New York Engineer Regiment, lost 1 officer and 19 enlisted men killed or mortally wounded and 1 officer and 206 enlisted men to disease during the Civil War. It is honored by a monument at Gettysburg shared with the 15th New York Engineers.”
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15TH AND 50TH NEW YORK ENGINEERS.
On Pleasanton Avenue.
— 1902, Final Report on the Battlefield of Gettysburg (New York at Gettysburg) by the New York Monuments Commission for the Battlefields of Gettysburg and Chattanooga. Albany, NY: J.B. Lyon Company, p1080. View largest available size.
The wartime experiences of the 50th Engineers were summarized by Captain John T. Davidson in his address of 17 Sep 1890 at the dedication of the Engineers’ monument:
The Fiftieth and Fifteenth Engineers were not unlike the rest of the Union volunteers, and it was but a short time before they became as proficient in the art of practical engineering as were the regulars. While the building of forts and intrenchments formed no small part of their duties, the laying and building of bridges across narrow and wide streams were of the greatest value to the army in its thousands of movements in the field. It was always the first on the ground to span the river with a good pontoon bridge, over which the army with its infantry, artillery and cavalry could and did pass over, dry shod and in perfect safety. Its services in this direction won the respect and admiration of the world. I believe I state a fact which cannot be truthfully controverted, that no army known to history was better served in its engineer department, than was the Army of the Potomac. It was not uncommon for us to build a bridge 300 feet in length in thirty minutes.
The greatest difficulty which the engineers experienced was in transporting the long heavy pontoon trains across the country. The Virginia mud and the thousand obstacles encountered while dragging pontoon trains over the country will never be forgotten by the boys who trained in the Engineer Brigade. It has been said that few, in comparison with the losses in other branches of the service, suffered from bullets in the Engineer Brigade; but, on account of the severe service required, more constitutions were wrecked in this than in any other branch of the service. But our exemption from Rebel bullets was not complete, and the mention of Fredericksburg will be a reminder of the first severe baptism of blood the brigade received. Our losses were greater on this occasion than at any time afterwards, because this experience fully demonstrated that pontoon bridges could not be laid in face of the enemy, especially when they were entirely under cover of their rifle pits and intrenchments, and thereafter the rule was to first clear the opposite banks from Rebel muskets.
Among those who heard these words spoken was Charles’ brother Walker who had the honor of “delivering the monument” of his regiment.
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TO VISIT A FAMOUS BATTLEFIELD
The excursion of the 15th Engineer Brigade and 50th N. Y. V. Engineers to Gettysburg leaves Elmira the 16th, to dedicate their monument the 17th. Soldiers and all persons interested in the battlefield are invited. Tickets good for ten days on regular trains. The rate from Elmira, round trip, is $6.65; to Antietam $2.00 extra. Captain J. T. Davidson of Elmira delivers the oration; Captain W. V. Personius delivers the monument and Dr. C. E. Goldsborough of Gettysburg accepts the same for the memorial association.
— 09 Sep 1890, Ithaca Daily Journal, Ithaca NY, p3, nyshistoricnewspapers.org. View largest available size.
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— Bronze bas-relief from the monument, photo republished from The Battle of Gettysburg: 15th &50th New York Engineers. View largest available size.
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— “Virginia, Fredericksburg, Pontoon Bridge across the Rappahannock river.”, “Photographic Sketch Book of the Civil War,” by Alexander Gardner, ca. 1861 - ca. 1865, National Archives Identifier 533306, Local Identifier 165-SB-32, archives.gov. View largest available size.
…on June 5, 1863, the Fiftieth, in company with other troops of the Engineer Brigade, assisted in laying a pontoon bridge across the Rappahannock at Franklin's Crossing, or Deep Run, about three miles below Fredericksburg. The Sixth Corps crossed in order to make a demonstration against Lee's right in order to ascertain iſ possible the location of the Confederate Army, the greater part of which had already left Fredericksburg in its march to Pennsylvania . This bridge was also laid under the fire of the enemy's pickets, in which Captain Cross, of the U. S. Engineers, was killed. The detachment of the Fiftieth lost eleven men killed and wounded in this affair, and added to its reputation for efficiency and gallantry under fire, although the men worked unarmed, their duties rendering them unable to reply to the enemy's attack.
Note that several sources corroborate this: “Franklin’s Crossing (often called the Lower Crossing because of the three Union crossings at the Battle of Fredericksburg, it was the farthest downstream)”.
Immediately following this event, the Regiment was engaged in the Gettysburg campaign, and their efforts are described in the dedication address by Captain Davidson:
The two bridges which this brigade laid across the Potomac at Edwards Ferry, over which the entire Army of the Potomac crossed to meet Lee upon this memorable battlefield, and the two afterwards at Berlin, ten miles above Edwards Ferry, over which it crossed in its return to Virginia, were remarkable structures, under all the circumstances.
The river at these two points, as I now recollect, was nearly 1,700 feet in width, and for four days and nights the two bridges at each place were in constant use, and, as is often said, the Army of the Potomac had no reason to complain of the bridges which carried them safely over. Except for the timely services rendered by the Engineer Brigade it is not an unreasonable prediction that the Capital City of the Nation would not have escaped falling into the hands of the enemy, as the usual ways of crossing streams over long - established highways and permanent bridges, oftentimes destroyed by the enemy, were entirely obviated by the temporary bridges and highways built by the engineers, and always at the proper time and place needed.
The next year, 1864, “to expedite the transportation of wounded three Companies [of the 50th Engineers] made a forced march to Fredericksburg, starting at 11:30 a.m. Built bridge over the Rappahannock at Fredericksburg Lower Crossing, having it completed and ready for use at 4:30 p.m., having marched 8 miles and built bridge 420 feet long in 5 hours.” (Civil War in the East.)
It isn’t clear exactly when or at which crossing the following photos were taken, but the 50th Engineers were in the vicinity of Fredericksburg a number of times over several years, and the Rappahannock crossings were obviously of high strategic importance. There are also accounts that describe these bridges being destroyed and rebuilt.
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— “Pontoon across Rappahannock River, Va. (also cavalry column.)”, Mathew Brady Photographs of Civil War-Era Personalities and Scenes, 1921 - 1940, National Archives Identifier 524925, Local Identifier 111-B-508, Brady National Photographic Art Gallery (Washington, D.C.), archives.gov. View largest available size.
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— “Wagon Train Crossing the Rappahannock River”, War Photograph and Exhibition Company, Stereographs of the Civil War, 1861 - 1865 Collection: Library of Congress Collection, ca. 1905 - ca. 1909, National Archives Identifier 82586526, Local Identifier LC-CC-715, archives.gov. View largest available size.
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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.
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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.
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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.
William Benton Wolcott
In the 1887 Dalebrook deed (Caroline Deeds 2, p510), the grist mill is described as it was originally “excepting and reserving herefrom the land heretofore conveyed by Jacob Vandemark and Charles W. Personius to Wm. B. Wolcott”, the first owner of what was called the “Wolcott Lot” and eventually the “Mills’ Place”.
William Benton Wolcott (06 Oct 1832 to 25 Feb 1911), the son of George Wolcott (23 Dec 1801 to 09 Dec 1860) and Sarah A. (Reed) Wolcott (23 Dec 1804 to 07 May 1886). (George and Sarah died years apart and are not buried next to each other in Brookton Cemetery. As of Summer 2022, both of their stones are broken in half.)
In the three years immediately preceding this purchase, William was a Union soldier in the Civil War, mustering out 09 June 1865. The following Spring, William and his wife Ellen A. (Shurter) Wolcott Aldrich (07 Sep 1843 to 21 Apr 1928), had their only child Willis B. Wolcott (14 Apr 1866 to 10 Nov 1903). The historical deeds for Dalebrook refer to the adjoining property as the “Wolcott lot”. If William is indeed the first true owner of the divided lot, given the timing and his expertise, perhaps he had a direct role in its construction.
21 Aug 1862 | William enlisted in Company K of the 137th New York Volunteer Infantry Regiment. |
30 Aug 1862 | William married Ellen A. Shurter. |
25 Sep 1862 | William mustered in at Binghamton NY. |
09 Jun 1865 | William mustered out near Bladensburg MD. |
26 Jun 1865 | The day the NY census is taken in Caroline, the census records William was living in the home of Josiah and Jane (Shutt) Shurter, Ellen’s parents. |
14 Apr 1866 | Willis B. Wolcott was born, 10 months after his father mustered out. |
22 May 1869 | William purchased the “Wolcott lot” from Jacob Vandemark and Charles Personius. |
William Wolcott is described as follows in the census data:
- 1850: “Carpenter”
- 1860: “Carpenter”
- 1862: “Mechanic” (1865, Complete Record, as Required by Chapter 690, of the Laws of 1865, Relating to Officers, Soldiers and Seamen, Composing the Quotas of the Troops Furnished to the United States, Town of Caroline, County of Tompkins, State of New York, Prepared By Charles L. Davis, ancestry.com.)
- 1865: “Carpenter”
- 1870: “Wagon maker”
- 1875: “Carriage maker”
- 1880: “Wagon maker”
- 1892: “Carpenter”
- 1900: “Day laborer” (and wife Ellen is a “Paperhanger”)
- 1905: “Painter”
In the section that discusses "Brewer Barn", I speculate that William B. Wolcott likely worked for Willis Shurter, and possibly for his father (William Wolcott’s father-in-law) Josiah prior, at “Willis Shurter’s Wagon Shop in Motts Corners”, a structure that yet stands as I write this. This seems all the more likely because William and Ellen lived in the Shurter House with Josiah and Willis between the time William mustered out of service and before moving to the Wolcott Lot. Perhaps William named his son after his former employer.
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— 26 Jun 1865, New York State Census, Caroline NY, p34, ancestry.com. View largest available size.
There are several people close to William with the expertise to help him in the home’s construction, including his brothers George W. and John Wolcott, who, like their father before them, were also carpenters.
Year | Josiah Shurter | Willis Shurter | John Wolcott | William B. Wolcott | George Wolcott |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1850 | farmer | (child) | carpenter | carpenter | (child) |
1860 | farmer | farmer | carpenter | carpenter | clerk |
1865 | miller | ns | carpenter | carpenter | merchant |
1870 | wagon maker | farmer | carpenter | wagon maker | carpenter |
1875 | carriage maker | nf | carpenter | carriage maker | farmer |
1880 | dec | farmer | farmer | wagon maker | farmer |
1892 | dec | farmer | farmer | carpenter | farmer |
– Occupations, United States Federal Census and New York State Census, Caroline NY, ancestry.com.
Both William and his brother George Wolcott (1836 to 1916), who also lists himself as a “mechanic” in 1862, were Civil War veterans. (This George Wolcott was the father of Clarence R. Wolcott (1864 to 1950), who acted as Edward Mills’ lawyer at one time.)
In Caroline on 21 Aug 1862, William Wolcott enlisted in Company K of the 137th New York Volunteer Infantry Regiment, mustering in 25 Sep 1862 at Binghamton NY, with the rank of Orderly Sergeant. (Town Clerks’ Registers of Men Who Served in the Civil War, ca 1865–1867. Microfilm publication, 37 rolls. New York State Archives. Albany, New York, ancestry.com.)
The following information from the 137th Regiment’s unit roster differs slightly in a few details, but provides his mustering out time and location, as well as acknowledging his promotion a few weeks prior to the Battle of Gettysburg.
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WOLCOTT, WILLIAM B.—Age, 28 years. Enlisted, August 21, 1862, at Caroline, to serve three years; mustered in as sergeant, Co. K, August 23, 1862; promoted first sergeant, June 24, 1863; mustered out with company, June 9, 1865,” near Bladensburg, Md.
— 137th Infantry Regiment Unit Roster, New York State Military Museum and Veterans Research Center. View largest available size.
In 1863, this Regiment was part of the Chancellorsville and Gettysburg Campaigns, and at the Battle of Gettysburg “commanded by Colonel David Ireland, the Regiment brought 456 men to the field. It lost 40 Men killed, 87 wounded, and 10 men missing”. Following the battle, the Regiment pursued General Lee to the Manassas Gap. In 1864, the Regiment was involved in the sieges of Atlanta and Savannah. (137th New York Infantry Regiment, Civil War in the East, emphasis added.)
The Brookton post of the Grand Army of the Republic (a fraternal organization of Union Army veterans of the Civil War) was named in honor of Colonel David Ireland.
The Grand Army of the Republic was created "in pursuance of Section 3 of Chap. 706 of the laws of 1887, New York State; [an] Act to provide for the relief of indigent soldiers, sailors and marines and the families of those deceased passed June 25, 1887." There were two G. A. R. posts in the Town of Caroline; the Henry Wilson Post #68 in Slaterville Springs, and the David Ireland Post #158 in Brookton.
The Brookton G.A.R. post filed a "notice of intent" on 29 Aug 1887. The officers named in that document were: John W. Gass--Commander, Spencer H. Jansen--Senior Vice-Commander, Sol. (Soloman) Honniss--Jr. Vice Commander, Charles Personius--Quarter Master, Edward Lounsbery-- Chaplain, John Hoover--Surgeon, Samuel Whited--Officer of the day, Willis Shurter--Adjutant, Don C. Hanford--"Sergent" Major, Moses Roe-- Officer of the guard, and the Relief Committee: Edward Lounsbery, Samuel Woodhull, Charles Personius. Later records indicate that other members were: George Barns (or Barnes), Chaplain--Preston Darling, Quarter Master--Isaac Lynch, Adjutant--Henry D. Lock (or Locke), and the Rifle Company consisting of: Leonard Griffon (or Griffen or Griffin), Preston Darling, and Isaac Lynch. Later records indicate that other members who held positions were: George E. Harris, Joel Percell (or Purcell), John Personius, John Randall, John Huslander, Henry S. Krum, David B. Hammond, George Matson.
The last recorded reports from the posts were on 31 October 1899. In that time period, the "Notice of Intents" that were filed show that Post #158, (Brookton) paid $284.07 for the care and maintenance of veterans and their families and they asked the Town Board for $150.00. Post #68 (Slaterville Springs) paid $168.98. Some of the items that were provided were: board, fuel, clothing, food & tobacco, Doctor and nursing care, transportation to the Veterans Home in Bath, and burials. In February 1912, the David Ireland Post #158 was charged with payment to Fred Warriner for $7.00 worth of goods, and paid.
(Cyrus Eastman, Hannah Mills’ step-son, was a Civil War veteran who is listed as a member of both Caroline posts of the G.A.R.)
The following photo of some of the surviving members of the David Ireland Post of the G. A. R., taken on Memorial Day in 1906, includes both Charles Personius and William Wolcott.
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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.
- This photograph likely shows the veterans in front of Personius Hall at present day 559 Brooktondale Road. From Molly Adams’ research notes in the Caroline History Room, Slaterville Springs NY: “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 & Lounsbery.” Walker Personius and Edward Lounsbery were charter members of the Congregational Church of Mott’s Corners, presently called Caroline Valley Community Church, and were instrumental in its formation. George Richardson, who appears to have worked for Edward Mills at a time when Edward was Postmaster, eventually started his own grocery business in “the old Personius store” starting May 1897.
- The service descriptions that follow are all taken from the unit rosters of the respective regiments found on the New York State Military Museum and Veterans Research Center website, accessed Summer 2022.
- (Likely) J. W. Finn (unknown to 0f Dec 1898). 33rd Infantry Regiment. “FLINN , JOHN.—Age , 33 years. Enlisted, May 22, 1861, at Elmira , to serve two years; mustered in as private, Co. 0, same , date; mustered out with company, June 2, 1863, at Geneva, N . Y. ; also borne as Finn.”
- James E. Cole (Aug 1844 to 1909). 144th Infantry Regiment. “COLE , JAME S E.—Age , 20 years. Enlisted, February 24, 1861, at Colchester, to serve three years; mustered in as private , Co . K, February 29, 1861; mustered out, May 31, 1865, at hospital, Albany, N . Y .”
- John. L. Mandeville (1836 to 29 Nov 1907).
- William Benton Wolcott (06 Oct 1832 to 25 Feb 1911). 137th Infantry Regiment. “WOLCOTT, WILLIAM B.—Age, 28 years. Enlisted, August 21, 1862, at Caroline, to serve three years; mustered in as sergeant, Co. K, August 23, 1862; promoted first sergeant, June 24, 1863; mustered out with company, June 9, 1865,” near Bladensburg, Md.”
- Samuel Smith Woodhull (Apr 1842 to 27 Dec 1917). 21st Cavalry Regiment. “WOODHULL, SAMUEL.—Age, 21 years. Enlisted, July 27, 1863, at Ithaca; mustered in as private, Co. B, August 28,1863, to serve three years; mustered out with company, June 28, 1866, at Denver, Col.” His obituary notes that he was quartermaster of the David Ireland Post, GAR, for over 35 years. “In the war he was a member of Company B, of the 21st New York Cavalry, and is believed to have been the last surviving one who served under General Phil Sheridan.” (28 Dec 1917 Ithaca Daily News, Ithaca NY, p5.) “Mr. Woodhull was one of the best known residents of the Town of Caroline. He was the owner of a contracting business.” (28 Dec 1917, The Ithaca Journal, Ithaca NY, p3) In the journals of George Jansen, 23 Feb 1917, he notes “Sam Woodhull fixing porch columns at Mills’ store.” Cassie Landon was his daughter.
- John J. Peters (07 Aug 1825 to 28 Dec 1907). 15th Cavalry Regiment. “PETERS, JOHN J.—Age, 39 years. Enlisted, September 3, 1864, at Caroline; mustered in as private, Co. G, September 3, 1864, to serve three years; mustered out, June 12, 1865, at Alexandria, Va.” His obituary notes that he “died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. John L. Mandeville.”
- Donald C. Hanford (01 Apr 1827 to 03 Apr 1913). 179th Infantry Regiment. “HANFORD, DON C—Age, 36 years. Enlisted, September 1, 1864, at Caroline, to serve one year; mustered in as private, Co. B, September 3, 1864; promoted corporal, January 1, 1865; mustered out with company, June 8,1865, near Alexandria, Va.”
- George W. Middaugh (Oct 1838 to 05 Mar 1924). 5th Cavalry Regiment. “MIDDAUGH , GEO. W., see Meddaugh, Geo. … MEDDAUGH, GEO.—Age, 23 years. Enlisted, November 11, 1861, at Halsey Valley ; mustered in as private, Co. G, November 15, 1861, to serve three years; discharged by expiration term of service, no date; also borne as Middaugh, Geo. W .”
- Charles W. Personius (1840 to 02 Feb 1924). 50th Engineer Regiment. “PERSONIUS, CHARLES W.—Age, 22 years. Enlisted, August 25, 1862, at Millport; mustered in as private, Co. G, August 25, 1862, to serve three years; promoted corporal, February 16, 1863; sergeant, March 4, 1864; mustered out with company, June 13, 1865, at Fort Barry, Va.”
- D. Malady.
- Levi Young (1837 to 1916). 64th Infantry Regiment. “YOUNG, LEVI.—Age, 22 years. Enlisted, September 10, 1861, at Ithaca, to serve three years; mustered in as private, Co. H, September 16, 1861; transferred to Co. E, December 10, 1861; re-enlisted as a veteran, February 22, 1864; mustered out with company, July 14, 1865, near Washington, D . C.”
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- 559 Brooktondale Road as it appeared in July 2022.
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OLD SOLDIERS’ MEETING.
THE VETS IN COUNCIL AT MOTT’S CORNERS.
The notice published in the JOURNAL of April 22, for a camp fire to be held at Lounsbery’s Hall, Motts’s Corners, brought out about thirty old veterans of the Town of Caroline and vicinity last Saturday evening. The meeting was called to order by Capt. W. V. Personius, and B. T. Landon was called to the chair. Capt. Lounsbery then stated that the object of the meeting was to organize a Post of the Grand Army of the Republic, whereupon twenty four comrades signed the roll and a Post will be organized next Saturday evening, providing a charter can be obtained from Department Headquarters in time. About this time several comrades from Sydney Post, of Ithaca, put in an appearance, when the boys gave themselves up to a general good time.
Comrade Joe Lindsley, introduced one of Hibbard’s autophones and played some very sweet music, after which the boys joined in singing “Marching through Georgia.” Rations were now announced to which the boys all did ample justice. After the pork-and beans had been demolished, the boys returned to the hall, where a rattling fire of songs, stories and reminiscences were kept up until 12 o’clock, when the camp broke up, every comrade present, however, feeling that he had had a good time.
A cordial invitation is extended to all honorably discharged soldiers and sailors in the vicinity of Mott’s Corners: to send in their names and discharge papers next Saturday evening, and join in establishing a Post of G.A.R.
— 03 May 1880, Ithaca Daily Journal, Ithaca NY, p4, nyshistoricnewspapers.org. View largest available size.
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.) Walker’s brother was Charles W. Personeus, owner of of the grist mill, who was also in the 50th engineers.
Bennett T. Landon (05 Oct 1829 to 1904). “Enlisted, August 29, 1864, at Danby, to serve one year; mustered in as private, Co. I, September 13, 1864; promoted sergeant, March 24, 1865; wounded in action, April 2, 1865, at Petersburg, Va.; absent, wounded, at muster-out of company.” (179th Infrantry Regiment Unit Roster, New York State Military Museum and Veterans Research Center.)
Edward Lounsbery (11 Oct 1833 to 27 Nov 1904). 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.)
Joseph “Joe” Lindsey (1840 to 25 Jul 1916), whose obituary confirms was a Civil War veteran and G.A.R. member, and so, his name is misspelled in the article. “Enlisted, August 6, 1864, at Candor; mustered in as private, Co. A, August 6, 1864, to serve one year; promoted artificer, April 22, 1865; mustered out with compnay, June 13, 1865, at Fort Barry, Va.“ (50th Engineer Regiment Unit Roster, New York State Military Museum and Veterans Research Center.)
Sydney Post, No. 41, Grand Army of the Republic, in Ithaca NY, was named in honor of Lieutenant Joseph W. Sydney (22 Mar 1840 to 31 Oct 1864). “At the age of twenty-one, young Sydney entered the regular service as an assistant engineer in the Navy. He served faithfully and well for three years and was rising rapidly in his chosen profession, when disease and death overtook him at his post of duty, Oct. 31st, 1864, in the 24th year of his age. In the Ithaca Journal and Advertiser of Dec. 7, 1864, we find the following notice: “Died—On board of the U.S. Steamer “Pembina” off Brazos Island, Texas, on the 31st of October last, Asst. Engineer Joseph W. Sydney, U.S.N., only son of Edwin Syndey, Esq., of this village, aged 24 years.” The Post is said to be “newly formed” in Ithaca on Memorial Day in 1877, when a special ceremony was held by the Sydney Post at Joseph’s grave. (31 May 1877, Ithaca Daily Journal, Ithaca NY, p3.) The New York, U.S., Town Clerks’ Registers of Men Who Served in the Civil War, ca 1861-1865, indicates that Joseph was originally buried at Brazos, and according to his findagrave entry, his body was “returned to Ithaca and buried 24 Jan 1866”.
“Marching Through Georgia” (sometimes spelled as “Marching Thru’ Georgia” or “Marching Thro Georgia”) is a marching song written by Henry Clay Work at the end of the American Civil War in 1865. The title and lyrics of the song refer to U.S. Army major general William T. Sherman’s “March to the Sea” to capture the Confederate city of Savannah, Georgia in late 1864. The song became widely popular with Union Army veterans after the American Civil War. The song, sung from the point of view of a Union soldier, tells of marching through Georgian territory, freeing slaves, meeting Southern Unionist men glad to once again see the U.S. flag, and punishing the Confederacy for their starting the war." (Marching Through Georgia, Wikipedia.org.) The first verse of Marching Through Georgia:
Bring the good old bugle, boys
We’ll sing another song
Sing it with a spirit that will
Start the world along
Sing it as we used to sing it
Fifty thousand strong
While we were marching through Georgia
“The Autophone was an early type of organette, invented in 1878 by Henry Bishop Horton. One of the first table-top organettes to be mass-produced, it played music using punched cards to activate 22 reeds.” … “The Organette was a mechanical free-reed programmable (automatic) musical instrument first manufactured in the late 1870s by several companies such as John McTammany of Cambridge, Massachusetts, the Autophone Company of Ithaca, New York, the Automatic Organ Co of Boston, Massachusetts, E.P. Needham & Sons of New York City, J.M. Draper of Blackburn, England, Paul Ehrlich & Co. of Leipzig, Germany, and The Mechanical Orguinette Co. of New York, NY as well as other manufacturers worldwide. The organette (or orguinette) used rolls of perforated paper, perforated cardboard, perforated metal disks and wooden rollers (or “cobs”) on which the music was programmed. Musical scales ranged from 14 to 39 notes depending on the instrument’s complexity. Air pressure or vacuum was produced by hand-, crank- or foot-operated mechanical bellows. The organette was compact and affordable with large selections of music available. Various patents credit Henry Bishop Horton (1819-1885; co-founder of the Ithaca Calendar Clock Co), John McTammany (1845-1915), Paul Ehrlich and others with inventing the organette. The organette’s popularity declined as the phonograph was introduced and became more affordable.” (Autophone, Wikipedia.org. Emphasis added.)
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— 1878, “Autophone Organette”, manufactured by Autophone, medium: wood, metal, various, public domain photograph by The Metropolitan Museum of Art, accession number: 07.195a, b. View largest available size.
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THE AUTOPHONE COMPANY
Mr. Horton Retires.
The retirement of H. B. Horton from the autophone company occurred yesterday, he having sold out his stock and interest in the concern to the other partners, Messrs. F. M. Finch, H. A. St. John and H. M. Hibbard.
Mr. Horton invented the autophone in 1876 and after experimenting with it for three years began manufacturing the ingenious instrument in company with Judge Francis M. Finch and the late H. F. Hibbard. The manner in which the idea of the autophone was suggested to Mr. Horton as related by him is quite interesting, and shows from what a small beginning the present important and profitable industry sprung.
In the fall of ‘76 Mr. Horton while on his way home from the centennial exposition passed a day in New York. As he was walking along Broadway his attention was attracted by a mechanical toy in a store window, and although he was in a hurry he step in to examine it. The device represented a boy playing upon a harmonica. It was a crude affair, but it contained a principle which our inventor thought could be developed into a useful and desirable musical instrument. During his journey home from the metropolis he continually thought of the musical toy and before reaching Ithaca he hit upon the plan of producing notes by means of perforated paper passed over ordinary organ reeds. He experimented with models for months and after producing an autophone that would play any piece of music accurately he continued to improve upon the invention until the year that he and Mr. Hibbard began manufacturing the autophones in this village. The invention proved all that Mr. Horton had anticipated and to-day the company employs some seventy-five hands and has agents in all portions of the country.
— 28 Feb 1883, Ithaca Daily Journal, Ithaca NY, p3, nyshistoricnewspapers.org. View largest available size.
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–The Autophone Company recently received a $6,000 order for autophones, from Sidney, Australia. The company is now filling an order of $2,000 for their barrel organs, from London, England.
— 21 Sep 1886, Ithaca Daily Journal, Ithaca NY, p3, nyshistoricnewspapers.org. View largest available size.
The Post was written of often over the years in the Brookton news in The Ithaca Journal. Although the David Ireland Post held events in both the Baptist and Congregational Churches in Brookton, the Congregational Church is most often associated with them. It is interesting to note the relationship between the G. A. R. and the W. C. T. U.
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IRELAND POST, G.AR,, HOLDS ANNUAL DINNER
Officers Installed at Brookton and Pleasing Program Is Presented
Brookton, Jan. 12.—David Ireland Post, G. A. R., held their annual dinner and installation of officers Saturday, January 10, in the basement of the Congregaitonal[sic] church. A bountiful dinner was served, after which Comrade John E. Bull of Ithaca installed the officers for the year 1914. A very pleasing program was then given consisting of recitations and songs, short speeches by the Rev. Mr. Taylor of Slaterville, Dr. Gallagher, Fred Brown (pastor of the church), the Rev. Charles Bogardus, and Mrs. S. G. Spaulding, president of the W. C. T. U. Those from out of town present were Freman Ault, Mr. and Mrs. John E. Bull of Ithaca, and John Personius of Newark Valley. A general good time was enjoyed by all present and all departed hoping for many returns of the day.
January 15 will be observed as a day of special prayer by the W. C. T. U. Services will be in the Congregational Church in the afternoon and in the evening in the Baptist Church.
Mrs. Charles Bogardus visited in Ithaca several days recently.
Miss Jessie Shurter who has been in Columbia, Mo., for several weeks, returned to her home Saturday. She was called home by the serious illness of her father, Willis Shurter.
Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Leonard, Cyrus Eastman of Central Chapel, Isaac Lynch of West Slaterville attended the G. A. R. dinner Saturday.
— 12 Jan 1914, The Ithaca Journal, Ithaca NY, p9, newspapers.com. View largest available size.
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BROOKTON.
Brookton, Jan. 6—The annual meeting of the Congregational Church was held Monday evening at 7:30 o’clock.
David Ireland Post, G. A. R., will hold their annual dinner in the basement of the Congregational Church Saturday, January 10. Dinner will be served after which the officers will be installed. The ladies of the W. C. T. U. are requested to be present and help to furnish and serve the dinner, to come with well filled baskets and help the little band of loyal men to enjoy the day.
The Home Missionary Society of the Congregational Chureh will meet with Mrs. D. F. McWhorter Wednesday, January 7.
Mrs. E. L. Paine is very seriously ill at the home of her daughter, Mrs. George Smith.
Richard Slaughter has moved from Brookton to Caroline Depot.
Mrs. Morton Hollister and Harvey Hollister of Ithaca visited at Myron Predmore’s one day last week.
Merle Besemer of Ithaca spent Sunday at George Smith’s.
Fred Mulks, who has been away on an extended visit, returned to Brookton last week.
Mr. and Mrs. Forest Kells and children of Cortland have been visiting friends in Brookton and on Bald Hill.
— 06 Jan 1914, The Ithaca Journal, Ithaca NY, p11, newspapers.com. View largest available size.
Colonel David Ireland (09 May 1832 to 10 Sep 1864) was born in Scotland and emigrated to New York in 1840, where he eventually apprenticed as a tailor to his father Charles.
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— Colonel David Ireland, republished from historynet.com, “Courtesy of Bruce Bonfield”. View largest available size.
- It is said elsewhere that this is the only known photo of David Ireland.
Ireland was the mustering officer for new regiments training in Binghamton in the summer of 1862. Recruiting for the new regiment designated the 137th New York Infantry, he was appointed as colonel of the regiment by the governor, citing his "military experience and ability"—"we know him to be a kind and gentlemanly officer and a brave soldier". Ireland trained his new regiment rigorously at Camp Susquehanna in Binghamton. The 137th New York left by train for Washington, D.C., on September 27, 1862.
From Washington, Ireland and his regiment were sent directly to join McClellan's Army of the Potomac, in camp near Frederick, Maryland, after the Battle of Antietam. The 137th New York was assigned to XII Corps, then led by Brig. Gen. Alpheus Williams. The corps was part of the reserve at the time of the Battle of Fredericksburg and remained so to the end of 1862.
…After leading his brigade into Atlanta on Sep. 2, 1864, Ireland fell ill with dysentery, dying on September 10. His passing was noted with regret by Maj. Gen. Geary in his report on the Atlanta Campaign. Col. Ireland's fellow officers, meeting on September 10, expressed their regret for "his untimely death, as it were, "On the field of his fame and glory".
Ireland is buried in Binghamton at Spring Forest Cemetery. The Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War named Camp 137 in Binghamton the Col. David Ireland Camp. On August 26, 1863, Ireland had married Sara Phelps in Binghamton. They had no children.
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PERSONAL.
The army has lost a brave officer by the death of Col. David Ireland, commanding the Third brigade, Second division, Twentieth corps. His illness was short, and he had never sufficiently recovered the effects of a wound received at Ressacca. A native of Scotland, he got command of the One Hundred and Thirty-seventh New York, raised at Binghamton, New York, and came out in the two years service.
He distinguished himself at the battles of Wohachee, Lookout Mountain, Mission Ridge, and served ail through this campaign, and was wounded at Ressacca, where his brigade captured and planted their flag on the enemy’s batteries and captured four guns. He soon after resumed command, served all through the campaigns, and died just as his brigade had helped to raise the Stars and Stripes over Atlanta.
Though General Geary has suffered heavily in officers and men—for not one of his old officers now remains on his staff, all of them having been either killed or invalided—he has now lost his right hand, and the country a brave soldier in Colonel David Ireland.
— 20 Sep 1864, New York Daily Herald, New York NY, p1, newspapers.com. View largest available size.
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Obituary.
COLONEL DAVID IRELAND.
In the recent death of Colonel David Ireland the army has lost the services of an able and devoted officer, and one whose place in his regiment it will be hard to fill. Entering the service at the time of the first call for troops, in the spring of 1861, he participated in the first battle of Bull run, as Adjutant of the Seventy-ninth regiment New York State Militia (Highland Guard). He was distinguished on that memorable field for coolness and bravery, receiving the commendations of his superior officers, including his division commander. He was promoted to a captaincy in the Fifteenth regiment regular infantry in August, 1861, and served about one year with his regiment, gaining many friends by his frank and genial manners and untiring devotion to his duties. In the summer of 1862 be received a leave of absence from his regiment during the war, to enable him to accept the colonelcy of the One Hundred and Thirty-seventh regiment New York Volunteers. He handled his regiment with the same skill and ease that he did a company, and brought them to a high standard of drill and efficiency. The steadiness and determination which enabled his command to storm successfully the rebel stronghold at Ressacca, under a most galling fire, were due to his rigid discipline and instruction. It was here that he received the wound which terminated in his death, after a short illness. His desire to personally command his men led him to the field before he was fit for duty, and thus he contracted the disease which closed his career. The country and the cause sustain a great loss by his untimely death.
— 25 Sep 1864, New York Daily Herald, New York NY, p4, newspapers.com. View largest available size.
Obviously Colonel David Ireland’s accomplishments were shared by the men he fought beside, including William Benton Wolcott of Mott’s Corners, Caroline NY, who can count among their many acts of heroism, the defense of Culp’s Hill “one of the most noteworthy incidents of the war”, “the loss of this critical sector undoubtedly would have altered the battle’s outcome” and that they “helped to raise the Stars and Stripes over Atlanta”. The 137th New York Volunteer Infantry Regiment is honored by a monument on the Gettysburg battlefield.
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137th NEW YORK INFANTRY.
On Culp’s Hill. Right of Greene’s New York Brigade.
— 1902, Final Report on the Battlefield of Gettysburg (New York at Gettysburg) by the New York Monuments Commission for the Battlefields of Gettysburg and Chattanooga. Albany, NY: J.B. Lyon Company, p934. View largest available size.
- The inscription on the right side reads: “THE 137TH REGIMENT OF NEW YORK INFANTRY HELD THIS POSITION JULY 2, 1863, AND UNTIL THE RETREAT OF THE REBEL ARMY”.
- The inscription on the left side reads: “FOR ITS SERVICES IN THIS AND MANY OTHER GREAT BATTLES OF THE WAR IT HOLDS A PROUD POSITION IN THE HISTORY OF “GREAT REBELLION”.
According to David Ireland’s Wikipedia entry, the 137th “played a key defensive role on Culp’s Hill in the Battle of Gettysburg.”
This regiment won special honor at Gettysburg, then in Greene's Brigade, which held Culp's Hill during a critical period of that battle against desperate attacks of a vastly superior force. The gallant defence of Culp's Hill by Greene's Brigade, and the terrible execution inflicted by its musketry on the assaulting column of the enemy form one of the most noteworthy incidents of the war.
…The officers and men behaved admirably during the whole of the contest. Colonel Ireland was attacked on his flank and rear. He changed his position and maintained his ground with skill and gallantry, his regiment suffering very severely.
A native of Forfar, Scotland, born in 1832, David Ireland was with the 79th Cameron Highlanders at the First Battle of Bull Run in July 1861, and that fall was captain in the 15th U.S. Regulars. In the summer of 1862, he was named colonel of the new 137th New York Infantry, which saw its first combat at Chancellorsville in May 1863.
Two months later, on July 2, the 137th—part of Brig. Gen. George S. Greene’s 3rd Brigade, 12th Corps—found itself building entrenchments on Culp’s Hill on the Union right. As fighting raged on the left, it remained relatively quiet for Henry Slocum’s 12th Corps until about 6 p.m., when he was ordered to lend assistance to the threatened Union positions in the Peach Orchard, Wheatfield, and on Little Round Top.
As the 12th Corps departed, Confederate Maj. Gen. Edward Johnson’s Division in Lt. Gen. Richard Ewell’s Corps advanced on the vacated Union trenches. Only Greene’s all-New York brigade had been allowed to remain—1,424 men aligned from the summit of Culp’s Hill to Rock Creek. Johnson had 4,678 men, more than enough, and as the Rebels swarmed in, Greene attempted to occupy those trenches, too.
To Greene’s fortune, his largest regiment—the 423-man 137th New York—was on his right. Ireland’s men managed to reach trenches previously occupied by Brig. Gen. Thomas Kane’s 2nd Brigade just as the Confederates struck. Leading the attack on Greene’s right was Brig. Gen. George H. Steuart’s 2,100-man brigade.
With three Virginia regiments, the 1st Maryland Battalion, and elements of the 1st North Carolina Infantry on hand, Steuart soon learned that Greene’s right was unsupported. The 137th checked Steuart’s advance for a time, but when a Union regiment coming to Ireland’s assistance was driven off the field, the 137th was on its own. “At this time we were fired on heavily from three sides…,” Ireland recalled. “Here we lost severely in killed and wounded.”
Though virtually surrounded, Ireland was able to fall back to a traverse line that had been constructed earlier in the day, but he and his men quickly faced a renewed assault—the fighting at close quarters and desperate. Captain Joseph Gregg, Company I, was mortally wounded as his unit contested a threat with fixed bayonets. Again, the 137th somehow kept the Confederates at bay until help arrived. Its ability not to break against such unrelenting pressure, in fact, is one of Gettysburg’s unsung stories. Had the Federals on Culp’s Hill succumbed, the loss of this critical sector undoubtedly would have altered the battle’s outcome. (The 137th New York ironically suffered 137 casualties. It is interesting to note that the more famous bookend regiment, the 20th Maine on Little Round Top, endured the same percentage of loss—32.4 percent.)
The importance of the 137th Regiment’s defense of Culp’s Hill is echoed elsewhere.
There has been an impression somewhat prevalent that Culp's Hill was a mere outpost, of little consequence in the battle of Gettysburg. In reality it was one of the most important points in the Union lines. As anyone can see, had Johnson succeeded in establishing his strong division along this ridge, almost directly in rear of Cemetery Hill, supported as he was by the other divisions of Ewell's Corps, comprising at least one-third of the entire Confederate army, Meade would have been forced to retreat; he would have been flanked from his position without the firing of a shot, and the road to Baltimore and Washington left open to the invader. Retreat at that time meant nothing less than rout, disaster and ruin to the Union army.
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137th REGIMENT RE-UNIGN.
A preliminary meeting of the resident members of the 137th Regiment Veteran Volunteer Association was held on Saturday evening at the Armory, to make arrangements for the 2d Re-union which is to be held here Sept. 25th. It was decided to hold a public dinner, and a camp fire in the evening. A second meeting will be held on Monday evening, Sept. 3d, at the Armory, when the plans will be matured.
— 27 Aug 1877, Ithaca Daily Journal, Ithaca NY, p4, nyshistoricnewspapers.org. View largest available size.
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BROOKTON.
Memorial Day was observed in Brookton as never before. Early in the morning wagon loads of people could be seen on their way to the village to unite with the members of the Ireland Post in the observance of the day. At the appointed hour forty or more veterans of the war formed in line and followed by a throng of citizens under command of the commander of the Post proceeded to the cemeteries where the graves of their deceased comrades were decorated in accordance with the beautiful and impressive ritual of the G.A.R., which was well rendered by the respective officers of the Post. The long column them marched to the Congregational church where they broke ranks and partook of their dinner. A magnificent table, groaning with the good things which the ladies of Brookton know well how to prepare, was found waiting for the musicians and the invited guests. At one o’clock the Congregational church was crowded from front to rear, seats having to be placed in the aisles to accommodate the throng that gathered to hear the oration of the Hon. Walter G. Smith, whose effort was a masterly one and thoroughly pleasing to all. The music of the Brookton brass band was rendered in a very excellent manner. The veteran fifer, Moses Roe, with his drum corps and the identical file that made the music for the 137th Regiment on their “march to sea,” were there and made the welkin ring. A recitation by Ara Gass (a little miss of 7 years) entitled “Crown our Heroes,” took the house by storm. The male quartette rendered several appropriate selections with much credit to themselves. In all respects the observance of the day was complete.
— 01 Jun 1887, Ithaca Daily Journal, Ithaca NY, p3, nyshistoricnewspapers.org. View largest available size.
- According to Merriam-Webster Dictionary “welkin” is defined thusly: “This heavenly word has been used in English to refer to the vault of the sky for centuries, and it derives from an Old English word meaning “cloud.” In current English, welkin is still flying high, and it is often teamed with the verb ring to suggest a loud noise or an exuberant expression of emotion, as in “the welkin rang with the sound of the orchestra” or “her hearty laugh made the welkin ring.” These contemporary phrases echo an older use—the original words of a carol that once began “Hark, how all the welkin ring,” which we now know as “Hark! The herald angels sing.””
- The 137th was William Benton Wolcott’s Regiment.
- Ara Lucy (Gass) Walsh Holland was the daughter of Judge John W. Gass (1843 to 19 Jan 1900) and Rebecca (Richardson) Gass. Judge Gass was a Civil War veteran in the Thirteenth Illnois Calvary, and he was a member of the David Ireland Post of the Brookton G.A.R. As the result of a spinal wound received in the War, he was confined to a wheelchair for the rest of his life. He was an attorney, a former Justice of the Peace, and Loans Commissioner. The family moved to California by the early 1890’s, and Ara continued to sing for church and community organizations into adulthood.
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WAS WAR VETERAN
Ithaca, March 1.—William Wolcott, of Caroline, died Saturday, aged about 75 years. He was a Grand Army man and a prominent and highly respected citizen. He was a brother of Mrs. Martin Besemer, of this city.
He is survived by a widow: one sister and one brother, George Wolcott of this city. The funeral was held Tuesday afternoon from the late residence, the Rev. R .T. Jones officiating. Interment was in the Quick Cemetery.
— 01 Mar 1911, Star Gazette, Elmira NY, p5, newspapers.com. View largest available size.
William Wolcott’s grave , at the tree line to the rear of the large Lounsbery/Peck section in Brookton Cemetery. As I write this, his stone is badly faded.
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WILLIAM B. WOLCOTT
Co. K.
137 Regt. N.Y. Vol.
DIED
Feb. 25, 1911
— 11 Jun 2023, Adam Smith. View largest available size.
- William Benton Wolcott (06 Oct 1832 to 25 Feb 1911)
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WILLIAM B. WOLCOTT
Co. K.
137 Regt. N.Y. Vol.
DIED
Feb. 25, 1911
— 11 Jun 2023, Adam Smith. View largest available size.
- William Benton Wolcott (06 Oct 1832 to 25 Feb 1911)
In Caroline, Apr 1861, George Wolcott, William Wolcott’s brother, enlisted in Company G of the 32nd New York Volunteer Infantry Regiment and mustered in 31 May 1861 with the rank of Sergeant under Colonel Roderick Matheson, Lieutenant Colonel Francis E. Pinto and Major George F. Lemon. The 32nd regiment was in reserve at the First Battle of Bull Run (a battle in which David Ireland fought in Sherman’s Third Brigade, prior to his taking command of the 137th infantry), covering the retreat of the army, 21 July 1861 in what was the first major battle of the Civil War. George was eventually promoted to First Lieutenant, and his records note that he “was in seven days battles before Richmond”. (Town Clerks’ Registers of Men Who Served in the Civil War, ca 1865–1867. Microfilm publication, 37 rolls. New York State Archives. Albany, New York, ancestry.com.)
The Seven Days Battles were a series of seven battles over seven days from June 25 to July 1, 1862, near Richmond, Virginia, during the American Civil War. Confederate General Robert E. Lee drove the invading Union Army of the Potomac, commanded by Maj. Gen. George B. McClellan, away from Richmond and into a retreat down the Virginia Peninsula. …The Seven Days ended with McClellan's army in relative safety next to the James River, having suffered almost 16,000 casualties during the retreat.
According to Civil War in the East, Charles Personius’ regiment, the 50th Engineers, were also engaged in “Seven days before Richmond” 25 Jun to 01 Jul, 1862.
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— “Richmond, after the evacuation”, Mathew Brady Photographs of Civil War-Era Personalities and Scenes, 1921 - 1940, National Archives Identifier 524449, Local Identifier 111-B-31, Brady National Photographic Art Gallery (Washington, D.C.), archives.gov. View largest available size.
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Rev. Clarence R. Wolcott of Newark Valley is here, caring for his father, George Wolcott, who is critically ill at his home, 115 College avenue.
— 17 Jan 1916, The Ithaca Journal, Ithaca NY, p3, newspapers.com. View largest available size.
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DEATHS AND FUNERALS
George Wolcott.
The funeral of the late George Wolcott was held Tuesday from the family residence, 115 College avenue. Mr. Wolcott, who was 80 years old, was born in Motts Corners and came to Ithaca fifteen years ago. He held several offices in the town of Caroline and was first lieutenant in Company G, 32d New York Regiment in the Civil War and earned the sobriquet of “Colonel” through his work on the departmental staff. Interment was at Brookton Cemetery.
— 22 Jan 1916, The Ithaca Journal, Ithaca NY, p7, newspapers.com. View largest available size.
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Rev. Wolcott Dies at 86
Corning—The Rev. Clarence Reed Wolcott, 86, father of Misses Mildred L. and Margaret Wolcott, members of the Corning Free Academy faculty, died at Corning Hospital at 11 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 5, 1950, following a short illness.
The well-known Ithaca Baptist clergyman had resided with his daughters in South Corning the past few years. He was a retired Baptist minister, having served his last charge about 10 years ago in Westtield, N. Y. He was a member of the Ithaca First Baptist Church and at the time of his death was a deacon of that church.
He was born in Brooktondale. N. Y., Oct. 9, 1864. His wife, the former May E. Bull, died in Ithaca two years ago, and at the time of her death they had been married 52 years.
The body has been removed from Phillips Funeral home in Corning to the Wagner Funeral Home in Ithaca.
— 06 Nov 1950, Elmira Advertiser, Elmira NY, p3, newspapers.com. View largest available size.
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Rev. Clarence Reed Wolcott
The Rev. Clarence Reed Wolcott, 86, of South Corning, died unexpectedly Sunday, Nov. 5, 1950, in the Corning Hospital.
A Baptist minister, with his last parish in Westfield, he had retired about 10 years ago and made his home in Ithaca, where he was a member and deacon of the First Baptist Church. About 1 1/2 years ago he moved to South Corning to make his home.
He is survived by two daughters, Miss Mildred L. Wolcott and Miss Margaret C. Wolcott, both of Corning.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday in the Wagner Funeral Home, 421 N. Aurora St., with the Rev. J. D. W. Fetter officiating.
Interment will be in Quick Cemetery, Brooktondale.
Friends may call at the funeral home Tuesday evening.
— 06 Nov 1950, The Ithaca Journal, Ithaca NY, p9, newspapers.com. View largest available size.
Willis Wolcott’s wife Allela (Roe) Wolcott (1868 to 25 Apr 1897) predeceased him, and after Willis drowned while working as a commercial fisherman at Redondo Beach California, Ellen raised her three young grandsons. One of those grandsons, Earl A. Wolcott (Jan 1891 to 12 May 1918) died in combat in World War One, the “first Tompkins County boy to give his life in actual fighting against the Germans”, dying in a French hospital on 13 May 1917 after being “seriously burned by a gas shell”.
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EARL WOLCOTT SENDS GREETINGS FROM FRANCE
The Journal has received the following card:
‘On active service with the American Experitionary Force.
“December 9, 1917.
“Co. K, 18th Inf., Somewhere In France.
“A Merry Xmas and Happy New Year to you all, that is our condition over here, merry and happy. Slip us a Journal now and then, will ye?
“Yours,
“EARL A. WOLCOTT, Co. K, 18th Inf., France.
— 03 Jan 1918, The Ithaca Journal, Ithaca NY, p5, newspapers.com. View largest available size.
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HAS TAKEN PART IN THREE “KAISER KANNING PARTIES”
Private Earl Wolcott Under Fire On Several Occasions and is Looking For More — Eight Months in France With 18th Infantry.
The Journal has received an interesting letter from Private Earl A. Wolcott of this city, who is serving at the front with Company K of the 18th U. S. Infantry. Private Wolcott has been in the-trenches in the American sector three times, occasions which he styles as “Kaiser Kanning Parties.” His letter follows:
“Co. K, 18th Infantry, Regulars,
“February 18, 1918.
“At a dilapidated little town somewhere in France.
“The Ithaca Journal:
“I have intended for some time past to drop you a few lines and tell you all that I am allowed by the ever vigilant censor. When I say a dilapidated town, I refer to one that is practically shot to pieces, and in danger of more to follow. While standing a few minutes this morning gazing upon what was once a beautiful little park (resembling Dewitt Park in the ‘biggest little city’) it dawned upon me that not a sign of a cat, dog or hen was in evidence. I immediately came to the conclusion that gas masks were not issued to that sort of creature. These French people are wonderful in their fine artistic ways, their patience, their bravery and after three years of terrible warfare one finds their gallant poilus with an ever ready smile. The soldiers are not alone in this gallantry, for the women of France are equally energetic in their endeavor to win the war. I have seen them work in fields, factories, and on trains. Everything is humming along in this country at a good speed, thereby proving their efficiency. The weather here is cool but not enough to cause suffering. We are well fed, well clothed, content and happy. I am sorry to hear of such reports, as have been circulated tn the States, in regard to the Y. M. C. A., the Red Cross and other fine organizations. It is false as far as we are concerned over here, for they sure are a comfort to us and a wonderful accommodation. Have had three ‘Kaiser Kanning’ trips so far and am ready for more, (resting at present). I would like to step over to the States for a few days. Just to see the progress that you people are making in the war. I suppose everybody and everything is active. Have been over here for eight months now, but all the French language I know is ‘Wee, wee,’ meaning ‘Yes, yes.’ Somehow it does not appeal to me strong moiselles (guess that’s spelled right) enough to acquire it. The mademoiselles (guess that’s is spelled right) are very, very scarce, but one is able to get lots of old men and women to chum with him. Well, give my regards to all the boys. I would answer all their letters, but of late my time has been fully occupied. Goodbye for this time, and a happy thought I’ll send soaring to the ‘biggest little city,” and the sweetest spot on earth.
“Yours, “EARL A. WOLCOTT,
“Co. K, 19th Infantry,
“Annex Forces, France.
“I’m watching and waiting for the boys at Spartanburg.”
— 13 Mar 1918, The Ithaca Journal, Ithaca NY, p6, newspapers.com. View largest available size.
- This letter from Private Earl Wolcott was published exactly three months before he died.
- “Poilu (/ˈpwɑːluː/; French: [pwaly]) is an informal term for a late 18th century–early 20th century French infantryman, meaning, literally, hairy one. It is still widely used as a term of endearment for the French infantry of World War I. The word carries the sense of the infantryman’s typically rustic, agricultural background. Bushy moustaches were often worn. The poilu was particularly known for his love of pinard, his ration of cheap wine.” (Poilu, Wikipedia.org.)
- In this context, “moiselles” may be a reference to wine from the Moselle valley.
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Dies In France From Gas Burns
Private Earl Wolcott, Tompkins boy who was mortally hurt in France on May 3 and died May 13.
— 25 Jun 1918, The Ithaca Journal, Ithaca NY, p5, newspapers.com. View largest available size.
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Private Earl Wolcott Dies From Gas Wound
First Tompkins County Boy to Give His Life in Actual Fighting Against Germans Succumbs in Hospital May 13 — Went Over in First Division With General Pershing
The first Tompkins County man to give his life for his country on the field of battle was Earl A. Wolcott who died in a hospital behind the lines on May, 13 last from injuries received from a German gas shell on May 3. The tidings came in a letter from a comrade who finding among Private Wolcott’s effects the address of a girl friend now living in Groton, sent her the news of Private Wolcott’s death. Private Wolcott who was 26 years of age and whose only near kinfolks live in Brookton, went to France last May with General Pershing in the First Regular Division.
It was not the first time that he had served his country in the military service. Before joining the army in 1915 he had a record of four years’ service in the navy.
While he was in the navy Private Wolcott went around the world with the fleet sent on a world cruise by President Roosevelt. When he returned here he told many interesting tales of his experiences and the time spent in China and Japan.
Private Wolcott was a bookbinder and was employed by J. Will Tree for several years, until war was declared against Germany, when he enlisted, choosing the infantry instead of the navy. One of the last statements he made before he left Ithaca was to the effect that if he didn’t get the Kaiser, he would die trying.
It is surmised that Private Wolcott received the mortal injury which ended his life—he was seriously burned by a gas shell—at Cantigny, the village which the First Division wrested from the Germans several weeks ago.
A week ago when news came that Private Charles E. Dempsey of Trumansburg was wounded on June 7 on the Marne it was thought that he was the first Tompkins County boy to be named by the casualty lists as wounded in France. And so he was, but only because Private Wolcott’s name was somehow omitted. It now develops that he sustained his mortal wound a full month earlier.
The letter from Private Wolcott’s comrade announcing his death follows:
“Base Hospital, May 18, 1918. “Miss Theo Stevens—
“As a personal friend of Mr. Earl A. Wolcott I feel it my duty to inform you of his death, which came the 13th of this month. His death is a great shock to me and many other of his company. I have soldiered with him since December, 1915, on the Mexican border and here in France and found him to be true to his word, upright and manly in every respect. His death was caused by gas. Will you please inform his grandmother—Mrs. Aldrich, I believe, is her name.
“With all respect to you and Earl’s friends,
“I am,
“A FRIEND.”
The name of this “friend,” as appeared from the envelope was Private W. E. Wyatt, and it was doubtless he who furnished the address to a Red Cross nurse, whose touching account of Private Wolcott’s last hours was received a day or two later. It follows:
Nurse’s Letter
“Somewhere in France, 1918.”
“My dear Miss Stevens—
“One of the men in Mr. Wolcott’s regiment knew he has been writing you since he has been in France, and, as we cannot find his grandmother’s address, I am writing to tell you of his death and to ask you to write her if possible.
“He was seriously burned by a gas shell May 3, and was in a field hospital until Friday, May 11, when he was brought here. He developed pneumonia and died Sunday evening about 7 o’clock. He was pretty delirious most of the time he was here, but had moments of being rational. I was with him almost up to the last moment of this life and he told me he would give anything if he could go home. He said that several times, so I expect he died thinking of you people at home he cared about.
“This is a French hospital, but there are three of us American Red Cross nurses to take care of the American boys. It is awfully hard to see them suffer, but it’s great to be able to help them even a little. We had a military funeral for Mr. Wolcott and our boys marched to the grave. It was very impressive. The service was read in English by an A. R. C. (American Red Cross) chaplain, and meant much to all of us.
“I don’t know what he was to you, but he was a good friend anyhow, I am sure, and you will know without my telling you that he was brave and patient up to the very last, and the men in his regiment felt terrible to have him go. He seems to have had many friends among them. If you know his grandmother’s address and will write her this, we would appreciate it very much.
“With warmest sympathy to her and to you, believe me,
“Very sincerely yours,
“MARY P. M’CANDLISH.”
The grandmother whose address was thus sought in vain, but to whom the sad news was promptly forwarded by the recipient of these letters is his father’s mother, Mrs. George Aldrich, of Brookton, formerly Mrs. Wolcott, who brought Earl up from babyhood.
Born in California, he was orphaned by the death of his mother, and soon his father also was drowned off the California coast. A brother, George Fred Wolcott, and a grandfather; John Roe, both of Brookton, are his only other near kin in this country.
His grandfather Wolcott was a veteran of the Civil War, and the boy’s enthusiasms were always for soldiering. At 16 he enlisted in the navy and served till he was 20. Then for four years he settled down at Ithaca as a bookbinder in the employ of J. Will Tree, long making his home with the family of Elmer E. Stevens, whose daughter is the correspondent named above.
But the impulse to adventure was too strong in him, and after a summer in boat service on the Great Lakes he in October of 1915 enlisted in the regular army and spent the next two years on the Mexican border, till in May of 1917, with General Pershing he sailed for France. Readers of The Journal will not have forgotten the cheery Christmas greeting from him which was published in the issue of January 3d, or the gay letter of mid-February printed on March 13, in which he told of his experiences in the trenches. Already before the fatal injury he had twice been wounded in the shoulder, and twice disabled by gas.
And now at 27, he is gone. “True to his word,” “upright and manly,” “brave and patient to the last.” What soldier could ask better epitaph? “No bigger-hearted boy," says Mr. Tree, his old employer, “ever lived on earth.”
— 24 Jun 1918, The Ithaca Journal, Ithaca NY, p3, newspapers.com. View largest available size.
- Earl A. Wolcott (Jan 1891 to 12 May 1918).
- Ellen A. (Shurter) Wolcott Aldrich (07 Sep 1843 to 21 Apr 1928), Earl Wolcott’s grandmother, who raised him.
- George A. Aldrich, Ellen’s second husband after the death of William Benton Wolcott.
- William Benton Wolcott (06 Oct 1832 to 25 Feb 1911), Earl’s grandfather.
- Theo L. (Stevens) Knettles Howard (25 Feb 1895 to Jun 1979), referred to in the article as “Miss Theo Stevens”.
- Elmer E. Stevens (Sep 1872 to 01 Sep 1964) Theo Stevens’ father.
- Charles E. Dempsey (1896 to 10 Jul 1971).
- George Fred Wolcott (21 Jun 1892 to 09 Jul 1968), Earl’s brother.
- John Roe (28 May 1843 to 1925), Earl’s grandfather.
- Mary Putnam (McCandlish) Archer (20 Sep 1888 to 16 Apr 1982), The Red Cross nurse who cared for Earl Wolcott in his final days. 26 Oct 1917, she reported to Paris and was assigned initially to the Children’s Bureau. She was released from service 25 Nov 1918 due to ill health and returned to the United States 16 Dec 1918 (U.S., American Red Cross Nurse Files, 1916-1959, ancestry.com).
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— 25 Sep 1917, from passport application for Mary P. McCandlish, ancestry.com. View largest available size.
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[parial transcription]
Age: 29 years
Stature: 5 feet 3 inches
Hair: Dark brown
Eyes: Brown
— 25 Sep 1917, from passport application for Mary P. McCandlish, ancestry.com. View largest available size.
We do not always have records on individual nurses but Mary Putnam McClandish has an historical file.
She received American Red Cross Badge and Enrollment Number 13379.Born September 20, 1888 in Marietta, Georgia to mother, Mrs. E. P. McCandlish. (Eliza Lizzie Whipple Putnam) and father, Charles McCandlish.She graduated from St. Mary’s Free Hospital for Children, New York City, in May 1916. She worked at N.Y. Nursery and Children’s Hospital, Henry Street Settlement House, NYC, in District Nursing and Heard Ward at St. Mary’s Convalescent Hospital in Norwalk Connecticut before being assigned to the Children’s Bureau in France. She arrived in Paris October 26, 1917. In November, she and four other Red Cross nurses were sent to prepare Chateau des Halles to care for children.May 11, 1918 -Mary was sent to to A.R. C. Hospital No. 104, Beauvais, L’Ecole Professionelle. Forty Children’s Bureau nurses were needed to care for our wounded.She became quite ill in late November 1918 and was released to return to the U.S. in December 1918. January 1, 1919 marked the end of her service.She married Henry D. Archer. (Charles Henry Dabney Archer) May 22, 1920. She died in April 1982 in Thibodaux, LaFouche, Louisiana.
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EARL WOLCOTT HELD SERGEANT’S COMMISSION
Friends of the late Earl Wolcott, the first Tompkins County man to die in France from wounds, have informed The Journal that at the time of his death Mr. Wolcott was a sergeant, not a private as first reported. The Journal’s informant who supplied the data with reference to Sergeant Wolcott’s death did not learn until recently that before leaving America for France last fall Wolcott had been promoted to a corporal and that he became sergeant while on his way overseas.
Sergeant Wolcott, who was serving in an infantry regiment, was severely burned by gas May 3 and died in a base hospital May 13. Before enlisting in the army, over two years ago he had served four years in the navy having gone around the world with the fleet in 1905.
— 05 Jul 1918, The Ithaca Journal, Ithaca NY, p5, newspapers.com. View largest available size.
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SERGT. WOLCOTT’S NAME ON CASUALTY LIST
Over three months after news of the death of Sergeant Earl Wolcott of Brookton, first Tompkins County man to die in France of wounds received in action reached Ithaca, official notice of the death is made by the government.
Yesterday’s casualty notice list contained the name of Sergeant Wolcott. His death was recorded in The Journal on June 24 last.
— 07 Oct 1918, The Ithaca Journal, Ithaca NY, p1, newspapers.com. View largest available size.
Sergeant Earl Wolcott of Brooktondale NY is buried in Somme American Cemetery and Memorial in Bony, Departement de l’Aisne, Picardie, France.
Reverend Horace N. Humiston Sr.
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— 23 Oct 1883, William B. Wolcott to Horace N. Humiston senior, Caroline Deeds Book 5, p70, Tompkins County Clerk, Ithaca NY. View largest available size.
Reverend Horace N. Humiston Sr. (08 Jun 1806 to 26 Feb 1888) married Eunice H. Humiston (18 Sep 1804 to 11 Aug 1889). Reverend Humiston is described in census records as “minister” in 1870, “Preacher M. E.” in 1875, and “preacher” in 1880, all years in Candor. There are newspaper accounts indicating they lived in Caroline and Brookton specifically, although you will notice that both of the following items were printed after the Humistons sold the home to Esther Vorhis on 01 Apr 1885.
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—Rev. H. N. Humiston and wife, of Brookton, are visiting their son, Mr. H. N. Humiston, of Linn street.
— 19 Sep 1885, Ithaca Daily Journal, Ithaca NY, p3, nyshistoricnewspapers.org. View largest available size.
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–Rev. and Mrs. H. N. Humiston, of Caroline, are visiting relatives in town for a few days.
— 07 Oct 1886, Ithaca Daily Journal, Ithaca NY, p3, nyshistoricnewspapers.org. View largest available size.
I believe there is compelling evidence to cast doubt on the Humiston’s living in Mills’ Home while they briefly owned it. Consider the 1880 census for Caroline, the same year the Humistons are recorded in Candor:
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— 18 Jun 1880, United States Federal Census, Caroline NY, p21, ancestry.com. View largest available size.
Comparing this to the 1866 Stone & Stewart map, we can see that on 18 Jun 1880, a Friday, the census “enumerator”, in this case, William Wolcott’s brother John Wolcott (1830 to 1897), was walking from west to east along the southern side of Creek Road before switching to the northern side of the road and continuing eastward. I am still researching property deeds to get more context for where the Wolcott’s were at that time, but if we assume the Mills are already living in Mills’ Home, then, the names that follow make sense: A. C. Vorhis had purchased the grist mill in 1877; Lewis Gale, who continued his father’s “tin shop”, starting in 1873, was after that; then the Vandemark woolen mill was after that. (Read more about the Gale family in the section on the stone foundation.)
I am continuing to research the property deeds along Brooktondale Road to try to verify where exactly the Wolcott’s were living at that time, but this strongly suggests to me that the Mills moved into their ultimate home very soon after moving to Mott’s Corners.
Reverend Humiston’s son Horace N. Humiston Jr. (11 Aug 1826 to 29 Jun 1889) was a high profile lawyer in Ithaca by the late 1800’s, and in the census data, he is described as “carpenter” in 1860 and 1865 in Danby, “lawyer” in 1875, and “detective” in 1880. At the Annual Session of the Board of Supervisors of Tompkins County in 1885, Horace Humiston is listed as “detective service for coroner” (14 Dec 1885, Ithaca Daily Journal, Ithaca NY, p1, nyshistoricnewspapers.org). Many stories were reported on Horace Jr. in the Ithaca papers, particularly around his court cases, and the Ithaca City Directory in 1883 shows the breadth of his professional activities.
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[Partial transcription.]
HUMISTON HORACE N., lawyer and detective agency, 29 E State, h 41 Linn (See adv)
Humiston Jasper W., Slater, h 136 N Aurora
Humiston William H., blacksmith, h 62 Farm
— 1883, 1883-1884 Williams’ Ithaca Directory, p24, ancestry.com. View largest available size.
- Horace N. Humiston Jr. (11 Aug 1826 to 29 Jun 1889), the son of Reverend Horace N. Humiston Sr. (08 Jun 1806 to 26 Feb 1888), previous owner of 475 Brooktondale Road.
- Jasper W. Humiston (02 Dec 1855 to 19 Nov 1915), son of Horace Humiston Jr., and “for many years a slate and tile roofer” (20 Nov 1915, Ithaca Daily News, Ithaca NY, p5).
- William H. Humiston (19 Sep 1850 to 21 Mar 1925), son of Horace Humiston Jr., listed here as a blacksmith, he was also a slater like Jasper.
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—Detective Humiston is making the halls of Van Ettenvilie justice echo with his persuasive eloquence to-day.
— 14 Oct 1885, Ithaca Daily Journal, Ithaca NY, p3, nyshistoricnewspapers.org. View largest available size.
- This was the same day that the New York State Death Index indicates that Jonas Mills died in Brookton. The Ithaca Daily Journal indicates that Jonas died the previous day. (15 Oct 1885, Ithaca Daily Journal, Ithaca NY, p3.)
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—A lively scrimmage occurred at the Inlet yesterday between several Hungarians, and considerable gore would have been spilled had it not been for the timely arrival of Detective Humiston, who, with a single glance from his eagle eye, dispersed the riotors.
— 26 Dec 1885, Ithaca Daily Journal, Ithaca NY, p3, nyshistoricnewspapers.org. View largest available size.
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SLATERS TAKE A TUMBLE
Two Sustain Painful Injuries.
Jeff. Humiston, John Blackman and Ed Porter were at work slating the roof of the Inlet mission chapel this morning, when their scaffold gave way. Humiston and Blackman fell to the ground–a distance of eighteen or twenty feet, each sustaining severe injuries, Humiston’s jaw being fractured, his shoulder and side sorely bruised and one hand disabled, while Blackman had one arm broken at the wrist and the other contused at the wrist and broken at the elbow. Porter was fortunate enough to drive his pointed hammer into the roof when he felt the scaffold slip and in this manner saved himself from his companion’s fate. The injured men were taken to the office of Drs. White & Kirkendall, where their wounds were dressed by Drs. Kirkendall and Barney.
Blackman is very badly injured and may be disabled for life, but it is hoped that he will come out all right. He is a powerfully built man with splendid muscular development.
— 29 Jan 1883, Ithaca Daily Journal, Ithaca NY, p3, nyshistoricnewspapers.org. View largest available size.
- As later reporting corroborates, “Jeff. Humiston” is Jasper Humiston.
- “A slater, or slate mason, is a tradesperson who covers buildings with slate.” (Slater, Wikipedia.org.)
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DANGEROUS WORK.
William Humiston to-day concluded the venturesome task of removing the scaffolding and finishing the slating of the towers of the High School building. There were many spectators present to witness the dangerous work in which the man was engaged at a height of a hundred feet, suspended in the air by a rope and without “visible means of support.” The compensation–twenty-five dollars–was certainly none too great considering the danger attendant upon the undertaking
— 27 Jun 1885, Ithaca Daily Journal, Ithaca NY, p3. View largest available size.
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FOOT CRUSHED.
Jasper Humiston, youngest son of H. N. Humiston, met with a serious and painful accident at about 4 P. M. yesterday which may result in the loss of his right foot. He had been engaged in loading a flat car with lumber at the G., I. & S. car shops at the Inlet, and was in the act of climbing on the rear end of a box car to which the loaded car was being coupled. Before the unfortunate young man could get out of reach of the loaded car, it was backed against the one he was climbing on, his right foot was caught between the “bumpers” and terribly crushed.
He was taken at once to his home and a physician summoned. Every effort will be made to avoid amputation of the injured member. It is believed that with good care and treatment the foot may be saved.
About two years ago Mr. Humiston, who is a slater by trade, fell from the roof of the Inlet mission house while engaged in slating, fracturing his jaw and otherwise severely injuring himself. As his capital is his daily wages and in view of the fact that he has a wife and three small children dependent upon him for support, his case is truly an unfortunate one and deserving of the sympathy of the community.
— 04 Dec 1885, Ithaca Daily Journal, Ithaca NY, p3, nyshistoricnewspapers.org. View largest available size.
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–Jasper M. Humiston who had his foot badly crushed between the cars at the Inlet some twelve weeks ago, has suffered a relapse brought on by over exertion in walking to the registry board last Tuesday. The injured foot is badly swollen and extremely painful, and there are strong indications that erysipelas has set in.
— 19 Feb 1886, Ithaca Daily Journal, Ithaca NY, p3, nyshistoricnewspapers.org. View largest available size.
- “Erysipelas (/ˌɛrəˈsɪpələs/) is a relatively common bacterial infection of the superficial layer of the skin (upper dermis), extending to the superficial lymphatic vessels within the skin, characterized by a raised, well-defined, tender, bright red rash, typically on the face or legs, but which can occur anywhere on the skin. It is a form of cellulitis and is potentially serious. Erysipelas is usually caused by the bacteria Streptococcus pyogenes, also known as group A β-hemolytic streptococci, which enters the body through a break in the skin, such as a scratch or an insect bite. It is more superficial than cellulitis, and is typically more raised and demarcated. The term comes from the Greek ἐρυσίπελας (erysípelas), meaning "red skin".” (Erysipelas, Wikipedia.org.)
Horace Jr.’s daughter was also a Slater: Cora J. (Humiston) Slater (1865 to 1934) who married Charles A. Slater (1867 to 1918).
Horace Jr. was portrayed in the Ithaca Daily Journal as a local celebrity, a man familiar with the darker elements of Ithaca society, and a man with many enemies, so there was great interest when he was tried and convicted in “The Humiston Case” of “Keeping a Disorderly House”.
A place where individuals reside or which they frequent for purposes that pose a threat to public health, morals, convenience, or safety, and that may create a public nuisance. A disorderly house is an all-inclusive term that may be used to describe such places as a house of prostitution, an illegal gambling casino, or a site where drugs are constantly bought and sold. It is any place where unlawful practices are habitually carried on by the public.
— Disorderly House, TheFreeDictionary.com.
Based on the reporting of that “young boys are very properly kept from the court house during the testimony” further described as “prurient”, one can surmise this was a brothel. The more recent origins of the Humiston Case may be found roughly a year earlier, in Apr 1885, The People vs. John Lusk, who was also accused of keeping a disorderly house. The recorded testimony still on file at the Tompkins County clerk makes it clear that Lusk ran a brothel, and Horace Humiston testified in the case. Under oath, he states that he has practiced law “for the past 30 years”, which is difficult to reconcile with what little I know of his earlier life. Humiston worked on behalf of an organization called “The Society for the Prevention of Crime”.
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THE HUMISTON CASE
District Attorney Smith said this morning that the Humiston case was not tried at the last term of court for the following reasons:
The complianant in the case was the Society for the Prevention of Crime. It had retained at a large cost from it own treasury ex-Judge Gabriel L. Smith of Elmira to assist the district attorney in the trial. When ex-Judge A. P. Smith of Cortland moved that the case go over the term ex-Judge Smith of Elmira arose in open court and consented because his engagements were such that if the trial extended into the following week he could not be present. As this was upon Friday and the case would undoubtedly require three or four days it was conceded that it must overlap the week then current. The two material witnesses for the people the sheriff had been unable to secure; and the unanimously expressed wish of Prof. Jones, Messrs. Nourse, March, Gee and the entire executive committee of the society was that the case be not then and there tried.
The district attorney says that he could despite these circumstances have insisted upon trial, but had a conviction failed he would have subjected himself to just censure for obstinacy and the rejection of counsel.
— 11 Jun 1886, Ithaca Daily Journal, Ithaca NY, p2, nyshistoricnewspapers.org. View largest available size.
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–The jury in the Humiston case was impaneled this morning at the county court, after which the court took a recess until to-morrow.
— 25 May 1887, Ithaca Daily Journal, Ithaca NY, p3, nyshistoricnewspapers.org. View largest available size.
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—Hon. Jerry McGuire registers at the Ithaca Hotel, Judge Smith at the Clinton House.
— 26 May 1887, Ithaca Daily Journal, Ithaca NY, p3, nyshistoricnewspapers.org. View largest available size.
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COUNTY COURT
Interest in the Humiston Case.
There has been an unusual absence of familiar faces on street corners to-day owing to the opening of the Humiston case in which considerable interest centers. Many of the shops about town have been short of help as the hands were determined to take this occasion for a holiday that they might listen to the testimony in this case. District Attorney Clarence L. Smith is assisted in the prosecution by Judge G. L. Smith of Elmira, and Hon. Jerry McGuire appears for the defendant. The session this forenoon was a lively one the counsel on each side were exceedingly witty and sharp in their examination of witnesses and the crowd at the court room was simply immense.
The witnesses sworn this morning were James H. Tichenor, Hudson J. Wilson, Mary Dibble, Henry Shaw, Clarissa Robinson and Carrie Reed. Mary Dibble was twice on the witness stand.
The following is the list of jurors in this case: Thomas M. Redding, Henry C. Sutliff, Theodore Sweazy, George Leonard, Gilbert S. Higgins, Colon J. Kirby, W. H. Canfield, Miles Metzgar, George Carman, Chas. H. Palmer, Hiram J. Sellen, Enos D. Wheeler.
— 26 May 1887, Ithaca Daily Journal, Ithaca NY, p3, nyshistoricnewspapers.org. View largest available size.
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—The dark side of life is very vividly pictured at the court house this week.
— 27 May 1887, Ithaca Daily Journal, Ithaca NY, p3, nyshistoricnewspapers.org. View largest available size.
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—Young boys are very properly kept from the court house during the testimony given in the Humiston trial. But one lad who was anxious to hear the prurient testimony stole into the court room yesterday during the noon recess, and stowing himself under a bench in the gallery he lay there and listened to the trial for four hours, when having heard enough he sneaked out of the building.
— 27 May 1887, Ithaca Daily Journal, Ithaca NY, p3, nyshistoricnewspapers.org. View largest available size.
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COUNTY COURT NOTES.
The evidence was continued in the Humiston case this morning, and the prosecution rested at eleven o’clock, when Mr. McGuire opened the case for the defense, and witnesses are being sworn this afternoon, with a good prospect that the evidence will be all in to-day.
— 27 May 1887, Ithaca Daily Journal, Ithaca NY, p3, nyshistoricnewspapers.org. View largest available size.
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—At the county court this morning the Humiston case was continued, and at noon the court adjourned until Tuesday at 10 o’clock.
— 28 May 1887, Ithaca Daily Journal, Ithaca NY, p3, nyshistoricnewspapers.org. View largest available size.
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COUNTY COURT
Court came together at ten o’clock this morning according to adjournment. The testimony of Judge A. P. Smith was taken in the Humiston case, he being the only witness called. Mr. McGuire made a motion that further proceedings be suspended owing to the non-jurisdiction of the court, as it was a case that properly should come before the recorder. After a brief discussion on the subject the court took a recess until two o’clock this afternoon.
Contrary to the expectation of many, the judge did not render a decision this afternoon in regard to Mr. McGuire’s motion made this morning. Several witnesses were called, among them Mrs. Humiston, wife of the defendant; also his son. Various other witnesses were called to prove and disprove the reliability of witnesses. The case is still in progress as we go to press.
— 31 May 1887, Ithaca Daily Journal, Ithaca NY, p3, nyshistoricnewspapers.org. View largest available size.
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COUNTY COURT
A very large attendance at the county court this morning indicated the great interest centering in the closing scenes of the famous Humiston case. Bets on the result have been freely made during the trial and the betting fraternity were well represented this morning, anxious to get pointers as soon as possible as to the probable result. The forenoon was occupied in summing up the case, and the judge closed his charge to the jury at 11:15. Another half hour was occupied by the defendant’s counsel making requests for charges on additional points. At sixteen minutes to twelve the jury in charge of an officer retired to consider the evidence.
Court was called this afternoon at two o’clock but it was not until three that the prisoners were brought in. Robt. Downey, James Grace, Arthur P. Saunders and Isaac Shirley made statements either personally or through counsel regarding their violation of the liquor laws, and John D. Cook, a barber, charged with appropriating funds from the Knights of Labor, was recommended to mercy by the district attorney in behalf of every witness save one who had testified against him in the case. At 3:30 the court retired to consult concerning sentences of the above. At this time the jury in the Humiston case had not reported.
SENTENCES IMPOSED.
The persons named above convicted of violating the excise law were fined $40 each, except Grace, who was convicted on two indictments and fined $80, and Shirley who had been before the court several times before was fined $125. John. D. Cook, convicted of larceny in second degree, was sentenced to the state reformatory at Elmira.
HUMISTON FOUND GUILTY
At 3:45 the jury in the Humiston case came in and reported a verdict of guilty, after which the jury was discharged. The defendant asked that the usual two days be allowed before his sentence. The district attorney demanded that the prisoners be kept in custody of the sheriff until the court should convene on Friday. As we go to press the subject of the reliability of Mr. Humiston’s bondsmen was under discussion.
— 01 Jun 1887, Ithaca Daily Journal, Ithaca NY, p3, nyshistoricnewspapers.org. View largest available size.
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—One of the jurymen on the Humiston case says, that there were no one of their number who had ever met or were acquainted with each other before they met as jurors in the case. It is seldom that a jury meet under similar circumstances.
— 03 Jun 1887, Ithaca Daily Journal, Ithaca NY, p3, nyshistoricnewspapers.org. View largest available size.
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COUNTY COURT.
HUMISTON MAKES AN EARNEST PLEA ON HIS OWN BEHALF
Sentenced to Rochester for One Year
This morning at least a half hour before court was called, a large number of people could be seen wending their way to the court house. Long before the opening all those faces that had become so familiar by constant attendance at the Humiston trial occupied the spectators’ seats. Fifteen minutes before the opening, Humiston came in, proving that his recent visit to Elmira was not a trip to Canada, has many were trying to make out yesterday. Humiston had lost much of the bravado in manner for which he was noted. He walked into the ante room, hung up his hat, and with a much less confident manner than usual walked within the enclosure where he had been a conspicuous figure for four days, but now for the purpose of receiving sentence. Before court opened a letter was placed in Humiston’s hand. His hand that was never known to tremble in court before shook visibly while he perused the letter. The court was called to order and Judge Lyon asked Humiston if he had anything to say why sentence should not be imposed upon him. Humiston arose and emphatically “yes.” The judge gave him
PERMISSION TO SPEAK.
Humiston, who looked as if at least five years had been added to this live since he was pronounced guilty on Wednesday, then addressed the court. He stated in the first place, that the charge against him was such, that he who had so often stood there should be the last one to be proved guilty of it. The jury had decided against him, yet few persons and God actually knew whether he was guilty or not. The decision had been made. He had no blame for the jury, had no hard feelings toward the court, nor for the district attorney. They had doubtless done what they thought right, and if it were not for courts, no rights could be respected. In this case the court had aimed to defend the right, but a chain of circumstances had brought him here. He stood not there as a criminal. From the time he came to Ithaca he had been no violator of law, he was not a gambler, a thief, or a violator of law; but in all his labors he had designed to preserve the law, and help out the ends of justice, and when he though of his labors for Ithaca in bringing criminals to justice ferreting out crime, this
CRUSHING BLOW
to him became doubly crushing. Could he have had his choice, he would have rather been tried for murder; that could have have brought greater disgrace to his family then did this charge which had been brought against him. The sources of evidence against him had only been from lewd women, and they were not permitted to give the names of those who might have been used as evidence on his behalf. He asked for mercy of the court in recognition of his services in the detective business, which he affirmed was really what brought him there to-day. Some of the evidence brought against him, he said was circumstantial due, to means he was obliged to take, in bringing to light deeds of crime, in his business as detective. He then called to mind his
LABORS FOR LAW AND ORDER
“Do you remember,” he said, my services when the burglars and incendiaries brought terror in Ithaca? Do you remember what I did as detective in the case of the barn burning of Col. Jos. Sprague, the barn of Warren King, the barn of Lafayette Treman, of Captain VanOrder, and Twist tavern barn. Remember Jesse Steven’s store, which was burglarized and the two dwellings and a store which were burned; the store at Fall Creek which was burglarized and set fire to; Edwards’ factory at Free Hollow, which was also burglarized. Then there was Northrup’s shop at Varna, burglarized, Thos. Howell’s store at Danby, which was robbed twice, and Nelson E. Lyon’s store at Ludlowville, burglarized. In all these cases I procured the criminals and their conviction, as well as those who robbed the Nook hot houses. In addition, remember how a member of the noted Loomis gang was brought to justice by me for stealing a span of horses. I as employed to do this work by the Horse Owners Society at Dryden. Then a span of horses which were stolen at Troy, Pa., belonging to Mr. Putnam I found, but not the thief. Remember how members of the Personius family at Caroline, and other persons I brought to justice, for burglary, robbing corn cribs, houses and granaries, and stealing from barns fowls, harnesses, milk pans, etc., also the detection of those who did the shearing of the horses of Henry Quick, see of those evil doers, I detected and convicted. My hard labors brought about those results where others had entirely failed and peace and order were brought about within our borders." Mr. Humiston went on to say that to detect those criminals he was obliged to come in contact with the worst element of society, and this would explain why from time to time he had been in their presence. The charge that we was
“ROUGH IN MANNER”
might be true. None could do the work he had been doing for justice, laboring as he did among the class where he found clues to lost property and often the property itself, without becoming rough in manner. Yet no one could say that he ever hung around any place for the purpose of immorality. He never hung around saloons at the late hour of the night, to drink or gamble, yet for the work he had done, he had made enemies among the vicious, and now as a result of his work for justice, he stood condemned. The stories that the witnesses had told about him were basely false. Humiston then appealed for mercy of the court, in pity for his family. He had a wife dependent on him for support, his aged father and mother were in his care, and his mother even now was on her death bed. He appealed for the mercy of the court, in the name of his children and grandchildren who would suffer disgrace by his imprisonment. At this point
HUMISTON BROKE DOWN
and dropping into his chair wept violently for some time. After a few moments the judged asked Humiston if he had anything more to say. He then continued, “I will simply say this: I charge no blame to anyone. This is one of the misfortunes which a conspiracy sometimes brings to a man. It is the result of a conspiracy grown out of malice. Even the evidence was contradictory and the verdict was a surprise to me as it was to many others. I came here in 1856 with my little family and they have grown up respectable. I may have been rough, but I have never been a stirrer up of strife, but rather a promoter of justice. My services were sought by the people. I labored for them; my labors were crowned with success, and no citizen or client can say that I was not faithful to the charges placed in my hand. In all my business transactions I have paid a hundred cents on the dollar.” With another appeal for mercy of the court, Humiston took his seat. After about ten minutes’ deliberation, the judge returning to the court room, after an impressive address to the prisoner, sentenced him to one year’s imprisonment in Monroe County Penitentiary. A letter was then read from Mr. McGuire, who was absent in New York, asking for a stay in proceedings. The judge stated that he saw no reason at that time for granting such stay of proceedings and the court adjourned until 4 o’clock this afternoon, when the judge promised that he would give his decision. The prisoner was then placed in the hands of the sheriff.
— 03 Jun 1887, Ithaca Daily Journal, Ithaca NY, p3, nyshistoricnewspapers.org. View largest available size.
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HUMISTON IN JAIL.
A busy Saturday and Sunday.
He Left For Rochester This Morning.
When H. N. Humiston was placed in the hand of the sheriff by Judge Lyons last Friday noon, he trembled violently, and it was evident to all that he felt his position keenly. As he passed into the jail, he completely broke down, and showed the greatest agitation. He was first taken in the lower corridor in which were eighteen or twenty criminals of all grades. Humiston looked over the motley crew, and shuddered as he those with whom he was expected to be
LOCKED UP.
“You can stay here until Monday,” said Sheriff Tibbetts to Humiston, or you can go into the upper corridor and be locked in the cell with Will Bingham, who was convicted for robbing Emmons, who was found dead in Eaton’s Ranch on State street." Humiston looked over the crowd again, and begged to be taken up stairs, where he was locked in the cell with Bingham. For a while he was completely prostrated. He had not been in the cell long before he called for the sheriff. He complained of the ventilation and said he could not possibly live where there was so little air. The sheriff explaiend to him that the ventilation was all right, and that there was no danger of his suffocating. He passed a sleepless night, but on Saturday he braced up and attended to arranging his business affairs. During Saturday and Sunday he wrote thirty or forty letters, which he gave to his friends to mail. Every possible moment he spent in writing and figuring up accounts. He also sent for a physician and attorney. It is said that the physician gave him an examination, and a certificate, the purport of which is not known. The sheriff informed our reported that from general appearances of documents made out, it was believed that
HUMISTON MADE HIS WILL
on Saturday; but one thing was sure, he was leaving no detail of business unfinished. On his business affairs he worked all of Saturday, and nearly all of Saturday night. Toward morning he took a brief sleep, but early Sunday morning commended his writing as before. His immediate friends were admitted to the jail, and with many of them he held confidential talks. During the whole day his wife and daughter were with him in the corridor, and both were much broken down and frequently gave way to grief. At only one time while he was in jail did he appear to forget the position in which he was placed, and that was when he grew hungry. At such time he gave his order for meals as if he were at a hotel or restaurant. At noon yesterday he summoned the turnkey and says, “Have sent to me at once
EGGS ON TOAST,
a large glass of milk, fried mush, and oat meal.” The good sheriff’s wife smiled as the order was given to her, as she could just as well as not, she filled the order, knowing that it would be a long while before he could successfully order such a dinner again. Just after dinner, Humiston sent for Sheriff Tibbetts. He fixed his eye on him anxiously and said “I suppose I go in the morning to Rochester, do I know?” “You will doubtless go,” replied Sheriff Tibbetts. “I wish you would not let anyone know when we leave, for a I don’t want to have a crowd there to see me off,” said Humiston. In a few moments he said, with trembling voice, “Shall you put handcuffs on me, to-morrow?” “No, I think not, Humiston,” said the sheriff. At this point Humiston burst into tears. This unexpected kindness on the part of the sheriff completely broke him down. Humiston had no reason to complain of the style of
HIS START FOR ROCHESTER.
This morning at the G. I. & S. depot as early as 5:15, there were people waiting to see him off. Some said they did not believe he would go; many said he would play sick this morning, and one said he though he would suicide rather than go to Rochester. One of two were willing to bet that Humiston would be back in a month, but there were no takers. For the last fifteen minutes before train time all eyes were turned toward the street, everyone anxious to see how Humiston looked. The train rolled into the depot and no Humiston appeared. “I told you so,” said one. “He has just played sick this morning.” “He will never go to Rochester,” said another. “He was down to the depot last week, and was joking about his prospect, and said when he went to Rochester we would know it. He had not idea of being convicted at that time, I know by the way he spoke.”
The engine now began to show signs of uneasiness, and the baggage was all out.
“There he comes,” “there is Humiston,” shouted voices in the crowd, as a fine covered buggy drawn by two handsome horses, driven by the turnkey turned the corner. Humiston sat on the right hand side of the carriage, Sheriff Tibbettts on the left, and the turnkey between. All got out. Humiston crossed over from the right to the left side of the carriage, getting out on the side farthest from the depot and the crowd. He looked at the assembly anxiously, to see who was there, and the looked after his baggage. He had in his left hand a large, oblong bundle done up in brown paper tied with a strong string. Sheriff Tibbetts took out a [unclear], which Humiston took in his other hand and then they started for the cars. “Where going, Hummy?” shouted one person in a sarcastic tone.
“I am going on a brief summer vacation,” said Humiston in reply.
“Good bye Hummy,” said a dozen or more voices in the crown, but with the exception of his first reply, he said nothing more. His face indicated no annoyance. He had perfect control of his features and with the exception of the weary expression on his countenance, there was nothing unusual in his appearance. He went into the forward car, ahead of the sheriff, took the rear seat in the right hand corner of the car, and there sat as the cars rolled out from the station. His back was turned the window, as if he dreaded to see the crown, or even to take a last look on the city which had for so many years been his home.
— 06 Jun 1887, Ithaca Daily Journal, Ithaca NY, p3, nyshistoricnewspapers.org. View largest available size.
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— Jun 1887, Monroe County Penitentiary, ancestry.com. View largest available size.
Horace Jr.’s health quickly declined as a result of this conviction.
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—H. N. Humiston is again critically ill For some weeks he has been improving and his family had begun to hope for a complete recovery. He is suffering from heart disease and dropsy.
— 21 Jun 1888, Ithaca Daily Journal, Ithaca NY, p3, nyshistoricnewspapers.org. View largest available size.
- “Edema, also spelled oedema, and also known as fluid retention, dropsy, hydropsy and swelling, is the build-up of fluid in the body’s tissue. Most commonly, the legs or arms are affected. Symptoms may include skin which feels tight, the area may feel heavy, and joint stiffness. Other symptoms depend on the underlying cause. Causes may include venous insufficiency, heart failure, kidney problems, low protein levels, liver problems, deep vein thrombosis, infections, angioedema, certain medications, and lymphedema.” (Edema, Wikipedia.org.)
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—Horace N. Humiston died at half past three o’clock Sunday afternoon of organic disease of the heart. The deceased was so well known throughout this county that any sketch of his career would be superfluous. Until his health failed about two years ago he was the personification of energy and aggressiveness, but disease very rapidly undermined his wonderful constitution and for months before his death he was extremely feeble.
— 01 Jul 1889, Ithaca Daily Journal, Ithaca NY, p3, nyshistoricnewspapers.org. View largest available size.
- Obituary for Horace N. Humiston Jr. (11 Aug 1826 to 29 Jun 1889), the son of Reverend Horace N. Humiston Sr. (08 Jun 1806 to 26 Feb 1888), previous owner of 475 Brooktondale Road.
Some events from the final years of the Humistons’ lives:
23 Oct 1883 | Wolcott’s sell Mills’ Home to Humistons. (Caroline Deeds 5, p70.) |
01 Apr 1885 | Humiston’s sell Mills’ Home to Esther C. Vorhis. (Caroline Deeds 5, p138.) |
01 Jun 1887 | Horace Humiston Jr. convicted, sentenced to one year imprisonment. |
26 Feb 1888 | Reverend Horace Humiston Sr. died. |
29 Jun 1889 | Horace N. Humiston Jr. died. |
11 Aug 1889 | Eunice J. Humiston died. |
I have not yet found obituaries for Reverend Horace or Eunice Humiston.
Esther Charlotte (Cary) and Frank Cameron Vorhis
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— 01 Apr 1885, Horace N. Humiston to Esther C. Vorhis, Caroline Deeds Book 5, p138, Tompkins County Clerk, Ithaca NY. View largest available size.
Esther Charlotte (Cary) Vorhis (1836 to 23 Jan 1917) is the second wife of Andrew Cameron Vorhis (1825 to 05 Aug 1889), who commonly went by Cameron, and the mother of Frank Cameron Vorhis (1861 to 1919). Cameron Vorhis purchased the grist mill from Charles Personius, and Cameron’s sons eventually took it over from him when Cameron retired, a few years prior to when the mill is said to have burned.
Note that the Vorhis family did not purchase the The Upper Grist Mill until 14 Apr 1903, so references to The Vorhis Milling Co. in the 1890’s is referring to the lower mill.
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DEATH OF CAMERON VORHIS.
Mr. A. C. Vorhis, formerly a well known resident of Spencer, died at his home in Brookton Monday evening of a complication of diseases from which he had been suffering for nearly two years. Mr. Vorhis was born on the old Vorhis homestead at North Spencer about sixty-four years ago, and resided there the greater portion of his life, being engaged in dairying and farming, and for about four years he was engaged in the grain and produce business in this place. Some ten years ago, having purchased the Personius Flouring Mills at Brookton, he sold his North Spencer farm and removed to Brookton, where he has since resided, and where he built up a large business, from which business, however, he was compelled to retire a year or two ago on account of ill health, he being then succeeded by his two younger sons under the firm name of F. C. & E. F. Vorhis Ha died possessed of considerable property, including a half interest in a large grain farm in North Dakota. A widow and seven children survive him.
Mr. V. was a man of strict integrity, enjoying the confidence and respect of all his business associates and a wide circle of friends. The remains were brought to North Spencer yesterday for interment at the old family burial place, and the funeral services were held at the North Spencer church at 12 o’clock, Rev. A. B. Woodworth, of Brookton, officiating, assisted by Rev. A. Livermore of this place. —Spencer Needle.
— 09 Aug 1889, Ithaca Daily Journal, Ithaca NY, p3, nyshistoricnewspapers.org. View largest available size.
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BROOKTON.
Miss Flora Norwood spent several days recently with her brother Henry.
Mrs. Clara Tobey and two children were guests of Mrs. Ellen Lounsberry over Sunday.
Bennie Losey, of Groton, spent Sunday with his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin Losey.
A company playing “Uncle Tom’s Cabin” is billed for this place Thursday evening of this week.
Mrs. Carrie Seaman, of Philadelphia, is visiting friends here. She is accompanied by her brother, Ellis Bates.
The Ladies’ Society of the Congregational church have succeeded in raising the amount necessary to cancel the debt and repair the church.
Ernest Reed, who has the typhoid fever, has been removed to the house of Leroy Gleason. He is being eared for by the comrades of David Ireland Post G. A. R.
Mrs. Helen Thomas and Miss Knettles, of Lansing, were guests of Mrs. R. L. Denman Tuesday. They climbed Bald Hill while here and viewed the country from that elevated standpoint.
Cameron Vorhis died at his home here Monday night, aged about 65 years. Mr. Vorhis bas been a resident of Brookton for several years and was highly respected by all. He was buried at Spencer Wednesday.
— 09 Aug 1889, Ithaca Daily Journal, Ithaca NY, p3, nyshistoricnewspapers.org. View largest available size.
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— 08 Sep 2022, photograph taken at Caroline History Room, Slaterville Springs NY. View largest available size.
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…Dr. E. F. Vorhis, the well known veterinary surgeon, is moving to Ithaca, where he will practice his profession, at the same time looking after his interests in the Vorhis Milling company at Brookton.
— 15 Dec 1896, Ithaca Daily News, Ithaca NY, fultonhistory.com. View largest available size.
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—The Vorhis Milling Co. will open business in the new Osborne Block, East State street on Monday.
— 26 Dec 1896, Ithaca Daily News, Ithaca NY, fultonhistory.com. View largest available size.
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America’s Greatest Flour
Made by the largest and best equipped single mill in the world.
DAILY CAPACITY 8000 BBLS
Ask For
DULUTH IMPHARIAL.
It makes twenty loaves of bread more to the barrel than any other flour.
The Vorhis Milling Co.,
ITHACA, N. Y.
Sole Agents for Duluth Imperial Flour and Feeds for Tioga, Tompkins, Cayuga and Cortland Counties.
Car lots Mill prices.
— 27 Mar 1897, Ithaca Daily News, Ithaca NY, fultonhistory.com. View largest available size.
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— 08 Sep 2022, photograph taken at Caroline History Room, Slaterville Springs NY. View largest available size.
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— 08 Sep 2022, photograph taken at Caroline History Room, Slaterville Springs NY. View largest available size.
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— 08 Sep 2022, photograph taken at Caroline History Room, Slaterville Springs NY. View largest available size.
From Molly Adams in The Towns of Tompkins County, p56: “The present store [known as Brookton’s Market in 2022], on the site of a plastermill, seems to have started about 1890, under Frank Vorhis.” According to the Brookton’s Market 2011 Calendar, Frank owned the general store at that location until its sale to the Mulks brothers in 1902, when it became known as Frank F. Mulks.
Frank Vorhis is the father of Charlotte Esther (Vorhis) Pancoe (02 Aug 1893 to 19 May 1964) who was baptized with Emily and Jessie Brewer and is often referred to as “Miss Esther Vorhis” during that time.
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BROOKTON
Brookton, Jan. 20.—Services will be held in the Baptist Church Sunday morning and evening.
Regents examinations will be held in the Brookton school next week.
Edward Vorhis left for New York Thursday night. He sailed for Florida yesterday. He will stop at Jacksonville, Fla., for an indefinite time.
Mrs. Benoni Johnson tripped on a piece of carpet Friday morning and fell heavily to the floor cutting her head quite badly.
F. C. Vorhis was in Spencer Thursday visiting his mother, who is seriously ill.
Harold Quick began cutting ice Thursday on the Vorhis pond. The ice is nearly ten inches thick.
Miss Esther Vorhis of Taughannock visited at her home here Tuesday.
Miss Gladys Vandemark and Miss Clara Travis of Ithaca visited at F. C. Vorhis’ Tuesday afternoon.
— 20 Jan 1917, The Ithaca Journal, Ithaca NY, p7, newspapers.com. View largest available size.
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Mrs. Esther C. Vorhis
Mrs. Esther C, Vorhis, widow of the late Andrew C. Vorhis, formerly of Brookton, died at her home in Spencer Tuesday morning, January 23. The funeral will be held in Spencer Thursday afternoon at 1:30 o’clock.
— 24 Jan 1917, The Ithaca Journal, Ithaca NY, p3, newspapers.com. View largest available size.
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Mrs. Esther Vorhis Dies;
Venerable Spencer Woman
Spencer, Jan. 25.—Mrs. Esther Vorhis, aged 80 years, died at her home here Tuesday, She was the widow of Andrew Cameron Vorhis and lived many years in Brookton. She leaves three sons, Dr. E. F. Vorhis of Owego, F. C. Vorhis of Brookton and Charles Vorhis of Candor; also two daughters, Misses Grace and Lida Vorhis of Spencer.
— 25 Jan 1917, Star Gazette, Elmira NY, p7, newspapers.com. View largest available size.
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Frank Vorhis
Frank Vorhis, 58, died last night at his residence in Brookton. He leaves his wife, a daughter, Mrs. George Pancoe of Ithaca; three sons, Edward, Charles and Frank Vorhis of Brookton; two brothers, Charles Vorhis of Candor and Dr. E. S. Vophis of Owego; three sisters, Mrs. Mellissa Monroe and Miss Alida Vorhis of Spencer and Miss Grace Vorhis of Scranton, Pa. Mr. Vorhis had been in the milling business at Brookton for 32 years.
The funeral will be held at 3 o’clock Wednesday afternoon from the residence. Rev. Charles Bogardus will officiate. Friends are requested not to send flowers. Burial will be in Quick Cemetery.
— 19 May 1919, The Ithaca Journal, Ithaca NY, p7, newspapers.com. View largest available size.
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Mrs. Charlotte E. V. Pancoe
BROOKTONDALE — Mrs. Charlotte Esther Vorhis Pancoe, 70, of Brooktondale died in Tompkins County Hospital today, May 19, 1964. She was a member of Caroline Valley Federated Church, the Ladies Aid of that church and a former member of Brooktondale Home Bureau. She has been employed throughout the area as a practical nurse for many years.
She is survived by two sons, George W. of Brooktondale and Edward Gordon Pancoe of North Fenton; nine grandchildren; two brothers, Charles and Frank Vorhis of Brooktondale; several nieces and nephews.
Private funeral services will be held Thursday at Wagner Funeral Home. Erie J. Miller Jr. will officiate. Burial will be in Quick Cemetery.
There are no calling hours.
— 19 May 1964, The Ithaca Journal, Ithaca NY, p2, newspapers.com. View largest available size.
Cameron Vorhis’ other son, who for a time was business partner with his brother Frank in the grist mill, was Dr. Edward F. Vorhis Jr. (1865 to 09 Apr 1922), who eventually became a veterinarian in Owego.
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5 RESIDENTS OF OWEGD ARE DEAD
Grim Reaper Takes Heavy Toll in Tioga County Seat Over Week-end
Owego, April 10.—Dr. Edward F. Vorhis, a well-known veterinarian of this village, who until failing health assailed him, was one of the examiners of tuberculosis in cattle and an active business man during the 28 years of his residence here, died at his home, 109 Main street, early Sunday morning after an illness of several months. He was the son of Cameron and Esther (Maslin) Vorhis and was born in North Spencer, Sept. 24, 1865. Besides his wife he is survived by a brother, Charles S. Vorhis of Candor; two sisters, Misses Grace and Alida Vorhis of Spencer. The Rev. Arnold W. Bloomfield will officiate at the funeral to be held at the residence at 11 a. m. Tuesday. Burial will be in Ithaca. He was a member of Friendship Lodge 153, F. & A, M., Regal lodge 863, I. 0. O. F, and Ahwaga Council, 40, I. 0, R. M, The Masonic lodge will conduct the committal services at the house.
…
— 10 Apr 1922, Press And Sun Bulletin, Binghamton NY, p7, newspapers.com. View largest available size.
- Partial transcription.
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Dr. Edward F. Vorhis.
Dr. Edward F. Vorhis, 56, of Owego died at his home Sunday morning. The funeral will be held at the late residence at Owego tomorrow morning at 11 o’clock. The funeral party will reach Ithaca at 2 p..m. Interment will be in Lake View Cemetery in Ithaca.
Dr. Vorhis was born in North Spencer, removed to Brookton with his parents when a small boy and resided there until he went to the Ontario Veterinary College from which he was graduated about 28 years ago. After graduation he located in Owego and practiced his profession until compelled to retire on account of ill health.
He was a member of the Union Presbyterian Church of Owego and several fraternal organizations, including the Masons, Odd Fellows and Red Men. He was also a member of the New York State Veterinary Medical Society and of the Southern Tier Veterinary Medical Society.
He is survived by his widow, formerly Maud Milks; two sisters, Alida and Grace Vorhis of Spencer; a brother, Charles Vorhis of Candor, and several nieces and nephews.
— 10 Apr 1922, The Ithaca Journal, Ithaca NY, p5, newspapers.com. View largest available size.
Frank’s son, Edward C. Vorhis (05 Aug 1895 to 27 Jan 1960), was a World War One veteran.
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BROOKTON BOY ENJOYS HOLIDAY
Wagoner Edward C. Vorhis, Company H. 308th Ammunition Train son of Mr. and Mrs. F. C. Vorhis of Brookton, writes as follows to his parents:
Bagueves De Luchon, France, Feb. 21, 1919.
My dear Father, Mother and Family—
Received your letter of January 27 O. K. and was very glad to get it and glad to hear that you had received my letter of November 10. But of course Mrs. Phillips let you know that I was all right. I am spending a seven days’ furlough in this place. Arrived here last night. Three of us are in our room and all have separate beds (Le Palace Hotel), the best hotel in town, hot and cold running water and bath, and it equals in rank among the finest I have ever seen. My expenses are all paid so it certainly is worth while. The scenery is magnificent. The resort is surrounded by the mountains, which are covered with snow and one can go out to towns in the country and take in the most wonderful scenery in the world. They could have knocked me down with a feather when I came in the place, as I thought while I was in the army I would never get to enjoy anything like this. They gave each of us a ticket that entitled us to bathe at a hot mineral bathing house.
I have never received the Christmas box yet. Presume it was sidetracked somewhere. Quite a few of the boys never got theirs. I am glad to hear Father is improving and hope he continues to do so. Wish he was here to enjoy some of these hot mineral baths. This place is about seven miles from the Spanish border, so I think I will have Spain down in my list of countries before returning home. Will try and send all the folks cards from here. There is a large beautiful dining room in this hotel, where we get the best of food, and also served in the best of style. I am going up the mountain tomorrow on a cog railway just to take in a little more scenery. I got a letter from Russell the same day I got yours, and I guess he is well and enjoying himself. I will close for now, hoping this finds you all well and that I will be with you soon.
With love to all,
WAGONER EDWARD C. VORHIS
Co. H, 308th Ammunition Train
Am, Ex. Forces.
— 22 Mar 1919, The Ithaca Journal, Ithaca NY, p6, newspapers.com. View largest available size.
- This is one of a number of letters from deployed World War 1 soldiers that were published in the journal.
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BROOKTON
Brookton, May 10.—The annual school meeting was held in the schoolhouse Tuesday night. Officers elected as follows: Jay Van DeMark, trustee; William Jones, secretary; Mrs. Hattie Jansen, collector. Mrs. William Jones has been engaged to teach the big room for the coming year and a new teacher will take Mrs Arthur Mack’s place.
The Ladies’ Aid Society of the Congregational Church met at the home of the president, Mrs. D. F. McWhorter at 2:30 o’clock Wednesday afternoon. There were 23 women present. There will be no more meetings during May. Refreshments were served.
Mrs. Mary Knowles of Binghamton is visiting Mrs. Martha Longcoy.
Mrs. Hattie Jansen and Mrs. Charles Graves called on the Coddington road Thursday, in the interest of the Victory Loan.
The W. C. T. U. will meet at the home of Mrs. C. C. Stanley at 3 o’clock Wednesday afternoon, May 14.
Jerome Miller is visiting in Pulaski.
Woodley Lawrence has purchased a new motorcycle with side car.
At the session of the Congregational Sunday school at 12 o’clock Sunday noon, Mother’s Day will be observed. There is a special program and the mothers of the children who attend the Sunday school and all mothers will be welcome.
Edward Vorhis, a well known Brookton boy who has been in the service of his country for two years and has been overseas one year, has returned to his home here.
Services will be held in both churches at the usual time timorrow.
The Christian Endeavor will meet at 7:30 o’clock Sunday evening. The leader will be D. F. McWhorter. Topic, “The Lure of the World.”
Miss Elizabeth Richards has been engaged to teach the primary department of the Brookton school for the coming year.
Mrs. Arthur Mabee and her son Norman and Miss Marie Lynch were in Ithaca Friday.
Mrs. E. Brooks was in Ithaca Thursday.
— 10 May 1919, The Ithaca Journal, Ithaca NY, p9, newspapers.com. View largest available size.
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BROOKTON
Brookton, May 22.—The Y. P. B. met at the home of Bernice Stanley Saturday evening. In the absence of the president the vice president presided. Miss Clara English, corresponding secretary, read the duties of the superintendents of all departments and also acted as secretary. A program which had been prepared by the president was carried out and Edward Vorhis who has just returned from France gave a short talk.
Miss Esther Beard spent Sunday with her mother, Mrs. Bertha Beard.
Mr. and Mrs. Edgar Brooks spent the week end with Mr. and Mrs. H. Marion.
Mrs. Peck of Ithaca is spending some time at her summer home here.
Mr. and Mrs. Woodley J. Lawrence and their son Mason visited at Myron Westfall’s Sunday.
Mrs. C. R. Denman and her children visited here this week.
Mr. and Mrs. Earl Schutt spent Sunday in Cortland.
Mr. and Mrs. D. B. Bull spent Sunday in Ithaca.
Mr. and Mrs. Fred Mulks of Waverly, who have been visiting at Charles Mulks’, have returned to their home.
Fred Annis, jr., Valentine Van De Mark and Freida Annis were in Ithaca Monday.
Elmer Lockwood of Ithaca was home Sunday.
Mrs. A. Denman was in Ithaca over Sunday.
Charles Personius was in Ithaca Saturday.
The Ladies’ Aid Society which was to have met Wednesday afternoon at the home of Mrs. Harold Quick will be postponed until Thursday on account of the funeral of F. C. Vorhis.
Mr. and Mrs. Paul Rockwell left Tuesday morning on an extended western trip.
Mrs. D. F. McWhorter, who has been visiting in Rochester, has returned home.
Miss Elizabeth Richards and Eugene Phillips attended a graduation party in Ithaca Saturday evening.
Miss Freida Annis, William Mear, John Caveney and Miss Marie Lynch motored to Ithaca Saturday evening.
The W. C. T. U. met at the home of Mrs. C. C. Stanley Wednesday, May 14. A program was held on mothers.
— 22 May 1919, The Ithaca Journal, Ithaca NY, p9, newspapers.com. View largest available size.
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BROOKTON
Brookton, May 26.—D. S. Mason has a heifer cow three years old which has given 251 pounds of milk in seven days.
Dr. and Mrs. B. F. Lockwood were in Ithaca Thursday.
Mrs. Arthur Mabee called on Mrs. Capewell at Dana Jansen’s Thursday. Mrs. Capewell has been very ill, but is improving.
Thomas Nuttall attened the horseshoers’ convention in Ithaca last week.
Claude Royce and Miss Vera Boyce of Richford were married at the home of Elder Bogardus May 21.
About 20 relatives from Ithaca, Freeville, West Danby, Lansing, Scranton, Spencer and Owego attened the funeral of F. C. Vorhis.
Mrs. Horace Personius of Horseheads visited at Charles Personius’ last week.
Henry Allen of Ithaca visited Albert Landon Thursday.
George Richards was in Ithaca Thursday.
Mrs. Edgar Brooks visited her daughter, Mrs. Elmer German, Wednesday. Her grandson, Morse German, returning to spend the remainder of the week with her.
BROOKTON HEIGHTS
Brookton Heights, May 26.—Mrs. Laura Baker, chairman of the refugee garments would like all nightgowns finished and brought to her as soon as possible.
C. M. Mulks and Mrs. Hattie Jansen have received medals from the U. S. treasury in recognition of their work as chairmen during the five Liberay Loan campaigns.
Mrs. Mabel Van Demark of the Coddington Road spent Monday at Aaron Baker’s.
Miss Alida Vorhis, who was here during the illness and death of her brother, F. C. Vorhis, has returned to her home in Spencer.
Thomas Nuttall lost two head of cattle recently.
— 26 May 1919, The Ithaca Journal, Ithaca NY, p9, newspapers.com. View largest available size.
- A good example of “Brookton” and “Brookton Heights” featured together, both mentioning residents of Brooktondale, for example, both reference F. C. Vorhis and Thomas Nuttall. Dr. Lockwood (in the “Brookton” section) and C. M. Mulks (Charles M. Mulks in the “Brookton Heights” section) were next-door neighbors across the street from Mills’ home.
There are a number of newspaper reports over several months in the Fall of 1922, of Edward enduring a very serious illness and ultimately recovering.
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Deaths, Funerals
Edward C. Vorhis
Edward Charles Vorhis of Brooktondale died this morning, Jan. 27, 1960, at Tompkins County Hospital.
A life-long resident of Tompkins County, he was born in Brooktondale on Aug. 5, 1895, the son of the late Frank C. and Edna Van Demark Vorhis. He had been employed as a machinist at National Cash Register Co, for many years.
He was a former member of the Odd Fellows and the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
Survivors are his wife, Mrs. E. C. Vorhis; a son, Edward Taylor Vorhis; a sister, Mrs. Esther Vorhis Pancoe; two brothers, Charles C. Vorhis and Frank C. Vorhis, and three granddaughters. All are of Brooktondale.
Funeral arrangements will be announced by the Gilbert Memorial Home, 125 E. Buffalo St.
Died
Edward Charles Vorhis of Brooktondale died on Jan. 27, 1960. Funeral arrangements will be announced by the Gilbert Memorial Home, 125 E. Buffalo St.
The family requests the omission of flowers and those desiring may contribute to the Cancer Fund.
— 27 Jan 1960, The Ithaca Journal, Ithaca NY, p3, newspapers.com. View largest available size.
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Edward C. Vorhis
Edward Charles Vorhis of Brooktondale died Tuesday, Jan. 27, 1960 at Tompkins County. Hospital.
A life-long resident of Tompkins County, he was born in Brooktondale on Aug. 5, 1895, the son of the late Frank C. and Edna Van Demark Vorhis. He had been employed as a machinist at National Cash Register Co. for many years.
He was a former member of the Odd Fellows and the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
Survivors are his wife, Mrs. E. C. Vorhis; a son, Edward Taylor Vorhis of Newfield; a sister, Mrs. Esther Vorhis Pancoe of Brooktondale; two brothers, Charles V. Vorhis and Frank C. Vorhis of Brooktondale; and three granddaughters of Newfield.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday in the Gilbert Memorial Home, 125 E. Buffalo St. The Rev. Howard E. Quirk, pastor of the First Congregational Church, will officiate. Burial will be in the family plot at Quick Cemetery, Brooktondale.
Friends may call at the memorial home from 7:30 to 9 p.m. Friday.
— 28 Jan 1960, The Ithaca Journal, Ithaca NY, p3, newspapers.com. View largest available size.
Frank’s son Charles Vorhis (1913 to 1973) eventually bought the Mill’s store building and moved the post office to that location in 1961, according to Molly Adams’ “A Note on Emily Mills.” Charles also owned Dalebrook at one time.
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Postmaster, Retired, Dies
BROOKTONDALE — Charles C. Vorhis, 60, of 502 Valley Rd., retired postmaster of Brooktondale, died Thursday in Robert Packer Hospital, Sayre, Pa. He was postmaster for 26 years, retiring in 1970, and was a member of the Retired Postmasters’ Association.
Surviving are a brother, Frank C. Vorhis Jr., of Brooktondale, and nieces, and nephews.
Services will be held at 2 p.m. Monday in the Caroline Valley Federated Church, with Howard Caldvell officiating. Burial will be in Quick Cemetery, Brooktondale.
Friends may call from 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday at the Wagner Funeral Home, Ithaca.
— 12 Jul 1974, The Ithaca Journal, Ithaca NY, p4, newspapers.com. View largest available size.
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Died
Services for Charles C. Vohis, 60, of 502 Valley Rd., retired postmaster of Brooktondale, who died Thursday, July 11, 1974, were held Monday, July 15, 1974, in the Caroline Valley Federated Church. The Rev. Howard Caldwell officiated. Burial was in Quick Cemetery, Brooktondale, in the family plot.
Bearers were Cameron Vorhis, Douglas Vorhis, Philip Woodin, Russell Crum, William Murray, and Willis Wells.
— 23 Jul 1974, The Ithaca Journal, Ithaca NY, p4, newspapers.com. View largest available size.
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10 Card of Thanks
THE FAMILY of Charlies C. Vorhis wishes to thank friends, for their kindnesses and sympathy during his sickness and passing on.
— 06 Aug 1974, The Ithaca Journal, Ithaca NY, p27, newspapers.com. View largest available size.
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PRIVATE SALE
To settle the estate of Charles Vorhis, 502 Valley Road, Brooktondale, N.Y., Wed., Thurs., Fri., Sept. 18th, 19th, 20th, from 3 P.M. to 8 P.M.; Sofa and matching chair, lounge chair, wing chairs, desk, oak and maple chests, sectional bookcase.
ANTIQUES: Cherry chest, captains chair, set of six chairs, blanket chest, mirrors, lamps.
CHINA: Limoge, Copeland, Spode, Royal Copenhagen, hand-painted Green grape pattern glass, Poole clock, Lincoln engravings, exceptional collection of books. Over forty years “Antiques magazines, Paintings, prints. Dinette set, single bed, bedding, Royal typewriter, elec. adding machine, apt. size washer-dryer, small electric appliances, rugs. New items added each day.
NO CHILDREN.
Mary Van Allen Associates
MARY MINNIC[unclear] JUDY KELLY
— 17 Sep 1974, The Ithaca Journal, Ithaca NY, p30, newspapers.com. View largest available size.
Edward and Amanda Lounsbery
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— 01 Jun 1891, Esther C. Vorhis and Frank C. Vorhis to Edward Lounsbery, Deeds 138, p329, Instrument number BF169473-001, Tompkins County Clerk, Ithaca NY. View largest available size.
This deed contains the first mention of the Mills family, living in the home “as tenants” prior to owning it, at least by June 1891, and possibly earlier. Therefore, it seems logical to presume that Edward and Amanda never occupied the home themselves.
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. Both Edward and his wife Amanda (Sanders) Lounsbery (12 Oct 1842 to 13 Nov 1921) were founding members of the Congregational Church of Mott's Corners was well as founders and leaders of the Independent Order of Good Templars Lodges and the Sons of Temperance organizations in Mott’s Corners. Edward was also politically active in the Prohibition Party.
Edward entered the 179th New York Infantry Regiment, Company B as a private on 31 Aug 1864 and was promoted to First Lieutenant on 11 Dec 1864. Edward’s Company, “Co B was at surender [sic] of Lee”. Company B also included Fred Elmer Bates, Nelson J. Edwards, John James Roe, John Ault, and Dan C. Hanford, among others from Caroline. (All information from 1865, Complete Record, as Required by Chapter 690, of the Laws of 1865, Relating to Officers, Soldiers and Seamen, Composing the Quotas of the Troops Furnished to the United States, Town of Caroline, County of Tompkins, State of New York, Prepared By Charles L. Davis, ancestry.com.)
The following photographs appear to be taken at the same studio on the same day; when seated, Edward’s cap and right glove are removed and rest on his lap:
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— 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.
- Lieutenant Edward Lounsbery (11 Oct 1833 to 27 Nov 1904) married Amanda (Sanders) Lounsbery (17 Oct 1842 to 13 Nov 1921).
- Edward entered the 179th New York Infantry Regiment, Company B as a private on 31 Aug 1864 and was promoted to First Lieutenant on 11 Dec 1864.
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— From a family collection and posted to Ancestry.com by Debra Rogers, reproduced here with permission. View largest available size.
Records of what is known today as Caroline Valley Community Church show that Edward was one of the original organizers and members of the Church, present at the “informal meeting” on 05 Mar 1868 at the home of Walker V. Personius that resulted in the organization of the Congregational Church of Mott’s Corners on 12 Mar 1868, when Edward, along with his wife Amanda, are listed as charter members. It is noted in the Church’s meeting minutes that at the 05 Mar meeting “on motion of Edward Lounsbery Mr. William Personeus was chosen chairman and Walker V. Personius secretary.” Edward died within the Congregational Church while addressing the Christian Endeavor Society. For more context on the founding of the Congregational Church of Mott’s Corners, see this section.
As one of Edward’s obituary’s states, Edward’s tannery was known at one time as “Lounsbery & Peck”, the Peck presumably being his co-brother-in-law, George Riley Peck (14 May 1851 to 28 Nov 1916) who married Edward’s wife Amanda’s sister Elizabeth “Libbie” H. (Sanders) Peck (05 Nov 1857 to 04 Nov 1929) on 28 Feb 1877 in Brookton NY. And, when Franklin Cuthbert Cornell Sr. (28 Aug 1837 to 22 Jan 1908), the eldest son of Ezra Cornell (11 Jan 1807 to 09 Dec 1874), the founder of Cornell University, sold the upper grist mill property to George Campbell, Caroline Deeds book 3, page 550, 21 May 1881, a “piece of land” was reserved for Edward and his brother-in-law, George E. Sanders (16 Aug 1847 to 01 Nov 1889), which seems to corroborate a Carl English painting displayed in the Caroline History Room that refers to a tannery near the upper mill, although the deeds only refer to it as a “factory”. George E. Sanders is listed as “tanner” in the 1875 NY State Census after selling the building that housed his father’s general store to Edward Lounsbery the same year.
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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.
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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.
- John Ryan (Sep 1829, Ireland to 1909).
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— George R. Peck. 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.
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— Libbie Peck. 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.
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GEORGE R. PECK DIES OF HEART DISEASE
Former Caroline Supervisor and Well Known Democrat Succumbs At Brookton.
Former Supervisor George R. Peck, a prominent retired business man of Brookton, died unexpectedly of heart trouble at his home last night. Mr. Peck is well known in Ithaca and in Tompkins County where he has been prominent in public life [sic] He was a well-known members [sic] of the county Democratic organization.
Mr. Peck was a member of the board of supervisors representing the town of Caroline in 1908 and 1909 and held various town offices prior to that time.
He was a candidate for member of assembly, running against Fox Holden, in 1909.
He is survived by his widow; two daughters—Mrs. C. F. Denman and Mrs. Frances Tripp, both of Ithaca; one son, Ross S. Peck of New York City; a sister—Mrs. Harriet Saunders of Cortland; a brother—Chester Peck of Mechanicsville, Iowa.
The decedent was a member of the Caroline Masonic lodge, F. and A. M. and several other organizations.
The funeral will be held at 2:30 o’clock Friday afternoon at the Peck residence. Rev. S. A. Worden of 109 Cornell street, this city, will officiate. interment [sic] will be made in the family plot in the Quick Cemetery, Brookton.
BRADFORD SNYDER DIES IN ETNA, AGED 80
Bradford Snyder, a life-long resident of Etna, and well known throughout the county. died at his home Wed
— 29 Nov 1916, Ithaca Journal, Ithaca NY, p2, newspapers.com. View largest available size.
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Mrs. Libbie S. Peck
Mrs. Libbie S. Peck, widow of George R. Peck, died at 11 o’clock Monday morning, November 4, at her home in Brooktondale. Funeral services will be held at 2 o’clock Wednesday afternoon, November 6, at the home. Trevor Teele will officiate. Interment will be in Quick’s Cemetery in Brooktondale.
She is survived by two daughters, Mrs. C. F. Denman of this city, Mrs. Frances Morgan of Brooktondale; one son, Ross S. Peck of Philadelphia, Pa. and four granddaughters and three grandsons.
She was the oldest member of the Congregational Church in Brooktondale, and a member of a very prominent family.
— 05 Nov 1929, Ithaca Journal, Ithaca NY, p5, newspapers.com. View largest available size.
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.
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— 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.
- Amanda (Sanders) Lounsbery (17 Oct 1842 to 13 Nov 1921) married Edward Lounsbery (11 Oct 1833 to 27 Nov 1904).
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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.
- Amanda (Sanders) Lounsbery (12 Oct 1842 to 13 Nov 1921) married Edward Lounsbery (11 Oct 1833 to 27 Nov 1904).
- Elizabeth “Libbie” H. (Sanders) Peck (05 Nov 1857 to 04 Nov 1929) married George Riley Peck (14 May 1851 to 28 Nov 1916).
Edward H. Mills
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— 05 Jan 1903, Edward Lounsbery and Amanda S. Lounsbery to Edward H. Mills, Deeds 157, p593, Instrument number BF163267-001, Tompkins County Clerk, Ithaca NY. View largest available size.
DeWitt F. Roe (04 Apr 1853 to 08 Mar 1918) is the notary.
In 1903 Charlie Jones set up the Caroline Farmers Telephone Company in Slaterville. From the beginning there were not enough telephones to satisfy demand. As late as 1925, clusters of homes north of Caroline, east of Slaterville Springs, and south of Brookton had almost no service. After an outbreak of typhoid fever in Ithaca in 1903, the Board of Health investigated properties along Six Mile Creek in Brookton and Slaterville and reported on the number of manure piles, tanning vats, hoghouses, and privies that polluted the waters flowing to Ithaca.
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BROOKTON.
Miss Any Munson is visiting friends in Rochester.
Born, July 22, to Mr. and Mrs. Hiram McAvoy, a son.
Mrs. Samuel Woodhull has been in Trumansburg for some time past visiting her daughter.
Mr. and Mrs. Leroy Trapp, of McLean, were recent guests of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. George R. Peck.
Robert M. Abbott has returned to his home in Binghamton, after spending a week here with his cousin, Mrs. R. L. Denman.
Philip Kisor is entertaining his niece, Mrs. Flora Johnson, nee Auchmoody, and his sister, Mrs. Butler, both of Minnesota.
Mr. and Mrs, Lee Brown, formerly of Ithaca, are now residents of this place. Mr. B. is in the employ of Edward Lounsbery, and occupies one of his houses. He was atone time president of the George Junior Republic.
A number of Brookton residents are seriously inconvenienced by the alleged clearing up of the Six Mile Creek watershed by the Ithaca Board of Health. We doubt if the law will uphold that department in their arbitrary demands.
The Caroline Telephone Company has its line in operation, and several of the farmers in this vicinity have phones in their residences. With the rural free delivery, telephone, and traveling grocers, farmers have little or no occasion to leave home except for recreation.
— 04 Aug 1903, Ithaca Daily Journal, Ithaca NY, p7, nyshistoricnewspapers.org. View largest available size.
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[Partial transcription.]
HEALTH BOARD AGAIN IN SESSION TO INQUIRE INTO CREEK WATERSHED
Witnesses Tell of Conditions Along the Stream Which are Very Dangerous to Welfare of City—Filth Contamination Flowing Water–The Investigation To Be Continued.
Adjourned meeting of the Board of Health of the City of Ithaca, held at the Council Chamber, April 19, 1904, at 7:30 o’clock p. m.
…The next place visited was in Brookton, Dr. Reed’s. Large manure pile was 27 feet from bank of the creek and the barn was 30 feet from creek. The privy was 134 feet from Six Mile creek, not water tight receptacle.
Willis Shurter’s was the next place visited. He keeps partly public house for travelers. Privy was 16 feet from Six Mile creek on a sloping bank and was not a tight receptacle. Next place visited was the Vorhis Milling Co., and was what we would call in Brookton, the lower mill. A hog yard was on the bank of the race, yard coming close to the edge of the race. Another from the raceway and a stream from a spring runs though this hog yard towards the race. The condition of these yards and pens was bad.
Q. —There were hogs in the yard and pen?
A. —Yes, quite a number.
Next place visited was Frank Mulks’ store. Privy was 23 feet from the pond of water. A small stream partially artificially covered runs within ten feet from same privy.
Next place visited was woolen mills. Its privy is 15 feet from pond in bad condition and without a water tight receptacle. …
…The next place visited was George Richardson’s store. The privy of this store was without any vault open on the surface of the ground. Large pile of human excrement lying on the surface of the ground. Ten feet from this was a tile drain not cemented running directly into Six Mile creek.
The next place visited was an old tannery. In this tannery was a large pile of green hides occupying a place of about 10x14 feet square and a pile of hides 4 feet high. These were green hides lying there. Then there was a pile of waste from this tannery, this comes from the vats from all appearances. This pile of waste lay on the edge of a sluice or swampy place and water running from it drained into a tributary of Six Mile creek. …
— 31 May 1904, Ithaca Daily News, Ithaca NY, fultonhistory.com. View largest available size.
- Dr. DeForest A. Reid was a homeopathic physician who lived in the old Lockwood home at present day 480 Brooktondale Road. His name is sometimes spelled as “Reed” as seen, for example, in his obituary published 07 Jan 1908 in the Ithaca Journal directly above the obituary of Edward H. Mills. Both men’s deaths are also documented in the journals of George Jansen. Dr. Reid’s home was sold to Dr. Lockwood in October 1908. (Deeds Book 164, p494, Tompkins County Clerk, Ithaca NY.)
- Willis Shurter’s “partly public house” is the Shurter House, “the three-story house in which Mrs. [Jessie] Brewer was born … and in which she has always lived”. (18 Mar 1966, The Ithaca Journal, Ithaca NY, p11.) When Brooktondale Road was updated in 1966, the Shurter House was moved to present day 449 Brooktondale Road.
- The exclusion of Mills’ store in the report suggests it did not have its own privy associated with the property.
- The “old tannery” of course, is Edward Lounsbery’s shop. This article was written in the final months of Edward’s life.
- The article is also written in the year prior to George Richardson’s move to Ithaca.
- Note that the Vorhis grist mill raceway is mentioned, its tail running through the Mills’ home property before crossing the road on its return to Six Mile Creek.
Edward H. Mills died without a will on 01 Jan 1908, and it would take some time for Hannah and Emily to fully establish ownership of the home.
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DeWitt F. Rowe.
DeWitt F. Rowe of Brookton died this morning at 9:30 o’clock, 63 years of age. He is survived by his widow; one daughter—Margaret E.; one son—Louis B., both of Brookton; four sisters—Mrs. Charles Green of Long Beach, Cal., Mrs. Elizabeth Eastman of Newark Valley, Mrs. Addie Van Dusen of Brookton and Mrs. DeWitt Van Dusen of Coddington road; three brothers—W. S. Rowe of Candor, W. D. Rowe of Blackman Hill, George Rowe of Fair View, Okla.
The funeral will be held Monday morning at 11 o’clock, Rev. Mr. Youmans of Slaterville Springs officiating. Interment will be in the Quick Cemetery of Slaterville Springs.
— 08 Mar 1918, The Ithaca Journal, Ithaca NY, p3, newspapers.com. View largest available size.
- DeWitt F. Roe (04 Apr 1853 to 08 Mar 1918)
Hannah and Emily Mills
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— 21 Jul 1909, Hannah Hills and M. Emily Mills to Fordyce A. Cobb, Deeds 172, p306, Tompkins County Clerk, Ithaca NY. View largest available size.
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— 21 Jul 1909, Hannah Mills and M. Emily Mills to Fordyce A. Cobb, Deeds 172, p306, Tompkins County Clerk, Ithaca NY. Scanned from owner’s original copy. View largest available size.
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— 21 Jul 1909, Fordyce A. Cobb to Hannah Mills and M. Emily Mills, Deeds Book 171, p44, Tompkins County Clerk, Ithaca NY. View largest available size.
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— 21 Jul 1909, Fordyce A. Cobb to Hannah Mills and M. Emily Mills, Deeds 171, p44, Tompkins County Clerk, Ithaca NY. Scanned from owner’s original copy. View largest available size.
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— 21 Jul 1909, Fordyce A. Cobb to Hannah Mills and M. Emily Mills, Deeds 171, p44 (continued), Tompkins County Clerk, Ithaca NY. Scanned from owner’s original copy. View largest available size.
Emily Mills died 03 Nov 1937, like her father, without a will.
Fred D. Gilbert (24 Apr 1873 to 14 Nov 1941) was a prominent Ithaca businessman, and was Emily’s undertaker. His obituary states that he spent his boyhood in Brookton because his father, Rev. Herbert B. Gilbert, was pastor of the Congregational Church in 1872-1873. (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.) Fred took a lifelong interest in his boyhood home, as evidenced for example, by his contribution to the Lockwood Memorial described elsewhere in this material. Fred was also known as an owner of light harness horses and as an organizer of the Tompkins County Fair.
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F. D. Gilbert, Funeral Director, Dies
Funeral services for Fred D. Gilbert, 68, a funeral director for 32 years, will be held at 2:30 p. m. Monday in the First Presbyterian Church.
Mr. Gilbert died at his home, 125 E. Buffalo St., Friday, Nov. 14, 1941, after an illness of about a month. The Rev. Walter A. Dodds, pastor of the First Presbyterian Church, and the Rey. A. H. Boutwell, pastor of the First Baptist Church, will officiate.
Mr. Gilbert was also known as an owner of light-harness horses. He was born at Pottersville, Pa., the son of Rev. Herbert B. Gilbert and Catherine E. Deesz. When he was six weeks old his parents moved to Brooktondale where his father served as pastor of the Congregational Church. He spent his early boyhood at Brooktondale, then moved to Cayuga Lake Park.
Managed Waterloo Firm
Before his marriage to Anna D. Yost of Fayette Township, Seneca County, in 1900, Mr. Gilbert was associated with Dr. J. W. Day, a specialist, in Waterloo. In 1900 he became associated with C. A. Genung in the S. J. Genung & Son funeral home at Waterloo. He served as manager of that firm from 1903 until 1909.
During his association with Mr. Genung, Mr. Gilbert assisted the latter in the compilation of the first textbook on embalming, in the invention of instruments, and the founding of the first school of embalming. The methods they devised at the time still are the basis for many modern embalming practices.
Came to Ithaca in 1909
Mr. Gilbert began his funeral business in Ithaca in 1909 at 122 W. Seneca St. In 1924 he purchased the E. C. Stewart property at 125 E. Buffalo St., the present location of the Gilbert Memorial Chapel.
Though active in civic life, Mr. Gilbert had no political aspirations. At one time he was approached as a possible mayoral candidate but he declined the nomination.
He was a member of the Masons, IOOF, Eagles, Elks, Moose, Knights of Pythias, Veteran Volunteer Firemen’s Association, Chamber of Commerce, Rose Hill Grange of Seneca County, Tompkins County Farm Bureau, Tompkins County Fish and Game Club, Finger Lakes District of the New York Embalmers Association, and the state and national associations of funeral directors.
Was Active in Fair
He was a director of East Lawn Cemetery and was president and director of the Tompkins County Fair from 1922 through 1929. He was the first president of the old Tompkins County Funeral Directors Association, now known as the Finger Lakes Association.
He served on the state board of embalming examiners.
Mr. Gilbert did much toward the improvement of the Fairgrounds track at Trumansburg where he maintained a string of harness horses.
Surviving are his widow, Anna D. Gilbert; one son, Carl F. Gilbert, who has been actively associated with the business for 25 years and who will carry in on, and one sister, Mrs. Catherine H. Brooks, also of Ithaca.
Friends and fraternity affiliates may call at the home from 4 to 10 p.m. Sunday. The body will lay in state at the First Presbyterian Church from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Monday.
Members of Ithaca Lodge, 636, BPO Elks, will meet at the lodge at 7:30 p.m. Sunday to visit the Gilbert home while members of the Veterans Volunteer Fireman’s Association, who will meet in their rooms at 136 E. State St., at 4:30 p.m. Sunday, will also pay their respects.
— 15 Nov 1941, The Ithaca Journal, Ithaca NY, p2, newspapers.com. View largest available size.
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Fred D. Gilbert
Several fraternal organizations and many friends and acquaintances called Sunday at the Gilbert residence, 125 E. Buffalo St., to pay final respects to Fred D. Gilbert, who died at his home Friday, Nov. 14, 1941, after a month’s illness.
Simple and brief services were held amid a profusion of flowers at 2:30 p.m. Monday in the First Presbyterian Church. The Rev. Walter A. Dodds, pastor, and the Rev. A. H. Boutwell, pastor of the First Baptist Church, officiated.
Interment was in East Lawn Cemetery.
Active bearers were Dr. James N. Frost, Louis Dowd, J. P. Egbert, Thomas Jones, Harry W. Dean, E. M. Odell, Frederick L. Barton, and Robert E. Treman.
Honorary bearers were, Dr. P. C. Sainburg, Monroe M. Sweetland, Earl Rorapaugh, W. J. McCormick, Arthur G. Holland, Dr. C. F. Denman, Clarence E. Fingland, Edgar E. Tunison, John W. Osowski, Harry Suits, Earl W. Watson, Lawrence C. Rumsey, Judge Harold Simpson, Clarence E. Head, William Marshall, Walter D. Helm, A. I. Van Atta, Herbert Cobb, Dr. John Warren, John Brooks, C. D. Tinker, Dr. R. C. Warren, Earl Alexander, John Geherin, Seba Sioughter, E. J. Barrett, Dr. A. C. Goff, Bernard L. Clynes, Roland E. Gray, Arthur B. Wellar, Dr. John Judd, Newell Illston, William A. Allen, and Hermon L. Brockway.
— 18 Nov 1941, The Ithaca Journal, Ithaca NY, p5, newspapers.com. View largest available size.
The first three names of possible heirs listed in the Mills’ home deeds from the time of Emily’s death are the children of James Thomas Mills, Edward H. Mills’ younger brother:
- Alonzo W. Mills (Jul 1858 to 09 May 1942) Sometimes spelled as Alonso.
- George E. Mills (Feb 1856 to 10 Apr 1944).
- Clarissa H. (Mills) Etsell (Jun 1852 to Jan 1946). (Her name is misspelled as “Etsall” on the deeds, and elsewhere has been spelled “Edsall”.)
Mary Halliock (Huntting) Smith (1845–1938) is another cousin of Emily’s, the daughter of Edward’s sister, Emily Tabitha (Mills) Huntting. For more information on these branches of the Mills family, see the accompanying account of the Mills’ Long Island origins.
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Another petition was filed by Fred D. Gilbert of Ithaca for a letter of administration on the estate of Mary Emily Mills, late of Brooktondale, who left $400 personal and $1200 real property.
— 26 Nov 1937, The Ithaca Journal, Ithaca NY, p9, newspapers.com. View largest available size.
There are many variations of the published legal notices over many months, a few examples of which follow.
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THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK — BY THE GRACE OF GOD FREE AND INDEPENDENT:
To Alonzo Mills, George Mills, Clarissa Etsal, Robert Mills and Mary Huntting Smith and any other heirs or distributees of Mary Emily Mills deceased, whose names, residences and post office addresses are unknown to petitioner and cannot with due diligence be ascertained and to all persons interested in the estate of Mary Emily Mills late of the town of Caroline, Tompkins County, State of New York, deceased, as creditors, legatees, devisees, heirs at law, next of kin, distributees or otherwise, on the petition of Fred D. Gilbert of the city of Ithaca Tompkins County, N. Y.
SEND GREETING:
You and each of you are hereby cited and required to show cause before our Surrogate, in Surrogate’s Court in and for the County of Tompkins, at his office in the City of Ithaca, N. Y., on the 21st day of December, 1937, at 10 o’clock in the forenoon of that day why Charles Thomas, a creditor, should not be appointed Administrator of the goods, chattels and credits of Mary Emily Mills, deceased and for such other or different relief as is just.
And those of you who are under the age of twenty-one years, will each please take notice that you are required to appear by your general guardian, if you have one, or if you have none, you will appear and apply for the appointment of a guardian, or in the event of your neglect or failure to do so, a special guardian will be appointed by the Surrogate to represent and act for you in this proceeding.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, We have caused the Official Seal of our said Surrogate’s Court of Tompkins County to be hereunto affixed. WITNESS, HON WILLARD M. KENT, Surrogate of the County of Tompkins, (L.S.) at the Surrogate’s office in the City of Ithaca, this 24th day of November, in the year of our Lord, one thousand, nine hundred and thirty-seven.
D. M. Gillespie Clerk of Surrogate’s Court. Monroe M. Sweetland, Attorney, Ithaca, N. Y.
— 15 Dec 1937, Tompkins County Rural News, Dryden NY, p7, fultonhistory.com. View largest available size.
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Auctions
JAN. 21, 22, FRIDAY AND SATURDAY-12:30 p. m. each day the undersigned administrator will sell at Public Auction the Mary Emily Mills Estate, Brooktondale, N. Y., entire household goods, consisting of beds, bedding, rugs, dishes, chairs, quantity of antiques will be sold Friday. Entire contents of store; large line of general merchandise: dry goods, underwear, overalls, shirts, quantity of hardware. On Sat. p. m. I will offer for sale the house and lot of said M. E. Mills. Bids will be accepted subject to approval of court. Terms, cash. Charles Thomas. administrator and auctioneer. R. G. Fuller, clerk.
— 19 Jan 1938, The Ithaca Journal, Ithaca NY, p15, newspapers.com. View largest available size.
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THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK—BY THE GRACE OF GOD FREE AND INDEPENDENT:
To Alonzo Mills, Clarissa Etsal, Mary Hunting Smith, George Mills, and all the other heirs and distributees, if any, of said Mary Emily Mills whose names, residences and addresses are unknown to petitioner and cannot with due diligence be ascertained; Mrs. Jessie Brewer, Mrs. Rena Kirk, Mrs. Martha Whitley, R. S. Fuller, H. Beardsley, Ithaca Journal News, Lewis Brewer, Elmer Lockwood, Fred D. Gilbert, Bert Eastman, T. G. Miller Sons, Quick Cemetery, New York State Electric and Gas Inc.; E. C. Campbell Co.; Tompkins County Memorial Hospital; Albert Landen, Baker Rose & Kimbull, Binghamton Jobbing Co., J. C. Stowell Co., Proctor Gamble Co., Dr. R. M. Vose and Dr. Mary Ridgeway,
And to all persons interested in the estate of Mary Emily Mills late of the Town of Caroline, Tompkins County, State of New York, deceased, as creditors, legatees, devisees, heirs at law, next of kin, distributees or otherwise, on the petition of Charles Thomas of the Town of Caroline, Tompkins County, N. Y.
SEND GREETING:
You and each of you are hereby cited and required to show cause before our Surogate, in Surrogate’s Court in and for the the County of Tompkins, at his office in the City of Ithaca, N. Y., on the 26th day of July 1938, at 10 o’clock in the forenoon of that day why a decree should not be made to mortgage, lease or sell the real property of Mary Emily Mils, deceased, who at the time of her death resided at Brooktondale, in the Town of Caroline, Tompkins County, N. Y., for the payment of the debts and funeral expenses of said deceased, and to further show cause why the accounts and proceedings of Charles Thomas as administrator of the goods, chattels credits of said Mary should not be finally settled and the net proceeds of said estate distributed among those entitled to receive the same, and for such other or different relief as is just herein.
And those of you who are under the age of twenty-one years, will each please take notice that you are required to appear by your general guardian, if you have one, or if you have none, you will appear and apply for the appointment of a guardian, or in the event of your neglect or failure to do so, a special guardian will be appointed by the Surrogate to represent and act for you in this proceeding.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, We have caused the Official Seal of our said Surrogate’s Court of Tompkins County to be hereunto affixed. WITNESS, HON. WILLARD M. KENT, Surrogate of the County of Tompkins, at the Surrogate’s office in the City of Ithaca, this 28th day of June, in the year of our Lord, one thousand, nine hundred and thirty-eight.
D. M. Gillespie,
Clerk of Surrogate’s Court. Monroe M. Sweetland, Attorney, Ithaca, N. Y.
— 06 Jul 1938, Tompkins County Rural News, Dryden NY, p6, fultonhistory.com. View largest available size.
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-LEGAL NOTICE-
All persons having claims against Mary Emily Mills, late of Brooktondale, Tompkins County, N. Y., or her estate, are required to present the same to the undersigned administrator, duly verified, at his residence in the Town of Caroline, Tompkins County, N. Y., on or before the 5th day of June, 1938.
Charles Thomas, Administrator. Monroe M. Sweetland, Attorney, Ithaca, N. Y.
Dec. 1 -May 1
— 09 Dec 1938, Tompkins County Rural News, Dryden NY, p6, fultonhistory.com. View largest available size.
Lewis and Jessie Brewer
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— 31 Jul 1938, Charles Thomas, Administrator to Lewis Brewer & wife, Deeds Book 248, p238, Tompkins County Clerk, Ithaca NY. View largest available size.
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— 31 Jul 1938, Charles Thomas, Administrator to Lewis Brewer & wife, Deeds Book 248, p238, Tompkins County Clerk, Ithaca NY. View largest available size.
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— 31 Jul 1938, Charles Thomas, Administrator to Lewis Brewer & wife, Deeds Book 248, p238, Tompkins County Clerk, Ithaca NY. View largest available size.
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— 31 Jul 1938, Charles E. Thomas, Administrator to Lewis Brewer and Jessie Brewer, Deeds 248, p238, Tompkins County Clerk, Ithaca NY. Scanned from owner’s original copy. View largest available size.
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— 31 Jul 1938, Charles E. Thomas, Administrator to Lewis Brewer and Jessie Brewer, Deeds 248, p238 (continued), Tompkins County Clerk, Ithaca NY; 15 Aug 1956, Jessie Brewer and Lewis Brewer to New York State Electric and Gas Corp., Deeds 393, p16, Tompkins County Clerk, Ithaca NY. Scanned from owner’s original copy. View largest available size.
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— 15 Aug 1956, Jessie Brewer and Lewis Brewer to New York State Electric and Gas Corp.,Deeds 393, p16 (continued), scanned from owner’s original copy. View largest available size.
Jessie M. (Shurter) Brewer (27 Jun 1881 to 16 Sep 1974) was baptized with Emily in 1907 and married Lewis William Brewer (24 Jun 1882 to 10 Sep 1963) in Danby, 27 Jun 1923. Jessie purchased the Mills’ store real estate a few years before Emily’s death, and when Emily died, Jessie took over M. E. Mills, renaming it after herself and selling dry goods and notions, but no longer selling groceries as Emily had. It appears Jessie and Lewis Brewer never occupied Mills’ home, and instead rented it until it was purchased by the Jones family.
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Lewis W. Brewer
BROOKTONDALE — Lewis W. Brewer, 81, of 486 Brooktondale Rd. died Monday, Sept, 9, 1963 in a nursing home. He had been ill a few months. He was a retired lumberman and carpenter, born in Elmira, the son of the late Delbert and Eleah Hillegar Brewer. He was a member of Caroline Federated Church and had been a Mason with the Slaterville Lodge for more than 50 years.
He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Jessie Shurter Brewer of Brooktondale; three sisters, Mrs. Effa Campbell, Mrs. Cora Brooks and Mrs. May Fridie of Elmira; two, brothers, Audley Brewer of Elmira and Otis Brewer of Horseheads; several nieces and nephews.
Funeral arrangements will be announced by Gilbert Memorial Home, Ithaca.
— 10 Sep 1963, The Ithaca Journal, Ithaca NY, p2, newspapers.com. View largest available size.
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Lewis W. Brewer
BROOKTONDALE—The funeral of Lewis W. Brewer of Brooktondale who died Monday, Sept. 9, 1963 will be held at 2:30 p.m. Thursday in Caroline Valley Federated Church, Brooktondale. The Rev. James E. Miller officiating. Burial will be in the family plot in Quick Cemetery, Town of Caroline.
There are no calling hours, Gilbert Memorial Home is in charge of arrangements.
— 11 Sep 1963, The Ithaca Journal, Ithaca NY, p5, newspapers.com. View largest available size.
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Lewis W. Brewer BROOKTONDALE—The funeral of Lewis W. Brewer of Brooktondale who died Monday, Sept. 9, 1963, was held Thursday in Caroline Valley Federated Church. Burial was in Quick Cemetery.
Active bearers were Arthur Wells, Chilson Sadd, Paul Menzies, Robert Albertson, Charles Vorhis and Harry Crispell. Honorary bearers were Elmer Lockwood, Edmund J, Worthen and Leon Shurter.
— 13 Sep 1963, The Ithaca Journal, Ithaca NY, p5, newspapers.com. View largest available size.
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BREWER—I wish to thank all friends and neighbors that contributed to the beautiful floral pieces and to those who sent cards, at the time of the loss of my dear husband, LEWIS BREWER.
MRS. JESSIE BREWER
— 19 Sep 1963, The Ithaca Journal, Ithaca NY, p18, newspapers.com. View largest available size.
I know of several photos of Jessie Brewer, including formal portraits as well as candid photos. She is present in the Congregational Church “cleaning day” photo, and I have seen a photo of her, in an album donated to the Caroline History Club in Fall 2021 by the Lounsbery family, which shows Jessie Brewer walking in a parade next to a man (Lewis?) who is dressed as “Uncle Sam”.
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[Photo caption next to photograph.]
Jesse Brewer ran a dry goods store in Brooktondale, selling fabric, ribbon, greeting cards, and other items. She took it over from a woman who had managed a grocery store in the same building and used the proceeds from the store to increase the family income and help support her widowed [step-]mother. She was also active in the Caroline Valley Federated (now Community) Church.
— 2016, Patricia A. Brhel, Around Caroline, Arcadia Publishing, p23. View largest available size.
- Jessie M. (Shurter) Brewer (27 Jun 1881 to 16 Sep 1974).
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Mrs. Jessie M. Brewer
BROOKTONDALE — Mrs. Jessie M. Brewer, 93, a life-long resident of Brooktondale, died today, Sept. 16, 1974, in Lakeside Nursing Home.
Born June 27, 1881, daughter of the late Willis and Betty Shurter, she was the widow of the late Lewis Brewer.
She was a member of the Caroline Valley Federated Church and the Federated Ladies Aid. She was also actively interested in the Community Center, and had been a Republican Committeewoman for the Town of Caroline. She had owned and operated a small dry goods store here for many years.
She is survived by her sister, Mrs. Jesse (Jane) Wrench of Columbia, Mo.
Services will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday in the Caroline Valley Federated Church with E. J. (Jimmy) Miller of Danby officiating. Burial will be in Quick Cemetery.
There are no calling hours.
Perkins Funeral Home in Dryden has charge of arrangements.
OBITUARY NOTICE
MRS. JESSIE M. BREWER
Funeral services for Mrs. Jessie M. Brewer of Brooktondale will be held at 2 pm. Wednesday in the Caroline Valley Federated Church, Brooktondale. E. J. “Jimmy” Miller will officiate. Burial will be in Quick Cemetary. There are no calling hours. Those desiring may make memorials to Caroline Valley Federated Church or The Southworth Library in Dryden.
— 16 Sep 1974, The Ithaca Journal, Ithaca NY, p4, newspapers.com. View largest available size.
I don’t currently understand the apparent connection between Jessie Brewer and Dryden. I have contacted both Southworth Library in Dryden as well as the Dryden Town Historical Society, and neither organization has any information on her.
See more information on the Jones family, the Lattins, and Andrea Talmadge here.
The evidence strongly suggests to me that of the owners of Mills’ Home prior to the Jones family, only the Wolcotts and Mills actually occupied the home.