Oh I LOVE your story, Vee! Thanks so much for telling it. That's the way I feel when my children & grandkids go through the heritage albums! I want the relatives in the family tree to be more than just names & dates on a computer screen to those in my family. And when they sit around looking at the books and laughing and interacting & remembering things about these people - or commenting about how someone looks like someone else, I am terribly pleased. I know that the reaction of "the kids" (including those balding sons-in-law who are far from kids) has been positive mainly because I've written what I know about the people on the pages by their photos, even if it is something about the aprons grandma wore in some photos & how she made them... and that brings to mind the time she ran the needle through her finger.... and how she sewed on that old treadle machine until she was nearly 90. I think it gives the next generation a connection to these people who were a part of my life but that they never knew. What a great feeling to know that simply through my handwriting these people come alive on the pages of the albums. Spending an hour or so once a week or so on this project has borne more fruit that I can possibly tell. Until the books arrived in our living room, a gradual process I assure you, these people had absolutely no interest in family history... and now they recognize names and sometimes even faces... and seem to care. One of my daughters looks like my grandmother & one of them talks to other people when she's mad _just_ like my grandmother, so I think it's only right that they have some kind of idea who this woman was. And like many things about us, her aprons tell something about the person inside the name "Mary Elizabeth" . On the other hand my other grandmother, Mary Ellen" wouldn't be caught in an apron when anyone was around, and the contrast between them is an interesting thing to write about in the books as well. Hopefully we can encourage others who read these stories to share their own insights into family personalities through passing on the stories to their offspring. I promise that you'll never regret the effort. Susan McMackin Reynolds Lewes Delaware

Dear Ann, et al, ----- Original Message ----- From: Anne Trabold <petact@cfl.rr.com> To: <NYNIAGAR-L@rootsweb.com> Sent: Friday, June 30, 2000 2:54 PM Subject: Suspension Bridge > Two weeks ago in the NYS Archives I found two marriages for SHICKLUNA cousins that had taken place at Suspension Bridge. The Gazeteer available said only City of Niagara Falls when I looked up Suspension Bridge. > > Shickluna, Edward 2 Oct 1886 > Shilkluna (sic), Joseph J. 31 May 1894 > > Thanks to Vee's posting on Photographer, I now know that Suspension Bridge was a village. Does anyone know where I can get more information about the village? > > Thanks for all your help. > > Anne Trabold > Melbourne, Florida > petact@cfl.rr.com Here's a brief history of Niagara Falls. The Village of Niagara Falls was incorporated in 1848. It had previously been referred to as Schlosser and/or Manchester. The Village of Suspension Bridge was a settlement about two miles down the river from the Falls. It was originally called Bellevue. In 1847 it was decided to build a bridge between Bellevue and Canada and by 1848 the new Suspension Bridge had been completed. By 1855 a second deck had been added above roadway of the bridge, a railroad track was laid on it and the railway suspension bridge was in use. Bellevue grew and by 1854 it was ready to be incorporated into a village. The name that was given it was Niagara City. It continued to grow and by the 1860s people were beginning to refer to it as Suspension Bridge. In 1874 its name was officially changed to Suspension Bridge. In 1892 the two villages were combined along with a portion of Town of Niagara and were incorporated as the City of Niagara Falls. Regarding the SHIKLUNA family, I know that they had an early shipbuilding business in both Youngstown and Niagara-on-the-Lake in the 1830s. I believe they lived in Niagara-o-t-Lake, Ontario, Canada. Hope this has been of help. vee of youngstown

Two weeks ago in the NYS Archives I found two marriages for SHICKLUNA cousins that had taken place at Suspension Bridge. The Gazeteer available said only City of Niagara Falls when I looked up Suspension Bridge. Shickluna, Edward 2 Oct 1886 Shilkluna (sic), Joseph J. 31 May 1894 Thanks to Vee's posting on Photographer, I now know that Suspension Bridge was a village. Does anyone know where I can get more information about the village? Thanks for all your help. Anne Trabold Melbourne, Florida petact@cfl.rr.com

About the Seminary, one of the most famous seminarians there was Father Baker who built the Basilica in Lackawanna who entered there on 2 September, 1869 and was ordained to the Priesthood on 19 March 1876. Mark Rustay, Albion, NY

Dear Group, I've been hesitating posting this because I know that it isn't going to tell you one single thing about your family or the history of Niagara County. However, I wrote a little story late last night about a genealogical incident that happened right here in the Town of Porter, Niagara County. It happened earlier in the evening and it happened in my house. I hope none of you mind. Note: the ancestors that I mention are totally from the Pennsylvania-Dutch area of southeastern PA. vee from youngstown The Chick on the Wall June 28, 2000 This evening I heard my kitchen door open and heard someone call out, "Auntie Vee?" I wasn't startled because I recognized that it was the voice of one of my grandnieces. Sure enough the gang of four at the kitchen door consisted of my two grandnieces, one girlfriend and one boyfriend. They had shown up at the command of their mother (my niece) to help me move a bit of stuff around in the cellar. It took them only a few minutes and they tromped back up the cellar stairs ready to move on to McDonalds for a hamburger or whatever. When my grandniece Amanda reached the top of the stairs and looked up on the wall in my kitchen entry way, she spotted a picture that I have hanging there of one of our ancestors. Now, Amanda has just turned 15 and you know how kids are at that age. At any rate, she looked up at the picture and said, "I recognize that picture. Who is that chick?" As usual I gave her a disapproving frown regarding her "modern" vocabulary when I knew full well that she knows that the "chick" in the picture is one of her ancestors. Well, since she asked the question, I answered it. I told her that she was Catherine Eshelman who married Edward Bryan; their son Daniel married Mary Catherine Schroll; their daughter Katie Bryan married John Housman. At that point Amanda interrupted, "Oh, I know him, that's Uncle John!" No, I told her, THAT John Housman was your great-great-grandfather. "Uncle John" is your great-uncle (my brother). I went on to tell her that Katie Bryan and John Housman's son, Charles Housman married Verna DeWees and their daughter Norma Housman married Donald Holland and their daughter was Debra Holland, Amanda's mother [my niece]. Well, Amanda paid attention to what I was telling her-even though I knew that she certainly wasn't taking any notes-and then off they went to McDonalds. What prompted me to write down this story is the realization of the meaning of the simple incident. There I was, Amanda's great-aunt, reciting our family ancestry back to the "chick" on the wall, the picture of her gr-gr-gr-gr-grandmother, Catherine Eshelman, wearing her little white Mennonite cap on her head and with such a stern look on her face (born 1831, died 1903). Later it pleased me to think that Catherine had looked back at Amanda with a warm look in her eyes and wondered who that "little chick" was who was so interested in knowing who she was.

Posted on: Niagara Co. NY Queries Board URL: http://genconnect.rootsweb.com/genbbs.cgi/USA/NY/Niagara?read=156 Surname: MENTZ, CRANDALL, VOGT ------------------------- Ann, Look what I just found! vee Transcribed from the book, “Niagara County, NY . . . 1821-1921 . . . “ by Edward T. Williams, Vol. II—Biographical, pg. 620. WILLIAM P. MENTZ was for many years a substantial citizen of the town of Lewiston, and owing to the close proximity of his residence to the village of Suspension Bridge, and later the city of Niagara Falls, he had a considerable part in the life of those communities. Mr. Mentz was born in Philadelphia in 1836, son of a clergyman, and located in the town of Lewiston just before the Civil war. The Mentz estate on the Lewiston road was for many years one of the chief farms in Niagara county, and ultimately was divided, the part sold commanding a high price. The power transmission line of the Niagara, Lockport & Ontario Power Company crosses the property, the transmission station being located on the river bank, to which comes the electric current across the Niagara river from the Ontario Power company at Niagara Falls, Ontario. Mr. Mentz married Elizabeth Vogt, now deceased, daughter of Jacob J. Vogt, a pioneer resident of Suspension Bridge, and they had one daughter, Lillian, who became the wife of Walter E. Crandall, now a retired business man of Niagara Falls. To Mr. and Mrs. Crandall was born one son, William. Mr. Mentz was a public spirited man. He served in various positions of public trust, including that of supervisor of the town of Lewiston, was a Democrat in politics. For some time he was the United States Indian Agent for the Tuscarora Indian Reservation, and took much interest in educational matters there. In Masonic circles Mr. Mentz stood high, being the first Worshipful Master of Niagara River Lodge No. 785, F. & A. M. in the then village of Suspension Bridge, which position he held in the years 1882-3. His death occurred May 6, 1899, having been highly honored and respected by a large circle of friends. His daughter, Mrs. Crandall, died Jan. 1, 1917. She had erected several large apartment dwellings in the city of Niagara Falls, notably The Mentz, at the corner of Jefferson avenue and Fourth street.

Posted on: Niagara Co. NY Queries Board URL: http://genconnect.rootsweb.com/genbbs.cgi/USA/NY/Niagara?read=155 Surname: Geer, Gallup ------------------------- Leonard Geer was in Niagara Co. in 1820 he was still single. Also was a William Gallup with a daughter 16-26 William m. Caroline Gallup? They named their son William. William & Caroline died about 1846. William Gallup d. ? They are listed in the town of Clarence Any information would ge greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance. Shirley

Posted on: Niagara Co. NY Queries Board URL: http://genconnect.rootsweb.com/genbbs.cgi/USA/NY/Niagara?read=154 Surname: fittante, tucker ------------------------- I am looking for any information I can find on a RUSSELL FITTANTE AND A HELEN TUCKER, MARRIED IN THE STATE OF NEW YORK AROUND 1917-1920.

Posted on: Niagara Co. NY Queries Board URL: http://genconnect.rootsweb.com/genbbs.cgi/USA/NY/Niagara?read=153 Surname: MENTZ, CRANDALL ------------------------- Dear Ann, I don’t know too much about the photographer W. J. Hart, but a well-placed phone call this evening confirmed that he was one of the old photographers in Niagara Falls and many, many people went to his studio to have their pictures taken. As with many of the photographers of the day in Niagara Falls, the individuals were frequently posed against a backdrop of a picture or painting of the Falls. The History Dept. of the Niagara Falls Library has many of those pictures taken by a number of photographers of the era. I have a 1958 Niagara Falls City Directory and by that year 1805 Main Street had long been the address of the Wellesley Dress Shop that was owned by Polly King (the local artist). It was just a few doors from the old Bellevue Movie Theater. Interestingly, in the same directory it shows that the Mentz Apartments were still there on the corner of Fourth and Jefferson and what you may find of particular interest is that in the 1958 directory there’s a listing of William M. Crandall and his wife Marie. Although it isn’t spelled out clearly, it appears that they were managers of the Mentz Apartments and lived at 328 Jefferson Ave., Apt. 1. I hope this helps you in the research of your family history. Vee Housman, Youngstown, NY

Posted on: Niagara Co. NY Queries Board URL: http://genconnect.rootsweb.com/genbbs.cgi/USA/NY/Niagara?read=152 Surname: Mentz, Stahl, Fischer, Berner, Bender, Krauss, Bender, Langendorfer, Kittell ------------------------- My Great Great Grandfather Rev. William Mentz had his photograph taken at 1805 Main Street in Niagara Falls, by W. J. Hart. Does anyone know of this photographer? He also had a son William (WIFE NAME UNKNOWN) his daughter Lillian Mentz married Walter Crandall. There also were apartments called Mentz Apartments at Jefferson and 4th street. I would like any information about William the father, and william the son & his wife..I do not know where the son is buried.

Tin Types were not the first pictures... i believe they were preceded by daguerrotypes and other methods. the earliest photos required subjects to stand and pose for a long time. hence although there was some 'on the spot' photography, like matthew brady's famous civil war photos, most people posed for family portraits in the photographers' studio, against set-up backdrops. the only way i can think of to trace a photo without a photo studio listed on it would be to find that same background in a photo that DID have one. ---------- >From: "Janet Kelley" <JanHellen@worldnet.att.net> >To: NYNIAGAR-L@rootsweb.com >Subject: Re: Photographers of yesteryear >Date: Tue, Jun 27, 2000, 1:59 PM > > On the same subject, I have some old Tint Types (If that is the correct > spelling) and have no idea who they are specifically. I believe they are of > the PRESTON family of New York and Wisconsin. Is there any way of telling > where these might have been taken. These are the little metal pictures > that, I believe, outside of paintings, were the first pictures. Any help > would be gratefully received. > > Jan Kelley > Bellevue Washington USA > JanHellen@worldnet.att.net > > ----- Original Message ----- > From: evelyn b cooper <ebcooper@juno.com> > To: <NYNIAGAR-L@rootsweb.com> > Sent: Monday, June 26, 2000 6:50 PM > Subject: Photographers of yesteryear > > >> How could I find out when photography studios were in business? If I >> knew the years, it might help me identify the relative pictured. The >> photos I speak of are on heavy cardboard with the photography's studio >> name on the bottom. >> >> Thanks much, >> >> Evelyn >> >> >> ________________________________________________________________ >> YOU'RE PAYING TOO MUCH FOR THE INTERNET! >> Juno now offers FREE Internet Access! >> Try it today - there's no risk! For your FREE software, visit: >> http://dl.www.juno.com/get/tagj. >> >> ______________________________ > > > ==== NYNIAGAR Mailing List ==== > For a list of Niagara County records filmed by the LDS, see > <http://www.familysearch.org>. > >

Posted on: Niagara Co. NY Queries Board URL: http://genconnect.rootsweb.com/genbbs.cgi/USA/NY/Niagara?read=151 Surname: Maerten, Hardy, Strassel, Boldt ------------------------- Searching for info of relatives that lived in Niagara county or possibly in Erie county NY Names of Maerten, Hardy, Strassel, Boldt.

Dear Susan, et al, When I replied to your question about where Our Lady of Angels Seminary was I mentioned those schools that might have been 11 miles below Suspension Bridge and suggested that maybe your ggrandfather might have meant 11 miles SOUTH of Suspension Bridge. But guess what! I FOUND it! It was his reference to11 miles that threw me. According to the book, "Souvenir History of Niagara Co." by the Pioneer Association of Niagara Co., 1902, pg. 33, it says this: "Niagara University, on Monteagle Ridge, in the Town of Lewiston, dates back to 1855, when Rev. J. J. Lynch, C.M., afterward Archbishop of Toronto, established the Seminary of Our lady of Angels on the Niagara River, about two miles below Suspension Bridge. On May 1, 1857, Father Lynch secured funds to purchase an old inn which stood on the highest point of Monteagle Ridge, and opened the institution on that date. On April 20, 1863, a charter was obtained. Several priests were associated in the management and the Seminary began to prosper. On December 5,1864, the building was nearly burned to the ground, one student perishing in the flames. Prompt measures were adopted for rebuilding, Pope Pius IX, contributing $1,000, and the Seminary reopened with 150 names on the roll in September, 1865. . . In 1883 the institution was erected into a university, under the name of Niagara University . . . ;its original name and individuality, however, are still preserved in the Department of Arts and Theology." So, Susan, how do you like them apples?? :-) Your ggrandfather had attended Niagara University!! vee

Dear Susan, et al, ----- Original Message ----- From: Susan Sparks <susansk@netscape.net> To: <NYNIAGAR-L@rootsweb.com> Sent: Tuesday, June 27, 2000 9:09 PM Subject: Our Lady of Angles seminary > Hi everyone! > I am researching my ggrandfather Peter Fox. His journal indicated that he > attended Our Lady of Angles seminary which he said was 11 miles below > suspension bridge, Niagara Falls. This, I think, happened in the mid to late > 1850's. Any information that you might come across on Peter or the seminary > would be greatly appreciated. When he said it was 11 miles below Suspension Bridge, my first thought was that the seminary might have been Stella Niagara in Lewiston. But that didn't exist in the 1850s and it was/is conncected with the Sisters of St. Francis. Then I thought of the Villa St. Vincent in Youngstown. But it, too, didn't exist back that long ago either and I have an idea it was run by the Sisters of Charity. When he said 11 miles "below" Niagara Falls, around here we view that as north of Niagara Falls below/downstream of the Falls. However, he may have been using the expression to indicate that the seminary was 11 miles south of the Falls which would have put it in the vicinity of North Tonawanda, Tonawanda or more toward Buffalo. Good luck in your research. vee from Youngstown

Hi everyone! I am researching my ggrandfather Peter Fox. His journal indicated that he attended Our Lady of Angles seminary which he said was 11 miles below suspension bridge, Niagara Falls. This, I think, happened in the mid to late 1850's. Any information that you might come across on Peter or the seminary would be greatly appreciated. Susan Sparks susansk@netscape.net Researching: ABEL, BARTON, BLACKETER, FOX, AND SPARKS ____________________________________________________________________ Get your own FREE, personal Netscape WebMail account today at http://webmail.netscape.com.

On the same subject, I have some old Tint Types (If that is the correct spelling) and have no idea who they are specifically. I believe they are of the PRESTON family of New York and Wisconsin. Is there any way of telling where these might have been taken. These are the little metal pictures that, I believe, outside of paintings, were the first pictures. Any help would be gratefully received. Jan Kelley Bellevue Washington USA JanHellen@worldnet.att.net ----- Original Message ----- From: evelyn b cooper <ebcooper@juno.com> To: <NYNIAGAR-L@rootsweb.com> Sent: Monday, June 26, 2000 6:50 PM Subject: Photographers of yesteryear > How could I find out when photography studios were in business? If I > knew the years, it might help me identify the relative pictured. The > photos I speak of are on heavy cardboard with the photography's studio > name on the bottom. > > Thanks much, > > Evelyn > > > ________________________________________________________________ > YOU'RE PAYING TOO MUCH FOR THE INTERNET! > Juno now offers FREE Internet Access! > Try it today - there's no risk! For your FREE software, visit: > http://dl.www.juno.com/get/tagj. > > ______________________________

Posted on: Niagara Co. NY Queries Board URL: http://genconnect.rootsweb.com/genbbs.cgi/USA/NY/Niagara?read=150 Surname: RANDOLPH ------------------------- Seeking ancestry of Reuben Moon Randolph, who taught in Niagara County schools and resided Lockport 1847 until his death in 1904.

Evelyn: There are several Niagara County directories available which cover businesses. They should be available at the Niagara County Historian's Office or the genealogy room at the Niagara County Historical Society. Years ago they were at the city library in Lockport. They should list photographers. Sharon

How could I find out when photography studios were in business? If I knew the years, it might help me identify the relative pictured. The photos I speak of are on heavy cardboard with the photography's studio name on the bottom. Thanks much, Evelyn ________________________________________________________________ YOU'RE PAYING TOO MUCH FOR THE INTERNET! Juno now offers FREE Internet Access! Try it today - there's no risk! For your FREE software, visit: http://dl.www.juno.com/get/tagj.

Posted on: Niagara Co. NY Queries Board URL: http://genconnect.rootsweb.com/genbbs.cgi/USA/NY/Niagara?read=149 Surname: McKim, Parks ------------------------- I'm looking for the ancestors of Barbara A. McKim (1838-1919) who lived in either Porter Twp or Wilson Twp. She m Matthew PARKS. I believe she comes from a Scots-Irish family that settled in Pennsylvania in the 18th c. Possible families have been located in Cumberland Co., Centre Co., and Berks Co., PA. Any info would be helpful. Thanks. Steve Moore