Albert G. Conklin, a notable pioneer and former mayor of Cove, Oregon, passed away on March 22, 1921, at the age of 78 due to heart trouble. He is survived by his wife, Fannie, a daughter, Mrs. Bessie C. Lay, and three sons, Albert, Philip, and Thomas. Conklin, originally from New York, had a rich life marked by fruit farming in Oregon and strong community ties. His funeral was well attended, reflecting the respect he garnered throughout his life.
Mary Holtby Geer passed away unexpectedly at her daughter’s home in Elgin, Oregon, due to heart disease. A resident of Union County for 47 years, she was born in Rome, New York, on February 20, 1862. Mrs. Geer, widow of Judd Geer, was a lifelong member of the Episcopal Church. She is survived by two daughters, a sister, and five grandchildren. Funeral arrangements are pending at the Snodgrass and Zimmerman mortuary.
Richard Thomas was born on December 18, 1832, in Carnarvonshire, North Wales, and immigrated to the United States around 1847. He married Sarah L. Worden in 1853, and they had seven children, five of whom survived. His early years in the U.S. included farming in New York and Connecticut, work in a rolling mill, and boating. In 1856, he moved to Indiana, continuing his farming career until relocating to Illinois in 1870, where he has since owned eighty acres, earned through hard work.
Dr. James Porter Greves, M.D., known as the Father of Riverside, was instrumental in founding the Colony Association and played a pivotal role in establishing the city of Riverside after arriving in 1870. Born on September 6, 1810, in New York, he pursued a diverse career in medicine across various states before settling in California. A respected community leader, he served as Riverside’s first Postmaster and contributed greatly to its horticultural development. Dr. Greves died on September 25, 1889, leaving behind a legacy of public service and compassion.
Captain C.C. Miller, born in 1824 in Oneida County, New York, emerged as a key figure in Riverside’s development. After completing his education in Ohio, Miller dedicated his early career to civil engineering and railroad construction. He served as a Captain in the Union Army during the Civil War, later contributing to notable railroads and canals in the West. In 1874, seeking a better climate for his family, he relocated to Riverside, where he established the Glenwood Hotel and engaged in horticulture and community development. A respected figure, he was active in Masonic and Republican circles.
William Stubbs, born in 1798 in Yorkshire, England, emigrated to America in 1824, initially settling in Oneida County, New York, before relocating to Ontario County. He dedicated his life to farming and married Elizabeth King, also from Yorkshire, in the same year. William passed away in 1858, while Elizabeth lived until 1884. Their legacy continued through their descendants, including George S. Stubbs, a prominent businessman in the New York lumber industry today.
Watson E. Stubbs, born in 1837 in Oneida County, New York, was educated in Phelps and worked on his father’s farm before transitioning to carpentry. In 1886, he established a successful lumber business in Geneva, New York, later partnering with his son, George S. A Republican and member of the North Presbyterian Church, Stubbs is also prominent in Masonic organizations. He married Martha E. Louw in 1863 and had three children: George S., Florence M., and Anna M.
Dr. John W. Short has practiced medicine in Geneva, New York, since 1909, drawing on extensive experience gained in a relatively short period. A graduate of Syracuse University’s medical program in 1903, he established his practice initially in Canastota before relocating to Geneva. Dr. Short is respected for his professional skills and personal integrity, cultivating a growing reputation in the community. He is also involved in multiple fraternal organizations and is a member of the Methodist Church. Dr. Short married Ruth Worden in 1905, and they have two children.
William B. Ruggles, born in 1827 in Bath, New York, rose from modest beginnings to prominence through determination and hard work. After studying at Hamilton College, he became an editor in Atlanta and later transitioned into law after significant public service roles. Ruggles was active in the New York State Legislature, notably advocating for educational reforms. He served as deputy attorney general and state superintendent of public instruction, contributing significantly to legal and educational systems in New York. His legacy reflects a commitment to truth, justice, and public service.
The Stockbridge Tribe, part of the Mahican confederacy, originally known as Housatonic, inhabited the Housatonic River valley in Massachusetts. Their capital was Westenhuck. The tribe faced devastation during the French and Indian War, ultimately relocating to New York and then to Wisconsin, where they merged with the Munsee Tribe. Despite numerous treaties with the U.S., issues regarding land and citizenship persist. By 1909, the combined tribe numbered 582, with some remaining as citizens near Winnebago Lake.
The Oneida, part of the Iroquois Confederation, originally inhabited areas south of Oneida Lake, New York. They were known for their three clans: Turtle, Wolf, and Bear, and held significant political representation within the confederation. Historically, the Oneida were involved in various conflicts, often aligning with or against other tribes and European powers. They maintained a complex governance structure, with women’s roles in leadership. Throughout their history, the Oneida experienced population fluctuations and land loss, ultimately resettling in Wisconsin after selling most of their New York lands.
The Brotherton Indians comprised two distinct bands of Algonquian tribes. The more prominent band formed in 1788 from Mahican, Wappinger, Mohegan, and others in Oneida County, New York, under the leadership of Samson Occum. They adopted English and numbered 250 in 1791 before relocating to Wisconsin in 1833, where they assimilated as citizens. The second band included Raritan and other Delaware factions who occupied a New Jersey reservation until 1802 before joining the first band in New York, eventually dwindling to about 40 individuals.
The Metoac Indians, a collective term for the tribes of Long Island, New York, included groups such as Canarsee, Montauk, and Shinnecock. They shared linguistic and political ties, likely stemming from a common ethnic background. Initially numerous, they faced declines due to epidemics and conflicts with Europeans and other tribes. By the late 18th century, many survivors merged with the Brotherton Indians. The Metoac were skilled seafarers, proficient in canoe navigation and wampum production, with hereditary chieftaincies that included female leaders.
James Neild, born on March 3, 1884, in Albion, New York, was the son of Thomas Neild, an immigrant from Yorkshire. After schooling in Holley, he trained in wool grading in England before returning to work at various mills. Neild settled in Greenfield, Massachusetts, where he cultivated a ten-acre farm and contributed to local organizations, including the Masons and his church. He married Sadie Lucinda Smead in 1905, whose family had historical ties to the region, enhancing the Neild legacy in their community.
Louis D. Collins was born in 1852 in Rose Valley, New York. After completing his high school education, he spent seventeen years in the wholesale drug business in New York City. In 1897, he became the manager of the New York Central Iron Works in Geneva, where he later established the Collins Iron Works, focusing on manufacturing steam boilers. Collins is active in numerous organizations, serves as quartermaster of the Third Regiment National Guard, and is a Republican. He married Carrie Young in 1888.