Genealogical Gleanings from the Catskill recorder Oct 7 1904

Genealogical Gleanings
from the Catskill Recorder
October 7, 1907

Contributed by Karol Hugh


BIRTHS

 Eggleston.—In this village, Sept. 28, to Mr. and Mrs. Edward Eggleston, a daughter.

 Hotaling.—At New Baltimore, Sept. 20, to Mr. and Mrs. Orville G. Hotaling, a daughter.

 MARRIAGES

Hodge-Ryan.—In this village, Sept. 29, by the Rev. Father Fitzgerald, Wesley Hodge of Hudson and Helen Ryan of Athens.

Van Wagner-Williams.—In this village, Sept. 29, by the Rev. Irving H. Berg, Charles Van Wagner of Accord and Daisy Williams of Kingston.

Fowks-Potter.—At Leeds, by the Rev. John Clark of Halcottville, Samuel Fowks and Ruth Luella Potter, both of Leeds.

Blair-Story.—At Places Corners, town of Greenville, Sept. 28, James Blair of Yonkers, N. Y., and Ethel Story of Places Corners.

Clark-Haywood.—At Ashland, Oct. 1, by the Rev. Henry M. Dodd, Samuel Chauncey Clark and Lucy Haywood, both of Ashland.

Mattocks-Peck.—At Jewett, Sept. 25, by the Rev. A. D. V. Dangremon, William L. Mattocks of Washington, D. C., and Bertha M. Peck of Jewett.

Benjamin-Dwyer.—At Pine Hill, N. Y., Sept. 26, by the Rev. Glenville C. Morse, Robert C. Benjamin of Edgewood and Mary C. Dwyer of Hunter.

Reilly-Powers.—In New York city, Oct. 2, by the Rev. Father Dolan, John T. Reilly (formerly of Catskill) and Barbara Powers, all of New York.

DEATHS

Sherman.—At Coxsackie, Sept. 26, Alonzo Sherman, a veteran of the Civil War, aged 72 years.

Rider.—At Red Hook, Sept. 29, James Rider, formerly of Catskill, aged 52 years.

Rightmyer.—At Cairo, Sept. 30, Edgar Rightmyer, aged 38 years.

Shear.—At New Baltimore Station, Sept. 25, Nelson E. Shear, aged 34 years.

Sears.—At Lime Street, Sept. 30, Irving Sears (colored), aged 29 years.

OCTOBER BRIDES

Tice-Post.
On Wednesday evening, Sept. 25th, Miss Maude Post, daughter of William Post, North street, was united in marriage to Harry Tice, son of William C. Tice, foreman in the Catskill Foundry, by the Rev. Robert Knapp. The charming bride wore a gown of pink silk with chiffon trimming, and carried a bouquet of white carnations; her going-away dress was a navy blue tailor-made suit with hat to match. Miss Jennie Post, sister of the bride, was maid of honor, and was gowned in white organdie, with a bouquet of pinks. Arthur Westfield was the best man. A luncheon was served after the ceremony, after which the happy couple boarded a train for a short honeymoon in New York city. They were the recipients of a number of costly gifts.

Fowks-Potter.
At Leeds on Tuesday, at the home of the bride’s mother, Mrs. Helen J. Potter (a former resident of Preston Hollow), Miss Ruth Luella Potter was united in marriage with Samuel Fowks, a well-known mechanic of that village. The Rev. John Clark of Halcottville tied the nuptial knot, and the happy couple immediately after the wedding repast came to Catskill and took the Onteora for New York city, en route to spend the honeymoon at Bridgeport, Conn. Mr. and Mrs. Fowks will make their home at Leeds.

Reilly-Powers.
In the Church of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, New York, on Wednesday, our former townsman John T. Reilly was united in marriage to Miss Barbara Powers of that city, the Rev. Father Dolan performing the ceremony. Counselor James H. Reilly of this village, brother of the groom, was best man, and the Misses Powers, sisters of the bride, were maid of honor and flower girl respectively. The happy young couple are spending their honeymoon at Niagara Falls.

OBITUARY

Ryan.—The funeral services of Mrs. William Ryan, for thirty-six years a resident of this village, were held in St. Patrick’s Church last Saturday. Mrs. Ryan was a daughter of the late Martin Dunn of Athens, in which village she was born fifty years ago, and throughout her long residence here was esteemed by all. Among those from out of town in attendance at he funeral were James and Edward Bell of Ossining, Mrs. Johanna Dunn and Miss Jennie Dunn of Athens, Mrs. John Kelly, Miss Bessie Gaffney, Mrs. Florence Smith and Mrs. Emma Flynn of Hudson, and Miss Lizzie Doherty of Kinderhook.

Catlin.—Mrs. Thomas Catlin, after a short illness, passed to her final reward from her home at East Durham on Sept. 20, 1907, leaving to mourn her loss, her husband, Thomas Catlin; her sister, Mrs. Ella M. Yates of New York city, and many friends. Funeral services were held at her late residence on Sunday, Sept. 22d, and interment was made in the East Durham cemetery.

Mrs. Catlin was born June 16, 1832, of Jesse H. and Zillah Miller, in the town of Greenville; she was united in marriage to Thomas Catlin of Columbia county by the Rev. George A. Howard at Catskill, in 1852, and removed to East Durham from Columbia county about thirty-five years ago. She was baptized in the Hudson River at Germantown on Sept. 24, 1860, uniting with the Germantown Methodist Church; by transfer of membership she united with the Methodist Church at East Durham and was a member of the first class formed in that place, always faithful in attendance, meeting with the church of her choice just twelve days before her entrance into the better life.

Rider.—James Rider, a one-time well-known resident of this town, died on Sunday morning at his home at Upper Red Hook, of Bright’s disease, after an illness of eight days, in his fifty-second year. Funeral services were conducted at the house on Tuesday by the Rev. Mr. Clapp, and on Wednesday interment was made in the Cairo cemetery, the Rev. Mr. Dann offering prayer at the grave.

Mr Rider was born at Cairo on Nov. 2, 1855, to William W. Rider and his wife Olive S. King, his parents removing to Catskill in 1869. Two years later he entered on a preparatory course at Wilbraham Institute at Wilbraham, Mass., and later became a student in the New York College of Pharmacy. On graduating he went West and, finding no promising opening in the drug business, he settled on a cattle and sheep ranch near Larned, Kan.,

After twelve years of ranch life he embarked in the drug business at the county seat of Pawnee county. Next he went on a prospecting trip to the Pacific slope, locating for a year or two at Spokane, Wash.

About this time he was called East by the illness of his father, who died about 1890. Soon after Mr. Rider accepted a position as special messenger with the Adams Express Co., remaining for five years on the route between New York and Boston, and for two years was in charge of the company’s office at Mt. Vernon, N. Y. At Poughkeepsie in 1895 Mr. Rider wedded Miss Emily Frances Hunter, niece of Robert H. Hunter, the well-known Republican leader of Dutchess county. A few years ago he purchased the Elting place at Red Hook, a fine fruit farm of 130 acres, where he remained until his death.

Besides his wife and mother, Mr. Rider is survived by a brother, W. W. Rider, and a sister, Sarah (Mrs. DeL. Rugg). Among those attending the interment from out of town were his mother-in-law, Mrs. Emily Hunter, and her son Robert, of Poughkeepsie.

‘ROUND ABOUT THE COUNTY

Athens

Died, at Lime Street on Monday, Irving Sears (colored), aged 29 years.  

Cairo and Vicinity

Edgar Richtmyer, a young man whose genial ways drew to him a host of friends in this place, was about two weeks ago suddenly attacked by a partial stroke of paralysis while at work on his farm near the village, losing the use of both limbs. Dr. N. H. Griffin attended him and tried all that medical aid could do. The patient’s appetite continued good and he had use of his arms, but it was found a few days ago that the disease was going up to his body, and in spite of excellent care and skilled medical assistance it reached the heart on Monday evening, and death’s work was done. The community sympathizes with a widowed mother, whose earthly happiness was so closely allied with her son Edgar, for this loss removes a staff on which she had leaned since the death of this father. Cut down in the prime of life, the grief came as a quick blow, startling all by its suddenness. Those who had any dealing with him unite in saying, “Ed. Was a fine fellow and we shall miss him.” He was at one time collector in this town, and a deputy under Sheriff Post; he took an active part in politics and did much for the cause of Democracy. Thirty-eight years marked the end of his life’s journey; a good citizen, an affectionate son and a kind neighbor has passed from our midst.

 Coxsackie

At Brooklyn on the 28th ult., Roswell H. Simpson, son of Mr. and Mrs. H. D. Simpson of this village, and Miss Katharine LeFevre of Kingston were married by the Rev. Dr. Nehemiah Boynton. The happy couple, who visited the parents of the groom on Saturday and Sunday, are the recipients of the hearty good wishes of many friends.

 The funeral of Alonzo Sherman, who died at his residence on Ely street, last week Thursday, aged about 72 years, was held at the house on Monday afternoon, the Rev. Alfred Coons officiating. The deceased was one of Coxsackie’s oldest and best-known residents.

 Leeds

Ford Clegg, conductor on the Leeds-Catskill trolley line, who had been taken to the Kingston Hospital, died on Sunday from injuries received some time ago in jumping from a window during an attack of nightmare.

 New Baltimore

Matthew Gathen has a happy smile on his face, a girl baby being the cause.

 The wedding of Platt Wheat of this place and Irene Rarick of Rocky Heights was celebrated on Wednesday at the home of the bride’s parents.

 Granville Card’s family have sold most of their household furniture and moved to South Norwalk, Conn.

 Born, Sept. 20th, to Mr. and Mrs. Orville G. Hotaling, a daughter, Florence Irene.

 Green Schoolhouse

Mr. and Mrs. Milo Young are the proud possessors of a brand-new girl. Congratulations!

 High Hill

Leonard and Ralph Brandow of Catskill were at the old homestead one day recently, picking apples.

 Jewett

Married, in Jewett, Sept. 25th, by the Rev. A. D. V. Dangremon of Prattsville, Bertha M. Peck to William L. Mattocks of Washington, D. C.

 News has just reached here of the death in Kingston of an old resident of Jewett, Mrs. Burton Coon, who had long been a sufferer with consumption.

 Palenville

Mansfield Gardner is here, settling up his business preparatory to moving his family to New Rochelle, their future home.

Mrs. A. E. Hinman received last week the sad intelligence of the death of her brother-in-law, Mr. Sherman, which occurred in Coxsackie, the funeral taking place on Monday afternoon. Mr. Sherman was an uncle of Miss Louisa Lamoreau, formerly of this place.

Thomas Stone, a former resident of this place, who for many years past had lived in New York, died about two weeks ago of consumption. In the Summer he came up here and spent several weeks with his brother Sylvester, thinking the change might benefit him, but after returning to the city he became worse, and soon the mournful tidings came that he was dead. He leaves two brothers, John and Sylvester.

Smiths Landing

The funeral of Harold, son of Benjamin Lewis, was held at the church here Saturday; interment in the West Camp cemetery.

Though only the immediate relatives were present, a pretty home wedding occurred at the residence of John Story, Places Corners, on Sept. 28th, when his eldest daughter, Miss Ethel B. Story, became the bride of James G. Blair, manager of the Otis Ry. Works at Yonkers, the officiating clergyman being the Rev. E. D. Van Dyke of Greenville Presbyterian Church. The bride wore a traveling gown of princess blue voile, and may all good luck attend the happy pair.

Chesterville

Orrin, the four-year-old son of Mr. and Mrs. Lyman Hempstead, died at their home on Saturday, Sept. 28th.

Edgewood

Married, at Pine Hill, Sept. 26th, by the Rev. Glenville C. Morse, Robert C. Benjamin of Edgewood and Miss Mary C. Dwyer of Hunter.

Lime Street

The funeral of Irving Sears, colored, was held at the Reformed Church on Wednesday afternoon. The deceased who lived at Green Lake, was a very sober and industrious young man, respected by all who knew him. He was a victim of consumption, passing away on Sunday.

New Baltimore Station

Nelson E. Shear died at his home near here last week Wednesday morning, after battling for nearly two years with that dread disease tuberculosis. In his demise the town loses a citizen whose dominating trait of honesty means a loss to any community. He was born 34 years ago and was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Harvey Shear. About ten years ago he was married to Miss Jennie Whitbeck, daughter of Geo W. Whitbeck, who is left with three bright children. Besides his wife and children, he is survived by his mother and one sister, Mrs. Myron Hotaling of Ravena. Services were conducted by the Rev. Mr. Rice at the house on Saturday; interment at Riverside Cemetery, Coxsackie.

Brook Road

Muriel Cronk and Luella Spence were united in marriage in Medway on Sept. 28th, by the Rev. E. Hall. The happy pair have been spending a few days with the bride’s brother, Charles Spence of this place.

Gayhead

Married, by the Rev. E. D. Van Dyke of Greenville, at the residence of the bride’s parents in Places Corners, Sept. 28th, Miss Ethel Story and James Blair of Yonkers, the wedding being very quiet with only a few near relatives. The best wishes of a host of warm friends go with Mrs. Blair to her new home in Yonkers, where her husband is foreman in the Otis electric works and much respected. Shubal Losee and wife and C. F. Wilkins and wife, with J. P. Powell and wife, and daughter Elsie, were among the guests, as were also Mr. Blair’s two little sons. On Monday evening the young men of Greenville Center gave the bride and groom a noisy serenade.

Potter Hollow

Miss Nina Cunningham and Morton Wakely were married by the Rev. Marion Youmans in Rensselaerville on Sept. 28th.

South Durham and Vicinity

Miss Susie Simpson and Ed. Watrous of Connecticut were married at the home of the bride’s parents on Sept. 25th.

Three-Mile Center

Miss Elizabeth Van Auken attended the wedding of Miss Helen T. Bogardus and William Davis at Oak Hill on Wednesday, Sept. 26th.

West Leeds

C. A. Vedder is treating his house to a new coat of paint.

Mrs. Elizabeth Vedder is at home again from a visit with her daughter, Mrs. Sheldon Dollar of Coxsackie.

Odd and End Gatherings

Death of Catskill trolleyman: Ford H. Clegg, a conductor on the Catskill trolley road, who on the night of Sept. 12th, while suffering an attack of nightmare, leaped through a bedroom window at his boarding house at Leeds, died on Sunday at the Kingston Hospital, as the result of his injuries. The unfortunate young man was a native of Delaware county, and in the Winter months taught school. Mrs. Clegg is employed on Jefferson Heights, this town.

Forty Year Ago

Items from The Recorder, October 4, 1867:

Killed at Prattsville: The Sentinel says that on Thursday evening of last week, as Mrs. Polly Briggs was driving home from a visit, her horse ran against a cow which was standing in the road. This frightened the horse and he ran away, Mrs. Briggs being thrown from the wagon, and striking against a stump, she was killed.

THE CATSKILLS 70 YEARS AGO

The flood of 1850 was caused mainly by a cloudburst in the Scribner-Benjamin neighborhood, and near the bridge over the stream near the top of the first hill East of Hunter large trees are growing now in what was the bed of that creek after the storm, probably eight or ten feet lower than the original one.

To protect his own grounds, store, office, bark-shed and workmen’s homes, Col. Edwards had an embankment made just West of the small stream running through his yard, thus forcing a great body of water to remain in its channel instead of spreading out across the turnpike and broad lawns North of it, but increasing the height and depth of the torrent during the freshet of August, 1856, though the dam itself was so firmly fixed at both ends in solid rock, with stone bottom, that no force of water could move it.

It was soon discovered that the vats in the upper yard of the tannery wore (sic) slowly rising, with their contents of liquor and hundreds of sides of leather just ready to be taken out dried, oiled, and rolled, showing that the flood had undermined the dock made of heavy logs firmly ironed together and filled in the spaces with rock. So men went into the building, having ropes about their waists, the other ends of which were held by sturdy fellows who could be trusted, and the leather was hauled out and carried back more than a hundred feet to high hard ground. Within an hour the alarm was given that the flood had cut into this place of safety and the stuff was again in danger, whereupon eager hands went for it and worked as strong men do in an emergency but were soon called off by wise and watchful owner, who saw that lives were in peril. A great pile of leather, which had been rescued by desperate effort and carried to a supposedly safe distance, was in a whirlpool formed by the water’s cutting more than a hundred feed across and thirty feet deep into a gravel bank which had been packed for generations by loaded wagons; some sides of that leather were afterward found in Gilboa, over twenty miles away.

The liquor, costing $800, was made from the last large quantity of bark ever peeled in the old Catskills. Peters & Griffin had stripped 800 cords during the previous Summer, and in the Winter ten or more teams had hauled the wood from Eastkill to Hunter. They left the latter town before daylight, shoveled through drifts both going and coming, the drivers and one of the owners, who went with them every day, holding each load in turn past sidling places where otherwise it would have tipped over; eating a frozen lunch, and getting back to Hunter after dark, unloading, putting out the teams, swallowing a hot supper, rubbing down and feeding their horses, then turning into bed to sleep till time to be off again next morning. What wouldn’t millionaire dyspeptics give for such appetites, digestion and sleep as those drivers enjoyed—and then, what fun they had!

The owners of the leather were Corse & Pratt, the latter of whom, five years later, raised a regiment, went to the Civil War and gave his fore for his country. His father, Col. Zadock Pratt, who had retired from business long before, after exhausting the bark near the village which still bears his name, was sent up from New York to look over the ground and decide whether enough bark was left in the Catskill to justify the rebuilding of the tannery, a structure 390 ft. long, two-thirds of which had gone downstream in the late devastation. He gave his opinion in the negative, so temporary machinery was put under sheds, the leather was tanned, finished and sent to Corse & Pratt in the city, and so ended the tanning industry in Hunter.

       An Old Pilgrim


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