I added the following files to the New York town history section of my web site today. RENSSELARE COUNTY Histories of the towns of Schaghticoke and Stephentown, also a history of Troy as a Village. Another file on Troy as a City will be added at a later time to complete Rensselare County. ROCKLAND COUNTY Rockland County from the 1860 Gazetteer of New York State was added. I know that Rockland is a County, not a town but the town history section was the best place to put it. More counties from the Gazetteer may be added later. ULSTER COUNTY Esopus, from te 1871-2 Gazetteer and Business Directory of Ulster County was added. The part from this book on Ulster County was already online, more towns will follow in a while. http://www.rays-place.com Cheers Ray Brown

Bentley Y-DNA Update The Y-DNA testing of the initial group of members is complete with interesting results. Six members submitted samples and pedigrees showing descent from William Bentley of Ampthill, England who settled in RI in 1671. Four persons had 36 out of 37 matches and one had 34 out of 37. One did not match and has enlisted a cousin for a confirming test. (See B1-B5) Three members submitted samples showing a relationship to Daniel Bentley who married Nancy Jane Lewis and their descendants who settled in Letcher Co, KY. Two were a perfect match for 12 markers and one did not match and has enlisted a relative for a confirming test. Interestingly, another member submitted a sample with no knowledge of his ancestry and apparently is a descendent of Daniel and Nancy. (See B101-103) That leaves one member who does not have a matching member; two members who did not confirm their ancestry; the two confirmation members whose results are not completed and one new member whose testing is in process. Hopefully with new members, they all will eventually find a match to confirm their pedigrees. If you are interested in observing these results or in joining the Project, please go to our website at http://www.worldfamilies.net/surnames/b/bentley/ If you have any questions please contact me at [email protected] Larry Bentley

Thanks to all for your responses. They've been very helpful. Bob Miller Chicago

Hi Bob and Leslie Thank you for both the will and the response. Very interesting reading. I have passed your message on to a friend who enjoys researching old wills. Therein lies a great plot for a novel I feel. Cheers Beryl Beryl O'Gorman Greensborough Victoria Australia ----- Original Message ----- From: "Leslie Potter" <[email protected]> To: <[email protected]> Sent: Wednesday, July 06, 2005 1:59 AM Subject: Re: [Rensselaer] Is there something going on here? > Dear Bob Miller, > > Surely you have heard all of the fairy tales in which one of the > characters in the story was the "wicked step-mother"? There is a > factual basis in human experience for that stereo type. At first blush, > I would venture to say that at the very least Lucinda was worried about > protecting her sons from what might happen if Charlie married a second > time and produced children by his second wife. Charlie might also have > had other problems of his own which would have lead Lucinda fear that > Charlie might dissipate the assets of her estate; thereby, leaving her > sons without an inheritance. > > The scrivener, who wrote the will of Lucinda Felton Miller, drafted well > crafted and sound life estate provision. Any time you find such well > crafted and comprehensive provisions in a testamentary instrument, you > can be your bottom dollar that there were recognizable problems in the > family. (That is not to say that a testator who publishes a "garden > variety" testamentary instrument does not have problems in his/her > family.) One sees testamentary instruments like Lucinda Felton Miller's > will from time to time, but such wills are not in the majority. Please > note that I have never done a statistical annalysis of the wills > probated in Rensselear or any other county. My comments are made from > my perspective of being an attorney, who was admitted to practice in the > Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in 1972, and having been engaged in > historical research in primary legal documents since 1965. > > Very truly yours, > > Leslie Potter > Glen Mills, PA >

Guilderland is in Albany county but I am sure I have seen this surname on this list. Todays Times Union has an article about a William Bennett of Guilderland who was working about 30 acres that he had purchased when he came across a burial ground he did not know was there when he purchased the property. Buried there are six members of the DUNN family. The stones are there, 3 standing and 3 on the ground. The article only mentions one in particular that being Christopher who died in 1830 at the age of 67 it lists him as the patriarch. The graves are surrounded by a intricate iron work fence. The property owner said he knew it was a cemetery when he saw the fence and the myrtle growing there he believed to be a sign that the patch of land had once merited special attention. He has been unable to locate any family members but would like to. He is currently looking for help to restore the old Dunn cemetery as a way to honor the prominent family who ran a hotel and tavern and gave Dunnsville it's name. Kristin Cooney-Ayotte

Dear Bob Miller, Surely you have heard all of the fairy tales in which one of the characters in the story was the "wicked step-mother"? There is a factual basis in human experience for that stereo type. At first blush, I would venture to say that at the very least Lucinda was worried about protecting her sons from what might happen if Charlie married a second time and produced children by his second wife. Charlie might also have had other problems of his own which would have lead Lucinda fear that Charlie might dissipate the assets of her estate; thereby, leaving her sons without an inheritance. The scrivener, who wrote the will of Lucinda Felton Miller, drafted well crafted and sound life estate provision. Any time you find such well crafted and comprehensive provisions in a testamentary instrument, you can be your bottom dollar that there were recognizable problems in the family. (That is not to say that a testator who publishes a "garden variety" testamentary instrument does not have problems in his/her family.) One sees testamentary instruments like Lucinda Felton Miller's will from time to time, but such wills are not in the majority. Please note that I have never done a statistical annalysis of the wills probated in Rensselear or any other county. My comments are made from my perspective of being an attorney, who was admitted to practice in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in 1972, and having been engaged in historical research in primary legal documents since 1965. Very truly yours, Leslie Potter Glen Mills, PA [email protected] wrote: >I wonder if I could impose upon experienced Rensselaer County researchers to >tell me if wording in a will I have come across was common legal language at >the time. > >Background: Charles H. Miller was married to Lucinda Felton. In 1864, >Lucinda's wealthy brother, Amory Felton, died. In 1866 she bought a house at >109 Fourth Street in Troy. The house was purchased in her own name,, which I >am assuming was unusual at the time, and I also assume she purchased it with an >inheritance from her brother. > >Lucinda died in 1871. Her will was prepared on her deathbed, and it said, >in part: > >"I give and devise unto my beloved husband Charles H. Miller the dwelling >house and lot situated in Troy aforesaid known as number 109 Fourth Street ... >for and during his natural life and from and after his death I give and devise >the same to my sons S. Felton Miller and Charles A. Miller, share and share >alike as tenants in common, provided however and the above described life estate >herein devised to my said husband Charles H. Miller is hereby made subject to >the express condition that my said sons ... shall at all times during the >continuance of said life estate be permitted to occupy said house and premises in >common with my said husband ... without any hindrance whatever from my said >husband or any person claiming under or through him. And in case such use and >occupation by my said sons shall be in any manner prevented or interfered with >by my said husband then and in that case it is my will that the said above >mentioned life estate of my said husband in said premises shall thereupon cease >and terminate and the said premises go at once to my said sons in fee as >tenants in common." > >My question for those experienced reading wills of the period is: Did >Lucinda think there was a chance her husband would throw out his sons, or was this >fairly standard language at the time? > >Bob Miller >Chicago > > >==== NYRENSSE Mailing List ==== >***Join a mailing list with 24-7 ROLL CALLS*** >Rootsweb's first totally Irish Roll Calls mailing list... >http://lists.rootsweb.com/index/intl/IRL/IRELAND-ROLL-CALLS.html > > >

> if there are published records for St. Peter's Church, 2300 Fifth > Ave., Troy, N.Y.? There's some Troy church info on this website: http://www.rootsweb.com/~nyrenss2/churchrecords.htm -- Pat Connors, Sacramento CA http://www.connorsgenealogy.com All outgoing mail virus free, scanned by ZoneAlarm AntiVirus

Bob, Not a lawyer here, but other than the provisions regarding the possible interference of her husband with her sons sharing the house jointly with him during his lifetime, the remainder of the language is fairly common with what I've seen elsewhere. Perhaps she was covering all bases with the potential for her husband to marry again after her death and not wish to have his second wife forced to share the home with her step-sons. She was certainly looking after the welfare of her sons. That one provision I've never run across before. Regards Jim Groat ------------------ [email protected] wrote: > > I wonder if I could impose upon experienced Rensselaer County researchers to > tell me if wording in a will I have come across was common legal language at > the time. > > Background: Charles H. Miller was married to Lucinda Felton. In 1864, > Lucinda's wealthy brother, Amory Felton, died. In 1866 she bought a house at > 109 Fourth Street in Troy. The house was purchased in her own name,, which I > am assuming was unusual at the time, and I also assume she purchased it with an > inheritance from her brother. > > Lucinda died in 1871. Her will was prepared on her deathbed, and it said, > in part: > > "I give and devise unto my beloved husband Charles H. Miller the dwelling > house and lot situated in Troy aforesaid known as number 109 Fourth Street ... > for and during his natural life and from and after his death I give and devise > the same to my sons S. Felton Miller and Charles A. Miller, share and share > alike as tenants in common, provided however and the above described life estate > herein devised to my said husband Charles H. Miller is hereby made subject to > the express condition that my said sons ... shall at all times during the > continuance of said life estate be permitted to occupy said house and premises in > common with my said husband ... without any hindrance whatever from my said > husband or any person claiming under or through him. And in case such use and > occupation by my said sons shall be in any manner prevented or interfered with > by my said husband then and in that case it is my will that the said above > mentioned life estate of my said husband in said premises shall thereupon cease > and terminate and the said premises go at once to my said sons in fee as > tenants in common." > > My question for those experienced reading wills of the period is: Did > Lucinda think there was a chance her husband would throw out his sons, or was this > fairly standard language at the time? > > Bob Miller > Chicago > > ==== NYRENSSE Mailing List ==== > ***Join a mailing list with 24-7 ROLL CALLS*** > Rootsweb's first totally Irish Roll Calls mailing list... > http://lists.rootsweb.com/index/intl/IRL/IRELAND-ROLL-CALLS.html

I wonder if I could impose upon experienced Rensselaer County researchers to tell me if wording in a will I have come across was common legal language at the time. Background: Charles H. Miller was married to Lucinda Felton. In 1864, Lucinda's wealthy brother, Amory Felton, died. In 1866 she bought a house at 109 Fourth Street in Troy. The house was purchased in her own name,, which I am assuming was unusual at the time, and I also assume she purchased it with an inheritance from her brother. Lucinda died in 1871. Her will was prepared on her deathbed, and it said, in part: "I give and devise unto my beloved husband Charles H. Miller the dwelling house and lot situated in Troy aforesaid known as number 109 Fourth Street ... for and during his natural life and from and after his death I give and devise the same to my sons S. Felton Miller and Charles A. Miller, share and share alike as tenants in common, provided however and the above described life estate herein devised to my said husband Charles H. Miller is hereby made subject to the express condition that my said sons ... shall at all times during the continuance of said life estate be permitted to occupy said house and premises in common with my said husband ... without any hindrance whatever from my said husband or any person claiming under or through him. And in case such use and occupation by my said sons shall be in any manner prevented or interfered with by my said husband then and in that case it is my will that the said above mentioned life estate of my said husband in said premises shall thereupon cease and terminate and the said premises go at once to my said sons in fee as tenants in common." My question for those experienced reading wills of the period is: Did Lucinda think there was a chance her husband would throw out his sons, or was this fairly standard language at the time? Bob Miller Chicago

Hi, I am reasearching Mailhot (Mayot) from Troy, and I was wondering if anyone knew if there are published records for St. Peter's Church, 2300 Fifth Ave., Troy, N.Y.? I am trying to locate a birth record for a great-grandmother, Marie-Elodie Mailhot, born September 03, 1850. A very helpful person at St. Mary's Church pointed me in the direction of St. Peter's, but I have not received any answers to my requests to St. Peter's, and since I live in Canada, I cannot go to the Church myself. If they are not genealogy friendly, I was hoping there might be something published or microfilmed? Any assistance would be greatly appeciated. Happy 4th of July! Bonnie

I am looking for the cemetery that a Joseph Hyams might be buried at. He was Jewish but was married to an Irish Catholic, Sarah O'Connor. She is buried at St. Peter's Brunswick Renssalaer county, ny. I have found no evidence that he is buried with her. Any suggestions?

Ray Thanks so much. Susi

Hi -- Can anyone help me in learning more about LUCY TAYLOR ESTABROOK. I've learned that she was born somewhere in NY, and is buried in Hoosick Falls. Spouse was Ezra Estabrook. I am looking for her siblings, her birthplace and information on her parents etc. Thank you. Dawn Monson [email protected]_ (mailto:[email protected])

Hi! I am researching the Kepner family that resided in Lansingburgh in the 1860's. Hezekiah Kepner "Civil War Soldier" and his wife Josephine Sitzer I believe had a daughter Emma who married into the "Young" family from Altamont. I have numerous old photos of these families and would share for any information on these families. Hezekiah and Josephine had about 9 children, all born in Lansingburgh from 1869 to 1886. Thanks

Good Morning, I have just started working on a new line of ancestors and am wondering if anyone else on the list is either working on or related to this family. Henry Minch (b. Baden, Germany) and wife Mary C (b. NY) lived in Nassau. They died 1921 and 1916 respectively. They had several children but I am pursuing their daughter Lottie who married Thomas Cross. They apparently lived in Renssealer, most likely until their deaths in 1936 and 1948 respectively. They had eight children: Thomas H (called Harry), Edward, Douglas, Willliam, Elmer, Charlotte, Florence, and Alice. I surely would appreciate any information on any of these children. Perhaps a grandchild of one of them subscribes to this list???? Thanks. Nancy Nancy Musselwhite [email protected]

I have received a death certificate stating that my relative, a resident of Cohoes, died in 1924 and was buried by undertaker E. J. Collins (or Colkins?) of Troy in Calvary Cemetery. I would like to obtain an address for the cemetery, as well as information about this funeral home. Thanks for any clues anyone can provide. Best regards, Susan in GA

I just added a History of Schodack to the New York history section of my web site. http://www.rays-place.com NY Link http://history.rays-place.com/ny/index.htm Ray Brown

Hello Kathy: The Business Index for the 1859 Troy City Directory showed the following: Looking Glasses, etc. Daniels & Hitchins, 199 River Street, Troy. In the 1923 City Directory, this address was the site of Harvey & Eddy Co., Inc., wholesale grocers. Hope this helps, Bill McGrath Clifton Park, NY ----- Original Message ----- From: "Kathy Campbell" <[email protected]> To: <[email protected]> Sent: Thursday, June 23, 2005 2:12 PM Subject: [Rensselaer] Troy NY City Directory > Can anyone tell me how to find out what was at a certain location in Troy? > In 1859, my great-great grand-uncle William Davis worked as a porter at > 199 > River. I'd like to find out what was there. > > Thank you. > Kathy Campbell > Jacksonville, FL

A few years ago, there was a discussion on this mailing list about the overgrown, swampy area of St. Joseph's Cemetery in South Troy. Although it was known that there were several tombstones in the section, they were inaccessible because of extremely dense vegetation. I'm happy to report that the area has been cleared! I was there this morning and though I did not walk into the area, I could clearly see that the tombstones can now be reached. Jason, the caretaker, told me there is still a drainage problem and speculates that this is the reason the area was neglected for so many years. It is also probably the reason everything grows so lushly. If you have an interest in this section of the cemetery but have not visited in the past year, I urge you to go and see the transformation. Jason and the rest of the cemetery maintenance crew should be applauded for their persistence and dedication to clearing this area. Lynn Carey Grice

Could someone on the list tell me if there is a marriage index for the above place and date and if so where I might find it. A son was born to them in abt. 1854 so I'm going on the assumption that they married about 1852 or 53. Thank you, Cindy --------------------------------- Yahoo! Sports Rekindle the Rivalries. Sign up for Fantasy Football