Smiley & Learn

Clara Learn was the daughter of Nathan B Learn & Arvilla Cooper out of Ischua, NY.  Around 1881, she married Charles J Smiley, the son of William W Smiley & Mary Ann Sanford. Together they had 2 sons, Glessner & Granger.

courtesy of Grandma - Find A Grave

Olean Times Herald, Tues, 7 Nov 1939
Charles J. Smiley Succumbs Monday to Brief Illness
Charles J. Smiley, for many years a resident of this city, passed away suddenly, Monday evening at ten o'clock shortly after his arrival home. He was stricken while walking home from an Odd Fellows Lodge meeting. Mr. Smiley was born in the Town of Busti, Chautauqua County, and resided here for a great many years. He had been an employee in the rug department of Bradner's for nearly twenty-five years. Surviving are one son, Granger L. Smiley, at home, one brother, Abner Smiley, Jamestown, and several nieces and nephews. Mrs. Smiley passed away in 1935, and his elder son passed away nine years ago. Funeral services will be held at the home, 321 Laurel Ave., Thursday afternoon at three o'clock. The Rev. A. Merritt Diettrich, pastor of the First Methodist Church, will officiate. Burial will be in Maplehurst Cemetery.

Olean Times Herald, Fri, 6 Sep 1935
Mrs C J Smiley Passed Away At Home Here Today
Mrs Clara L Smiley, wife of Charles J Smiley, died this morning at nine forty-five o'clock at her home 321 Laurel Avenue. She had been in failing health for several months but her condition was not alarming and she died very unexpectedly. Mrs Smiley was born in the town Humphrey, daughter of Nathan and Arvilla Learn. She had been a resident of this city for many years. She was a member of the First Methodist Church. Surviving besides her husband is her youngest son, Granger M Smiley, at home; two brothers, Emmett G Learn, Auburn Me, and Edgar E Learn of Hinsdale. Funeral services will be held Monday afternoon at two o'clock at her home. Burial will be in the family plot in Maplehurst Cemetery.

Granger Morris Smiley married Florence Harriet Hatcher in 1933 and by 1940, they were divorced. Neither remarried and there were no children. Granger was a pharmaceutical manufacturer & chemist in Michigan & Ohio and moved to insurance in 1932 - he was the owner/op of the Smiley Insurance Agency & G M Smiley Real Estate Insurance.

Glessner Arthur Smiley married Parthenia M, Thenia, Gile, the son of Merrit Alphonso Gile & Viola M Raub.  After Glessner died, Thenia married Fred G Haney and returned to New York from California after he died in 1962

Olean Evening Times, Thurs, 8 Mar 1928

Funeral of G A Smiley Saturday

The body of Glessner ASmiley, formerly of Olean, who died suddenly Tuesday evening at his home in Oyster Bay, Long Island, NY, will arrive in this city tonight, and will be removed to the home of his parents, Mr and Mrs Charles J Smiley, 321 Laurel Ave. Funeral services will be held at the Smiley residence Saturday afternoon at two o'clock. The Rev C C Shedd, pastor of the First Methodist Episcopal Church, will officiate. Burial will be in the family plot in Maplehurst Cemetery. Glessner Arthur Smiley received his public school education in this city. He was graduated from the University of Buffalo, receiving his B A Degrees in Pharmacy in the College of Pharmacy in the class of 1901. For several years, Mr Smiley conducted a drug store in Allegheny, but because of ill health, sold his business. Since 1911, he has resided in Oyster Bay and during that time was identified with the Andrew Snouder and Son drug store. Mr. Smiley was for many years a member of the First Methodist Episcopal Church, this city. Surviving him are his widow, Mrs. Parthenia Gile Smiley, his parents, Mr and Mrs Charles J Smiley, and one brother, Granger M. Smiley, this city.

Olean Times Herald, Wed, 28 Feb 1979
HINSDALE - Mrs Thenia G Haney of 4219 Gile Hollow Road, died Saturday (Feb 24, 1979) in Helmuth. Born April 30, 1883 in Hinsdale, she was a daughter of Merritt and Viola Raub Gile. She was married to Glessner Smiley who died in 1928. In 1937 she married Fred G Haney, who predeceased her in 1961. Mrs Haney had lived in San Diego, Calif, for 25 years, returning to the Olean area in 1961. She was a former member of the Hinsdale Methodist church and the CST Club of Hinsdale. Surviving are a brother, Fred M Gile of Hinsdale; three nieces and two nephews. Friends may call at the Halwig Funeral Home, 117 Hamilton St, Olean, Thursday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 pm where funeral and committal services will be held Friday (March 2, 1979) at 1:30 pm. The Rev Dr Carl Schultz, pastor of Hinsdale United Methodist church, will officiate. Burial will be in Maplehurst Cemetery, Hinsdale.

Love In America

A while back I wrote about James Vincent & Nora O’Brien and their daughter Phyllis.

Today, I share the obits I found and the story of Nora – orphaned at the age of 2, ending up in a convent in England, and finding love in the States

The Brattelboro Reformer, Mon, 24 Jun 1940
Mrs Vincent Dies From Long Illness - Funeral To Be Held Tomorrow For Native Of England
Mrs Nora (O'Brien) Vincent, 46, wife of James E Vincent of 94 South Main Street, died at her home yesterday morning at 7:20 o'clock after an illness of nearly eight years. She became ill in September 1932. The funeral will be held at Rohde's Funeral Home tomorrow afternoon at 2:30 o'clock. Rev W Robert White, pastor of the First Methodist Church, will officiate. Burial will take place in Meeting House Hill Cemetery. A native of England, she was born May 22, 1894, in Warrington, Cheshire, a daughter of Peter and Agnes (Sullivan) O'Brien. Her parents died when she was two years of age and she made her home with her grandmother. At the age of seven, she entered Mount Holly Convent in Bery, England, remaining there six years. She and an older sister, Nellie, came to this country in October 1907, making their home with two other sisters in Fall River, Mass. On June 15, 1912, she married James Edwin Vincent of West New Annan, Nova Scotia, at New Bedford, Mass. Besides her husband she leaves a son, Clifford of Boston; two daughters, Phyllis and Eileen, at home; a grandson, Clifford jr; three sisters, Mrs William Caine of Fall River, Mrs May Bagnall of Ocean Grove, Mass, and Mrs Nellie Ball of San Diego; and several nieces and nephews. She was a member of the First Methodist Church. She formerly was very active in the West Brattleboro Baptist Church while a resident of that village.

Rutland Daily Herald, Mon, 13 Mar 1961

courtesy of Erin Bohannon - Find A Grave

 

BRATTLEBORO - Funeral services will be conducted Monday at 3 pm at the Rohde & Dawley Funeral Home for James Edward Vincent, 75, who died Friday night at his home by the Rev Harold W Robinson. Born Sept 28, 1885, at West New Annan, Nova Scotia, Mr Vincent was the son of William and Janice (Swan) Vincent. He came to the United States at the age of 21. Survivors include one brother, David H of West New Annan; three children, Clifford W Vincent and Mrs Eileen A Jaycox, both of Springfield, Mass and Miss Phyllis J Vincent of Barttleboro; five grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.

Milroy Children

Charles Frank Milroy & Jessie Grace Hickok had 8 children but as a single mother needing to work to feed herself & the children, she wasn't able to keep themclose.

Before Charles died in 1924, they lost 2 babies -  Marion Arnetta in 1915 & Elsie Leora in 1920; then most were fostered & one adopted.

From records, it appears the 2 oldest girls, Marguerite &  Helen, stayed with Jessie - I imagine because they both could work & were close to marrying age. Ralph & Beverly appear to have been taken in by Jessie's sister Elsie; Donald stayed with a couple by the name of Henry & Ethel Vail until he could enlist and was at Fort Clayton in the 1940s. And the baby was given up for adoption.

courtesy of mshibs - Ancestry

Marguerite Grace  married a wine maker named Raymond Laurentine Dukett. He was the son of John B Dukett & Sarch C Button.

They had 2 children - John Raymond & Charlotte Rosamond 

courtesy of mshibs - Ancestry

Helen Charlotte married Donald Edwin Wilson. 

Helen passed away in 2010 and they one son, Donald Jr

courtesy of mshibs - Ancestry

Ralph Warren married a girl named Lena VanAlstyne, the daughter of Charles R VanAlstyne & May Blake.  

Together they had one son, Ralph C.





Donald H married a girl named Beatrice Mahar, the daughter of Watson Mahar & Senia Clemons. The pair had no children & were married for only 3 years before he died - the result of the injuries he suffered during the war.

courtesy of Debbie Jordan - Find A Grave

The Leader-Republican, Mon, 21 Aug 1950
Donald H Milroy Passes Away In Vets Hospital
Veteran of World War 2 Had Been Confined Since June 25, 1950
Donald H Milroy, aged 30, of 435 North Perry Street, died this morning at 2:10 in the Kings Bridge Road Veterans Hospital, Bronx, New York City, where he had been a patient since June 25 of this year. He was born in Broadalbin September 11, 1919, son of Charles Milroy and Jessie (Hickock) Milroy. He had been a resident of Johnstown a little over three years and his last place of employment was with the Bigelow-Sanford Carpet Co in Amsterdam. He was a member of the Broadalbin Presbyterian Church. Upon leaving high school in July 1939, Mr Milroy enlisted in the US Army and served throughout World War II and received an honorable discharge on August 6, 1945 with the rank of Staff Sergeant. During the war, he took part in the Ardennes, Central Europe, Northern Fran and Rhineland campaigns. He was decorated with the American Defense Service Medal with star, Bronze Star Medal and the European-African-Middle Eastern Service Medal. The survivors are his widow, Mrs Beatrice (Mahar) Milroy, Johnstown, his mother Mrs Jessie Milroy, Johnstown; three sisters, Mrs Raymond Duckett, South Royalton, VT; Mrs Donald Wilson, Gloversville, and Mrs Robert Trevett, Broadalbin; one brother Ralph Milroy, Gloversville; also several nieces and nephews. The body will be brought to the Cole Funeral Home where the funeral will be held Thursday afternoon at 2. The Rev H B Erkman of the Broadalbin Presbyterian Church will officiate. Burial will be made in Fern Dale Cemetery.

courtesy of mshibs - Ancestry

Beverly J married Robert Wadsworth Trevett, the son of William E Trevett & Marion C Bates.  

They had 2 children, Connee Jo & Thomas R

courtesy of Debbie Jordan - Ancestry

The Leader-Herald, Fri, 10 Oct 1975
Broadalbin - Robert W Trevett, 58, of 71 Saratoga Avenue, died at 3:30 this morning at Amsterdam Memorial Hospital where he was admitted yesterday. He was taken to the hospital after being stricken ill at his home. He was born June 23, 1917, in Broadalbin, the son of William and Marion Bates Trevett. He was a lifelong resident of this village. He married the former Beverly Milroy, who survives, in 1942. Mr Trevett was a custodian-bus driver the last 14 years for the Broadalbin Central School District. He was an Army Veteran of World War II discharged with the rank of Technical Sergeant. His service included 18 months in the Panama Canal Zone. Hew was a member of the American Legion post and of the New York State Employees Retirement Association. He was of the Protestant faith. Survivors, besides his wife, include one daughter, Mrs Connee Ardizzone of North Broadalbin; one son Thomas R Trevett at home; one brother, Richard Trevett of Scotia; one aunt and two nephews.

courtesy of Debbie Jordan - Find A Grave

And the baby born after Charles' death, Alberta May Milroy was adopted by Harry D Frink & Laura Sammons who changed her name to Bette Jean.  

Bette married Merwin Frank Goodbread & they had 4 children.

According to what her daughter posted on her memorial page, Marguerite found her in 1965 and re-established the connection!

Gone Too Soon

courtesy of mshibs - Ancestry

Charles Frank Milroy was the son of Thomas Duncan Milroy & Electa Estella Honeywell. It's through his mother's line that he connects to the Vincents. 

Charles worked at various jobs including a box factory & the knitting mill and he married Jessie Grace Hickok in 1908. She was the daughter of George Hickok & Henrietta Schuler. 

Together then had 8 children but it didn't go easy for the family.

In 1924 Charles killed himself leaving Jessie a widow with 5 children and the 8th born a month after his death. 

The Morning Herald, Sat, 26 Jan 1924

Charles Milroy Takes Life By Hanging Himself With Aid of Small Clothesline

Johnstown Resident Makes Careful Preparations For Deed Committed In Own Home - Man Believed To Have Been Despondent - Born In Broadalbin

Charles Milroy, thirty-five years old of [33 1-1] South Perry Street, an employ of the Gloversville Knitting Company, committed suicide by hanging about 7 o'clock last evening at his home. When discovered by his young son, Milroy was hanging from a rope fastened to a nail over a doorway just off the kitchen. The son notified the mother who was in the parlor of the home and she cut the rope from which he was hanging and tried to resuscitate him as he was still breathing. Other members of the family summoned help and together with the aid of Patrolman Michael Mongin, these efforts were continued. The Pulmotor was also used but to no avail. Dr F M Neuendorf, health officer, and Dr M E Nolan were called but it was found that he was beyond medical aid. That Milroy had made elaborate plans for ending his life was apparent as it was said at the home that he had been busy during the early part of the evening figuring out what debts he owed. A small nail driven into the wood over the door and the rope, a small clothesline, which he had doubled, about his neck also furnished evidence. What drove Milroy to take his life is not known, but it is believed that he became despondent over his position in life as his wife said he "was easily discouraged." In reply to a question as to whether he had been acting strangely of late, she said she had not noticed it, adding that he acted as he always did. In ending his life, Milory evidently mounted a small box found in the bedroom off the kitchen, placed the rope about his neck and then swung off from it. Coroner J W Joalin, who was called, gave a verdict of "suicide by hanging." Milory, who was born in the town of Broadalbin, July 13, 1889, had been employed in the Gloversville Knitting Company for the last several months. During the summer he had been employed as a gardener. He was also employed in Broadalbin prior to coming to Johnstown. Surviving are his wife, two sons, and three girls, the oldest girl being fourteen years old. He is also survived by a half-sister, Marjorie Milroy of Broadalbin. The body was removed to George A Dorn's undertaking parlors in South Perry Street. The funeral will be held Sunday afternoon at the home of Floyd Swears, Broadalbin and will be private to relatives and immediate friends.

 

courtesy of Jennifer Deuel - Find A Grave

The Leader Herald, Mon, 7 Dec 1964
Mrs Jessie G Milroy, 73, died at 3:30 Saturday afternoon at the home of her daughter, Mrs Donald E Wilson Sr of 22 North Boulevard, Gloversville. Born in Broadalbin on Jul 21, 1891, she was the daughter of George and Nettie Schuler Hickock. She married Charles Milroy in 1908. Mr Milroy died in 1922. She lived in Johnstown for 36 years with Mrs Josie M Potter at 213 South William Street until last February when she moved to the Wilson home because of ill health. She was a member of the First Methodist Church and the Florence Wright Palmer Sunday School Class and the WSCS of that church; the Johnstown Hospital Auxiliary; and the Johnstown Chapter of the American Red Cross of which she was a charter member. Survivors, other than Mrs Wilson, include two daughters, Mrs Raymond Dukett of South Royalton, VT, Mrs Robert Trevett of Broadalbin; one son, Ralph Milroy of Johnstown; two sisters, Mrs Elsie Swears of Gloversville and Mrs Smith Sawyer of Broadablin; two brothers, Henry Hickock of Broadalbin and Ralph Hickock of Gloversville RD 3; six grandchildren; five great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

What Are The Chances?!?

You have to read it to believe it....

Lawrence Elsworth Bennett was the son of Elmer E Bennett & Florence Hoyt.  Born in 1901 at Conquest, NY, he married a Jersey girl named Jessie Meredith Capron, the daughter of Walter A Capron & Minnie W Farley.

Niagara Falls Gazette, Tues, 17 May 1960

Two Men Are Killed

Ontario (AP) - Two persons died Monday night in a two-car crash near this Wayne County Village. Lawrence Bennett, 58, of Ontario Center was killed and Walter Shipley, 74, of Williamson, was fatally injured when their cars collided in Route 104, one mile east of here. Troopers said Bennett was passing another car when the accident occurred.

.....15 YEARS LATER.....

Geneva Daily Times, Mon, 20 Jan 1975
Wayne Accident Kills Passenger
Williamson - The Wayne County Sherriff's Dept is continuing investigation of a Saturday afternoon accident which claimed the life of an elderly Ontario Center woman passenger. Pronounced dead at the scene was 78 year old Jessie M Bennett of 10 E Main St, Ontario Center, a passenger in a car operated by Mrs Frances Paige of Knickerbocker Rd, Ontario. The fatal accident was discovered on Rt 21 in the town of Williamson shortly after 1 pm Saturday by Deputy Orlando Gonzalez while on routine patrol. According to police, a witness reported that a southbound station wagon, driven by 25 year old Robert B La Graff Jr of 40 McGuckin St Rochester, went out of control after running into slush along the side of the highway. The vehicle then reportedly crossed into the opposite lane, striking the Paige auto on a road curve and causing both cars to land on the east side of the road. La Graff, pinned inside his car, which was embedded in a ditch, for almost 45 minutes. He was freed by Williamson firemen who used portable power saws, being taken to Myers Community Hospital in Sodus. He was reported in good condition there last night. Mrs Paige, who was transferred from the Sodus hospital to Newark-Wayne Community Hospital, was transferred to Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester Sunday afternoon, according to a Newark hospital spokesman. She was listed in satisfactory in the intensive care unit this morning.