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Charles Russell Leonard died on Monday, Nov. 23, 1908. Notice of his funeral was printed in The Journal (Groton, New York) on November 25, 1908, and a "card" of thanks was published on December 2, 1908, by Mr. and Mrs. Chas. Wells and Mrs. Chas. Leonard. It took a long time to find this obituary, simply because Charles' name was abbreviated as "Chas." and it doesn't offer much information. A more interesting notice was published the following week. "A Card...to thank neighbors and friends for their kindness and sympathy during the illness and death of Charles Leonard". It was signed "Mr. and Mrs. Chas. Wells" and "Mrs. Chas. Leonard". It seems safe to assume "Mrs. Chas. Leonard" is referring to Luella, his second wife, who he was living with in Groton in 1905, but who were Mr. and Mrs. Chas. Wells and how were they involved? A search for men named Charles Wells in the Groton area in 1908 produced two matches and another possible connection in Pompey: Charles E. Wells in Groton in 1900. He was married to Ina Legg, but he died in 1904, prior to this notice being published. Charles Hyde Wells who was born in Pompey, Onondaga County, New York, abt. 1839. He was counted on the census in Pompey until 1880. [FamilySearch] In 1865 there was a "Boarder" named John Leonard, age 26, living in the Wells home in Pompey. He was formerly in the Army. [FamilySearch] John married George & Charlotte Nearing's daughter, Elizabeth, before 1871. They lived in Pompey when the 1875 census was taken and had two children - Lee Leonard, age 3 yrs 9 mos, and Arthur Leonard, age 1 yr 5 mos. (Census date June 22, 1875). Both children were born in Onondaga County. [FamilySearch] On the 1892, 1900, 1905, 1910, and 1920 censuses Charles Wells was living in Cortland, where he died on June 30, 1922. His wife's name was Lydia L. Wells. Her obituary claims she was born in Pompey, Onondaga County, on Aug. 8, 1840. The closest matches in Pompey in 1850 were: Lydia L. Haskins (b. 1844), Lydia A. Marsh (b. 1836), and Lydia L. Rice (b. 1837). Charles & Lydia Wells had five children in their home: Amelia (Wells) Dunn, William H. Wells, John Wells, Eugene Charles Wells, and Nellie E. (Wells) Wood. I spent a few days sorting through the paper trails hoping to find a connection, to no avail. Following is a summary of what I found and shared on Charles Hyde Wells' Wikitree. Charles Leonard Wells, born 1842 in Pompey, Onondaga, New York. His parents were Russel Wells and Sophronia Adams. See his FamilySearch profile or Wikitree memorial for details. Timeline of Events: 1850 Census Pompey, Onondaga, New York FamilySearch: Asa Wells (age 76?), born in CT Chloe Wells (age 72 or 77?), born in CT Levi Wells (age 43) - born in NY Jane Wells (24) - born in NY Mathew Wells (age 40) - born in NY, Laborer Elzada Wells (age 31) - born in NY (Elzada Nearing) Charles Wells (age 12) - born in NY, Farmer Asa Wells died Feb. 4. 1854, age 79 yrs 6 mos. He is buried in Pompey Hill Cemetery. Findagrave memorial for Asa Wells 1860 Census Pompey, Onondaga, New York FamilySearch: Elzada N. Wells, Female, age 40, b. NY, Farm Laborer Charles Wells, age 22, b. NY, Farm Laborer Lydia Wells, age 18, b. NY Cloe Wells, age 82. b. CT Hamilton Squires, age 16, Farm Laborer, b. NY 1865 Census Pompey, Onondaga, New York FamilySearch: Elzada Wells, (Female) age 46, b. NY (1 child, married once, widowed) Charles H. Wells, age 27 "Child", Farmer, (married once, married) Lydia Wells, age 25 "Wife", (2 children, married once, married) Lydia (Chloe?) Wells, age 86, "Mother", b. CT (8 children, married once, widowed) Amelia Wells, age 4, "Grandchild", b. Onondaga County William Wells, age 1, "Grandchild", b. Onondaga County John Leonard, age 26, "Boarder", Farmer, Single, formerly in Army (See below) From the Cortland Democrat, Sept. 17. 1868: "Sept. 11 - In the guardianship of John S., Eugene C., and Nellie E. Wells. Petition for appointment of guardian filed, guardians oath and bond filed and letters of guardianship issued to Lydia Wells, of Cortlandville." 1870 Census Pompey, Onondaga, New York FamilySearch: Charles Wells, age 32, farmer $3500 real estate and $2625 personal estate Lydia Wells, age 29, wife b. England? Amelia Wells, age 10, b. NY Nellie Wells, age 8, b. NY John Wells, age 4, b. NY (lived in Los Angeles, CA in 1935) Charles Wells age 2 mos? b. NY Alzada Wells age 59, b. NY Chloe Wells, age 92, b. CT Chloe Wells died on Jan. 4, 1872, at the age of 93, and is buried in Pompey Hill Cemetery in Pompey. Findagrave memorial for Chloe Hyde Wells 1875 Census Pompey, Onondaga, New York FamilySearch: Charles Wells, age 38, b. Onondaga, Married, Mail Carrier Liddia Wells, age 34, Wife Amelia Wells, age 13, Daughter Willie Wells, age 11, Son John Wells, age 8, Son Eugena Wells, age 5, Son Elzada Wells, age 56, "Mother" Also in Pompey, Onondaga, New York 1875 FamilySearch: George Nearing, age 65 (Elzada Wells' brother) Charlotte Nearing, age 63, wife John Leonard, age 36, son-in-law (See below) Elizabeth Leonard, age 34, daughter Lee Leonard, son (grandson), age 3 yrs 9 mos Arthur Leonard, son (grandson), age 1 yr 5 mos 1880 Census Pompey, Onondaga, New York FamilySearch: Charles Wells, age 41, Farmer, Married Lydia Wells, age 38, Keeping House William Wells, age 16, Son John Wells, age 13, Son Eugene Wells, age 10, Son Nellie Wells, age 3, "Son" (Daughter?) Elzada Wells, age 63, Mother Elzada Wells died March 23, 1891, in Cortland, at the home of her son, Charles. From the Syracuse Standard, Tues., Mar. 24, 1891, p. 3: "Mrs. Elzada Wells died yesterday morning of consumption at the age of 72 years. The funeral will be held at the residence of her son, Charles Wells, to-morrow morning. The remains will be taken to Pompey." From the Cortland Democrat, Fri., Mar. 27, 1891: "DIED...WELLS- In Cortland, N.Y., March 23, 1891, Mrs. Elzada Wells, age 72 years." 1892 Census Cortland, Cortland, New York FamilySearch: Charles H Wells, age 55, "Teamster" Lydia M. Wells, age 52 Nellie E. Wells, age 16 From the Cortland Standard, Wed., Sept. 7, 1898: "Invitations are out for the wedding of Mr. Frank Steward Wood and Miss Nellie Elzada Wells which will take place at the home of the bride's parents, Mr. and Mrs. C. H. Wells, 167 Railroad Street in Cortland on Wednesday evening, Sept. 14, at 8 o'clock." "WOOD-WELLS. Two Cortland Young People United in the Bonds of Matrimony. A merry gathering of friends at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Charles H. Wells of 167 Railroad-st. last evening witnessed the marriage of their daughter, Miss Nellie B. Wells, and Mr. Frank S. Wood of Cortland. The ceremony was performed by Rev. W. H. Pound, pastor of the Congregational church, in the presence of a few invited guests. The rooms were neatly trimmed for the occasion, and the ceremony took place under an arch of evergreens. A fine wedding supper was served, and then Mr. and Mrs. Wood left on the late train for New York, from which place they will go to New Haven, Ct., for a visit with relatives, and on their return will reside at 107 Railroad-st." From The Syracuse Weekly Express, Thurs., Sept. 25, 1890: "HOMER, Sept. 18 .- Eugene Wells of Cortland and Miss Belle Lawson of this village were married on Tuesday at the Methodist parsonage by the Rev. A. N. Damon." 1900 Census Cortland, Cortland, New York FamilySearch: (167 Railroad Street, Cortland) Charles Wells, born Jan. 1838, age 62, married 42 years, "Night Watch" Lydia Wells, born Aug. 1840 in NY, age 59, married 42 years, five children all still living in 1900 Nellie E. Wood, "Daughter", born Dec 1876, age 23, married 2 years, no children, parents born in England. Frank S. Wood, "Son-in-law", born Apr. 1873, age 27, married 2 years 1905 Census Cortland, Cortland, New York FamilySearch: (167 Railroad Street, Cortland) Chas. H Wells, age 68 (est. 1837) "Night Watch", b. NY, parents born in NY Lydia M. Wells, age 65, 1910 Census Cortland, Cortland, New York FamilySearch: (167 Railroad Street, Cortland) Chas. H. Wells, age 72, married 51 years, Night Watchman at Lumber Yard Lydia Wells, wife, age 62, married 51 years, 5 children, all still living in 1910. From The Cortland Standard, Mon. Aug 28, 1916: "Mrs. Clarence Dunn of Pompey and Mrs. Charles Wells of Cortland visited at the home of their brother and son, Eugene Wells in Wall-st., on Saturday." 1920 Census Cortland, Cortland, New York FamilySearch: (South Ave) Frank S. Wood, age 47, "Com. Traveler; Groceries" Nellie F. Wood, age 43 "Wife" Chas. H. Wells, age 82 "Father-in-law" Lydia Wells, age 79 "Mother-in-law" Charles H. Wells died on June 30, 1922, in Cortland, New York. From the Cortland Democrat, Fri., July 7, 1922, p. 5: "DIED...WELLS - In Cortland, June 30, Charles H. Wells, aged 84 years, and 6 months." From the Binghamton Press, Wed., July 5, 1922: "Charles H. Wells died Saturday at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Frank S. Wood at 130 South Main Street. Mr. Wells was born in Pompey 84 years ago. He is survived by his wife and two daughters, Mrs. Clarence Dunn of Pompey and Mrs. Wood of Cortland, and three sons, Eugene Wells of Homer, William H. Wells of Groton, and John B. Wells of Denver, Col. The funeral was held Monday." 1925 Census Cortland, Cortland, New York FamilySearch: Lydia M. Wells, age 84 "Mother-in-law" 1930 Census Cortland, Cortland, New York FamilySearch: Frank S. Wood, age 56 Nellie E. Wood, age 53 Lydia Wells, age 89 "Mother-in-law" From The Syracuse Journal, Sat., Jan. 12, 1935: "Mrs. Amelia H. Dunn - Mrs. Amelia H. Dunn, 74, died here Friday. Surviving are three brothers, William Wells of Groton, John Wells of Los Angeles, Calif., and Eugene Wells of Homer; a sister, Mrs. Frank Wood of Cortland; a granddaughter, Mrs. Leora M. Wright of Georgetown; a grandson, Clarence B. Van Brocklin of Manlius; a great-grandchild and several nieces and nephews. Services will be conducted at 2 o'clock Monday afternoon in the rooms of C. G. Hall, funeral director, in Lafayette. Interment will be in Pompey." John Leonard Regarding John Leonard, see FamilySearch G4WN-QK6 or FamilySearch G97T-6L1 or Wikitree). He married Elizabeth Charlotte Nearing, daughter of Elzada's brother George A. Nearing and and Charlotte Horton. Elzada was the mother of Charles Wells, so John Leonard married a first cousin of Charles Wells. On the 1900 census, for his father's birthplace, Massachusetts was given, and for his mother, New York. However, according to his profile on FamilySearch, he was born abt. 1843 and was a son of Henry J. Leonard & Phebe ___. Henry was born in Albany County, New York, in 1816, and died in West Monroe, Oswego, New York, in 1816. Henry's father was Johannes Leonard & Rachel Albright. They were married in Bethlehem, Albany, New York, in 1802. Johannes's father was a German immigrant, born abt. 1739, who died in Bethlehem, Albany, New York, between 1805 and 1809. (FamilySearch KZR7-SMK). More research must be done to determine his true lineage. Regarding the question of whether or not John could have possibly been a brother of Charles Leonard, the answer is no IF Charles' father, Russel Leonard, truly disappeared in 1833. John wasn't born until 1839. They may have been cousins, though. Other Sources Walworth, Reuben Hyde, Hyde genealogy, or, The descendants, in the female as well as in the male lines, from William Hyde, of Norwich (Albany, 1864), Vol. 1, p. 412-413 Other possible connections: From The Dryden Herald, Wed., Apr. 13, 1904: "Mrs. Charles Wells was called to Cortland on Saturday by the severe illness of her daughter, Maude, who is suffering from an attack of the measles. The condition of the patient was reported on Monday to be slightly improved. Charles Wells went to Cortland on Tuesday to see his daughter." From Dryden Rural News, March 30, 1938: "Extracted from a letter written by Mrs. Charles Wells in Anchorage, Alaska, to her brother Egbert McMasters of Brooktondale..." (regarding her trip to Alaska). From The Syracuse Weekly Express, Thurs., Oct. 9, 1890: Montezuma - "Mrs. Charles Wells and her children of Auburn and her mother, Mrs. Josephine Rogers of Rose Valley, were visiting friends in town last week". If anyone knows the connection between Mr. and Mrs. Charles Wells and Charles Leonard, please share! See the Leonard page for more. Research Notes: Before finding these, I searched the following newspapers for Charles Leonard's obituary: Moravia NY Republican Register 1908 - 1912 Auburn NY Democrat Argus 1908 - 1909 (Mentions: Herman Leonard's estate and heirs: Susan Leonard, widow, George H. Leonard, son, and David E. Wallace, stepson. (April, 1908). Also, Patrick Leonard, father of Mrs. Michael Coleman.) Union Springs NY Advertiser 1908-1911 - (Mentions: Charles Leonard of Farmer) Interlakin NY Interlaken Review 1908-1910 (searched as given, sic) Newspaper Auburn NY Weekly Auburnian 1885 - 1888 #Leonard #leonard #charlesrussellleonard #obituary #death

Capturing a person’s likeness has fascinated people for centuries. Before photography, one popular way to preserve an image was through silhouettes. In colonial times, these simple yet elegant profiles became a cherished form of portraiture. They offered a quick, affordable way to capture a person’s features using just shadows and skilled hands. This blog explores how colonial silhouettes were created, their cultural significance, and how you can bring a piece of this history into your home with a unique digital download product. What Are Colonial Silhouettes? Colonial silhouettes are profile portraits made by cutting black paper or painting black ink to create a sharp outline of a person’s face and upper body. Unlike detailed paintings or drawings, silhouettes focus on the outline and shape rather than intricate facial features. This style became popular in the 18th century, especially in America and Europe, as a way to capture a likeness quickly and affordably. Silhouettes were often used for family keepsakes, gifts, or even as a form of identification. They provided a striking contrast between the dark profile and the light background, making the subject instantly recognizable by their unique shape. How Colonial Silhouettes Were Made Creating a silhouette required skill and precision. Here’s a step-by-step look at how colonial artists captured these shadowy portraits: 1. Positioning the Subject The sitter would be positioned sideways, usually in profile, so the artist could clearly see the outline of their face, nose, lips, chin, and sometimes the shoulders. The profile view was essential because it offered the most distinctive shape of a person’s features. 2. Casting a Shadow A common technique involved using a candle or lamp to cast the sitter’s shadow onto a white surface such as paper or a wall. The artist would then trace the shadow’s outline with a pencil or charcoal. This method ensured an accurate and natural profile shape. 3. Cutting or Painting the Silhouette After tracing, the artist would either: Cut the profile out of black paper with scissors, creating a sharp, clean edge. Paint the profile directly onto paper or ivory using black ink or paint. Cut paper silhouettes were especially popular because they could be mounted on contrasting backgrounds and framed easily. 4. Adding Details While silhouettes were mostly about the outline, some artists added subtle details like hairstyles, collars, or hats to give more personality to the portrait. These small touches helped identify the sitter and added charm to the artwork. 5. Framing and Display Once complete, silhouettes were often framed in small oval or rectangular frames. They were displayed in homes as treasured mementos or given as gifts to loved ones. Why Silhouettes Were Popular in Colonial Times Several factors made silhouettes a favored art form during the colonial period: Affordability: Unlike painted portraits that required expensive materials and long sittings, silhouettes were quick and inexpensive. Speed: Artists could create a silhouette in minutes, making it accessible to more people. Simplicity: The bold contrast and minimal detail made silhouettes visually striking and easy to recognize. Portability: Silhouettes were small and lightweight, easy to send or carry. Cultural Appeal: The style fit well with colonial aesthetics that valued modesty and practicality. Examples of Colonial Silhouettes Many colonial families treasured silhouette portraits as family heirlooms. For example, a silhouette of a young woman might show her distinctive bonnet and hairstyle, while a man’s profile could highlight a prominent nose or chin. These portraits captured not just physical features but also a sense of personality and status. One famous example is the silhouette portraits of George Washington, which helped popularize the art form in America. These portraits were widely copied and admired for their simplicity and elegance. Bringing Colonial Silhouettes into Your Home Today If you appreciate the charm and history of colonial silhouettes, you can now own a digital download featuring authentic colonial American family people. This product offers high-quality images inspired by original silhouettes, perfect for decorating your home, creating personalized gifts, or using in craft projects. Why Choose This Digital Download? Historical Accuracy: The images are based on real colonial silhouettes, preserving the style and detail. Versatility: Use them for wall art, scrapbooking, invitations, or educational materials. Instant Access: Download immediately and print at your convenience. Unique Decor: Add a touch of colonial history and elegance to your space. Explore the collection here: Colonial American Family People Digital Download Tips for Displaying Silhouettes in Your Home To highlight the beauty of silhouette art, consider these display ideas: Frame the prints in simple black or wooden frames to echo colonial styles. Use oval frames to mimic traditional portrait shapes. Group several silhouettes together to create a family gallery wall. Place them in entryways or living rooms where guests can admire the historical charm. The Lasting Appeal of Silhouettes Silhouettes remain popular because they capture the essence of a person with minimal detail. Their timeless style connects us to the past and reminds us of the creativity people used to preserve memories. Whether you are a history enthusiast, art lover, or someone looking for unique decor, colonial silhouettes offer a fascinating glimpse into early American life. By exploring this art form and incorporating it into your home, you keep alive a tradition that blends shadow, craft, and personal history.

Let's take a moment and recognize how fortunate we are to be anticipating America's 250th (Semiquincentennial) in 2026. The celebrations have already begun! Check america250.org for a full list of events scheduled. The Smithsonian is also hosting events to commemorate the anniversary. A must see online exhibition can also be found on their website here. It's a good time to brush up on your knowledge of the American Revolution! Here's what you need to know: The American Revolution (1775–1783) was a series of military and political struggles through which thirteen British colonies in North America won independence and became the United States. It began as a colonial protest against taxation and imperial control but evolved into a global conflict involving Britain, France, Spain, and the Netherlands. The war unfolded in several phases—New England, the Middle Colonies, and the Southern campaigns—each marked by dramatic reversals of fortune. The opening clashes at Lexington and Concord in April 1775 ignited the war, as colonial militias confronted British troops near Boston. The bloody Battle of Bunker Hill soon followed, proving that the inexperienced colonists could stand against the world’s most powerful army. In 1776, George Washington’s daring victories at Trenton and Princeton revived American morale after the loss of New York. The turning point came in 1777 at Saratoga, where an entire British army surrendered, persuading France to ally with the Americans. The war shifted south in its final years. Despite early British successes in Georgia and the Carolinas, guerrilla warfare led by partisans like Francis Marion wore down royal forces. Washington’s and Rochambeau’s combined armies trapped General Cornwallis at Yorktown in 1781, forcing his surrender and effectively ending the conflict. Sporadic fighting and negotiation continued until the Treaty of Paris was signed, on September 3, 1783, officially ending the war. Below is a list of all the major (and some minor) battles of the American Revolution. These are just a fraction of the hundreds of skirmishes and engagements that were part of America's fight for independence. Choose a link to watch a short video about any battle. You can also start at the beginning of the playlist on youTube here. Subscribe for updates! Major Battles of the American Revolutionary War: Get your 250th Anniversary Flag today! 1775 Battles of Lexington and Concord – April 19, 1775 (Massachusetts) Siege of Boston – April 19, 1775–March 17, 1776 (Massachusetts) Capture of Fort Ticonderoga - May 10, 1775 (New York) Battle of Chelsea Creek – May 27–28, 1775 (Massachusetts) Battle of Machias, Maine - June 11-12, 1775 (Maine - then part of Massachusetts) Battle of Bunker Hill (Breed’s Hill) – June 17, 1775 (Massachusetts) Battle of Great Bridge, Virginia - December 9, 1775 (Virginia) 1776 Battle of Moore’s Creek Bridge – February 27, 1776 (North Carolina) Battle of Sullivan’s Island (Charleston) – June 28, 1776 (South Carolina) Declaration of Independence - July 4, 1776 Battle of Long Island (Brooklyn Heights) – August 27, 1776 (New York) Battle of Harlem Heights – September 16, 1776 (New York) Battle of Valcour Island - October 11, 1776 (New York) Battle of White Plains – October 28, 1776 (New York) Battles of Fort Washington & Fort Lee – November 16, 1776 (New York & New Jersey) Battle of Trenton – December 26, 1776 (New Jersey) 1777 Battle of Princeton – January 3, 1777 (New Jersey) Battle of Ridgefield – April 27, 1777 (Connecticut) Battle of Short Hills - June 26, 1777 (New Jersey) Siege of Fort Ticonderoga - July 2-6, 1777 (New York) Siege of Fort Stanwix - August 2-22, 1777 (New York) Battle of Bennington - August 16, 1777 (New York, near Bennington, Vermont) Battle of Cooch's Bridge - September 3, 1777 (Delaware) Battle of Brandywine – September 11, 1777 (Pennsylvania) Battles of Saratoga (Freeman’s Farm & Bemis Heights) – September 19 & October 7, 1777 (New York) The Paoli Massacre - September 21, 1777 (Pennsylvania) Siege of Fort Mifflin - September 26, 1777 (Pennsylvania) Battle of Germantown – October 4, 1777 (Pennsylvania) Battle of Fort Clinton & Fort Montgomery - October 6, 1777 (New York) Battle of Red Bank (Fort Mercer) - October 22, 1777 (New Jersey) Battle of White Marsh – December 5–8, 1777 (Pennsylvania) Winter at Valley Forge - December 1777 (Pennsylvania) 1778 Battle of Monmouth – June 28, 1778 (New Jersey) Battle of Wyoming - July 3, 1778 (Pennsylvania) Battle of Rhode Island – August 29, 1778 (Rhode Island) Battle of St. Lucia (Caribbean) – December 15, 1778 Get your own Personalized Patriot Ancestor List! 1779 Battle of Kettle Creek – February 14, 1779 (Georgia) Sullivan Expedition - June to Sept., 1779 (Pennsylvania & New York) Battle of Stony Point – June 16, 1779 (New York) Battle of Paulus Hook - August 19, 1779 (New Jersey) Siege of Savannah – September 16–October 18, 1779 (Georgia) 1780 Battle of Waxhaws Creek - May 29, 1780 (South Carolina) Siege of Charleston – March 29–May 12, 1780 (South Carolina) Battle of Springfield, New Jersey - June 23, 1780 (New Jersey) Battle of Camden, South Carolina – August 16, 1780 (South Carolina) Battle of King’s Mountain – October 7, 1780 (South Carolina) 1781 Battle of Cowpens, South Carolina – January 17, 1781 (South Carolina) Battle of Guilford Courthouse, North Carolina – March 15, 1781 (North Carolina) Battle of Hobkirk’s Hill, South Carolina – March 15-April 25, 1781 (South Carolina) Battle of Ninety Six (Siege) – May 22–June 19, 1781 (South Carolina) Battle of Chesapeake, Virginia - September 5, 1781 (Virginia) Battle of Groton Heights, Connecticut - September 6, 1781 (Connecticut) Battle of Eutaw Springs – September 8, 1781 (South Carolina) Siege of Yorktown, Virginia – September 28–October 19, 1781 (Virginia) Each of these battles reflects the ebb and flow of the Revolution—an unlikely triumph of endurance, leadership, and the growing conviction that liberty was worth the cost. By the grace of God and sheer American grit, we're still here 250 years later! #AmericanRevolution #RevolutionaryWar

While researching my ancestor James Sherman, the father of 2nd great-grandmother, Cora (Sherman) Leonard, I came across this record. It shows James M. Sherman, born May 20, 1842, in Butler, Wayne County, New York. He was a son of Levi Sherman & Ann Palmer. He had a brother named William who fought in the same regiment during the Civil War, but died in service. On the opposite page, each of these entries continues, first 4 lines for William, Lines 5-8 for James: From the records, we learn that both William and James were sons of Levi Sherman and Ann Palmer. William P. Sherman, born Sept. 1840, in Butler, Wayne, New York, was a Private in NY 9th Artillery Co. G. He enlisted in August of 1862, at Red Creek, New York, and served in the defense of Washington nearly two years. He died on November 27, 1863. "Remains sent home." James M. Sherman, born May 20, 1842, was a Sergeant in the same regiment. He was born in South Butler, Wayne County, New York. He was in battles of Cold Harbor, Cedar Creek, 2nd Petersburg, Sailors Creek, and was at the surrender of General Lee. Mustered out July 6, 1865, present address, Westbury (?), New York. At first glance, this appears to be my ancestor, James Sherman. Here's why: Butler is only about 21 miles from Sennett, where my Sherman family lived. My ancestors in this branch of my tree lived in both Wayne and Cayuga Counties. My ancestor James Sherman was born about 1842. This one was born May 20, 1842. My ancestor's father's name was Levi Sherman, the same as this one. My ancestor, Levi Sherman, was born abt. 1815. A look at the 1850 census of Butler shows Levi Sherman, age 35 - another match. To be sure this was the same family, though, I searched the 1850 Census on FamilySearch to see if there were other men named Levi Sherman in New York. The results were surprising, yet conclusive: There were actually several men named Levi Sherman living in New York in 1850. The two shown here are the only two born between 1815 and 1816. Notice the similarities highlighted in the image above? They are strikingly similar but since we know my ancestor Levi married Eleanor, it's easy to see that the Levi Sherman was not my ancestor - though quite possibly a relative. Normally I would scrap the day's work and move on, but I'm sharing my findings here to avert future time wasted on this confusing coincidence. I'm sure the similarities have caused much confusion when searching local records, newspaper clippings, etc. It's definitely important for anyone researching the family to be aware of. The two families may be related somehow, but they are definitely two distinct men named James Sherman. I believe my ancestor did join in the Civil War, perhaps not with the high honor of these Shermans of Butler, but a debt of gratitude we owe them all. Stay tuned as I continue my research on the Sherman family and more! Subscribe for updates! #jamessherman #sherman #leonard #civilwar #mixup

George Washington has been studied from nearly every angle: soldier, statesman, surveyor, farmer, president, and founding father. Yet this old newspaper article presents him from another perspective—as a Freemason. Published in a fraternal section of the New York newspaper, The Argus, in 1902, “Washington as a Loyal Mason” preserves the story of his initiation, his Masonic honors, and the relics later treasured by the fraternity that claimed him as one of its most honored members. Notice, in masonic records, they added 4,000 years to their dates. For example, 1752 was written 5752. At first glance, the date “5752” may look like a printer’s mistake, but in the world of Freemasonry, it opens the door to a deeper story. They were using the Masonic calendar, called Anno Lucis, meaning “Year of Light.” The wording reflects Masonic symbolism around light, knowledge, and creation. This article was printed in The Argus, Feb. 16, 1902, p. 11: WASHINGTON AS A LOYAL MASON INITIATED IN FREDERICKSBURG LODGE NO. 4 IN THE YEAR 1752. PATRIOTS IN FREE MASONRY Honors Conferred Upon First President of United States by This Ancient Fraternity—Aprons and Emblems as Relics. There is one name on the membership rolls of American Masonry which is, by common consent, exalted far above all others—that of Washington. Of the fact that “The Father of His Country” was a loyal member of their ancient society, that he was at one time a master of one of their lodges, and that his body was committed to its resting place in the tomb at Mount Vernon with Masonic ceremonies, Masonic craftsmen in this country have always been justly proud. True, many attempts have been made by enemies of the craft to discredit these facts, but they are matters of recorded history, amply vouched for by documentary evidence of a kind which defies successful impeachment. The lodge at Fredericksburg, Va.—Fredericksburg Lodge No. 4—probably received its warrant from the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts, its records dating back to September 1, 1752. On the lodge records, under date of November 6, 5752, (1752), appears the entry: “Received of Mr. George Washington for his entrance, £2:3.” The minutes of a lodge meeting held November 4 show that he was initiated on that night. Then follow these further entries: “March 3d, 5753—George Washington passed Fellow Craft.” “August 4th, 5753—George Washington raised Master Mason.” Had the brethren gathered on these successive evenings to witness the “entering,” “passing” and “raising” of the young surveyor been endowed with prophetic vision, those important events in his Masonic career would doubtless have received more extended mention. It is an interesting fact that Washington took his first degree more than three months previous to his twenty-first birthday, although 21 years is now almost universally accepted as the age at which a man is eligible to entrance into the order. Masons in the Revolution. When the relations between the American colonies and the mother country became so strained that it was evident that war was inevitable, it was found that Freemasons, like all the other colonists, were divided in their allegiance. Among the Tories were Sir John Johnson, the last provincial grand master of the First Grand Lodge of New York, and William Franklin, the last of the royal governors of New Jersey, and at one time grand secretary of the Provincial Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania. The latter was a son of Benjamin Franklin, but unlike his father, adhered to the Crown during the War of Independence. He sailed for England in August, 1782, and lived in that country until his death. Although his distinguished father once visited him, and they occasionally corresponded, the barrier between them was never broken down. On the side of the patriots were many Masons whose names were destined to become famous in national annals. Chief among them, of course, was Washington himself. Peyton Randolph, the first President of the Continental Congress, was last Provincial Grand Master of the Masons of Virginia. General Joseph Warren was Grand Master of the Massachusetts Grand Lodge when he was killed in the battle of Bunker Hill. Tradition says that the lodge at the Green Dragon Tavern, in Boston, was the headquarters of the patriots of that vicinity, and that the chief guests at the famous Boston “Tea Party” began their march to the harbor from the lodge room. Paul Revere became the Grand Master of Massachusetts after the war, and in that capacity he signed an address to Washington from the Massachusetts Grand Lodge, dated March 21, 1797. General Lafayette, it is said, was made a Mason in Washington’s presence. During his visits to this country, accompanied by his son, George Washington Lafayette, in 1825, he was elected an honorary member and attended sessions of the Grand Lodges of Tennessee and Missouri, being introduced in the first-named by President Jackson, at one time Grand Master of Tennessee. Generals Knox, Wooster, Rufus Putnam, and many other Revolutionary leaders were also members of the Order which their commander-in-chief honored with his allegiance. Masonic Honors to Washington. Washington visited Philadelphia in December, 1778, while Congress was in session. Masonic services were held in Christ church on St. John’s Day, Monday, December 28, the Rev. William Smith, D. D., preaching the sermon. On that occasion about 300 brethren, including the members of the Grand Lodge, all newly clothed, formed in procession, “His Excellency, our illustrious Brother, George Washington, Esq., supported by the Grand Master and his deputy,” marching in the parade. An offering for charitable purposes was taken, amounting, it is said, to more than £400. By order of the Grand Lodge, Dr. Smith’s sermon was published in pamphlet form, and the proceeds of its sale devoted to helping the poor. It was prefaced by the following dedication: “To His Excellency, George Washington, Esq., General and Commander-in-Chief of the Armies of the United States of North America, the friend of his country and mankind, ambitious of no higher title, if higher were possible, the following sermon, honored with his presence when delivered, is dedicated, in testimony of the sincerest affection and brotherly esteem of his merit. By order of the Brethren. JOHN COATS,“Grand Secretary Pro Tem.” From this time on Masonic honors were showered thick and fast upon Washington. It soon became the custom to devote the first toast at Masonic banquets to the theme, “General Washington,” to show him special honors whenever he visited a lodge, and a military lodge, for which a warrant was granted October 6, 1779, from the Massachusetts Grand Lodge, took his name. An attempt was made shortly after this to establish the office of “Grand Master General of Masons in America” and elect Washington to that position. Massachusetts Grand Lodge finally voted “that no determination upon the subject could, with the propriety and justice due the craft at large, be made by this Grand Lodge, until a general peace shall happily take place throughout the continent.” The subject was never again formally taken up, at least not with the same end in view, but there were many people who supposed Washington to be General Grand Master, and it is even said that a medal with a bust of him on the obverse and Masonic symbols on the reverse was issued, having on it, besides a Latin motto and the words, “Washington, President,” the initials “G. W. G. G. M.” — George Washington, General Grand Master. Loyalty to Masonry. The fact that Washington was a Freemason has always been a thorn in the side of the enemies of the fraternity, and numerous desperate attempts have been made at various times, but especially during the years when the anti-Masonic political movement was at its height, to prove either that he never was connected with the Order or that in the latter years of his life he disclaimed his Masonic affiliations. Of these two contentions, the former is hardly less preposterous than would be a declaration that Washington was never President of the United States, and the latter is based upon a complete misconstruction of a single clause in his Farewell Address and of one or two sentences in a private letter. When Washington returned to Mount Vernon at the close of the war, the lodge in Alexandria, Va., addressed him a letter of greeting, and some months later he became its guest at the festival of St. John the Baptist, on which occasion he was made an honorary member of Alexandria Lodge No. 39. In November, 1788, the lodge, which had been working under a charter from the Provincial Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, applied to the Grand Lodge of Virginia for a new warrant, requesting further that “Brother George Washington, Esq., should be named in the charter as master of the lodge.” The request was granted, the lodge number being changed to 22. Washington, it may be added, had been elected master the May previous. In 1804 the lodge applied for a change of name, and the memory of its distinguished master has been perpetuated in the title, Alexandria-Washington Lodge No. 22. One of the most interesting incidents in Washington’s Masonic life took place September 18, 1793, when, clad in the apron and other insignia of the order and holding in his hand an ivory gavel, he took a prominent part in the ceremonies attending the laying of the corner-stone of the national capitol. On this occasion the lodges represented were No. 9, of Georgetown, and No. 22, of Alexandria. Washington marched in the procession between the Grand Master on his left and the Worshipful Master of Alexandria Lodge No. 22, on his right. Washington Masonic Relics. There are still in existence many valuable Masonic relics of Washington, most of them the property of various Masonic institutions. Among them is the ivory gavel, already referred to as having been used by him at the laying of the corner-stone of the capitol, now owned by Lodge No. 9, of Georgetown, D. C. Another is the historic Bible on which he took the oath of office when first inaugurated as President. The ceremony took place in New York city April 30, 1789. The marshal for the day was General Jacob Morton, the master of St. John’s, the oldest lodge in the city. General Morton brought from the lodge room the Bible and the cushion of crimson velvet upon which it rested while lying on the altar. Upon this Bible the President took his oath of office, after which it was returned to its original resting place, where it has since remained, except when, on rare occasions, it has figured in some Masonic function. At the Masonic memorial exercises held at Mount Vernon December 14, 1899, commemorative of the 100th anniversary of his death, the Bible, jewels and three lights borne at Washington’s funeral were displayed. When Lafayette visited this country in 1784 he brought as a present to his former chief and bosom friend a Masonic apron, made of white satin, with numerous Masonic ornaments worked in colored silk, the whole being the handiwork of Madame Lafayette. This, with other Masonic emblems, was presented in a handsomely finished rosewood box, also embellished with Masonic symbols. The apron remained at Mount Vernon quite a time after its owner’s death, but was finally presented to the Washington Benevolent Society, by whom, in turn, it was given to the Pennsylvania Grand Lodge. The box became the property of the Alexandria Lodge. Another historic apron was presented to Washington August 10, 1782, by Watson & Cassoul, a Franco-American mercantile firm, doing business in France. The apron and a Masonic sash were made at the firm’s order by some nuns at Nantes, and is of satin, wrought with gold and silver tissue, and having the flags of the United States and France mingled with various Masonic symbols. The latter is now in the possession of the Alexandria-Washington Lodge, and is kept in the box in which the Lafayette apron was originally placed. The Lafayette apron is worked in silk and has on the frontlet the Mark Master’s circle and secret letters, with a beehive as a mark in the centre.

A young Irish immigrant at the harbor in NY c. 1850 William McGinnis arrived in New York from Ireland between 1847 and 1849. He was counted on the census in Lisle, Broome County, New York, in 1850 and in 1855. He was a servant, living in the home of two different families. On the 1855 New York State Census, he indicated he had been in Lisle, New York, for five years. In a previous blog I shared my research on his arrival. You can read it here. An immigrant arriving during this period would not have gone through Castle Garden or Ellis Island. (Castle Garden didn't open until 1855 and Ellis Island until 1892). Still, there were policies in place. The ship he traveled on would have first stopped at Staten Island, where a health officer would board the vessel and check the passengers for contagious illnesses. If any were found ill, they could be held and treated at quarantine hospitals. The ship's master was required to provide a written report listing each passenger's name, place of birth, age, occupation, and last legal settlement within 24 hours of arrival. In 1847, many Irish famine migrants arrived malnourished and ill, after escaping the Irish Famine. The hospitals and quarantine facilities were overwhelmed. Healthy immigrants were commonly put ashore at ordinary piers and were vulnerable to boardinghouse keepers, passenger agents, and “runners” who tried to intercept and exploit them. Some met family, found lodging, or moved inland. William McGinnis was one who moved inland. He applied for citizenship six years later, in 1856. His signature is shown here as "William McGinis". Signature of William McGinnis Sources: "Broome, New York, United States records," images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-L9M3-Y6W?view=explore : Apr 4, 2026), image 165 of 1386; New York. County Court (Broome County). Image Group Number: 005370553 "Cortland, New York, United States records," images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSMP-W9QB-N?view=explore : Apr 4, 2026), image 442 of 1372; . Image Group Number: 007780903

I don't know about you, but I honor and cherish my patriot ancestors who laid down their lives for America's Independence during the American Revolutionary War. I'm thankful every day, but especially this year, as we cross the 250th year milestone. Having never known that even one of my "grandfathers" participated in the battles, I was thrilled to find that several of them did. I've created a Wall of Honor on my website to keep track of them all because I believe it's important to remember our roots, our heritage, and our inheritance - freedom! I also printed Patriot Certificates for each. You can order printed, personalized "Proud Descendant of a Patriot" certificates on Amazon. Get your personalized Patriot certificate on Amazo If you have a printer, you can create and download your certificates instantly from Etsy and print as many as you'd like to hand out to family. To find out if you have any patriot ancestors, take a looks at your family tree. I like to use Wikitree because it's so vast and collaborative. From any profile, click the Ancestors tab to view a tree. I'd recommend viewing the ancestor tree of each of your 16 great-great grandparents' profiles, or possible from each of your 32 3rd-great grandparents, depending on your age. In the example below, I'm viewing the paternal ancestors of Betsy Stowell, my 3rd great-grandmother. As you can see, her 2nd great-grandparents, grandparents, and even one of her grandfathers could have participated, and if they were of age, they probably did. Notice her 2nd great-grandfather, Samuel Wood. From his profile we learn that although he was about 60 years old in 1776, he enlisted and was taken prisoner at The Battle of Fort Washington. He was one of the few who lived to tell the story. Do a little research on each of your grandfathers born in the early to mid-1700s and you might be surprised how many patriot grandfathers you'll realize you have! If you can't find information from your ancestor's wikitree profile, try these: Search the DAR Patriot Index for the names of your grandfathers living during the Revolution. Try Massachusetts Soldiers and Sailors if they lived in Massachusetts. Try the Rolls and lists of Connecticut men in the revolution. 1775-1783 if they lived in Connecticut. Pension files are another great place to find loads of information about your soldiers. You can try FamilySearch for those. Do you know of any other great places to find records from the American Revolution? Please tell us in the comments below!

Mary Polly Brown was my 3rd great-grandmother. She married first to Charles R. Leonard, before 1854, when she was only about 16 years old. She and Charles had 11 known children, but split in the 1880s. She married second to Joseph Wilson, April 5, 1899. He was born in 1843 in Groton and died Dec. 30, 1904. Afterwards, Mary married for a third time to Peter Walsh/Welch, son of Anna Burns and Patrick Welch. In the settling of Mary's estate, property she owned in Locke was mentioned as follows: "Cayuga, New York, United States records," images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QSQ-G9HB-LHNF?view=explore : Apr 26, 2026), image 504 of 1033; New York. County Court (Cayuga County). Image Group Number: 007345455 From the document we learn the land Mary owned was "Beginning at the point where the center or middle of the turnpike road, so called, crosses the north line of the land formerly owned by Harvey Shaw...running east on the boundary line between Duncan McIntosh's and said Shaw's farm". On this 1904 map of Locke, we can see approximately where the property was located, between McIntosh and Shaw's farms. We can see her name "Mrs. Jos. Wilson", as she was called in 1904: On the County Tax Map, the creek is marked, leading me to believe the home was at the location I marked with a green arrow: View the area on Google Maps here: If anyone can confirm the exact location or whether or not the house still stands, or can confirm exactly where it was, please share!

Honor and commemorate your patriot forefathers patriarchs this 250th Anniversary Celebrate your family’s connection to the founding of the United States with a Personalized Patriot Ancestor Certificate. Simply enter your patriot ancestor’s name, regiment or militia, and dates of service—your certificate is instantly generated and ready to download and print. Classic light tone Available in two beautiful styles: • Vintage parchment tone • Classic light parchment tone Perfect for sharing family history at gatherings, reunions, and celebrations. Great for the 4th of July family picnic! Print copies for relatives and let everyone take home a piece of their heritage. Print options: • Print at home • Print at a local photo center • Frame it as a family keepsake • NEW! Order a printed copy on Amazon or Etsy Vintage parchment tone Print as many copies as you want once you download your certificates. A small piece of paper can carry a surprising amount of history. In a way, it’s a reminder that the American Revolution wasn’t fought by abstract heroes in textbooks—it was fought by someone’s grandfather, farmer, neighbor… maybe yours. History gets a little more interesting when it has your family’s name on it. You might also like some of some of these great items, available exclusively by MyGenealogyAddiction.com!

Honor Your Mayflower Heritage with a Personalized Certificate! Now you can create beautiful, instant, downloadable, personalized Mayflower certificates in just minutes! You can save, share and print at home or at your local photo center. You can order on Etsy here! If you don't have a printer, order a copy to be mailed on Amazon or on Etsy. With a classic design and sized at 8.5" x 11", this certificate makes a meaningful keepsake for family historians, genealogy lovers, and anyone proud of their Pilgrim heritage. Just find the perfect certificate frame and you'll have a custom made family heirloom to pass on for generations! This certificate is perfect for: Family history displays and scrapbooks Gifts for genealogy enthusiasts Framing for home or office Mayflower descendant celebrations Celebrate Your Family’s Story Celebrate your family’s story with a certificate you’ll be proud to display! It’s a wonderful way to honor your heritage and share it with future generations. Creating a personalized Mayflower certificate is a fantastic way to preserve your ancestry. It’s quick, easy, and a delightful addition to your family history collection. So why wait? Start celebrating your Pilgrim heritage today! Downloadable certificates on Etsy Printed personalized certificates on Amazon Printed personalized certificates on Etsy Got multiple Mayflower ancestors? Don't miss these! Printed Mayflower Ancestors List on Amazon Downloadable ancestor list on Etsy! Click here for free Mayflower resources to learn more about your Mayflower ancestors.

For years I've been trying to learn more about Joshua Leonard and his family. I believe he was the father of my 4th great-grandfather, Russell Leonard. You can find his profile on Wikitree here. I have been able to find very little about him or his children. In fact, I don't even know when or where Joshua died! (Please help!) Recently, FamilySearch added their "Full Text Search" option so I've spent the past month or so searching various terms to find whatever I can find and although I haven't found much, I have discovered the name of the wife of Joshua's son - Joshua Leonard, Jr., who is believed to have been a brother of Russel Leonard. We learn from Cayuga County Deeds that Joshua Leonard, Jr's wife, Eunice, was named in the will of Josiah Beard and on October 22, 1823, Joshua and Eunice Leonard, of Venice, Cayuga County, New York, sold to Aaron Beard all of their right, title, and interest in property coming from the estate of Josiah Beard, deceased, for $150 (roughly $4,700 in 2026 money). In summary, what they were conveying was: their claim in Josiah Beard’s estate specifically their equal undivided one-eighth share in the surplus land on Lot 62 and any claim they may have had to the 150-acre farm that Josiah Beard had already willed to Aaron Beard Josiah Beard (or Baird) was born in Becket, Massachusetts, in 1763 and married Elizabeth Murdock (1770-1820) abt. 1789, in Windham, Connecticut and they had several children. He died July 30, 1821, and is buried in Venice Center Cemetery in Venice Center, Cayuga, New York. His wife was Elizabeth (Murdock) who was born in 1770 (death date unknown) and she is buried in the same cemetery. (Findagrave) In his will, he named "my loving daughter Eunice, wife of Joshua Leonard", along with several other children. You can find it on FamilySearch here. It should also be noted that Aaron Beard's wife was also named Eunice, according to this 1805 deed. Signing a deed The 1823-1824 deed reads as follows: Joshua Leonard Jun. to Aaron Beard 62.Scipio.150A This Indenture made the twenty second day of October in the year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and twenty three Between Joshua Leonard & Eunice Leonard his wife of the town of Venice, County of Cayuga and State of New York of the first part and Aaron Beard of the town County and State aforesaid Witnesseth that the said parties of the first part for and in consideration of the sum of One hundred and fifty dollars to them in hand paid by the Guardian of the party of the second part the receipt whereof is hereby confessed and acknowledged, Have granted bargained sold remised released aliened and confirmed and by these presents do grant bargain sell remise release alien and coming and by these presents do grant bargain sell remise release alien and confirm unto the said party of the second part in his actual possession and to his heirs and assigns forever. All our rite title interest property or demand in and to all the estate both landed and moveable property that did belong to Josiah Beard late of Scipio, Now Venice, dec'd, Except the sum of Five Dollars which was willed to Eunice Leonard by the said Josiah Beard dec'd in his last Will and testament, it being the equal and undivided part of Lot number Sixty two in the town formerly Scipio now Herrick in the County of Cayuga and State of New York it being the farm deeded to Josiah Beard dec'd and bequeathed unto the said Aaron Beard, his son, one hundred and fifty acres by Will of the said dec'd there being over and above the One hundred and fifty twenty two acres three rods & Eleven rods not included in the said will be the same more or less, the one equal and undivided eighth part of the afores'd Overplus land is hereby intend to be sold and conveyed, and all claim to any part of the One hundred and fifty acres of land described in the aforesaid Will by the said parties of the first part: Together with all and singular the hereditaments and appurtenances thereunto belonging in any wise appertaining and the reversion and reversions remainder and remainders rents issues and profits thereof, and all the estate rite title interest claim or demand whatsoever of the said parties of the first part either in law or equity of in or to the above bargained premises with the said hereditaments and appurtenances. To have and To hold the said land tenements and hereditaments above mentioned and described to the said party of the second part and to his heirs and assigns forever to the sole and only proper use benefit and behoof of the said party of the second part and his heirs and assigns forever. And the said parties of the first part for themselves and the heirs do covenant grant bargain promise and agree to and with the said party of the second part and his heirs and assigns the above granted and bargained premises to the said party of the second part and his heirs and assigns against all and every person or persons lawfully claiming or to claim the whole or any part of the above mentioned and described premises from by or under us, hereby relinquishing all claim in by or to the above mentioned and described premises. And in confirmation of what is above written we hereunto set our hands and seals the day and date first above written. Signed Sealed & delivered in Presents of Denis Taylor, Joshua Leonard Jr. L.S. Eunice Leonard L.S. Cayuga County On the 27th day of October, 1823, personally came before me Elizabeth Baird to me known who after being duly sworn did declare that she is acquainted with Joshua Leonard and Eunice his wife and know them to be the persons described in and who executed the within deed and on the same day appeared before me the said Joshua Leonard and Eunice his wife, and the said Joshua Leonard acknowledged the due execution thereof. And the said Eunice Leonard his wife on a private examination by me separate and apart from her said husband acknowledged the due execution thereof without any fear, threats, or compulsion from her said husband. Let the same be recorded. Peleg Gallup, one of the Judges of the Cayuga Com. Pleas. I have been unable to find any further information about Joshua Leonard, Jr. If you have any information, please comment below or contact me! See Joshua's Wikitree profile here: Leonard-9499 Sources: "Cayuga, New York, United States records," images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-L9WK-49MY-C?view=explore : Apr 4, 2026), image 214 of 594; New York. County Court (Cayuga County). Image Group Number: 007167315 "Cayuga, New York, United States records," images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:33SQ-GYC7-9QVH?view=explore : Apr 4, 2026), image 659 of 739; New York. County Court (Cayuga County). Image Group Number: 005115391

This week I've been updating some data on my Leonard family in Cortland, New York, specifically zooming in on Charles L. Leonard, the son of Charles Russell Leonard. He was living in Cortland on Hamlin Street with his family when the census was taken in 1892 and 1900. In 1905, however, when the New York State Census was taken, his wife and son, Floyd, lived alone in Cortland. I went to the census to check what Luella's marital status was in 1905, but that question was not asked on the 1905 New York State census, unfortunately. But while I sighed at the realization of facing another dead end, I noticed another name I recognized immediately on the page - Grace Brown, age 18, an Inspector at a Skirt Company. Could it be? Was this the same Grace Brown who was murdered by her boyfriend just to hide her pregnancy? Naturally, I had to find out. "New York, United States records," images, FamilySearch ( https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:S3HT-679W-35L?view=explore : Apr 17, 2026), image 37 of 694; New York. Secretary of State. Image Group Number: 004296294 I went searching to find out if Grace had a sister named Ada Hawley and lived at 13 Fifth Ave, in the neighborhood behind the Cortland hospital, just down the street from the Leonard home on Hamlin Street, shown here: Re-creation of Grace Brown at her sister's home on Fifth Ave in Cortland circa 1905 I'd imagine the Leonards who lived on Hamlin Street must have seen her, or could have possibly known her or her sister. To me that's what's fun about researching family history - finding connections to major events and people of the past. With a little research, I found that Grace Brown was born on March 20, 1886. She grew up in the village of South Otselic, Chenango County, New York, the middle child of a successful dairy farmer. As the story goes on, it confirms this was in fact the same Grace Brown: "In 1904, at the age of 18, Brown moved to nearby Cortland to live with her married sister Ada, and to work at the new Gillette Skirt Factory." (Wikipedia) Chester Gillette, the nephew of the factory owner, had a less stable childhood. Longing for a better life, he moved to Cortland in 1905 to work at his uncle's skirt factory. Like Grace, he too was counted on the 1905 New York State Census. He was 22-year old "day laborer" lodging in the home of John & Catherine Lonergau at 21 East Main Street, about three-quarters of a mile from where Grace was living, at her sister's home. The census date was June 1, 1905: Not an actual photo Chester and Grace began a romantic relationship soon after his arrival, and in Spring 1906, Brown became pregnant. She returned to her parents' home in South Otselic, concealing the secret from her family, while pressuring Chester to marry her - and rightfully so. It would be the only way to restore her respectability and social standing and "make an honest woman of her" as the old saying goes, at a time when "shotgun weddings" were held to cover up and correct these types of situation - and she might have had a shotgun wedding if she had told her father what was going on, but instead, Chester came up with a plan and she went with it. He apparently promised marriage but some say he promised to take her to a maternity home where she could live until the child was born. Either way, he agreed to take her away to the Adirondacks, so they traveled together by train to Big Moose Lake, which lies on the border of Herkimer and Hamilton counties. In the hotel's registry, Gillette used the pseudonym "Carl Grahm", a fact that probably helped prove his unlawful intentions and premeditation. On July 11, 1906, the couple were seen rowing out on Big Moose Lake. While they were on the lake, Chester is believed to have struck Grace over the head with either an oar or a tennis racket that had been seen strapped to his suitcase. She ultimately fell or was pushed out of the boat and drowned. Her body was found the next day and Chester was apprehended in the nearby town of Inlet, New York. The trial began in the Fall. The defense claimed that Grace had been confused and suddenly jumped out of the boat and into the water, despite being fully clothed. Not an actual photo "We talked a little more, then she got up and jumped in the water, just jumped in." (Chester Gillette) Authorities confiscated Brown's love letters from Gillette's rented room as evidence. District attorney George Ward read Grace's letters aloud to the court during the trial. In her letters, she pleaded with Chester to accept responsibility and do the right thing. In her final letter, written July 5th, she looked forward to her impending Adirondack trip with Chester. She expressed that she wished she could confess her pregnancy to her mother: "I know I shall never see any of them again. And mamma! Great heavens, how I do love mamma! I don't know what I shall do without her (...) Sometimes I think if I could tell mamma, but I can't. She has trouble enough as it is, and I couldn't break her heart like that. If I come back dead, perhaps if she does not know, she won't be angry with me." The trial lasted three weeks, and, in the end, justice was served - in a way. Gillette was found guilty of the premeditated murder of Grace. He was sentenced to death and was executed by electrocution on March 30, 1908, in Auburn Correctional Facility. The story has inspired novels including Theodore Dreiser's " An American Tragedy ", Jennifer Donnelly's " A Northern Light ", Craig Brandon's " Murder in the Adirondacks ", and Harold Thompson's " Body, Boots and Britches ". Dreiser's novel inspired two films. The first, "An American Tragedy", in 1931, and the second, "A Place in the Sun", in 1951, which portrayed the character of Grace as an opportunist who believed that marrying into Chester's family would bring her advantages. Either way, Grace's involvement with Chester Gillette didn't benefit Grace or her family in any way. May she and her unborn child rest in peace.

After 21 years of doing genealogy, today I stumbled upon the will of my 3rd great grandmother, Mary Polly Brown! It is ironic that it is in her death records that we learn the most about her life. Receipts to her creditors tell us what she was buying from the local businesses, one of which was "Hewitt Brothers", a business still standing today, shown here on Google Maps. This was a view from 2009. Much of the building, including the silos and towers, have since been removed, but this is one of the places Mary shopped regularly. Receipts show her purchasing coal and potatoes from Hewitt Bros. in 1916 and 1917. Her bills at the local general store included lists of items she purchased on a regular basis: flour, sugar, oil, coffee, lard, beans, baking powder, baking soda, salt, vanilla, butter, soup, tea, milk, margarine, pork, cod fish, rice, vinegar, canned tomatoes and crackers. On page 20, we learn interesting details about Charles and Mary's son, Charles L. Leonard. Previously, I shared some clippings about his disappearance in 1888 . He returned to his family before 1891, but from Mary's estate papers we learn that he left again afterwards. Because he was an heir named in Mary's will, attempts were made to locate him, without success. His son, Floyd, stated that the last he had heard of him, he was in Rochester and was going further west. The story sounds remarkably similar to that of Charles Russell Leonard's father, Russell Leonard, who left to buy land out west and never returned . We also learn that she paid P. M. Elliott for use of his cow pasture for 19 weeks in 1916, at a rate of $0.375 per week. Her casket and funeral cost $65. You can read through all the pages of Mary's will here and download or print it, if you'd like. Stay tuned for more! "Cayuga, New York, United States records," images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QSQ-G9HB-LHBC?view=explore : Mar 20, 2026), image 439 of 1033; New York. County Court (Cayuga County). Image Group Number: 007345455 Click here to learn more about this branch of my family . #marypollybrown #leonard #albertjayleonard

For the early settlers of modern day Harlem, guarding the settlement wasn't easy. Indian raids were devastating and newly arriving intruders were kept at a distance. According to " New Harlem past and present ", the authorities commanded that no strangers were permitted to cross the ferry at New Harlem. This photograph of the first ferry, which was very close to Daniel Tourneur's home, was taken around 1903. My paternal grandmother, Ethel Daniels, descended from Daniel Tourneur via the Dykeman family (Dyckman). They were among the early settlers of New York City. In order to secure the settlement, the Governor, Anthony Colve, successor of Nicholls, ordered the men of New Harlem to organize a militia in 1673. The roster, containing 24 courageous and honorable men, follows: New Harlem's First Militia 8.5x11 certificate Company 1 Jan Nagel, Corporal Joost van Oblinus, Private Jean Delamater, Private Jean le Roy, Private Robert Hollis, Private Company 2 Simeon Cornier, Corporal Lubbert Gerritsen, Private Samuel Pell, Private Jacque el Roe, Private Baren Waldron, Private Samuel Demarest, Private Company 3 Jan Dyckman, Corporal Arent Harmanse Bussing, Private David Demarest Jr, Private Jan Tinker, Private Conradus Hendrickson, Private Cornelis Theunissens, Private Company 4 Adolph Meyer, Corporal Laurens Matthyssen, Private David Demarest, Private Daniel Tourneur , Private Jochem Engelbert, Private Meyndert Journeed, Private If any of these brave men was your ancestor, get your commemorative certificate today! Click here for more New York genealogy and history resources Click here to learn more about Daniel Tourneur . Click here to learn more about this branch of my family . Sources: New Harlem past and present; the story of an amazing civic wrong, now at last to be righted, by Carl H. Pierce, W.P. Toler, and H.D. Nutting, 1903. #DanielTourneur #Harlem #Dykeman #Dyckman #dutchsettlement #military #militia #minuteman #minutemen

2020 marked 400 years since the Mayflower's famous landing at Plymouth Rock. Today millions of descendants of those brave and industrious pioneers live in every part of the country and elsewhere, despite only 56 of them having descendants. Their names are immortalized in the annals of American history. ( See my Mayflower database with bios and illustrations here ). The next group to arrive, however, we don't hear much about. "The Fortune", carrying 35 new-comers to the colony, caused quite a stir when it appeared off Cape Cod unexpectedly on November 9, 1621. At the first sighting of the ship, both the colonists and the Native Americans were on high alert, suspecting the ship of being a threat as it sat off shore for over a week, reluctant to proceed. The colonists readied the cannons while the ship's passengers contemplated returning to England. They finally proceeded to Plymouth Bay in late November and the colonists were relieved to see it was an English ship. Surely they hoped the ship carried at least some provisions to supplement their dangerously low storehouses as another brutal winter approached, but instead they received 35 passengers, nearly all male, with very little provisions or supplies. The new-comers were equally disappointed that the colony consisted of just seven houses and four common (public) buildings. Perhaps they expected the Pilgrim's would have made more progress in their first year, obviously unaware of the many challenges they faced. The colony's eleven structures would have to be shared by 82 people until new homes could be built. There were now more mouths to feed and not enough food to go around, which caused everyone concern, but there were now more strong, healthy workmen to help build the colony, and that they did. Most of the Fortune's passengers were young men recruited by Thomas Weston and the London Merchant Adventurers. Following is a list of known passengers aboard The Fortune: John Adams William & Elizabeth Bassett William Beale Jonathan Brewster Clement Briggs Edward Bompasse John Cannon William Conner Robert Cushman Thomas Cushman Stephen Deane Phillipe de la Noye Thomas Flavel & son Mr. Ford Mrs. Martha Ford John Ford Robert Hicks William Hilton Benedict Morgan Thomas Morton Augustine Nicolas William Palmer William Pitt Thomas Prence Moses Simonson Hugh Stacie James Steward William Tench John Winslow William Wright Click here for a timeline and summary of colonial immigration . Click here to learn more about the Mayflower voyage & passengers and Plymouth Colony . Click here for thousands of free genealogy resources . Click here to subscribe for updates! It's free ! #genealogy #immigration #america #colonial #colonists #plymouth #plymouthcolony #fortune

In the past, I've researched and shared passenger lists of those who came to the Plymouth Bay Colony on The Mayflower in 1620, The Fortune in 1621, and The Anne & Little James in 1623, but there were several other English and Dutch settlements in America prior to the Pilgrims' arrival. The first attempt at establishing a permanent English settlement in North America was led by Sir Walter Raleigh in 1585. Called the Roanoke Colony , on Roanoke Island, a part of what is now North Carolina, the entire community mysteriously vanished by 1590. Another unsuccessful attempt was made by the Plymouth Company in 1607, at what is now Maine, called the Popham Colony. The settlers who didn’t die abandoned the settlement within 14 months. Meanwhile, the proprietors of the London Company set out to establish a colony at Jamestown, in what is now Virginia, in 1606. Three ships - The Susan Constant, Discovery, and Godspeed, carrying about 600 people, took a four month voyage to the place they called Cape Henry, arriving on April 26, 1607. They arrived in the middle of a severe drought and too late in the season to plant crops. They lacked fresh water suitable for drinking and the land was swampy and infested with mosquitoes. Making matters worse, many of the men were gentlemen, unaccustomed to the hard physical labor necessary to build a colony. For these reasons, about two-thirds of the settlers died within the first two years from starvation, disease and warfare with nearby native tribes. There were only about 200 people left in the colony in 1608 when Capt. Christopher Newport brought the First and Second Supply missions with supplies and more settlers, including German and Polish craftsmen. The following year, in June of 1609, the Third Supply launched from Plymouth, England, destined for Jamestown. The 300-ton Sea Venture was the flagship of a seven-ship fleet towing two additional pinnaces and carrying 500 to 600 people and supplies. The passenger list is shown below. On July 24, 1609, the fleet ran into a strong storm, possibly a hurricane, and Sea Venture was separated from the fleet. The storm ravaged the ship for three days and caused severe leaking inside the ship. After a week of struggling to stay afloat, they finally spotted land, and aimed for the marshy shores of Bermuda, which was uninhabited at the time. Approximately 150 people were stranded there for the next 9 months. The Sea Venture was featured on Bermuda Stamps in the early 1900s. You can find these collectible stamps on Amazon or Ebay. Excerpt from "Stamps and Ships", by James Watson, 1959 ( Link ): While stranded in Bermuda, they utilized salvaged parts from the Sea Venture , along with local timber and natural resources to construct two boats, the Patience and Deliverance , to proceed with their voyage to Virginia. Many of the people preferred to stay at Bermuda, after hearing of the hardships at Jamestown, but they were forced to continue there anyway. (Source: Kelly, Joseph (2019). "How the Survivor of a 1609 Shipwreck Brought Democracy to America: Stephen Hopkins, Colonist at Both Jamestown and Plymouth, Proposed a Government Based on Consent of the Governed"). Three men are known to have stayed on the island but 137 passengers and crew set sail for Virginia on May 10, 1610, arriving at the Jamestown settlement on the 23rd, a journey of 13 days. It is said that upon arrival they found only 60 people survived, and they all boarded the ships to return to England, defeated. On their way back down the James River, however, they met with Baron De La Warre (Lord Delaware), who was arriving with another fleet, food, supplies, and a doctor. He was able to convince the settlers to stay at Jamestown. They weren't out of the woods yet, though. It is said that 80% of the settlers at Jamestown died in the Sickness of 1610. Jamestown served as the colonial capital from 1616 until 1699, when Williamsburg (2.5 miles from Jamestown) was made the capital. Did you have an ancestor who came to America on the Sea Venture? Feel free to share in the comments below! Also, you can find a commemorative copy of the Sea Venture Passenger List on Etsy or Amazon . ( Print the downloadable copy yourself today on Etsy ). Use it to reflect on their journey and share their epic story! Known Passengers of the Sea Venture: Christopher Newport Sir George Somers Henry Ravens Robert Frobisher Rev Richard Bucke Robert Walsingham Henry Bagwell Nicholas Bennit William Brian Jeffrey Briars Christopher Carter Edward Chard Joseph Chard Baby Bermuda Eason Edward Eason Mistress Eason Sir Thomas Gates Thomas Godby George Grave William Hitchman Stephen Hopkins Mistress Horton Elizabeth Joons Samuel Jordan Silvester Jourdain Richard Knowles Miss Langley Richard Lewis John Lytefoote William Martin Henry Paine Francis Pearepoint Elizabeth Persons William Pierce Thomas Powell John Proctor Humfrey Reede Robert Rich Bermuda Rolfe John Rolfe Mistress Rolfe Edward Samuel Samuel Sharpe Mr Henry Shelly Matthew Somers  William Strachney James Swift John Want Edward Waters Robert Waters Thomas Whittingham Sir George Yeardley Namantack Machumps & Others See also: " The Great Migration - Colonial America " Wikipedia: Sea Venture Wikipedia: Jamestown, Virginia

Of the original arrivals in the Plymouth Bay Colony, we know the Mayflower passengers made the first settlement in 1620, followed by The Fortune in 1621. Next to arrive were the Anne and the Little James in 1623. The two ships departed England and traveled together, but the Little James was slightly delayed after going off course. The Anne arrived on July 10th and Little James arrived on August 5th, three weeks later. The ships didn't have their own passenger lists, but Governor Bradford's writings and other records provide us with the following names of passengers known to be on either one of the ships: Commemorative Anne & James passenger list Anthony Annable Jane (Momford) Annable Edward Bangs John Bangs Jonathan Bangs Mrs. Lydia (Hix) Bangs Robert Bartlett Mary Becket Fear Brewster Patience Brewster Mrs. Mary (Oldham) Bridges William Bridges* Edward Burcher* Thomas Clark Christopher Conant Mrs. Hester Cook Anthony Dix John Faunce Mrs. Flavel Edmond Flood Mrs. Bridget Fuller Godbert Godbertson Sarah (Allerton) Vincent-Priest Godbertson Alice (Collard) Hatherley Timothy Hatherley William Heard Mary Hilton Mrs. Hilton William Hilton John Hix (presumed) Mrs. Margaret Hix Sarah Hix (presumed) Edward Holman John Jenney* Sarah (Carey) Jenney* Manasseh Kempton Robert Long Experience Mitchell Thomas Morton Jr George Morton* Juliana (Carpenter) Morton* Mrs. Ellen Newton John Oldham Lucretia Oldham Mrs. Oldham Mrs. Frances Palmer Christian Penn Joshua Pratt Mary Priest Sarah Priest James Rand Robert Ratcliffe Nicholas Snow Constant Southworth Mrs. Alice (Carpenter) Southworth Thomas Southworth Francis Sprague Barbara Thomas Tilden Stephen Tracy Tryphosa (Lee) Tracy Mrs. Joyce Wallen Ralph Wallen Abigail Warren Anne Warren Elizabeth Warren Mary Warren Mrs. Elizabeth Warren Sarah Warren Get an 8x10 copy of this passenger list on Amazon . Note: I found an interesting book called Christopher Jarrett of New Plymouth, published January 1, 1957, by Winona Strachan. The main character of the story is Christopher Jarrett, who arrived in Plymouth three years after the Mayflower. Could he have been on the Anne or the Little James? See my previous blog for details . Watch the illustrated story on YouTube! See also The Mayflower Passenger List and The Fortune Passenger List . Click here for my Mayflower database complete with illustrations . Click here for more Mayflower genealogy resources . Click here for thousands of other free genealogy resources .

Try Family Portrait Maker Job Shirley (1750-1842) was a soldier of the American Revolution, enlisting three times according to his pension records. An 1853 pension claim on the next page further states he was a private in the Company of Captain James Perry of the regt. Commanded by Col. Sargent for 9 months 25 days. Other officers he served under were General Putnam, Col. Wilber, Capt. Shaw, and General Sullivan. He entered the service of the United States in May 1775 at Wrentham, Bristol County, Massachusetts, where he then resided, there he enlisted in Capt. James Perry’s Company of militia in Col. Seargent's Regiment for eight months, immediately marched to Cambridge near Boston, the army being then commanded by Gen. Putnam, was there when Gen. Washington arrived and took the command. In May 1776 he enlisted for three months in Capt. Deans Company of Militia in Col. Wilber’s Regiment, immediately marched to Rhode Island. In 1778, he volunteered for six weeks service under Capt. Shaw’s Company in General Sullivan’s army. He was at the Battle in the Island, assisted in building a fort called Butts Hill, and in one instance contributed to hire a man for his Class and paid him $300 dollars, that he was for a long time a Minute man and was always prepared to go and was frequently called out on short tours. Following are all the pension records I found pertaining to Job Shirley. (These images may take a moment to load. If they aren't loaded withing 20 seconds, refresh the page. Use the arrows to see the next document): Partial transcript: State of New York, Cayuga County, On the 18th day of August 1832 personally appeared before me Gersham Morse, a Judge of the Court of Common Pleas in the for said county, Job Shirley, of Sempronius, County and State aforesaid, aged seventy-four years last October who after being duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath make the following declarations in order to obtain the benefit of the Act of Congress passed June 7th, 1832. That he entered the service of the United States in May 1775 at Wrentham, Bristol County, Massachusetts, where he then resided. That he enlisted in Capt. James Perry's Company of Militia in Col. Seargent's Regiments for eight months immediately marched to Cambridge near Boston, the army being then commanded by Gen. Putnam, was there when Gen. Washington arrived and took command, that he remained in and about Cambridge until his term expired when he was discharged and went home. That in May 1776 he enlisted for three months in Capt. Dean's Company of Militia in Col. Wilbur's Regiment, immediately marched to Rhode Island, was first stationed at Tiverton, from there marched to Howland's Ferry, thence to Providence, thence to North Kingston, then to Greenwich where our time expired and we returned home. That in the year 1778 as nearly as he can recollect he volunteered, was out six weeks under Capt. Shaw's Company, in Gen. Sullivan's army, was at Battle in the Island, assisted in building a fort called Butts Hill and remained there until the army retreated when he was discharged and sent home, that he in one instance contributed to hire a man for his class and paid his proportion of three hundred dollars for the purpose, that he was for a long time considered a Minute Man and was always prepared to go and was frequently called out on short tours but cannot now state the particulars of those services, that he hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity except the present and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of agency of any state - that he has no documentary evidence and knows of no person whose testimony he can procure who can testify to his service. Signed, Job Shirley. Personally appeared before me the undersigned a Judge of Cayuga Common Pleas aforesaid Job Shirley the applicant aforesaid, who being duly sworne deposeth and saith these by reason of old age and the consequent loss of memory he cannot swear positively to the best of his recollections and belief he served one year and three months and for such services I claim a pension. Subscribed and sworn this 28th December 1832 before me, Gersham Morse, Judge of Court of Common Pleas. X Job Shirley State of New York, Cayuga County, Job Shirley of Sempronius, County and State aforesaid being duly sworn doth on his oath depose and say, that he is an applicant for a pension under the Act of Congress of Jule 7th, 1832 - That he made his declaration to obtain said pension on or about the 18th of August last passed in which said declaration after he had stated his services in the Revolutionary Army as fully and as positively as his memory would permit us to "period, term, and greade" he thinks he added something like the following, "That he was always considered as a minute man and was always proposed to go and was frequently called out in short tours but cannot from loss of memory state the particulars of those services". That in the month of December thereafter he received other instructions and regulations from the War Department permitting applicants for pensions in cases of loss of memory they cannot state precisely how long his service, to make an affidavit mandatory of his declaration, and state how long he did actually service. That in pursuance and in compliance of said regulations he made his affidavit in or about the 28th December past in which he supposed he embraced some more time then he set forth in his declaration by "period, term, and grades" as he disapproved that is was the intention and object of the Department to allow the applicant for service which they could not from loss of memory state all the particulars as to time which appears upon the face of his papers" and hopes it will be satisfactory to the department, that had no intention to defraud the government as he thinks will appear from an examination of the duty of the declaration and affidavit. The he asks for a pension for too much time set forth in his declaration as the department may under the circumstances of the case think him fairly and equitably entitled to. Sworn and subscribed this 26th June 1833 before me, Gersham Morse, a Judge of Court of Common Pleas. X Job Shirley Click here to learn more about Job Shirley . Click here to learn more about this branch of my family . Click here to find free military records . #harvey #shirley #americanrevolution #veteran #military #jobshirley

Leonard Family Reunions in Central New York Old newspaper clippings about family reunions can reveal connections we may have never made otherwise. Following are some Leonard family reunions I found in old New York Newspapers, with the help of one of my favorite sites, fultonhistory.com . In summary, most of these reunions are for descendants of Jacob Leonard  and were held in or around Steuben County, New York. His descendants held reunions from 1889 through 1940, and possibly later. Thirty six of them are documented below. They are all listed in chronological order making it easier to see which reunions were happening each year. Most of these reunions for the descendants of Jacob Leonard. There may have been a pause in the reunions but there were later reunions in the area containing some of the same family names. Those are colored blue . Other reunions held in Owego, Binghamton, Tioga and Endicott, between 1912 and 1928 was attended by Dr. John Leonard of Harford, Cortland County, New York. Those are colored green . These appear to be descendants of Chauncey Leonard . The remaining unidentified reunions are colored red . Note: I know the descendants of Charles Russell Leonard held reunions in Homer in the early 1960's. They continued the tradition until just a few years ago, holding many reunions in the Cayuga County area. I have not found notices of these reunions in the newspapers, though. Leonard Reunions in New York Newspapers From The Andover News, Andover, New York, Aug. 12, 1891: Mr. and Mrs. W. B. Bundy are in Westfield, Pa., to-day in attendance at the reunion of the Leonard family. From The Herald, Hammondsport, New York, Wed, Sept. 14, 1892: Leonard Family Reunion. The fourth annual reunion of the Leonard family was held on Wednesday, August 31st, 1892, at the home of Mr. and Mrs. H. F. Morse, near Curtis, N. Y. At an early hour we began to gather, bringing baskets filled with delicate blends for the impending occasion. Smiling and cheerful faces greeted one another, betokening happiness and good cheer. The forenoon was spent in visiting and other social intercourse, inquiring after friends. Among those not present was the much lamented Edwin L. Seeley, who had been with us on previous occasions; also the wife and child of George Genung and the son of Jacob L. Genung, who have passed from earth. At the hour of high twelve we were invited to partake of richly-ladened tables, burdened with tempting delicacies. After this pleasant repast, H. F. Morse, the president, called the meeting to order, with music and prayer. An address of welcome was ably delivered by A. H. Hoover of Toronto, Ont. The reports of the secretary and treasurer were then read and accepted. Then Rev. M. H. Dunham of Hedgesville gave us a brief but logical annual address. We were then favored with the following pleasing recitations: "Welcome," Susie E. Wood; "The Thunder Storm," Nellie E. Morse; "The Teamster," Willard H. Morse; "The Little Boy's Plea," Bertie H. Seely; "Johnny's Opinion of his Grandmother", Mark Morse; "Guilty or Not Guilty?" Sarah Morse; "Model Church," an essay, Miss Millie Morse; "The Old Man," a song, Sylvester Smith. The next was the election of officers-President, Heman Churchill; vice-president, A. H. Hoover; secretary, Ira M. Wood; treasurer, Geo. D. Paddock. Badges were kindly presented by A. H. Hoover. The following named committee was elected on literary program: Mrs. Mary Paddock, Mrs. H. F. Morse, Miss Mary Sherman. Photographs were taken of the group and surroundings by E. T. Gates of Addison . The next annual gathering of the family will be held at Heman Churchill's, South Bradford, the last Wednesday in August, 1893. A vote of thanks were extended to the friends who so kindly entertained them and who did everything in their power to render the occasion so delightful. After the following names were registered we bid each other goodbye, hoping to all meet again at the next reunion: Henry E. Morse, Hannah Morse, Nellie E. Morse, Willard H. Morse, Curtis; A. H. Hoover, Evelyn B. Hoover, Toronto, Ont.; Ira M. Wood, Anna E. Wood, Susie E. Wood, Eagar M. Wood, Marion A. Wood, North Urbana; Rebecca Leonard, Heman Churchill, Lydia Churchill, South Bradford; George, D. Paddock, Susan E. Paddock, Lola L. Paddock, Bradford; Anna L. Seely., Bertie B. Seely. Pulteney; John H. Eygabroat, Osee L. Eygabroat. Ida M. Eygabroat. Addison; Sylvester Smith, Mary F. Smith, Erwin; Bennett Morse, Sarah C. Morse, Millie Morse, Addison; Rev. M. H. Dunham, Louisa Dunham, Hedgesville: William Sherman, Sophia Sherman, Mary Sherman, Ida Sherman, Robbie Sherman, Anna Sherman, Satie Sherman, Helen Sherman, Tyrone; Mary Jones, Clara Jones, Willie Jones, Corning; Henry T. Leonard, Bradford; John Leonard, Slaterville; George S. Morse, Corning; George Genung, Harry Genung, Clara Genung, Hammondsport; Roswell Morse, Della Morse, Ray Morae, Sarah Morse, Mark Morse, Curtis; B. N. Morse, Adda Morse, Willie Morse, Bertie Morse, Corning; Jason Stevens, Rilla Stevens, Harry Stevens, Rush Stevens, Grove Stevens, Curtis; C. E. Turnbull, Maggie Turnbull, Ethel Turnbull, Addison; Henry C. Morse, Harriet Morse, Curtis: Samuel L McCold, Emma C. McCold, West Caton; K. T. Gates, Addison. From The Watkins Democrat, Watkins, New York, Thurs., Aug. 3, 1893: The fifth annual reunion of the Leonard family will be held on Wednesday, August 30th, at the home of Heman Churchill and wife, at South Bradford, Steuben County. From The Watkins Democrat, Watkins, New York, Thurs., Aug. 9, 1894: The sixth annual reunion of the Leonard family will be held at the home of N. Elmer Ganung, at Bradford, Wednesday, the 29th inst. From The Herald, Hammondsport, New York, Wed., Aug. 15, 1894: The annual reunion of the Leonard family, of whom there are numerous relatives and friends in this section, will be held at the residence of Mr. and Mrs. Genung, near Bradford, on Wednesday, August 29th. From The Watkins Express, Thurs., Aug. 23, 1894: The annual reunion of the Leonard family will be held at the residence of Mr. and Mrs. Ganung, near Bradford, on Wednesday, August 29th. From The Advocate, Bath, Steuben, New York, Aug. 7, 1895: The Stewarts picnic this year in S. E. Stone's grove on the 21st, and the Leonard family reunion will be held at the home of Darius Tyler on the 28th inst. From The Herald, Hammondsport, New York, Wed., Sept. 11, 1895: Leonard Family Reunion. From Savona Review. The seventh annual reunion of the Leonard family was held at the beautiful home of Mr. and Mrs. Darius Tyler on the bank of Lake Keuka near Pulteney, on Wednesday, August 28th, 1895, and was one of the most successful, and delightful gatherings held since the formation of the society. As heretofore, no effort or pains had been spared upon the part of Mr. and Mrs. Tyler to have all the necessary arrangements and details so carefully planned and executed that the utmost comfort was provided for all the friends and relatives present. More than seventy-five persons had come together to renew the friendship of former occasions and partake of the hospitality so bountifully and deliciously provided. There were no disappointments to mar the festivities, and a grand good time was the unanimous verdict of all. After prayer by the chaplain and music by the choir, the vice-president, Geo D. Paddock, of Bradford, in a few well-chosen words, on behalf of the host and hostess, bade the large assembly a hearty and cordial welcome. The annual address was delivered by Rev. M. H. Dunham of Jackson Summit, Pa., who with his good wife had driven over fifty miles to be present. Elder Dunham is one of God's nobleman. Ready, always, to obey wherever duty calls him; able and competent to assume any position where words of cheer and comfort thrill the dullest heart; such men make the world better for their having lived therein. The minutes of the last meeting were, upon motion, adopted as printed. The treasurer's reports showed a healthy financial condition, and the place of meeting for next year was located at Wm. Sherman's, near Bradford, the last Wednesday in August. Following are the officers elected:- Wm. Sherman, pres.; Heman Churchill, vice-pres.: Henry Morse, treas.; Lydia A. Churchill, sec. Since the last meeting death has invaded our circle and called to her well-earned reward one of the older members of the family. Sophia Genung, wife of Elmer Genung, died at her home near Bradford, April 21st, 1895, aged eighty years, and was buried in the cemetery at Bradford. She was one of the children of the pioneer family and had been a great sufferer for many years, paralysis having rendered her well nigh helpless. Two of the former gatherings had been held at her home which she had heartily enjoyed. The following persons were present and registered :- Darius Tyler and wife, Bertie Seeley, Misses Libbie and Annie Seeley, J. B. Hadden, John G. Tyler and wife. P. O. Horton, Clara Horton, I. E. Horton, J. Van Amburg and wife, C. H. Perry and wife, O. C. Cross, Albert Seely, E. Abel and wife, M. B. Brush, Lulu N. Hadden, J. P. Hadden. Mrs. G. P. Hadden, Stella Cross, Mrs. E. D. Cross, Menzo S. Horton, Pulteney: Roswell Morse, Delia Morse. Curtis: Heman Churchill and wife, South Bradford: Rev. M. H. Dunham and wife, Jackson Summit. Pa.: Henry Morse and wife. Erwin: Rev. G. A. Beers, wife and daughter, South Pulteney: Wm. Sherman and wife. Misses Mary, Ida, Annie, Satie and Helen Sherman. Tyrone: A. H. Hoover and wife, Toronto, Ont.. J. H. Genung. wife and son, George Genung. son and daughter. Hammondsport: N. E. Genung. Oscar Genung, George Paddock, wife and daughter. B. Little, Herman Reed, Edwin Brown, A. Switzer, Bradford: E. Wood, Susie E. Wood. M. Crookston and wife. Wayne: Robert Best and wife. R. E. Best, Fred Best. Miss Lida Best, Starkey: Henry Ellis and wife. Dundee: Miss Alice Crofoot. Auburn. Miss Gertrude A. Parker. Prattsburgh. After the conclusion of the program and repast, a hearty vote of thanks was given to the host and hostess. An enterprising photographer secured two group negatives, and amid many hearty good-byes and "God bless you's" the seventh reunion was at an end. L. A. C. South Bradford. Aug. 29, 1895. From The Advocate, Bath, New York, Aug. 4, 1897: The ninth annual reunion of the Leonard family will be held on Wed., Aug. 25th, 1897, at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Geo. D. Paddock on the Jacob Leonard homestead , Bradford, New York. Lydia A. Churchill, Secretary. From The Advocate, Bath, New York, Aug. 10, 1898: The tenth annual reunion of the Leonard family will be held on Wednesday, August 31st, 1898, at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Best, Starkey, N. Y. Mrs. Lydia A. Churchill, Sec'y., Bradford, N. Y. From The Herald, Hammondsport, New York, Wed., Aug. 30, 1899: The Leonard family reunion is being held today, at the residence of Heman Churchill in this village. From The Herald, Hammondsport, New York, Wed., Aug. 15, 1900 & Wed. Aug. 22, 1900: The twelfth annual reunion of the Leonard family will be held on Wednesday, August 20th, 1900, at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Henry T. Morse at Curtiss. All relatives and friends of the family are requested to be present on this occasion. LYDIA A. SANFORD, Sec., Bradford, N. Y., Aug. 5th, 1900. From The Elmira Daily Gazette and Free Press, Aug. 7, 1900: Bath, Aug. 8 - The annual reunion of the Leonard family will be held at the residence of Mr. and Mrs. H. G. Morse at Curtis, August 29th. From The North Adams Evening Transcript, (Mississippi?) Thurs., July 11, 1901: The reunion of the Leonard family and the commemorative exercises for their two great ancestors, James and Henry Leonard, the first successful iron workers in America, was held at Taunton, Mass., under the auspices of the, Old Colony Historical society. From The Prattsburgh News, Prattsburgh, New York, Aug. 22, 1901 The thirteenth annual reunion of the Leonard family will be held August 28th at the home of Mrs. Darius Tyler, Pulteney. From The Herald, Hammondsport, New York, Wed., Aug. 21, 1901 & Aug. 28, 1901: LEONARD FAMILY. The thirteenth annual reunion of the Leonard family will be held on Wednesday, August 28th, at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Darius Tyler, Pulteney, N. Y. LYDIA CHURCHILL, Secretary. From The Herald, Hammondsport, New York, Wed., Sept. 11, 1901: Leonard Family Reunion The 13th annual reunion of the Leonard family was held at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Darius Tyler, on the bank of Lake Keuka, near Pulteney, on Wednesday, August 28th, 1901. The day was perfect and not a single incident occurred to mar the festivities of the occasion. About one hundred friends and relatives were present and a grand good time was enjoyed. Among those present from a distance were Mr. and Mrs. A. H. Hoover, Toronto, Ont., and Mrs. Ann W. Wilson, Ann Arbor, Mich. The exercises were held upon the lawn under some beautiful shade trees in front of the house, which had been fitted up especially for the purpose so that an abundance of shade was provided. The tables were arranged under the family tent and were ample to accommodate nearly all who were present at one sitting. A great deal of credit is due both Mr. and Mrs. Tyler for the care and time spent in preparation to make the occasion one long to be remembered by all who were fortunate enough to be present. After the usual hand-shakings and greetings, and the friends had been made to feel at home, the assemblage was called to order by the president, Darius Tyler, at twelve o'clock. In a few brief words, well spoken, he extended a cordial welcome to the many friends present and kindly, thanked them for the interest manifested upon the 13th anniversary of so many former meetings of the family. He then bade them be seated around the tables loaded with everything heart could wish for the gratification of the inner man. The Invitation was not long in abeyance for soon all were doing justice to tempting things provided in a manner which left no doubt of the nature of the appetites in waiting to be satisfied regardless of the dyspeptic conditions or consequences which might follow an indulgence of this kind. Dinner over, the exercises began. Music, both vocal and instrumental were furnished in abundance while recitations by the young people had been plentifully provided. Two cornet solos were contributed by A. H. Hoover and well received. Excellent singing was furnished by Mr. and Mrs. J. Wildman of Hammondsport and Miss Irene Jude-Vine of Pulteney. Recitations were delivered by Masters Smith and Wildman and also Laura Cross, Helen Sherman and Sarah Morse. The report of the secretary, showed the association to be in a good financial condition. Letters of regret were received and read from Mrs. Sarah Morse, Campbell, N. Y., Mr. and Mrs. C. D. Yonker, Bowling Green, Ohio, Mrs. Osee Fox, Fostoria, Ohio, Mrs. A. E. Rice, Muskegon, Mich., and Rev. R. S. Clark, Stanards, N. Y. Two deaths were reported among the relatives since the last reunion, Mrs. Sarah Ann Leonard Culver, Bowling Green, Ohio, aged 55 years, and Mrs. Albert Bradford, of Fostoria, Ohio, aged 38 years. The following officers were elected for the ensuing year: William Sherman, President. Aaron Switzer, Vice Pres, George Paddock, Treasurer, Lydia A. Churchill, Secretary. Executive-Committee: A. H. Hoover, Toronto. Ont, Ira M. Wood, Wayne Four Corners, Jacob Genung, Hammondsport, George Paddock, Bradford, Henry Morse, Curtis, N. Y. The closing exercises ended with music, the choir singing by special request, "God be with you till we meet again." The next reunion will be held at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Sherman, Tyrone, N. Y., on the last Wednesday of August 1902, Lydia A. Churchill, Sec'y. From b, Aug. 1902: The fourteenth annual reunion of the Leonard family will be held August 27, 1902, at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Sherman, Tyrone, N.Y. - Lydia A. Churchill, Secretary, Bradford, N.Y. From the Herald, Hammondsport, New York, Wed., Aug. 6, 1902, Aug. 20, 1902, Aug. 27, 1902: The 14th annual reunion of the Leonard family will be held at William Sherman's in Tyrone, August. 27th. From The Advocate, Bath, New York, Aug. 5, 1903: The fifteenth annual reunion of the Leonard family will be held on Wednesday, Aug. 26, 1903, at the home of Mr. and Mrs. J. H. Eygabroat, Addison, New York. From The Elmira Telegram, Aug. 9, 1903: Watkins. The fifteenth annual reunion of the Leonard family will be held on Wednesday, August 26, at the home of Mr. and Mrs. J. H. Eygabroat, of Addison. From The Herald, Hammondsport, New York, Wed., Sept. 2, 1903: Leonard Family Reunion. The fifteenth annual reunion of the Leonard family was held on Wednesday, Ang. 26th, 1903, at the home of Mr. and Mrs. J. H. Eygabroat, Addison, N. Y. Over 100 relatives and friends were present from Slaterville, Dundee, Starkey, Pulteney, Tyrone, Bradford, Elmira, Corning, Painted Post and Campbell. Many were the happy hearts that greeted Miss Mabel Leonard of Slaterville who had never met with us before at our family gatherings. The day was perfect and not an incident occurred to mar the festivities of the occasion. Mr. Eygabroat and family did all in their power for the happiness and comfort of all the relatives and friends who had accepted of their kind hospitality, which was appreciated by all present. The tables were arranged under the family tent and they were never so laden with everything heart could wish as on this occasion. After the usual greetings the assemblage was called to order by the vice-president, Henry F. Morse, who extended a hearty welcome to all and bade them be seated around the tables that looked so inviting. Dinner over, the exercises began with music and singing: prayer by Willie Morse; three beautiful songs by Satie and Helen Sherman. The little ones who favored us with recitations deserve special mention. The whistling quartette was loudly cheered. The secretary's report showed the association to be in a good financial condition, entirely out of debt. Letters of regret were read from Mr. and Mrs. A. H. Hoover Toronto, Ont; Mrs. A. W. Wilson, Ann Arbor, Mich; Mrs. Clark Bradford and Mrs, Osee Fox of Fostoria, Ohio. The badges presented by A. H. Hoover were gratefully received. As this reunion was the first received. As this reunion was the first one in ten years that Mr. and Mrs. A. H. Hoover had not attended they with other relatives were sadly missed by all. The host and hostess were presented with a beautiful souvenir spoon a token of love and esteem from Mr. and Mrs. Hoover. The following officers were elected for the ensuing year: Aaron Switzer, president: Robert Best. vice-president; Geo. D. Paddock, treasurer; Lydia A. Churchill, secretary. The next reunion will be held at Aaron Switser's, Bradford, N. Y ., the last Wednesday of Aug. 1904. Death has not entered our ranks as a family during the past year and as we gave the parting hand to all it was our heart felt wish that we may all meet in heaven where we will never say good by. L. A. C. From The Advocate, Bath, New York, Aug. 3, 1904: The sixteenth annual reunion of the Leonard family will be held on Wednesday, Aug. 24, 1904, at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Heman Churchill, Bradford, New York. From The Herald, Hammondsport, New York, Wed., Aug. 3, Aug. 10, Aug. 17, Aug. 24, and Aug. 31, 1904: LEONARD FAMILY. The sixteenth annual reunion of the Leonard family will be held on Wednesday, August 24th, 1904, at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Herman Churchill, Bradford, N. Y. MRS. L. A. CHURCHILL, Sec'y. From The Buffalo Courier, Sun., Aug. 21, 1904: The sixteenth reunion of the Leonard family will be held at the residence of Mr. and Mrs. Herman Churchill, of Bradford, on Wednesday, August 24th. The call is issued by Mrs. L. A. Churchill as the secretary. From The Advocate, Bath, New York, Oct. 4, 1905: LEONARD FAMILY REUNION. The 17th annual reunion of the Leonard family was held at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Best, Starkey, N. Y., on Wednesday, the 18th inst. Notwithstanding the unfavorable condition of the weather during the earlier hours of the day and the location being somewhat remote from the other members of the family, the attendance was quite large, many of the family who have taken an active interest in these annual gatherings coming from Pulteney, Curtis and other distant parts, necessitating two days driving in some cases. About noon the sun came out nice and bright, the clouds disappeared and the afternoon was very pleasant and resulted in a very enjoyable affair. Among those present were: Mr. and Mrs. A. H. Hoover, Toronto, Ont., Henry and Miss Morse, Curtis, N. Y., Mrs. Annie Tyler, Pulteney, George Genung, Hammondsport, George Paddock and Mrs. Susan Paddock, Bradford, Benjamin Little and Mrs. Lola Little, Bradford, Misses Sadie and Helen Sherman, Bradford, Heman Churchill and Lydia Churchill, Bradford, Philip Basage and wife, Rochester, and Elmer Best, Geneva. Letters of regret were received from Mrs. Ann W. Wilson, Ann Arbor, Mich., and Mrs. Ossie Fox, Fostoria, Ohio. The Secretary's report showed that since the last reunion death had invaded the family circle in two instances. Mr. James B. Fox, of Fostoria, Ohio, died Aug. 30th, 1905 and Mrs. Sopha Sherman, died March 6th, 1905 in her fifty-fourth year. Cousin Sophia was a good consistent, Christian woman, and a member of the M. E. church at Tyrone. She possessed qualities of mind and heart that were both noble and upright she bore her sufferings with Christian fortitude. She was burled from her home where a vast concourse of friends and neighbors amid a profusion of flowers and of tears, which bore testimony of love and esteem for the departed and sympathy for the husband and children, whose sorrow no one can know only those who have waded through waters as deep ore the loss of a loved wife and mother. The usual exercises, consisting of recitations, music, etc., were indulged in, and an old fashioned visit was had which well repaid those who had been in attendance at former gatherings of the family to be present at this time. A pleasant incident in connection with this reunion was the presentation to the host and hostess of a set of solid silver teaspoons as a token of friendship and appreciation by Mr. and Mrs. A. H. Hoover for painstaking care and attention shown to the guests present. The next reunion will be held at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Ellis, Dundee, N. Y. A vote of thanks was tendered to Mr. and Mrs. Best for their hospitality and to the choir for the beautiful singing, which was so well rendered. After the closing piece "Blest Be the Tie That Binds" the Good Byes were said and we all hope to meet again at our next reunion. Mrs. L. A. Churchill, Secretary From The Advocate, Bath, New York, Aug. 1, 1906: The 18th annual reunion of the Leonard family will be held Wednesday, Aug. 22, at the home of Henry Ellis, Dundee. From The Advocate, Bath, New York, Sept. 5, 1906 (Also printed in The Herald, Hammondsport, New York, Wed., Sept. 5, 1906): Leonard Family Reunion. The Eighteenth Annual Reunion of the Leonard Family was held on Wednesday, August 22d, at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Ellis, Dundee, N Y. Seventy-five relatives and friends were present, from Toronto, Ont., Rochester, Pulteney, Dundee, Starkey, Ithaca, Tyrone, Bradford, Campbell, South Bradford, Curtis, Painted Post, New York. The day was perfect and not an incident occurred to mar the festivities of the occasion. Mr. and Mrs. Ellis did all in their power for the happiness and comfort of all relatives and friends, who were present, which was appreciated by all. The tables were arranged under the family tent and were loaded down with all that heart could wish. After the usual greetings the assemblage was called to order by Heman Churchill on behalf of the President, Mr. Ellis. A hearty welcome was extended to all, as they were invited to be seated at the tables that looked so inviting. Dinner over, the exercises began with a brief but excellent program which had been carefully arranged. The choir rendered "Blest be the tie that binds," followed by prayer by Mr. George Paddock. Recitations were next in order. A temperance piece was well rendered by Miss Edith Knapp, of Altay. Gussie Reed, Katie Knapp, and Charlie Brown each sang a beautiful solo. Lynn Reed, Mary Murdock and little Erva Littell favored us with recitations that were heartily cheered. Mrs. Anna Brown and sisters, Satie and Helen Sherman, sang two beautiful songs, which were well received. Since our last annual gathering the Grim Reaper Death has invaded our ranks and removed from our kindred circle three of our loved ones. Cousin Fred Eygabroat died at his home in Lawrenceville, Pa., Sept. 17th, 1905, aged thirty years. Aunt Sarah Leonard Morse died at her home in Campbell, N.Y., Dec. 21st, 1905, aged eighty-three years. Aunt Elizabeth Leonard Bradford died at her home in Fostoria, Ohio, July 11th, 1906, aged eighty-eight years. The Secretary's report showed the society to be in a good financial condition. All out of debt and money in the treasury. The services of a photographer were received and a picture of the group taken. Mr. and Mrs. Hoover of Toronto came to the reunion in their large touring car. He gave sixteen of the children a ride, which will never be forgotten. Mr. and Mrs. Ellis were presented with a set of solid silver teaspoons as a token of love and esteem from Mr. and Mrs. Hoover. After a few interesting remarks by Mr. J. Almy, the choir sang "God be with you till we meet again." The following officers wero elected for the ensuing year: A. H. Hoover, President: Henry F. Morse, vice pres.; George D. Paddock, treas; Lydia A. Churchill, secy. A vote of thanks was given the host and hostess, and the choir, and to all the kind neighbors and friends who had aided so much in the enjoyment of the occasion. May we all meet again was the wish of all present. L. A. Churchill, Sec'y. From The Buffalo Courier, Buffalo, New York, Aug. 11, 1907: Mrs. George R. Nobles and grandson Herbert attended the Leonard family reunion at Knoxville, Pa. From The Courier, Bath, Steuben, New York, Aug. 1907: The Leonard family reunion will be held at Henry F. Morse's in Curtis Hollow on August 28. The family of Roswell Morse of Campbell, and Miss Millie Morse of Campbell expect to be present. From The Advocate, Bath, New York, Sept. 4, 1907 (Also printed in the The Herald, Hammondsport, New York, Wed., Sept. 4, 1907): Leonard Family Reunion. The nineteenth annual reunion of the Leonard family was held on Wednesday, August 28th, 1907, at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Henry F. Morse, near Curtis, N.Y. A large number of friends and relatives were present from Addison, Bradford, South Bradford, Corning, Campbell, Elmira, Pulteney, Painted Post, Curtis, and Starkey. As on two former occasions Mr. and Mrs. Morse did all in their power to make this reunion the best one of all, in which they admirably succeeded. The tables were arranged under the family tent, and they were never so laden with everything that heart could wish. After the usual greetings the assemblage was called to order by the vice-president, Henry Morse, who extended a hearty welcome to all and invited them to be seated around the tables that looked so inviting. Dinner over the exercises began with singing by the choir. "Will There be Any Starts in my Crown?" The little ones favored us with recitations and were heavily cheered. The secretary's report showed the association to be in a good financial condition, out of debt, with money in the treasury. Letters of regret were received from Mr. and Mrs. A. H. Hoover of Toronto, Ont., Mr. and Mrs. C. D. Yonkers, Bowling Green, Ohio, and Miss Nellie Morse of New Bedford, Conn. The badges kindly presented by Mr. and Mrs. Hoover were kindly received with thankful hearts and every one regretted their not being with us this year. The host and hostess were presented with a set of solid silver tea spoons, as a token of love and esteem from Mr. and Mrs. Hoover. Mrs. Maggie Turnbull of Addison presided at the organ and favored us with music, both vocal and instrumental. Our next reunion will be held at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Roswell Morse, Campbell, N. Y. Officers elected for the ensuing year were: Roswell Morse, President; Frank Drake, Vice-President, George G. Paddock, Treasurer; and Lydia A. Churchill, Secretary. During the past year death has claimed two of our loved ones. Mr. Bennett Morse died at his home in Campbell, January 6, 1907, aged eighty-eight years and Mr. J. H. Eygabroat died at his home in the town of Addison, N. Y., May 26th, 1907, aged eighty-four years. Thus one by one our loved ones are gathered home. i A vote of thanks was given Mr. and Mrs. Morse for their kind hospitality and then by special request the closing piece was sung, "God Be With You Till We Meet Again". L. A. Churchill, Secretary. From The Advocate, Bath, New York, Aug. 5, 1908: Leonard Family. The 20th annual reunion of the Leonard family will be held on Wednesday, Aug. 26th, 1908 at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Roswell Morse at Campbell, N.Y. From The Advocate, Bath, New York, Sept. 2, 1908: (Also printed in the The Herald, Hammondsport, New York, Wed., Sept. 9, 1908) Leonard Family Reunion. The 20th annual reunion of the Leonard family was held on August, 26th, 1908. at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Roswell Morse, in Campbell, N.Y. Nearly 60 relatives from Millerton, Pa., Slaterville. Pulteney, Tyrone, Bradford, South Bradford, Corning, Painted Post. Coopers, Curtis, Sonora and Campbell. Many were the happy hearts that greeted Mr. William H. Leonard and brother Richard, of Slaterville. N. Y, who had never met with us before at our family reunions. The day was all that could be desired. Mr. and Mrs. Morse and their children did all in their power for the happiness and comfort of all relatives who accepted of their kind hospitality, which was appreciated by alt present. The tables were arranged under the family tent and were loaded down with everything heart could wish. After the usual greeting the assemblage was called to order by the president, Roswell Morse. who extended a hearty welcome to all and bade them be seated around the tables that looked so inviting. Dinner over, the exercises began with singing, "Blest he the ties that bind." Prayer by Rev. S. A. Prince of Campbell. The recitations were all good and well rendered. The address given by Rev. J. W. Miller, of Millerton. Pa. was greatly enjoyed by all present. Letters of regret were received from Mr. and Mrs. A. H. Hoover, Toronto, Ont., and Mrs. A. W. Wilson, Ann Arbor, Mich. The badges kindly presented by Mr. and Mrs. Hoover, were received with thankful hearts. Mr. and Mrs. Hoover with other relatives were sadly missed at the gathering. As on several former occasions, the host and hostess were presented with a set of solid silver teaspoons as a token of love and esteem from Mr. and Mrs. Hoover. The secretary's report showed the association to be in a good financial condition-out of debt and money in the treasury. The following officers were elected for the ensuing year: Fred Balcom, president; Edwin Smith. vice-president; George D. Paddock, treasurer; Lydia A. Churchill, secretary. Our next meeting will be held the last Wednesday in June, 1909, at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Fred Balcom, Painted Post, N. Y. Our hearts are filled with gratitude to our Heavenly Father that death has not entered our ranks as a family circle during the past year. The closing exercises ended with singing, "When the roll is called up yonder." The parting hand was given to all with a heartfelt wish that we may all meet again at our next reunion. Lydia A. Churchill, Secretary. From The Elmira Star-Gazette, Elmira, New York, Fri., Aug. 7, 1908: LEONARD - The 19th annual reunion of the Leonard family will be held Wednesday, August 26, in Three Fall glen, Ridgebury. I. H. Leonard, secretary, Wellsburg, N. Y., R. F. D., No 55. From The Steuben Courier, Bath, New York, Fri., Sept. 4, 1908: The twentieth annual reunion the Leonard family was held at the home of Roswell Morse on Wednesday, August 26. Fifty-two members of the family were present, including representatives from Campbell, Savona, Bradford, Painted Post, and Caroline, Schuyler county. Rev J. W. Miller, of Millerton, Pa., gave an address. A program was rendered. All enjoyed the occasion. The next reunion will be held at the home of Fred Balcom in Painted Post the third Wednesday in June. From The Herald, Hammondsport, New York, Wed., Aug. 18, 1909: Leonard Reunion. The twenty-first annual reunion of the Leonard family was held at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Fred Balcom, Painted Post, N. Y., Wednesday, August 4th, 1909. The day was perfect, and not an incident occurred to mar the festivities. More than 60 relatives and friends were present, and the occasion was enjoyable. Among those from a distance were: Mr. and Mis. A. H. Hoover, Toronto; Mrs. Ann, W. Wilson, Ann Arbor, Mich.; Mrs. Osee Fox, Fostoria, Ohio; Mrs. Emily Sherman, Mrs. E. Barbank, Shinglehouse, Pa. Letters of regret were received from C. D. Yonkers and family, Bowling Green, Ohio, Much credit is due Mr. and Mrs. Balcom for their untiring efforts for the comfort of the guests. The exercises consisted of the address of welcome by the president; prayer by the chaplain followed by music; singing, select reading and recitations, which was attentively listened to. The report of the secretary showed the financial part perfect; also that two deaths have occurred during the past Year: Ira M. Wood at his home in the town of Wayne, December 12th, 1908, in his 67th year, and George Eugene, infant Bon of Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin Littell in Bradford February 22nd, 1909. As on several former reunion, the host and hostess were presented a set of solid silver teaspoons by Mr. and Mrs. A. H. Hoover, at a token of love and esteem. Mr. Hoover also presented the secretary with a solid silver medal, in appreciation of her faithful services during the past fifteen years, which was received with heartfelt thanks. The following executive committee was appointed: A. B. Hoover, George Paddock, Heman Churchill, Henry F. Morse, Robert Best. That the next reunion may be as pleasant and that the organization may continue to survive with increased interest for many long years to come was the wish of all present. From The Advocate, Bath, New York, Aug. 17, 1910: Leonard Reunion. The 22nd Annual reunion of the Leonard family will be held on Wednesday, Aug. 31st, 1910 at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin Littell at Bradford, N. Y. From The Elmira Star Gazette, Elmira, New York, Aug. 1911: LEONARD REUNION. The twenty-third annual reunion of the Leonard family will be held in Three Falls glen, Wednesday, August 30. All relatives and friends are cordially invited. From The Herald, Hammondsport, New York, Wed., Aug. 16, 1911: Leonard The twenty-third annual reunion of the Leonard family will be held on Wednesday, August 30th, 1911, at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Leroy Keifer, Bradford. N. Y. All relatives are requested to be present. LYDIA A. CHURCHILL, Sec'y. From The Steuben Courier, Bath, New York, Fri., Aug. 9, 1912: The twenty-fourth annual reunion of the Leonard family will be held on Wednesday, August 28, at the home of Henry Morse at Curtis . From The Elmira Star Gazette, Elmira, New York, Mon., Aug. 19, 1912: LEONARD REUNION. The annual reunion of the Leonard family will be held in Three Fall Glen, near Wellsburg, on Wednesday, August 28. Fred Lefler is secretary. From The Waverly Free Press & Tioga County Record, Fri., July 19, 1912, p. 9: Additional Owego News - Leonard Family Reunion. The annual reunion of the Leonard family will be held at the fairgrounds in this village on Thursday, August 22. From The Waverly Free Press & Tioga County Record, Fri., Aug. 30, 1912, p. 4: Leonard Family Reunion. The annual reunion of the Leonard family was held last Thursday on the Fair grounds In Owego. There were about 60 present, many coming from a distance. A bountiful dinner was served in the dining hall. At the business session which followed the dinner hour, it was decided to hold the reunion for the year 1913; at the same place, the date to be decided by the officers. The following are the officers of the association: President William Leonard of Dushore, Pa.: Vice President, Frank Leonard of Sayre, Pa.: Secretary and Treasurer, Grace Stutler of Tioga Center. From The Cortland Democrat, Cortland, New York, Fri., Aug. 30, 1912: Dr. and Mrs. J. L. Leonard and their daughter Ella were in Owego last Thursday attending the annual reunion of the Leonard family. From The Herald, Hammondsport, New York, Wed., Aug. 13 & Aug. 20, 1913: Leonard Family. The twenty-fifth annual reunion of the Leonard family will be held on Wednesday, August 27, 1913, at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Sylvester Smith, Coopers, All relatives are cordially invited. Lydia A. Churchill, Secretary. From The Steuben Farmers' Advocate, Bath, New York, Wed., Sept. 3, 1913: Leonard Reunion. The twenty-fifth annual reunion of the Leonard family was held on Wednesday, Aug. 27. 1913, at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Sylvester Smith, Coopers, N. Y. The weather was fine. There were seventy present and all enjoyed the bountiful dinner and the way the tempting food disappeared proved the fact there was no dyspeptic in the Leonard family. Dinner over, the company was called to order by the president; singing by the choir; prayer by Millie Morse; select reading, "Reunion Day," by Anna Brown. Two little twin boys, Ernie and Ernest Smith, favored us with some violin music. The names of all the relatives that have died since the first reunion in 1889 were read. There were 29 in number. There was only one death in our family circle last year. George D. Paddock died at his home near Bradford, N. Y., the 31st day of May, 1918, aged 63 years. O how we miss the loved ones gone before, but our loss is their gain, we can only say: "Servant of God well done; Thy glorious warfare's past, The battle's fought, the race is won. And thou art crowned at last" The exercises were closed by singing, God be with you till we meet again. We as a circle of relatives feel very grateful to Mr. Smith and family for doing all in their power to make it pleasant for the friends who attended the reunion. We found only too soon that night was approaching and we must return to our homes, and when the parting hand was given and the good-byes were said we all hoped to meet at our next reunion at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Edward Smith at Painted Post, N. Y. Lydia A. Churchill, Secretary. From The Gilboa Monitor, Gilboa, New York, Thurs., Sept. 4, 1913: Grand Gorge. Mrs. D. S. Booth is this week attending a reunion of the Leonard family at Triangle, Broome Co. From The Steuben Courier, Bath, New York, Fri., Aug. 14, 1914: Leonard Reunion. The 26th annual reunion of the Leonard family will be held on Wednesday, Aug. 26, 1914, at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Edwin Smith, of Painted Post. All relatives are invited. From The Herald, Hammondsport, New York, Wed., Aug. 19, 1914: Leonard Reunion The twenty-sixth annual reunion of the Leonard family will be held on Wednesday, August 26, 1914, at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Edwin Smith, Painted Post. All relatives are invited. Lydia A. Churchill, Sec'y. From The Cortland Democrat, Cortland, New York, Fri, Aug. 28, 1914: Dr. and Mrs. J. E. Leonard and their daughters Ella and Laura attended the Leonard family reunion which was held at Ross Park, Binghamton, last Thursday. From The Roxbury Times, Roxbury, Delaware, New York, Sat., Sept. 2, 1916: Leonard Family Reunion. On Wednesday the annual reunion of the Leonard family was held at the home of Mr. and Mrs. A. J. Reader in Montgomery Hollow. There were about sixty of the relatives gathered together from different parts of the State. A dinner was served by Mr. and Mrs. Reader, which was much appreciated by all in attendance. This reunion brings together each year many relatives that have a good visit and makes it a very enjoyable affair for all who are able to attend. (From the same page): Home and Vicinity News... Mr. and Mrs. Asa Leonard, Mrs. P. Leonard and Miss Nellie Leonard of Triangle, have been spending the past week with relatives in this place. From The Homer Republican, Homer, New York, Thurs., Aug. 23, 1917: Miss Laura Leonard was in Tioga Center last Thursday attending the Leonard family reunion. From The Steuben Farmer's Advocate, Bath, New York, Wed., Nov. 7, 1917, p. 8: Savona, Nov. 6 The twenty-ninth annual reunion of the Leonard family was held at Dundee at the residence of Mrs. Augusta Ellis. The illness of the secretary and of members of her family prevented an earlier report of the reunion. The day began with a storm, but cleared toward noon, so that in spite of the unpromising weather of the morning a company of fifty relatives and friends were present, coming from Buffalo, Rochester, Savona, Campbell, Pulteney, Starkey. Bradford and South Bradford. A most bountiful dinner was served to which the guests did ample justice. No regular program had been arranged, but Miss Brundage of Dundee, gave a humorous recitation which was greatly enjoyed. There have been no births or marriages and only one death that of William H. Sherman during the past year. The following officers were elected: President, John Beard; Vice-President, A. H. Moore; Secretary, Mrs. Anna B. Robbins and. Treasurer, Mrs. Susan Paddock. The next meeting will be with Mr. and Mrs. John Beard of Bradford. From The Steuben Farmer's Advocate, Bath, New York, Wed., Sept. 1, 1920: Bradford. The annual reunion of the Leonard family was held at the home of Mr. Roy Owens on Wednesday last. From The Albany Evening Journal, Albany, New York, Wed., Aug. 29, 1923 Oneonta. The annual reunion of the Leonard family will be held in Neahwa park, this city, to-morrow. From The Evening Leader, Corning, New York, Sat., Sept. 8, 1923: LEONARD REUNION ATTENDED BY 70 The annual reunion of the Leonard family was held Wednesday at the home of W. E. Smith on West Water street, Painted Post. About 70 members of the families and several friends attended. Henry Morse was elected president at the business meeting, with John Beard, vice president, and Benjamin Littell, secretary and treasurer. The invitation of Augustus Cummings of Coopers Plains was accepted for next year's reunion. From The Evening Leader, Corning, New York, Sat., Aug. 14, 1925: (Republished in 1940) The 28th annual reunion of the Leonard family will be held at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Barnett Morse, 63 Gorton street, this city, Saturday, August 21. All relatives are cordially invited. From The Elmira Star-Gazette, Elmira, New York, Thurs., Sept. 2, 1926, p. 4: LEONARD REUNION. The ninth annual reunion of the Leonard Family will be held at the home of Mrs. Anna Roblyer of 320 Dewitt Avenue, Sept. 12. All relatives are invited to attend. From The Elmira Star-Gazette, Elmira, New York, Thurs., Aug. 2, 1928: LEONARD REUNION. The 11th annual reunion of the Leonard family will be held Sunday at the home of C. J. Leonard at Corning, R. D. 4. Take glasses, silver, cups, sandwiches and one other article of food for the table. From The Cortland Democrat, Cortland, New York, Aug. 16, 1928: Harford Mills - Dr. and Mrs. J. E. Leonard attended the Leonard family reunion at Ideal park, Endicott, Saturday. From The Elmira Star-Gazette, Elmira, New York, Sat., Aug. 3, 1929: LEONARD FAMILY REUNION. The 12th annual reunion of the Leonard family will be held Sunday, Aug. 11, at the home of Jerome Leonard, two miles north of Painted Post. Take silver, cups and sandwiches for family and one other article of food. From The Evening Leader, Corning, New York, Thurs., Aug. 22, 1929: Leonard Family Holds Reunion. 75 Present at Annual Gathering of Relatives at Eldred Home at Curtis. The 41st annual reunion of the Leonard family was held at the home of Mr. and Mrs. J. C. Eldred at Curtis, about 75 were present. Dinner was served under the family tent. The officers elected for the coming year are: Henry Morse, president: Fred Balcom, vice-president; and Benjamin Little, secretary and treasurer. The next reunion will be held at the home of Benjamin Little at Bradford. Among those present were: Mr. and Mrs. Fred Balcom and son, Frederick, Mrs. Edward Smith. Mr. and Mrs. Floyd Smith. Mr. and Mrs. Harry Eygabroat and daughter, Shirley, Mr. and Mrs. Ray Dunham and daughter. Eleanor. Mr. and Mrs. Frank Drake and Roswell Morse of Painted Post. Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Bennett and son. Luther and Mrs. Dana Smith of Elmira, Mr. and Mrs. W. B. Morse, Elwin Morse, Sr., Bobby Sr., Bobby Morse, Elwin, Jr., Mrs. Burt Morse and daughters, Marian, Alberta and Constance, Mrs. Susie Souls and daughters, Anna and Beatrice, Mrs. Guss Cummings, Mildred, Marian, Beulah, Belva and Marvin Cummings and Francis Enis of Corning, Mr. and Mrs. Edward Jones of Caton, Mr. and Mrs. Sylvester Smith of Coopers, Henry Shaver, Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin Little and son. Earl and Vivian Owens of Bradford. Mr. and Mrs. George Hollenbeck, of Prattsburg, Mr. and Mrs. George Turnbull and Miss Louise Carelton. Mr. and Mrs. Coral Smith and sons. Clyde and Marion and Henry Morse of Curtis. From The Elmira Star-Gazette, Elmira, New York, Tues., Aug. 5, 1930: LEONARD REUNION. The 13th annual reunion of the Leonard family will be held Sunday, Aug, 10, at Hoffman Park. Take cups, silver and sandwiches for the family and one other article of food. From The Elmira Star-Gazette, Elmira, New York, Sat., Aug. 1, 1931 & Thurs., Aug. 6, 1931: LEONARD REUNION. The 14th annual reunion of the Leonard family will be held Sunday, Aug. 9, at Enfield Glen State Park, upper entrance. Take cups, silver, sandwiches and two lemons for family and one other article of food. Plates will be furnished. Dinner at 1 o'clock sharp. From The Evening Leader, Corning, New York, Mon., Aug. 10, 1931: Plan Leonard Reunion. The forty-third annual reunion of the Leonard family will be held at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Eygabroat, 335 East High Street, Painted Post, Saturday. From The Evening Leader, Corning, New York, Wed., Aug. 31, 1932: Leonard Family Holds Reunion. About 65 Members of Family and Friends Attend Annual Meeting at Campbell. The 44th annual reunion of the Leonard family was held at the home of Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Mosher, Campbell R. D. 1, August 20. About 65 friends and relatives were present. Guests attended from Bradford, Prattsburg, Corning, Big Flats, Painted Post, Coopers, Campbell, Buffalo and Rochester. After enjoying a picnic dinner, served under a tent on the front lawn the afternoon was spent in visiting and renewing acquaintances. The officers elected for the coming year were: president, Ray Dunham, Painted Post; vice-president, Frank Eygabroat, Painted Post: secretary and treasurer, Benjamin Littell. The next reunion will be held at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Ray Dunham of Pine street in 1933. From The Evening Leader, Corning, New York, Aug. 22, 1933: Leonard Family Holds Reunion - Elmira Man is Elected President and Painted Post Resident Vice-president. The 45th annual reunion of the Leonard family was held Saturday at the home of W. Ray Dunham In Painted Post. Officers were elected for the ensuing year with Thomas H. Bennett of the Elmira road, president: Cecil Eygabroat of Painted Post, vice-president; Benjamin S. Littell of Bradford, secretary and treasurer. Mrs. T. H. Bennett was named chairman of the table committee and Mrs. Lyle Husted of Bradford, chairman of the entertainment committee. The next reunion will be held at the home of Mr. and Mrs. T. H. Bennett on the Elmira road. Those who attended the reunion Saturday were: Elwin Morse, Mr. and Mrs. Gus Cummings, Mildred Cummings. Belva Cummings, Mr. and Mrs. B. W. Morse, Mr. and Mrs. Ed Jones, Mr. and Mrs. Burt Morse, Marion Morse, Alberta Morse. Constance Morse, Margaret Clark. Mrs. Susie Sorle, all of Corning: W. Ray Dunham, Clara M. Dunham, Eleanor Ann Dunham. Frank Eygabroat, Lillian Eygabroat. Harry Eygabroat, Pearl Eygabroat. Shirley Eygabroat. Mr. and Mrs. Fred Balcom, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Drake, Mr. and Mrs. C. J. Eygabroat, Mr. and Mrs. Floyd Smith, of Painted Post. Mr. and Mrs. LeRoy Owens, John Owens, Vivian Owens, Wilson Vine, Mr. and Mrs. Lyle Husted, Earl Littell, of Bradford; Evangeline Eldred, Mrs. Ray Knowles, Esther Knowles, Harold Knowles, Jannith Knowles. Gladys Knowles, William Knowles, of Campbell; Henry Shaver, Bath, Mr. and Mrs. Sylvester, Greta Smith, Coopers Plains; Lou Bergh, Mr. and Mrs. T. H. Bennett, Luthur Bennett of Elmira; Mr. and Mrs. George C. Draper, Esther Ann Draper, Junior Draper, Mr. and Mrs. Jack Rowe, Jack Rowe, Jr., Rochester; Mr. and Mrs. George F. Hildebrandt, Ilion. From The Elmira Star-Gazette, Elmira, New York, Thurs., July 20, 1933: LEONARD REUNION Watkins Glen-Fifty descendants of the William and Jane Leonard families held their annual reunion recently at the Tim Leonard Rod and Gun Club at Ondawa Lake, Pa. Guests were present from Syracuse, Big Flats, Elmira, Watkins Glen, Columbia Cross Roads, Big Pond, Wellsburg. The reunion next year will be held at the same place on the second Saturday in August. From The Evening Leader, Corning, New York, Thurs., Aug. 23, 1934: The 17th Reunion held. The 17th annual reunion of the Leonard family was held at Lakeside Park, Watkins Glen, Friday. A large attendance was reported at the affair. It was decided to hold the 1935 reunion at the home of Earl Leonard of Hornby. From The Evening Leader, Corning, New York, Tues., July 28, 1936: Bath Man President of Leonard Family. Large Attendance at Second Annual Reunion Sunday at Denison Park. The second annual reunion of the Leonard family was held in the large pavilion at Denison Park Sunday afternoon. The following officers were elected: president, George Leonard of Bath; vice-president, Eb Leonard of Scio; secretary and treasurer, Mrs. Fred Louy of Corning. The next reunion will be held at the home of Mr. and Mrs. George Leonard of 227 Washington avenue in Bath on the last Sunday in July, 1937. The following contributed to the program: Miss Audry Ashurst, two tap dances; Bernard Dailey, drum and Hawaiian guitars; Rita Dailey, two songs; Herbert and Bertha Leonard, accordion and mouth organ solos; Mrs. C. P. Dailey, mouth organ solo. The program was closed by the entire group singing "The Old Rugged Cross". The following were present: Mr. and Mrs. Chester VanDusen and children, Harold, Leonard, Vivian of Newark; M R. and Mrs. Floyd Leonard and son Donald of Cato; Mr. and Mrs. Eb Leonard and children, Bertha and Herbert, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Leonard and children, Herman, Charles, and Edward of Scio; Mr. and Mrs. George Leonard of Bath; Mrs. Ellen Bennett, George Linden and Philip Turner of Osceola, Pa.; Mrs. Dan Travis and children Herbert, Dan and Mary Ellen, Miss Alma Cole of Painted Post; Ernest Leonard of Montour Falls; Mrs. Mary Thomas, Mrs. T. P. Dailey and children, Bernard, Rita and Paul of Elmira; Mr. and Mrs. Fred Louy and children, Mildred and Joseph of Corning. From The Binghamton Press, Binghamton, New York, Sat., July 29, 1939: Leonard Reunion Descendants of Chauncey and Mary Ann Leonard will hold their reunion in En-Jole park, Endicott, Saturday, Aug. 12. Dinner will be served at noon. From The Binghamton Press, Binghamton, New York, Sat., Aug. 6, 1940: Leonard Reunion The 30th annual Leonard reunion will be held at En-Jole park, Endicott, Saturday, Aug. 10. From The Evening Leader, Corning, New York, Mon. Aug. 19, 1940, p. 4: Looking Backward through files of the The Leader. 15 Years Ago . Wednesday, Aug. 19, 1925. At the 37th annual reunion of the Leonard family held in Big Flats, Henry Morse of Coopers Plains was named President. From The Evening Leader, Corning, New York, Mon. Aug. 19, 1940, p. 7: Post Man Elected Leonard Clan Head The 52nd annual reunion of the Leonard family was held Saturday on the picnic grounds at Denison Park. Cecil Eygabroat of Painted Post was chosen president; Harry Eygabroat of Painted Post, vice president; and B. B. Littell of Bradford, secretary and treasurer. Mrs. Harry Eygabroat is chairman of the table committee. Next year the reunion will be held on the third Saturday in August at Denison Park. Present were: Lillian Eygabroat, Mr. and Mrs. Cecil Eygabroat, Joyce Eygabroat, Ida M. Balcom, Frederick Balcom, Mr. and Mrs. Ray Dunham, Eleanor Dunham, Mrs. Mary Jones, Mr. and Mrs. Reid Heliker, Myrna Heliker. Mr. and Mrs. Harry Eygabroat, Shirley Eygabroat, Mr. and Mrs. F. M. Drake of Painted Post; Patricia Lou Smith of Ithaca; Mar Beard, Sophie Lewis, Sarah Keefer. Lea Ray Owens, John Owens, James Bassett, B. S. Littell, Lola Littell of Bradford; Mrs. Bert Morse and daughter Constance of Rochester: Erva E. Hildebrandt of Ilion; Susan Soule of Dundee; Mr. and Mrs. Lyle Husted, Elwin Morse, Barnett W. Morse of Corning. The Afton Enterprise, Afton, New York, 1942: The Leonard reunion was held Sunday at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Leonard Smith of Maple Street. Guests were present from Brookvale, N. Y., Bainbridge and Binghamton. Mr. Smith's mother from Binghamton spent a couple of days at the Smith home. The Evening Leader, Corning, New York, Fri., Aug. 29, 1952: Looking Backward. 25 Years Ago . Monday, Aug. 29, 1927 The 39th annual reunion of the Leonard family was held at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Fred Balcom, 318 East High Street, Painted Post, recently. From The Evening Record, Amsterdam, New York, Thurs., Aug. 20, 1959: Mr. and Mrs. John Leonard attended the Leonard reunion. Sunday, at Maria Lake. ( Mariaville Lake ) About 45 persons were present. From The Review-Times, Oxford, New York, Aug. 18, 1966: It will be a busy day at the Matt Hibbard home Sunday. Aug. 21. Following church services the Leonard family reunion will be held at the Hibbard home. Later in the afternoon, from 4 to 6 a reception will be held to honor Mr. and Mrs. Asa Leonard's 50th wedding anniversary. All their friends and relatives are cordially invited to come and greet the happy couple. From The Stamford Mirror Recorder, Stamford, New York, Wed., Aug. 20, 1975: Mr. and Mrs. Burdette G. Long attended the Leonard family reunion at Whitney Point on Saturday. It was the 63rd reunion, and there were about 60 present from four states: Ohio, North Carolina, Florida, and New York state. Officers re-elected were Matthew Hibbard of Whitney Point as president and Miss Emma Best, Middleburgh, as secretary treasurer. Following is a summary of the unidentified reunions: New! Family Mapper Note: The reunions listed on this page were found by searching fultonhistory.com for the exact phrase "Leonard Family Reunion" and "Reunion of the Leonard Family". More results can be found by searching "Leonard Reunion". Click here for more about the Leonard family . #leonard #familyreunion

America’s 250th anniversary, also known as the Semiquincentennial, marks a major milestone in the nation’s history. Scheduled for 2026, this celebration will honor 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. The event promises a wide range of activities and commemorations across the country, highlighting the nation’s heritage, achievements, and future. Here’s a detailed look at the exciting events planned and how communities nationwide will come together to celebrate this historic occasion. Get ready to celebrate America's 250th Anniversary 2026 National Commemorative Events The federal government has planned several key events to mark the Semiquincentennial. These will take place in Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, and other historically significant locations. Official Ceremony in Philadelphia Philadelphia, where the Declaration of Independence was signed, will host the main ceremony. This event will include speeches by national leaders, musical performances, and a reenactment of the signing. It will be open to the public and broadcast nationwide. Parade in Washington, D.C. A grand parade featuring military units, cultural groups, and historical reenactors will march down the National Mall. The parade will showcase the diversity and strength of the United States. National Fireworks Display On the evening of July 4, 2026, synchronized fireworks will light up the skies over major cities, including New York, Boston, and San Francisco, creating a spectacular nationwide celebration. Community and Local Celebrations Beyond the national events, local communities will organize their own festivities. These will reflect regional history and culture, making the Semiquincentennial a truly inclusive celebration. Historical Exhibits and Museums Museums across the country will launch special exhibits focusing on different aspects of American history, from the Revolutionary War to civil rights movements. Many will offer interactive experiences and educational programs for families and students. Cultural Festivals Cities and towns will host festivals featuring music, food, and art that celebrate the diverse cultures that have shaped America. These events will provide opportunities for local artists and performers to showcase their talents. Community Service Projects Many organizations plan to encourage volunteerism and community improvement projects as part of the anniversary. These efforts will emphasize the spirit of unity and civic responsibility. Educational Programs and Resources Education will play a central role in the Semiquincentennial celebrations. Schools, universities, and educational organizations will offer programs designed to engage learners of all ages. Curriculum Enhancements New teaching materials and lesson plans will be made available to educators, focusing on the nation’s founding principles and historical milestones. These resources aim to deepen students’ understanding of American history. Public Lectures and Panel Discussions Experts in history, politics, and culture will participate in talks and forums open to the public. These events will explore the significance of the 250th anniversary and discuss America’s future. Digital Archives and Virtual Tours Online platforms will provide access to historical documents, photographs, and virtual tours of important sites. This will allow people nationwide to engage with the celebration regardless of location. Special Projects and Artistic Commissions The Semiquincentennial will inspire a range of creative projects that highlight American identity and innovation. Public Art Installations Cities will commission artists to create murals, sculptures, and other public artworks that reflect themes of freedom, diversity, and progress. Documentary Films and Media Filmmakers will produce documentaries and special programs that tell stories from America’s past and present. These will be available on television and streaming platforms. Commemorative Merchandise Commemorative coins and stamps will be released to mark the occasion. These items will be collectible keepsakes for participants and history enthusiasts. How to Participate in the Semiquincentennial Everyone can join in the celebrations, whether by attending events, volunteering, or learning more about the nation’s history. Check local event listings for celebrations near you. Visit national parks and historic sites participating in the anniversary. Engage with educational programs offered by schools and libraries. Support community service initiatives connected to the Semiquincentennial. Share your own stories and family histories related to America’s journey. So, Happy Birthday, America! Whatever you decide to do for the 4th, have a safe and happy one! And if you have patriot ancestors and would like to use this semiquincentennial as an opportunity to honor and commemorate them for making it happen, get your personalized certificates here!

Recently I've been working on the Hollenbeck branch of my family tree, prompted by a cousin's inquiry. Presently, the earliest ancestor we have identified is John Hollenbeck, born about 1776 in Stone Arabia, Montgomery County, New York. With little to go on, I decided to take a look back at Stone Arabia, New York during the American Revolution, to see if we can find the Hollenbeck/Hallenbeck family woven into the local history and understand who they were and what life looked like around them in the 1770s. Stone Arabia: The Place and Its People Long before the Revolution, the lands along the Mohawk River where the present-day hamlet of Stone Arabia sits were part of the frontier of colonial New York. In the early 1700s the British Crown granted the Stone Arabia Patent (about 12,700 acres) to a group of German Palatine settlers in 1723, many of whom had first come to New York in 1712 as refugees from war and famine in the Rhineland. These families cleared forests, built homes, planted wheat and other crops, and established deeply rooted communities of Dutch Reformed and Lutheran faiths that blended German and Dutch cultures into a distinctive Mohawk Valley identity. Stone Arabia grew into a thriving agricultural district by the 1770s, dotted with farms, churches, mills, taverns, and small shops. Crops like wheat, potatoes, corn and flax fed local families and served markets much further afield. The valley’s wheat was prized throughout New York. Many settlers spoke a hybrid of German, Dutch, English and Indigenous languages sometimes affectionately called “ Mohawk Dutch .” Locals also formed militia companies as the Revolution approached. Committees of Safety and militia rosters show that many families - patriotic as well as loyalist - took sides or found themselves pulled into the conflict early. The Hallenbecks/Hollenbecks are an old Dutch-American family tracing back to early colonial times, with roots in Albany County from the mid-17th century onward and branches spreading outward across New York over the next century. The family name appears in variant spellings: Hallenbeck, Hollenbeck, Halenbeck, Hollenbeek, Holenbek, etc. This was common in colonial record keeping. The Hollenbecks weren't Palatine Dutch. They were Netherland Dutch, although they married into Palatine German families, as was common. Palatine Germans used names such as Johannes, Catharina, Heinrich and Annetje . By the Revolutionary era, branches of the family had become part of the fabric of frontier settlements like those around the Mohawk Valley, including Stone Arabia and nearby areas. Though detailed parish or census records connecting every Hallenbeck to Stone Arabia in the 1770s are sparse in online sources, family-history compilations and Revolutionary War service records strongly suggest that members of the Hallenbeck/Hollenbeck clan were present in the wider region and took active roles in local militia units defending their homes and the Patriot cause. The Hallenbecks, like many colonial families, likely owned farms worked by extended family networks and participated in community life centered on churches and markets. Life in Stone Arabia in the 1770s In the decade before 1780, everyday life in Stone Arabia was a blend of farming rhythms and rising tensions of war. Men of fighting age drilled with militia regiments. Farms produced wheat and animal stock that sustained not just households but continental forces. Churches and taverns, such as Adam Loucks’ tavern where locals drew up a set of pre-Revolutionary resolves in 1774, were civic centers as well as spiritual and social ones. Yet there was also deep complexity beneath these patterns of peaceful life. Not all neighbors saw the conflict the same way: families could be divided between loyalty to the British Crown and commitment to American independence. That division magnified the chaos when Loyalist leaders and Indigenous allies began launching raids deep into the Mohawk Valley from Canada and the Schoharie Valley - campaigns intended to disrupt food production and break the will of the Revolution. The 1780 Attack: Burning and Battle in Stone Arabia October 19, 1780, was a turning point for Stone Arabia. A Loyalist-led force under Lieutenant Colonel Sir John Johnson, composed of British regulars, Loyalist refugees and Native allies including forces under Captain Joseph Brant, marched up the valley with orders to destroy farms and supplies critical to the Patriot cause. British loyalists raiding Stone Arabia Local militiamen, including New York militia and Massachusetts levies under Colonel John Brown, rallied from Fort Paris (one of several fortified homesteads in the area) to intercept them. They met in a brief but fierce engagement roughly a mile from the settlement. Outnumbered and outmaneuvered, the militia was defeated. Colonel Brown was killed in the fighting. Johnson’s troops then followed through on their objective. They destroyed dozens of homes, barns and other buildings throughout Stone Arabia. They even burned the Dutch Reformed and Lutheran churches that stood at the heart of community life. The settlement was left in smoking ruins. Many families fled to forts for shelter and fought to save what they could of their lives and property. For families like the Hallenbecks, this raid would have been a moment of catastrophe with the loss of crops, barns, houses and possibly possessions sorely needed for survival through winter. But the residents did not abandon the region. Contemporary accounts record that even after almost complete destruction, they rebuilt farms and continued their pursuit of the American dream. In the years after the Revolution, Stone Arabia’s churches rose from the ashes, rebuilt in stone and wood as symbols of community resilience. The memory of 1780, the burning of homes and the sacrifice of militiamen and settlers, became part of local lore, preserved in cemetery markers and annual commemorations. Descendants of the original settlers, including families like the Hallenbecks, spread throughout upstate New York and beyond, carrying with them stories of frontier hardship, war service, and agricultural perseverance. The following interesting history is from " Forts and Firesides of the Mohawk Country, New York : Stories and Pictures of Landmarks of the Pre-Revolutionary War Period Throughout the Mohawk Valley and Surrounding Countryside, Including Some Historical and Genealogical Mention During the Post-War Period ", by John J. Vrooman, 1951: Though the settlement at Stone Arabia had its beginning about 1712, it wasn't until 1723 that a Patent was issued. It is interesting to note the names which appear on this document, many of them still frequently encountered in the Valley, while others, due to removal of the original settler, perhaps to Pennsylvania, where large numbers of Palatines were settling, have disappeared locally. The names of the grantees as given are: Casselman, Coppernoll, Dillenbeck * , Dygert, (Diegart), Emiger, Fox (Vocks), Fink (Feink), Erhart (Erchart), Ingland (Ingold), Garlock (Garlack), Lawyer, Nellis (Nelse), Piper (Pieper), Seeber (Siebert), Shawl (Scheel), Shaeffer. This Patent, known as the Stone Arabia Patent, and the one at German Flatts, known as the Burnetsfield Patent, were of great importance in that they were the first issued which make a direct distribution of land to individual settlers, in such amount as represented a reasonable and immediately usable acreage in contrast with the enormous acreage contained in some of the patents given to court favorites and politicians. The entire extent of the Stone Arabia Patent as issued to this group of twenty-seven settlers was but 12,700 acres, whereas the estate of Sir William Johnson at his death consisted of some 700,000 acres! This settlement was made in the virgin forest and the first and enormous task of the settlers was to clear enough land to put in subsistence crops. Yet busy as they were, raising enough to live on, they found time in 1729 to build a log church. This was on the site of the present frame building which is the Lutheran Church, and was part of the land of William Coppernoll of Schenectady, the only Hollander among this group of Palatines. The contract for the land was dated June 2nd, 1729, and conveyed fifty acres. In 1733 a new frame structure was begun but a controversy arose as to the name to be given it. This proved an insurmountable stumbling block, for the Lutherans withdrew and continued in the log edifice while the Reformed group went on with the new building. This would seem to indicate that William Coppernoll, who would have been of the Reformed group, must have been joined by other Hollanders in the ten years following the settlement. The tract of fifty acres originally conveyed for the church was equally divided between the two groups. The Reformed Church is the result of a European revival known as the "Reformation" and as the name implies affected the churches of Holland. The term "Reformed" indicates a belief in the symbolic presence of the Christ in the Communion in distinction to the belief of a physical presence as held by Luther and his followers. The term "Protestant," so long used, indicated a protest against the assumed authority of the Church of Rome and its interpretation of the Scriptures. The title "Reformed (Dutch) Church" was adopted in 1867. The seal of the Church is based on the seal of Prince William of Orange. In 1826 the pillars were added to the seal with superimposed stars to suggest an ecclesiastical and heavenly life. The motto above is in Latin, which translated means, "Without the Lord all is vain." The motto below, in Dutch means, "Union makes strength." The oldest record book of the Lutheran Church at Stone Arabia states the fact that the original Church here was organized by Domine Ehle in 1711, which of course is in error as the Domine did not come to America until 1722. But it is an error of a few years only, for it is known he did found the Church soon after his coming into the Valley, probably about the year 1725. At the time the settlement was made at Stone Arabia the road along the north shore of the river was opened only as far as Fonda, and it was not until 1726 that a move was made to extend it westward to the present Utica. A realization of this fact helps one to grasp the picture and to realize the difficulties encountered in making the settlement. The river was still the chief artery of commerce. The Reverend Johannes Schuyler is named as the minister in the earliest records of the Dutch Church, which are dated October 24th, 1743. The Reverend Schuyler is buried beneath the pulpit in the "Old Stone Fort" at Schoharie, which then was the Dutch Church. He was its pastor at the time of his death in 1779. His wife was Annatje Veeder of Schenectady, whom he married in 1743. Their sixth child, Philip, was the builder of the present stone building at Stone Arabia which he finished in 1788. He is said to have been five years in completing the work at a cost of $3,378, and at that time it was perhaps the finest church edifice west of Schenectady, the only possible exception being the Fort Herkimer Church. It was the Reverend Schuyler's sister Elizabeth who married Gose Van Alstyne of Canajoharie, whose house is still standing and has been previously described. Prior to the building of the stone edifice, both the Lutherans and Reformed groups had frame buildings at Stone Arabia and the "Battle of Stone Arabia" was an effort on the part of the settlers to protect their homes and these churches from destruction in a Tory raid of 1780. The local "post" was known as Fort Paris (after Isaac Paris, one of the early settlers) and was in charge of Colonel Brown of the militia. Word had been sent by General Van Rensselaer of the Colonial Army in pursuit of the raiders, who were under Sir John Johnson, that Colonel Brown should attack the enemy as soon as they appeared and that he, General Van Rensselaer, would attack from the rear. This was a logical and well laid plan as Sir John lay encamped the night before the battle between the two Colonial forces. Colonel Brown, faithful to his orders, left his fort and was only about a mile from it toward the enemy's location when he engaged them. General Van Rensselaer failed to follow the enemy and attack from the rear as agreed, with the result that Colonel Brown's force, much smaller than that of Sir John, was cut to pieces and the Colonel killed. The Indians, who were a part of the raiding force, scalped and stripped their victims and all retreated up the Valley en route toward Canada, after burning most of the houses and both churches. They were engaged the next afternoon by General Van Rensselaer at the "Battle of Klock's Field." The bodies of the slain at Stone Arabia were buried in a trench close by Fort Paris. The battlefield is identified by a large inscribed boulder. The body of Colonel Brown was removed later and placed in the churchyard of the present Dutch Church, and a fitting monument erected. In the church cemetery are the graves of many Revolutionary soldiers. The location of Fort Paris was a half mile southeast of the church, near the crossroads. Nothing remains of it today. There is a striking similarity between the churches of this period, such as this one, the one at Palatine, the Fort Herkimer Church, and the "Old Stone Fort" at Schoharie. These four buildings are outstanding, historically and architecturally, among the very few of this age remaining within the entire United States. Their appealing simplicity, the enduring strength of their massive stone walls and the quiet charm of their steeples is indicative of the life and character of their congregation for "By their works ye shall know them." Continue reading at Archive.org for more. I searched through the Records of the Reformed Dutch Church of Stone Arabia: in the town of Palatine, Montgomery County, N.Y. database on Ancestry.com but found no Hollenbeck, Hollenbach, Hallenbeck, Hollenbeek, or Hallonbach records. I also searched the Montgomery County Religious Records with no luck. *The Dillenbeck or Dillenbach name is said to have been a variation of the Hollenbeck name. There were some Dillenbach records. Names included Deterich Dillenbach, Andrew A. Dillenbach, Martinus Dillenbach, Henry Dillenbach, Andreas Dillenbach, Christina Dillenbach, Lena Dillenbach, Henry J. Dillenbach, Heinr. Dillenbach, Jacob Dillenbach, Johannes Dillenbach, Balthasr Dillenbach, Christian Dillenbach, Benjamin Dillenbach, and Daniel Dillenbach. (There were dozens of Dillenbeck households in Stone Arabia in 1868. See map here at historicmapworks.com .) Another great source for finding early records from Stone Arabia is in the Records of the Lutheran Trinity Church of Stone Arabia, available on FamilySearch (Film #008624986) . This valuable book contains the following: The list of early lots granted to the Paletines was: The book provided these two photos of the first two churches in Stone Arabia: (Feel free to download and share the church images on the condition that you do not remove the text .) The Palatine Stone Church, erected in 1770, still stands today. It escaped destruction during the 1780 raid, which destroyed The Trinity Church, now the Trinity Lutheran Church, down the road. It was rebuilt in 1792. The sign above the entrance reads: "Original location of first log church of the Palatines built 1729, burned by the Tories and Indians Oct. 19, 1780. Present Church erected 1792": If the map doesn't appear, click here to see it on GoogleMaps . Continue down the road to see the Palatine Stone Church . Much information about the churches is found here on p. xxi , from the same source. Seeing this record explains why in John Hollenbeck's family Bible, his birthplace appeared to be spelled "Stoneraub". Clearly they didn't know how to spell the name "Stone Arabia". Note also that if he was born in August 1776, it was only eight years after the above petition was dated. Other findings: The confirmation of Baltasar Halenbeck and Maria Halenbeck. [ Link ] Baltsar Halenbeck also found here . Hollenbeck Wills in Cortland County 1808-1937 ( FamilySearch ) Name # Death Date Date of Probate Will Book & Page Letters of Testamentary Book & Page John C. Holenbeck of Preble 9625 blank 1828 Sept 17 No. 4 p. 71 blank "Deceased Sept. 20th 1828"? Wife: Ruth, Two sons: Abraham (the eldest) and John, Only daughter: Mary Beaman; Grandson: John Henry Hollenbeck. Will written Feb. 19, 1826. Abraham Hollenbeck of Preble [ Wikitree ] 8676 1864 Apr 10 1865 July 12 F p. 403 C p. 230 May 16, 1864 George Hollenbeck and Frank Hiscock granted Letters Testamentary. Wife: Mary; Sons: Mattias Hollenbeck, John H. Hollenbeck, George Hollenbeck; Daughter: Henrietta Trowbridge(?) wife of Philetus Trowbridge, and Sally VanBuskirk . Grandchildren: Abraham VanBuskirk and Mary VanBuskirk . Burial in Tully, Onondaga, New York . (Findagrave memorial shows a son named John Hollenbeck (1808-1856) , but there may be some confusion because Abraham mentioned his son John in his will in 1864. John Hollenbeck of Preble [ Wikitree ] 8302 1870 June 18 1871 May 15 J p. 431-432 C p. 424 Sons: Casper, Garret and Abram Henry Hollenbeck. Dau: Mary (Mrs. Wm. Hoag). Burial in Preble . Born Feb. 3, 1791. Married Elizabeth Van Hoesen. Mathias Hollenbeck 7912 blank 1875 June 7 N p. 91 D p. 115F Keturah Hollenbeck named Executrix on May 3, 1875, after his death. Burial in Preble . Son of Abraham? Frederick Hollenbeck of Virgil 5148 1885 Oct 12 1885 Nov 28 O p. 521 F p. 25 Will dated Jan. 25, 1877; Wife: Mary Jane Hollenbeck; Executor: W.J. Hollenbeck; Children mentioned but not named. Keturah (Van Hoesen) Hollenbeck of Preble (1815-1897) 6565 1874 Feb 10 1899 May 7 V p. 457 G. p. 126 Widow of Matthias; To her sister, Catherine C. Hollenbeck(?) of Clinton, Rock County, Wisconsin, Brother: Robert Van Hoesen of Ellsworth, Noble County, Minnesota, Sister: Mrs. Angie Townsend of Clinton, Rock County, Wisconsin, Brother: Benjamin Van Hoesen of Preble, and others. Burial in Preble . William J. Hollenbeck of Cortland 4242 1901 Aug 31 1901 Sep 18 Y p. 317 G. p. 395 Son: Ray W. Hollenbeck of Cortland, Fred D. Hollenbeck of Cortland, Glen P. Hollenbeck of Cortland, Albert Hollenbeck 5479 1913 Apr 3 1913 May 1 7 p. 7 H p. 556 If you are a descendant of John Hollenbeck or other Hollenbecks/Hallenbecks in central New York, please consider adding your branches to Wikitree. His profile can be found here: Hollenbeck-563 . Click here to learn more about the Hollenbeck family! #hollenbeck #johnhollenbeck #cortland #willet #cincinnatus #stonearabia #montgomerycounty #newyork

Before 1700, two families of New Netherland bore the Dyckman name. Here we will discuss the relationship between the two. Family #1 - Johannes Dyckman , son of Joris (George) Dyckman of Amsterdam, Netherlands. Johannes came to Fort Orange (Albany) in 1651, as a clerk and commissary for the Dutch West India Company. He had two sons: Johannes Dyckman, Jr., and Cornelius Dyckman. Cornelius married Rachel Deveux, granddaughter of Daniel Tourneur via his daughter, Hester (or Esther) Tourneur . This is my ancestor. ​ Family #2 - Jan Dyckman , who arrived at Harlem about ten years later, in 1661. Jan married Magdalena, daughter of Daniel Tourneur , on June 15, 1673. Upon the nuptials, Tourneur gave the newlyweds two out garden plots and a farming plot on Montagne's Flat. The Dyckman Farmhouse, which still stands today on Broadway in Manhattan - the oldest house in Manhattan, built in 1764, belonged to his line. Was it the land given to Jan by Daniel Tourneur? Therefore, in summary, Rachel (Deveux) married Cornelius Dyckman in 1702. Her Aunt Magdalena had also married a Dyckman, but the two branches are unrelated as far as we know. The first name of both Jan and Johannes , are forms of the English name John. Therefore, it's safe to assume Johannes and Jan weren't brothers. By the end of the seventeenth century both families had Dyckman baptisms and marriages in the Reformed Dutch Church of New York and into the 1800s, both families were found in Harlem, causing some confusion among genealogists. A book by H. Romer and Helen Hartman in 1891, called "Jan Dyckman of Harlem and his descendants", provides important information necessary to distinguish between the two branches, and much information about Jan's line. Jan's branch is described as the Kingsbridge Dykemans and Johannes' branch is referred to as the Albany family or the Bloomingdale Dyckmans because Cornelis of Harlem made his home at Bloomingdale - collectively the Joris (George) Dykeman group. The book can be "borrowed" (free) on Archive.org , providing it is available. (You may have to join the waiting list to access it). Visit the farmhouse's website at dyckmanfarmhouse.org . Virtually visit the Dyckman Farmhouse on Google Maps: Jan Dyckman of Harlem and his descendants, by H. Romer and Helen Hartman, 1981. Viele Records, 1613-1913, being a revised and enlarged edition of the Viele Genealogy published in 1909, under the title "Two hundred and fifty years with a Dutch family of New York", by K. K. Viele, 1913. Dykeman House photo from D.A.R. Magazine #Dykeman #JohannesDyckman #DanielTourneur #Harlem #Manhattan #NewYorkCity #DutchSettlers

This week I was organizing some boxes in the basement when I came across my grandparents' wedding album. I had seen photos of their wedding day many times, but I hadn't seen the album in years and since I've been longing to find a picture of my great-grandmother, Mary (Harvey) Reese Gaul when she was young, I thought I'd check to see if there were any photos of her in there. I assumed I had seen all these pictures before and it was a long shot, so imagine my surprise when I came across this treasure! This photo was taken on Sept. 6, 1952, in Carthage, New York. It shows my grandparents with their parents! Three sets of my ancestors in one picture! That's a huge payday for a family history lover like myself! It's customary today to take this photo of the bride and groom with their parents, but in my experience, it's rare to find in old family photos. I was so happy to see this, I've already matted, framed and hung it on my wall! Of course I wanted to see this in color, so I had it colorized and this is the result! William H. Dickinson & Mary (Decker) Dickinson, Margaret (Dickinson) Reese & Lloyd N. Reese, Mary (Harvey) Reese Gaul & John L. Reese (Sept. 6, 1952 in Carthage, New York) Amazing! Seeing them all was bittersweet - both heartwarming and heartbreaking, since they're all gone now, but I was super excited to see this close-up of my great-grandmother, who I only knew in old age and had never seen any photos of her so young. Mary Esther (Harvey) Reese Gaul (1910-1988) at the age of 42 in 1952 Mary Esther Harvey was born March 16, 1910, in Newark Valley, Tioga, New York. She was a daughter of Newman Harvey and Gertrude Shirley. A video containing footage of Newman Harvey in the late 1950s can be found on YouTube . Her ancestors came to America during the Great Puritan Migration and she was a devoted Christian and traditional mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She married first to Lloyd John "Johnny" Reese, on April 18, 1930, in Ithaca, Tompkins, New York. He is standing by her side in the photo above. She married second to William Gaul, before 1960 and she died Sept. 22, 1988, in Cortland, New York. She was beloved by many, including myself, as they all were. May they rest in peace. At least 8 of Mary's great-great grandfathers fought in the American Revolution, including Benjamin Stanton , Job Shirley , Datus Ensign, Datus Ensign Jr, Nathan Wood, Samuel Wood, Ezra Rood, Nathaniel Hall, and probably others who we have not identified yet. She was a real Daughter of the American Revolution, although it doesn't appear she ever applied for membership. If you're related to Mary, connect your branches or check your relationship from here Wikitree profile . You can learn more about the Harvey family here , the Reese family here , the Dickinson family here , and the Decker family here .

Image created with Family Portrait Maker Benjamin Stanton was 22 years old when he joined the patriot cause. He saw a lot of action during the American Revolution. He submitted his pension request for his service in the American Revolution. The record states that he lived in Sempronius, Cayuga County, but I believe the family actually lived in what is now called Moravia. Moravia was formed from part of Sempronius in 1833, although it was first settled in 1789. John D. Rockefeller grew up in Moravia. Benjamin and his wife Sarah are both buried in the Quaker Church Cemetery in Moravia. His personal account of his service is given here: (Transcription below) Along with his pension request, Cornelius D. Dewitt of Sempronius, age 72, testifies that he was well acquainted with Benjamin Stanton of Sempronius during the Revolutionary War. They were both in the same company from June to November of 1776, and they served together again from April to August of 1777 in Capt. Johannes Hardenburgh's company in Col. Levi Pawling's Regiment for four months, most of which they were stationed at Fort Clinton on the Hudson River. They entered to serve again on August 10, 1777, in the company of Capt. Benjamin Kortright in Col. Graham's Regiment, "and marched with said company to Albany and from thence to Saratoga and was at Saratoga at the time of the capture of Burgoyne , that he continued in said service for a term of three months". Benjamin enlisted yet again in the spring of 1778 and served nine months in Captain Lounsbery's Company, Colonel Philip Van Cortlandt's New York Regiment. Dewitt says they both resided in the County of Ulster until 1779 when Stanton left the county. Transcription of two pages at top, Benjamin's personal account of his experience in the Revolution: State of New York, Cayuga County, On the 18th day of September, 1832, personally appeared in open Court, before the Court of the Common Pleas in and for the County of Cayuga and state of New York, now setting, Benjamin Stanton, a resident of Sempronius in the County of Cayuga, and State of New York, aged 70 years, who being duly sworn, according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration, in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress, passed June 7th, 1832. That he entered the service under the following named officers, and served as herein stated - "That on the first of June, A.D. 1776, at the town of Rochester in the County of Ulster in the State of New York he entered the service of the United States in the Company of Militia commanded by Captain John Hosbrook in Col. Hardenburgh's Regiment, that he marched with said company to New York where he was stationed until said place was evacuated by the American Troops, from New York to Kings Bridge, from thence to the White Plains where he was discharged, as he believes that his term of service was five months. He further declares that about the month of January or February A.D. 1777 he again entered said service at Rochester aforesaid in the Company of Captain Benjamin Cortright in the Regiment commanded by Maj. Cantine as he believes that he marched with said company to the State of New Jersey, to Hackensack and other places, that he continued in said service for a term of two months. He further declares that he again entered said service in the month of April 1777, at Rochester aforesaid in the Company of Militia commanded by Captain Thomas Hardenburgh in Col. Levi Pawling's Regiment for a term of four months, that he marched with said company to Fort Clinton in the Hudson River, where he was stationed during said term that he served, the whole of said term of four months, he further declares that about the tenth of August A.D. 1777 he again entered said service in the company commanded by Capt. Benjamin Cortright in Col. Graham's Regiment for a term of three months, that he marched with said company to Albany, from thence to Van Schaicks Island where he joined the United States Army under Gen. Horatio Gates, from thence to Stillwater, and was stationed at Bemis Heights at the time of the Capture of Gen. Burgoyne, that he continued to serve for a term of three months. He further declares that in the Spring of the year 1778 he enlisted at Rochester aforesaid into the Company of State Troops- Continental troops commanded by Captain Lounsbury in Col. Philip Cortland's Regiment, for a term of nine months, that he joined said Regiment at Valley Forge , and marched from there to Stony Point , thence to White Plains , that his winter quarters were at Rochester aforesaid, where he was discharged at the expiration of said term of nine months, that he received a regular discharge from said nine months service, but has lost the same. He further declares that after the close of said last mentioned service he removed to the County of Dutchess, that while there before the close of the war, he was in said service for about six months or more, that he was out in three terms, that the names of his officers he does not remember, and that he has no proof of said last mentioned services. He hereby relinquishes every claim to an annuity or pension except the present and declares that his name is not on the pension roll of any State or Territory." (Signed) Asahel Fitch, Judge, and Benjamin Stanton. ----------------------- A letter on file in the Revolutionary War archives, dated February 23, 1927, addressed to Mrs. Paul Knight of Crown Point, Indiana, states the following: "I have to advise you that from the papers in the Revolutionary War pension claim 1506 it appears that Benjamin Stanton while a resident of Ulster County, New York enlisted at Rochester in said county June 1, 1776 and served five months in Captain John Hasbrouck's Company, Colonel Hardenbergh's New York Regiment. He enlisted about February 1, 1777 and served two months in Captain Benjamin Kortright's Company under Major John Cantine in the New York Troops. He enlisted in April 1777 and served four months in Captain Johannes Hardenbergh's Company, Colonel Levi Pawling's New York Regiment. He enlisted August 10, 1777, served three months in Benjamin Kortright's Company, Colonel Graham's New York Regiment, and was at the capture of Burgoyne. He enlisted in Spring of 1778 and served nine months in Captain Lounsbery's Company, Colonel Philip Van Cortlandt's New York Regiment. In 1779 he moved to Dutchess County, New York and served three tours amounting to six months or more, a part of which was under Captain Thomas McKinstry and Colonel Livingston in the New York Troops. He was allowed pension on his application executed September 18, 1832 while a resident of Sempronius, Cayuga County, New York, aged seventy-six years. He died May 10, 1838. Soldier married June 29, 1787/97 in Bristol, Schoharie County, New York, Sarah, whose maiden name is not given. She was his second wife, name of first wife not stated. Soldier's widow Sarah was allowed pension on her application executed November 14, 1848, while a resident of Moravia, Cayuga County, New York, aged seventy-nine years. The following are the names of soldiers children by his first wife: Abigail, born March 26, 1784, John, born September 12, 1785, Polly, born June 7, 1787, Nathaniel, born February 16, 1789, Elizabeth, born September 1, 1791, twins Joseph and Hannah born June 29, 1793, and Martha, born July 17, 1795. Children of the soldier and his wife Sarah: Parthania born June 27, 1798, Rufus, born March 7, 1800, Benjamin, born January 21, 1802, and Nathaniel, born April 17, 1807. The history herewith furnished you is that of the only soldier by that name found in the Revolutionary War Records of this Bureau. Respectfully, Winfield Scott, Commissioner." Are you a a descendant of Benjamin Stanton? Connect your branch on Wikitree: https://www.wikitree.com/wiki/Stanton-1934 See more: Places to find military records like this 20,000+ free genealogy resources More of my military ancestors More about this branch of my family tree My index of ancestors #military #veteran #pension #benjaminstanton #stanton #harvey #americanrevolution #revolutionarywar

Every family has a story worth preserving. Sharing those moments in a meaningful way can be challenging, especially when you want something more personal than names, dates, and stories. At times, images are necessary to aid in visualizing the narrative. Images always enhance the appeal of stories, yet much of history occurred before the invention of photography. Family Portrait Maker offers a fresh way to create beautiful family portraits that celebrate your unique heritage and connections. How Our App Simplifies Portrait Creation Creating a family portrait can feel overwhelming. Choosing the right setting, coordinating outfits, and finding a photographer takes time and effort. Family Portrait Maker removes these barriers by offering a simple, guided process: Step-by-step design : The app walks you through selecting styles, backgrounds, and layouts. Choose how many people : Add as many people as you like Customization options : Choose each person's gender, age, skin tone, hair color, hair length, stature, and build Artistic filters : Choose a cartoon or realistic design User-friendly interface : Designed for all ages and tech skills, making portrait creation accessible. Instant previews : Input your specs and in a few seconds you'll have your portrait! This approach lets you focus on what matters—celebrating your family—while Family Portrait Maker handles the technical details. Bring Census Images to Life Here's one fun way to use Family Portrait Maker. If you locate your family in the census, you can form an image of what they looked like during that period. Adjust the "Time Period" slider to the census year to ensure their clothing reflects that era. 1900 Census Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Here's another example from the 1880 census: For this example, I chose male, elderly, fair skin tone, short brown hair, tall, thin, and entered "Pentecostal Preacher" for occupation: Another idea is to create images honoring your ancestors' military service. I this example, I enter "patriot soldier" for occupation/hobby. Practical Tips for Creating Your Family Portrait To get the most from the app and create a portrait you’ll cherish, consider these tips: Include special details : Add dates, locations, or quotes that matter to your family. Review and adjust : Make edits and retry until everything looks just right. Personalize it: Enhance your portrait by incorporating their professions or hobbies. These steps help ensure your portrait feels authentic and meaningful. Sharing and Displaying Your Family Portrait Once your portrait is ready, the app offers several ways to share and display it: Download : Save the image to your computer (a .PNG file) Digital sharing : Easily share your portrait with family members via email or social media. Gift ideas : Use the portrait to create personalized gifts like calendars, mugs, or photo books. Home display : Place your portrait in a prominent spot to remind everyone of your family’s story. Scrapbooking: These family portraits can bring your family's story to life Getting Started Today Creating a family portrait that captures your legacy is just a few clicks away. Become a supporter and enjoy several great free apps like this! Whether you want to preserve memories, celebrate your heritage, or create a meaningful gift, this app offers a simple and enjoyable way to bring your family’s story to life.

My connection to the Chevalier family is through my 3rd great-grandmother, Lucy Ann Shevalier. She married Nicholas Hollenbeck, and their granddaughter, Rose Hollenbeck, was my great-grandmother. She married Albert Leonard, my great-grandfather. Grandma Lucy's lineage is as follows: Lucy Ann Shevalier (1828-1905), born in Marathon, New York, died in Willet, daughter of Peter Shevalier/Chevalier (1794-1850), born in New York, died in Marathon, New York, son of Jeremiah Shevalier/Chevalier (1765-1824), born in Amenia, New York, died in Virgil, New York, son of Peter Shevalier/Chevalier (1735-1808), born in Connecticut, died in New York, son of Elias Shevalier/Chevalier (1712-1808), born in St. Hélier, Jersey, died in New York, son of Pierre Chevalier (bef. 1686-1728), born in St. Hélier, Jersey, died in New York I always love discovering the native countries of my ancestors, to learn more about the places they lived and why they left, if possible. Naturally, after learning that Lucy's great-great-grandfather came from St. Hélier, Jersey, I had to do some research. The first evidence for the existence of a settlement in St. Helier is in the Assize Roll of 1229. However, the parish church, the Town Church, is known to contain features that date to at least the 11th century. St Helier's growth has been marked by waves aligning with waves of migration to the island. The earliest such period of growth for the town seems to be between the Reformation and the Civil War as many French Protestants sought refuge in Jersey, Jersey being a Francophone Protestant state, especially following the Revocation of the Edict of Nantes in 1685. (Wikipedia) Why my Chevalier ancestors left Jersey may never be known, but historians say that towards the end of the 17th century, many islanders emigrated to New England and north east Canada. ( Source ). In Jersey's archives, the journal of Jean Chevalier provides a detailed account of life in Jersey in the mid 1600s. I published another blog in which I translated the text from French to English. Click here . While taking a virtual tour of Saint Helier, I noticed a road - Chevalier Road! Tap or click the white arrows to have a look around: If you're related to the Chevalier/Shevalier family, connect your branches on Wikitree ! #Shevalier #Chevalier #Jersey #SaintHelier

One thing I learned during my research is that “times really have changed”. The old cliché has a more literal meaning than many people realize. The calendar as we know it has a very interesting past. Why is this important? In old town records, church records, tombstones, epitaphs and written genealogies, dates were sometimes written as “1st month”, “2nd month”, etc., as opposed to writing out the name of the month. It seems reasonable to assume that when a record says “on ye 12th day of ye 7th month in the year of our Lord 1743” it is referring to July 12, 1743, however, this assumption would be incorrect. Today we consider the first month to be January, however, this was not always the case. In ancient times, the new year was marked by the Equinox which was observed, twice a year when for just a moment, the center of the sun is aligned in the same plane as our equator. Today this occurs between the 20th and 21st day of March and again on the 22nd and 23rd day of September. So, according to the equinox the first month was actually March. The Julian calendar was made in 45 B.C., under the reign of Julius Caesar, the Equinox was fixed to the 25th of March, though it was later changed to the 21st of March. It was determined that the Vernal Equinox occurred every 365.25 days (365 days + 6 hours) at that time and the calendar year was divided into months, which Caesar named, mostly after pagan deities and Latin words. In order account for the extra six hours per year not included in the 365 day calendar, the wisest scholars and mathematicians of the day came to the logical conclusion that adding one day to the calendar every four years would compensate for the 24 hours difference accumulated over a period of four years. Thus, to this day we add one day to February every 4th year, known as the “Leap Year”. As a point of interest, to determine which years are leap years the following simple mathematical rule applies: The year must be exactly divisible by 4, however it is never exactly divisible by 100, except in the case it is equally divisible by 400. For example: We can determine that 2000 was a leap year because it is divisible by both 4 and 400 equally (2000 ÷ 4 = 500 and 2000 ÷ 400 = 5). We can also see that 2011 is not a leap year because it is not divisible by 4 equally (2011 ÷ 4 = 502.75). We can see that 2012 is a leap year because it is divisible by 4 equally (2012 ÷ 4 = 53). The calendar seemed to be in sync with the seasons for a time but after 125 years, the Equinox happened a day earlier than expected and it gradually appeared earlier in the month than the day specified on the calendar, revealing that the annual cycle was actually almost eleven minutes shorter than they had originally measured. Today the Vernal Equinox occurs once every 365.2425 days (365 days, 5 hours, 49 minutes, and 12 seconds). After 325 years went by, the Julian calendar’s date for the Equinox was about two and a half days after it had already passed. By 1582 the Equinox was falling on the 11th day of March, ten days earlier than the calendar stated. So that year, under Pope Gregory XIII, ten days on the calendar were “skipped” after the 4th day of October in order to realign the calendar with the Equinox. The following day which would have been the 5th of October, was declared the 15th instead. This temporarily restored March 21st as the date of the Vernal Equinox. Roman Catholic countries immediately adopted the new Gregorian calendar, while Protestant countries were hesitant. Some Christians were hesitant to sway from their belief that Easter was during the Festival of Unleavened Bread, a Jewish feast. Later, the Protestant Christians, too, would conform to the Gregorian calendar (also called the Western calendar, or Christian calendar). England changed from the Julian calendar, also referred to as the “Old Style” (or O.S. for short) on the 2nd day of September 1752, skipping eleven days following that date so that the “New Style” began the following day, which was called the 14th of September instead of the 3rd. Furthermore, the last three months of 1751, January, February and March were removed from that year and became the first quarter of 1752. Double-dates were used for those three months to differentiate. For any events that happened during those three months, the year was written “1751-52” or “1751/52”. Therefore, until 1752, the seventh month was actually September, which can be seen by researching the etymology of the word “September”. So when we see “on ye 12th day of ye 7th month 1643” we now know it refers to September 12, 1643. Keep this in mind for dates written in this format prior to 1752. Unfortunately, over the years, this important fact sometimes causes transcription errors. If you are using this as a resource for clues and are looking for a person said to have been born in a particular month before 1752, but cannot find a match in other records, try looking for one born two months after (or even before) the presumed month, as transcriptions may contain this common error. This is something genealogists should be aware of. Knowing about Old Style dates is important when researching colonial ancestors. For example, recently I was adding a child of John Leonard to Wikitree. He was born Sept, 1679. When I saved it, Wikitree gave me an error, saying two brothers couldn't have been born within less than 9 months of each other. On his profile, I saw his parents had a son named Joseph, born in January, 1680. Impossible! How can two children be born within four months of each other? I checked the town archives for the original copy to confirm the dates and parents of these boys and I felt the anxiety rush over me, thinking of what a nightmare it would be to identify and sort this family if there was another couple with the same names in the same town at the same time. Then I remembered Old Style dates and it all made sense. This illustration should explain it better than I can! #myblog #history #calendar #dates

The brick wall in my ancestry is my 2nd great-grandfather, Charles Russell Leonard. He was reportedly born in Union Springs, New York, in 1830, but finding evidence of this has evaded us. Learning about the places our ancestors lived can prove helpful, though, providing valuable clues about early settlers, churches, industries, and people. This article I found in Yesteryears, Volume 26, was written by Temple R. Hollcroft (1889-1967), former Historian of Cayuga County. It gives us a rare glimpse into life in the early days of Union Springs. Aside from the names of the early settlers, other clues that may prove useful in researching ancestors from Union Springs are highlighted for emphasis. You can read the transcript below, or listen here on YouTube with illustrations: A BRIEF HISTORY OF UNION SPRINGS By Temple R. Hollcroft (1889-1967) Former Historian of Cayuga County, N. Y. Yesteryears, Volume 26 #3 As the name implies, Cayuga County was originally the home of the Cayuga Indian Nation, one of the six nations in the League of the Iroquois. According to Indian tradition, this league had been organized about 1500 by Hiawatha, an Indian "superman" of the Onondaga Nation. It first contained the five nations, Oneida, Mohawk, Onondaga, and Seneca, and in 1713 a kindred nation, the Tuscarora, was added. The Iroquois were steadfast allies of the British against the French in the wars preceding the Revolution, and during the Revolution, with the exception of some of the Oneidas, they fought on the side of the British. In the autumn of 1779, to put an end to the raids on the white settlements by the Indians, General Washington sent General John Sullivan to crush the Cayuga and Seneca nations and lay waste their territory. The principal Cayuga village, Goioguen, called Cayuga Castle, was just north of Great Gully. Its site is now in the southern part of Springport. This village and all others were destroyed with all of the crops ready for harvesting or already stored for the winter. The soldiers even chopped down most of the fruit trees. The Indians of this area all fled to near Buffalo where the British supported them during the following winter. Union Springs, Cayuga Co., New York Very few of the Cayugas returned after the Revolution. In 1788 the State of New York purchased all of the Cayuga Nation's territory except an area called the Cayuga Reservation along the foot of Lake Cayuga and Seneca River, extending four miles back from the lake on both sides and from Aurora to Montezuma. The southern boundary of the Cayuga Reservation is the road from Aurora to Sherwood. The eastern boundary of this reservation is now the eastern boundary of the Town of Springport. In 1788, John Harris came to Cayuga and started a ferry across the foot of the lake. On the map of the Cayuga Reservation, the road which is now Route 90, went only to Cayuga where it connected with the Genesee Road on the east and Cayuga Ferry on the west. In 1800 the first Cayuga Bridge was completed. More than a mile long, it was at that time the longest bridge in the world. In 1788, Roswell Franklin and his party surveyed lands now in the northern part of Aurora and moved there with their families in March, 1789, to form the first settlement in Cayuga County. On March 5, 1794, Onondaga County was organized. It originally contained all of the Military Tract, an area of more than two million acres set aside by the State Legislature to be given the soldiers of the Revolution as a reward for their services. The original Onondaga County contained all of the four counties, Cayuga, Cortland, Onondaga and Seneca, and parts of the four, Oswego, Schuyler, Tompkins and Wayne. The first county seat of Onondaga County was Aurora (or Scipio as the village was called until 1795). The courts were held alternately at Cayuga Bridge and Aurora until 1804 after which all were held at Aurora. On March 8, 1799, Cayuga County was formed from the western three fifths of Onondaga County, with Aurora its first county seat. The original Cayuga County contained almost exactly the ancestral lands of the Cayuga Indian Nation - all of the present Cayuga and Seneca counties and parts f Tompkins, Schuyler, and Wayne. In 1804, Seneca County was taken off and in 1817, Tompkins County. As you know, Cayuga County now contains 23 towns outside of Auburn. The boundary of the present Cayuga County contains only two of the eleven original towns of the Military Tract and part of another, that is Aurelius, Scipio and the north half of Milton. From Aurelius has been formed the towns: Sterling, Victory, Ira, Conquest, Cato, Montezuma, Mentz, Auburn, Brutus, Throop, Sennett, Aurelius, Owasco, Fleming, and the north two thirds of Springport. From Scipio: Scipio, Ledyard, Venice, Niles, Moravia, Sempronius, and the south one third of Springport. From Milton: Genoa, Locke, Summerhill. Springport is the only town of Cayuga County formed from portions of two of the original towns. The village of Union Springs also lies in both of these two original towns, and also about twice as much in Aurelius as in Scipio. The first settlements at Union Springs were on Lot 98 of the Cayuga Reservation, the lot of Aurelius farthest south that is on the lake. The village has since spread north into lots 97 and 92 of Aurelius and south into lot 103 of the Reservation end of Scipio. Springport is also the only town of Cayuga County formed entirely from lands of the Cayuga Reservation. Union Springs, as you well know, was named for the two large springs in the village. Attracted by these springs as a source of water power, there were attempts to settle this vicinity in 1789, but, on complaint of the Indians, the settlers were ejected by the state authorities. However, Edward Richardson came about 1790-91, dammed the north spring and built a small grist mill run by water power. Frederick Gearhart, a blacksmith, came about 1790 and settled on lot 109 east of Union Springs. Thomas Thompson also came in October, 1790, with four sons and five daughters and settled just south of the village. There is no adequate explanation of why the Indians allowed these settlers to remain on their reservation while they had the settlers dispossessed who had come only a year earlier. In 1795, the Indians sold all of the Cayuga Reservation to the State except the Cayuga Residence Reservation extended about two miles back from the lake and from lot 103 south to Great Gully. It included the site of Cayuga Castle. The lots in it contain only about 1/4 square mile while most lots in the other parts of the Cayuga Reservation as in the Military Tract average one square mile each. In 1791 there were about 600 Indians living on the Cayuga Reservation. When it was sold to the State in 1795, most of the Indians moved to reservations near Buffalo except those living on the Residence Reservation. The Residence Reservation contained the point of land then called "Long Point", now Farley's Point. The last Indians who lived near here had their homes on Farley's Point. This was a band of about 30 Tuscaroras whose chief had the Indian name, Kanistagia, which in English means, Steel Trap. After Steel Trap died about 1800, they moved to near Buffalo. In 1794, James Crane came from New Jersey on foot and began farming about two miles N.E. of Union Springs. For ten years, he tended his farm during the spring, summer and fall, walking back to New Jersey to spend the winter, and walking to his farm again the next spring. Finally, in 1804, he brought his family by oxteam, the trip requiring 17 days. Jesse Davis came in 1799 from Pennsylvania and built a log mill with one run of stone on Yawger's Creek. One of his mill wrights was George McFarland who married a daughter of Thomas Thompson. In 1800 James Carr came from Johnston, Pa., and settled about 1-1/2 miles south of the village where his descendants now live. His son, Hartman Carr, was one year old when he came here with his father. Also about 1800, Dr. John Mosher came from Washington Co., John Earl from Newport, R.I., James Barker from Rensselaer Co. and Gilbert Weed from Saratoga Co. John Earl was a brother-in-law of Wm. S. Burling, a Quaker minister who lived at the corner of Cayuga and Chapel Sts. Barker, Burling and Earl owned both springs for a time. Later Burling and Earl retained the north spring and mill and Barker used the south spring to run a fulling mill. In 1816 he sold the fulling mill to Philip Winegar who had come from Dutchess Co. the year before on foot. Winegar soon added a grist mill and a saw mill at the south spring. John Nutt came from Vermont about 1800 and settled about two miles east of the village. Philip Yawger came from New Jersey in 1801 with six sons and four daughters. One son, Peter Yawger, was a number of the Assembly in 1827 and 1831, and an unsuccessful candidate for Congress in 1840. He built the Yawger Tavern about three miles north of the village. In 1809 the first plaster bed was discovered on Philip Yawger's farm. This was gypsum or calcium sulphate from which Plaster of Paris is made. This had been imported heretofore from Nova Scotia, but when that supply was cut off during the War of 1812 the "Cayuga Plaster", as it was called, came into extensive use and provided a profitable industry for many years. Humphrey Hunt came from Orange Co. in 1805 and settled one mile south of Union Springs. He was in Sullivan's army in 1779 and was with the troops that destroyed the Cayuga Villages on the east side of Lake Cayuga. Ichabod Clark, Amos Howland, Thomas Collins, William Cozzens, William Taver and Elam Anthony all came before 1815. The first merchant in Union Springs was Laban Hoskins from Genoa who opened a store in 1810. Dr. John Mosher, William Cozzens and Asa Burnham were partners in a store beginning in 1815. Philip Winegar and a son Eseck Winegar opened a store in 1822. Daniel Mersereau from Staten Island began a general merchandise store in 1830 which was continued for many years by his descendants. George H. Ham had a general store at Hamburg, a small hamlet named for him near the limestone quarries about three fourths mile south of Union Springs. He moved his store to Union Springs in 1836, hut failed after a few years. It is not possible to give a complete account of the business houses and business men of Union Springs in a brief talk. A Post Office was established in Union Springs in 1811. Dr. John Mosher was the first postmaster and continued in that office for 30 years. He was also the first physician in the village. He practiced from 1800 until his nephew, Dr. Stephen Mosher came in 1817. When the town of Springport was formed from Aurelius and Scipio in 1823 , the citizens held a town meeting at the Inn of John Yawger, April 1, 1823, and elected the first town officers. The first town supervisor was William Cozzens and the first town Clerk, Wm. G. Harkness. The village of Union Springs was incorporated Nov. 8, 1848, and originally contained 1086.85 acres. In 1877 the western boundary of the village was extended to the middle of Lake Cayuga. (It is not recorded how many under-water acres that added.) The first village officers elected January 16, 1849 were: Eseck M. Winegar, President; John C. Yawger, Treasurer and John Griffing, Clerk. Frontenac Island is well within the western boundary of Union Springs. It evidently was an Indian burial ground. The island was deeded to the Village of Union Springs in April, 1856, by the New York State Legislature, to be used as a park. It was cleared of underbrush and walks and seats added, but these have not been kept in repair. This island is of particular interest because it is the only one in any of the Finger Lakes. Apparently Union Springs was a peaceful place, legally, for quite a while after it was founded. No lawyer lived here until 1845. The first one was Caleb Winegar who practiced here from 1845 to 1870. Union Springs is noted for the large number of newspapers and periodicals published here. Beginning with "The Cayuga Tocsin" established December 25, 1811, by Royall T. Chamberlain, there were thirteen published in Union Springs at various times up to June 14, 1866, when the 14th "The Union Springs Advertiser", was started by James B. Hoff. This weekly continued until a few years ago. There were several steamboats on Lake Cayuga carrying both passengers and freight, from the Enterprise in 1818 to the Frontenac which burned near Dill's Cove in July, 1907. There were ferries across the lake at various points, but Union Springs had the only steam ferry boat, the small steamer, R.B. Howland. Canal boats also carried freight to and from New York City and points along the Erie Canal via the Cayuga and Seneca Canal connecting Lake Cayuga with the Erie Canal at Montezuma. The Cayuga Lake Railroad along the eastern shore of Lake Cayuga from Ithaca to Cayuga was completed in 1872. One of its chief promoters and a director was J.J. Thomas. The railroad proved to be a losing proposition, however, and in the latter seventies it was sold to the Lehigh Valley Railroad. The passenger service was discontinued in 1947 and the present branch through Union Springs runs only form Auburn to Aurora. One of the most important early factories was the Cayuga Plaster Co. In 1875 this factory gave employment to more than fifty men in the quarries and mills, for about two thirds of each year. This factory produced from 30,000 to 40,000 tons of plaster annually. The Cayuga Plaster Co. was owned in 1875 by Clinton T. Backus, James Fitch, R.B. Howland, B. Robinson and R.B. Robinson. A branch of the First National Bank of Aurora is to be opened here at Union Springs in the near future. The First National Bank of Union Springs, however, was organized February 4, 1864, exactly one month before the First National Bank of Aurora was organized. The bank opened for business in April of that year. The bank building was the business building farthest north on Cayuga Street. The first officers were: John C. Yawger, President; Albert Beardsley, Vice-President and Benjamin Howland, Cashier. The original capital was $50,000, increased to $100,000 on January 16, 1865. The old stone mill, 65 by 84 feet, with four stories and a basement, was built in 1840 by George Howland of New Bedford, Mass., the father of R.B. Howland. Originally a grist mill, it had five runs of stone. The mill was run by water power for about eight months of the year and during the winter by a 50-horse power steam engine. To build and furnish the mill cost $40,000, a large sum in those days. Union Springs also had an Agricultural Works in 1875 owned by J.O. Spencer. In 1878 he built ten threshing machines and 25 steam engines. There was also the New York Central Planing Mill owned and operated by the Courtney Brothers. Union Springs has also been noted for its schools and the excellent consolidated school you have now is a worthy successor. The Friends' Academy was founded in 1858 and a brick building 135' long with three stories and a basement to accommodate 100 students was erected at a cost of $20,000 raised by subscription. It has incorporated by the State Regents in 1860. Several additions were made to the building. In 1875 the name was changed to Oakwood Seminary. The lecturer in natural sciences at that time was J.J. Thomas, a son of the well known pioneer scientist, David Thomas. The Howland School was first begun in 1863 as The Young Ladies' Institute by R.B. Howland, who bought the Philip Winegar homestead for $6000 and built some additions. When George Howland, R.B. Howland's father died, he bequested the sum of $50,000 for the "thorough, moral, intellectual and religious training of young females." The trustees of this fund took over the Institute and re-established it as the Howland School. About 1872 a 4-story brick addition was built. The Howland School offered a full collegiate course in the classics, mathematics and the languages. It attained a high degree of excellence, but as a description of it at that time stated, "It languishes for want of support." In 1875 there were seven churches in Union Springs; Presbyterian, Friends, Christian, Baptist, Methodist, Catholic and Episcopal. Since all of them cannot be included in this talk, only an account of the oldest one will be given. The First Presbyterian Church of Springport was formed Sept. 7, 1801, at the home of Ichabod Wilkinson in the present Town of Fleming. It was originally a Congregational Church. Its first pastor was Rev. Jacob Cram who was also an early pastor of the First Church of Milton. The First Congregational Society of Aurelius was organized May 21, 1802, about one mile south of Half Acre. This was one of the churches of the Middle Association of Congregational Churches of New York. It was later taken into the Presbytery of Cayuga as the First Presbyterian Church of Aurelius with other churches of the vicinity that had originated as Congregational Churches. When Springport was formed in 1823, this church became the First Presbyterian Church of Springport. This church is the third oldest church in Cayuga County. The oldest is the First Presbyterian Church of Genoa organized in 1798 as the First Congregational Church of Milton. The second oldest is the Presbyterian Church of Aurora organized in 1800 as the First Congregational Church of Scipio. From the First Presbyterian Church of Aurelius (now Springport) were formed three churches: the Presbyterian Church of Sennett, the First Presbyterian Church of Auburn, and the First Presbyterian Church of Cayuga. The first church building was built in 1816 about two miles north of Union Springs. The present building in which this meeting is being held was erected in 1840. The first installed pastor of this church was Rev. David Higgins, a Congregational minister, whose installation was, according to the historian, Hotchkin, "the first instance of such an occurrence in the Military Tract." At this time, Cayuga County was in the Presbytery of Geneva. The Presbytery of Cayuga was formed in 1807 from the Presbytery of Geneva. On September 11, 1803, the Presbytery of Geneva was opened with a sermon by Rev. David Higgins, the Congregational pastor of the First Church of Aurelius. During this meeting, this question was discussed: "Can the Presbytery consistently receive as a constituent member a minister belonging to an Association without his discontinuing his connection with the Association?" The answer was unanimously, "Yes", and immediately thereafter, the Rev. David Higgins, Pastor of the First Church of Aurelius, and Rev. Hezekiah Woodruff, Pastor of the First Church of Scipio, both congregational ministers in Congregational churches, were received as full members of the Geneva Presbytery. This was an excellent example of Interdenominational tolerance and cooperation. These are only some of the main points in the history of your town and village. There is much more of interest and I trust that some one some time will incorporate it all in a complete history. The Historian of Union Springs and of the Town of Springport, Mrs. Ethel Flinn, has many more of the interesting details than I have. You have a beautiful setting here for a village. I did not realize until I went abroad that our scenery here is just as beautiful as theirs, the difference being that we do not need to play it up as an asset. The view across the Lake with Frontenac Island in the foreground cannot be matched even on any of the other lakes of the celebrated Finger Lakes region. Edward Richardson dammed the north spring and built his mill here more than a year before John Hardenberg came to Hardenberg's Corners to build his mill on Lake Owasco Outlet and to become the first settler of Auburn. Hence Union Springs is one of the oldest villages in Cayuga County. Your village is not only beautiful in its setting, but rich in its heritage.   Yesteryears, Volume 26 #3 . Click here for Cayuga County Genealogy and History Resources #CayugaCOunty #NewYork #UnionSprings

When researching family history, you never know what you might find. So far, I have found over 400 of my ancestors, and have found nothing as shocking as the death of my 4th great-grandfather, Peter Shevalier. Peter Shevalier was counted on the Mortality Schedule taken on September 7, 1850, as "Peter Chevalier". It reports he was a married farmer, born in New York, and that he died in April of that year. The cause of death? "Murdered". Peter Chevalier "Murdered" A simple newspaper search at fultonhistory.com led me to tragic details. It was printed in The Democrat, Penn-Yan, New York, Tuesday, May 7, 1850. (Transcription below): The Murder of Peter Shevalier " Intemperance and Murder . We learn from the Cortland Democrat that on Wednesday last, in the town of Marathon, in that county, two individuals, named John Hanes and Daniel Modelle, procured ten quarts of whiskey, and proceeded to the house of Peter Shevalier, probably for the purpose of having a 'spree' - They spent most of the day carousing, &c., until a dispute or quarrel arose between the parties, which ended in the strangling (as is supposed) to death of aforesaid Shevalier, and thrusting of the body into a hole in the floor. The first intimation of it was the finding of the above named Hanes and Modelle in the room in a state of intoxication, and the deceased in the hole with his head down and feet resting upon the floor. When spoken to on the subject, Modelle (who we believe is quite a youth) said that Hanes struck Shevalier and choked him to death and then thrust him into the hole. This was peremptorily denied by Hanes, who contended that Modelle had as much to do in the matter as himself. They are both in jail." - Syracuse Standard. When the census was taken in 1850, John Haynes, age 21, and Daniel Modelle (or Madole), age 17, were in the custody of Sheriff Pomeroy in Cortlandville. Why their crime is listed as "manslaughter" is beyond me, and it appears both were freed within 5-10 years. There was a John S. Haynes living in Preble (same county) when the 1855 New York State Census was taken, but his age was given as 23, so he may not have been the murderer. However, in 1860, there was a man named Dan Madole, age 27, living in Marathon on the farm of Cornelius Livingston. This almost certainly was the same man involved with the murder of my 4th great-grandfather. Meanwhile, Peter's family was counted on the census that year on September 7, 1850, as follows: Peter's widow, "Anna" (Joanna), three daughters and two sons living in the home. Their 25-year old son, Christian, had stepped in as head of the household, and four of their other children were in the home: Hannah, age 19, Jane, age 14, Abram, age 8, and Lucy Ann Shevalier , age 23. Lucy married the following year to Nicholas Hollenbeck. Family Portrait made with Family Portrait Maker Joanna remarried to Aaron Campbell, and is buried in Willet beneath a headstone that reads " "Joanne - Relict of Peter Shevalier - Wife of Aaron Campbell - 1800-1889". Click here for photos . Click here to see more on this family ! Click here to see the Index #PeterShevalier #Chevalier #Marathon #NewYork #Hollenbeck #shevalier

Portrait Created with Family Portrait Maker Jeremiah Shevalier (or Chevalier) was my paternal 5th great-grandfather. He was born about 1760 in a small town in the Hudson Valley called Coxsackie, New York. This odd name is pronounced cook-sak-ee. A Dutch settler by the name of Peter Bronck acquired the land in 1662 by trading "150 guilders in beaver pelts" with Native Americans who called the place Koxhackung. Details are found in Collections on the History of Albany: From Its Discovery to the Present Time, Vol. 4, p. 298: The town was officially established in 1788 as a part of Albany County before it's division. The village of Coxsackie is located on the east side of the town along the Hudson River. Use this interactive map to have a look around: On Feb. 19, 1784, Jeremiah Shevalier married Catherine Rohrbacker, with whom he had several children. They were counted on the census in Coxsackie in 1790 and 1800. In 1804, they moved 145 miles west, crossing the Catskill Mountains and into the Appalachians to a town called Virgil, New York. Since the first railway in the U.S. wasn't created until 1827, the family would have taken the trip on foot, horseback and/or by boat . Virgil, New York, was part of the Military Tract. This was land awarded to soldiers of the American Revolution for their military service in the war. ( Click here to learn more ). Some soldiers left their homes in New England for their prized land in central New York, but many soldiers sold their bounty land without ever seeing it. Perhaps Jeremiah purchased a soldier's bounty land in Virgil. Additional research is needed to prove or disprove why or how he moved to Virgil in 1804. A search of the Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty-Land Warrant Application Files produced no results for Jeremiah Shevalier after trying various spellings, but it is certain that he served as ensign and lieutenant in the New York State Militia. He is listed in the Military Minutes of the Council of Appointment of the State of New York, 1783-1821 , Vol. 1, of which excerpts are shown below.  Jeremiah Shevalier served in Peter Van Bergen's regiment in Greene County, New York. The total number of years of his service is unknown but according to the State Historian's findings, his rank was ensign in 1800, lieutenant in 1802, and vice lieutenant in 1805. In the 1805 report, his name is followed by "moved", which corresponds with History of Cortland County , p. 323 , and Festal gathering of the early settlers and present inhabitants of the town of Virgil, Cortland County, N.Y. , p. 14 . Both sources state that Jeremiah Shevalier arrived in Virgil in 1804. It is clear these three entries pertain to the same person, although three different spellings are given for his name: Chavelier, Chevelier, and Chevalier. On his burial monument , however, the name is spelled Shevalier. Jeremiah Shevalier died at the age of about 64 years, on October 2, 1824, in Virgil, and is buried in Marathon Village Cemetery (Section 2; Lot 6).  Have you connected your branch to Jeremiah Shevalier on Wikitree? https://www.wikitree.com/wiki/Shevalier-103 Click here to learn more about Jeremiah Shevalier . Click here to learn more about this branch of my family . #shevalier #jeremiahshevalier #militia #wallofhonor #veteran #military