(dated: March 17, 1919)

To The Times:

I wish to relate a most blessed experience which occurred in our home and shows very plainly God’s love for His children and how He willingly waits to receive us even on the verge of death.

Only a few days after my husband was taken sick and at about the midnight hour I was called to his bedside. As yet his sickness had not been pronounced serious and we had no nurse, so I slept in the adjoining room, administering to him.

Upon reaching his bedside, expecting to hear him ask for a drink of cold water as usual, for a burning fever was beginning to rage within. I was surprised to hear him say that he had had a most wonderful experience which he wished to relate. Or course my suspicions were aroused and very anxiously did I listen to the story which to my memory is the sweetest I have ever heard.

My husband expressed a desire to wait until morning to relate his experiences so that his father and little daughter might also hear it, but in my anxiety. I was too eager and, he perceiving my interest, immediately told of the work of our Saviour in behalf of the love for His child. Again in the morning we assembled in the sick room and in a still, quiet though firm tone he repeated the following:

“As I lay here on my pillow, there fell upon my ears myriads of sweet sounds, like as the rustling of many wings. In the distance all was so bright and beautiful and a voice said, “Come, come, as far as thy feet are fit to follow.” Well, I followed but the path was so slippery and I became so exhausted I could not keep along with the others. If I had been prepared for that bright beyond I would not have been here now. I am to stay a little while longer and prepare.”

Calling me still closer he said, “It has been pictured to me this night the right way from the wrong way and hereafter I will go with you.”

Then asking me to pray, we held a brief though earnest communion with our Maker, after which he sank back on the pillow fully satisfied. Calm had come to his troubled soul.

Later on, I again was at the bedside and these are the words I heard, “Oh, such a sweet, peaceful sleep have I enjoyed since that little prayer.” Such a contrast to the former words he had spoken, stating how uneasy and restless he had been.

From this time on, during the four succeeding weeks, he patiently bore all, only during his dilirium (sic). He had peace with his Maker and all other matters appeared very small. He died April 18, 1918.

Mrs. Elvia J. McNickle
Lafargeville, March 17, 1919

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(dated Oct. 22, 1935)

Lafargeville, Oct. 22. -- A pretty wedding was solemnized at the home of Mr. and Mrs. William M. Brower Saturday afternoon at 2:30 when their oldest daughter, Miss Esther Ellen Brower, became the bride of Floyd F. Taylor, son of Mr. and Mrs. William Taylor of Champion.

The ceremony was performed by Rev. W. A. Williams, pastor of Felts Mills Church of Christ. Miss Altha C. Brower, sister of the bride, and Carl G. Taylor, brother of the bridegroom, were the attendants. Miss Wanda Graham of Watertown, niece of the bridegroom, acted as ring bearer. The bride was attired in a gown of pale blue crepe de chene, with matching accessories, and she carried a bouquet of white chrysanthemums. Miss Altha Brower wore a gown of pale yellow crepe.

Immediately following the ceremony a dainty luncheon was served, with 26 guests present. Mrs. Taylor received many lovely gifts from her friends and relatives. Two variety showers were tendered her previous to the wedding by Mrs. Ralph Taylor of Black River and Mrs. Eugenie Smith of Carthage. Mr. and Mrs. Taylor left on a wedding trip by motor. Upon their return they will make their new home in Champion.

Out of town guests at the wedding were: Mrs. William Taylor, the Misses Edith, Edna and Beaulah (sic) Taylor, Carl and William Taylor, jr., of Champion; Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Graham and daughter, Miss Wanda Graham of Watertown; Mr. and Mrs. Elwood Briggs and son, Leon, of Felts Mills; Mrs. Ralph Taylor and son, Harold, Mrs. Mary Brower, Mrs. Susan Slater, Miss Ellen Phillips, Black River; Edgbert Fargo and Miss Marion Fargo of Carthage, and Mr. and Mrs. William Williams of Felts Mills.

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(penned in year: 1935)

The marriage of Miss Doris E. Suffel, 125 State Place, and Francis G. Hugo, 612 Washington street, took place this morning at 9 at Stone Street Presbyterian church, Rev. Dr. Paul F. Boller performing the ceremony. The couple was unattended.

A wedding breakfast for 16 guests was served at the Suffel home at the close of the ceremony. The bridal table had pink roses for a centerpiece and was lighted with pink candles in silver holders.

The bride wore a white silk suit trimmed with blue taffeta and a blue taffeta hat. She wore a corsage of pink roses.

Mr. Hugo and his bride left on a wedding trip to Maine where they will spend a month before leaving for New York city where they will make their home.

Mrs. Hugo is a daughter of Mrs. Ada B. Suffel and the late G. Alfred Suffel. She is a graduate of the Watertown High school and for some time has been employed as bookkeeper at the F. A. Empsall & Company here.

Mr. Hugo has resided at 612 Washington street since his graduation from Columbia university this summer. He is the son of the late Francis M. Hugo and Mrs. Florence Goodale Hugo. His father was mayor of Watertown for four terms and served for five terms as secretary of state.

Mr. Hugo is a native of Watertown. For a number of years past he has spent the summers in this city and winters at Bretton Hall in New York City.

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(Aug. 29, 1930)

Depauville, Aug. 29. -- About 1,200 people attended field day in this village today. Prizes were awarded at the close of a parade. Mrs. Florence Cummings of St. Lawrence won the 50-yard dash for women and Loren Shaver captured the honors in the fat man’s race.

The girls’ race was won by Nina Cummings of St. Lawrence and Philander Grant of Reynolds Corners won the children’s race. Robert Wetterhahn of Depauville won the greased pole award and Eleanor LaRoad (sic) won the photo race. Joseph Hafner received the prize in the wheel barrow race. The honors in the chinning pole event went to Herman Dorr of Depauville. First prize in the best appearing saddle horse and rider event went to a Miss Van Alstyne of Lafargeville and Deo McFarlane of Depauville won second place.

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(year written in: 1933)

There was a good attendance at the meeting of Depauville grange, held Saturday, Jan. 7. The meeting was called to order at 11 a.m. County Deputy Merrill was present and was escorted to a seat of honor.

The secretary and treasurer gave their annual reports. One withdrawal card was granted.

Our retiring treasurer, Brother John Lingenfelter, who has served in the office for 20 years, was given a vote of thanks for the service he had rendered. At noon a picnic dinner was served, after which Deputy Merrill installed the officers of the Subordinate and Juvenile granges. He was given a vote of thanks.

The lecturer presented the following program: Recitation, Earl Bates; tableaux, “Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep.” “Tidley Winks’ Ride,” “Measuring His Generosity” and “Rock of Ages;” reading, Sister Clara Dillenback; music, Marion Haas; reading, Sister Sadie Smith; song, Brother Fred Palmer; remarks, County Deputy Merrill; tableaux, “Father Time” and “The New Year.”

The next meeting of both Subordinate and Juvenile granges will be held on Saturday afternoon, Jan. 21, at 2 p.m.

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(dated Nov. 2, 1930)

DEPAUVILLE, Nov. 2. --- Mrs. Nettie Brown of Syracuse, is the guest of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Ezra Thompson.

Edwin Sternberg has been confined to his bed for the past two days with a severe attack of the grippe.

Charles Fluckiger has moved to Clayton. Mrs. Frank Armstrong of Chaumont, mother of Mrs. Marcus Sternberg will move into the Nellie Lowe house left vacant by the Fluckiger’s.

Fred Flick who at present is living in the Heyl place, will move into the Christena Hatline house as soon as the Sternbergs move into their new home, some time before Thanksgiving day.

Fred Van Alstyne is moving into the village in the Frank Diefendorf house.

Mrs. Millie Failing, Mrs. Clarence (blurred), Mrs. Art Lingenfelder (sic) and Mrs. Ethel Spencer spent Saturday night in Watertown attending lodge.

The Glen Eastin (sic) garage, successively operated by Ed. Jarvis, Charles Fluckiger and Carl Fry is now under the management of Sternberg Brothers. Milton (? blurred) (Mick) Sprague has closed his garage and is empliyed (sic) by the Sternberg Brothers as chief mechanic. A first line of repairs and accessories will be carried, gas and oil to be dispensed, repairing at reasonable prices and a general garage is at your service early and late.

Master Teddy Green has been ordered to bed by his family physician. An attack of bronchitis is the cause.

Miss Ferne Lingenfelter has returned to the employ of Doctor Bertha (blurred), in the Charlebois Building in Watertown.
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(year written in: 1934)

Depauville, Sept. 6. --- Last Monday afternoon about 4, Perl Gillette, who lives about three miles from here on the Watertown road, caught his left hand in an ensilage cutter, severing the first three fingers. He was taken to Dexter to Dr. Clarence Fowler who sent him to Mercy hospital where the hand was dressed.

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Stone Mills, March 13. --- The Ladies’ Aid held the monthly meeting for March at the home of Mrs. Nellie Schultz Thursday afternoon of last week. The April meeting will be held at the home of Mrs. Libbie Schell the first Thursday in Aprill. --The Stone Mills orchestra will practice at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Perry Balmat, Thursday evening, March 14. -- The Woman’s (sic) Missionary society will hold their annual February Thankoffering (sic) at the church March 17. Rev. Ellis Richards of Lafargeville Methodist Episcopal church, will deliver the address. --- The L. B’s monthly meeting will meet at the home of Miss Ida Eiss, Friday evening, March 15. --- The Ladies’ Aid will hold an oyster supper and donation for the benefit of our pastor, Rev. and Mrs. W. A. Fuller, Saturday evening, March 16, at the Community Hall, Music by the orchestra.

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(year written in: 1932, but this has to be incorrect judging by the text)

Unable to be present at the regular meeting Nov. 27 of the local Chapter No. 205, Royal Arch Masons, Clarence A. Whittier, 95, of Adams, one of the oldest Masons in New York state, was presented with a 50-year R. A. M. certificate at his home in Church street here Sunday.

The award was made by James Iredale, Excellent High Priest of the local chapter, with LeRoy Wood, secretary and Senior Past Excellent High Priest, looking on.

Mr. Whittier is one of New York state’s oldest Mason, having joined the organization when he was 21 years of age. He has been an active member for 73 years. He joined the local chapter on Dec. 12, 1905.

Clarence A. Whittier was born at Depauville July 24, 1861, the son of David and Charlotte Holiday Whittier. He married Miss Mary Seeber, daughter of Hon. and Mrs. Eli J. Seeber, and with his father-in-law purchased the grist milll where the Shell gas station is now.

After three years Mr. Whittier sold his interest in the grist business and formed a partnership with the late Ross C. Scott in an undertaking business, known as Scott and Whittier. In 1918 he retired from the firm and devoted his time to his farms and civic interests.

Mr. Whittier has held memberships in the Citizens Cub, Board of Trade, Depauville Grange and various Masonic orders.

For eight years he served as chief of the Adams Fire department and as village and town assessor. He became village trustee and later president of the village board; also mayor when the form of village government was changed.

In 1955, Mr. Whittier was awarded the 70-year palm by the Masonic Blue Lodge.

Mr. Whittier is in good health and is mentally very alert, taking an interest in village affairs.

In May, 1955, fifty-year certificates were awarded here to Ferd Reed of Ellisburgh, Edward Bartlett, Rochester, and Dr. Ross A. Clark of Scotia.

Also unable to attend the November meeting and scheduled to receive the 50-year award was Earl Richardson, R. F. D., Oswego, who will receive his certificate at a later date.

This clipping included a photo of Mr. Whittier, with Mr. Iredale and Mr. Wood. (a date was written under the photo: 1861 - 1961).

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(incomplete and from the files of Leland Rice)

Elsworth Swartout lived where Raricks now live. Before that, Jerome McIntire owned the property. Where Alice Huchzermeier lives, Adam Dorr and a McCarn family were earlier owners. Where Mrs. Charlebois lives was the Ulh home. They had a son Charles.

In the part of the stone store formerly the Post Office and Eckert’s store, where the garage stands, was a home where Mr. and Mrs. Charles Rose lived. Mrs. Rose operated a millinery shop and made hats for the women of the vicinity. On the second floor of the store was an apartment where Mrs. Sternberg lived. She was a seamstress and made clothing for both men and women.

Rastus Wright one of the Wright brothers who operated a sawmill on the bank of the Chaumont river behind the school now closed, lived at the top of the hill next to the Philip Eckert home (now Sheley’s). This house was later owned by Prescot Patch who installed the first bathroom in the village. Water was plentiful from the natural drainage from nearby springs. It was piped down the hill to a watering trough in the triangle where the road divides at the foot of the hill. Farmers or other visitors to the village would tie their horses there while they attended to their errands. Peddlers and itinerant tiny-type photographers etc. often used this area for their business.

Silent movies were shown by a gas lantern projector on a screen in the ballroom upstairs in the Grabber Hotel. They were shown usually on Saturday eveings if the operator could get to the village from Clayton. He was in a very bad accident on the “cut” of Depauville hill coming to show his pictures. Lina Whittier played the piano accompaniment for the show. Matt Whittier, her husband, lived on the corner opposite the Post Office. He was the village barber, shoe repair man and made and repaired side-curtains for the early open cars of the area. They had three daughters, Blanche Lawrence, a trained soprano who sang in many musical affairs, Grace, who married Leroy Priest, and Lottie who married Burt Hart and lived on a farm where Kirklands now live.

Gustave Wetterhahn moved from his farm on Three Mile Creek to a house on Caroline Street. Augustus Schnauber, brother of George, the polio victim (incomplete)