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Obituaries

From Stephentown Genealogy: Roots & More

Please note: due to the size of this page, I'd rather have the information available than pretty. When I am retired, if I still administrate the website, maybe I'll do it then.

Compiled by Tina Ordone

This page contains obituaries of people who were born, lived in or had family in Stephentown. Some have been sent in, others were gotten from newspapers, mostly the Berkshire Eagle, Pittsfield, Mass., and they were found on the NewspaperArchives.com website.

THE DATE ON THE END OF A LOT OF THE OBITS IS THE DATE THAT THEY WERE PRINTED IN THE NEWSPAPER. PLEASE DON'T MISTAKE THIS DATE FOR THE DATE OF DEATH.

I apologize that the names are not in alphabetical order, but I add them as I get them, which makes alphabetizing them impossible. Louisa Permillia Hayes Ada Belle Sweener Wilson Sweener Ulysses & Elizabeth Sweener Nelson Sweener Florence Doris Sweener Gladys Sweener Martinson Elizabeth Sweener Deveneau Lewis Napoleon Sweener Franklin Lewis Sweener George H. Sweener Pascal Nelson Sweener Donald E. Sweener, Sr. Louis H. Houghtling Henry Houghtling Sophia Miller Houghtling Lydia Pratt Miller Edith D. Houghtling Holt Ruth Houghtling Holmes Elmer Houghling Russell Moon Lewis (Moon) Cooley Alma Viola Moon Bessie R. Face Warney Carr Robert J. Knapp Leona M. Brown Clayton Goodermote Orrin Oaks George Wheeler Hiram Thompson Charles E. Bateman Lucy E. Sweet Emma Pease Ethel Face Ernest Reynolds Elizabeth F. Briggs Norman MacVeigh Mary A. Ward Sarah Harrington Wemple Ernest A. Wemple Frank Shaw B.T. Hayes W.L. Holt, SR. Alice Bennett Holt Martha Allen Scanlon George W. Jenks Mary Hewitt Celia Hoffman Mary R. Goodermote Minnie Palmer Carpenter Sarah Whitman Wylie Donald A. Schmich Laura Hassan Sweener Carrie Harrington Jones John T. Harrington Carrie Staples Harrington John A. Harrington Calvin Carr Harriet Green Stearns John H. Hoffman Samuel Dymond Clovis Carr Rathbun Frank Beach Edwin B. Wheeler Henry F. Lapp Alice Carr Newton Calvin Cole Frank Cole Mary Sutherland Neugen Claude Chittenden Ella Hewitt Clark Lewis M. Shaw Anna M. Potter Harry W. Launt Edward M. Evans Ford Alderman Andrew Deamer Cynthia E. Deamer Walter Z. Deveneau Peter J. Elwell Helen Whitman Pease Ellen McMahon William Otis Staples Dece V. Vanderbogart Orlando Wheeler Albert V. Goodermote Susan W. Griffin Cora Williams Hughes Lewis Manns Dr. Elizabeth Sweet Sarah Elizabeth Wylie Elsie D. Houghtaling Hunt Margaret Sweet Calvin H. Atwater George E. O'Dell Alvia F. Diamond Rev. Oscar A. Arnold Arthur O. Arnold Jennie Gibson Diamond Laura L. Gavitt Decker Marie Elwell Samuel M. Gaylord Frank Kibby Addie Cole William M. Houghtaling Lois Gardner Fitzgerald John H. Hoffman, Jr. Leona Fitzgerald Brown Martha W. Hoffman Mabel Winnery Silvernail Joanne Perotto Sweener Charlesetta Boyd Carpenter Betty T. Feathers George Fitzgerald Mary J. Snell Ethel Brown Kinn Thelma Tomlinson Robert O. Brown George P. Schmich Frederick L. Brown Frederick Nathan Brown Harry S. Brown Eva A. Goodermote Brown Marion Brown Winn John H. Kinn Allan L. Brown Edwin A. Rollo William Houghtling John Hotaling Richard Senter Edward Siek Erving Larkin Marjorie Stanley Hicks Amelia Kittle William H. Kittle William P. Kittle Roy Burton Kittle Dorothy Hoffman Moon Miner Hazel Wolcott Koepp Edwin A. Martinson, Jr. Kenneth G. Koepp David G. Oaks Elmer & Elizabeth Conklin Edward M. Sutherland M. Jean Eckhardt Diadama Brown Persons Elizabeth Williams Houghtling Harold R. Sherman, Jr. Rosetta F. Sedgwick Asta Olsen Angie Vanderbogart Clarence Peterson James Saxby Janette Vanderbogart Kenneth Walther Marian Hunt Milton Culver Ruth French Lottie Brown Joseph A. Face, Jr. Florence Wheeler Louis Rathbun Joseph A. Williams, Sr. Gracia Miller Arvilla M. Wolcott Edison M. Gardner James Williams Mary L. Williams Carrie Belle Richmond Joseph Face, Sr. Gloria Williams Barnes Don Radz Esther Tifft Rufus Sweet Horace R. Bateman Sterling R. Bateman Stephen S. Sweet Monroe L. Dix Howard J. Rogers Thurston Carr Sarah Wood Doty William & Caleb Sheldon Stephen Vandenburgh Virginia Atwater Lillian Hassan Batchelder Dorothy B. Haley Marie Saxby Harvey Roberts Emilia Schmich Burdick Arthur W. Schmich Jean E. LeClair Evelyn W. Hewitt Hazel D. Barrett Elizabeth R. Geerholt

Chauncey Hammersmith	 Marcella Teal Love	 Gerry Carr
Dorothy Geerholt	 Albert E. Smith	 Edward Demick, Jr.
Charles H. Jones	 George H. Manns
Mrs. Arthur Stevens
Frank J. Thomas	 Addie Carr Goodermote	 Mary J. Goodermote Brazie

Louisa Permilla Hayes

Louisa Permillia James Hayes Mrs. Louisa P. Hayes, who died recently, recalled parents feeding Red Men; Rode to School with Indian Boy


Mrs. Louisa P. Hayes passed away on Monday, January 16, 1933, at 4:45, at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Elmer (Elsie) Evans, of pneumonia. She was born in Stephentown on June 15, 1835. (She was the daughter of Amos James and Permila Culver)

Beside Mrs. Evans, with whom she has lived for exactly thirteen years, she is survived by another daughter, Mrs. Eunice Houghtling, of Garfield and a son, Elisha Hayes, of Pownal, Vt. Another daughter, Laura, died when young; also several grandchildren, great grandchildren and five great, great grandchildren.

On July 3rd, she married Henry Hayes, who died about eleven years ago.

Her grandfather was a soldier under Washington in the Revolutionary War. She often told of the Indians coming to her parents house. They always gave them something to eat and were never molested, also of riding to school with an Indian boy by the name of Duncan.

Rev. Harry Coombs, pastor of the Presbyterian Church, preached. A.G. Hall had charge. Grandsons were bearers-Norris Hayes, Spencer Houghtaling, Henry Houghtaling and William Holt, Jr. She had several beautiful pieces of flowers. She was a very good neighbor and friend. She was laid to rest beside her husband in their lot in Garfield Cemetery.



Gravestone of Henry and Louisa P. Hayes

Ada Belle Sweener Mrs. Sweener Dead at 75 March 23, 1951

Stephentown, N.Y. - Mrs. Ada Belle Sweener, 75, widow of Wilson Sweener, died suddenly yesterday afternoon at her home in Stephentown Center. She was born in this town April 2, 1875 (daughter of Milo Wheeler and Mary E. Houghtling), and lived here all her life. Surviving are a daughter, Mrs. Willis (Elizabeth) Goodermore of this town; two sons, Ulysses of Stephentown, and Nelson of Stephentown Center; 15 grandchildren. The funeral will be held at 2 Tuesday afternoon at the Hall & Higgins Funeral Home with Rev. Oscar A. Arnold officiating. Burial will be in Garfield Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home tomorrow and Monday evening. (Cause of death according to death certificate - Coronary Scolorosis)


Taken April 7, 1950, during a photo session with her new great granddaughter, Tina Martinson, author of this page. Wilson Sweener Died April 17, 1936


The funeral of Wilson Dodge Sweener was largely attended Monday afternoon from his residence in Stephentown Center, NY. Rev. Oscar Arnold officiated. The bearers were: Stephen Mattison, Frank Cole, Harry Launt and Willis Launt. Internment was in Garfield Cemetery. Mrs. Sweener was born in Hancock, Mass. on August 8, 1872 (birth parents Andrew Dodge and Ellenor Kittle, adopted by Pascal Sweener and Sarah Carr Sweener), but spent most of his life in Stephentown Center, NY. Survivors are his wife, Mrs. Ada Wheeler Sweener, daughter, Mrs. Willis (Elizabeth) Goodermote; two sons, Ulysses of Stephentown and Nelson of Stephentown Center. Six grandsons and six granddaughters.

(Cause of death according to death certificate - Mesenteric Thrombosis and myocarditis) Ulysses & Elizabeth Sweener


Ulysses and Elizabeth Sweener taken on their 50th Wedding anniversary, February 9, 1971


Elizabeth Matilda Sweener, 88, ran farm


Stephentown - Elizabeth Matilda Sweener, 88, of Garfield Road died Saturday in the Berkshire Nursing Home, Pittsfield, Mass. after a brief illness. She was born and educated in Pittsfield and had lived with the Sisters of St. Joseph at Holy Cross Convent in Springfield, Mass., at a young age. She later moved back to Pittsfield. She and her late husband, Ulysses Pascal Sweener, moved to Stephentown many years ago. They owned and operated a family dairy farm on Garfield Road until the mid-1950's, when they passed the business on to their children. Mrs. Sweener was a memeber of St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church, the church Alter-Rosary Society and the Stephentown Senior Citizens. Survivors include fours sons, Leo W.; Ulysses F.; Lawrence H..; and Donald E. Sweener, all of Stephentown; three daughters, Ruth M. Rieger, Phyllis E. Hoffman and Stella J. Hoffman, all of Stephentown; 26 grandchildren and 36 great-grandchildren. Services will be held at 9:30 a.m. Monday in the Hall & Higgins Funeral Home, 318 Main St., and at 10 a.m. in St. Joseph's Church. Burial will be in St. Joseph's Cemetery. Calling hours will be 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. today in the funeral home. Ccontributions may be made to the American Cancer Society in care of the funeral home. (Born July 8, 1903; died August 17, 1991)


Ulysses Sweener, Sr., Former Road Supt. of Stephentown, N.Y.


Ulysses P. Sweener, Sr., 82, of Stephentown, a carpenter, farmer and public offical, died Saturday at Hillcrest Hospital in Pittsfield, Mass., after a long illness. Born in Stephentown, the son of Wilson and Ada Wheeler Sweener, he was educated in Stephentown and lived in the area all his life. He was a charter member of the Stephentown Volunteer Fire Department, which was organized in 1939; a charter member and president of the Stephentown Senior Citizens and a communicant of St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Stephentown. Mr. Sweener was a former town superintendent of highways and a member of the Planning Board and the Historical Society. He was a former member of the Farm Bureau, the Stephentown Grange, Rod & Gun Club and of the Cancer and Heart funds. He also was a local committee member for the Boy Scouts of America and was a member of the town's Bicentennnial Committee. Survivors include his wife, the former Elizabeth Travis, a native of Pittsfield; three daughters, Mrs. Joseph Rieger, Mrs. Phyllis Hoffman, and Mrs. Stella Hoffman, all of Stephentown; four sons, Leo W. Sweener of Hancock, Mass., and Ulysses F., Jr.; Lawrence H.; and Donald, all of Stephentown; a sister, Mrs. William Deveneau (Elizabeth) of Stephentown, and several grandchildren and great grandchildren. Another daughter, Mrs. Blanche Toolan of Pittsfield, died two years ago. The funeral was held Monday from the residence of Mrs. and Mrs. Joseph Rieger of Garfield Road with the Liturgy of Christian Burial at St. Joseph's Church. Burial was in St. Joseph's Cemetery. Bearers, all grandsons, were Danny Hoffman, Joseph A. Rieger, Bernard Sweener, Michael Rieger, Ronald Sweener, Lawrence C. Sweener, John D. Sweener, Donald E. Sweener, Jr., and Lloyd Hartnett. The Charles F. White Funeral Home of Valley Falls, N.Y. was in charge of arrangements. Memorial contributions can be made to the church in care of the Rev. Edward N. Leroux, Berlin. (Born June 14, 1899 and died October 9, 1981)



Stephentown, NY - Nelson Sweener, 66, died at his home here today (Friday, September 2, 1966) after a short illness. A lifelong resident of Stephentown, he was formerly employed by the Rutland Railroad and later by the Rensselaer County Highway Department. He is survivied by his wife, the former Florence Doris Moon; three sons, James of New Lebanon; Arthur of Stephentown; and Nelson ("Pete") of Boston; three daughters, Mrs. Ella Amidon of Cherry Plain; Mrs. Gladys Martinson of New Lebanon; and Mrs. Anna Geraldi of California; a brother, Ulysses Sweener of Stephentown; a sister, Mrs. Elizabeth Goodermote of Stephentown and 16 grandchildren. Services will be held Monday at 2p.m. at the Hall and Higgins Funeral Home, with the Rev. Oscar A. Arnold of Lebanon Springs officiating. Burial will be in Garfield Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home Saturday evening and Sunday after 5 p.m.


Pictures are L. Nelson Sweener and Doris Moon Sweener. They were my grandparents.


Florence Doris Sweener


STEPHENTOWN, N.Y. Mrs. Florence Doris Sweener, 56, of this town died Monday at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Anna Geraldi of Baldwin Park, Calif. She was the widow of L. Nelson Sweener. Besides Mrs. Geraldi, she leaves two other daughters, Mrs. Ella Amidon of Berlin and Mrs. Gladys Martinson of New Lebanon; three sons, Nelson of Boston, James of New Lebanon and Arthur of Stephentown and 17 grandchildren. Born in Stephentown Feb. 9, 1911, Mrs. Sweener lived here all her life. The funeral will be Friday at 2 at the Hall & Higgins Funeral Home. Burial will be in Garfield Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home tomorrow evening. (Died December 11, 1967. She was the daughter of Charles Moon and Clara D. Houghtling) Gladys Sweener Martinson


The first picture was taken in 1975 and the second in 1992. In 1991 she had a massive stroke, from which she never fully recovered. She was 62 years old at the time. She loved Christmas time as well as Halloween, dressing up in later years to greet the trick or treaters at the door. Her house was always decorated to the hilt for Christmas. A lovely lady who didn't have the peaceful life that she so deserved. She will always be loved by her four children, her grandchildren and her great grandson is learning about her as well.Generous to a fault and always happy to be with her family. I was priviledged to have her as my MOM.

Gladys Isabelle Sweener Martinson,70,

of Newton, Catawba County, North Carolina, died November 20, 1999 at Brian Center in HIckory after a period of declining health. Born February 25, 1929 in Garfield, N.Y., she was the daughter of the late Nelson and Doris Moon Sweener. She retired from Broyhill Furniture in Conover. Survivors include her husband, Edwin Albert Martinson, Jr; two sons, Eric Edwin of Dalton, Mass.; and Richard Thomas of Newton; two daughters Christine Brita Ordone of New Orleans, La. and Patricia Jean Brogden of Goldsboro, N.C. ; three brothers, Nelson Sweener of Berlin, NY, James and Arthur of Florida; two sisters, Ella Amidon of Cherry Plain, NY and Anna Geraldi of New Lebanon, NY; grandchildren, Chris Hanke, Lindsay Ordone, Kimberly Ordone LeBlanc, all of New Orleans; Stephen and Timothy Mode and three step-grandchildren, Scott, Brett and Matthew Knapp, also one great grandchild, Sebastian Chance LeBlanc. Memorial service held in New Lebanon, NY; burial in Newton, NC.

Edwin A. Martinson, Jr.



Edwin A. Martinson, Jr., 79, of Newton, NC, formerly of New Lebanon, NY, died in Frye Memorial Hospital, Hickory, NC on December 21, 2005. He was born April 12, 1926 in Cambridge, Mass., son of Dorothy Rand McVeigh and Edwin A. Martinson, Sr. He lived in New Lebanon, NY for many years, before transferring with General Electric in 1973 to Hickory, NC.

Mr. Martinson was scoutmaster for Troop 123 in New Lebanon, NY for 17 years. He was also instrumental in the organization of a Junior/Senior Bowling League at the old Lar-A-Bowl Lanes in New Lebanon.

He was the husband of the late Gladys Sweener Martinson, who passed away November 20, 1999. He is survived by four children: Christine (Tina) Ordone of New Orleans, La.; Eric of Pittsfield, Mass.; Richard of Newton, NC; and Patricia Brogden of New Orleans, La. He is also survived by grandchildren Christopher Hanke of Vidor, Texas; Kimberly Ordone LeBlanc of Scott, La., Lindsay Ordone of Luling, La., Stephen Mode of Longview, WA., and Timothy Mode of Ft. Polk, La., currently serving in Iraq; step-grandchildren Scott, Brett and Matthew Knapp of New York State and great-grandchildren, Sebastian LeBlanc; Lilah Mode and Benjamin Mode. He also has two sisters, Barbara Haley of Jupiter, Florida; Marjorie Liebsch of Scottsdale, Arizona, brothers Walter Peck; and David Martinson of Northborough, Mass and several cousins.

He will be buried with his wife in Hickory, NC. Elizabeth Sweener Deveneau

This gravestone sits in front of the unmarked graves of Wilson Dodge Sweener and Ada Belle Wheeler Sweener. Lizzie was buried with her first husband, Willis Goodermote.


Elizabeth Deveneau


Elizabeth A. Sweener Deveneau, of Garfield Road, Stephentown, NY, died at Berkshire Medical Center in Pittsfield, MA on Tuesday, July 18, 1995. She was born September 10, 1910, the daughter of the late Wilson and Ada Wheeler Sweener. She married on December 14, 1968 to the late William S. Deveneau who died on December 26, 1989. She was previously married to the late Willis Goodermote who died December 19, 1965. She was educated in Stephentown Schools and was a life-long Stephentown resident. She was employed by the Postal Sevice in Stephentown, NY as a Star Route Mail Carrier and was a clerk from where he retired in 1975. She was later employed at Samaritan Hospital in Troy as a clerk in the pediatrics department and in the administrative offices for several years. She was a member of the Stephentown Senior Citizens. She was of Baptist faith. She was pre-deceased by two brothers, the late Ulysses and the late Nelson Sweener. Survivors include several nieces and nephews; several grandnieces and grandnephews also survive. Services will be held Friday, July 21, at 1 p.m. in the Hall and Higgins Funeral Home, 318 Main Street, Stephentown, where the Reverend Trygve Tomlinson, pastor of the West Stephentown Baptist Church will officiate. Burial will follow the service in the Garfield Cemetery on Garfield Road in Stephentown. Calling hours will be at the funeral home on Thursday, July 20, from 6 to 8 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to the Stephentown Volunteer Fire Department, in care of Hall and Higgins, P.O. Box 9, Stephentown, NY 12168.


Lewis Napoleon Sweener


Lewis N. Sweener, aged 71, who for a number of years was a resident of this city (Pittsfield), died last night at the home of his son, Pascal N. Sweener, also a former resident here, in Wyomanock, N.Y. While in this city, he assisted his son, Pascal, in the conduct of the latter's livery business. Mr. Sweener was born at Stephentown, N.Y. The immediate family includes three sons, Frank and George of this city and Pascal and a brother George of New Lebanon, N.Y. The funeral services will take place at the home of his son at Wyomanock. Thursday after at 3 o'clock. Burial will be in the Pittsfield Cemetery.


(Berkshire Evening Eagle, Pittsfield, Mass. Tuesday July 12, 1927. Son of Pascal Sweener & Sarah Carr Sweener. Was born June 20, 1856)



Franklin Lewis Sweener


Franklin Lewis Sweener, 63, died last night at his home, 63 Oak Street, after a lingering illness. Born in Stephentown, N.Y., son of Lewis and Lydia Harrington Sweener, he had lived in this city for 41 years. For many years, Mr. Sweener was employed as a truck driver by the Standard Oil Compnay He retired in 1931. Survivors are his wife, the former Flora Houghtling; five daughters, Mrs. Louis Lacatell; Mrs. Harold Durkee, Mrs. Roger Wise, Mrs. Edward Brockway, Jr. and Mrs. Paul Hebert and one son Franklin all of this city; 18 grandchildren and one brother, Pascal Sweener of Stephentown, N.Y. The body was taken to the Wellington Funeral Home, 220 East Street from where the services will be held Saturday afternoon at 2. Rev. Horace S. Cushing will officiate. Internment will be in the Pittsfield Cemetery. Members of the family will meet friends at the funeral home this afternoon and tomorrow from 2 to4 and tonight and Friday evening from 7 to 9.

(Berkshire Evening Eagle Thursday April 10, 1941.)

Franklin Lewis Sweener (1878-1941) and wife, Flora Houghtling (1879-1968) Flora was the daughter of Frederick Houghtling and Eunice Hayes. She was the aunt of my grandmother. Pascal Nelson Sweener Former Livery Man, Dies


Pascal N. Sweener, 57, of Stephentown, N.Y., retired local livery proprietor, died yesterday morning at the House of Mercy. He had been a patient at the hospital since Thursday. He was the last son and the third to die within a year; George, March 1, 1941, Franklin, April 8, 1941. Mr. Sweener was born in this city, June 4, 1884, son of Lewis and Lydia Harrington Sweener. For many years he was employed by the late Samuel Bridges, on Columbus Avenue. In due time he purchsed Mr. Bridge's livery, the largest in Berkshire County. Later he moved the horses and equipment to the one once operated by the late Clark E. Hamilton, near Summer Street. Keeping abreast of the motor times he sold everything in 1926. He was Pittsfield's last livery man. Subsequently, Mr. Sweener moved to Stephentown, where he purchased a farm and carried on a trucking business. He resided in Canaan, N.Y. one year. Survivors are his wife, the former Mary C. Shaw; one son, Howard E. Sweener and two granddaughters, Marjorie and Shirley Ann Sweener of Stephentown. The body was taken to the Wellington Funeral Home, 220 East Street, where services will be Wednesday at 2. Rev. Homer Silvernail of New Lebanon, N.Y. will officiate. Burial will be in the Pittsfield Cemetery. Friends may call at their convenience. Members of the family will be present tonight and tomorrow evening from 7 to 9.

(Berkshire Evening Eagle, Monday, February 23, 1942)

Pascal Nelson Sweener (1881-1953) and wife, Mary C. Shaw (1883-1942) George H. Sweener


George H. Sweener, 53, of 254 Elm Street died this morning at Hillcrest Hospital following a two-week illness. Born in Stephentown, N.Y. the son of Louis and Lydia Harrington Sweener, he had been a resident of Pittsfield for 40 years. Prior to 1939, he was employed as a hoist operator at the Pittsfield works of the General Electric Company. Survivors include his wife, one son, Lewis C. Sweener of Pittsfield, two brothers, Pascal of Stephentown, N.Y. and Frank of Pittsfield and two grandchildren. Funeral services will be held Monday afternoon at 2 in the Wellington Funeral Home with Rev. Horace Cushing, pastor of the Morningside Baptist Church officating. Burial will be in Pittsfield Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home at their convenience.


(Berkshire Evening Eagle, Saturday, March 1, 1941)

Thank you to Dick Lacatell for the above four obituaries. Donald E. Sweener, Sr. Was longtime carpenter


STEPHENTOWN, NY - Donald E. Sweener, Sr., 66, of Gargield Road died Sunday, November 25 2001 at Berkshire Medical Center in Pittsfield, Mass., after being stricken at home. Born in Stephentown on August 26, 1935, son of Ulysses and Elizabeth Travis Sweener, he attended New Lebanon Central High School. Mr. Sweener had been a carpenter since the age of 16, working out of Carpenters' Union Local 78 of Troy, NY. He also worked for the Rensselaer County Highway Department and retired from Troy Cabinets in 1997. He was a communicant of St. Joseph's Church and a former member of the Stephentown Volunteer Fire Department. He leaves his wife, the former Linda K. Hoffman, whom he married July 23, 1966 in St. Joseph's Church; three sons, Donald E. Sweener, Jr. of Pittsfield; Craig Sweener of Lenox, Mass., and Kevin Sweener of Stephentown; three sisters, Ruth Reiger, Phyllis "Curly" Hoffman and Stella Hoffman, all of Stephentown; two brothers, Ulysses "Junior" Sweener and Lawrence Sweener, both of Stephntown and seven grandchildren. Buried in St. Joseph's Cemetery. Arrangements by Hall and Higgins of Stephentown. Louis H. Houghtling "Jake"


Jake Houghtling, taken August, 1998 in New Lebanon, NY by the author of this page.

Louis H. Houghtling, 77, of Presbyterian Hill Road, died on Friday, May 21, 1999 at Samaritan Hospital in Troy, NY, after being stricken at his residence. A life-long resident of Stephentown, he was son of the late Henry and Sophia Miller Houghtling and husband of the late Lillian Smith Houghtling.

Mr. Houghtling retired in 1979 from the Vererans Administration Medical Center Hospital in Albany where he was employed as Supervisor of the Housekeeping Dept. Mr. Houghtling was an Army Veteran of WW 11. He was a former member of the Stephentown Fire Dept. and enjoyed doing crossword puzzles.

Survivors include two sons, John L. Houghtling and Wayne L. Houghtling, both of Wake Forest, NC, and three grandchildren.

Services were private for the family. Internment was in Garfield Cemetery, Stephentown, NY.

Arrangements were by the Perry-Komdat Funeral Chapel Inc., Averill Park, NY Henry Houghtling


Henry Houghtling, 87, former resident of Stephentown, NY., died Saturday, January 14, 1961, in Garfield, NY, after a short illness. He was a farmer. (He was the son of Frederick and Eunice Hayes Houghtling) Besides his wife, the former Sophia Miller, he leaves three sons, Andrew and Louis H. of Stephentown and Harold H. of Albany, NY; a brother, Spencer H. of Averill Park, NY; three sisters, Mrs. Frank Sweener (Flora) and Mrs. Francis Holmes (Ruth) of Pittsfield, Mass and Mrs. William Holt (Edith) of Stephentown; 20 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren. He was also the father of the late Mrs. John E. Gnafikis (Helen). Services will be held tomorrow afternoon at 2 at the Larkin Funeral Home, Averill Park. The Rev. H. Douglas Pierce, pastor of the Stephentown Federated Church will officiate. Burial will be in Garfield Cemetery. (Born June 8, 1873 in East Schodack, NY, son of Frederick and Eunice Hayes Houghtling)


Sophia Miller Houghtling


Mrs. Sophia Houghtling, a native of North Adams, Mass., who resided in Garfield most of her life, died yesterday, March 14, 1961, at the residence of her son, Louis Houghtling in Garfield, after a long illness. She was the widow of Henry Houghtling who died last January 14. Surviving are four sons, Andrew of Stephentown; Harold of Albany; Louis of Stephentown and Harry of Albany; also 20 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. The funeral will be held towmorrow at 2 p.m. from the Larkin Funeral Home in Averill Park. Internment will be in Garfield Cemetery. Rev. H. Douglas Pierce, pastor of the Federated Church of Stephentown will officiate both at the funeral home services and at the committal service. (Born April 25, 1889, daughter of Sanders Miller and Lydia Pratt)


Lydia Pratt Miller

Stephentown, N.Y. - Mrs. Lydia Lodemia Miller, 86, died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Sophia Houghtling in Garfield section of this town this morning after a long illness. Mrs. Miller was a resident of Tyringham but came here three years ago when she was taken ill. Mrs. Miller was the daughter of the late Henry and Anna Pratt. She leaves her husband, Sanders Miller, of Tyringham; her daughter, Mrs. Houghtling and a brother, Henry Pratt of Pownal, VT. The funeral will be held Sunday afternoon at 2 at the Presbyterian Church in Garfield with Rev. Oscar Stetson officiating. The body is at the Hall and Higgins Funeral Home here. Friends may call Saturday evening from 7 to 9. Burial will be in the Garfield Cemetery. - November 4, 1948

Edith D. Houghtling Holt


Wednesday, May 20, 1998


Stephentown, N.Y. - Mrs. Edith M. Holt, 94, of East Road died Monday, May 18, at home. Born July 19, 1903, in Garfield in the town of Stephentown, she was the daughter of Frederick and Eunice Hayes Houghtling. She was a longtime resident of Stephentown and also lived on Sutherland Road for a number of years. Mrs. Holt was a self-employed domestic. She attended the Presbyterian Church in Garfield and was active in the Ladies Aid Society. She enjoyed jigsaw puzzles, word-find puzzles and sewing. Her husband, William H. Holt, is deceased. She leaves three daughters, Enid Cornell of Stephentown, with whom she had resided since 1991, Ellen King of Wassiac and Theo Genito of West Sand Lake; three sons, Harry B. Holt of Lebanon Springs, Leon R. Holt of Averill Park and Alan F. Holt of Somers, Wis.; 18 grandchildren and several great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.


Edith Houghtling Holt as a young woman. Ruth Houghtling Holmes


Pittsfield - Mrs. Ruth H. Holmes, 96, formerly of 1086 North Street, died yesterday (1996) in Ashmere Manor Nursing Home in Hinsdale, where she had been a patient for the past 11 years. Born in Stephentown, N.Y. on August 22, 1900, daughter of Frederick and Eunice Hayes Houghtling, she attended school there and came to Pittsfield in 1915. Mrs. Holmes was employed for 23 years by General Electric Co. in the ordinance department as an assembler, retiring in 1965. She was member of the GE Pensioners Club. Her husband, Francis Holmes, who she married August 19, 1920, died December 14, 1962. She leaves three grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren and eight great-great grandchildren. A son, Donald Holmes, died December 9, 1971.


Elmer Houghtling 1877-1887


Our darling boy rest in the arms of Jesus (Son of Frederick and Eunice Hayes Houghtling, buried Garfield Cemetery, Stephentown, N.Y.)


Russell Moon World War II Veteran


Stephentown, NY - Russell Moon, 78, of 68 School St. Westerly, R.I. died Thursday May 22, 1997 at Westerly Nursing Home. Born in Stephentown on Dec. 9, 1918, the son of Charles and Clara Houghtling Moon, he was a graduate of New Lebanon HIgh Schoool and a World War II Army veteran. Mr. Moon was employed by United Airlines as a mechanic. He leaves his wife, the former Marion Currier; three sons, Stephen Moon of Westerly; Phillip Moon of Stockton, Calif.; and David Moon of Northfield, N.H.; a daughter, Ruth Johnson of Hopkinton, R.I.; a brother, Lewis (Moon) Cooley of Queensbury, R.I.; a sister, Agnes (Moon) Cleveland McClamma of Largo, Fla., and 16 grandchildren.

Russell Moon, taken about 1996. Uncle Russell was the driving force behind the researching of the family history. He wrote many letters, and provided what information he could. The Moon family connection (to the other Moon families in the Stephentown area) remains elusive, but I know that Uncle Russell would be pleased with the Houghtling history that has been put together. Lewis (Moon) Cooley

Uncle Lew was a lovely man and was very interested in family history. His story is an interesting one. When he was about 4 years old, his mother, Clara Houghtling Moon, died, and when he was 6, his father, Charles Moon died. Lewis, being the second to the youngest, and his sister, Agnes, were sent to the Troy Orphan Asylum, from where he was adopted by the Cooleys. I met him only once, but keep up a correspondence that continues today with Aunt Gloria. Alma Viola Moon


White Creek, N.Y. - Alma Viola Moon, 77, died June 23, 1991, at Southwestern Vermont Medical Center, Bennington, VT. She was born September 26, 1913 in Stephentown, N.Y. She was the daughter of Charles Moon and Clara Houghtling Moon. Ms. Moon is survived by four sons, Francis Moon of Buskirk, William, and Harold Russell, both of White Creek, and Ralph Russell of Johnsonville; eight grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Funeral services were conducted June 26 from the Charles A. Ackley Funeral Home, Cambridge. Burial was at the Rosewood Cemetery in White Creek.


Bessie R. Face


December 31, 1999

STEPHENTOWN, N.Y. -- Bessie Rose Face, 90, formerly of South Stephentown Road, died Wednesday at Indiana Hospital in White Township, Pa. She had moved to Elderton, Pa., with her daughter, Jacklyn R. Face, in October to be closer to her son, Elroy Face a relief pitcher for the Pittsburgh Pirates from 1953 to 1968.

Born in Stephentown on July 29, 1909, she was the daughter of Alexander H. and Grace Hassan Williams.

She was a resident of the Stephentown and Nassau areas before moving to Knoxville, Tenn., in 1955. In 1961, she and her husband moved to Penn Run, Pa., to help run the ElRoy Face Motel, owned by her son. They returned to Stephentown in 1968.

Mrs. Face was employed by the former Faith Mills and ran the Faith Mills Boarding House in Averill Park many years ago. She was a homemaker.

Her husband, Joseph A. Face Sr. whom she married Sept. 27, 1924, died May 18, 1990.

Besides her son, of North Versailles, Pa., and her daughter, of Elderton and Stephentown, she leaves a sister, Elizabeth Hotaling of North Troy; six grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by two sons, Leonard A. Face and Joseph A. Face Jr.

FUNERAL NOTICE -- Bessie Rose Face, 90, formerly of Stephentown, died Wednesday, Dec. 29. She leaves her loving son, ElRoy, and daughter, Jackie. She was the beloved grandmother to six, great-grandmother to 12, and great-great-grandmother to three. Services will be held Monday at 10 a.m. from HALL & HIGGINS FUNERAL HOME, 457 NY 43, Stephentown, where the Rev. Trygve Tomlinson will officiate. Burial will follow in East Nassau Cemetery. Calling hours at the funeral home will be Sunday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9. Warney Carr World War II veteran


LENOX - Warney D. Carr, 80 of Garfield Ave., Trenton, N.J., formerly of Lenox, died Saturday evening, July 15, 2000 at the Ewing Nursing Home in Trenton. Born in Stephentown, N.Y. on Dec. 24, 1919, son of Byron and Hattie Bailey Carr, he attended schools there. After World War II, he resided in Lenox for five years and moved to Trenton 45 years ago. Mr. Carr was a World War II Army veteran. He was employed as a heavy equipment operator for many years. he later owned and operated his own trucking business, retiring in 1990. Mr. Carr was a stock car racing enthusiast and, as a young man, drove his own race car at Lebanon Valley Speedway in Lebanon, N.Y. He leaves his wife, the former Roberta Mullins, whom he married June 23, 1944. Robert J. Knapp, 68 Was a steam engine enthusiast


Stephentown, N.Y. - Robert J. Knapp, 68 of Knapp Road died Wednesday(in 1997, don't know month) at his home. Born in Pittsfield on Sept. 25, 1929, son of the late Grover C. and Laura O'Dell Knapp, he was a lifelong resident of Stephentown. Mr. Knapp retired in 1992 from Zwack, Inc., in Stephentown, where he was a machinist for 20 years. he had previouslly worked at Sampson Hydraulics in West Lebanon. At one time he ran his own farm. He was a member of the Live Steam Club, a group of steam engine enthusiasts, and enjoyed gardening, baking, model airplane flying and making wind sculptures. His wife, the former Elizabeth Mary Aubrey, died in 1991. He leaves a son, Robert L. Knapp of Stephentown; two daughters, Deborah Ann Knapp of Stephentown and Brenda Knapp Ross of Cecilton, Md.; and six grandchildren. Frederick Nathan Brown, Jr.


Mr. Frederick Nathan Brown, Jr., 67, of Stephentown and retired postmaster of the Town, died at his residence Saturday, December 10, 1977, following a short illness. Born February 2, 1910 in Stephentown and the first son of Frederick N. and Edith Brown, Mr. Brown was postmaster from 1936 to 1976. He was a member of the National Association of Postmasters, National League of Postmasters and the Rensselaer County Postmasters Association. He was the first fire chief of the Stephentown Volunteer Fire Department and operated the F.N. Brown Insurance Co., of Stephentown since 1939. Survivors include his wife, the former Leona Fitzgerald, whom he married on August 3, 1941; three sons, Allan L., Richard F., and Joseph E., all of Stephentown; one brother, Robert of West Sand Lake; three sisters, Mrs. Helen Seagroatt, Mrs. Marion Winn and Mrs. Ethel Kinn, all of Berlin; six granddaughters, Lisa M., Beth E., Darice M., Kiersten E., Dena L., and Laurel A., and one grandson, Michael S. Brown; and several nieces and nephews.

Courtesy of Mike Brown Leona M. Brown, 80; operated post office


STEPHENTOWN, NY - Leona M. Fitzgerald Brown, 80, of Route 22 died Thursday, February 10, 2000, at Berkshire Medical Center. Born in Pittsfield on Sept. 20, 1919, daughter of Leo W. and Marie Fettig Fitgerald, she attended Garfield Elementary School and graduated from New Lebanon High School in 1937, where she was a standout basketball player. She and her husband, Frederick, operated the Stephentown Post Office out of their home on Route 43 for 35 years. During that time, they also owned and operated the F.N. Brown Insurance Co. there. She retired in 1976. Mrs. Brown was active in St. Joseph's Church, where she was a communicant, and also attended the Church of the Immaculate Conception in New Lebanon. She was involved with the Stephentown Fire Department Fire Bells and enjoyed bowling in the leagues at Larabowl Lanes in New Lebanon for many years. Her husband, Frederick N. Brown, who she married August 3, 1941, at the Shirne of the Immaculate Conception in New Lebanon, died December 10, 1977. She leaves two sons, Richard Frederick Brown and Joseph Edward Brown, both of Stephentown; a brother George E. Fitzgerald of North Greenbush, N.Y.; seven grandchildren, two great-grandsons. A son, Allan Lee Brown, died June 1999. Courtesy of Mike Brown Clayton Goodermote, longtime dairy farmer


CHERRY PLAIN, N.Y. February 22, 2000- Clayton Leonard Goodermote, 66, of Route 22 died Sunday, at home. He was born in Berlin on February 12, 1934, son of Marion Gardner Goodermote and the late Alden Goodermote(b. 4/15/1910), and attended schools there. Mr. Goodermote worked on his family's farm in Cherry Plain before taking over ownership 20 years ago. He also worked for GE in Pittsfield, Mass., for 10 years. Konisky Well Drilling of Berlin, NYS EnCon at Cherry Plain State Park and W.J. Cowee, Inc. He attended First Baptist Church in Berlin. His wife, the former Carol Sue Lincoln (b. 1938), whom he married Nov. 10, 1956 in Berlin, died July 7, 1989. Besides his mother, of Cherry Plain, he leaves a daughter, Kathleen A. Sedgwick of New Lebanon; a son, Randall C. of Hinsdale, N.H.; three sisters, Marie Shilling of Clifton Park and Joan MacVeigh and Virginia Staples, both of Stephentown; two brothers David and Alden W., Jr. both of Cherry Plain and two grandchildren. Orrin Oaks


Mr Orrin Oaks, an old and generally known resident of this city suffered a sudden death on Monday, inst. He had been to Proctors Meat Market and was going from there to his home when at a quarter of 11 o'clock just after getting inside of his gate, he fell. His daughter, Miss Gussie, on going out a few minutes later was shocked by finding the form of her father laying there. By the assistance of some gentleman who were in the vicinity, the body was carried into the house, but life was entirely gone, and he is supposed to have died almost instantly of heart disease.

Mr Oaks was venerable gentleman of over seventy one years, having been born in Stephentown, Rensselaer County, New York, in February, 1804. He removed to Laporte, Indiana, in 1835, and there married. He removed to this state in 1856, settling as a farmer on Greenwood Prairie, in the town of Farmington, in this county. In common with early settlers of this region he passed through the privations of the hard times. An incident that he told of the well-remembered hard winter, was that one time he went from his place nearly to Oronoco for a few potatoes, that being the nearest house at which there was any food to spare. In 1861 he moved into this city and has since lived here. In 1869 Mrs Oaks (Phoebe Johnston) died.

The funeral, which took place on Wednesday afternoon from the Presbyterian Church, was largely attended. The burial service of the Episcopal church was read by Rev J F Walker, and the sermon was preached by Rev H A Newell, pastor of the Presbyterian church. The remains were conveyed to the cemetery by the two lodges of Odd Fellows, of which order Mr Oaks was a prominent and honored member Courtesy of Terry Schliewe George Wheeler

George Wheeler, 75, retired farmer, husband of the late Amelia Curtis Wheeler, died yesterday in Troy. He is survived by a sister, Mrs. Ada Sweener of Stephentown Center. Mr. Wheeler was born here, the son of Milo and Mary Houghtaling Wheeler, and lived here all his life. Funeral services will be Monday afternoon at 1:30 at the Hall & Higgins Funeral Home with Rev. Oscar Arnold, pastor of the Stephentown Baptist Church, officiating. Burial will be in East Nassau Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home at their convenience. - January 25, 1947 Hiram Thompson


Hiram F. Thompson, a farmer, aged 61 years, committed suicide at the home of his brother-in-law, BENJAMIN P. HERRINGTON at Stephentown. He placed the muzzle of a Winchester rifle to his breast and pulled the trigger with one of his feet. The bullet was driven through his heart. Alleged family troubles, it is supposed, led to the deed. - Troy, NY - August 19, 1897 Charles E. Bateman Dies in Stephentown

Charles E. Bateman, 71, a life-long resdient of this town, died yesterday morning at his home here after a long illness. He was born July 17, 1877, son of William H. and Estelle F. Dibble Bateman and was a carpenter by trade. Surviving are his widow, the former Elizabeth M. Quinlan; a daughter, Mrs. Mary Novick of Puerto Rico; and three sons, Maurice, Edward and Daniel, all of California. Funeral Services will be Wednesday morning at 9 at the residence, followed by mass at 9:30 at St. Joseph's Church, Stephentown. The body is at the home where friends may call. Rev. Francis Schatzlein will recite the Rosary tomorrow evening. Burial will be in St. Joseph's Cemetery, Stephentown. - May 16, 1949 Lucy E. Sweet Retired Teacher, dies at home Mrs. Lucy A. Sweet, widow of Williard H. Sweet, died at her home here early this morning. She was born in Stephentown June 16, 1884, the daughter of William and Louise Whitman Brown and had lived here all her life. For more than 20 years she taught in the local schools. She was a member of the Taconic Valley Grange. Survivors include two daughters, Mrs. Rose Decelles of 377 Springside Avenue, Pittsfield; and Mrs. Marie Brown of Stephentown; two sons, William B. Sweet of 100 East Housatonic Street Pittsfield and Winslow H. Sweet of Norfolk, VT; a sister, Mrs. Eva B. Provost of Nassau, NY and two grandchildren. The funeral will be held from her home Wednesday afternoon at 2:30 with Rev. Oscar A. Arnold officiating. Burial will be in the Cemetery of the Evergreens in Lebanon Springs. Friends may call at their convenience. - November 21, 1949 Emma Pease DIES IN STEPHENTOWN

Miss Emma Jane Pease, 88, lifelong resident of Stephentown, died last night at her home. She was the daughter of Walter L. and Mary Ingham Pease. Funeral services will be Friday afternoon at 2 at her home with Rev. J. A. Swingle officiating. Burial will be in Stephentown Cemetery. Avery Hall, funeral director is in charge. Survivors are two nephews, Charles N. Pease of Stephentown and Delwin L. Pease of Springfield; also two grand nephews, Arthur and Harvey Pease. Miss Pease was an active member of the Baptist Church. - April 26, 1944 Ethel Face


The funeral of Mrs. Ethel Face, 45, wife of Archie Face, of West Lebanon, was held yesterday at the Avery G. Hall Funeral Home. Mrs. Face had been ill several months. Survivors are her husband, one sister, Mrs. Marguerite Beauchaine of Hinsdale, Mass., and two brothers, Harold F. and Donald B. Slighter, both of Stephentown. - January 12, 1943 Ernest Reynolds


Ernest F. Reynolds, 61, farmer and a member of the Board of Elections, Garfield, died suddenly yesterday morning at his home following a heart attack. He was born here July 6, 1890, the son of John H. and Alice A. Brown Reynolds. He leaves his wife, Clara M. Rose Reynolds, a daughter Mrs. Phyllis Lindsay of this town; a sister, Mrs. Lucy Seigar of Williamstown, Mass; a brother, Dr. Harry E. Reynolds of Schenectady; and two grandchildren, Annemarie and Ernest Charles Lindsay. The funeral will be towmorrow afternoon at 2 at the residence with Rev. Oscar A. Arnold, pastor of the Stephentown Baptist Church, officiating. Burial will be in the Garfield Cemetery. Friends may call at the residence this afternoon and evening. - November 5, 1951 Elizabeth F. Briggs Mrs. Elizabeth F. Briggs, 87, died at her home in Stephentown this morning after a long illness. She was the widow of Benoni Jay Briggs and daughter of the late Patrick and Catherine McMahon. Mrs. Briggs was a member of the Stephentown Baptist Church since 1887, a charter member of the Taconic Valley Grange, and a member of the Federated Ladies' Club. Survivors include a daughter, Mrs. Thomas Wheeler of Stephentown, five grandchildren, Mrs. Elliott Hughes of Clinton, NY, Mrs. Ivan Locke of Fabius, NY, Mrs. Arthur Stone, Syracuse, NY, Miss Jane Wheeler of Albany, NY, and Thomas B. Wheeler, Syracuse, NY; two great-grandchildren and one niece, Mrs. Lawrence Manns of Stephentown, NY. Services will be held from her late home Sunday afternoon at 2 with Rev. Oscar Arnold, pastor of the Baptist Church, officiating. Burial will be in the Stephentown Cemetery. - November 29, 1950 Norman MacVeigh


Norman Kittridge MacVeigh, 56, a member of the New Lebanon Board of Assessors for six years and chairman for the past two years, died yesterday morning in Pittsfield General Hospital. He lived in New Lebanon, NY. Funeral services will be Wednesday afternoon at 2 in the Wellington Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Cemetery of the Evergreens, New Lebanon. The family will meet friends at the funeral home tonight from 7 to 9. Mr. MacVeigh was born in Brattleboro, VT, January 8, 1895, the son of Thomas and Carrie Hawkins MacVeigh. He spent his early life in Brattleboro and attended schools there before moving to Pittsfield in 1915. He once worked for the old Alling Rubber Company and later for the GE in the wage rate and production department. Mr. MacVeigh was a member of the Unity Lodge of Masons of Lebanon Springs, the Shiraz Grotto of Pittsfield and the Episcopal Church of Brattleboro. He also belonged to the Stanley Club. He leaves his wife, the former Muriel H. Burdick; two daughters, Mrs. Herbert Brigham of North Adams and Mrs. Olstein J. Bratlie of Berwin, Ill; his mother, Mrs. Carrie MacVeigh of Canaan, NY; a granddaughter and three grandsons; two brothers, Wayne D. MacVeigh of Stephentown and Paul E. Holbrook of Arlington, VA and a sister, Mrs. Walter Peck (Dorothy) of Cambridge, Mass. - December 24, 1951


Mary A. Ward


Mrs. Mary Agnes Ward, 63, widow of the late Edward F. Ward died yesterday at the home of her son Michael in Stephentown. Born May 31, 1885, at Downsville, NY, the daughter of Michael and Mary Fitzgerald Dunn, she resided in Garfield 38 years. She was a school teacher for 25 years in Stephentown schools. Survivors include two sons, Michael and Joseph and a daughter Mary, all of Stephentown. Funeral services will be Monday morning at 9 at the residence and 9:30 at St. Joseph Church with a requiem mass. Burial will be in St. Joseph's Cemetery. The Hall & Higgins Funeral Home is in charge. - July 10, 1948


Funeral services for Mrs. Mary Agnes Ward were held Monday morning at St. Joseph Church where a solemn requiem mass was celebrated by Rev. Francis Schizlein. Burial was in St. Joseph's Cemetery. The bearers were John Ward, Mark McFeely, Louis Dee and Edward Quinlan. - July 14, 1948

Sarah Harrington Wemple


Mrs. Sarah Sofia Wemple, 79, wife of Ernest Wemple, died yesterday at Hillcrest Hospital, Pittsfield. She was born here October 21, 1877, the daughter of the late Orlando and Pauline Miller Harrington and lived here all her life. She was a member of the Stephentown Baptist Church 60 years, its clerk for 50 years and a member of the Ladies Aid. She also service as Garfield School District clerk 25 years. Surviving besides her husband are a daughter , Mrs. Burt Rowe of Nassau; two sons, Harold of Stephentown and Roger of New Lebanon; 11 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Private funeral services will be Wednesday afternoon at 2 at the Hall & Higgins Funeral Home, with the Rev. Roger C. Davies, pastor of the Baptist Church and the Rev. Oscar A. Arnold officiating. Friends may call at the funeral home tomorrow evening. Omission of flowers is requested. Burial will be in Garfield Cemetery. - March 25, 1957

Ernest A. Wemple

Ernest A. Wemple, 86, died this morning at Hillcrest Hospital, Pittsfield. He was born in this town February 7, 1873, the son of Ezra and Mary Cole Wemple and was the husband of the late Sarah Sophia Herrington Wemple. Mr. Wemple spent 16 years at the West Stephentown fire tower and did considerable farming in Stephentown. For the past few years he has made his home with his son, Roger, in New Lebanon. He has been a member of the Stephentown Baptist Church since 1893, a deacon 40 years and a trustee for 35 years. Surviving are two sons, Harold of Stephentown and Roger; one daughter, Mrs. Bert Rowe of Nassau; 11 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be Saturday afternoon at 2 at the Hall and Higgins Funeral Home, Stephentown, with the Rev. Roger Davies, pastor or the Stephentown Baptist Church, officiating. burial will be in the Stephentown cemetery. - February 18, 1959

Frank Shaw Dies


Frank Shaw, 62, of North Stephentown, died suddenly at his home Saturday night. He had been in poor health some time. The funeral was at the Cherry Plain Church yesterday at 2 under the direction of Barber's Funeral Home in Petersburg with burial in Center Berlin. - March 19, 1952

B.T. Hayes, 82 Town Assessor Dies At Home


Benjamin Tayer Hayes, 82, assessor for four years, died last night at his home after a short illness. He was born here September 15, 1860, the son of Elisha Greenfield Hayes and Adelaide Tayer Hayes. He lived here all his life where he was a farmer. Survivors include his widow, Georgia Moffitt Hayes; two daughters, Mrs. John H. Atwater, Sr. of Garfield, and Mrs. Richard A. Williams of Miami, Fla; a sister, Mrs. Nellie Bateman of Stephentown; five grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. The funeral will be Friday afternoon at 2 from the hall and Higgins Funeral Home, with Rev. E.A. Hannay, pastor of the Stephentown Federated Church officiating. Burial will be in Garfield Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home at their convenience. - January 2, 1952


W.L. Holt, SR. Dies in Glass Lake, NY


William I. Holt Sr., 83 of this town died at his home this morning following a long illness. Survivors are his wife, the former Alice Bennett; five sons, George and Earl of Rutherford, NJ; Orin J. of Ridgefield Springs, NY; William Jr. of Garfield, NY and Hiram b. of East Chatham, NY; and three daughters, Miss Cora D. of Class Lake; Mrs. Leonard D. Smith of Stephentown and Mrs. John N. Barry of Alps, NY. Services will be held Tuesday afternoon at the Perry Funeral Home in this town. (Glass Lake). Friends may call Monday evening. - July 1, 1950


Alice Bennett Holt


Former Stephentown Resident, Dies at 82

Mrs. Alice May Bennett Holt, 83, former resident of this town, died this morning at the home of her daughter, Miss Cora Holt, in Glass Lake. She was the widow of William I. Holt. Besides her daughter, Miss Holt, she leaves two other daughters, Mrs. Leonard Smith of this town (Stephentown) and Mrs. John Barry of Alps; four sons, George Earl of Rutherford, NJ, Orson J. of richfield Springs, William H. of this town and Hiram B. of Averill Park; two sisters and two brothers, 22 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. A native of Green Island, she spent most of her life in Stephentown and was a member of the Baptist Church here. She had been living with her daughter in Glass Lake for three years. The funeral will be held Sunday afternoon at 2 at the Perry Funeral Home, Glass Lake. Friends may call at the chapel tomorrow evening at their convenience. Burial will be in Garfield Cemetery. - February 15, 1952


Martha Allen Scanlon


Mrs. Martha Lucinda Scanlon, 68, widow of George Scanlon, died early this morning at her home, 560 East Street, (Pittsfield) after a long illness. Born in Garfield, NY, August 3, 1879, the daughter of Charles and Harriet Reynolds Allen, she had been a resident of Pittsfield for 40 years, coming here from Garfield. She was a member of the Presbyterian Church in Garfield. Survivors are two sons, George and William Scanlon; three daughters, Mrs. Edward Coty, Mrs. Francis Barber and Mrs. Francis Trudeau, all of Pittsfield; a brother, Charles Allen of this city and five sisters, Mrs. George Hubbard of Lenox, Mass., Mrs. C.B. Smith (Minnie), Mrs. George Cushman, Mrs. George Kisselbrock and Mrs. Arthur w. Linke, all of Pittsfield, and 10 grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at the home Saturday afternoon. Burial will be in Garfield, NY. The Wellington Funeral Home is in charge. - April 1, 1948


George W. Jenks


George W. Jenks, 61, of 20 Curtis Street, (Pittsfield), died this morning at Pittsfield General Hospital after a long illness. Born in Garfield, NY, he had lived in Pittsfield for 35 years and was employed by the Gamwell Coat Company. He previously worked for the Berkshire Gravel Company. Mr. Jenks was a member of the Presbyterian Church. Survivors are his widow, the former Rachael Allen; two sons, Robert, a member of the U.S. Air Force stationed in Wyoming and George Jenks of Pittsfield; two daughters, Miss Mildred Jenks of this city and Mrs. Hector Anderson of Wellesley Hills; also two sisters, Mrs. John McKnight of Lanesboro and Mrs. Isadore Platkowitz of this city; six grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. - April 2, 1952 (He was the son of John Jenks, who was the son of Ellenor Kittle and

Samuel Jenks ) Mary Hewitt


Mrs. Mary Hewitt, 89, mother of Fuller Hewitt, Stephentown, died yesterday at her home in Petersburg following a long illness. She was born in Troy but resided in Petersburg most of her life and was a member of the Baptist Church in that town. Another son, Fred Hewitt, of Petersburg, and a brother Bert Reynolds, of Troy, also survive. The funeral will be held Monday afternoon at 2 from the Thomas M. Barber Funeral Home, Petersburg, with the Rev. Floyd R. Sheeley, pastor of the Petersburg Baptist Church, officiating. Burial will be in Pleasant Valley Cemetery in that town. - February 17, 1956

Celia Hoffman


The funeral of Mrs. Celia Hoffman, widow of Andrew Hoffman, was held Thursday at St. Joseph's Church, Stephentown, with burial in the parish cemetery. Mrs. Hoffman died at the home of her son, Michael Hoffman, at Cherry Plain. She is survived by four other sons and three daughters. Her son, Charles is a resident of Stephentown. - April 21, 1943

Mary R. Goodermote

At the residence, Stephentown, NY, April 18, 1944. Mary R., wife of Albert V. Goodermote; mother of Byron A. Goodermote of Rensselaer, NY, Willis E. Goodermote and Mrs. Eldred Peck, Stephentown; grandmother of John F. Peck and great-grandmother of Howard F. Peck, both of Pittsfield, Mass. Sister of Allic, Charica and Jacob Goodermote of Berlin, George F. Goodermote of Wynanskill and Mrs. Dorothy Lewis of Rensselaer, NY. Funeral private at the home Thursday at 2. Burial at Central Berlin.

Minnie Palmer Carpenter


Mrs. Minnie Frances Carpenter, 87, widow of Alton J. Carpenter, died yesterday at her home following a short illness. She was born January 23, 1869, in this town and lived here all her life. She was a member of the Garfield Methodist Church 80 years. Surviving are five daughters, Mrs. Edwin (Ruth) Lawless, Mrs. Mary Kenyon, Mrs. Doris Liebenow, all of Stephentown, Mrs. Zilah Winn of Berlin and Mrs. Esther Maynard of Hancock; three sons, James Henry, and Clarence of this town and George of North Greenbush; 12 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held tomorrow afternoon at 2 at her late residence with the Rev. Gordon Clark, pastor of the Federated Church, officiating. Burial will be in Stephentown Cemetery. Friends may call at the residence at their convenience. - May 10, 1956

Funeral services for Mrs. Minnie Palmer Carpenter of Stephentown were at 2 this afternoon at the residence with the Rev. Gordon Clark, pastor of the Federated Church officiating. Burial was in Stephentown Cemetery. Bearers were Henry and Floyd Rose, Walter C. Sykes and Donald Sutherland. - May 11, 1956


Sarah Whitman Wylie


Mrs. Sarah E. Wylie, 87, died yesterday at her home in Stephentown after a lingering illness. She was the former Sarah Elizabeth Whitman. A native of Hancock, Mass., Mrs. Wylie made her home in Stephentown for 59 years. In 1881 she was married to Henry A. Wylie, who died in 1923. Surviving are two sons, James W. and Henry D. Wylie; a daughter, Mrs. Abbie W. Spangler; a sister, Mrs. Ida C. Gardner and two grandchildren and one great grandson. Funeral services will be conducted at 2 p.m. tomorrow from the residence. Interment will be in Garfield Cemetery. - October 18, 1943 Donald A. Schmich

Funeral services for Donald A. Schmich of Stephentown, NY were at 2 this afternoon at the Hall & Higgins Funeral Home in that town. The Rev. Oscar A. Arnold officiated. burial was in the Garfield Cemetery. Bearers were John Esposito, Jr., Dean and Chester Demick, John Hoffman, Lawrence Sweener and Jack Stycxynski. - November 14, 1956

Laura Hassan Sweener

Lebanon Springs, NY - Mrs. Laura Hassan Sweener, 78, widow of George W. Sweener, died last night at her home following a long illness. She was born June 2, 1881, in Garfield, and lived here 35 years. Surviving are a daughter, Mrs. George Brown of this town, and a son Milford J. Sweener of Glendale, Arizona; also eight grandchildren. Friends may call at the Hall and Higgins Funeral Home, Stephentown, this evening and tomorrow afternoon and evening. Funeral services will be Monday afternoon at 2 with the Rev. Oscar A. Arnold officiating. Burial will be in Garfield Cemetery. - May 23, 1959

Funeral services for Mrs. Laura H Sweener of Lebanon Springs were at 2 this afternoon at the hall and Higgins Funeral Home, Stephentown, with the Rev. Oscar A. Arnold officiating. Bearers were Douglas Wolcott, Walter Brown and Ulysses and Louis Sweener. - May 25, 1959

Carrie Harrington Jones

Mrs. Carrie Jones, Dies at 65

Mrs. Carrie Harrington Jones, 65, widow of Sidney Jones, died Wednesday night at the home of Mrs. Clark Wemple, where she had resided two years. She was born December 13, 1881, in North Stephentown. Surviving are a sister, Mrs. Ernest Wemple, of this town and several nieces and nephews, among them Roger C. Wemple of New Lebanon. The funeral will be tomorrow afternoon at 1 from the hall and Higgins Funeral Home, with Rev. Oscar Arnold officiating. Burial will be in the family plot in Stephentown Cemetery. - September 5, 1947

John T. Harrington

John T. Harrington, 71, of 47 Summit Avenue, died early this morning at the House of Mercy after a long illness. Born in Stephentown, NY on Sept. 23, 1875. Mr. Harrington was employed by the Western Massachusetts Electric Company for 33 years as an engineer. He was a member of the Mystic Lodge of Masons, Osceola Lodge of Odd Fellows, Silver Star Rebekah Lodge and the First Baptist Church. Survivors include his wife, the former Marion Jones; a son, Allan of Pittsfield; two sisters, Mrs. Ernest Wemple of Garfield, NY and Mrs. Carrie Jones, Stephentown, NY. The funeral will be Tuesday morning at 10:30 at the Newton & Barnfather Funeral Home, with Rev. Christian b. Jensen officiating. Burial will be in Pittsfield Cemetery, with a Masonic funeral by the Mystic Lodge. The family will meet friends at the funeral home tomorrow and Monday nights from 7 to 9. - August 29, 1947

Carrie Staples Harrington

Mrs. Carrie Staples Harrington, 72, wife of John Harrington, died Monday night at her home after a two week illness. She was born December 20, 1876 in Chatham, daughter of William Otis and Margaret Baker Staples and lived here for manyyears. Besides her husband, she leaves a brother, Fred Staples, of Stephentown Center. Funeral services will be held tomorrow afternoon at 2 at the Hall & Higgins Funeral Home with Rev. Paul Maxon officiating. Burial will be in the Garfield Cemetery. Firends may call at the funeral home this evening. - March 2, 1949


John A. Harrington


John Alvin Harrington, 79, died this morning in Troy, NY, following an illness of several months. He was born in Stephentown, april 8, 1870, son of George E. and Mary Brown Harrington. He was the husband of the late Carrie Staples Harrington. Funeral services will be held Thurdsay afternoon at 2 at the Hall & Higgins Funeral Home with Rev. Homer B. Silvernail officating. Burial will be in Garfield Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home tomorrow evening. - October 25, 1949

Calvin Carr


Calvin Carr, 62, native of Stephentown, died Tuesday at his home after a long illness. He was born August 16, 1884 and lived in Stephentown all his life. He was a farmer. He is survived by his widow, Ina Geerholt Carr; a daughter Violet Packard; six sons, Kenneth, Raymond, Ellwood, Francis, Lawrence and Reginald, all of Stephentown. The funeral services were at 1 this afternoon at the Avery Funeral Home, followed at 2 at the Stephentown Baptist Church with Rev. Oscar A. Arnold officiating. Burial was in Garfield Cemetery with the six sons as the bearers. - January 3, 1947


Harriet Green Stearns


Mrs. Harriet E. Stearns, 78, died yesterday at the home of her nephew, Ralph Barrett, in West Stephentown. She was a native and life-long resident of this town. A sister, Mrs. Anna Southard, of Newark, NJ, and her nephew survive. The funeral will be held from her late residence at 2 tomorrow afternoon with burial in Hillside Cemetery. Charles F. White, funeral director, of Berlin, is in charge. - July 10, 1948 (She was the daughter of Fisher and Nettie Crape Green)


John H. Hoffman

John Henry Hoffman, 64 year old retired farmer, was killed as the result of a logging accident Saturday in Green Hollow woods at Cherry Plain. Mr. Hoffman, a life-long resident of Stephentown was logging with his two sons, John Jr. and William, when the limb of a tree broke and fell on his head. He was taken to the office of Dr. S.J. Lancaster who had him removed to Pittsfield General Hospital where he died shortly after being admitted. The husband of the late Eunice White, he was born in this town December 17, 1887. Besides his two sons, he leaves three daughters, Mrs. Avery Miner of Hancock (Dorothy Hoffman Moon, widow of Roy Moon), Mrs. Wesley Crosier of Pittsfield, and Mrs. William Atwater (Ruth) of Stephentown; two sisters, Mrs. Jennie Seckler of Pittsfield, Mrs. Delbert Williams of DeFreestville, NY; a brother Peter of Pittsfield and eight grandchildren. The funeral will be held tomorrow afternoon at 1:30 from the Hall & Higgins Funeral Home, followed at 2 at the First Baptist Church with the pastor, Rev. Oscar Arnold, officiating. Burial will be in Center Berlin Cemetery. - June 9, 1952

John H. Hoffman, Jr.


John H. Hoffman, Jr., 80, a lifelong resident of Stephentown, died suddenly at his residence on Friday. Born on August 4, 1921, he was the son of the late John H. and Eunice White Hoffman. He was the loving husband of Gertrude D. North Hoffman whom he married at the Stephentown Federated Church on May 23, 1992. He was predeceased by his first wife, Clovie E. Staples Hoffman, who died in 1990.

After attending school in Stephentown, John was drafted into the United States Army during World War II. He worked briefly for the Rutland Railroad before becoming employed by General Electric in Pittsfield. He served as the Supervisor of the Shipping Department and retired in 1984 after over 30 years of service. John was a 12 year member of the Berlin Central School Board, a member of the Stephentown Fire Department and belonged to the General Electric Quarter Century Club. He loved farming and gardening.

Survivors include his wife, Gertrude D. Hoffman, tgwo sons, John Allen and donald W. Hoffman both of Stephentown, grandchildren Michelle, Nicole, Tiara, Danielle and Shauna, two sisters, Ruth Atwater of Stephentown and Dorothy Hoffman Moon Miner of North Adams, Mass., a brother William Hoffman of Cherry Plain, three step-daughters, Hazel foley and Carol Gaige both of Schenectady and jean A. Quigley of W. Hebron, NY; 11 step-grandchildren and 16 step great-grandchildren. He was pre-deceased by a sister, Florence Crosier. Funeral services were held on Tuesday from the Hall & Higgins Funeral Home in Stephentown where Rev. Trygve Tomlinson officiated. Burial followed in the Berlin Community Cemetery. Printed in May 10, 2002 Eastwick Press Samuel Dymond


Samuel Dymond, 89, died this morning at his home in Garfield. The son of George and Betsy Pratt Dymond, he was a life-long resident of this town, where he farmed for many years. The body rests at the family home where friends may call at their convenience. Services will be at 2 pm Saturday at the Stephentown Federated Church. Burial will be in Garfield Cemetery. - April 13, 1950


Clovis Carr Rathbun


Mrs. Clovis Carr Rathbun, wife of Perry Rathbun, died yesterday at her home after a long illness. She was born in Stephentown, daughter of Melvin and Frances Goodrich Carr and lived in this area all her life. Besides her husband, she is survived by six sons, Harold, Casper, Amos, Norman, Ashley and Westley; two daughters, Mrs. Ralph (Hazel) Barrett and Mrs. Arthur Staples, all of Stephentown; and a sister, Mrs. Blanche Rathbun of Hancock. The funeral will be Thursday afternoon at 2 from the Presbyterian Church, Garfield, with burial in the local cemetery. The body is at the White Funeral Home, Berlin, where friends may call this afternoon and evening and tomorrow afternoon and evening. - December 7, 1948


Edwin B. Wheeler Dies at 74


Edwin B. Wheeler, 74, died last night at the home of his son, Thomas H. Wheeler, after a long illness. Mr. Wheeler was born in Stephentown, May 30, 1870, the son of the late Thomas B. and Mary A. Wheeler and spent his life here, being engaged in farming. He was a member of the Baptist Church and Taconic Valley Grange. Survivors besides her son, Thomas, are four granddaughters, Mrs. Ivan Locke and Misses Elizabeth, Jane and Doris Wheeler, and a grandson, Thomas B. Wheeler. Funeral services will be tomorrow afternoon at 2 at the home of Thomas H. Wheeler. - May 19, 1945

Henry F. Lapp Dies at home


Henry F. Lapp, 75, died yesterday morning at his home in Stephentown after a long illness. He was born in Berlin, April 16, 1872, and had lived here many years, devoting most of his time to farming. He was an elder of the local Presbyterian Church and a member of the Taconic Valley Grange. Survivors include his widow, Rose Vary Lapp; a daughter, Mrs. Victor C. Pyle, El Cajon, Cal., two brothers, Leslie of College Park, MD., and John of Rexford; two sisters, Mrs. Emma Stearns and Mrs. Fred Geerholt, both of Stephentown; a daughter in law, Mrs. Edwin Lapp, of Mansfield, Pa.; three grandsons, Robert and Ralph Pyle and David Lapp. Funeral services will be Wednesday afternoon at 2:30 at the Presbyterian Church with Rev. Oscar Stetson, pastor, officiating. The Hall and Higgins Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. - December 15, 1947

Alice Carr Newton


Mrs. Alice M. Newton, 80, widow of Duane H. Newton, died yesterday at her home in Stephentown Center. She was born in Stephentown on August 3, 1871, the daughter of Mary Ann Kittle Carr and Erastus Carr. A school teacher in the valley for many years, Mrs. Newton was a former clerk, church school teacher and shurch school superintendent at the Stephentown Center Baptist Church. She had been a member of that church since 1889. She is survived by her daughter, Mrs. Waldron C. Lapp of Stephentown Center; a stepdaughter, Mrs. Mabel Wemple of Stephentown; and two grandchildren, Mrs. Gertrude Liston of Troy, NY and Maurice N. Peck of North Greenbush, NY. The funeral will be held at 2 pm Friday from her residence with the Rev. Oscar A. Arnold, pastor of the Stephentown Center Baptist Church officiating. Burial will be in the Stephentown Cemetery. Friends may call at the residence at their convenience. Omission of flowers is requested. - March 19, 1952


Calvin Cole


Calvin Cole, 55, native and lifelong resident of this town, died Sunday night at Pittsfield General Hospital where he had been a patient for three days. Mr. Cole, a farmer, was born June 19, 1895, the son of John and Eaustina Cole. Surviving are a sister, Miss Addie Cole; and a brother, Frank Cole, both of this town. The funeral will be at 2 tomorrow afternoon at the Hall & Higgins Funeral Home with Rev. Oscar Arnold officiating. Burial will be in the Stephentown Baptist Cemetery. The body is at the funeral home where friends may call at their convenience. - October 10, 1950

Frank Cole


Frank Cole, 81, native and lifelong resident of this town, died yesterday at the Brunswick Nursing Home in Center Brunswick after a long illness. Husband of the late Mae C. Burr Cole, he was a retired farmer. He was the son of the late John and Justina Chase Cole. Surviving are a daughter Mrs. Raymond Rose of Stephentown Center; two sons, Westburn S. of Troy, and John D. of Utica, and nine grandchildren. Funeral services will be tomorrow afternoon at 2 at the Hall and Higgins Funeral Home, with the Rev. Oscar A. Arnold officiating. Burial will be in Garfield Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home this evening. - June 10, 1959

Mary Sutherland Neugen


Mrs. Mary Sutherland Neugen, 79, widow of Henry Neugen of West Stephentown, died Thursday at thehome of her sister, Mrs. Eva Salls, at West Stephentown after a weeks illness. She had been a resident of West Stephentown for six years and was an attendant of the Baptist Church. The survivors are a son, Albert Bink, of Islip, LI, a daughter, Mrs. Bruno Engle of Kinderhook and a sister, Mrs. Eva Salls. The funeral was held at the West Stephentown Baptist Church Sunday afternoon with Rev. Ver Vanderlindin, pastor of the church officiating. The bearers were nephews: Harold and Sheldon Sutherland, Milton Salls, Stanley Shepard, Oswald Pelton and Walter LaPier. Burial was in the family plot in Chatham Center Cemetery. - April 21, 1943

Claude Chittenden


Claude H. Chittenden of Stephentown Center, 67, died at his home this morning. A native of Lanesboro, he was a member of the Stephentown Center Baptist Church and had been a town constable for 15 years. The body rests at the Hall and Higgins Funeral Home in Stephentown. He leaves his wife, the former Mary Raney; a daughter, Mrs. Charles Kanopka of Stephentown Center; two brothers, Howard of Stephentown Center and Milton of Adams, Mass.; three sisters, Mrs Henry Anderson of Rexford, NY, Mrs. Addie Foster of North Adams, Mass, and Mrs. Mary Staples of Stephentown Center; two grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. - February 16 1956

Ella Hewitt Clark


Mrs. Ella Ann Clark, 85, wife of Howard F. Clark of Stephentown Center, died last night at the home of her son, Arthur J. Clark of Wynantskill, NY. she resided here for 54 years. She was a former school teacher in this area and was postmistress at Stephentown Center for 28 years, retiring in 1942. She was born in Petersburg, NY, daughter of Joseph C. and Lydia Moon Hewitt. Besides her husband and son, she leaves a granddaughter, Carol Ann Clark of Wynantskill; two sisters, Miss Leah Hewitt and Mrs. Cora E. Green of Petersburg. The funeral will be held Sunday afternoon at 2:30 at the Hall and Higgins Funeral Home here, with the Rev. Homer B. Silvernail, former pastor of the New Lebanon Concregational Church officiating. Burial will be in the Cemetery of the Evergreens in New Lebanon. Friends may call at the funeral home at their convenience. - March 22, 1957

Lewis M. Shaw


Lewis Myron Shaw, 62, farmer and feed merchant, died suddenly yesterday afternoon at his home here. He was born at Cherry Plain Dec. 11, 1886, son of the late Charles and Anna Sieben Shaw, and resided in this area all his life. Survivors include his widow, Catharine Small Shaw; a son, Donald L., of this town; four brothers, John and George of Cherry Plain, Fred of Port Henry; and Harry of Vancouver, Wash.; and four sisters, Mrs. Elizabeth Sweener of Pittsfield; Mrs. Mary Sweener of Stephentown; Mrs. Florence Hall of Brooklyn and Mrs. Bertha Bertrum of Philadelphia. The funeral will be Sunday afternoon at 2 at the home and 2:30 at the Cherry Plain Methodist Church. Interment will be in Center Berlin Cemetery. Friends may call at the residence tomorrow and Saturday evening. - November 10, 1949

Anna M. Potter


Mrs. Anna M. Potter, 82, widow of Elisha Potter, died last night at her home following a long illness. She was born October 15, 1861, in Stephentown and had lived here all her life. The survivors are two daughters, Mrs. Leon B. Mills of Buffalo and Mrs. Lawrence B. Manns of Stephentown; a stepson, George Potter, a sister Mrs. Elizabeth Briggs and a granddaughter, Miss Helen Manns, all of Stephentown. The funeral will be Monday morning at 9:30 at St. Joseph Church. Burial will be in the family plot in Garfield Cemetery. - May 6, 1944

Harry W. Launt


Harry W. Launt, 58, of 211 Springside Avenue, Pittsfield, died suddenly last night at his home of a heart attack. A native of Stephentown, NY, he was born March 3, 1892, and he lived in Pittsfield 37 years and was employed as janitor at the Municpal Building. Survivors are his widow, the former Anna Kelly; one son, Donald H. Launt of Pittsfield and four grandchildren; one brother of William Launt of West Stephentown, and three sisters, Mrs. David White of Sand Lake, NY; Mrs. Charles Pomeroy of West Stephentown and Miss Irene Launt of Stephentown, also several nieces and nephews. - July 5, 1950

Edward M. Evans


Edward Malvin Evans, 70, farmer, died yesterday at his home in East Nassau after a lingering illness. He was born in Stephentown but for many years had resided in East Nassau. Surviving, besides his widow, are two sons, Ralph Evans of East Nassau and Erwin Evans of Chatham; a brother, Elmer Evans of Stephentown, and several grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. tomorrow at the residence in East Nassau. Rev. Oscar Arnold of the Stephentown Baptist Church will officiate. Interment will take placein the family plot in East Nassau Cemetery. - December 1, 1956


Ford Alderman, 71, of Hancock, died at the House of Mercy last night after a short illness. He was the father of Fire Captain Harold Alderman of this city A native of Stephentown, where he was born June 3, 1875, the son of Zoth and Clara Williams Alderman, he was employed as a dyer for 30 years by the Arnold Print Works of North Adams and recently by the Wyandotte Worsted Company of this city. He was member of the North Adams Moose. Survivors in addition to his widow, the former Lena Belanger of Stephentown and Captain Alderman, are two sons, Walter of Pittsfield and Carlton of Fresno, Cal., four daughters, Mrs. Lillian Ryan of Albany, NY; Mrs. Edward Joyner of Pittsfield and the Misses Eleanor and Elizabeth, both of Pittsfield; four stepsons, Preston Torrey of North Adams, Emory Price of Port Jervis, NY., Raymond Price of St. Louis, MO., and Clovis Price of fisherville; one step-daughter, Mrs. Arthur Hover of Pittsfield; several grandchildren and four great-grandchildren; five brothers, Harve of Hancock, Dennis of Pittsfield, Casper of Williamstown, Ernest of Troy, NY; and Edgar of the Alps, NY and one sister, Mrs. George Geerholt, of Stephentown. - April 2, 1947


Andrew Deamer, West Stephentown farmer, died there Saturday after a weeks illness. Born in Berlin, he lived in that section of the county all his life. He is survived by sisters, Mrs. Anna Elizabeth Shepard and Mrs. Lillian Luffman, both of West Stephentown, and two brothers, Edward W. Deamer of West Stephentown and Leo J. Deamer of Halcott Center, Greene County. The funeral will be tomorrow at 1:30 pm from the residence and at 2 pm from the West Stephentown Baptist Church. Burial will be in Hillside Cemetery, West Stephentown. - January 25, 1943

Cynthia E. Deamer


Funeral services for Cynthia E. Deamer, eldest daughter of Mrs. and Mrs. Clarence Deamer, were held Tuesday afternoon at the home of her grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Deamer, and later at the West Stephentown Baptist Church where the pastor, Rev. Verna VanDerlinden, officiated. During the services, Mrs. and Mrs. VanDerlinden sang, "Will There Be Any Stars in My Crown/" and "Safe in the Arms of Jesus." Mrs. Osborne Adams presided at the organ. The bearers were Frank Adams, Everett Shephard, Richard Gile and Irving Pratt. Interment was in Hillside Cemetery, West Stephentown. - February 4, 1944 At West Stephentown, January 28, 1944, Cynthia Elizabeth Deamer, daughter of Elizabeth Brown and Clarence Deamer. Prayers from the home of Lawrence Deamer, West Stephentown, Tuesday afternoon at 1:30 and at 2 from the West Stephentown Baptist Church. Friends are invited and may call Monday evening. - January 31, 1944 Walter Z. Deveneau


Schenectady, NY - Walter Zeb Deveneau, 65, of this city, died last night at Ellils Hospital where he had been a patient 15 weeks. He was born May 25, 1884, in New York City. Survivors include his widow, Louisa Wilbur Deveneau; a son William of Stephentown and two brothers, Milo E. of Albany and Harry S., of Long Island. The funeral will be Wednesday afternoon at 1:30 from the Hall & Higgins Funeral Home, Stephentown, with Rev. Oscar A. Arnold, pastor of the Stephentown Baptist Church, officiating. Burial will be in Grafton Cemetery. - November 7, 1949

Peter J. Elwell


Peter James Elwell, 62, retired caretaker of the Garfield Cemetery, died this morning after a long illness. He was born July 1, 894, in Shaftsbury, VT., and lived in Garfield for 30 years, 20 of which were spent in the cemetery position. Surviving are his wife, Mildred Williams Elwell; two sons, Vernon O., of Stephentown, and Albert E. of Elnora; a daughter, Mrs. Alvia Diamond of Lebanon Springs; a brother Verder Elwell, of South Shaftsbury, VT., and nine grandchildren. The body will be at the Hall and Higgins Funeral Home, where friends may call at their convenience. Funeral services will be Monday afternoon at 2 at the funeral home with the Rev. Gordon Clark, pastor of the Garfield Federated Church, officiating. Burial will be in the Garfield Cemetery. - December 14, 1956

Helen Whitman Pease


Mrs. Helen Frances Pease, 54, wife of Arthur L. Pease, died Saturday after a long illness. She was born in Hancock, August 29, 1896, the daughter of Charles and Frances Snyder Whitman and lived in Stephentown for the past 30 years. She was a member of the Hancock Baptist Church. Surviving besides her husband, who is town supervisor, are a daughter, Mrs. Mildred Sandstrom of Lebanon Springs; two sons, Richard Pease of Canton and Andrew Pease of Stephentown; a sister, Mrs. Dean Newton of Lanesboro, Mass., and three brothers, Kenneth Whitman of Canaan, CT; Stewart Whitman of Richmond, and Howard Whitman of Hancock. The funeral will be tomorrow afternoon at 2 at the Pease home with Rev. Samuel A. Walker, pastor of the Hancock Baptist Church officiating. Burial will be in Garfield Cemetery. - December 2, 1950

Ellen McMahon


Miss Ellen McMahon, 87, died at her home in Schenectady Thursday night. She was born in Stephentown, the daughter of Patrick and Katherine McMahon, but had resided in Schenectady many years. Her funeral was held Monday in Schenectady with burial in Holy Cross Cemetery. Survivors are two sisters, Mrs. Anna Potter and Mrs. Elizabeth Briggs, both of Stephentown; three nieces, four great-nieces and on great-nephew. - October 20, 1943

William Otis Staples


The funeral of William Otis Staples, who died last week, was Friday afternoon at the Presbyterian Church. Burial was in Garfield Cemetery. A native and lifelong resident of Stephentown, Mr. Staples was a section foreman for the Rutland Railroad for many years. The survivors are his widow, the former Miss Anna Sweener; a daughter, Miss Clovis Staples; a son, Arthur Staples; a sister, Mrs. Carrie Harrington; and a brother, Fred Staples, all of Stephentown. - May 9, 1945

Dece V. Vanderbogart


Funeral services for Dece V. Vanderbogart, 70, of West Stephentown, who died last week, were Sunday afternoon. Burial was in Hillside Cemetery. Mr. Vanderbogart was born in Stephentown and resided in this vicinity all his life. The survivors are his widow, the former Miss Pauline Lane; two daughters, Miss Angie Vanderbogart of Rome, NY and Mrs. Florence Stevens of Albany; and four sons, Howard, Elmer and Frederick Vanderbogart of West Stephentown and Cpl. Dece Vanderbogart, stationed at Camp Boyd, Texas. - May 9, 1945

Orlando Wheeler


Orlando Wheeler, of East Nassau, a farmer all his adult life, died last night at his home. He had been a lifelong resident of the vicinity of East Nassau. Survivors are his widow, the former Frances Kittle; a brother, Nelson Wheeler of Old Chatham, and a sister, Marion Trumble of Averill Park. Funeral services will be conducted at 2 pm Monday from the residence. Interment will be in East Nassau Rural Cemetery. - October 2, 1943

Albert V. Goodermote


Funeral services for Albert V. Goodermote of Stephentown, NY were held this afternoon at 2 at the Hall & Higgins Funeral Home in Stephentown. The Rev. Homer B, Silvernail of Colonie, former pastor of the New Lebanon Congregational Church, officiated. Bearers were Maurice Nealon, Clarence Carpenter, Howard Sweener, Leonard Smith, Gerald Brown and Albert Hand. Burial was in Center Berlin Cemetery. - August 22, 1957

Susan W. Griffin


Funeral services for Mrs. Susan W. Griffin were conducted at the residence at West Stephentown at 1:30 yesterday and at the West Stephentown Baptist Church at 2 pm with Rev. Vern Van Der Linden, pastor, officiating. Mrs. Griffin, widow of Elford Griffin, died Monday after a short illness at the home of her son, Lewis Griffin, county director of civilian protection and a former supervisor. She was 74 years of age and had been a lifelong resident of West Stephentown. Survivors, besides her son, include three daughters, Mrs. Morton Culver of West Stephentown and Mrs. Arbie Hunt and Mrs. Charles Wagner of Alps, 15 grandchildren and one great grandchild. - November 5, 1943

Cora Williams Hughes


Mrs. Cora A. Hughes, 76, died yesterday at Samaritan Hospital in Troy after a lingering illness. She had lived on West Street in New Lebanon for more than 50 years. She was the widow of the late Floyd L. Hughes. Born in Stephentown, she was the daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Alexander H. Williams. Mrs. Hughes was formerly an employee of the Tilden Co., in New Lebanon. She was a member of the Congregational Church. Surviving are six brothers Joseph A. of Pittsfield; Emerson of West Sand Lake; Delbert of Defreestville, alexander II of Stephentown; James of Troy and Clarence of Old Chatham; three sisters, Mrs. Harry Brown, Sr., of West Sand Lake, Mrs. Joseph Face of Knoxville, Tenn., and Mrs. Spencer Houghtling of Averill Park; her stepmother, Mrs. William Miller of Averill Park and many nephews and nieces. Funeral services will be held at the Hughes residence at 2 pm Monday and New Lebanon Congregational Church at 2:30, with the Rev. Verne Henderson officiating. Internment will be at the Cemetery of the Evergreens, New Lebanon. Friends may call at the residence Sunday afternoon and evening. - October 24, 1959

Lewis Manns Dies in Home Fire


Lewis M. Manns, 51, of 71 Kellogg Street, Pittsfield, died this morning at his home after a long illness. He was the son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Albert A. Manns, Sr. of Stephentown, NY. Mr. Manns was an employee of the GE for 14 years and a member of the Aerie of Eagles. Survivors are his wife, the former Mabel Arnold, four brothers, Frank and Edward Manns of Pittsfield, Lawrence and Andrew Manns of Stephentown. - May 24, 1944

Dr. Elizabeth Sweet

Word has been received of the death of Dr. Elizabeth Sweet of 229 Grand View Drive Redlands, Calif. She was formerly of Stephentown, NY and was the daughter of the late Elnathan and Marian R. Sweet. - March 23, 1949

Sarah Elizabeth Wylie



At Stephentown, NY, October 17, 1943, Sarah Elizabeth Wylie, age 87, widow of Henry A. Wylie; mother of James W. Wylie of Petersburg, NY; Harry Wylie and Mrs. Abbie Spangler of Stephentown; sister of Mrs. Ada C. Gardner of St. Petersburg, Fla. Services at the home in Stephentown Tuesday afternoon at 2 o'clock.

Elsie D. Houghtaling Hunt


The funeral for Mrs. George T. Hunt of Stephentown, who died at the home of her son and daughter in law, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Hunt, in Canaan Center, after a long illness, was held at the Avery Hall Funeral parlors Saturday afternoon with Rev. Homer B. Silvernail officiating, Mrs. Hunt had resided in Stephentown most of her life and was a member of the Stephentown Methodist Church. Besides her husband and son Thomas, she is survived by another son, Frank Hunt of Est Nassau; two daughters, Mrs. Russell French of West Lebanon and Mrs. Howard Vanderbogart, of West Stephentown; 10 grandchildren; a sister, Mrs. Arthur Auger of Pittsfield; and a brother in Ravena. Burial was in the family plot in the Garfield Cemetery. The bearers were: Henry Roae, Arthur Gavitt, Clarence Carpenter and Augustus Johnson. - February 4, 1946


Margaret Sweet


Mrs. Margaret Sweet died at her home in Essex Junction, VT., Sunday. She was born here on the farm which is now known as the Mount Whitney Farm. The daughter of Elnathan and Marion Rose Sweet, she was a teacher in New York City many years. Survivors are three sisters, Miss Marion Rose Sweet, Dr. Elizabeth Sweet and Mrs. Howard Horton wll of Redlands, Cal., and a brother, Elnathan Sweet of Portland, Oregon. Burial was in the Albany Rural Cemetery. - July 20, 1945

Calvin H. Atwater Dies Suddenly


Calvin H. Atwater, 86, a life-long resident of this town, died suddenly at his home this norning, Mr. Atwater was a member of Unity Lodge No. 1 of the Masons, a charter member of the Taconic Vally Grange, and was fire commissioner of the Stephentown Fire Department. He is survived by his wife, the former Elsie Snow; a daughter Blanche; two sisters, Mrs. Gertrude Hoag and Miss Mary E. Atwater, of Stephentown; and two brothers, Daniel A. of Salem, NY and John H. of Stephentown. Services will be held at his home Tuesday afternoon at 2, with Rev, Oscar Arnold officiating. Burial will be in the family plot in Garfield Cemetery. - April 25, 1947

George E. O'Dell


Funeral services will be held at the Stephentown Baptist Church tomorrow afternoon at 2 for George E. O'Dell, 80, Stephentown native who died Wednesday at his home in Brooklyn, N.Y. Rev. Oscar A. Arnold will officate. Burial will be in Garfield Cemetery, Stephentown. Mr. O'Dell was a retired detective, formerly attached to the office of the district attorney of Kings County, Brooklyn. Survivors are three sons, George H., Harold H. and Theodore B. O'Dell, all of Brooklyn, and a brother, Robert O'Dell of Stephentown. - November 4, 1949


Alvia F. Diamond


Stephentown - Alvia Frederick Diamond, 79, of Madden Road died March 27, 2001 at Berkshire Medical Center. Born in Dalton, Mass., on January 18, 1922, he was the son of the late Martin E. and Madeline M. Hart Diamond. He was the widower of Birdella Mae Brazie Diamond, who died on November 17, 1996. They were married in the Stephentown Federated Church on November 22, 1969. (His second marriage). Mr. Diamond was a resident of the Stephentown/New Lebanon area his whole life and attended New Lebanon schools. He was employed by both Thomas Ford in New Lebanon and Seyffer Ford in Pittsfield, MA as a service technician, retiring in the late 1970's due to illness. Mr. Diamond also operated his own sawmill and was a self-employed carpenter. He enjoyed hunting and fishing, but his true love was that of making items out of wood. Survivors include one son, Fred W. Diamond of Stephentown, two daughters, Yvonne M. Diamond of Stephentown and Bonnie Lehmuth of West Lebanon, a sister, Bernadette Schmich of Stephentown, five grandchildren, Greg and Ted Hoffman, Laura Diamond, Corey and Kyle Lehmuth and a great-granddaughter, Katielynn Hoffman. Funeral services for Mr. Diamond will be at 3 o'clock March 30 from the Hall and Higgins Funeral Home, where Rev. Trygve Tomlinson will officiate. Burial will be in the spring at Garfield Cemetery. Calling hours will be in the funeral home on Friday from 1 to 3. Memorial contributions may be made to the West Stephentown Baptist Church in memory of Alvia F. Diamond.


Rev. Oscar A. Arnold


(You have seen his name in many of the obits, now here is his:)

The Rev. Oscar A. Arnold, 62, of Lebanon Springs, pastor of three area churches, teacher, commercial artist, printer, amateur magician and former barber, died Friday (don't know the month, year is 1966) at Albany Medical Center, after a long illness.

The funeral was held Monday at the E.B. Gifford & Son Funeral Home in Chatham with burial in East Nassau Cemetery.

Mr. Arnold was pastor of the Stephentown Baptist Church 32 years and of the East Chatham and Red Rock Methodist Churches about 22 years. He was one of the old school of extemporaneous teachers.

"I've never used notes," he once said proudly. A sermon is never good unless it comes from the heart. I never use the same sermon twice on a Sunday and on occasion people hve attended services at all three of my churches without getting a repeat performance."

A powerful orator and a find student of the Bible, he was frequently called upon of officiate at funerals.

He also taught in area schools, for about 45 years and also operated a sign-painting and printing shop. In addition, he had operated a barber shop for about 30 years.

Born in Brainard, NY March 22, 1904, he was educated in local schools and at Albany Bible School. He also took extension courses from the Moody Bible Institute and Little Rock (Ark.) Baptist Seminary.

He traced his mother's family back to the American Indian and his father's family back to William Arnold, who came to Massachusetts in 1635 with Roger Smith and later moved to Providence, R.I. from the Salem Colony. The Arnold family moved about 1790 to Stephentown, then known as Jericho Hollow.

Mr. Arnold was a member of the Lebanon Valley Protective Association, was past master of the New Lebanon Grange, past lecturer of the Pomona Grange, served 13 years on the New Lebanon Central Board of Education and had held all the offices in the Stephentown Baptist Association. He also served as secretary and treasurer of the East Nassau Rural Cemetery Association.

He leaves his wife, the former Etta Diamond of Manchester, Mass., two daughter, Miss May Arnold of Poughkeepsie and Miss Phyllis Arnold of East Greenbush and his father, Myron S. Arnold of Lebanon Springs. (His mother's name was Amy Harris Arnold, daughter of Albert Harris and Jennettie Wheeler Harris)

Arthur O. Arnold


Funeral services were conducted Saturday afternoon at the Hall and Higgins Funeral Home, Stephentown, for Arthur O. Arnold, who died December 29, 1949 at the Fuigo Memorial Nursing Home at Defreetsville, N.Y. after a long illness. Mr. Arnold was the custodian of the Stephentown firehouse and was born at Cherry Plains, N.Y., June 21, 1879, the son of the late Albert and Sadinia Arnold. He resided in Stephentown for 25 years. His nephew, Rev. Oscar A. Arnold, pastor of the Frist Baptist Church of Stephentown officiated at the services. The bearers were Silas Hicks, William Thomas, James McCarthy, John Whitman and Henry Rose. Interment was in East Nassau Cemetery.


Jennie Gibson Diamond


The funeral of Mrs. J. Harvey Diamond, who was before her marriage Miss Jennie Gibson, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Hiram Gibson of Stephentown, was said from Avery G. Hall's funeral parlor Wednesday afternoon with Rev. Homer B. Silvernail officiating. Mrs. Diamond died Monday night at her home after a lingering illness. Survivors are besides her husband, two daughters, Mary Diamond of Pittsfield, Mass., and Mrs. George Face of East Nassau and several grandchildren. Interment was in the Garfield Cemetery. - November 19, 1943

Laura L. Gavitt Decker


The funeral of Mrs. Loren Decker, 74, who died Thursday night, was held Sunday afternoon from Avery Hall's Funeral parlor and was largely attended. Rev. Albert T. Strobel, pastor of the Stephentown Methodist Church of which she had been a member since. April, 1886, officiated. Mrs. Decker was daughter of the late Mrs. and Mrs. Frank Gavitt and was born in Hancock, Mass., but had spent most of her life in Stephentown. Surviving, besides her husband, are three sons, Clarence of Berlin, Frank of Lebanon Springs and Elwood of Chatham, a brother, Arthur Gavitt of Stephentown and 11 grandchildren. Burial was in Center Berlin Cemetery. - October 20, 1943 (Mrs. Decker's first name did not appear in the obit, but on looking in the Rensselaer County Cemetery Records, on the Rens. Cty. site, I found her name to be Laura.)

Marie Elwell


Miss Marie Mildred Elwell, daughter of Peter and Mildred Williams Elwell of Stephentown died Thursday evening after a lingering illness. She is survived by her parents, two brothers, Albert and Vernon, and one sister, Mrs. Betty Diamond of Stephentown. Funeral services were conducted Monday at 9 am from the home and at 9:30 from St. Joseph's Church. Burial was in the Garfield Cemetery. - May 28, 1947

Samuel M. Gaylord


Samuel M. Gaylord, 79, a retired blacksmith, of West Stephentown, died yesterday morning in Warwick, R.I., where he lived iwth his daughter, Mrs. Arthur Lender. Mr. Gaylord was born in West Stephentown, April 9, 1871, and resided there until three years ago, when he went to live with his daughter. Survivors include five sons, Irving of Hoags Corner, Frank of Averill Park, Everett of Fitchburg, Mass., and Raymond and Kenneth, both of Schagticoke; a brother, Mordecai of New Lebanon; 11 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be tomorrow afternoon at 2 at the West Stephentown Baptist Church with Rev. Homer B. Silvernail of Watervliet officiating. burial will be in the East Nassau Cemetery. - December 4, 1950 Frank Kibby


Frank J. Kibby, 75, died Monday night at his home after a long illness. He was born April 3, 1877, in Butler, N.J., and resided in Stephentown Center many years. He was a retired cable splicer and was a member of the International Brotherhood of Electical Workers, Local 3, New York City. Survivors include his widow, Mary Shea Kibby; two sons, James McKinney and John Stevens; and two grandchildren; all of this town. Funeral services will be at 9 tomorrow morning at the Hall & Higgins Funeral Home, and at 9:30 at St. Joseph Church with Rev. Francis B. Schatzein officiating. Burial will be in St. Joseph's Cemetery. The Rosary will be recited at 8 tonight at the funeral home.

Addie Cole


Miss Addie Cole, 72, a native of Stephentown Center, died last night, at a hospital in Troy where she had been a patient about one years. She was born May 8, 1880, the daughter of the late John and Justina Chase Cole, and resided here all her life. Surviving is a brother, Frank Cole, of this town, and several nieces and nephews. The funeral will be Friday afternoon at 2 from the Hall & Higgins Funeral Home with Rev. Oscar A. Arnold officiating. Burial will be in the local cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home tomorrow afternoon and evening. - August 27, 1952

William M. Houghtaling


William M. Houghtaling, 53, former Pittsfield resident, died of a heart ailment last night in Youngstown, Ohio. He was ill several days.

A native of West Stockbridge, he had lived as a young man in Pittsfield and Lanesboro. Twenty-five years ago he went to Youngstown to enter the emploly of the Republic Iron & Steel Company.

Survivors are one brother, Arthur H. Houghtaling of Lee; three sisters, Mrs. Mortimer Reed of Westfield and Mrs. Edna Burke and Mrs. Carrie Launt both of Pittsfield.

Funeral services will be held at the Newton & Barnfather Funeral Home Monday afternoon at 2. Rev. Robert C. Howe, pastor of the first Methodist Church, will officiate.

Members of the family will meet friends at the funeral home Sunday night from 7 to 9. - December 20, 1948 (Related to Stephentown Houghtlings) Lois Gardner Fitzgerald


Lois I Gardner Fitzgerald, 78, of Wynantskill, died October 23, 2002 at St. Mary's Hospital in Troy surrounded by her loving family. Born in Alps, on October 14, 1923, she was the daughter of the late Arnold P. and Beatrice Cummings Gardner. She was the loving wife of George F. Fitzgerald. They were married at the Shrine in the Church of the Immaculate conception in New Lebanon on June 21, 1944. Lois has been a resident of Wynantskill since 1988 after living in Stephentown for 62 years. Mrs. Fitzgerald was a 1938 graduate of Averill Park High School and a member of the Varsity Basketball team there. She attended Colonna Beauty School and was a licensed beautician for over 45 years, working out of her home. Lois was a member of the Lake Avenue Community Church in Averill Park and was a member of both the Stephentown Senior citizens and the Ladies Auxiliary of the Stephentown Fire Department. Lois had a great love for her family that was second to none. She loved to be a storekeepter at her grandson's sporting events and at the time of her death, was the oldest active member of the Lake Avenue Community Church. Survivors include her husband of 58 years, George, her daughter Patricia A. Kingston and son in law Richard of Wynantskill; her siblings Doris Shaver and Phyllis Kimmey both of West Sand Lake, Mildred Trombley of newtonville, Harold (Millie) Gardner of Averill Park, her devoted grandchildren, Shaun P. Mahoney of Latham, Tara L. Maney and D.Joseph Mahoney both of East Greenbush, loving onna to Paris, Austin and A.J.Maney; Lauren, Patrick, Jack, Cathleen and Lily Mahoney along with many nieces and nephews. Lois is pre-deceased by a sister Evelyn Hall. Funeral Services were at the Lake Avenue Community Church, 27 Lake Avenue, Averill Park on September 26. Rev. Clark Austin officiated. Interment followed in St. Joseph Cemetery in Stephentown.


George Fitzgerald


George F. Fitzgerald. 78, of Geneva Boulevard, Wynanskill, died Saturday, at St. Mary's Hospital in Troy after a brief illness. Born March 22, 1924, in Stephentown, George was the son of the late Leo and Marie Fettig Fitzgerald. He graduated from Christian Brothers Academy in 1941 and immediately enlisted in the Untied States Merchant Marines. He served his country during World War II on the USS South Mountain. While home on leave, he married the love of his life, the former Lois I. Gardner on June 21, 1944. After he was honorably discharged, he returned to Stephentown and worked of McClintock's Chevrolet and the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation. In 1952, George joined the NYS Police. During he career, he served on the motorcycle partol, on the detail serving Governor Nelson Rockefeller and became an expert in the field of wiretapping. AFter 25 years of service, he retired in 1977 as a BCI Senior Investigator. AFter retirement, George worked for the NYS Senate as Sergeant of Arms. Although his family was his number one passion, he was a popular square dance caller for over 30 years and loved coaching sports. He was past president of the East Greenbush Pop Warner football league and also managed teams in the East Greenbush Little League, Babe Ruth Mickey Mantle and American Legion leagues, also an umpire in both local girls' and mens softball. He was a member of the Stephentown Senior Citizens, Stephentown Volunteer Fire Department, Capital District Umpires Association and the NYSP Grey Riders. Survivors include a daughter, Patricia A. and husband Richard Kingston of Wynantskill, grandchildren, Shaun P. and wife Ginny Mahoney of Latham, Tara L. and husband Anthony Mancy of East Greenbush and D. Joseph and wife Stephanie Mahoney of Schodack. George was loving OMPA to Lauren, Patrick, Jack and Cathllen Mahoney; Paris, Austin and AJ Mancy and Lily Mahoney. He is also survived by many cousins, nieces and nephews. He was also predeceased by a sister Leona Brown. His loving wife, Lois I. Gardner Fitzgerald died on September 23, 2002. Funeral services with Full Departmental Honors were held on Wednesday in St. Joseph's Church, Route 43, Stephentown wehre Rev. John L. Close celebrated a Liturgy of Christian Death and Burial Temporary entombment is in the Albany Rural Cemetery with burial in the spring in the family lot in St. Joseph's Cemetery in Stephentown. Calling hours were on Tuesday in the Hall & Higgins Funeral Home in Stephentown. Memorial contributions may be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, 6 Greenwood Drive, East Greenbush, NY 12061. Printed January 31, 2003

Lois Gardner Fitzgerald with husband George Fitzgerald and daughter Patricia Leona Fitzgerald Brown


Leona M. Fitzgerald Brown, 80, of Route 22, died Thursday at Berkshire Medical Center in Pittsfield, Mass. after being stricken at her residence. Born in Pittsfield, Mass. she was the only daughter of the late Leo W. and Marie Fettig Fitzgerald; and was the widow of Frederick N. Brown Jr. She was a lifelong resident of Stephentown, where she attended the Garfield Elementary School. She was a graduate of New Lebanon High School, where she was a standout basketball player. After high school, she attended Berkshire Business College. Mrs. Brown and her husband operated the Stephentown Post Office out of their home on Route 43 for 35 years. They also owned and operated the F. N. Brown Insurance Company. She retired in 1976 and worked in St. Joseph's Church in Stephentown, where she was a communicant. She also attended the Church of the Immaculate Conception Church in New Lebanon and worked with the Stephentown Fire Department Fire Bells. She enjoyed bowling. Survivors include two sons, Richard Frederick Brown and Joseph Edward Brown, both of Stephentown; a brother, George F. Fitzgerald of North Greenbush; six granddaughters; and two great-grandsons. The funeral will be held at 9:15 a. m. Monday at the Hall & Higgins Funeral Home, 457 Route 43 in Stephentown, and 10 a. m. at St. Joseph's Church, opposite the funeral home, with Rev. Joseph L. Halloran officiating. Burial will be in the spring at the Stephentown Cemetery. Calling hours are from 4 to 7 p. m. Sunday at the funeral home. Donations may be made to the Stephentown Rescue Squad or to the charity of one's choice. Troy Record Saturday, February 12, 2000

Allan L. Brown


Stephentown, NY - Allan Lee Brown, 56, of 67 Greenmeadow Lane, Huntington, a former lontime resident of Stephentown, died Thursday at Long Island Jewish Medical Center, New Hyde Park, NY.

Born in Pittsfield on April 4, 1943, son of Leona M. Brown of Stephentown and the late Frederick N. Brown, he was a 1961 graduate of Berlin Central School and a graduate of Hudson Valley Community College.

He served in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves from 1964 to 1970.

Mr. Brown worked locally as a surveyor with the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 545D. In 1980, as part of the Camp David Peace Treaty agreement with Isreal, he supervised the surveying in the reconstruction of Isreal's military airbase. In addition, he was employed in Saudi Arabia constructing communication towers for AT&T International.

He was a talented artist and at one time a political cartoonist for the Bennington (VT) Banner. He also enjoyed photography and playing the steel guitar.

Besides his mother, he leaves two daughters, Darice M. Taxter of West Stockbridge, Mass., and Kierston E. Hitchcock of Albany; his longtime companion, Patricia Ryan of Huntington and two brothers, Richard Brown and Joseph Brown, both of Stephentown. (from Berkshire Eagle, Sunday June 27, 1999) Frank Beach


The funeral of Frank H. Beach of West Stephentown, N.Y., was at 2:30 yesterday afternoon at the Baptist Church in West Stephentown, with the Rev. Henry F. Boehmke, present pastor and the Rev. William O'Dell, former pastor, officiating. Bearers were Harold and Walter Southard, Lewis Griffin, Fred Vanderbogart, Leonard Smith and Joseph Kenyon. Burial was in Hillside Cemetery, West Stephentown. July 7, 1958 Martha W. Hoffman


Funeral services for Mrs. Martha Wheeler Hoffman, 79, who died Sunday at the home of her son, William HOffman in Taborton, after a short illness, will he held tomorrow at 2 p.m. from the residence and at 2:45 p.m. from Zion's Evangelical and Reformed Church at Taborton. Born in Stephentown, Mrs. Hoffman lived most of her life in Taborton. She was a lifelong member of Zion Evangelical and Reformed Church and its Ladies' Aid Society. Survivors include two daughters, Mrs. Charles Teal of Pittsfield, Mass., and Mrs. Mahala Pack of Taborton; a son, William Hoffman; 22 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren. Interment will be in Sand Lake Cemetery. - March 21, 1944 Mabel Whinnery Silvernail


New Lebanon, NY - Mrs. Mabel Whinnery Silvernail, 65, wife of Rev. Homer B. Silvernail, pastor of the White Congregational Church, died suddenly this morning. She was born in Cohoes, the daughter of Stewart and Sarah Parker Whinnery and lived in Stephentown until recently when family moved into their new home here. Prior to coming to this section she lived in Adams and Watervliet. Mrs. Silvernail had been active in church work, participating in the various women's organizations. She was also a worker in community projects. She was a member of the Grange and Order of Eastern Star. Surviving besides her husband are two sons, Albert J. and Austin W., both of Stephentown and a daughter, Mrs. Stephen Hadsell of New Lebanon. the funeral will be at the Congregational Church at 2 Thursday afternoon with Rev. Allen K. Swartz of Poughkeepsie officiating. Burial will be in the Cemetery of the Evergreens. Avery Hall, funeral director, is in charge.

Joanne Perotto Sweener


May 23, 1998

Berlin-Joanne T. Perrotto Sweener, 62, of Sand Bank Road, died Saturday at St. Mary's Hospital in Troy after being stricken at her residence. Born in Troy, she was the daughter of the late Joseph and Mary Morrow Perrotto. She attended Catholic Central High School in Troy and did work for Tiny Town Togs and Cluett Peabody & Company in Troy. In 1958, she moved to Boston, where she was a Girl Scout leader and Cub Scout den mother. Mrs. Sweener moved to Berlin in 1972 and was a cashier at St. Mary's Hospital, retiring in 1994 because of a disability. Before that she worked at Bennington Health and Rehab. She was a communicant of Sacred Heart Church in Berlin, a member of the Ladies Auxiliary of the American Legion Post of the Taconic Valley and the Berlin Senior Citizens, where she was the treasurer. Mrs. Sweener enjoyed playing cards at the senior center. Survivors include her husband of 42 years, Nelson W. "Pete" Sweener, Sr., four sons, Nelson W., Jr. and David J. both of Troy, and Marc and Joseph M., both of Berlin; three daughters, Ann Marie of Hoosick Falls, Julie Ann and Mary D., both of Troy; two brothers, Anthony Perrotto of Troy and Samuel Perrotto of East Greenbush; three sisters, Gloria Perrotto of Albany and Phyllis Perrotto and Virginia Gorman, both of Troy; and nine grandchildren. The funeral will be at 9:15a.m. Tuesday from the Hall & Higgins Funeral Home, 457 Route 43 in Stephentown, and at 10a.m. at the Sacred Heart Church in Berlin with Rev. Ken Gregory, sacramental minister, officiating. Burial will be in Berlin Community Cemetery. Calling hours are 4 to 8 Monday at the funeral home." Charlesetta Boyd Carpenter


Stephentown, NY-Charlesetta Delia Carpenter, 93, of Garfield Road died yesterday, March 8, 2001 at Springside of Pittsfield, Mass., where she had resided since December.

Born in Schodack Landing on Dec. 12, 1907, daughter of Charles and Charlotte Shurrager Oathout, she resided with Sarah and Albert Boyd as a foster child and attended Pittsfield High School. She had resided in Stephentown since 1926.

She and her husband, Clarence C."Doc" Carpenter, operated the Carpenter Homestead Farm until 1959.

Mrs. Carpenter was a member of the Stephentown Federated Church and its Ladies Aid Society and a former church treasurer for more than 30 years. She was also a member and past master of the Taconic Valley Grange and a member of the Unity Star Chapter 841 of New Lebanon and the Stephentown Senior Citizens.

Her husband whom she married October 22, 1929, in Berlin, died October 5, 1982.

She leaves a daughter, Marjorie M. Schmich of Stephentown.

FUNERAL NOTICE:

Funeral services for Charlesetta D. Carpenter will be Saturday at 10 from Hall and Higgins Funeral Home, 457 NY 43, Stephentown. Burial will be in the spring in Stephentown Cemetery. Calling hours at the funeral home will be today, Friday, from 4 to 7. Contributions may be made to the Stephentown Volunteer Fire Department or the memorial fund of Stephentown Federated Church. Betty T. Feathers


Betty T. Feathers, 86, a longtime resident of Stephentown, NY, died October 23, 2003, at Kimball Farms Nursing Care Center. She was born March 6, 1917, in Brooklyn, NY, the daughter of John R. Tuft and Bessie Lockwood Tuft. She moved to Springfield Gardens, NY in January 1919 and attended elementary schools there. Betty was married March 29, 1947 to Delmar Feathers who predeceased her in July 1993. She is survived by a son, Kenneth R. Feathers, residing in Storrs, Connecticut, daughter, Patricia F. Kelley, residing in Akron, Ohio and their spouses. Grandchildren are: Andrew K. and Stephen G. Feathers. Note from Tina: I came in contact with Betty Feathers through letter writing back and forth from the Stephentown Historical Society. She wrote me several times, answering questions about my ancestors. I met her one time when I went to the Heritage Center and she couldn't have been a nicer person. Very knowledgable and sweet. I know that the Historical Society has a piece missing, with the passing of Betty Feathers.

Delmar and Betty T. Feathers Mary J. Snell


Mary J. Snell, 100, longtime resident of Stephentown, died on May 14, 1003 in Deland, Florida. Born in Stephentown on May 28, 1902, she was a school teacher in Chatham and West Sand Lake. She retired in 1966 and moved to Florida. Graveside services were held on May 22 in the Cemetery of the Evergreens in Lebanon Springs. Arrangements were under the direction of the Hall & Higgins Funeral Home in Stephentown. John H. Kinn


John H. Kinn, 69, of Greene Hollow Road, Berlin, died Thursday, May 6, 1982, at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Albany after a long illness. Born in Union City, New Jersey, son of the late William and Mary Canfield Kinn, he was an Army veteran of World War II and a Purple Heart recipient. Mr. Kinn was a member of the Berlin American Legion and the Berlin Volunteer Fire Company. He retired from the Henry J. Seagroatt Floral Co., in Berlin in 1972. He is survived by his wife, the former Ethel Brown; one brother, William J. Kinn, and a sister, Margaret Kinn, all of Berlin; several nieces and nephews.

Courtesty of Mike Brown Ethel Brown Kinn


Ethel Brown Kinn, 90, of Greene Hollow Road, died on Saturday, May 24, 2003 at Southwestern Vermont Medical Center in Bennington. Born in Stephentown on January 23, 1913, she was the daugther of the late Fred and Esther Brown. She was the loving wife of the late John H. Kinn, who died in 1982. Ethel was a resident of the Stephentown/Berlin area her whole life, living on Greene Hollow Road for the past 50 years. She was a communicant of Sacred Heart Church of Berlin where she was very active in church affairs. A graduate of New Lebanon Central School, Ethel worked for General Electric in Pittsfield, Mass. during World War II. She was employed for 28 years with the Henry J. Seagroatt Co. in Berlin, retiring in 1978. Survivors include a brother, Robert Oliver Brown of Defreestville, a sister in law, Margaret J. Kinn of Berlin, along with many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by siblings Helen Seagroatt, Fred Brown, Marion Winn, Harry Brown and Charles Brown. A Liturgy of Christian Death and Burial was celebrated in Sacred Heart Church in Berlin on May 28, by Rev. Kenneth Gregory, Pastor. Burial followed in the Berlin Baptist Cemetery.

Courtesy of Mike Brown


Thelma Tomlinson


Thelma O. Tomlinson, 73, of South Road, Averill Park, died Saturday, February 8, 2003, at her residence after a long battle with Lou Gehrig's Disease. Born in the Bronx, she was the daughter of Asta Pedersen Olsen of North Greenbush and the late Frank Olsen. She was the wife of Clyde H. Tomlinson. Thelma resided in West Stephentown since 1935 and was a 1949 graduate of Canton AG & Tech. Inst. She received her B.S. degree in Educaiton from Russell Sage college in 1963 and her M.S. degree in Special Education in 1967 also from Russell Sage. In 1967 she studied at the University of Oslo. Thelma had a 28 year career as a teacher, teaching for 23 years at the Miller Hill and Sand Lake Schools in the Averill Park School District. She retired in 1985. With her husband, whom she married on September 23, 1951, she operated Ananas Hus Bed & Breakfast in West Stephentown for 14 years. She was a longtime member of the West Stephentown Baptist Church and was an active Quilter. She was a member of the Q.U.I.L.T. Guild in Delmar, Yankee Pride Quilting Guild in Pittsfield, MA, and the Quilters Hall of Fame in Marion, Indiana. She was a Charter and Life Member of the Stephentown Historical Society. With a keen interest in Square Dancing and Photography, she was a former member of the Tamarac Twirler Square Dance Club, the Quadrill Square Dance Club in Pittsfield, the Albany Camera Club, the Photographic Society of America and the Berkshire Museum Camera Club in Pittsfield. Survivors, in addition to her mother and husband, include a son, Rev. Trygve and his wife, Becky Tomlinson of West Stephentown, a sister, Ragnhild Laila Alberga of Schenectady and four grandsons, Thaddaeus, Aaron, Isaac, and Ethan Tomlinson. A funeral service will be held Saturday at 10am at the West Stephentown Baptist Church. Relatives and friends are invited and may also call at the church on Friday from 4 to 8pm. Spring Interment will be in the Hillside Cemetery in West Stephentown. The family would like donations in memory of Thelma Tomlinson to be made to the West Stephentown Baptist Church, 1672 NY 43, Stephentown, NY, 12168. Arrangements are by the Perry-Komdat Funeral Chapel in Averill Park, NY.


Thelma Olsen Tomlinson's photo was sent by Joyce Stanga. She says that her grandmother, Plina Lane, taught Thelma to quilt. Note from Tina: Mrs. Tomlinson taught me to sew when I was in the seventh grade at East Nassau Central School, in East Nassau, NY Robert O. Brown


NORTH GREENBUSH Robert O. Brown, age 84, of North Greenbush passed away on April 24, 2004 at Evergreen Commons Nursing Home in East Greenbush after a brief illness. Born in Berlin, N.Y., he served his country during World War II being one of the first to land on Utah Beach. During his service, Robert was the recipient of the American Defense Service Medal, Bronze Star Medal, European-African-Middle Eastern Service Medal with Bronze Arrowhead and the Good Conduct Medal. He worked for the New York Telephone Co. until his retirement in 1983. He is survived by his wife, Hazel and predeceased by his son, Darrel. Funeral and burial in Saratoga National Cemetery, Schuylerville, N.Y. will be private. W.J. Lyons Jr. Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements, 286-3400. Condolence page at www.wjlyonsfuneralhome.com From Mike Brown: I wanted to share this obit with you as it is that of my last surviving uncle who was brother to my late grandfather, Fred Brown of Stephentown. Robert was the second to last of the children born to Fred and Edith Brown. His brothers and sisters (all deceased) were Raymond Brown, Helen Brown Seagroatt, Marion Brown Winn, Fred N. Brown, Jr. (my grandfather), Harry S. Brown, Ethel Brown Kinn, and Norman C. "Charlie" Brown.


George P. Schmich

Stephentown - George P. Schmich, 85, of Melborne Road, Pittsfield, MA died on July 19, 2001 at Berkshire Medical Center in Pittsfield. He lived in Stephentown for over 60 years until moving to Pittsfield in December of 2000. Born April 24, 1916, in New York City, he was the son of the late George H. and Emilia Rothschild Schmich. He was the husband of the former Marion E. Radershimer. They celebrated their 64th wedding announcement on February 25th. Mr. Schmich was educated in local schools. He was employed by the Rensselaer County Conservation Commission in the late 1930's before working for General Electric of Pittsfield. He then enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1945. Once honorably discharged, he rejoined General Electric where he retired in 1977 after 35 years of service. Mr Schmich was a member of I.U.E. Local 9255 where he served as shop steward and divisional steward. He was also a member of G.E. Pensioner's Club, the G.E. uarter Century Club and the Dalton American Legion. He was a well known softball pitcher in the area during the 1940's and 50's. He enjoyed reading and tending his garden. He and his wife traveled extensively throughout the United States. Survivors include his loving wife Marion, two daughters, Joan K. Taikowski of Pittsfield, Georgiana M. Russo of Voorheesville, NY, two sons, Gerald W. "Jerry" Schmich of Loveland, CA, Carl R. Schmich of Saugus, CA, one sister, Emilia Burdick and a brother Arthur W. Schmich, both of Stephentown. He is also survived by 14 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by a grandson John E. Taikowski and two brothers, Donald A. and Robert A. Schmich. Funeral services were held July 23 from the Hall and Higgins Funeral Home, 457 NY 43, Stephentown. Burial followed in Garfield Cemetery. Memorial contributions in Mr. Schmich's name may be made to the Stephentown Rescue Squad in care of the funeral home. Frederick L. Brown


PETERSBURG, N.Y. Frederick L. Brown was born October 18, 1936 in Petersburg, N.Y. In the house he built by the creek, he died with his wife by his side on June 28, 2004 to enter eternal peace. Raised on the farm in Petersburg, NY, he was son of the late Harry Spencer and Marion Babcock Brown. Frederick had attended Petersburg School District and was a graduate of Hoosick Falls High School. While in high school, Mr. Brown was a volunteer with the Civil Air Patrol as a spotter. During that time he also joined the Albany Naval Reserve. He had volunteered and was called to active duty in the US Navy in 1955. He graduated from Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Welding School as a certified welder, and served on the USS Hank DD702 as FP3 pipe-fitter from 1955-57 as peace keepers in the Suez Canal earning an honorable discharge from the US Navy. Mr. Brown worked for Fitzgerald Brewery, Troy, in merchandising and as a local salesman before being promoted to Branch Manager of the Glens Falls Branch, until the brewery closed. Mr. Brown also worked for Schaeffer Brewing Company in the New York City advertising department before transferring to Albany as a salesman, where he became a member of the President's Club for Outstanding Sales. After the brewery closed, Mr. Brown worked as a subcontractor in carpentry and plumbing before being employed as a Maintenance Mechanic Carpenter for THA, until his disability retirement in 1998. Mr. Brown was a member of the Brunswick Elks and Brunswick Sportsman Club, and the Tin Can Sailors. He enjoyed cabinet making, carpentry, hunting, fishing, and golf. In addition to his wife and best friend, Shirley A. Malone Brown, he is survived by his children; Darryl W. Brown and his wife Kim of Aurora, Ill., Scott F. Brown of Calif., Robyn L. Brown of Clifton Park, N.Y., and Mrs. Kelli Reed and her husband Jack of Waterford, N.Y. Grandfather of Tyler and Cassie Reed, and Emily Brown. Also survived by his aunt and several cousins. The funeral service will be held from the Wm. Leahy Funeral Home, 336 Third Street, Troy, on Thursday at 10 a.m. Family and friends are invited to call at the funeral home on Wednesday from 3 - 7 p.m. Interment, Meadowlawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions to Capital District Resource Foundation, c/o Samaritan Hospital Cancer Center, 2215 Burdett Avenue, Troy, NY 12180 would be appreciated. For directions and guest book, please visit www.leahy-bocketti.com

Courtesy of Mike Brown


Harry S. Brown


Harry S. Brown, 48, town supervisor of Petersburgh for seven years died suddenly, July 17, 1959, at the office of Dr. W. Peter Borecki in Petersburgh, Rensselaer County. Mr. Brown had gone to the doctors office because of indigestion and nausea about 6 pm yesterday. Born in Stephentown and the second son of the late Frederick N., Sr. and Edith Brown, and residing in Petersburgh since 1933, he had been Town Clerk before becoming Supervisor. Mr. Brown ran for the post of Rensselaer County welfare commissioner on the Democratic ticket in 1958 and was defeated by the present commissioner, Allan Dixon. While a member of the Board of Supervisors, he served on the committee for the care of orphans. He operated a feed mill for several years and for the last six years he was employed at the W.J. Cowee Woodworking Mill in Berlin. He is survived by his wife, the former Marion Babcock of Petersburgh; a son, Frederick L., of Troy; three sisters, Mrs. Walter Winn, Mrs. Albert Seagroatt, and Mrs. John Kinn all of Berlin; three brothers, Frederick N., Jr., and Norman C. both of Stephentown and Robert O., of Troy; and two grandsons, Darryl and Scott Brown.

Courtesy of Mike Brown Eva A. Goodermote Brown


Mrs. Eva A. Brown, 39, wife of Norman C. Brown of Stephentown, died Thursday afternoon, August 13, 1964, at the Pittsfield General Hospital shortly after her arrival there by the LVPA ambulance. She was born August 22, 1924 in Berlin and was the daughter of Mrs. Lillian Geerholt and the late Motice Goodermote. She had been employed by W. J. Cowee, Co., Berlin for 14 years. Surviving besides her husband and mother are on daughter, Miss Susan Brown; one brother, Harold Goodermote of Berlin; two sisters, Mrs. Addie Cahill and Mrs. Alma Oswald both of Berlin; several nieces and nephews.

Courtesy of Mike Brown Marion Brown Winn


Mrs. Marion Brown Winn, 74, of Berlin, died Friday, August 6, 1981, in her home. Born in Stephentown and a daughter of the late Fred N. and Edith Brown, she resided in Berlin for the past 45 years. Survivors include her husband, Walter E. Winn; a son, Gerald E. Winn of West Sand Lake; one brother, Robert O. Brown of Defreestville; two sisters, Mrs. Helen Seagroatt and Mrs. Ethel Kinn both of Berlin; three grandchildren; and one great grandchild; and several nieces and nephews.

Courtesy of Mike Brown Edwin A. Rollo

Obituary - transcribed from a newspaper copy by J. Wilson 7/99

Stephentown

Death of Mr. Edwin A. Rollo

The unexpected decease of Mr. Edwin A. Rollo, which occurred at his home at Stephentown, NY on the morning of Thursday, 17th of this month, is another added to the long list of sudden deaths which will make the spring of 1884 on long to be remembered here. Mr. Rollo was one of those characters that seem to take root in their native place and grow with the growth of it. He had its interests always at heart, and his sudden taking off is a misfortune that all will feel.

The deceased was the son of the well known Deacon Apollos Rollo of of Stephentown, a man whose rigid virtues and iron strength of will made him a power in the land. He was the only surviving one of five children, who lived to a mature age. Like many another one possessing slender physique and a fragile stock of bodily strength he had a wonderful power of endurance and made the most of the life given him. He knew his own constitution thoroughly. If a day of sickness laid him up he had needful remedies at hand and soon made himself well again.

Only a few days were lacking to his 76th birthday when he died. On the fatal morning he got up seeming to be as well as usual. He ate his breakfast and with good appetite and was bright and cheerful, planning a visit o business matters to Pittsfield with a man on the next Saturday. An hour or two afterward, the household, who had gone about their work were attracted to his room by the sound of groans. They found him lying on his bed with his hand pressed to his stomach, apparently suffering terrible agony. He was then well-nigh unconscious, unable to speak except a few broken sentences concerning the pain he was in. A physician was summoned. In the meantime applications of hot water were made with but small relief to the sufferer. The spasms of pain in the stomach grew more intense, and when the physician came he was in his death agony. With a last effort the dying man drew his feet up out of the water, the blood rushed black and swollen to his head, he threw up his hands and so expired.

Mr. Rollo had never married. Of late years he had living with him on his homestead a nephew, John Augustus Rollo, who with his wonderfully bright and talented little family, made a home in the truest sense of the word for the beloved uncle. It is not alone in that home he will be missed; upright by nature, just in deed, of a wonderfully sweet, sympathetic disposition his name was spoken everywhere with respect and affection. He made friends of everyone with whom he dealt. His active business habits drew him far and wide and even little children, in remote places, met him on the roadside and looked for the pleasant greeting which never failed to come. He was the friend and counsellor of all who needed help. His charity was wide and deep, but silent. Poor women, struggling for a livelihood and without friends, found one sure in him. His word went true. He never failed and what more can we say of him than this. About his memory cluster some of the sweetest thoughts that we can give the dead. Peace be with him.

Mr. Rollo was buried on Sunday, the 20th of April, from the Presbyterian church of Stephentown, a church of which he has been for many years a helpful and influential member. Tuesday was one exceptionally fine, bright and warm. The pastor Rev. Mr. Dodd, made the services brief but impressive and the house was filled with an attentive audience. Especially did the pastor speak of the dead man's beautiful life of charity,o of his many good deeds done silently, as one that arises and gives quietly in the night, lest the day shall know of it, and last of all of his exquisitely sweet and womanlike character of sympathy with all in distress who applied to him.

In politics Mr. Rollo was a Republican Faithful follower, if not a leader of his party. The large fortune which he accumulated as much by thrift and keen business powers as by his well known trade of cattle dealer, will be divided among a large family of relatives, mostly nieces and nephews, many of whom were unfortunately prevented by distance and other causes from being present to the the last sad honors to his dust. MWC

Contributed by Joanna Wilson William Houghtling


From The Berkshire Evening Eagle (Pittsfield, MA), 3 July 1947 ---

W. C. Houghtling Dies at 82

HINSDALE--William C. Hought- ling, 82, died about noon yesterday at his home on the Washington Road, following a long illness. He has been a resident of Hinsdale for two years and lived with his son and daughter-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Charles S. Houghtling. He was born in Stephentown, N.Y., but spent most of his life in Dalton, where he engaged in farm- ing. His wife, Martha, died about 18 years ago. Besides his son in Hinsdale, sur- vivors include two other sons, John and William A., both of Dalton; one daughter, Mrs. Alfred Atten- boro, also of Dalton; two sisters, Mrs. Nellie Reed of Springfield, and Mrs. Lela Clark of Pittsfield, amd several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at 2 Saturday afternoon at the Bart- lett Funeral Home, Dalton, with Rev. Samuel R. Swift, pastor of the Congregational Church here, officiating. Burial will be in the Main Street Cemetery, Dalton. The family will meet friends at the fu- neral home from 2 to 4 PM and 7 to 9 PM today and tomorrow. (Son of Nelson and Serpeta Strait Houghtling)

Contributed by Beverly Houghtling

JOHN HOTALING


The Berkshire Evening Eagle, 3 December 1951 ---

John Hotaling John Hotaling, 60, died at his home last evening after a long illness. Mr. Hotaling had resided in Dalton for 33 years. He retired from the General Electric Company three years ago. He was a native of Stockbridge. Mr. Hotaling was a member of the Medthodist Church and the GE's Quarter Century Club. He leaves his wife, the former Louise Girardey; a son, John, of Dalton (This should be Dayton, OH.); a daughter, Mrs. Francis Converse; and a sister, Mrs. Jane Watkins, all of Dalton, and four grandchildren. Funeral services will be held tomorrow at 2 PM in the Bartlett Funeral Home, with Rev. David I. Livingstone officiating. The family will meet friends at the funeral home tonight. (son of William and Martha Waterman Houghtling of Stephentown) Contributed by Beverly Houghtling, whose husband is the grandson of John Hotaling

Richard G. Senter


STEPHENTOWN Richard G. Senter, 72, of Staples Road died on Tuesday, September 7, 2004 at his residence. An influential esquire of Stephentown has passed his legacy to the next generations. Richard (Dick) Senter, a man of probity, devoted his life to the stewardship of the land that he loved. His imposing personality will be remembered by all he encountered throughout his full life. Born to John Elliott and Frances Nicholson Senter on August 11, 1932, he graduated from Averill Park High School, and served his country in the U.S. Navy during the Korean Conflict. After his honorable discharge, he returned to the family businesses of farming, lumbering and saw milling. Survived by his daughters, Lorraine Zwinge of Fla., Diana Thomas of East Greenbush, Cynthia Blair of Fla., Linda McFee of East Greenbush; nephews John R. Senter, Anson C. Senter and Edgar L. Senter, all of Maine and Roger O. Senter of N.H. Also surviving are the wives of his predeceased brothers, Edgar E. Senter and John W. Senter; several grandchildren, great-grandchildren; and cousins. Graveside services for those wishing to attend will be held at The Senter Family Cemetery on Route 43 across from Staples Road in Stephentown on Saturday at 2 p.m. with Rev. Trygve Tomlinson officiating. For guest book, please visit: www.hall-higgins.com


Edward Siek


Edward C. Siek

CHERRY PLAIN, N.Y. -- Edward C. Siek, 87, formerly of Hanson's Trailer Park, died Wednesday at Northwoods at Rosewood Gardens in East Greenbush.


Born in Berlin on July 11, 1917, son of John P. and Jeannette Spencer Siek, he graduated with the last class of the former Berlin High School.


A World War II veteran, he served in the Army Air Corps from 1942 to 1945. He was overseas for 27 months before his honorable discharge.

Mr. Siek was employed by Walter C. Sykes Inc. General Store in Stephentown from 1954 until retiring in 1996.

He and his wife, the former Sarah Feathers, were married in Eagle Mills on Aug. 29, 1946. She died Nov. 8, 1998.

He leaves a son, James E. Siek of Cohoes; three daughters, Judith A. Siek of West Sand Lake, Mary K. Sheline of New Lebanon and Pamela J. Steiner of Cheshire, Mass.; 11 grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren.


FUNERAL NOTICE -- Services for Edward C. Siek, who died Wednesday, April 27, 2005, will be Tuesday morning, May 2, at 10 at HALL & HIGGINS FUNERAL HOME, 457 NY43, Stephentown. Burial, with full military honors, will follow in Center Berlin Cemetery. Relatives and friends are invited to the funeral home on Monday, May 2, from 5 to 8 for visitation. For directions and guest book, visit www.hall-higgins.com. Mr. Siek also leaves a daughter-in-law, Sandra Siek, and two nephews, Robert Hart and Paul Hart of Georgia. He was predeceased by his sister, Helen M. Hart, and a nephew, David Hart. His great love was of his family. He enjoyed his cat "Ode," his rose bushes and TV game shows.

Courtesy of Mike Brown

Erving Larkin


Erving Larkin EAST NASSAU - Erving D. Larkin, 70, of Route 66, Hoags Corners died suddenly on Sunday July 24, 2005, at his residence. Born in Hoags Corners, he was the son of the late Erving E. Larkin and Elaine Saxby Larkin Ketchum and stepson of the late Harry "Red" Ketchum. Erving was a lifelong resident of the Hoags Corners area and was retired from Hudson Valley Community College where he worked in the maintenance department. Survivors include a son, Fred E. (Johnnie) Larkin of Ontario, CA; a daughter Sarah (Robert) Allgood of New Lebanon; four grandchildren; two great- grandchildren and several cousins. Relatives and friends are invited to attend a graveside service at 9 a.m. Thursday at the Hoags Corners Cemetery on Dunham Hollow Road, Hoags Corners. If desired, donations in memory of Erving D. Larkin may be made to the Hoags Corners Ambulance, PO Box 90, East Nassau 12062 or the Hoags Corners Fire Dept., PO Box 218, East Nassau 12062. Arrangements by the Perry-Komdat Funeral Chapel, Inc. Marjorie Stanley Hicks


Wednesday July 27, 2005

Marjorie M. Hicks, 94; owned lumber business Obituaries


WEST LEBANON, N.Y. -- Marjorie M. Hicks, 94, of US Route 20 died Wednesday evening at Berkshire Medical Center in Pittsfield, Mass. Born in Hoags Corner on Oct. 28, 1910, daughter of Raymond E. and Florence A. Tifft Stanley, she was a graduate of New Lebanon High School.

She and her husband, Harold B. Hicks, owned and operated Harry B. Hicks Lumber Co., which was established by her father-in-law in 1929, from 1946 until 1978, when ownership was assumed by their son. She was then employed by HL Fuel until her recent illness six weeks ago.

Mrs. Hicks was a member of the New Lebanon Congregational Church and a former Sunday school teacher. She was a member of the Eastern Star for more than 50 years, the Lebanon Valley Women's Club, both the Lebanon Valley and Canaan Seniors, and the Republican Party. She also served as town clerk in New Lebanon, a position her husband held, while he served in the Merchant Marines.

She enjoyed music, dancing, cooking and baking.

Her husband, whom she married Oct. 27, 1932, in Stephentown, died July 26, 1988.

She leaves a son, Harry R. Hicks of West Lebanon.

FUNERAL NOTICE -- Services for Marjorie M. Hicks will be Tuesday at noon from the New Lebanon Congregational Church, Routes 20 and 22. Interment will follow in the Cemetery of the Evergreens in Lebanon Springs. Relatives and friends are invited to the HALL & HIGGINS FUNERAL HOME, 457 NY 43, Stephentown, on Monday from 4 to 7 for visitation. Memorial contributions may be made to the New Lebanon Congregational Church Memorial Fund. For condolence page, visit www.hall-higgins.com. She was predeceased by a sister, Mabel A. Stanley. Amelia Kittle

An Estimable Lady Who Died Tuesday at Her Home at Sand Lake

Troy, March 20 – one of the oldest, best known and most highly esteemed ladies of Rensselaer county passed from life Tuesday when Mrs. Amelia A. Kittle answered the death summons at her home at Sand Lake. She was born in Columbia county 80 years ago and during the past 52 years had resided at Sand Lake. She was a member of the Baptist Church and a possessor of those loveable womanly traits which endeared her to all who enjoyed her acquaintance. The near surviving relatives are three daughters, Mrs. Mrs. Albert Shufelt of Granville; Mrs. John A. Reid of Troy, and Mrs. Gilbert Miller of Sand Lake; five sons, Undertaker Frank H. Kittle of Troy; Franklin P., of Cohoes; James A., of Watervliet; William H., of Mohawk; and Milton W. of Averill Park, and several grandchildren. Her husband was the late Francis Kittle. The funeral will be attended from the late home at 2 o’clock Sunday afternoon and interment will be in the Sand Lake Cemetery.

Notes: Records vary for Amelia’s year of birth. She was reported to be - in the 1850 Census – age 20; in the 1875 Census – age 48; and, listed as - born in 1826; died in 1908 - in Tina Ordone’s genealogy – “Family Tree Maker’s Genealogy Site: Descendants of Edward Kettell.” Children of Francis and Amelia are listed as: Olive or Helen; Francis H. b. 1848; Mary E. b. 1849; Julia b. 1851; Franklin P. b. 1851; d. 1931; William b. 1856 (his obituary says b. July 2, 1857); Ida M. b. 1858; d. 1939; m. Gilbert Miller; Milton W. b. 1861; d. 1913; & Charles Arba b. October 1865; d. January 19, 1867 – 1yr, 3mos. At death.

William H. Kittle

Mohawk – William H. Kittle Died Suddenly

Owner of Only Farm With in Corporation Limits of Village Was Fighting Floods

Mohawk, Feb. 27. – William H. Kittle, owner of the only farm within the corporation limits of Mohawk, dropped dead under an apple tree in his orchard between 9:30 and 10 o’clock last evening, following a day of strenuous labor on account of the flooded conditions existing at the upper end of Columbia street. Heart trouble brought on death. Yesterday afternoon the rain that had been falling steadily all day raised the level of the small creeks in the vicinity so that it flowed over the sidewalks on the Kittle property and entered the cellar of the house just east of the Kittle residence occupied by C. C. Taylor, county farm bureau manager. Mr. Kittle owned this house and, after working all afternoon, he went into the cellar to help his tenant protect the property against the water. He left about 9:30 and half hour later Mr. Taylor found his lifeless body in the orchard. Dr. H. T. Crough was summoned and after an examination decided that death had come suddenly from heart trouble. During the day the deceased had appeared unusually well and in good spirits. Mr. Kittle was born in Stephentown, Rensselaer county, July 2, 1857, the son of Franklin Kittle and Amelia Williams. He learned the spinning trade at the age of nine years and at 14 was employed at Middleville as a boss spinner. Thirty-eight years ago he married Cora Tuttle and came to Mohawk to live, being then employed in the Marks mill at Herkimer. Sixteen years ago they came to live in the old Tuttle homestead, corner of Columbia and Henry streets. Since that time Mr. Kittle had followed the occupation of farming both here and at another farm on Putt’s Hill east of the village. In politics the deceased was a staunch Democrat. He had been a member of the local board of health and at the time of his death was serving as a cemetery commissioner. There survive his wife and one son, Marvin J. Kittle, and three grandchildren. Arrangements for the funeral have not been completed.

Notes: William and Cora Kittle had two sons, - Marvin J. and Roy Burton Kittle. Roy was b. January 12, 1886 and died April 21, 1911. He’d died very suddenly, probably of complications of pneumonia, leaving a wife ( Louise Van Allen – m. June 30, 1908; dau. Of Mr. & Mrs. Philo Van Allen of Little Falls, NY) and a seven month old son – William Robert.

Sent in by

Lois O'Sullivan

William P. Kittle

Obituary – William P. Kittle August 29, 1895 (handwritten at top of clipping) – The death of William P. Kittle, eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Kittle of Middleville, occurred Thursday morning of last week at Mohawk where he was on a visit to his grand parents, Mr. and Mrs. Jerome Tuttle. Heart failure was the cause of death. The deceased was 16 years of age and was regarded as one of Middleville’s most popular young men. His happy disposition won for him many friends who deeply mourn his departure. Mr. Kittle was a member of the graduating class of ’96, Middleville Union School, and also a member of the West Canada Base-ball Club of that village. He was very much devoted to athletic sports and took much delight in their participation. The funeral was held at Mohawk last Saturday afternoon and largely attended. The sympathy of the community is extended to his parents, who are nearly heartbroken by their bereavement.

  1. 2 - Obituary for William P. Kittle –

The sad news of the death of Will P. Kittle, son of Mr. & Mrs. W. H. Kittle of this village, was received from Mohawk Thursday afternoon. He had been there on a visit to his grand-parents, Mr. and Mrs. J. Tuttle. Mr. Kittle has been in Mohawk for about two weeks and was taken ill a few days after his arrival there. It was thought, however, he was recovering from his sickness and his father had expectations of bringing him to his home here on Saturday last. Heart failure was the cause of his death. The deceased was 16 years of age. He was a member the W.C. baseball club of this village. He was a favorite in school circles and was very adept in his studies. He was of a jolly disposition, which tended to make him regarded as one of the brightest and most popular young men. To the heartbroken parents the sympathy of the entire community is extended.

  1. 3 Obituary for William P. Kittle –

This morning occurred the death of Wm. P. Kittle, son of Wm. Kittle of Middleville. He had been for some time at his grandfather’s in Mohawk, and was there taken sick with something akin to diphtheria. He was about 16 years old, bright, active and generous to a fault. Much regret and sympathy is expressed.


Roy Burton Kittle

Obituary – Roy B. Kittle – April 20, 1911

Mohawk Loses Esteemed Resident – Roy B. Kittle Succumbs to Pneumonia After Brief Illness – Death Shock to Community – Masonic Lodge Conducted the Funeral

A distinct shock to the community was the sudden death late Thursday of one of this village’s most highly esteemed young men Roy Kittle. Death came unexpectedly, following a brief illness and its sudden and fatal termination makes more keen to relatives and friends their loss. Taken ill Saturday last, pneumonia developed and the progress of the disease baffled medical skill and the care of loving relatives and friends, the end coming shortly after five o’clock. The deceased was born in the town of German Flatts, near Mohawk, January 12, 1886, being in the 26th year of his age. He was the son of Mr. and Mrs. William H. Kittle on Columbia Street, Mohawk, and with the exception of tow years spent in Middleville, had always resided in this village, being a graduate of the High School and member of the Mohawk H. S> Alumni Association. For two years he had been a valued employee of the Remington Arms Co., and seven years previous to that in the employee of the Remington Typewriter Co. Of sterling character and highest integrity, he was of a genial, pleasing disposition and popular with all who enjoyed his acquaintance, his friends being legion. June 20, 1908 he was united in marriage to Miss Louise, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Philo Van Allen of Little Falls, and they erecting a new home in Henry street, beside that of his parents, took up their residence here, their married life being a most happy one. Seven months ago a little son named William Robert came to gladden their home. Beside there survives his parents and a brother, Marvin Kittle, of Mohawk, and they will have the sympathy of all in their hour of deep affliction. The funeral of the deceased was held Sunday at 2 o’clock from the home of his parents in Columbia street, Mohawk. The attendance was exceptionally large, many gathering to pay this last tribute of respect to the deceased. Rev. C. W. Kinney, pastor of the Reformed Church, preached the sermon. Mohawk Valley Lodge F. & A. M. attended in a body and Worshipful Master Fred N. Graves conducted the committal service of the order. The shopmates of the deceased attended in a body wearing badges, inscribed “Assemblers Dept. 28, Remington Arms & Ammunition Co.”. There was a profusion of floral tributes among them a pillow from the family, anchor from the brother, a __?__from his lodge bearing the emblems of the order, and a harp from his shopmates. The bearers were Charles Johnson, Charles Firman, Leon Warner, Charles Ford, Carl Smith, George Cook. Interment was made in Mohawk Cemetery.

  1. 2 – Obituary for Roy Burton Kittle

MOHAWK – Roy Burton Kittle

Mohawk, April 21, 1911 – Roy Burton Kittle, Aged 24, died at his home on Henry street yesterday afternoon of pneumonia. Mr. Kittle’s illness was brief and his death will be sincerely mourned, as he was well liked and highly respected. Mr. Kittle was born January 12, 1886, in German Flatts and excepting two years spent in Middleville had always lived here. He was a member of Mohawk High School Association and of the Mohawk Masonic Lodge. June 30, 1908, Mr. Kittle was married to Louise, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Philo Van Allen of Little Falls, the wedding occurring at that place. He built a home beside that of his parents in the southern extremity of the village. Mr. Kittle had been employed in the Remington Arms Company’s plant at Ilion the past two years and previous to that was a valued employee of the Typewriter Works for seven years. He is survived by his wife, one son, William Robert, aged seven months; his parents, brother Marvin. The funeral will be held Sunday afternoon at 2 o’clock from the late home and will be in charge of the Mohawk Masonic Lodge.


The Kittle obits above were sent in by Lois O'Sullivan

Dorothy Hoffman Moon Miner


Dorothy M. Miner NORTH ADAMS -- Dorothy Mae Moon Miner, 90, of Village East, 546 Mohawk Trail, died yesterday at home. Born in Stephentown, N.Y., on April 27, 1915, daughter of John H. and Eunice White Hoffman, she attended schools there. Mrs. Miner was a homemaker. She lived in Hancock for several years before moving to North Adams in 1956. She was a member of First Baptist Church and enjoyed nature and her flower gardens. Her first husband, Roy Moon, died in July 1945. Her husband, Avery Miner, died in 1976. She leaves four daughters, Thelma Eunice Moon LaPier, of Hancock, Gloria J. Moon Sprague of North Adams, and twin daughters, Kathleen G. Miner Langnickel of Adams and Constance L. Miner McKenzie of New Lebanon, N.Y.; a son, Carl D. Moon Sr. of Readsboro, Vt.; a sister, Ruth Atwater of Stephentown, N.Y.; a brother, William Hoffman of Cherry Plain, N.Y.; 15 grandchildren; several great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren. Two other daughters, Joyce Morin and infant Patricia Moon, died Sept. 17, 1989 and in 1938, respectively. FUNERAL NOTICE -- Services for Dorothy Mae Moon Miner will be conducted Tuesday, Sept. 6, 2005, at 11 at First Baptist Church in North Adams by the Rev. Joseph DeCosta, pastor. Burial will follow in Southview Cemetery. Calling hours will be Monday from 4 to 7 at FLYNN & DAGNOLI-MONTAGNA HOME FOR FUNERALS, West Chapels, 521 West Main St., North Adams. Donations may be made to First Baptist Church in care of the funeral home. Survivors include a son-in-law, Kenneth Sprague. A grandson, Michael Morin, died in 1999. A sister and brother, Florence Crosier and John Hoffman are deceased. She was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother.

Published in The Berkshire Eagle on 9/3/2005. This obituary was sent to me by Aunt Dorothy's daughter, Connie. Roy Moon, her first husband was my grandmother's brother. Connie wrote: " am writing to let you know of my mother's passing. Kathy and I stayed with her Thursday evening and into the early morning hours yesterday. She passed away at 1:30 a.m. at home on Friday, September 2. She died of congestive heart failure. Her heart had weakened, and her kidneys had shut down. She had been admitted to the hospital 6 weeks before for an infection in her blood. From there she spent 4 weeks at Sweet Brook nursing home in Williamstown. She insisted on going home. It may not have been the best for her, but I knew how important it was to her that she go home once more. She lasted one week at home. She was extremely strong-willed up to the end and would not allow us to get a hospital bed. She insisted on being in the twin bed that once was mine many, many years ago."

Please read more about Dorothy and Roy. Hazel Wolcott Koepp


NEW LEBANON, N.Y. -- Hazel Koepp, 88, of Main Street, Lebanon Springs, died yesterday at home.

Born in Nassau, N.Y., on Oct. 6, 1917, daughter of LeRoy and Libbie Horton Wolcott, she graduated in 1933 from New Lebanon Central High School and attended Albany Business College.

Mrs. Koepp was the bookkeeper for Darrow School, retiring in 1980 after 17 years of service. Before that, she worked at Tilden Pharmaceutical Co.

She was a member of First Baptist Church of Lebanon Springs, serving on its missionary board, and as clerk and treasurer. She was a Pioneer Girl Leader and a member of the Ladies' Fellowship, a founding member of the Alumni Association of New Lebanon Central High School, and served as treasurer and board member for the Cemetery of the Evergreens.

She and her husband, William R. Koepp, were married at their home on July 24, 1940. He died Aug. 13, 1964.

She leaves a daughter, Ruth H. Post of Lebanon Springs, with whom she resided; three sons, William F. Koepp of Olympia, Wash., David W. Koepp of Clinton Corners, N.Y., and Raymond Murray of Pleasant Valley, N.Y., and 12 grandchildren.

FUNERAL NOTICE -- The funeral for Hazel Wolcott Koepp, who died Friday, Dec. 30, 2005, will be conducted Wednesday at 7 p.m. at HALL & HIGGINS FUNERAL HOME by the Rev. James Knox. Interment will be in the spring in the Cemetery of the Evergreens. Relatives and friends may call at the funeral home Wednesday from 4 until the service. Memorial donations may be made to First Baptist Church of Lebanon Springs, the Cemetery of the Evergreens or the Alumni Association of NLCHS, all in care of the funeral home, 457 NY 43, Stephentown, NY 12168. She had a love of language that she passed on to her children, kept journals and wrote uplifting letters to relatives and friends. She also leaves 12 grandchildren, William F. Koepp Jr., Vicki Wilson, Penny Dow, Myrna Harding, Daniel, Jesse and Brenda Koepp, Olivia and Amanda Post, and Nancy, Charles and Michael Murray. She was predeceased by three brothers, Douglas, Gerald and Rodney Wolcott.

Note: Mrs. Koepp was instrumental in the publishing of "The Sequax", an alumni newsletter for the graduates of New Lebanon Central School. She was a lovely lady and well loved.


Kenneth G. Koepp


NEW LEBANON, N.Y. -- Kenneth Gilbert Koepp, 82, of Wyomanock Road died Tuesday from injuries received in an automobile accident on Route 22 in New Lebanon.

Born in Halfmoon, N.Y., on Dec. 29, 1922, son of Richard F. and Wilhelmina Symanzik Koepp, he graduated in 1941 from New Lebanon Central High School and in 1943 from New York State Aviation School in Utica.

An Army veteran of World War II, he entered the service on Aug. 6, 1943. He was trained as an airplane mechanic at Fort Sill, Okla., and assigned to the 210th Headquarters Field Artillery Group. He served in Europe with the 9th Army and was honorably discharged April 6, 1946, with the rank of technical sergeant.

Mr. Koepp owned and operated Gideon Equipment Co. in West Lebanon, which sold logging cranes. Before that, he worked at Avery Tractor Co. in Hancock, making Samson backhoes.

He was a member of the Veterans of Stephentown, Nassau Veterans of Foreign Wars 8162 and the American Legion.

He and his wife, the former Ruth H. Avery, celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary May 12.

Besides his wife, he leaves a daughter, Sharon Adams of Simpsonville, S.C.; two sons, Paul Koepp of Carrollton, Texas, and Jonathan Koepp of Stephentown; a brother, Arthur Koepp of Stephentown; a sister, Helen Koepp of Stephentown, and five grandchildren.

FUNERAL NOTICE -- Kenneth Gilbert Koepp died Tuesday, Dec. 27, 2005. Relatives and friends are invited to HALL & HIGGINS FUNERAL HOME on Monday from 3 to 7 for visitation. Graveside services with full military honors will be in the spring at the Cemetery of the Evergreens, Lebanon Springs. Memorial donations may be made to the Veterans of Stephentown in care of the funeral home, P.O. Box 9, Stephentown, NY 12168. He also leaves a son-in-law, Jerry Adams; a daughter-in-law, Judy Koepp of Carrollton; five grandchildren, Robert Adams of Rochester, N.Y., David Adams of Colonie, N.Y., Aaron Koepp of Dallas, Julie Birdseye of Denton, Texas, and Joel Koepp of Carrollton, along with many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a granddaughter, Becky Adams, and by two brothers, William and Edward Koepp. David G. Oaks



January 15, 1851 La Porte Indiana DEATH: On the 29th of December 1850, our much esteemed friend and brother, David G Oaks, after a long and painful illness, quitted the 'earthly house of this tabernacle" and as we most firmly believe, entered into possession of the "building of god in the heavens." Our departed brother was born at Stephentown (Stephentown), Rennselaer County, State of New York, April 16th ???? made a public profession of religion in the year 1835? Entered upon the work of the ministry and became a member of the annual Conference of the Methodist Protestant Church in the city of New York in 1836. He came to this state in 1837. At the first organization of the Michigan Conference of that body, he became a member thereof, removing his membership from New York, and ever since to the time of his departure, with but a few exceptions, his whole life, even to the sacrifice of his natural life, was in the holy world of his choice...... (unreadable). David G Oaks b. April 16, 1800 d. Dec 29, 1850 Parents: Stephen and Experience (Goodell ) Oaks

History of La Porte County A log church was built on section 10, in 1844, which afterwards caught fire and burned down. It was built by the Methodists and was called Hickory Chapel. Wiley B Mack was the first minister who officiated within its walls. He was succeeded by Rev Mr Oakes.

Terry Schliewe tks1952@comcast.net

Elmer & Elizabeth Conklin

Edward M. Sutherland COLONIE

Edward M. Sutherland, 87, of Magnolia, Del. and formerly of Colonie, died Monday, January 30, 2006 at his home. Mr. Sutherland was born on February 5, 1918 in Stephentown and was the son of the late Paul and Anna Hill Sutherland. Mr. Sutherland worked in the heating and air conditioning sheet metal trade. He was a member of the Sheet Metal Workers Union #83 in Albany and became the person who did much of the specialty projects that gained him much respect from his fellow workers. He was a member of the Modern Maturity Center in Dover and the Wyoming Methodist Church in Wyoming, Del. He was an avid golfer, enjoyed shooting pool at Modern Maturity, bowling at Dover Rama on two leagues, landscaping around his home and helping others. He was an avid reader and loved to read about so many places around the world. He loved the Adirondack Mountains, where he took his family camping many times in his younger years. He loved trout fishing and hunting in his early days. He was a man of many talents and was a master of several. He was a man who never would waste time in achieving his goals. At 87 years old, his last adventure was a cruise to Alaska with his daughter and son-in-law in June of 2005. He will never, ever be forgotten by his family and friends. Mr. Sutherland is survived by his son, Jeal E. Sutherland and his wife Jenise of Schenectady; his daughter, Donna L. Egerson and her husband Stan of Camden, Del.; five grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife, Carole B. Taylor Sutherland. Funeral services will be held on Saturday at 1:00 p.m. at New Comer-Cannon Family Funeral Home, 343 New Karner Road, Colonie (Rt. 155 - south of Central Ave). Interment will follow in Memory's Garden in Colonie. Calling hours will be held one hour prior to the service, 12-1 p.m.

Sent in by Mike Brown M. Jean Eckhardt


Stephentown - M. Jean Eckhardt, 75, wife of George Eckhardt, Jr., died Wednesday January 25, 2006, at Zephyrhills Hospital in Florida from complications caused by Parkinson’s disease. Born November 14, 1930, to Irene Osborne MacDougall and Albert MacDougall in Springfield West, Prince Edward Island, Canada, Jean immigrated to the US in 1945 when her father died. She graduated from Norwell High School, Norwell, MA, in 1949 and worked as a secretary for Dun and Bradstreet in Boston. Jean married George Eckhardt, Jr. on October 27, 1951, in Norwell, MA, and spent several years living in various locations in New England and at the Fort Benning Army Base in Georgia. The Eckhardts moved to Stephentown in May of 1959 to begin working on the farm they eventually purchased. Jean was active as a 4-H leader and in Farm Bureau. She enjoyed painting, photography, bowling, traveling and even spent time coon hunting with other area enthusiasts. Most important, Jean spent a lifetime caring for her husband, children, extended family, farm employees and farm critters and tending her beloved flower and vegetable gardens. Most recently, Jean and George have spent the winter months enjoying retirement in Florida and the warmer summer months helping at the family farm in Stephentown. Although Parkinson’s may have slowed her both physically and mentally, Jean kept her family close in her heart, and her thoughts to the very end were always on their lives and not hers. Besides her husband of 54 years, she leaves five children, Martin and his wife Kathy of Hempstead, NC, Larry and his wife Heather at the family farm in Stephentown, Alan and his wife Donna of Stephentown, Elizabeth (Beth) Eckhardt of Lansingburgh, NY, and Philip of Troy, NY, and five grandchildren. Jean also leaves her siblings, Reginald MacDougall of Medina, OH, Erma Giglio of Gloucester, MA, and Freda Milley of Hingham, MA, and numerous nieces and nephews. There will be no calling hours. Cremation will take place in Florida. A memorial service will be held sometime in the spring in Stephentown. As were Jean’s wishes, burial will be in Bethel Community Cemetery next to her father in O’Leary, PEI, Canada. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Parkinson’s Foundation or your local Association for Retarded Citizens in care of Hall & Higgins Funeral Home, PO Box 9, Stephentown, NY, 12168.

Sent in by Mike Brown Diadama Brown Persons


Elizabeth Williams Houghtling


DALTON -- Elizabeth A. Houghtling, 92, died Friday at Craneville Place.

Born in New Lebanon, N.Y., on Aug. 25, 1911, daughter of Alexander H. and Gracia A. Hassan Williams, she was educated there. She had formerly resided on Third Avenue in Lansingburgh, N.Y.

Mrs. Houghtling was employed by Emma Willard School in Troy, N.Y., as supervisor of the laundry department for more than 49 years, retiring in 1991.

Her husband, Spencer Houghtling, is deceased.

She leaves her caregiver, Trudy Dingman of Pittsfield, and several nieces and nephews.

FUNERAL NOTICE -- The funeral for Elizabeth Houghtling, who died April 30, 2004, will be Wednesday at 1 at Garfield Cemetery in Garfield. There will be no public calling hours. She was predeceased by her siblings, Lottie Brown, Bessie Face, Joseph Williams, Clarence Delbert Williams, James Emerson Williams, Hamilton Williams, Cora Hughes and Emma Williams. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to LARKIN FUNERAL HOME, 8 Beach Lane, Averill Park, N.Y. Published in The Berkshire Eagle on 5/3/2004.


Harold R. Sherman, Jr.


New Lebanon - Harold R. Sherman, Jr., 80, formerly of New Lebanon, died on Friday, July 7, 2006, at Columbia Memorial Hospital under the care of Community Hospice of Columbia/Greene. Born December 6, 1925, in Springfield, MA, he was the son of the late Harold and Loretta Warner Sherman. He was the loving husband of the former Evelyn M. Walker whom he married on August 17, 1946. Mr. Sherman was a United States Navy veteran serving during World War II. He was employed by Local No 7 Plumbers & Steamfitters in Albany for many years and also served as Deacon of the New Lebanon Congregational Church. Survivors include his wife Evelyn, children, Harold “Sandy” Sherman of Saratoga, Evelyn “Tootsie” Kivlen of North Port, FL, and Roger Sherman of New Lebanon, and a sister, Dorothy Wilson of Peru, MA, along with four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. He was pre-deceased by a son, Robert A. Sherman. Funeral services and inurnment will be at the Cemetery of the Evergreens in Lebanon Springs on Saturday, July 15, at noon. Arrangements are under the direction of Hall & Higgins Funeral Home of Stephentown.


Rosetta F. Sedgwick


Berlin - Rosetta F. Sedgwick, 88, a resident of Convent Avenue, Bennington, VT, and New Smyrna Beach. FL, died Thursday, July 6, 2006, at Southwestern Vermont Medical Center following a brief illness. Born in East Nassau, NY, January 9, 1918, she was the daughter of the late Adolphus and Mary (Bartlett) Face. She received her early education in the East Nassau schools and was a graduate of New Lebanon High School. She later attended Canton Tech in Canton, NY, where she became a registered dietician before attending Russell Sage College in Troy, NY, where she obtained both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Rosetta married George Oliver Sedgwick, Jr. on August 31, 1939, in Greenville, SC. Mr. Sedgwick died December 23, 1985. For seventeen years Mrs. Sedgwick served as a special education teacher and coordinator for the Berlin Central School District. She had earned the “Teacher of the Year” award during her time there. Mr. and Mrs. Sedgwick also owned and operated the Ranch Tavern Inn in Berlin from 1956 until 1982. Rosetta was a devout member of the Church of Our Savior in Lebanon Springs, NY, St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Bennington and Saint Paul’s Episcopal Church in New Smyrna Beach. She was an avid reader, enjoyed golf and the company of her many friends. She was also active in the Berlin Garden Club in earlier years and was a long standing member of the Mt. Anthony Country Club in Bennington. Survivors include four children, Philip Sedgwick and his wife Donna of Little Compton, RI, George O. Sedgwick III of Florida, Paula Sedgwick Stewart of Boynton Beach, FL, and Michael Sedgwick and his wife Lynn of Bennington, nine grandchildren, Leanne Sedgwick, Allison Alexander, Heidi Stewart, Carolyn Sedgwick, Nikki Johnston, Sarah Perna, Eric Sedgwick, Anne Stewart and Alice Sedgwick, nine great-grandchildren, a sister, Dorothy Williams of New Smyrna Beach, FL, a brother, William Leon Face of Natural Bridge, NY, several nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, grand-nephews and cousins. Mrs. Sedgwick was pre-deceased by two sisters and four brothers, Mary Flood, Sue Herrick, George Face, Floyd Face, Earlston Face and Joseph Face. The funeral was held from St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Bennington on Wednesday, July 12, at 10 am where the Burial Office with Holy Eucharist was offered by Rev. Anita Schell Lambert, Rector. Friends called at the Mahar & Son Funeral Home on Tuesday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 pm when the family was in attendance. Private committal services will take place in Berlin Community Cemetery at the convenience of the family. Should friends desire, contributions in Mrs. Rosetta Sedgwick’s memory may be made to the American Lung Association through the office of the Mahar & Son Funeral Home, 628 Main Street, Bennington, VT, 05201. Asta Olsen


Angie Vanderbogart



Clarence Peterson


James Saxby


Janette Vanderbogart


Kenneth Walther


Marian Hunt


Milton Culver


Ruth French


Lottie Brown

The following obits were given to us by Claire Wheeler:

Joseph A. Face, Jr.


Joseph Face, Sr.

Stephentown - May 18, 1990 - Funeral services for Joseph A. Face, Sr., 86, of South Stephentown Road, Stephentown, who died Friday at Berkshire Medical Center, Pittsfield, Mass., were today at 11am at the Hall and Higgins Funeral Home, Stephentown. The Rev. Richard Lewis of the Hancock Baptist Church, Hancock, Mass., and the Rev. Trygve C. Tomlinson, of the West Stephentown Baptist Church, officiated. Internment was in East Nassau Cemetery. Born Dec. 25, 1903 in East Nassau, he was the son of the late Adolphus and Mary Edith (Bartlett)Face. He attended the one-roon Thomas Schoolhouse in Stephentown, and after leaving school worked at his father's sawmill in East Nassau. He was a foreman for the South Family Shakers from the late 1920's through 1934, and then moved to Kinderhook, where he worked as a farmer for the Van Alstyne family. He later returned to East Nassau, where he owned and operated his own logging business. He moved to Stephentown in 1936 and worked as a teamster for the town highway department while also employed by the Wiljhum Turkey and Chicken business at the Mount Whitney Farm, Stephentown. In 1955, he moved to Knoxville, Tenn., where he worked as a carpenter and cabinet maker until moving in 1961 to Indiana, Penn., where he and his wife helped their son, ElRoy L. Face, a Major League baseball pitcher, operate the ElRoy Face Motel until 1968. He moved back to Stephentown in 1969 and was a self-employed carpenter and cabinetmaker until his retirement in 1984. He was a square dance caller and fiddler from the early 1920's to the late 1950's, leading square dances in Williamstown, Mass., Hoosick Falls, Petersburg, Columbia County, and at the State Capital in Albany for then Governor Franklin D. Roosevelt. Surviving are his wife, Bessie Rose (Williams) Face; three sons, Joseph Face, Jr. and Leonard A. Face, both of Stephentown, and ElRoy L. Face of Pittsburgh, PA; a daughter, Jacklyn R. Face of Stephentown; a brother, Leon Face of Natural Bridge; four sisters, Rosetta Sedgwick of Bennington, VT., Mary Flood of Chatham, Susibelle Herrick of East Nassau, and Dorothy Williams of West Stephetnown; four grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren. Three brothers, Floyd, George and Earl Face, died previously. Florence Wheeler

Louis Rathbun

Joseph A. Williams, Sr.

Gracia Miller

Arvilla M. Wolcott

Arvilla M. Wolcott, 90 of Nassau, died Saturday at Samaritan Hospital, Troy, after a long illness. Born September 12, 1906, she was the daughter of the late Adelbert and Ada Williams Gardner. Mrs. Wolcott attended school in a one-room schoolhouse in Hoags Corners and worked in retail for a short time in Pittsfield. She married Lloyd C. Wolcott on June 7, 1827 in Pittsfield. He died in 1973. After her marriage, she was a homemaker. She was a member of the West Stephentown Baptist Church and was a 4-H leader as well as a member of the Ladies Aide Society and the Eastern Star of New Lebanon. She liked to square dance, bake and grow flowers. Survivors include two sons, Fred. L. Wolcott of Dunham Hollow and Leonard A. Wolcott of Troy; one daughter, Phyllis A. Henry of Etowah, NC; many foster children; one brother, Edison Gardner of Chatham; 13 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren. A memorial service will be conducted at the West Stephentown Baptist Church Saturday at 2pm. There are no calling hours. Funeral arrangements are with Hall & Higgins Funeral Home, Stephentown. (March 22, 1997) Edison M. Gardner

Old Chatham Resident

Edison M. Gardner Sr., of Old Chatham, died December 7 at his residence. Born in Stephentown, July 27, 1911, he was the son of the late Adalbert and Ada E. Williams Gardner. He was educated in Hoags Corners. He has been employed by several Albany area auto businesses and more recently the former Marsh Hallman Chevrolet Agency, retiring in 1972. With his wife Marjorie, he operated the Old Chatham General Store from 1955 - 67. He was a member of the Wesley United Methodist Church of Malden Bridge; The Stuyvesant, Scholdack, Chatham Horse Thieves Society; National Rifle Association; and was an avid horseman. He is survived by his wife marjorie Traver Gardner; children Carol Hanson of NC; Edison M. Gardner, Jr. of Peru; and Barbara Sheffer of AZ; eight granddchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews. Services were held December 10 at French, Gifford and Preiter Funeral Home in Chatham. Sentiment may be expressed by a contribution to the Columbia Greene Hospice, 47 Liberty St., Catskill, 12414 or the American Cancer Society, PO Box 9, Hudson, 12534. (1997) James Williams

Stephentown Native, 77

Watervliet - Private services will be held for James W. Williams, 77, of the Daniel P. Quinn Apartments, who died Wednesday in Samaritan Hospital after a short illness. Mr. Williams, born in Stephentown, had been a maintenance worker for the Emma Willard School for 10 years before retiring in 1976. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church. Survivors include his wife, Mary L. Hamilton Williams; three sons, William M. Williams of Cochester, Conn., and Floyd J. and John S. Williams, both of Watervliet; three daughters, Barbara Evans of Lakeworth, Fla., Reba Schmitt of Greenwich and Cora Fray of Troy; a brother, Joseph Williams of Pittsfield, Mass.;three sisters, lottie Brown and Elizabeth Houghtling, both of Troy and Betty Face of Stephentown; 18 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. Burial will be in Elmwood Hill Cemetery, Troy (June 19, 1991)

Mary L. Williams

Watervliet - Mary L. Hamilton Williams of the Daniel P. Quinn Apartments died Tuesday, September 8, 1998 at Samaritan Hospital in Troy.

Born in Montreal, Canada, she was the daughter of the late Wilbur and Estelle Hamilton and widow of James W. Williams. Mrs. Williams came to the United States at a young age and lived in this area for about 70 years. Mrs. Williams was a technician for W. & L.E. Gurley Co., Troy. She was a member of First Presbyterian Church in Watervliet. Survivors include three sons, William M. Williams of Colchester, Conn., John S. Williams of Watervliet and Floyd J. Williams; three daughters, Barbara Evans of Lake Worth, Fla.; Cora Fray of Troy; Reba Schmitt of Wilbur-by-the-Sea, Fla.; two sisters, Hazel Geiser of Keene and Ruth Eisel of Syracuse; 18 grandchildren; and 16 great-grandchildren. The funeral will be private. Burial will be in Elmwood Hills Cemetery in Troy. Carrie Belle Richmond

Carrie Belle Richmond, 93, of West Lebanon, died Tuesday, July 30 at Sweetbrook Nursing Home in Williamstown, Mass. She was born June 20, 1898 in West Stephentown, the daughter of the late Chester and Ida Bradford Williams. She was the wife of the late Mile Wardner Richmond. They were married April 23, 1931 in Averill Park. He died in Pittsfield, Mass., on May 7, 1987. A homemaker all of her life, she had attended a one-room schoolhouse in West Stephentown. Later she worked as a domestic for several prominent Troy and Albany families, and the Fairweather family in New Lebanon. Mrs. Richmond bagan working in 1918 for the General Electric Company in Pittsfield, Mass., for a few years. She and her late husband maintained a bed and breakfast inn while living in Hoags Corners, and later after moving to their Route 20 home in West Lebanon. Together they also operated a vegetable stand at their home in West Lebanon. They raised chickens, pigs, beef and maintained a large garden. A lifelong area resident, Mrs. Richmond cooked on a woodstove in her West Lebanon home until she was hospitalized in January, 1991. She was a former member of the West Stephentown Baptist Church. Survivors include a nephew, Henry Williams of Charleston, S.C.; two nieces, Rita Fedorka of East Arlington, Vermont and Shirley O'Dell of Millerton; several great-nieces and great-nephews. She was prececeased by three brothers, Edwin, Franklin and Nelson Williams. Funeral services will be held Friday afternoon at 2pm at the Hall & Higgins Funeral Home, 318 Main Street, Stephentown where the Rev. Trygve C. Tomlinson, pastor of the West Stephentown Baptist Church, will officiate. Burial will take place in Larkin Cemetery in Hoags Corners. Gloria Williams Barnes

Hinsdale - Gloria J. Barnes, 59, of 140 Holmes Road died Thursday, March 9, 2000 at home. Born in Stephentown, NY on August 12, 1940, daughter of Dennis W. and Hazel B. Woodward Williams, she was a 1958 graduate of New Lebanon, NY High School and moved to Hinsdale in 1959. Mrs. Barnes was the owner of Gloria's Place Restaurant for the past eight years. She also owned and operated the Hinsdale Laundry Mat. She was also employed by the South Street Package Store for eight years. She was a member of the East Nassau, NY Baptist Church and the First Congregational Church in Hinsdale. She leaves her husband, Robert A. Barnes, whom she married April 26, 1959; a daughter, Patricia A. Fera of Hindale; two sons, Robert W. Barnes of Las Vegas, and Dennis A. Barnes of Hinsdale; three sister, Freda Druba of Castleton, NY, Myrtle Puzio of Brainard, NY and Alta Stalter of Mechanicsville, NY; two brothers, Leslie Williams of New Lebanon and Clifford Williams of East Nassau and eight grandchildren. Don Radz


(Note: Anyone who has used the Rensselaer County Cemetery Records on the Rensselaer County site will recognize this name. The 93,000+ name data base was assembled by Don and Clare Radz and is an invaluable tool for researchers.)

RADZ, Don W. - RENSSELAER - Don W. RADZ, of Partridge Hill Apartments in Rensselaer, a longtime resident of the Averill Park area, passed into eternal rest at home, on February 4, 2007. The son of Harold "Pappy" Radz and Pauline Cook Radz, he was born and raised in Wynantskill. He was, from his youth, an avid outdoorsman and passed his love of the outdoors on to his children and grandchildren. He also had a great love of sports, especially golf, bowling, hunting, fishing and basketball. He graduated from Siena College with a bachelor's degree, then SUNY Albany with his master's in education. Don went on to teach 6th grade science and health for 25 years in the Averill Park School District, where his dedication as a teacher touched many lives. Don was a U. S. Navy veteran of World War II. He was a longtime member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (Mormon) in Loudonville and had a great faith in the Lord. He is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Clare Leavenworth Radz; two sons, Jeffrey S. Radz and Mark P. Radz of Poestenkill; two daughters, Donna M. Radz of Schodack and Linda S. Herring (Mike) of Plattsburg. He is also survived by seven grandsons, two granddaughters, and six great-grandchildren; his sister, Dorothy Gummer; and his brother, Harold P. Radz Jr. He will be deeply missed and always remembered by those who knew him and loved him. A very special thank you to the wonderful people of Hospice for their caring and support. A funeral service will be held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, at 411 Loudon Rd. (Rt. 9.), Loudonville on February 8 at 1:00 p. m., followed by interment in the Evergreen Cemetery in Wynantskill. Donations may be made to the LDS Missionary fund, c/o Alan Hollister, 141 Edgewood Dr., Averill Park, NY 12018, or Rensselaer County Hospice, Valley View Blvd, Rensselaer, NY. (published in the Albany Times Union newspaper of 6 February 2007)

Esther Tifft


At her residence in Hoboken, N.J., November 1, 1880, Mrs. Esther Tifft, aged 81 years. Interment took place at West Stephetown, NY on Wednesday, November 8th. (New York Times) Rufus Sweet


Rufus Sweet of Stephentown, Rensselaer County, a prominent Democratic politician in Northern New York, died Wednesday. He was 70 years old. Mr. Sweet served in the Assembly from 1882-1884. (New York Times, October 25, 1912) Horace R. Bateman


Bateman, at West Stephentown, NY on Thursday, July 31, 1913, after a short illness, Mr. Horace R. Bateman, for many years a member of the firm of H. M. Smith & Co., Nassau, N.Y. Deceased is survived by his widow, Lucinda Sterling and one son, Sterling R. Bateman. (New York Times)

Sterling R. Bateman


Sterling R. Bateman of 7101 Colonial Road, Brooklyn, beloved husband of Esther. Services at Fred Herbst Sons Memorial, Brooklyn, Monday, 8pm. Interment in West Stephentown. (New York Times, Feb. 1, 1957) Stephen S. Sweet

New York Times 1941 Monroe L. Dix

New York Times 1958 Howard J. Rogers


Thurston Carr


Onondaga Historical Association - Spafford Mortuary Records Sarah Wood Doty


William & Caleb Sheldon


Vandenburgh


Virginia Atwater


STEPHENTOWN - Virginia A. Wilt Atwater, 81, of Presbyterian Hill Road, died on Friday at Berkshire Medical Center, surrounded by her loving family. Born in Hudson on May 15, 1926, she was the daughter of the late Kenneth and Caroline Bertram Wilt. Ginny was the loving wife of Calvin B. Atwater, whom she married on March 6, 1947, in Hudson. She has been a resident of Stephentown since her marriage. A 1944 graduate of New Lebanon High School, Mrs. Atwater also graduated from the Columbia Memorial Hospital School of Nursing. She worked as a private duty nurse and at Samaritan Hospital in Troy. For many years she was a nurse for the former Taconic Valley Medical Center in Stephentown under Dr. James Roe and Dr. Robert Roe. She retired in 1980. In retirement, Ginny was a census taker at New Lebanon schools, worked at Hall & Higgins Funeral Home as a secretary, was a nurse at Lebanon Valley Speedway and a tax collector for the town of Stephentown. She was a life member of the Stephentown Historical Society, the secretary-treasurer of the Garfield Cemetery for many years and a member of the Stephentown Federated Church. Within the church, she was a member of the Ladies Aide and elder and a member of the general committee. She is survived by her husband of 60 years, Cal; her children and their spouses, Donald P. (Carol) Atwater of Dalton, MA, Judith E. (John) Harper of Iron Station, NC, Elizabeth A. (Rick) Hanlon of Richmond, VT, Karen S. (Rick) Lappi of Charlotte, NC, and Brian C. (Kim) Atwater of Los Angeles, CA; a brother, Peter Wilt of Clovis, NM; her grandchildren Riva Atwater, Erin Hanlon, Shaun Lappi, Ashley and Stacey Atwater, Daniel Wallace and Brandon Jones; and her great-grandchildren Brooke Gates and Melana Nataro. Relatives and friends are invited to the Hall & Higgins Funeral Home, 457 NY 43 in Stephentown, on Tuesday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. for visitation. For directions and guest registry, please visit: www.hall-higgins.com. Funeral services will be on Wednesday morning at 11 at the Stephentown Federated Church on Garfield Road with burial to follow in Garfield Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate memorial contributions be made to the Stephentown Historical Society or the Stephentown Federated Church. The Atwater family would like to extend a special Thank You to Dr. Daniel Doyle and the staff of the ICU and RCU at Berkshire Medical Center for the care, love and devotion shown to our wife, mother and grandmother during her illness.


Lillian Hassan Batchelder

Lillian Hassan Batchelder

Stephentown – Lillian Hassan Bachelder, 96, of Peru, VT, died on Monday, March 13, 2006, at the Southwestern Vermont Medical Center in Bennington.

Born July 4, 1909, in Stephentown, NY, Lillian was the daughter of Boughton Hassan and Carrie Rose (Kittle) Hassan. In 1925 she married Earle Hunt in Pittsfield, MA. He predeceased her in 1955. In 1939 she married George Batchelder in Pownal, VT who also predeceased her.

She is survived by two daughters, Bette Gillett and her husband David of Sebring, FL, and Rose Holcomb and her husband Louis of Cambridge, NY, a son James Hunt and his wife Lorraine of Manchester, VT, a brother in law, Kenneth Batchelder with whom she shared a home for the past 63 years, 22 grandchildren, 41 great-grandchildren and 14 great-great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

Services were held at the United Church of Christ in Peru on Saturday, March 18, at 12 noon.

Adams & Kenney Funeral Homes in Chester, VT are assisting the family with arrangements Dorothy B. Haley


Stephentown – Dorothy Barnes Haley, 79, of Route 43, Stephentown, NY, died on Saturday, November 24, 2007, at her home surrounded by her loving family and under the care of Community Hospice of Rensselaer County.

Born in Westfield, MA, on May 5, 1928, she was the daughter of the late Sheldon and Edith Stannard Barnes. She was the loving and devoted wife of Wyatt J. Haley whom she married on March 26, 1950, in the Stephentown Federated Church. She has been a resident of this area since 1936 and was a 1946 graduate of New Lebanon High School.

Mrs. Haley graduated from the Austin Beauty School in Troy, NY and was a beautician for many years at the former Frear’s Beauty Shop in Troy. She was a self-employed hairdresser working out of her home for many years retiring in the 1980’s. She was a member of the Church of Our Saviour in Lebanon Springs and of the Taconic Valley Grange. She bowled in the “Idiots” bowling league at the former Lar-A-Bowl in New Lebanon for many years.

Survivors include her husband of 57 years Wyatt, two sons and their spouses, Frederick J. and Janet Haley and Neil H. and Joann Haley all of Stephentown, her siblings, Shirley Gette of Waterbury, CT, Gladys Jones of Colonie, NY, Norma Lasch of Dunham Hollow, NY, and Robert Barnes of New Smyrna, ME and her grandchildren Jesse, Elise and Alexander.

The Burial Office will be read by Rev. Canon Clinton Dugger at the Church of Our Saviour, Routes 20 & 22 in Lebanon Springs on Friday, November 30, 2007 at 7pm. Interment will be private in the Hillside Cemetery in West Stephentown. Marie Saxby

Marie Saxby

Stephentown – Marie E. Johnson Saxby, 63, of Dunham Hollow Road, died suddenly on Monday, August 21, 2006, at her residence. Death was due to natural causes.

Born in Stephentown on June 25, 1943, she was the daughter of the late John Johnson and Alma Chittenden. A lifelong resident of the area, she attended West Stephentown Baptist Church and New Hope For Life Ministries. She was edducated in the Berlin Central School system and married at a young age.

Survivors include her four daughters, their husbands and children – Julie S. and Doug Overly and six children of St. Joseph, MO; Patty M. and Lyle Gallup and three children of Stephentown; Kathy C. and Todd Gordon and two children of Ridgefield, CT; Evelyn D. and Matt States and four children of Dannebrog, NE; a great granddaughter; two brothers, Arthur and Leo Roberts of Stephentown, along with her former husband, Thomas D. Saxby. She was predeceased by siblings, Donald, Doris Rowe and Harvey Roberts.

Interment in Garfield Cemetery. Harvey Roberts


Berlin – Harvey H. Roberts, 81, died on Monday June 26, 2006 at Columbia Memorial Hospital.

Born on January 14, 1925, in Berlin, NY, he was the son of the late George and Alma Chittenden Roberts. He was employed for many years as a truck driver for Prior & Williams Lumber Yard in North Chatham.

Survivors include his children, Betty Doty, George Roberts, Susan Blowers and Dawn Roberts, his siblings, Arthur and Leo Roberts and Marie Saxby, twelve grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Harvey was predeceased by his sons, Harvey Jur., David and Robert Roberts and his brother, Donald and sister Doris.

Interment was on Tuesday at Garfield Cemetery in Stephentown. Emilia Schmich Burdick


Stephentown – Emilia M. Schmich Burdick, 87, of Route 22, died on Wednesday, May 17, 2006, at the Hoosick Falls Health Center.

Born in New York City on April 19, 1919, she was the daughter of the late George H. and Emilia Rothchild Schmich. She was the loving wife of the late Clarence Burdick, who died on May 2, 1973. They were married on March 12, 1938.

Mrs. Burdick was a resident of the Stephentown area since the age of four and was educated in Berlin schools. She and her late husband owned a farm in Stephentown on Garfield Road and also ran the Taconic Inn in North Stephentown until selling it in 1975. She was a member of the Stephentown Federated Church.

Survivors include her daughter Barbara Styczynski and son in law Jack of Stephentown; a brother Arthur W. and his wife Bernadette Schmich of Stephentown; sister in laws, Marjorie Schmich of Stephentown, Marion Schmich of Pittsfield, five grandchildren, and five great grandchildren. She was predeceased by a son, William C. “Butch” Burdick and three brothers, Donald, Robert and George.

Funeral services were held May 20 in the Hall & Higgins Funeral Home. Interment is in the Garfield Cemetery. Arthur W. Schmich



Stephentown – Arthur W. Schmich, 80, of Garfield Road, Stephentown died on Saturday morning, August 18, 2007 at his home surrounded by his loving family under the care of Community Hospice of Rensselaer County.

Born February 17, 1927 and a lifelong resident of Stephentown, he was the son of the late George and Amelia Rothschild Schmich. He was the husband of the former Bernadette Diamond whom he married on August 28, 1948 in the Immaculate Conception Church in New Lebanon, NY.

Educated in New Lebanon schools, he enlisted in the United States Navy in 1945. He was employed by Larabee Fuels for 33 years as a delivery person and repairman. He retired in 1989 from the town of Stephentown Highway Department. Arthur attended the Stephentown Federated Church.

Survivors include his wife of 58 years, Bernadette, his children, Arthur A. of Stephentown; Debra A. Primett of Guilderland, NY and Donald M. Schmich of Stephentown. He was predeceased by brothers George, Robert and Donald and a sister Amelia Burdick.

Funeral services will be private at the Hall & Higgins Funeral Home with interment to follow in the Garfield Cemetery. Jean E. LeClair

Jean E. LeClair

Stephentown – Jean E. Roach LeClair, 79, of Route 43, died on Monday March 5, 2007, at St. Peter’s Hospital in Albany after a brief illness.

Born in Berlin, NY, on October 27, 1927, she was the daughter of the late Charles and Clara Connor Roach. She was the loving wife of the late Arthur R. LeClair who died on March 9, 1999. They were married in Notre Dame Church in Pittsfield, MA, on February 15, 1947.

Jean graduated from New Lebanon Central High School in 1945. She worked for General Electric in Pittsfield for over 40 years retiring in 1988 as the Administrator for Union Relations. She was a member of the Quarter Century Club of GE, a communicant of St. Joseph’s Church in Stephentown, the Secretary/Treasurer for the St. Joseph’s Cemetery Association and was very active in genealogy. She loved to travel, recently going on a cruise to the Easter Caribbean. Jean also loved casinos.

Survivors include her daughter, Linda J. Sullivan and her husband William of Stephentown; two granddaughters, Kimberly Buffa and Kelly McGivern, along with four great-grandchildren, Mikayla Buffa, Makenzie McGivern, Earl Buffa, Jr. and Kassidy McGivern.

Funeral services will be on Friday, March 9, at 9:15 am in the Hall & Higgins Funeral Home and at 10 am in St. Joseph’s Church where a Liturgy of Christian Death and Burial will be celebrated. Interment will follow in St. Joseph’s Cemetery. Evelyn W. Hewitt

Evelyn W. Hewitt

Petersburgh – Evelyn W. Staples Hewitt, 69, of River Road, Petersburgh, NY, died Tuesday morning, February 19, 2008, at the Center for Living and Rehabilitation in Bennington, VT, after a five week battle with pancreatic cancer.

Born in Pittsfield, MA, on March 25, 1938, she was the daughter of the late Arthur and Frances Rathbun Staples. She was the loving wife of Rolland L. Hewitt, whom she married on August 7, 1960, in the Stephentown Federated Church. She had lived in Petersburgh since her marriage.

Survivors include her husband of 47 years, Rollie, a daughter, Stephanie and her husband Todd Hover of Stephentown; a grandson, Dylan Hover, a brother Ronald Staples, Jr., of Stephentown; a niece, Jennifer and a nephew, Ron, Jr.

Funeral services are on Friday, February 22 at 2 pm in the Thomas M. Barber Funeral Home, Petersburgh. Burial follows in the Meadowlawn Cemetery, Petersburgh. Hazel D. Barrett

Hazel D. Barrett

Stephentown – Hazel D. Rathbun Barrett, 99, formerly of Route 43, Stephentown, died on Friday 29, 2008, at Berkshire Place in Pittsfield, MA, where she had resided for the last ten years.

Born in Stephentown on December 11, 1908, she was the daughter of the late Perry and Clovis Carr Rathbun. Hazel was the widow of Ralph T. Barrett whom she married on March 27, 1932. She attended school in Stephentown and was a member of the Stephentown Federated Church.

Survivors include many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services were held on Monday evening at 7pm in the Hall & Higgins Funeral Home. Spring interment will take place in the Hillside Cemetery in West Stephentown. Elizabeth R. Geerholt

Elizabeth R. Geerholt

Stephentown – Elizabeth R. Geerholt, 88, of Maplewood Avenue in Alban died on Thursday, May 31, 2007 at St. Peter’s Hospital after a brief illness.

Born April 13, 1919 in Stephentown, NY, she was the daughter of Fred and Minnie Lapp Geerholt.

Survivors include her sister in law, Doris Geerholt of Berlin, several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by a brother Ralph and a sister Margaret.

Funeral services were held on Monday, June 4 in the Hall & Higgins Funeral Home. Burial followed in the family plot in the Stephentown Cemetery.

Chauncey Hammersmith

Chauncey “John” Hammersmith

Cherry Plain – Chauncey “John” Hammersmith, 69, of Watson Road, Cherry Plain, NY, died Friday December 21, 2007 at Southwestern Vermont Medical Center in Bennington, VT after a short illness.

Born June 13, 1938, and a lifelong resident of Watson Road, he was the son of the late Joseph and Alfreda Gagnon Hammersmith. He was the beloved husband of the former Carol A. Shuhart.

Survivors include his wife, Carol; a daughter and her husband Tarry A. and David Breads of Nassau, NY; stepchildren Kathy and her husband Joey Burdick of Berlin; and Kerri L. Teal of Cherry Plain; siblings Joseph and William Hammersmith both of Berlin and Theresa Williamson and David Hammersmith both of Stephentown, along with three step-grandchildren. He was predeceased by two sisters Alfreda Gardner and Mary Scholler.

Following Mr. Hammersmith’s wishes, a graveside service was held on Monday, December 24 at 11am in the Berlin Community Cemetery. Marcella Teal Love


STEPHENTOWN- Marcella T. Love left us to be with her Lord and Savior Tuesday, April 29, 2008 at Munroe Regional Medical Center, Ocala, Florida after a brief illness. Marcella was born July 9, 1923 in Berlin, NY. She is predeceased by her parents, Harry Teal and Margaret Goodermote of Berlin, NY, her husbands, Harold W. Hoffman and George S. Love. She leaves behind four children, James Hoffman of Stephentown, Lois Foland of Sharon Springs, Marcella (Penny) L'Heureux of Ocala, FL, Harold W. Hoffman, Jr. of Stephentown; step-children, Stephen A. Love of Saranac, NY and Cindy Martin of Richmond, TX, thirteen grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren.

Marcella was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandma. She enjoyed her life to the fullest. Marcella was a snow-bird who enjoyed living with her daughter and son-in-law, Penny and Bobby L'Heureux, during the winter months and like a bird, would migrate to Stephentown every spring to enjoy being with the rest of the family and her friends in there and in the surrounding communities.

Funeral services will be held at the Second Congregational Church in South Williamstown on Saturday, May 10th at 11 AM with the Rev. Penny Rich Smith officiating. Interment will follow in the Hancock Cemetery.

Relatives and friends are invited to the Hall & Higgins Funeral Home, 457 NY 43, Stephentown on Friday May 9th from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 PM for visitation. Gerry Carr


Carr, Gerry M. COHOES Gerry M. Carr, age 52 years, of White Street, passed away Thursday, September 6, 2007 at Samaritan Hospital in Troy after a brief illness. He was born in Troy and lived many years in Watervliet before moving to Cohoes this past December. Gerry was employed in food preparation working as a chef at HVCC in Troy and in building maintenance with his brother. He was a member of Council #192 K of C in Cohoes. He was an avid bingo player and bowler. Gerry enjoyed his family and friends and was always there for everyone in need. Husband of the late Stephanie Foley Carr; father of Gerry M. Carr Jr. and Christina Carr, both of Cohoes, and Matthew Carr of Calif.; son of Margaret Elizabeth Carr of Stephentown and the late Reginald A. Carr; brother of Reginald S. Carr of Stephentown, William F. Carr of Albany, Richard P. Carr of Newtonville, Sandra Salisbury of Stillwater, Debora DuJack of Brunswick, Terry Carr of Fla., Elizabeth Dormandy of Johnsonville, David M. Carr of West Sand Lake and the late Margaret E. Carr. Also survived by numerous nieces and nephews who cherished him. Funeral will be from the W.J. Lyons Jr. Funeral Home, 1700 Washington Avenue, Rensselaer Monday afternoon at 2:00. All are welcome to attend. Relatives and friends are invited and may call at the funeral home Sunday from 2-5 p.m. In lieu of flowers contributions in his memory may be made to the American Cancer Society, 260 Osborne Road, Loudonville, NY 12211 or to the American Heart Association, 440 New Karner Road, Albany, NY 12205. Dorothy Geerholt


STEPHENTOWN Dorothy I. Bruso Geerholt, 84, of Route 43, died on Sunday morning, April 27, 2008 at Hillcrest Commons in Pittsfield. Born July 19, 1923 in Malone, N.Y., she was the daughter of the late Harry and Phoebe Russell Bruso. She was the loving wife of the late Elvin A. Geerholt, who died on August 26, 1995. Dorothy attended Malone schools and had been a resident of Stephen-town since 1951. She was in the housekeeping department at the Jericho Valley Inn in Hancock, Mass. for over 20 years, retiring in 1989. Mrs. Geerholt was a member of the Stephentown Evangelical Community Church and the Stephentown Senior Citizens. Survivors include her children, Brent Vaughan of Troy, Eric Geerholt of Stephentown, Eileen Wolcott of Idaho Falls, Idaho, Todd Geerholt and Craig Geerholt, both of Stephentown, and Robin Lancto of New Lebanon; a sister, Margaret Brooks of Zephyr Hills, Fla.; along with 14 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. She was prede-ceased by a son, Lance Geerholt. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday at 7 p.m. in the Hall & Higgins Funeral Home, 457 NY 43, Stephentown, where Rev. Alan G. Wolcott will officiate. Graveside services will be on Thursday at 10 a.m. in the Stephentown Cemetery on Cemetery Road. Relatives and friends are invited to the funeral home for visitation on Wednesday from 5 to 7 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to the Stephentown Volunteer Fire Department in loving memory of Dorothy I. Geerholt. Albert E. Smith


TROY RECORD, FEBRUARY 24, 1944

Albert E. Smith, 75, lifelong resident of Stephentown, died yesterday at his home there following a short illness. He was a former assessor of the town and served on the election board for a number of years. Besides his widow, Mrs. Rosa Crowdery Smith, survivors include a son, Edward Smith of Stephentown, and a daughter, Mrs. Louella Wendling of Dalton, Mass. Edward Demick, Jr.


ALTON TELEGRAM, TUESDAY, MARCH 15, 1994

EAST ALTON- Edward Demick Jr., 33, formerly of Stephentown, N.Y. died unexpectedly Saturday, March 12, 1994, in East Alton. Born Oct. 20, 1960, in Pittsfield, Mass., he was the son of Edward J. and Veronica (Arcouet) Demick Sr. of Stephentown, N.Y. A champion wrestler of Berlin High School, he graduated in 1978. He moved to Louisiana and worked on the oil rigs in the Gulf of Mexico and was a welder for Cameron Steel Co. in Louisiana. He returned to Stephentown and went to work as a welder at Atlantis Fabricators. He later was employed by General Electric Co. in the Transformer Division in Pittsfield, Mass., moving to East Alton in 1991. He was employed as an environmental technician at Enclean Corp. in Mitchell. He was an avid hunter and fisherman. Surviving in addition to his parents are his companion of 15 years, Alice Moxey of East Alton; his grandmother, Helen Arcouet of Stephentown; a brother, Christopher Demick of Stephentown; and three sisters, Sandy Grisworld, Karen Deiana and Lisa Purdy, all of Stephentown. Visitation will be from 2 to 4 pm and 7 to 9 pm today at Hall and Higgins Funeral Home in Stephentown. Services will be at 10am Wednesday at Immaculate Conception Church in New Lebanon, NY. The Rev. Joseph L Halloran will officiate. Burial will be in St. Joseph's cemetery in Stephentown. Memorials may be made to the Stephentown Memorial Library. Charles H. Jones


TROY RECORD, MONDAY, APRIL 3,1944

Funeral services for Charles H. Jones of West Stephentown who died yesterday at the House of Mercy Hospital, Pittsfield, Mass. will be held tomorrow at 2pm at the Avery G. Hall Funeral Home in Stephentown. Rev. Homer B. Silvernail will officiate and interment will be at Marine City, Michigan. Mr. Jones is survived by his wife, Margaret M. Jones, and a son, earl B Jones of Spokane, Wash. Mr. Jones was a marine engineer for many years. George H. Manns


BENNINGTON BANNER, WEDNESDAY, MAY 11, 1977

The funeral of George H. Manns, 84, a popular musician in the Berlin, NY and Stephentown, NY areas in the 1920's who died May 3 at his home in Clarendon after a short illness, was held May 5 at St. Peter's Roman Catholic Church in Rutland, where the Liturgy of Christian Death and Burial was offered. Native of Stephentown, he was a son of Charles and Deborah (McGraw) Manns, and served with the anti-submarine forces in the Navy during World War I. He was employed in the grocery business in Hancock, Mass., and moved to Rutland in 1930 and operated a grocery store there. He also was owner and operator of Manns Motor Court in Rutland. A talented violinist and saxophonist, he played at functions in the Lebanon Valley, Stephentown, Berlin and Hancock, and continued his musical activities after moving to Vermont. He returned to the Stephentown area over the years to attend the annual reunion of descendants of Augustus Manns, who was born in Hesse, Germany, in 1824 and came to this country in 1851. In addition to his widow, Doris Armstrong Manns, he leaves a brother, Walter of Pittsfield. Burial was in Calvary Cemetery, Rutland. Mrs. Arthur Stevens


BENNINGTON BANNER, TUESDAY, JANUARY 7, 1975

Mrs. Florence A. Stevens, 56, wife of Arthur J. Stevens of White Creek, NY, North Bennington, died Monday at Mary McClellan Hospital, Cambridge, after a short illness. Mrs. Stevens was born in Stephentown, May 30, 1918, daughter of Charles and Elizabeth (Schnier) Hofman. She was educated in Stephentown schools and had resided in White Creek for the past five years. survivors besides her husband include one son, Bruce of Syracuse; one daughter, Mrs. Darlene Brown of Graton, Vt., ; two brothers, Walter Hofman of Berlin, NY and Louis Hofman of Averill Park; three sisters, Mrs. Helen Jones of Florida, Mrs. Doris Hodges of Berlin and Mrs. Viola Libeneau of Stephentown, and nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be Wednesday at 10am at the Mahar Funeral Home, 43 Main St., Hoosick Falls. Friends may call at the funeral home today from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 pm. Frank J. Thomas


BENNINGTON BANNER, TUESDAY, AUG 30, 1955

Frank J. Thomas of Stephentown, NY, 61, died at his home Monday after a short illness. Born in Hoosick, he operated a farm at Stephentown for the last 29 years. Mr. Thomas was a member of Taconic Valley Grange and Rensselaer County Farm Bureau. Surviving are his widow, the former Rose Merritt; two sons, Ralph, of Stephentown, and Robert, of Yuma, Ariz., three daughters, Miss Jeanette Thomas of Stephentown, Mrs. Harry Willbrant of North Petersburg, and Mrs. Wesley Adams of Cherry Plain; a brother, Raymond Thomas of Stephentown; a sister, Mrs. Irving Carpenter of Pownal, and nine grandchildren. Addie Carr Goodermote


BENNINGTON BANNER FRIDAY, AUGUST 24, 1962

CHERRY PLAIN, NY- Mrs. Lewis H. Goodermote, 55, died at her home Tuesday after a long illness, believed to have been aggrevated by the death of her 18 year old daughter, Mrs. John Brazie, who was one of the Berlin disaster victims. The former Addie M. Carr was born in Stephentown, the daughter of Byron Carr of Berlin and the late Hattie Bailey Carr. She had attended schools in the Berlin-Stephentown area and had resided in Cherry Plain since her marriage 36 years ago. Surviving besides her husband are four sons, Leo, Elmer, lloyd and Lewis Goodermote Jr. of Cherry Plain; five daughters, Mrs. Ouella Hoffman, the Misses Shirley and Joyce Goodermote, both of Cherry Plain; Mrs. Loretta Taylor of Bennington, Vt. and Mrs. Margaret Tanner of Center Berlin; a sister and three brothers. Funeral services were held on Thursday at Hall and Higgins Funeral Home in Stephentown, with the Rev. Frank Sparks, pastor of the Berlin Baptist Church, officiating. Burial was in Center Berlin cemetery. Mary J. Goodermote Brazie


Bennington Banner, Bennington, Vermont August 3, 1962

Mrs. John Brazie, 18, the former Mary Jean Goodermote, who died at 8:20 am Thursday at Samaritan Hospital in Troy, NY from 3rd degree burns received in the explosion and fire at Berlin, July 25, was a lifelong resident of Berlin.

She was born May 29, 1944, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Lewis (Addie) Goodermote. She attended Berlin Central High School and was a communicant of the Berlin Baptist Church.

Besides her parents and her husband, who is in serious condition at Samaritan Hospital, she leaves a child, John Brazie, Jr., aged 18 months, who remains in serious condition at the same hospital.

Other survivors include brothers Leo, Elmer, Lloyd and Lewis, Jr., all of Cherry Plain; 5 sisters, Mrs. Loretta Taylor of Bennington, Mrs. Luella Hoffman, Shirley & Joyce Goodermote of Cherry Plain and Mrs. Margaret Tanner of Center Berlin.

The funeral will be held at Hall & Higgins Funeral Home in Stephentown on Sunday at 2pm with the Rev. Frank S. Sparks, pastor of the Berlin Memorial Church officiating. Interment will be in Berlin Center Cemetery.