USA > Vermont > The Lake Champlain and Lake George valleys, Vol. III > Part 26
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Rev. Charles Leo Pontbriand, as already noted, is the eldest of these four children and was born in Vergennes, Vermont, on June 6, 1870, where he attended the public schools and early determined to become a priest. Accord- ingly, he entered St. Joseph's College at Burlington, Vermont, graduating with the class of 1889. The next five years were occupied with his theological training at Grand Seminary, Montreal, Canada, and on December 22, 1894, Archbishop Fabre of Montreal ordained him as a priest. For the following
C. L. Sontbriand
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nine months he was secretary of Bishop De Goesbriand, at the end of which period he was assigned to the Catholic Church at Highgate, Vermont, in 1895. His next charge, commencing in 1900, was St. Elizabeth's Church at Lyndonville, Vermont, where he served until the end of the year 1933. He increased the membership of this parish, strengthened its material resources and its spiritual life, and brought its various societies and organizations into a most prosperous condition. While at Lyndonville, Father Pontbriand was a member of the Société de St. Jean le Baptiste and of the Catholic Order of Foresters. He won the loyalty and devotion of his own parishioners and the high regard of his fellow-citizens at Lyndonville. On December 16, 1933, he was transferred to the Holy Family Church at Essex Junction, where he has since served as pastor.
CLIFFORD W. McCORMICK-As a practicing lawyer at Saranac Lake during the past five years, Clifford W. McCormick has established his position at the Franklin County bar and is today one of the best known of its younger members.
Born at Huntingdon, Quebec, Canada, on August 13, 1905, Mr. McCor- mick is a son of Felix and Sarah (Haley) McCormick. His father, who was born in the same county, is a farmer. His mother is a native of Chateaugay, New York.
Clifford W. McCormick received his preliminary education in the public schools of Huntingdon and in the high school at Chateaugay. He prepared for his professional career at Albany Law School, where he took the degree of Bachelor of Laws in 1928, and during the following two years, read law and served as clerk in the office of F. Ferris Hewitt at Saranac Lake. At the end of that time he became associated with the Hartford Accident and Indemnity Company and was appointed adjuster for the four counties of Essex, Franklin, Clinton and St. Lawrence in New York. In this connection he was active until 1933, when he began the independent practice of law at Saranac Lake. The demands upon his services have grown steadily during the inter- vening years, bringing him assured professional standing.
Mr. McCormick is a member of the Franklin County Bar Association and the New York State Bar Association. He has been active in the general life of Saranac Lake during the period of his residence here and is associated with many community institutions, including the Kiwanis Club, of which he is past president ; the Chamber of Commerce, of which he is now second vice-presi- dent ; Saranac Lake Lodge, No. 1508, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks ; the Loyal Order of Moose ; and Saranac Lake Council, No. 599, Knights of Columbus. Mr. McCormick has also served since 1936 as justice of the peace. He is a Republican in politics, a member of St. Bernard's Roman
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Catholic Church and a devotee of outdoor life, finding his principal recreation in fishing.
On July 26, 1930, Clifford W. McCormick married Esther Papineau, who was born in Saranac Lake. They are the parents of two children : Phyllis Jane and Nancy Louise.
WALTER C. McNEAL-Throughout his business career, Walter C. McNeal has been actively identified with the insurance business, and he is now serving as vice-president and manager of the Northern Insurance Agency in Plattsburg. He was born in Crown Point, October 19, 1898, the son of Charles E. and the late Linnie (Little) McNeal. Charles E. McNeal, also a native of Crown Point, has long been active in the mercantile field in Ticon- deroga.
Walter C. McNeal received his early education in the Ticonderoga public schools, and after completing his high school studies, he matriculated at Syra- cuse University, where he was graduated in 1922 with the degree of Bachelor of Science. He then pursued special courses in life insurance at the Carnegie Institute of Technology, after which he entered the employ of the Berkshire Life Insurance Company. One year later he became associated with the United States Fidelity and Guarantee Company in Albany, where he served as claims adjuster for two and one-half years. From April 5, 1926, until November 20, 1928, he was engaged as special agent for the Fidelity and Casualty Company, after which time he went to Boston, to become local office manager for the Glens Falls Indemnity Company. He remained in this post until December 1, 1935, at which time he became associated with the Em- ployees' Liability Assurance Company, Limited, being engaged in the Syracuse office of this company until November, 1937. He then came to Plattsburg, and since that time has held his present position as vice-president ænd man- ager of the Northern Insurance Agency. During the World War period, Mr. McNeal served as an enlisted man, and was stationed at Camp Zachary Taylor.
Mr. McNeal is a member of the Episcopal Church, an active civic leader, and an affiliate of Defiance Lodge, No. 794, Free and Accepted Masons, also holding membership in the local Kiwanis Club, of which he is acting as secretary. He also is a member of the Adirondack Association of Insurance Agents.
He was married, in 1931, to Dorothy Davis, a native of Arlington, Massa- chusetts. Mr. and Mrs. McNeal are the parents of a son, Walter Scott McNeal.
JOHN REICH-With his admission to the New York bar in 1937, John Reich settled at Saranac Lake, where he has since been engaged in the practice of his profession. His thorough preparation fully qualifies him for
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his chosen career and has enabled him to meet successfully the responsibilities of his practice.
Mr. Reich was born in New York City on April 15, 1914, son of Hyman and Rose (Gellman) Reich, both natives of Austria and both now deceased. His father was a manufacturer of ladies' garments in New York. John Reich was educated in the New York public schools and after finishing high school, entered New York University, which he attended until 1934. He prepared for his profession at New York University Law School, where he took the degree of Bachelor of Laws in 1936, and in the following year was admitted to the New York bar. Despite the fact that he is just at the beginning of his career, his abilities as a lawyer have won the respect of colleagues in his pro- fession and have led to the rapid development of his practice. His office at Saranac Lake, where his activities center, is situated at No. 84 Main Street.
Mr. Reich is fond of outdoor sports, particularly golf, swimming and skiing, which are his favorite recreations. He attends the Hebrew Temple.
In 1936 he married Marguerite Janet Dysinger, who was born in Saranac Lake.
ROY A. INGALLS-For more than twenty years, Roy A. Ingalls has served as general agent for the Connecticut General Life Insurance Com- pany at Plattsburg, New York. He was born at Swanton, Vermont, Feb- ruary I, 1889, the son of Anderson J. and Jane Ingalls, both deceased. Ander- son J. Ingalls, a native of St. Armand, Canada, was engaged in the farming industry at the time of his death. Jane Ingalls was born at Enosburg Falls, Vermont.
Upon completion of his high school studies in the Swanton schools, Roy A. Ingalls enrolled at Boston University, and after graduating from this insti- tution, he later was associated in the drug business at Swanton, and continued in this field until 1916, when he came to Plattsburg to take up his present duties with the Connecticut General Life Insurance Company. This company first established its Plattsburg agency in 1887, with J. A. Stratton in charge, and Mr. Stratton and Mr. Ingalls are the only two to serve as agents in this area, during the more than fifty years operation of this office.
Mr. Ingalls is an active member of the Episcopal Church, and he has served there many years as vestryman. He is a prominent member and past president of the Kiwanis Club, and of the Adirondack Underwriters Associa- tion.
He was married, in 1912, to Lou Hyde, a native of Swanton, and they are the parents of two children : I. Hazel H., a graduate of Syracuse University in 1935 with the degree of Bachelor of Arts. 2. Marjorie Jane, a graduate of Plattsburg State Normal School, married Herman K. Broderick, of Plattsburg.
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EDWIN MERRIMAN BROWN, M. D .- For many years a success- ful practitioner of medicine in Sheldon, Vermont, Dr. Edwin Merriman Brown made a notable contribution to the professional life of his community. His labors earned for him the warm appreciation of his contemporaries in all walks of life, and his work was of great value to social and civic organizations in every circle in which he was known.
Doctor Brown was born December 5, 1855, at Chittenden, Vermont. His parents were Dr. Amasa M. and Abby (Keith) Brown. His father, also a physician, practiced his profession at Chittenden, Vermont. He lived from June 22, 1812, until June 5, 1885, and his wife, Dr. Edwin M. Brown's mother, was born June 11, 1817, and died June 22, 1912. They were married November 21, 1841, at Sheldon, Vermont.
Public schools provided Edwin M. Brown's early education, and later he became a student at the University of Vermont. From the Medical College of that university he was graduated in 1879 with the degree of Doctor of Medicine. Immediately thereafter he began practicing his profession in asso- ciation with his father at Sheldon, Vermont. He then went to East Berkshire to open an office and establish a practice, but two years later returned to Sheldon, where he made his permanent headquarters after taking postgrad- uate work at New York Hospital. Throughout his life Dr. Brown concerned himself with the affairs of his profession, wholly aside from his own practice, which became an extensive one. He was a member of the Franklin County Medical Society, of which he was past president ; the Vermont State Medical Society, which he once served as vice-president; and the American Medical Association.
His talents for executive and organizational work extended into many channels outside his profession, and he was particularly well known among business men. He was a director of the Enosburg Falls Savings Bank and president and chairman of the board of directors of the Sheldon Electric Light Company. He showed the deepest interest in political and civic affairs, and was a consistent Republican. He was elected in 1896 to the State Legislature on his party's ticket, and in 1902 to the State Senate. In 1898 he was a dele- gate to the National Convention of the Republican party. In many other ways he served his party effectively, and from time to time received appoint- ments that indicated his position of leadership. He served during the World War period as chairman of the Red Cross organization, and was also a member of the Pension Board of the State of Vermont He applied intelli- gence and understanding to all his activities, and his abilities were revealed in many branches of Vermont life. He and his family belonged to the Sheldon Congregational Church. Dr. Brown died February 3, 1935.
Edwin Merriman Brown, M D., married, October 6, 1881, Fannie L .. Comings, daughter of William and Mary C. (Fletcher) Comings, of East
Edwin Merriman Brown
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Berkshire, and they became the parents of four children : I. Frederick C., who married (first) Lucy Holmes, who died October 10, 1918; he married (second), on February 16, 1921, Sarah Nichols; children, all by the first marriage : i. Edwin Merriman. ii. Frederick Holmes. iii. Carolyn Elizabeth. 2. Mary Abby, who married on September 20, 1922, O. T. Green ; they live in Burlington, Vermont. 3. Elizabeth, now married to Dr. F. F. Zwisler who, since Dr. Brown's death, has carried on his father-in-law's practice at Sheldon. Dr. and Mrs. Zwisler have two children: i. Betty Lou Zwisler. ii. Millicent Ruth Zwisler. 4. Ruth H., who on August 12, 1925, became the wife of Dr. Elton W. Lance; they live in Rahway, New Jersey, and have two children : i. Edward Merriman Lance. ii. Kenneth Page Lance.
F. FERRIS HEWITT-Honored as one of Saranac Lake's first cit- izens, F. Ferris Hewitt is extensively engaged in the practice of law in this city.
Mr. Hewitt was born February 17, 1887, in New York City, son of Frank and Mary I. (Hinds) Hewitt. His father was also a native of New York City, where he was engaged, until his death, in the wholesale grocery business. The mother was likewise born in New York City.
Public schools there provided F. Ferris Hewitt's early education. When he completed his high school studies, he matriculated at Fordham University, also in New York, being graduated in 1911 with the degree of Bachelor of Laws. Admitted to the bar of New York State, he began his practice of law in that same year with the firm of Conway, Williams and Kelly. Two years later he became a member of the law firm of Kelly and Hewitt, so continuing until 1917, when he came to Saranac Lake and withdrew from his active endeavors because of the condition of his health. In 1921 he again took up his practice of law, remaining in Saranac Lake, where he carries on his work down to the time of writing.
Mr. Hewitt is also a member of the New York State Bar Association and the Essex County Bar Association. Formerly he was president of the Frank- lin County Bar Association. He also is affiliated with the American Bar Association. Politically he is a Republican, and he is now a member of the Saranac Lake Board of Education. For twelve years he was attorney for the village of Saranac Lake, and since 1932 he has been attorney for the town of Harrietstown. He is counsel to the Adirondack National Bank and Trust Company, as well as the Saranac Lake National Bank.
In addition to his business and public activities, Mr. Hewitt interests him- self in fraternalism and in social and civic affairs. He belongs to Saranac Lake Lodge, No. 1508, of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and is a past president of the Saranac Lake Club and the Saranac Lake Golf
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Club, as well as of the Rotary Club and the Chamber of Commerce. He attends the Protestant Episcopal Church, of which he is a vestryman. Fond of the out-of-doors, he particularly enjoys the game of golf, which he plays extensively when time and opportunity permit.
In 1914 F. Ferris Hewitt married Alice Duff Conger, of New York City. The following children were born to them : 1. Ferris Wilson Hewitt, a member of the class of 1937 at Dartmouth College; he died in 1936. 2. Howard Conger Hewitt.
NELSON F. JOHNSON-Vice-president and treasurer of the A. H. Marshall Company, and a well-known figure in the business and civic life of Plattsburg, Nelson F. Johnson is a native of this city, having been born here September 25, 1897, the son of the late Corydon S. and Jessie ( Barber) John- son. Corydon S. Johnson, a native of Burke, New York, was engaged for many years in the banking industry, and for several years previous to his death he served as president of the First National Bank of Plattsburg. Jessie (Bar- ber) Johnson is a native of Plattsburg.
Nelson F. Johnson received his elementary and high school education in the Plattsburg schools, and then studied at Staunton Military Academy in Staunton, Virginia. He began his active business career in the banking field, becoming associated with the First National Bank, and he remained with this institution for twelve years, during the latter part of which period he served as cashier. He next entered the employ of A. H. Marshall Company, whole- sale and retail dealers in hardware and sporting goods, and he has been closely identified with this firm to the present time, now holding the responsible post of vice-president and treasurer of this leading Plattsburg establishment. Dur- ing the World War he was stationed at Camp Gordon, in Georgia, from which point he received his honorable discharge with the rank of second lieutenant at the conclusion of hostilities.
Mr. Johnson is a member of the Presbyterian Church, a supporter of the Republican party, and a member of the board of directors of Champlain Valley Hospital.
He was married, December 21, 1918, to Dorothy Marshall, a native of Plattsburg, and they are the parents of three children : 1. Barbara H., a mem- ber of the class of 1941 at the University of Miami. 2. Jane E. 3. Corydon M.
WALTER E. HEFFERNAN-Becoming associated with his father's insurance business in Plattsburg more than twenty-eight years ago, Walter E. Heffernan has been successfully engaged in this field to the present day, and he is now sole proprietor of the oldest and one of the largest insurance agencies in this locality.
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Mr. Heffernan was born here February 8, 1887, the son of Thomas and Elizabeth (Rutherford) Heffernan, both deceased. Thomas Heffernan, a native of Henrysburg, Quebec, was engaged in the insurance business in Plattsburg for many years, and at the time of his death he was senior mem- ber of the firm of T. Heffernan and Son. This agency, first established in 1846 by Zephaniah C. Platt, a descendant of one of the pioneer families in Plattsburg, later passed into the control of Mr. Heffernan and W. T. Burleigh, and was known as the firm of Heffernan and Burleigh until 1910, at which time the interests of Mr. Burleigh were purchased by Walter E. Heffernan and the firm name then became T. Heffernan and Son. Elizabeth (Rutherford) Heffernan was also a native of Quebec, having been born in the town of Barrington.
After completing his high school education in the Plattsburg schools, Walter E. Heffernan entered the Webb Academy of Naval Architecture, and upon finishing his studies at this institution, he entered the piano business, becoming associated with the firm of Mason and Hamlin. He remained in this field until 1910, at which time he returned to Plattsburg, and entered his father's insurance business, purchasing the interests of W. T. Burleigh. The firm of T. Heffernan and Son became one of the leading establishments in this section, dealing in a general line of insurance, and since the senior Mr. Heffernan's death, the business has been operated by Walter E. Heffernan in accordance with the best traditions of this firm for courtesy, honesty and fair dealing, in all transactions.
Mr. Heffernan is a communicant of St. John's Roman Catholic Church, and an affiliate of Plattsburg Council, No. 255, Knights of Columbus, and Plattsburg Lodge, No. 621, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. He has also served as president of the Adirondack Association of Local Agents, since the organization of this body in 1935.
He was married, in 1918, to Ellen O'Brien, a native of Canton, and they are the parents of two children: I. Tom T., a member of the 1935 class at St. Lawrence University. 2. Frances E., a student at the College of New Rochelle.
CLARENCE LAWRENCE NEPHEW-Active in the field of ped- agogy throughout his professional career, Clarence Lawrence Nephew is now principal of the Pottersville Central School, with which institution he has been associated for the past nine years. He was born at Malone, New York, De- cember 6, 1905. the son of the late Edward and Elizabeth Nephew. Edward Nephew, who departed this life at the untimely age of twenty-one years of age, was engaged in business at the time of his death.
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After graduating from Rensselaer High School, Clarence Lawrence Nephew entered New York State College at Albany, where he received his degree of Bachelor of Arts in 1930. He received a degree of Master of Arts from St. Lawrence University at Canton in 1934, and has since engaged in postgraduate work during the 1935-1936 and 1937 summer sessions at Columbia University. During his college career Mr. Nephew won letters in basketball, baseball and football, having been captain of the basketball team. Since that time his interest and time have been very largely devoted to athletics. He launched his professional career as a teacher of science and also high school coach at North Creek, and two years later he transferred to the Pottersville Central School, where he has remained to the present day.
Mr. Nephew is a staunch Roman Catholic, an affiliate of Kappa Phi Kappa, and Kappa Delta Rho fraternities, and a member of the Eshamwar Club and the Warren County Schoolmen's Club.
He was married, June 27, 1930, to Doris Elinor Wilcox, daughter of Maurice and Dorothea Wilcox, of Bainbridge.
THOMAS G. BURKE-For more than two decades, Thomas G. Burke has served as superintendent of public works of the city of Plattsburg, where he is regarded as a tireless and faithful public officer, and a citizen whose efforts have long been expended towards the development and improvement of local civic life.
Mr. Burke is a native of Clinton County, having been born in the town of Clinton, May 1, 1885, the son of Richard and Mary (Farrell) Burke, both deceased. Richard Burke, also a native of Clinton County was long identified with farming interests in this locality, and for many years previous to his death he was engaged in bridge building for the Delaware and Hudson Rail- road. Mary (Farrell) Burke was born at Chateaugay, Franklin County, New York.
Thomas G. Burke began his education in the district schools in Clinton, and later transferred to the Plattsburg schools, where he completed his ele- mentary schooling and also his high school studies. He launched his business career as an employee of the Alfred Farley Construction Company in Platts- burg, where he was engaged for about five years. For the next three years he was associated with Armour and Company, and then he entered the employ of the J. J. Fitzpatrick Contracting Company, where he remained for four years. During 1915 and 1916 he worked for W. G. Wilcox and Sons Com- pany, and then in 1917 he was appointed city clerk of Plattsburg. Two months later he was appointed to his present post as superintendent of public works, in which office he has distinguished himself to the present day.
Reb. Dr. John Lyon Caughey
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Mr. Burke professes the Roman Catholic faith, follows the principles of the Democratic party, in his political allegiance, and fraternally is affiliated with Plattsburg Council, No. 255, Knights of Columbus, and Plattsburg Lodge, No. 621, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. He is also an active member of the Rotary Club, Volunteer Firemen's Association, and the American Water Works Association.
He was married, in 1932, to Emma Dandrow, a native of Plattsburg, and they are the parents of two children : I. Thomas Edward. 2. Patricia Marion.
REV. DR. JOHN LYON CAUGHEY-As pastor of the Glens Falls Presbyterian Church, the Rev. Dr. John Lyon Caughey performs a work of true value and distinction among his fellow-citizens, whose respect and admiration he has won in abundant measure.
Dr. Caughey was born December 19, 1869, at Seville, Ohio, son of John Kerr and Elizabeth (Lyon) Caughey. After receiving his preparatory edu- cation in the local grammar and high schools he became a student at Park College, in Missouri, where he took his degree of Bachelor of Arts in 1893. In 1906 he was made a Doctor of Divinity by the same institution of learning. In May, 1896, John Lyon Caughey was ordained to the Presbyterian ministry immediately after completing his work for the degree of Bachelor of Divinity at Auburn Seminary, Auburn, New York. From 1896 to 1900 he was stated supply at the Elbridge Congregational Church, in Elbridge, New York.
Then he became pastor, in 1900, of the Memorial Presbyterian Church, of Rochester, New York, so continuing until 1905, afterward acting as pastor at the Harlem Presbyterian Church, New York City, until 1914, the year in which he came to Glens Falls. Since 1914 he has carried on his work in this city as pastor of the Presbyterian Church, earning the loyal support of his con- gregation and doing much for the general betterment of his church and com- munity. During his pastorate the present distinctive Gothic Church was erected. He has rendered valuable service as president of the Glens Falls Ministerial Association and as moderator, 1934 to 1935, of the Synod of New York.
In addition to his other activities, Dr. Caughey is a trustee and a member of the executive board of the New York State Christian Endeavor Union. He is a trustee also of the Silver Bay Association, and a member of the National Geographic Society, the Rotary International, the Glens Falls Club, the Glens Falls Country Club, the Clerisy Club and the Adirondack Club. He was a trustee of Glens Falls Academy until its close, is a director of the Auburn Theological Seminary, and a member of the Chi Alpha Fraternity, which he joined while living in New York City.
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