Making Meaning out of a Pile of Family Photos

Frequently, as a genealogist, I wonder how to best present the information I have found on my ancestors for others to enjoy.  This summer I was so excited to find pictures (from Ella Terry Billard), many from the 1870s.  WOW!!!! These are the oldest photos I have ever been able to find on my ancestors. 

As I looked at the labeled (Thank-you Great Aunt Ella Terry Billard for doing this) photos in the beautiful burgundy colored album I quickly realized they were from the Robinson and Terry lines.  I could see the connection immediately and realized the importance of this discovery.  (See post Seven Generations of Photos).  Many of the people in the photos were mentioned in Carrie’s Letters. (See posts on Carrie’s Letters)

My dilemma was how to present the photos to my cousins so that they were more meaningful then just a group of pictures.

After cropping the photos and cleaning them up in MyHeritage’s new photo enhancement program I decided to put each family group together with the parents at the top of the page and the children, with spouses, on the rest of the sheet.  The album the photos were in was also very important to me as it held this amazing collection of photos safe for so many years.  After working in Adobe Photoshop I thought the following might be a more meaningful way to display the photos of the Robinson family and the connection they share within the family:

 

and the Terry family:

 

What do you think of this as a way to display the photos?  Unfortunately, there is no photo of Eliza, the matriarch, of the Terry family.  

By displaying the photos in this manner I noticed several things I hadn’t noticed before. 

• Three of the Robinson men married women with the maiden name ‘Raynor’. 
• Two Robinson men married women with the maiden name ‘Wells’.  I couldn’t help but wonder... if the Raynor women were sisters or cousins perhaps?  What about the Wells women?  More research to do.  
• I had previously known that two of the Terry brothers had married 2 of the Robinson sisters. 
• Enlarging the pictures and carefully examining the photos showed that several of the men seem to be wearing the same jacket and/or vest.  Did the photographer have the vest and jacket that the men wore in the photo or did one of the men own it and the others just ‘borrowed’ it?  The rug in many of the pictures is the same.  Perhaps the photos were taken at the same time?  Young Arthur and Carrie Robinson were both standing next to the same table with a lace tablecloth.  The same chair appears in many of the photos.  Young Arthur Robinson has a jacket on that is way too big for his young body with rolled up sleeves.

 

Several of the photos in this group were unidentified.  These photos have to be members of either the Robinson or Terry families since they are part of this collection.  Hopefully, someone will see this and be able to help identify the following pictures that are not labeled so they can be added to the correct family group.  

click on photos to enlarge

Have you ever seen any of these photos of our Robinson and Terry families?  Thank-you cousin Rebecca for sharing these photos!

Hopefully, for my Robinson and Terry cousins, these photos will help solve the mystery of what some of their ancestors looked like.  If you have photos of someone in the family that I haven’t found yet, please, share them with me so I can add them to the sheets.  I wonder how many we can find?  If anyone would like a copy of an individual photo please email me directly and I am happy to share this magnificent find.

Maybe over your Holiday Celebrations someone will remember old photos that are tucked away and need to be found again.  Merry Christmas to all and a very Happy New Year of wonderful finds to add in the knowledge of your ancestors!

If you have any corrections or additions or stories to share I look forward to hearing them.

Enjoy the journey,
Debby

 

Seven Generations of Photos

     Does having a picture of your ancestor change the way you look at their life story?  While I am researching I am always hopeful that I will find photos of my ancestors, unfortunately, I rarely find them.  I can tell their stories with the facts I can find but I still want the photos.  So, I keep searching.

     This Summer I was amazed at the number of photos on my Robinson and Terry lines that were found at my cousin's house.  Rebecca has bins of things that belonged to her great-grandmother Ella Terry Billard.  When we got together this Summer, while I was visiting, I was astounded at the number of photos we found and how old they were.  Working with these photos I am learning so many new things about the family.  One of the first things I realized is that these are the oldest photos I have ever been able to see!  As I thought about this I also realized I have seven generations of photos with this find.  Photos from my son all the way back to Stephen Robinson (3x great grandfather) which was taken no later then 1871.  As you look at the generations of photos, what family resemblances do you see among the photos?  What else do you notice in the photos?

(click on image to enlarge)

I wonder if Caroline's closed "smile" was due to a lack of teeth? I wonder if there was a permanent photographer in the Riverhead area in the 1860s and 70s?  What was the occasion for the photos taken of Stephen and Caroline?  What was the occasion for Almeda's photo?  I believe Carrie's photo was taken in New York City during her time in college (1880-2).  My grandfather's picture was taken from a family photo probably taken in the 1940s.  My father's picture was taken at my second marriage in 2012.  Mine was taken in 2018 when I received my General Society of Mayflower Descendants certificate and my son's was his senior picture in college.  (Be sure to click on the bold names above if you'd like to find out about the life stories of the people in the photos.)

Seeing a picture of my ancestor really brings them to life for me.  I may have many facts about them but actually seeing what they looked like definitely makes them "real" for me.  How about for you?  What an amazing find this was!

If you have any corrections or additions or stories to share I look forward to hearing them.

Enjoy the journey,
Debby

The 1871 Will of Stephen Robinson

Wills can hold such interesting pieces of information about our ancestors and frequently generate additional questions.  Stephen Robinson is my paternal 3x great-grandfather.  Last Spring I wrote what I had been able to learn about his life (see Blog post Celebrating the Life of Stephen Robinson).   Now I wanted to look at his last wishes as recorded in his Will.

At the time this Will was written Stephen was 66 years old and had been married to Caroline Overton Robinson for 46 years.  They had the following children all still living at the time: Barnabas O., George W., Perry S., Almeda V. (my 2nd great-grandmother), William S., Arthur M., Alonzo M., Dolisca, Huldah J., and Carrie E.  [I have underlined family names within the following transcribed Will.]

Stephen’s Will was written 6 days before he died.

(click on image to enlarge)

Transcription:

Will

In the name of God, Amen. I, Stephen Robinson, of the Town of Riverhead, County of Suffolk and State of New York being of sound mind and memory, and considering the uncertainty of this life, do therefore, make, ordain, publish and declare, this to be my last Will and Testament; That is to say,

First, after all my lawful debts are paid and discharged, I give, bequeath-To my Son Alonzo M. Robinson, my Homestead Farm Consisting of one Hundred and Seventy-five acres the same more or less-Situate at Manorville in the said County of Suffolk and Bounded as follows-first piece on the North by the Lands of Thomas G. Osborn, on the South by the Peconic River and on the West by the Lands of Jonah Raynor.  Second piece-On the North by the Land of Louis Worthington, on the East by the Land of Jonah Raynor, on the South by the Branch of the Peconic River and on the West by the Land of George O. Raynor.  Together with the hereditaments [something capable of being inherited] and appurtenances [belonging to something else, ie. the land] or in otherwise thereunto belonging or in anywise appertaining to have and to hold the premises above described to the said Alonzo M. Robinson his heirs and assigns Forever-

I give and bequeath to my son William S. Robinson all that certain piece or parcel of Land Situate at Manorville in the said County of Suffolk, Containing seventy acres be the same more or less and Bounded as follows on the North partly by the Highway and partly by the Land of Sally Ann Sweezey on the East by the Lands of Sally Ann Sweezey and Albert Terry on the South by the Land of Isaac Raynor and the old School House Road and on the West by the Land of O. H Oc’t(?), together with the hereditaments and appurtenances hereunto belonging or in anywise appertaining to have and to hold the premises above described to the said William S. Robinson Forever-

I give and bequeath to my son Arthur M. Robinson Two Hundred acres of land near Manorville in the said County of Suffolk and bounded as follows-first piece on the North by, the Long Island Rail Road on the East by the Land of Isaac C. Hulse and the Heirs of Elegin Dayton in the South by the Land of Joel H. Raynor and on the West by the Lands of J. Minor Raynor and by Jab. Raynor- Second piece lying near Manorville in the said County of Suffolk and Bounded as follows on the North by the Land formerly of ?Yosing & Roger on the East by the Land of Warren Raynor on the South by Peconic River, and on the West by the Lands of Benjamin R. Woodhull and Bertha Caffee Zuba-To have and to hold the premises above described to the said Arthur M. Robinson Forever-

I give and bequeath to my son Barney O. Robinson the Sum of one Thousand Dollars in Money.

I give and bequeath to my son George W. Robinson the sum of one Thousand Dollars in Money.

I give and bequeath to my son Stephen Perry Robinson the sum of one Thousand Dollars in Money-

I give and bequeath to my son William S. Robinson the sum of Three Hundred dollars in Money-

I give and bequeath to my wife Caroline Robinson the sum of Eight Thousand dollars in Money-

I give and bequeath to my daughter Caroline E. [Carrie] Robinson the sum of Three Hundred dollars in Money-

I give and bequeath to my daughter Almeda V. Terry the sum of Two Hundred dollars in Money-

I give and bequeath to my daughter Dolisea Terry the sum of Two Hundred dollars in Money-

I give and bequeath to my daughter Hulah J. Hawkins the sum of Two Hundred dollars in Money-

All the residue and remainder of my Estate-both real and personal I give and bequeath to my sons Barney O. Robinson, George W. Robinson and Arthur M. Robinson to be equally divided between them.

Likewise, I make constitute and appoint my Wife Caroline Robinson, to be my Executrix and my son Barney O. Robinson to be Executor of this my last Will and Testament, hereby revoking all former Wills by me made.

In Witness whereof, I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed my seal, the fifth day of June in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and Seventy one.

Stephen Robinson   (L.S.)

Witnesses

Richard T. Osborn, Riverhead

George F. Homan, Riverhead

 

Since the Will was written so close to the time of his death I wonder if Stephen was seriously ill at the time?  Unfortunately, there are no death certificates that would have recorded the cause of his death.

I notice that Stephen leaves more money to his youngest daughter Caroline "Carrie".  I believe this is do to her age only being 17 at the time the letter was written.  She was a minor and still at home at the time.  Stephen's other three daughters were married at the time the Will was written.

I am curious about why property was left to some of the sons but not all of them?  I wonder if property was not left to sons who already owned their own land?  When I looked back at what Stephen farmed according to the US Federal Non-Populations Census-Agricultural Blog post I had written I saw a decline from 1850-1860 in the acreage that Stephen farmed/owned.  I was unable to locate Stephen in the 1870 US Federal Non-Populations Census-Agricultural.  Had he stopped farming by 1870?  I think some further investigation into Stephen's land sales are definitely needed.

The handwriting in the Will, at times, was difficult to decipher.  There may be errors in the spelling of some of the names mentioned as owning land bordering Stephen's property holdings.  

If you have any corrections or additions or stories to share I look forward to hearing them.

Enjoy the journey,
Debby

Celebrating the Life of Stephen Robinson

Stephen Robinson

Stephen is my paternal 3^rd great grandfather and in honor of the 216^th anniversary of his birthday I set out to see what I could learn about him.

Stephen was born 14 February 1805 to Moses and Susan Gould Robinson in Southold, Suffolk County, New York. I believe Stephen was the 3^rd of 7 children born to Moses and Susan.

• The town of Southold, Suffolk County, New York is located on the north eastern end of Long Island, about 95 miles east of New York City. Southold proclaims to be the oldest English town in the State of New York and was originally settled by Puritans from New Haven, Connecticut in 1640. This land was originally purchased from the Corchaug Indians. From what I can tell Stephen was in the first generation to be born in Southold. The War of 1812 occurred with little effect on the town of Southold as Stephen was growing up.

Stephen (20 years old) married Caroline F. Overton (14 years old) on 24 January 1825. They had 10 children: Barnabas, George W., Perry S., Almeda V. (my 2^nd great grandmother), Dolisca, Alonzo M., William S., Arthur M., Huldah J., Carrie E. (Wolf)

1830 US Federal Census shows Stephen is living in Riverhead. Stephen appears to be living with his wife. Living nearby is Gideon Robinson. A cousin perhaps?

1840 US Federal Census shows Stephen is living in Riverhead. Stephen appears to be living with his wife, 1 male under the age of 5, 2 males aged 5-9, 2 females under age 5, and another male aged 30-39. Living next to David Robinson, near Hiram Robinson and Richard Robinson. Cousins perhaps?

1850 US Federal Census on 16^th of September shows Stephen living in Riverhead. He is 45 years old, Occupation Farmer in Industry Agriculture, Value of Real Estate $3000 living in Riverhead, New York with wife Caroline and children Barnabas, George, Terry, Almeda (my 2^nd great-grandmother), Dolisca, Alonzo, William and Huldah.

See blog post US Federal Non-Population Census-Agricultural for information on the crops, animals, value of the land, etc. for Stephen in the town of Riverhead for 1850 and 1860. See blog post Caroline Overton Robinson for a photo of Stephen and Caroline outside their farmhouse.

1860 US Federal Census on eight of July shows Stephen living in Riverhead. He is 53 years old, Occupation Farmer, Value of Real Estate $2000 living in Riverhead, New York with wife Caroline and children: Perry, Alonzo, William and Huldah, Arthur and Caroline E.

1865 New York State Census shows Stephen is 59 years old, Occupation: Farmer living with his wife Caroline and children: Alonso, William, Arthur and Carrie E. (Caroline). All born in Suffolk County, New York. Married once and currently married. Owner of land and Voter-Native. Bowker and Jemima Robinson live next door. I wonder what he thought of the Civil War?

I have been unable to locate Stephen in the 1870 US Federal Census.

Stephen died 11 June 1871 in Manorville, Suffolk County, New York.

If you have any corrections or additions or stories to share I look forward to hearing them.

Enjoy the journey,
Debby

Tombstone Tuesday–Almeda Robinson Terry

Almeda Vincent Robinson Terry died of Apoplexy (Stroke) on 15 October 1925 and was pronounced by Dr. F. Peterson of Cutchogue at 2:30 in the morning. 

She was buried in Mattituck, New York at the New Bethany Cemetery on 17 October 1925.

Almeda Robinson Terry

April 21, 1838

Oct. 15, 1925

To learn more about Almeda see previous posts Celebrating the Life of Almeda Vincent Robinson Terry and Sunday Obituary- Almeda Vincent Robinson Terry.

If you have any corrections or additions or stories to share I look forward to hearing them.
Enjoy the journey,
Debby

Sunday Obituary - Almeda Vincent Robinson Terry

There were two different obituaries and a death notice in the local newspapers for my paternal great-great grandmother Almeda Vincent Robinson Terry. (See previous post Celebrating the Life of Almeda Vincent Robinson Terry for information about her life.)

 

23 October 1925, page 3:

Died

Cutchogue, Oct 15, Almeda, widow of Gilbert V. Terry, aged 87 years.

23 October 1925, page 2:

Cutchogue

Mrs. Almeda Terry, widow of Gilbert Terry, died last Thursday at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Geo. T. Billard, aged 87 years. She was a woman quiet and retiring and made many friends and will be greatly missed in the village. Her husband was the miller at the old Inlet Mill, Peconic. The mill is gone, but the old residence still remains. Mrs. Terry’s funeral was held at Mrs. Billard’s residence last Saturday. Rev. P. H. Dodd officiating, and the burial was at Mattituck. Besides Mrs. Billard, Mrs. Terry leaves one son, Forrest, who lives at Riverhead with his family.

22 October 1925 page 12:

Mrs. Gilbert Terry

Cutchogue-The death last week of Mrs. Terry removed one of the best known residents of this section. The deceased who was born 87 years ago, had resided in Southold town all her life. She was the widow of Gilbert Terry, who conducted a mill at the inlet. The mill has gone, but the home where Mr. and Mrs. Terry lived still stands. She was a good woman and led a quiet and peaceful life and will be missed by her many friends. She is survived by a son, Forrest Terry, of Riverhead, and a daughter, Mrs. George [Ella] Billard. Mrs. Terry resided with her daughter for some time and her funeral was conducted from the Billard residence on Saturday afternoon, Rev. P. H. Dodd, pastor of the local M. E. church, officiating, and the internment was at Mattituck.

While the two obituaries are basically the same they do tell me a little more about Almeda the ‘woman’ then the facts of her life can tell me. It was an honor to know she was a “good woman”, well known in the area with many friends that would miss her. I also learned the name of the clergy that officiated at her funeral. I wonder if the church would have any additional information about her? More research to do.


If you have any corrections or additions or stories to share I look forward to hearing them.
Enjoy the journey,
Debby

Celebrating the Life of Almeda Vincent Robinson Terry

Almeda Vincent Robinson Terry

My paternal great-great Grandmother Almeda Vincent Robinson Terry was born 182 years ago today 21 April 1838. Almeda was the fourth of nine children, and the first daughter born to Stephen and Caroline F. (Overton) Robinson probably in Riverhead, Suffolk County, New York. Almeda’s father was a farmer, based on census records.

Almeda would marry Gilbert Terry 21 October 1857 when she was 19 years old and Gilbert was 24 years old. Almeda would give birth to 5 children: Carrie (my great-grandmother), an unnamed infant daughter, Ella, Forrest and Millard.

The US Federal Census of 1860 on 30 July would show Almeda as 22 years old, born in New York, Gilbert as 27 years old, an 18 year old farm laborer John Young and Gilbert’s sister 19 year old Josephine V. Terry as living with the young couple in Mattituck, Southold town, Suffolk County, New York. Gilbert and Josephine’s mother Eliza died a year before and their father had remarried. Could this be why she is living with her brother? Josephine would later marry Charles A. Aldrich.

In 1870 Almeda and Gilbert had a daughter who lived only 19 days.

The US Federal Census of 1870 on 2 June shows Almeda as 32 and Keeping House as her occupation, Gilbert as 37 with Miller as his occupation, Carrie as 7 years old living in Southold, Suffolk County, New York. I wonder what is was like to be a Miller’s wife in Peconic in 1870?

The US Federal Census of 1880 on 21 of J shows Almeda as 42 years old, Keeping House, Gilbert as 47 years old and a Miller, Ella as 7 years old, Forrest as 3 years old and Millard as 5 months old living in Peconic, Suffolk County, New York. My great-grandmother Carrie (18 years old) was attending the Normal School for Teacher training in Newark, New Jersey at the time.

Youngest son Millard E. died at the age of 11 in Peconic, New York on 8 August 1891 of cerebral apoplexy. Millard was buried in Greenport. Cerebral apoplexy usually refers to stroke symptoms, with a sudden onset, due to bleeding into the brain. Searching local newspapers doesn’t yield any results or even a mention of Millard’s death. Was there an accident? Did he fall and hit his head and that caused his death? There is a gap in Carrie’s Letters from July 1891 until December 1891. Millard is never mentioned again in her letters.

The US Federal Census of 1900 on 6 June shows Almeda as 62 years old, 42 years married, 5 children with 3 children still living. Almeda was able to read, write and speak English. Gilbert was 67 years old Farm Laborer, and son Forest was 23 years old, Farm Laborer. Their home was Rented and they just had a house. Gilbert’s sister Josephine Petty is next on the census and must have been living next door at the time. Josephine’s first husband Charles died in 1872 and she married David Petty. David died in 1897. Josephine was listed as a Farmer by occupation. She owned her home mortgage free and had a farm. I wonder if Gilbert and Forest worked for her?

On 27 April 1907 Almeda’s husband Gilbert died at the age of 74. Gilbert’s death occurred just six months shy of their 50^th Wedding Anniversary.

The US Federal Census of 1910 in May I am unable to find a listing for Almeda. I am able to find the record for children Carrie, Ella and Forrest but Almeda is not listed with any of them. I wonder if she was with family and they forgot to list her?

In the New York State Census of 1 June 1915 Almeda Terry is 77 years old and living with her daughter and family in the Village of Cutchogue, Southold Town, New York.

The US Federal Census of 1920 on 20 January shows Widow Almeda is 81 years old and living in Southold, New York with her daughter Ella (46 years old), son-in-law George Billard (49 year old Farmer), and their sons Irving (17 years old) and Ellis (15 years old).
Almeda passed away 15 October 1925 in Cutchogue, New York at the home of her daughter Ella Terry Billard. Almeda died from Apoplexy (stroke) at the age of 87 and is buried next to her husband Gilbert and their infant daughter.

I wonder about ‘Vincent’ as Almeda’s middle name. Where did that come from? Was it a typical name for a girl to have in 1838 or is she named for someone I haven’t found yet?

I am very fortunate to have the above picture of Almeda. Maybe from the 1890s?  I wonder how old she was in the picture? When I enlarge the photo (click on photo to enlarge) and look at her I see a woman who had many trials in her life, including burying 3 children and her husband, but still looks very beautiful.

Happy Birthday Almeda!

If you have any corrections or additions or stories to share I look forward to hearing them.
Enjoy the journey,
Debby

Searching Land Records for School District #3 in Baiting Hollow New York

Land records can share such interesting details of our ancestors’ lives. I became interested in land records after transcribing my paternal great grandmother’s letters (see Carrie’s Letters). Finding the land records that matched the land purchases Carrie Terry Warner talked about in her letters was exciting.

Carrie was a young teacher of 22 years who taught in Baiting Hollow, New York and while there would meet and marry my great grandfather, John Benjamin Warner, in 1885.
The following is an except from a letter Carrie wrote to her mother, Almeda Robinson Terry, on 30 October 1884:

“ With few exceptions I like my school very much, and I think I am generally liked by the pupils. I have not heard from the parents yet. The school is increasing slowly. I have twenty seven pupils now.”

and

“O! What a lot of work to get water here. We have no water at the school house and haven’t had since I have been here. There is a cistern there but no water in it.”

This led me to think about the school itself. Today I believe the school building stands where the Baiting Hollow Library is on Sound Avenue. I wondered what I could find out about the school? I had copies of several old maps that showed the location of the school:

1858 map of Baiting Hollow from the Suffolk County Historical Society

1873 Beers map of Baiting Hollow

• In the 1858 map the school is located between the property of A. Corwin on the West and Daniel Warner on the East. Proceeding East is the property of Lewis Warner and Daniel Warner.
• In the 1873 map the school No. 3 is located between the property of A. Warner on the West and Lewis Warner on the East. Proceeding East is the property of Goldsmith Warner and Daniel Warner.

After looking at the maps I started wondering about the land for the school? Was the land leased, donated or sold to someone for a school? Could my ancestors, who in 1873 lived on both sides of the school have donated or sold the land for the school? Would I ever be able to find the answer? I tried to find records for the “Baiting Hollow School” to no avail and thought I might never know the answer. School records that far back are definitely hard to find. Oh, well, maybe someday I will find the answer.

Fast forward a few years to December 2018. Over the Holidays I was in Riverhead and searching for land records at the Suffolk County Center for my great grandfather John B. Warner.  Land he purchased or sold would help tell the story of his life. While searching for John’s records I stumbled upon the following:

Liber 618 pages 446-448 

Transcription:

This Indenture, Made the Twenty-sixth day of September in the year One thousand nine hundred and Six between Allen M. Warner and Kate S. Warner his wife of the town of Riverhead, Co. of Suffolk and State of New York parts of the first part, and John B. Warner trustee of the third School Dist. Of the town of Riverhead part of the second part. Witnesseth, That the said party of the first part, in consideration of Three hundred dollars ($300.00) lawful money of the United States, paid by the said party of the second part, do hereby grant and release unto the said party of the second part, as trustee of said third school dist. Of the worn of Riverhead and to his successors in office forever for a school house site, All that tract or Parcel of land, situate in the town of Riverhead County of Suffolk and State of New York, being bounded as follows, Commencing at the North East corner of the present School House site and running N23° 30’ W two hundred ninety eight feet nine inches by the land of J.B. Warner then S 66°30’ W One hundred twenty five ft three inches by other land of the party of the first part, thence S 21°22’ E three hundred sixty one feet six inches by other land of the party of the first part thence N 75°25’ E sixty six feet eight inches by the present School House site to the point or place by beginning. Containing one acre by measurement, The party of the second part is to erect maintain and keep a fence around said property. Together with the appurtenances; and all the estate and rights of the said party of the first part in and to said premises. To Have and to Hold the above granted premises unto the said property unto the said party of the second part, his successors in office forever And the said Allen M. Warner and Kate S. Warner does covenant with the said party of the second part as follows; First,-That the parties of the first part are seized of the said premises in fee simple, and have good right to convey the same. Second.-That the party of the second part shall quietly enjoy the said premises. Third.- That the said premises are free of incumbrances. Fourth.- That the parties of the first part will execute or procure any further necessary assurance of the title of said premised. Fifth.- That the said Allen M. Warner and Kate S. Warner will forever warrant the title to said premises. In Witness Whereof, The said parties of the first part have hereunto set their hands and seals the day and year first written.

Allen M. Warner, LS. Kate S. Warner, LS.

In Presence of B. Frank Howell, Jr.

State of New York, County of Suffolk State of New York ss: On this 7 day of May in the year One thousand nine hundred and seven, before me, the subscriber, personally appeared Allen M. Warner and Kate S. Warner to me personally known to be the same person described in and who executed the foregoing instrument, and they acknowledged to me that they executed the same, B. Frank Howell, Jr. Notary Public Suffolk Co N.Y.

Recorded 9^th May 1907 @ 9 A.M.

Wm. F. Flanagan, Clerk

• I find no mention of this transaction in Carrie’s letters. Her father died just 10 days before this, she had 5 young sons and was about 6 months pregnant with her 6^th child. There are very few letters from this very hectic time period.

Success! Another question answered. I did find the land transaction for School District #3 in Riverhead, commonly known as the Baiting Hollow School. Previously, I had searched under the wrong name for the school. This added some interesting facts to the story of my ancestors’ lives and their involvement in their community.

As always, one question answered leads to other questions…I wonder how the original school came to be at this site years before? How many years before the map above in 1858 did the school exist at this site?

If you have any corrections, additions or stories to share I look forward to hearing them.
Enjoy the journey,
Debby

I also stumbled upon some  additional School District #3 records from the early 1800s at the Riverhead Town Historian’s Office. Stay tuned to find out about those. 

Tombstone Tuesday-Caroline Overton Robinson

Please see posts entitled Caroline Overton Robinson and Amanuensis Monday-Will of Caroline F. Overton Robinson to find additional information on my 3x Great-Grandmother Caroline Overton Robinson.

Brookfield Cemetery, Manorville, Suffolk County, New York

Robinson Family Plot

Caroline

wife of

Stephen Robinson

died March 20, 1897

AE 85 years & 3 mo

Farewell dear mother sweet thy rest.

If you have any corrections or additions or stories to share I look forward to hearing them.

Enjoy the journey,

Debby

Amanuensis Monday-Will of Caroline F. Overton Robinson

Yesterday I completed a blog post with information I learned about my paternal 3x Great-Grandmother Caroline F. Overton Robinson.  (see post Caroline Overton Robinson) .  I found Caroline’s Will was at the Surrogate’s Court in Riverhead, Suffolk County, New York.  The Will was only available on Microfilm and the only copy I was able to print was of poor quality.  I had to read the screen and write over the copy in order to be able to read all the information.  I’m so glad I did this because as I try to read the Will now when I’m back in California….ugh!!  The following is Caroline’s Will:

Probate Record including Will (page 501)  located in Record of Wills Book 33 pages 499-503

Transcription: 

Will In the Name of God, Amen. I, Caroline T. Robinson of the town of Riverhead, County of Suffolk and in the state of New York, being of sound mind and memory, and considering the uncertainty of this frail and transitory life, do therefore make, ordain and publish and declare this to be my last will and testament, that is to say First. After all my lawful debts are paid and discharged, I give and bequeath to my beloved son Barney O. Robinson one hundred Dollars ($100). 2nd. I give devise and bequeath to my grandson Forrest E. Terry, son of Gilbert and Almeda Terry of the town of Southold and County afore said fifty Dollars ($50). 3rd. I give devise and bequeath to my beloved son Arthur M. Robinson one hundred Dollars ($100). 4th. I give devise and bequeath to my beloved daughter Carrie E. Robinson all the rest and remainder of both personal and real property of every name and description. Likewise, I make constitute and appoint my son George W. Robinson, of Mattituck, town of Southold, County of Suffolk to be Executor of this my last Will and Testament, hereby revoking all former Wills by me made. In Witness Whereof. I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed my seal, the eleventh day of May, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and eighty three.                                                                                                          Caroline F. Robinson                 L.S.

Caroline’s Will was proved in Surrogate’s Court, Riverhead, Suffolk County, NY on 12 July 1897.

I find it interesting the people that Caroline left money to in her will.  She had more children and lots of grandchildren.  I wonder why she chose the ones she did?  (I have a copy of Stephen’s will and need to work on that one.)  I believe that daughter Carrie was the only unmarried child at the time of Caroline’s death.  Leaving her the remainder of her property and personal affects does make sense.  I think perhaps the family farm was sold before Stephen died and then Caroline must have lived with some of her children until her death.

If you have any corrections or additions or stories to share I look forward to hearing them.

Enjoy the journey,

Debby

Caroline Overton Robinson

I thought I would see what I could find out about my paternal 3x Great-Grandmother Caroline Overton Robinson.

    (click to enlarge)

        believed to be Stephen and Caroline outside their farmhouse

 (photo compliments of cousin Rebecca)

What I learned about Caroline:

• In one report Caroline was born 18 October 1811 in Manorville, Suffolk County, New York.  I found another listing that she was born 18 Oct 1810 in Riverhead, Suffolk, New York. (This will deserve more research.)  Her parents were Jonathan Benjamin Overton and Elizabeth Osborn Overton.
• Caroline married Stephen Robinson 24 January 1825 in Riverhead, Suffolk, New York.
• Caroline and Stephen had 10 children (6 boys and 4 girls)-Barnabas, George, Perry, Almeda (my 2x Great-Grandmother), Frances Dolisca, Alonzo, William, Huldah, Arthur, and Caroline/Carrie.
• The US Federal Census for 1850, 1860, show Caroline and Stephen living in Riverhead, New York.
• The US Census Non-Population Schedules (agricultural) show Stephen having a farm in Riverhead in 1850 and 1860.
• New York State Census for 1865 shows the family living in Riverhead, New York.
• In the 1880 US Federal Census Caroline is living with her daughter Carrie in Calverton, New York.  (Stephen passed away in 1871).
• I was unable to find Stephen and Caroline in the 1870 US Federal Census.
• Caroline died on 20 March 1897 in Brookfield, Manorville, Suffolk, New York. 

from the Traveler Watchman Newspaper, 26 March 1897 in the Mattituck section;

Transcription: On Saturday morning Caroline, the aged widow of Stephen Robinson, formerly of Manor, LI “fell asleep in Jesus” at the home of her daughter Carrie Robinson, of this place.  She was in her eighty-sixth year, and until a few weeks ago had been very smart and active.  She left four sons and four daughters, George W., Perry S,. Barney O., and William T. Robinson, all of this village, Mrs. E.H. Terry of Patchogue, Mrs. Gilbert Terry of Peconic, Mrs. E. Hawkins of East Haven, Ct., and Miss Carrie Robinson of this place; while her grandchildren and great-grandchildren are a host.  She has truly been a “mother in Israel.” and her children rise up and call her blessed.  Her funeral was held here, the Rev. O.C. Lane officiating, and interment at Manor. (Now known as Manorville)

She is buried with her husband in Brookfield Cemetery, Manorville, Suffolk County, New York.

If you have any corrections or additions or stories to share I look forward to hearing them.

Enjoy the journey,

Debby

US Federal Non-Population Census-Agricultural

I wanted to take a look this week at my great great-great-grandfather Stephen Robinson.
When I started this is all I knew about Stephen:

• Stephen was born 14 February 1805 in Southold, Suffolk County, New York
• Stephen’s parents were Moses Robinson (age 30) and Susan Gould Robinson (28).
• Stephen (age 19) was married to Caroline F. Overton (age 14?) on 24 January 1825.
• Stephen and Caroline had 10 children-Barnabas Osborne, George W., Perry Stephen, Almeda Vincent, Dolisea, William Smith, Arthur M., Alonzo Martin, Huldah J., Carrie E.  Almeda is my great-great grandmother and the mother of Carrie Terry Warner.  (See Carrie’s letters)
• Stephen died on 11 June 1871 at the age of 66 and is buried in Brookfield, Manorville, Suffolk County, NY.

This is what I learned about Stephen:
According to the 1865 NY census Stephen was a farmer.

While searching on-line I stumbled across the US Federal Non-Population Census for 1850 and 1860 for Stephen.  The US had Agricultural Schedules every 10 years from 1850-1900.  The census according to the US Federal Government “was a convenient form and had the advantage of showing the general condition of each farm on one compact sheet.”  I started reviewing what Stephen had recorded in 1850.

1850 US Non-Population NY Agricultural Census, NY-
Stephen had 40 acres of land improved, 260 acres of land undeveloped, the cash value of the land was $3,000, Value of Farming Implements and Machinery $50, 2 Horses, 4 Mileh Cows (milking cow), 2 Working Oxen, 6 Other Cattle, 30 Sheep. 6 swine, $300 Value of Livestock, 60 Bushels of Wheat, 60 Bushels of Rye, 150 Bushels of Indian Corn, 70 lbs. of wool, 100 bushels of Irish Potatoes, 30 bushels of Buckwheat, 200 lbs. of Butter, 10 Tons of Hay, $80 Value of Homemade Manufactures.
1860 US Non-Population NY Agricultural Census, NY-
Stephen had 75 acres of land improved, 100 acres of land undeveloped, the cash value of the land was $2,000, Value of Farming Implements and Machinery $100, 3 Horses, 3 Mileh Cows (milking cow),  2 swine, $450 Value of Livestock, 75 Bushels of Wheat, 40 Bushels of Rye, 200 Bushels of Indian Corn, 200 Bushels of Oats, 100 bushels of Irish Potatoes, 40 bushels of Buckwheat, 200 lbs. of Butter, 3 Tons of Hay,$150 Value of Homemade Manufactures.

I thought if I put the results of the 2 Agricultural census in a spread sheet it would help me see what changes there were over the 10 year period.  The additional information for items listed below is from the information given to complete the census.
Remember to always read about the record (census) before you look at the information.

WOW…what a different type of information this is!  It was very interesting to see what in June of a growing year my ancestor had. 
Some thoughts:

• I was surprised by the amount of butter that was held by the family.
• I’m interested in the change of acreage.  Stephen had 10 children so I wonder if he sold or gave the land to some of his children?
• In the 1860 census, Stephen and Caroline still had 6 children at home with them.
• I know that in 1850 and 1860 Stephen was living in Riverhead instead of Southold where he was born and not yet in Manorville which is where he is buried.  Did he move to Manorville or was he just buried there?
• I wonder if they did sell any of the goods they made themselves or if it was just clothing, etc, for their family?
• I found it interesting that many, my ancestor included, owned sheep.  I wouldn’t have expected anyone to have them since I haven’t seen them on Long Island in my lifetime.
• Why can’t I find him in the US Federal Census for 1870?

There should be an Agriculture census for 1870 unless Stephen had given up farming at that time?  He would die a year later.
Now, I wonder if I can find a will for Stephen………….

If you have any corrections or additions or stories to share I look forward to hearing them.

Enjoy the journey,

Debby

Labor Day-They Were Millers

In honor of Labor Day I decided to look at the unusual career of my great great Grandfather (Gilbert Terry) who was a Miller and found out about other Millers in the family. It’s amazing sometime what you can learn from a newspaper article and how it can enhance your family tree. 

I knew that my great-great Grandfather Gilbert Terry had run the Old Mill in Peconic, NY for many years.  When I found this newspaper article about The Old Mill I learned more about Gilbert but also about several other Terry men in the family and their connections to Mill work.

I found this article in the Cutchogue-New Suffolk Free Library.  There is a Research Room that has local genealogy information that my parents took me to one time when I was visiting back East.  In this room was a treasure trove of binders.  There was a woman (wish I had written down her name)  from the area who over the years, long before computers, would cut out articles from the local newspaper and glue them on pieces of paper by family names.  Yes, now days I can search many of the newspapers on line from my home in California because they are digitized.  The search engines are pretty good, not perfect, and you can search by date but sometimes you have no idea what is out there to search for.  I have found numerous articles that I never would have known about if not for the wonderful gift this woman left for us.

The Old Tide Mill

Peconic, NY

Gilbert Terry was born in 25 June 1833 to Walter Franklin Terry and Eliza Ann Tooker Terry.  Gilbert had 5 brothers and 4 sisters.

From an article entitled “He Knew Peconic Mill” published in the Long Island Forum in September 1954 I learned more specifics about my great-great-grandfather’s career.  The following excepts help tell the story;

“…in 1872 the Coxes sold their holdings there to Capt. Joshua U. Terry who, after retiring from his seafaring life in 1847, conducted the Marttituck Mill for over twenty years.”

• I am not sure who Joshua U. Terry is and how he is related.

“The next miller at the Peconic mill after Cox and his son was Edward H. Terry who conducted it until the growing infirmities of age compelled his retirement.  He was succeeded by his brother Gilbert Terry who as the last miller there ran the Peconic mill for thirty-four years.  He gave up milling in 1902, and thereafter lived in Orient with his niece Mrs. Wilson L. Petty.” 

• Not mentioned-that he lived with his wife Almeda Robinson Terry.  Mrs. Wilson Petty would be referring to Gilbert’s niece Annie Robinson Petty, daughter of his wife Almeada’s brother Barnabas.  I find Annie Petty and her husband Wilson living in Peconic, NY in the 1900 and 1910 census, not Orient, NY.

Gilbert Terry married Almeda V. Robinson.  They had a daughter Ella who as Mrs. George Billard lived or lives at Cutchogue.  Joshua U. Terry who ran the Mattituck mill for over twenty years, dying about 1900, was a brother of Gilbert Terry.

• I find it interesting that they mention their daughter Ella but not Carrie Terry Warner or sons Forrest Terry and Millard Terry.  Ella was the only one alive at the time of the article though.

“In these tide-water-mills the rising tide swept into the rock-walled channel through the open gates.  As the tidewater retreated the gates would close, storing the water in the creek for use when it flowed out, turning the big water wheel.”

“During his ownership of the Peconic mill, Gilbert Terry enlarged and improved it in the early 1870’s by adding an extension on the north side and putting a windmill wheel atop a tower.  The windmill much increased the efficiency of the plant as the tide-wheel would only operate during part of the fall of the tide, or some ten hours at most.”

“With the second set of stones installed, Terry ground over 200 bushels per day on numerous occasions.  His largest grind was 300 bushels, when he worked a greater part of twenty-four hours.”

• I can imagine how dedicated he was if he worked the greater part of 24 hours at times. 

In the 1880s they ground “wheat, corn and oats into flour, light and dark canaille, and meal for the kitchen and bran for the barn.”

• In the 1880s ‘canaille’ meant a low grade of flour.

“ During the 1880s Gilbert was reported as saying, “We are grinding a bushel a minute, using both tide and windmill.””

“…The Inlet windmill was destroyed during a great storm on November 26 and 27, 1898.  The wheel of the mill was blown to pieces and the wreckage left hanging.  One by one the few remaining sticks dropped before the wind until the standard stood alone.”

• According to the LI Traveler newspaper there was a blizzard with hurricane force winds known as the ‘Thanksgiving storm’.

“By this time farmers had found it more profitable to grow potatoes and cauliflower than grain.  Consequently the amount of work brought to the mill rapidly decreased until finally the water-wheel was stopped to turn no more.”

• I also learned from this article that Walter Franklin Terry, Gilbert’s father was a miller.  That Gilbert was a miller (ran the Old Mill in Peconic, NY)  as was his brother Edward H. (who ran the Mill in Mattituck and later one in Patchogue, NY) and that Joshua Terry was also a miller.  A family of Millers-what interesting work and different from the common practice of farming.

For those of you regularly following my blog you may be interested in knowing that Gilbert Terry was the father of Carrie Terry Warner-Carrie's Letters.  See additional blog posts- Carrie's Letters.

If you have any corrections or additions or stories to share I look forward to hearing them.

Enjoy the journey,

Debby