notes page 1

Probable from the newspaper THE DUNDEE

WILLIAM WORTMAN PIONEER by Stella Crosby

You asked me when we met last year To tell you why we gather here. I wondered then if I'd find out, But I've learned how it came about. I've read that near New Brunswick town, New Jersey state, a boy was born The time when Sullivan had placed His troops near here and they laid waste The fields of corn and orchards wide And burned the red men's homes beside, In seventeen hundred seventy-nine The month and day I could not find, But William Wortman, Pioneer, I am quite sure was born that year. He soon was left with sister small An orphan with no home at all, While friends the girl a home did give And took her farther south to live, No place was found for our grandsire Till he was bound to MacIntyre. When freedom came, the valiant band That had laid waste the Red Man's Land Went home and told their friends they'd found A garden here, and soon around Lake Seneca were clearings made And cabins built in forest shade. And MacIntyre, among the rest, Brought William too, when he came west. They reached Peach Orchard at that date Where William grew to man's estate And married Anna, good as gold- Anthony Swarthout's girl, I'm told. When they their married life begun How swiftly Anna wove and spun! Her little ones made much to do So she worked fast, but rested too. As she herself was not a shirk, She taught her daughters soon to work For Fanny told me that each day She spun her stint ere she could play. The oldest Wortman child was she And busy too, as she could be. Both parents felt they needed aid I wonder how she ever played! In early pring, I've heard her tell, She took with her a goose-egg shell To fill with boiled down syrup sweet, It surely must have been a treat A sugar camp to visit then; For Fanny went with grandsire when They sugar made to last a year. 'Twas fun to gather sap so clear From maple trees, then boil it down. Did eager children gather round When Fanny held the egg to view-Big brother Amos, Charlotte, too, With Mary next and Asa small While father brought a feast for all? As settlers then came on space The red men sought another place. Along Big Stream their wigwams stood For near there stretched a dense pine wood With other timber farther west, But savage wolves liked this place best. Small creatures thrived and droves of deer. But white men shunned this forest drear, And so each fall the red men came And spent the winter hunting game. This dark and dismal forest spread In eighteen twelve where settlers led The way to Crystal Springs we call The valley now. These settlers all From Putnam county came, and here Did grandsire came the second year. Why did he come? I think perchance To give each child a better chance. There now were six with baby Joel. With willing hands but no bank-roll Our grandsire from the wilderness Must clear a farm to win success.So grandsire came and Fanny too. To seek a home where land was new. How did they cross the pleasant lake? 'Tis thought a ferry they dis take. They landed near a settlement Called Starkey now. Then westward went And so they reached while wandering The tavern kept by Harpending. No town was there where stands Dundee. But next the forest they did see And hemlocks found and lofty pines With undergrowth and creeping vines Along the rough trail where they passed, To Crystal Springs they came at last. Did they go home and then return? Just what they did I could not learn. "Tis thought that Fanny came to stay With grandsire who prepared the way. And grandsire built in that dense wood Where wolves did prowl a shelter rude. "Twas there they camped while grandsire cleared A little space, a cabin reared. And when the cabin home was done He brought the rest to Barrington. Then two years passed, I understand, When Elder Sutherland Who came to Milo, first, you see, When he moved west in eighteen three, Who labored with his hands like Paul And preached the Word with zeal to all. The pioneers for miles around, Had formed two churches when he found The Wortmans and their neighbors then No Gospel service could attend. He came and preached and churches met To organize another yet. We would know how those members planned Their meeting house that seemed so grand And grandsire see among the rest Who once agreed it would be best A new framed building soon to raise. Those Baptists toiled there many days To finish what they had begun In eighteen hundred twenty-one Their meeting house in Barrington. Secluded from the world without Those settlers seemed to dwell, no doubt. No daily mail to bring the news With cablegrams and statesman's views. Few letters then from distant folks, But peddlers' yarns and old-time jokes. The peddlers went from home to home And carried news. When he would come They made him welcome in that day For he brought news from far away. And startling news a peddler dropped When at the Wortmans home he stopped To show his wares and glance around At childish faces there, he found They looked like others that he knew And spoke of it to grandsire, too. The house was full. Six more did come To fill the home in Barrington. Lavinia first and Halsey then, Next black-eyed Sally and again Another William. Andrew small And David, youngest one of all. And so those children stood about To view the peddler's wares, no doubt. "Have you a sister?" then he asked, But then so many years had passed Since grandsire saw his sister last That grandsire could not tell for he Had never heard from her, you see. 'Twas strange to hear the peddler say He knew a woman (far away She lived) whose children looked the same As those that bore the Wortman name. Then on his way the peddler went, But grandsire now was not content To stay at home. He felt he must Go south to see the woman just As soon as he the time could spare And find some one to drive down there Along with him. The way did seem So far to go with his ox-team That young Alonzo Sunderlin Who married Mary went with him And grandsire often must have thought He might not find the one he sought. So many miles it seemed he'd gone, But still the oxen plodded on. They did not fail him. Day by day Drove grandsire farther on his way. So glad at length to reach the place- His sister's home and see her face. For forty years I've heard had passed Since he had seen his sister last. Our grandsire many years did toil At clearing land and tilling soil. His children married one by one. When they had thus new homes begun A few lived west, the rest lived near And so the reason's very clear Why his descendants gather here. As grandsire went so far to see His sister and liked company We well may think as we meet here Of William Wortman, pioneer.

(Petition is from Yates County Surrogate Court Records, Penn Yan, Yates County) 41B

Petition, Affidavit and Order Citation

SURROGATE'S COURT

COUNTY OF YATES, SS:

To John L. Lewis Sr. Surrogate of the County of Yates: The Petition of Amos Wortman of Wayne in the County of Steuben respectfully showeth: That your Petitioner is one of the executors named in the last will and testament of William Wortman late of Barrington in the County of Yates deceased. That the said deceased was at or immediately previous to his death an inhabitant of the County of Yates, and departed this life in the town of Barrington aforesaid on the Sixteenth day of November 1850 and that said last will and testament relates to real and personal estate. Your Petitioner shows that the widow, heirs at law and next of kin of the said William Wortman deceased are

Ann Wortman widow of Barrington,

Anna Crosby wife of Selah Crosby of Bath, Steuben County, N.Y.

Charlotte Sherwood wife of Ogden Sherwood of Barrington aforesaid,

Asa Wortman of Barrington aforesaid,

Mary Ann Sunderlin wife of Alonzo Sunderlin of Barrington aforesaid,

Joel Wortman of Barrington aforesaid,

Lovina Swarthout wife of Charles Swarthout of Barrington aforesaid,

Halsey Wortman of Barrington, Cook County, Illinois,

Sally Wright wife of Erasmus Wright of Barrington aforesaid,

William Wortman of Barrington, Cook County, Illinois,

Andrew Wortman of Barrington first aforesaid,

and David Wortman of Barrington first aforesaid.

YOUR PETITIONER therefore prays that a Citation may issue out of and under the Seal of this Court, pursuant to the Statute in such case made and provided, to be directed to to the aforesaid widow, heirs at law and next of kin of the said William Wortman deceased, requiring them personally to be and appear in this Court on a certain day to be therein specified, then and there to attend the probate of the said last will and testament.

And your Petitioner will ever pray, &c.

Dated this 6th day of May A.D. 1852.

Amos Wortman

(Will is from microfilmed State copy of will at Family History Library.)

Yates County, Volume F, page 131.

In the name of God Amen. I William Wortman of the Town of Barrington, County of Yates State of New York being of sound mind and body for which blessings I praise Almighty God, knowing the uncertainty of human life, feel the importance of being prepared for death and of putting in order my temporal and worldly affairs do ordain constitute and make this my last will and testament in words following (to wit)-

Article 1st) I will after my decease that all my debts and financial be paid.

Article 2nd) I will that if my well beloved wife Ann Wortman does survive or out live me that she shall have the active control and use of my remaining property, real and personal during her life, and no disposition of it shall be made of it while she shall live.

Article 3rd) I will that after the death of my wife Ann Wortman that the property shall be divided among all my children in the following manner. Viz- first deducting from the share of Asa Wortman five hundred and twenty dollars with interest from this date of one percent. Secondly deducting from the share of my son William Wortman four hundred and twenty dollars with the like interest from date. Thirdly deducting from the share of Halsey Wortman the like sum of four hundred and twenty dollars with the like interest, and fourthly deducting from the share of my son Joel Wortman the sum of six hundred and fifty dollars fifty cents with like interest from date, the above sums they have respectively from me received as part of their inheritance.

Article 4th) The property shall be divided in such manner that all my sons shall have in the ratio of two shares to my daughters one, and I will that my oldest son Amos Wortman and my youngest son David Wortman settle my estate and I hereby constitute and appoint them my executors accordingly - given under my hand and seal this eighth April one thousand eight hundred and forty four.

Wm Wortman (seal)

Signed and Sealed in presence of

Dennis Sunderlin

Harvey T. Pounsend

State Of New York

Yates County: Surrogates Office: Be it remembered that at a Surrogates Court held at the Office of the County Judges in Penn Yan in and for said county on the day of the date here of the last will and testament of William Wortman late of Barrington in the county of Yates deceased being the fore going and annexed (?) written instrument was duly proved before John L. Lewis Sr. County Judge of the said county of Yates according to laws and by him duly admitted to probate as and for the last will and testament of said deceased as a will of real and personal estate which said last will and testament and the proofs and examinations taken there and pre recorded in this office; and that on the same day letters testamentary were duly granted to Amos Wortman and David Wortman the executors named in the said will they having first taken and subscribed an oath faithfully and honestly to discharge the duties of such executors.

In testimony where of the County Judge of the said county hath herewith set his hand and affixed his seal of office this first day of July 1852.

John L. Lewis Sr. Yates County Judge.

A true copy of the originals recorded this first day of July. John L. Lewis Sr. Yates County Judge.

See Book 1 of Oaths of Execution at page 12. See Book 3 of Letters of Testamentary at page 126.

HISTORY AND DIRECTORY OF YATES COUNTY

by Stafford C. Cleveland

Published by S.C. Cleveland, Chronicle Office, Penn Yan, N.Y. 1873

Pages 747, 748, 749 & 750

Fanny born in 1801, married Selah Crosby of Barrington. Their children were John, Lucinda, Harvey, Amos, Mary, Ruth, Daniel W., Nathan, Susan A., David, Martha, William and James. John died a young man. Lucinda married Charles Peters, settled in Steuben Co., and died there leaving two children, one of whom, Susan, resides with Selah Crosby. Harvey died at the age of thirty, single. Amos married Mary Ann Miller, and is a physician at Hart, Ocean county, Mich. They have one son and two daughters. Mary married Richard Collier, a farmer residing in Thurston, Steuben Co. They have had three sons. Ruth married Isaiah Jordan and resides in Tyrone. They have a daughter, Mary. Daniel W. married Agnes Colestock, and is a farmer at Hart, Mich. They have three children. Nathan married Elizabeth White of Campbelltown, and is a lawyer at Hart, Mich. Amos, Daniel W. and Nathan are respectively, County Judge, County Clerk and District Attorney of. Oceana Co. Daniel W. was formerly an Indian agent. Susan A. died a young woman. David is a Theological Student at Rochester. Martha married George Hill, a merchant at Wayne. They have two children, Georgia and Lavina. William married Euphemia Gregg of Bath, and is a lawyer at Lansing, Mich.; also a clerk in the government land office. They have one daughter. James married Maria Clark of Wayne, and is a farmer and vineyardist in Barrington.

HISTORY AND DIRECTORY OF YATES COUNTY

by Stafford C. Cleveland

Published by S.C. Cleveland, Chronicle Office, Penn Yan, N.Y. 1873

Pages 747, 748, 749 & 750

WORTMAN FAMILY

William Wortman was born near New Brunswick, New Jersey, and at an early age he and an only. sister were left orphans. He came to the town of Hector, now Schuyler county, with one of the pioneers of that town and there grew to man's estate, and married Anna, daughter of Anthony Swarthout. After a few years they moved to Wayne, and later, in 1812, purchased a farm in what was afterwards Barrington, near the Bath road, and bounded south by the county line. There they remained through life. He died in 1850 at the age of seventy-one, and she in 1860, aged seventy-seven. Their children were Fanny, Amos, Charlotte, Mary A., Asa, Joel, Lavina, Halsey, Sally, William, Andrew, and David.

Amos married Catharine Herrick of Wayne, and lives in that town. Their children are Ogden, Eliza, William and Joel. Ogden, who alone became a resident of Yates county, married Jane Snyder of Milo, and resides in Barrington. Their children are Phebe, Amos, Arvilla, Melissa and one other. Phebe married Mr. DeCamp, and resides in Tyrone.

Charlotte married Ogden Sherwood of Barrington and resided there. Their children were Amos, Wortman, Gilbert, Nelson, Joel, Mary, Anna, Asa and Harriet. Amos married Ann Eliza, daughter of Philo Chubb. He was a soldier of the 126th N. Y. V., and became a Captain. After the war he emigrated to Michigan where he is a merchant. Wortman married Harriet Drake and died near Elmira. Joel married Anice Elmer and is a merchant in Michigan. He too was a soldier in the war.

Mary Ann married Alonzo W. Sunderlin, a noted Baptist clergyman, residing at Wayne. Their children are Van Rensselaer, Lorenzo, William, Byron and Alonzo A. Van Rensselaer married Elisabeth Bissel of Milo, and emigrated to Mich. Lorenzo died at Cincinnati. William married Sarah Misner. Alonzo A. went to Michigan, and married there Anna Corey.

Asa married Harriet Boyce and resides in East Barrington. Their children, are Emily, William, Ezra, Chauncy, Andrew, Charlotte and John. Emily married James Baskin of Tyrone. They have one child. William married Susan, daughter of Nathaniel Huson, and resides in Barrington. Ezra married Mary Horton, and died leaving three children. Chauncy is married and resides in Barrington.

Joel Wortman, born in 1812 married first Martha A. Bailey of Tyrone. She died in Barrington, where they first settled, leaving three children, Mariette, D. Anna and Amos. He married a second wife, Hiley T. Bunce a widow and daughter of Jonathan Taylor. They moved to his present residence on the Bath road on lot 44 in Milo, where she died leaving two children, Ella E. and Martha, He married a third wive, Rebecca, daughter of John Stone. His daughter Mariette married Jacob W. Thayer. Amos married Hortense Swarthout, and resides in Barrington.

Lavina married Charles, son of James A. Swarthout, and emigrated to Palo, Iona county, Mich., with four children, Louisa, Sarah, William and Betsey.

Halsey married Huldah Robinson of Barrington, and they emigrated to Barrington, Cook Co, Illinois, where he died and his widow and children reside.

Sally married Erastmus Wright of Barrington.

William married Jane Jordan of Tyrone, and settled in Barrington where she died. He moved to Barrington, Ill., where he married Phebe, sister of Halsey Wortman's wife.

Andrew married Julia, daughter of Allen Bassett, an resides in Barrington. Their children are Huldah, Eugene, C. Loella and an infant. Huldah married Henry Freeman and moved to Urbana. They have two children, Charlena and an infant.

David married Louisa, daughter of Dr. Daniel Sunderlin of Tyrone. They settled in Barrington and finally emigrated to Palo, Mich., where he is a practicing physician. Their chidren are Daniel, Charles and Frank.

The descendants of William Wortman number upwards of one hundred and seventy, and one hundred and forty are still among the living.

YATES COUNTY'S BOYS IN BLUE by Robert Graham, page 74

ASA SHERWOOD enlisted in Co. B at Barrington July 31, aged 21 (19) years. Joined for duty and mustered at Geneva Aug. 8. Detached to Provost Guard, 2d Army Corps, April 4, 1864. Wounded and captured in action May 6, 1864, at the Wilderness, Va. Died of wounds, date and place not definitely known, but probably, at Lynchburg, Va., as he was seen at that place in a dying condition.

The Crystal Springs

History & Directory of Yates Co., Vol 1, Pub 1873, by Stafford C. Cleveland, Pg 166 & 167

In the spring of 1865, when the country was crazy with oil speculation, indications of petroleum were believed to exist wherever gases of an inflammable character escaped from the earth. A “deer lick” on lot 50 in Barrington affording rice appearances of this sort, a company was formed in the vicinity to bore for oil. At a depth of forty-three feet, the water came up so abundantly it was difficult to go farther. This was soon found to have medicinal virtues, for which it has acquired a great fame. Erastus WRIGHT and Benson SMITH, becoming proprietors of the location, erected, in 1867, a house of four stories, one hundred feet long, and fort-two wife, with a two story wing seventy by thirty-two feet. The place has become a very popular resort, and very many people who have tested the virtues of the water have believed themselves much benefited by its use. The flow of water is sufficient to fill a two inch tub constantly. A house was opened at the Spring by Sylvester BOWERS in 1866, before the larger structure was built.

No account has been furnished the writer of more than five distilleries that ever existed in Barrington. One of them was on the Gore operated by John C. BODINE; another by John CARR near his grist mill.

Lorenzo D. SNOOK, of Barrington, a young man of twenty-four, a son of Oliver SNOOK, and grandson of Locowick DISBROW, is an industrious and prolific writer for agricultural publications, a regular contributor to the Rural New Yorker and other papers. He adds interest and value to his articles in the use of his pencil by giving ingenious and tasteful illustrations of his subjects. He has received many commendations from the agricultural papers for his contributions.

Joshua RAPLEE is one of the largest land owners of Barrington, and a farmer who has taken much interest in cultivation of stock especially sheep and horses of the best quality.

Near the Lake within the past few years grapes have been extensively planted with good success. The leading cultivators are Joseph F. CROSBY, Amos EGLESTON, Isaac CROSBY, Alanson CROSBY, Selah CROSBY, George W. FINTON, Arthur O. KANE and Ogden WORTMAN. Delazon J. SUNDERLIN and his sons have also been very successful cultivators of grapes on their premises near the Crystal Spring.

Chubb Hollow, a valley which forms the bed of the north branch of Big Stream, was so named for Philo CHUBB, who was for many years a resident in that locality. He is no longer a citizen of the town.

Barrington has now but two churches, one Baptist and one Methodist.

William OVENSHIRE states that Barrington was so named, by residents of the town who came from Great Barrington, Massachusetts, in honor of the place from which they emigrated.

MARRIAGE & DEATH NOTICES FROM SCHUYLER CO., NY

NEWSPAPERS, 1853 - 1900. by Mary Smith Jackson, published 1993, paperback, 188 pgs. page 95

WATKINS EXPRESS

Sunderlin, Mary A. 70 wife of A.W. in Wayne, NY February 6, 1877. Born December 6, 1807 in Hector, NY 3rd daughter of William and Anna Wortman, 1 of 12 children. Married October 1825.

Yates County Wills, Volume M, page 20 & Surrogate Court Records, Penn Yan, 38D

Will of Asa Wortman (son of William Wortman ,1779-1850)

38D Yates County Surrogate Court Records

Petition For Proof Of Will Surrogate's Court, Yates County,

To William S. Briggs

The Surrogate of the County of Yates:

The Petition of Chauncey B. Wortman of the town of Barrington, in the County of Yates,

respectfully showeth:

I. That Asa Wortman late of the town of Barrington, in said County of Yates, departed this life in the said town of Barrington on the 25th day of April, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and seventy eight.

II. That the said deceased was a citizen of the United States, and was, at or immediately previous to his death, an inhabitant of the said County of Yates.

III. Your petitioner further shows that the said deceased left the following named persons, his heirs at law, widow, and next of kin, him surviving, and that their respective ages and places of residence are as follows, viz:

-Harriet A. Wortman the widow of the deceased residing in the town of Barrington aforesaid

-William H. Wortman, Charlotte A. Shattuck, John A. Wortman and your petitioner respectively residing in Barrington aforesaid and being respectively children of the deceased.

-Emily Jane Baskin a daughter residing in the town of Tyrone Schuyler Co., N.Y.

-Andrew W. Wortman a son of the deceased residing in Chico, Butte Co., California.

-Herbert Wortman residing at Wayne Steuben Co. N.Y., Edwin Wortman residing in Barrington aforesaid and Ezra Wortman residing in the town of Wayne Steuben County New York and according to your petitioner's best information and belief respectively children of Ezra Wortman deceased who was a son of the aforesaid deceased testator Asa Wortman.

Yates County Wills, Volume M, page 20

Yates Surrogate's Court

In the Matter of Proving

the Last Will and Testament

Asa Wortman, Deceased.

Be it Remembered, that heretofore, to wit, on the 8th day of September in the year one thousand eight hundred and seventy nine, Chauncey B. Wortman, one of the Executors named in the last will and testament of Asa Wortman late of the town of Barrington, in the said County of Yates, deceased, appeared in open Court, before the Surrogate of the County of Yates; and made application to have the said last will and testament, which relates to real and personal estate, proved; and on such application the Surrogate did ascertain by satisfactory evidence who were the widow, heirs and next of kin of the said testator, and their respective residences and ages, and said Surrogate did thereupon issue a citation in due form of law, directed to the said widow, heirs and next of kin, by their respective names, stating their respective places of residence, requesting them to appear before the said Surrogate, at his office in the village of Penn Yan, in said County of Yates, on the 27th day of October then next to attend the probate of said will. And afterward, to wit, on the said 27th day of October satisfactory evidence by affidavit was produced and presented to said Surrogate of the service of the said citation in the mode prescribed by law; and it appearing that Herbert Wortman, Edwin Wortman and Ezra Wortman of said heirs at law and next of kin were minors. G. A. Merritt Esquire of Dundee, N.Y. was duly appointed their special guardian to take care of their interest in the premises(?); and on that day, no one appearing to oppose the probate of such will, and the said special guardian appearing in person before said Surrogate, such proceedings were thereupon had afterwards that the Surrogate took the proof of said will hereinafter set forth upon this 27th day of October in the year one thousand eight hundred and seventy nine and he adjudged the said will to be a valid will of real and personal estate, and the proof thereof to be sufficient which said last will and testament, and proof, are as follows. that is to say:

WILL

I Asa Wortman of the town of Barrington, Yates County, make publish and declare this my last will and testament. First I give, devise, and bequest to my wife Harriet Angeline Wortman the use enjoyment rents issues and profits of my house farm of about 70 acres on Lot No. 28 and 50 acres in the southeast part of Lot No. 37 during her natural life in lieu and instead of and as full compensation for her rights of devise in all the real estate now owned by me. Second I give and devise the said 70 acres on Lot No. 28 to my son William Wortman subject to the life estate therein of my said wife as aforesaid and subject to the payment by him of the sum of two hundred dollars to my daughter Emily Jane Baskin immediately after the death of my said wife and I charge the said 70 acres so devised to said William with the payment of said sum of $200.00. Third I give and devise the said 50 acres in the southeast part of Lot No. 37 to my son Andrew Wortman subject to the life estate therein of my said wife and subject to the payment by him of the sum of eight hundred dollars to my daughter Charlotte Shattuck immediately after the death of my said wife, and I charge the said 50 acres so devised to my said son Andrew Wortman with the payment of said sum of $800.00. Fourth I give and devise the 50 acres I own in the southwest corner on part of said Lot No. 37 to my son Chauncey B. Wortman in fee. Fifth, I give and devise the 50 acres in the northeast part of said Lot No. 37 known as the Dan Disbrow Lot to my son John Wortman in fee. Sixth, I give and bequeath to my said daughter Emily Jane Baskin the two hundred dollars hereinbefore directed to be paid to her by my said son William. Seventh, I give and bequeath to my said daughter Charlotte Shattuck the eight hundred dollars hereinbefore directed to be paid to her by my said son Andrew. Seventh If after applying so much of my personal estate as shall be necessary to the payment of my debts and the expenses of my funeral and the purchase and erection of a suitable monument at my grave there is any residue I give one hundred dollars out of said residue to my two grand children Herbert Wortman and Ezra Wortman, sons of my deceased son Ezra Wortman and the balance of said residue if any I give to my children living at the time of my decease to be divided among them equally. Having heretofore given to my said deceased son Ezra and his family as I ought to. I make no devise or bequest to his other child called Ed Wortman. Lastly, I enumerate and appoint my sons Chauncey B. Wortman and John Wortman the

Executors of this will. Witness my hand and seal this 25th day of April 1878.

Asa Wortman (L.S.)

Witness H.G. Wolcott, Dundee, Yates Co. NY George Stanton, Barrington, Yates Co. NY

Proofs

Yates Surrogate Court

In the Matter of Proving the Will of Asa Wortman, Deceased. Yates County, SS. Hiland G. Wolcott being duly sworn and examined before the Surrogate of the County of Yates; doth depose and say that he is a resides in the town of Starkey in said County; that he knew Asa Wortman deceased, in his life time; that the instrument now shown to the deponent. And having date the 25th day of April 1878, purports to be the last will and testament of said deceased; that deponent saw the said deceased subscribe the same at the end thereof; that at the time of such subscription the said deceased declared the said instrument to be his last will and testament; that such subscription and declaration were made in the presence and hearing of deponent, and that thereupon, at the request of said deceased, and in his presence, deponent subscribed his name as a witness thereto, and that said deceased, where he so executed the said instrument was a citizen of the United States, of full age, of sound mind and memory, and not under any restraint. H. G. Wolcott

Sworn and Subscribed before

me this 27th day of October 1879

William S. Briggs

Surrogate

Yates County. SS.

George Stauton being duly sworn and examined before the Surrogate of the County of Yates, doth depose and say that he resides in the town of Barrington in said County that he knew Asa Wortman deceased in his life time ; that the instrument now shown to this deponent, and having date the 25th day of April 1878, purports to be the last will and testament of said deceased, that deponent saw the said deceased subscribe the same at the end thereof, that at the time of such subscription the said deceased declared the said instrument to be his last will and testament, that such subscription and declaration were made in the presence and hearing of deponent, and that thereupon at the request of said deceased, and in his presence deponent subscribed his name as a witness thereto and that said deceased, when he executed the said instrument, was a citizen of the United States, of full age, of sound mind and memory, and not under any restraint.

Sworn and Subscribed before me George Stauton

this 27th day of October 1879

William S. Briggs Surrogate

State Of New York

Yates County SS:

This is hereby certified, that at a Surrogate's Court, duly held in and for said County of Yates, on the 27th day of October 1879, the last Will and Testament of Asa Wortman late of the town of Barrington in said County, deceased (being the annexed written instrument) was duly proved before the Surrogate of said County, according to law, and by him duly admitted to probate as such last Will and Testament as a will of real and personal estate; and that said will and the proofs and examinations taken in respect to the same have been duly recorded in said Surrogate's office; and it is further... (transcriber's note, the rest of this document is missing

HISTORY AND DIRECTORY OF YATES COUNTY, NEW YORK by Stafford C. Cleveland published in 1873 in Penn Yan, New York, pages 155-159 (as well as additional excerpts from the other pages indicated in brackets) in the chapter on the Town of Barrington.

BASSETT-BOYCE

Harriet Boyce married Asa Wortman of Barrington. They have seven children, Emily, William, Ezra, Chauncey, Andrew, Charlotte and John A. Of these, Emily married James Baskin of Starkey, and resides in Tyrone. William married Susan Huson of Starkey, and lives in Barrington. Ezra married Mary Horton of Barrington, and died leaving three children, Samuel, Herbert and Ezra. Chauncey married Anna Cole and lives in Barrington. [From pp. 747-749: "Asa [son of William (1779-1850) and Anna (Swarthout) (1783-1860) Wortman] married Harriet Boyce and resides in East Barrington. Their children are Emily, William, Ezra, Chauncy, Andrew, Charlotte and John. Emily married James Baskin of Tyrone. They have one child. William married Susan, daughter of Nathaniel Huson, and resides in Barrington. Ezra married Mary Horton, and died leaving three children. Chauncy is married and resides in Barrington."]

Will of Joel Wortman son of William Wortman (1779-1850)

Yates County New York Wills, Volume N, Page 252. And 40C Surrogate's Court Record Yates County 40C Surrogate's Court Record Yates County

Petition For Proof Of Will State Of New York

Surrogate's Court, Yates County.

To The Surrogate's Court of Yates.

The petition of Charles W. Bruce of the town of Milo, in the County of Yates, respectfully showeth:

I. That Joel Wortman late of the town of Milo in said County of Yates, departed this life in the said town of Milo on or about the 24th day of October in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and eighty two having previously, as your petitioner is informed and believe duly made and executed his last Will and Testament, and codicil thereto, which are now produced in the Surrogate's Court of the said County of Yates, before the said Surrogate, and which bear date respectively the 10th day of April in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and eighty two and the 15th day of August 1882.

II. That the said deceased was a citizen of the United States, and was, at or immediately previous to his death , an inhabitant of the said County of Yates.

III. Your petitioner further shows that the said deceased left the following named persons, his heirs at law, widow, next of kin, him surviving, and that their respective places of residence are as follows, viz.: Rebecca Wortman, his widow, and Mrs. D. Anna Hawley, and Marietta Thayer, respectively residing in the town of Milo aforesaid. Amos Wortman residing in the town of Barrington, Yates County aforesaid Martha W, Sprague residing in the town of Benton, Yates County being respectively all the heirs at law of said deceased all of whom are of full age.

Yates County New York Wills, Volume N, Page 252. Yates Surrogate Court In the matter of Proving the Last Will and Testament Of Joel Wortman Deceased

Be It Remembered That heretofore, to wit on the second day of November in the year one thousand eight hundred and eighty two, Charles M Bruce one of the Executors named in the last will and testament of Joel Wortman late of the town of Milo in the said County of Yates deceased appeared in open Court before the Surrogate of the County of Yates and made application to have the said last will and testament which relates to real and personal estate, proved: and on such application the Surrogate did ascertain by satisfactory evidence who were the widow, heirs and next of kin of the said testator and their respective residences and ages: and Rebecca Wortman, widow and Amos Wortman, D. Anna Hawley, Martha W. Sprague and Marietta Thayer his only children and heirs and next of kin having waived the issuing and service of a citation to attend the proof of said last will and testament and consented to the immediate proof thereof which waver and consent is in writing and filed with the Surrogate: and on the aforesaid day no one appearing to oppose the probate of such will such proceeding were thereupon had that the Surrogate took proof of said will. Hereinafter set forth: and he adjudged the said will to be a valid will of real and personal estate and the proofs thereof to be sufficient which said last will and testament and proofs are as follows. That is to say:

WILL (40C. Surrogate's Court Records, Yates County, NY. Will-Long Form)

In the Name of God. Amen.

I Joel Wortman of the town of Milo, County of Yates and State of New York being of sound mind and memory, and considering the uncertainty of this frail and transitory 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 and my funeral expenses all paid and there be suitable grave stones put up to my grave equal to and as good as at the other graves of my family now buried in the cemetery near the Milo Baptist Church and the graves properly fixed up and cared for, I give and bequeath to my wife Rebecca Wortman the sum of one third of all my estate both personal and real, and all of the house hold goods of every nature and kind, after my daughter Martha Sprague shall have removed those designated for and belonging to her, to have and control as she may desire during her natural life, and at her death whatever may remain to be divided equally as near as practicable between my then living heirs to share and share alike or to their children if either of them shall be dead. This is to be received and accepted by her in lieu of right of dower.

And as my son Amos has already received from my estate the sum of two thousand dollars, and my daughter Mary Elle Thayer has received the sum of four hundred dollars, I give and bequeath to my two daughters, to wit, Desire Annie Hawley and Martha Sprague, the sum of two thousand dollars each and to my said daughter Mary Elle Thayer, in addition to what she has already received the sum of sixteen hundred dollars to make them each equal to the amounts received by my said son Amos.

And further I give and devise all the rest and residue of my estate of what name and nature whatever to be disposed of and the proceeds thereof to be equally divided between my four Heirs to share and share alike.

And I further provide that of the portion to go to my daughter Mary Elle Thayer there shall be given to each of her children, to wit, Annie and William , one hundred dollars to be put at interest, and the principal and accumulated interest to be paid over to them when they shall respectively become twenty one years of age. And that the remainder of her portion she shall have the interest of during her natural life, and at her death it shall be divided equally between her children.

I also recommend and devise and provide that my Executors herein after named to sell my farm and all the appurtenances(?) there unto belonging, as soon as in their opinion it can be done to the best advantage within at furthest three years and the proceeds to be disbursed as above provided. It is my design and purpose and the definite understanding that my wife Rebecca is to have control, and use as she may desire, only the interest of the one third of my estate bequeathed to her during her natural life, and from immediately after her decease, I give and devise the same to be equally divided between my four children or their heirs if either of them be dead.

And I hereby appoint my said wife Rebecca, and the Rev. C. M.. Bruce to be my Executors, to be associated as such, of this my last will and testament, and I give and devise all my real and personal estate of what nature or kind so ever, to my executors, above named of this my last will and testament in trust for the payment of my just Debts and the legacies above specified with power to sell and dispose of the land at public or private sale, at such time or times and upon such terms, and in such manner as shall seem to be for the best interest of all the parties concerned, and in a period not to exceed three years.

Likewise, I make, constitute and appoint my wife Rebecca Wortman and Rev. C. M. Bruce to be Executors 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 tenth day of April in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and eighty two.

Joel Wortman (L.S.)

The above instrument was subscribed by the said Joel Wortman in our presence, and acknowledged by him to each of us; and he at the same time declared the above instrument, so subscribed to be his last Will and Testament; and we, at his request, have signed our names as witnesses hereto, in his presence, and in the presence of each other, and written opposite our names our respective places of residence.

William R. Swarthout Milo Yates Co. N.Y. Frank B. Swarthout Milo Yates Co. N.Y.

Codicil

Whereas: I Joel Wortman of Milo Yates County and State of New York have made my last will and testament bearing date the tenth day of April in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and eighty two. In which I failed to remember my grandson William Wortman son of my son Amos Wortman. Now therefore I do by this my writing which I hereby declare to be a codicil to my said last will and testament , and to be taken as a part thereof , order and declare that my will is that the sum of one hundred dollars shall be put out at interest and that when my said grandson William Wortman shall have become twenty one years of age this one hundred dollars with the accumulated interest shall be paid over to him to be his to be controlled and disposed of as he may desire. Likewise I provide that instead of laying out further expense on my lot in the cemetery at the Milo Baptist Church the remains of my wife buried there and my daughter also buried there shall be taken up and removed to my burial plot in Lake view cemetery near Penn Yann and that the necessary expense thereof together with such other expense as may accrue for monument and filing said lot shall be paid out of my said estate.

Likewise I provide that my said Executors in my said will named shall have full power to collect dues, rents, and profits as occasion may demand in the settling of my said last will and testament. And lastly it is my desire that this codicil be annexed and constitute a part of my last will and testament as aforesaid to all intents and purposes: For witness thereof I have hereunto as and for a codicil to this my last Will and Testament, set my hand and seal, this 15th day of August in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and eighty two.

Joel Wortman (Seal)

The above instrument consisting of one sheet was at the date thereof signed, sealed, published and declared by the said Joel Wortman as and for a codicil of his last will and testament, in the presence of us who at his request and in his presence, and in the presence of each other have suscribed our names as witnesses thereto.

William R. Swarthout Milo Yates Co. N.Y. Frank B. Swarthout Milo Yates Co. N.Y.

Yates Surrogate Court In the matter of Proving the Will and codicil

Of Joel Wortman Deceased

Yates County. SS:

William R. Swarthout being duly sworn and examined before the Surrogate of the County of Yates doth depose and say that he resides in the town of Milo in said County, that he knew Joel Wortman deceased in his life time: that the instrument now shown to this deponent and bearing the date the 10th day of April 1882. Purports to be the last will and testament of said deceased: that deponent saw the said deceased subscribe to the same at the end and thereof: that at the time of such subscription the said deceased declared the said instrument to be his last will and testament: that such subscription and declaration were made in the presence and hearing of deponent, and that thereupon at the request of said deceased , and in his presence, deponent subscribed his name as a witness thereto, and that said deceased when he so executed the said instrument was a citizen of the United States, of full age, of sound mind and memory, and not under any restraint.

Sworn and subscribed before me William R. Swarthout this 2nd day of November 1882

William S. Briggs Surrogate Yates County. SS.

Frank B. Swarthout being duly sworn and examined before the Surrogate of the County of Yates, doth depose and say, that he resides in the town of Milo in said County: that he knew Joel Wortman deceased in his life time that the instrument now shown to the deponent and bearing the date the 10th day of April 1882. purports to be the last will and testament of said deceased: that deponent saw the said deceased subscribe the same at the end thereof; that at the time of such subscription the said deceased declared the said instrument to be his last will and testament: that such subscription and declaration were made in the hearing and presence of deponent and that thereupon, at the request of said deceased and in his presence deponent subscribed his name as a witness thereto and that said deceased when he so executed the said instrument was a citizen of the United States of full age of sound mind and memory and not ...(transcriber's note, next page missing from my copy.)

HISTORY AND DIRECTORY OF YATES COUNTY by Stafford C. Cleveland Published by S.C. Cleveland, Chronicle Office, Penn Yan, N.Y. 1873 Pages 151, 152 & 153

JOHN WRIGHT.

In 1812, John Wright and Joseph Sunderlin, his brother-in-law, came from Putnam county to Barrington. They bought a wagon in partnership, and each owning one horse put the two together, and brought their possessions to the new country.Both had been to view it the year before, on foot. John Wright married Lydia Sunderlin of the family just mentioned, and from the most humble beginning acquired a large estate by industry and good management of his affairs.

He died at the age of seventy in 1858. His children were Maria, Martha, Lydia, Erasmus and Alzada.

Maria married first, James Swarthout, and after his decease Joseph Merritt. Some of her children reside in Barrington. Martha married Samuel Bailey, and lives in Barrington. She has two children. Lydia married Joel Wixson, and lives in Wayne. Alzada married Baxter Kinne, and lives near New York.

Erasmus Wright married Sally, the daughter of William Wortman. They have had ten children, of whom but four are living. The oldest, a daughter, married Henry Armstrong, and resides at the Crystal Spring. Erasmus owns the homestead of his father, (500 acres,) and one-half the Crystal Spring property, and has lost none of the hereditary qualities by which it was acquired.

BASSETT-BOYCE

Julia married Andrew Wortman of Barrington, in 1845. They have three children, Huldah A., Eugene A. and Cassie L. Huldah married Henry Freeman, and they reside in Steuben county. [From pp. 748, 750: "Andrew [son of William (1779-1850) and Anna (Swarthout) (1783-1860) Wortman] married Julia, daughter of Allen Bassett, and resides in Barrington. Their children are Huldah, Eugene, C. Loella, and an infant. Huldah married Henry Freeman, and moved to Urbana. They have two children, Charlena and an infant."]

YATES COUNTY CHRONICLE, Penn Yan, Yates County, New York 1 April 1875

Messrs. Andrew Wortman and Joel Swarthout celebrated their Crystal and Variety wedding at Crystal Spring, on the evening of March 10th, 1875…--Dundee Record

Surrogate Court Record 94E, Penn Yan, NY Petition For Letters Of Administration
State of New York Surrogate's Court, Yates County.
In the Matter of the Application for Letters of Administration of the Goods, Chattels and Credits of Chauncey B. Wortman Deceased

The Surrogate of the County of Yates: The Petition of Anna E. Wortman, respectfully showeth:
I. That your petitioner is a resident of the town of Barrington, in the County of Yates and the State of New York, and is the widow of the said Chauncey B. Wortman, deceased, and is of full age.
II. That the said deceased died at Barrington in said County, on the 15th day of October A.D. 1890(?), without leaving any last Will and Testament, to the best of your petitioners knowledge or belief;
III. That the said deceased died possessed of certain personal property in the said County of Yates and State of New York; and that the value of all the personal property, wherever situated, of which the deceased died possessed, does not exceed the sum one thousand and dollars.
IV. That the said deceased left surviving him the following named persons, his only next of kin, whose respective ages and places of residence are as follows, viz: Asa H. Wortman, Angie Wortman and Kate B. Wortman, residing in Barrington aforesaid, children of said deceased, all of whom are minors, and your petitioner his widow.

History Of Yates County, N.Y. by Lewis Cass Aldrich
D. Mason & Company Publishers, Syracuse, N.Y. 1892
Page 541

Thayer, Jacob W., son of Jacob Thayer, was born in Milo April 7, 1839. He bought a sixty acre farm from his father on the lake road and in 1864 he purchased a fifty acre farm on the Bath road. This latter has been sold in parcels until Mr. Thayer has but little left-about seventeen acres-which is all vineyard. On November 15, 1859, he married Marietta, daughter of Joel Wortman, of Milo. They have two children, Anna Amelia and William Joel. Mr. Thayer has been an extensive traveler, selling agricultural implements over a territory of eleven States for D.M. Osborn & Co. of Auburn. He is also the inventor and builder of a binder that has done excellent work.

Schuyler Co., NY People Who Settled in Michigan (page 2) From various reference works as noted after each biography. Transcribed for the website by Susan Austin

RECTOR H. VAN VLECK. (married Betsey Swarthout, dau. of Charles Swarthout
and Lavina Wortman)

Rector H. Van Vleck, a well-known and progressive farmer of Ronald township, for many years one of the most substantial residents of the Palo nieghborhood, was born on a pioneer farm within sight of his present home just north of the village of Palo, February 8, I854, and has lived in that vicinity all his life. His grandfather, Matthew Van Vleck, was the founder of what for many years was known as the Van Vleck settlement in Ronald township, and the Van Vleck influence in that community has been a power for good since pioneer days.

Matthew Van Vleck was born in Ulster county, New York, May i8, 1794, second in order of birth of the eight children born to his parents, John and Sarah Van Vleck, natives of that state, the former of whom was a farmer and tanner. At the age of twenty-two he married Deborah North, who was born in that same county and state, January 15, 1797, and a few years later he and his wife moved to Delaware county, New York, where they remained until 1838, in which year they came to Michigan, which had just been admitted to statehood, and located in Ionia county, settling on a farm of three hundred and twenty acres, one-half of section 2, in Ronald township, where they established their home, theirs being the third family to settle in that township. The family came by way of Detroit, three oxteams being used to haul the household goods and other belongings through the woods to this section. Much of the way was through unbroken forest and Matthew Van Vleck and his sons were compelled to cut a road as they proceeded, the toilsome journey from Detroit requiring fourteen days. The road cut through the woods from Ionia to his new home by Matthew Van Vleck was the first definite road northeast from Ionia and was long the highway to what presently came to be known as the Van Vleck settlement, in the vicinity of the present thriving village of Palo.

Matthew Van Vleck and his wife were the parents of five children, John, Catherine, Sarah, Peter and Albert, and all the youngsters took an active and able part in the development of the homestead in the wilderness, in due time establishing homes of their own thereabout. Mr. and Mrs. Van Vleck were devout Baptists and it was their wont, until they were able to secure the organization of a church of their faith in the vicinity of their home, to arise at two o'clock of a Sabbath morning and drive by ox-team to Ionia in time for meeting there. Upon the organization of a Baptist church in the Van Vleck settlement, Mr. and Mrs. Van Vleek were among the charter members of the same and their eldest son, John, who in the meantime had developed strong powers as a Baptist minister, was one of the chief contributors to the church as well as its first pastor, while their son in-law, George D. Tasker, was the carpenter in charge of the erection of the church. Matthew Van Vleck was one of the early supervisors of Ronald township and held at various times other local offices, his strong personal influence ever being exerted in behalf of the cause of good government in the formative period of that now well-established and prosperousfarming community. He retired from the active labors of the farm in 1854, when sixty years of age, but continued to make his home in the settlement so dear to his heart and lived to the great age of eighty-six years, his death occurring on April 24, I880. His eldest son, the Rev. John Van Vleck, died in that same year. George D. Tasker, the carpenter mentioned above, married Catherine, the eldest daughter of Matthew Van Vleck and wife, their marriage being the first solemnized in Ronald township, and Peter Van Vleck shot a fine, big wild turkey to grace the wedding dinner.

Peter Van Vleck, father of the subject of this biographical sketch, was born near Middleton, Delaware county, New York, October 22, 1824, and was in his fourteenth year when the family came to this county, and he grew to manhood on the homestead farm in Ronald township. When he was twenty-one he bought the farm where his son, Rector, now lives, and began to develop the same. Four years later he married and established his home on his farm and there spent the rest df his life. becoming one of the most influential and substantial residents of that community. He died on January 13, 1900, and his widow survived until January 3, I913, she being eighty-one years of age at the time of her death. Marie A. Reddington was born near Amherst, Ohio, April 22, I832, and came to Michigan when twelve years old with her parents, Nathaniel and Caroline (Salmon) Reddington, natives of Massachusetts, who came to this county from Lorain county, Ohio. Nathaniel Reddington died at his home in this county on January 20, 1854, and his widow survived until September I2, 1888, she being eighty-two years of age at the time of her death. Peter and Marie (Reddington) Van Vleck were earnest members of the Baptist church and long were looked upon as among the leaders in good works in their community. They were the parents of three children, Mary, who died in infancy; Rector H., the subject of this sketch, and Cassius, born on September 5, I860, a well-known farmer, living northwest of Palo.

Rector H. Van Vleck was born on February 8, 1854, and grew to manhood on the paternal farm. He supplemented his schooling in the local schools by a course in the Michigan State Agricultural College. In 1876 he married and shortly afterward went to farming for himself on a portion of his father's farm and built a house on the north side of the farm, where he made his home until after the death of his parents, when he moved into the old farm house and there has resided ever since. He has remodeled the old house and made many improvements, having installed a steam-heating plant and a gas plant for lighting and in other ways adjusted the place to modern requirements and ways of living. The house is beautifully situated in a wide lawn, with a fine cedar hedge bordering the highway and is a very attractive and comfortable place. Mr. Van Vleck has given his thoughtful attention to public affairs and for six years served as supervisor of Ronald township. He and his wife are members of the Baptist church and taken earnest part in all movements looking to the promotion of the common interest in their home neighborhood.

On January 30, I876, Rector H. Van Vleck was united in marriage to Betsy Swarthout, who was born at Wayne, Steuben county, New York, daughter of Charles and Lavina (Wortman) Swarthout, both of whom were born at Barrington, Yates county, New York, and who came to Michigan in April, I865, and located at Palo, this county. Charles Swarthout bought a farm at the west edge of the village, his line being the main street of the town and when the place later was platted, the town took in a portion of his farm. He not only was a farmer but was an excellent carpenter, and for a time was engaged in building threshing machines. He also conducted a hotel at Palo for some time and was otherwise active in the affairs of the village. He and his wife were members of the Baptist church. They were the parents of four children, Louisa, Sarah, William and Betsy. The two first named are dead and William Swarthout makes his home with Mr. and Mrs. Van Vleck. To Rector H. and Betsy (Swarthout) Van Vleck three children have been born: Earl, born in 1877, who is at home with his parents; Laverne C.., born in April, 1879, married Alice Longwell and died on January 6, 1914, leaving one child, a son, Rector, and Leo R., born in 1881. who married Mildred Evans and is farming on his father's farm. He and his wife have two children, Marie K. and Charles D. History of Ionia County, Michigan : her people, industries and institutions, with biographical sketches of representative citizens, and genealogical records of many of the old families / Rev. E.E. Branch., Branch, Elam E., 1871-. p. 352-355.

ELGIN ADVOCATE, Saturday., August 25, 1883, page 5, col. 3
KILLED BY A KICK
David Wortman, a hard-working, and industrious man, for some time employed as an ice deliverer by F.L. McClure, died Wednesday, the result of a kick from a horse. On Tuesday of last week Wortman drove over to Palatine, to visit relatives, hiring a horse and carriage at Schoonhoven's livery. Arriving at his destination and while unhitching the animal, Wortman was kicked in the stomach, and after a week's suffering the injury resulted fatally. Deceased leaves a wife and three children and is well spoken of by all who knew him.

ELGIN DAILY COURIER, Tuesday, January 25, 1921, page 3.
OBITUARY
MRS. RUTH KING

Mrs. Ruth King died at 3:30 o'clock this morning at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Frank E. Smith of 433 Villa street. Her death came after a long illness.
She was born in Barrington Center, sep 13, 1856. She is survived by four children, Roy Wortman of Pomona, Cal, Ray Wortman, Mrs. Frank E. Smith and Mrs. H.C. Thompson of Elgin, two sisters, Mrs. Sarah Page of Barrington and Mrs. Anna Webster of California, four brothers, Lewis Collen of Aitkin, Minn., James Freeman of Palatine, Ill, James Collen of Creighton, Neb, and Charles Collen of Valley, Neb.
Funeral services will be held at 1:30 o'clock on Thursday afternoon at the home of her son, Ray Wortman of 414 Villa street.

ELGIN DAILY COURIER, Elgin, Ill., Tuesday, February 26, 1918, page 3, col. 8.
OBITUARY
MRS. ELIZABETH J. WOOLACOTT
Mrs. Elizabeth J. Woolacott, wife of Robert Woolacott, died last night at 11:50 o'clock, at the family residence at 462 Center street. Mrs. Woolacott was born in Barrington Center June 15, 1860 and had been a resident of Elgin for thirty-five years.
She was a member of the First Baptist church and the Woman's Relief Corps.
The deceased is survived by her husband, two daughters, Miss Laura Woolacott and Mrs. Mable Blakesley, of Elgin, and one son, Roy, of Springfield, Ill. Two grandchildren, Leonard and Marlon Blakesley, one brother, Alonzo Wortman, of Burlington, Wis., and one sister, Mary Lessender, of Osawatomie, Kansas, also survive.
The funeral will be held at the Norris chapel Thursday afternoon at 2 o'clock. Rev. F.E.R. Miller of the Baptist church will officiate.

ELGIN DAILY COURIER NEWS, Elgin, Ill., Monday, January 11, 1926, page 1, col 5.

WATCH FACTORY VETERAN SUCCUMBS TO ILLNESS
Robert W. Woolacott of 464 Center street, who for the last 44 years was an employee of the Elgin National Watch factory, died at St. Joseph's hospital, after a long illness. He was born in Devonshire, England, June 1, 1855, and came to the United States when 17 years old. He was married twice. His first wife, Alice E. died in 1892. His second wife died about eight years ago.
Mr. Woolacott is survived by two brothers and three sisters living in England, one son, Roy J. Woolacott and two daughters, Mrs Mabel Blakesley and Miss Laura Woolacott, and two grandchildren, Marion and Leonard Blakesley, all of Elgin.
Funeral services will be held at 2 o'clock tomorrow afternoon at the Norris chapel, with burial in the family lot at Bluff cemetery.

EVERY SATURDAY, Elgin, Ill., July 29, 1893, page 5, col 1 in the watch factory column
R.W. Woolacott and Miss Lizzie Wortman, well known in factory circles, were married at Madison, Wis., last week Thursday.

ELGIN DAILY NEWS, SATURDAY, July 16, 1892, page 3, col. 6.
DIED
At 290 Center street this afternoon at 2:30, Mrs R. W. Woolacott died of consumption, aged 30 years. The funeral will be held from the residence at 1 o'clock Tuesday.

THE WATCH WORD, Elgin, Illinois, December 1949, Vol 23, #7

HONOR ROLL

Five members of the Assembling Departments-three from Assembly A and two from Assembly B-went on pension last month...
Roy J. Woolacott, who works on hair? Springs in Assembly A, also joined Elgin in 1903. He worked in the Plate room a year and then was in Assembling department a year. He worked in the Rockford watch factory a short time and was in the Illinois Watch Co. at Springfield, Ill., 13 years, returning to the Elgin Finishing Department. Mr. Woolacott and his wife Ida re-.