On Saturday April 30, the society held its monthly lunch meeting in Richland, with more than 32 people present.
Longtime member Carol Burritt of Elbridge brought a dress and hand bag that belonged to her ancestor Elizabeth Harmon Kent (1773-1817) who was one of the first settlers of Redfield with her husband Deacon Amos Kent.
The cotton dress is in remarkable condition and the patchwork handbag is a unique everyday item that is seldom passed down in such good condition.
Burritt enjoyed leafing through the Redfield Church records that are on loan, which have many entries that mention her family.
Louis and Mary House of Jordon, NY, also were present.
Louis is a great-grandson of Abram House who was featured in our last newsletter.
He and his wife sat through lunch with Jim and Barb Joslyn, who share two degrees of cousinhood through this family and the O’Briens.
Former lighthouse owner Jim Walker stopped by to exchange information on the lighthouse and Peter Huntley of Schroeppel came to pick up some material left earlier for copy, and share information.
Historians from Albion, Boylston, Richland, Parish, Williamstown and Orwell were present, along with several of the officers.
Following the business meeting a report on the founding of Oswego County was shared by President Doyle to mark the bicentennial of the county.
Photos of the prior week’s wedding were passed around, along with photos of the renovations that have occurred this year.
Outline of the aggressive work schedule for the year was given and cards signed for many families including the family of our former trustee Jim Wilson of Pulaski who passed away earlier in the month.
Librarian Sharon Turo brought in two boxes of completed histories and notebooks for the Southwell research room.
Included in the work were several photo albums of unidentified members of the Giddings, Castor and Yerdon families.
Member June Walker browsed through these and quickly found her uncle Avery McClear who was shown in a hunting party in Redfield.
With these albums copied now we are able to work on identifying them.
During the previous two weeks members and volunteers spent countless hours stuffing welcome bags with local merchant coupons and fliers.
These 1,240 bags were delivered to Brennan’s Beach as part of the welcome packages for each of the camping units as they arrive.
Included in the packs were Half-Shire newsletters.
Genealogical work in progress includes an effort to update our Hilliker, Hamer and Parker files.
The sad passing of Bruce Parker last week compelled us to examine Bruce’s lineage, as he was a first cousin to the late Richland historian Mary Parker.
Bruce had deep ties to the founding families of our region including the Harmons, Matlbys, Parkers, Seamans, Dimmock and Southwell families.
Our sincere condolences to Judy and the family on the loss of this kind and decent man.
Half-Shire can be reached at [email protected] or on our popular facebook page “Half Shire.”
We are located at 1100 County Route 48, Richland, NY 13144 and our phone is 298-2986.
We are open most days of the week, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., best to call ahead to ensure we will be there.
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