USA > Vermont > The Lake Champlain and Lake George valleys, Vol. III > Part 50
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Mr. Donnelly professes the Roman Catholic faith, and politically he sup- ports the Democratic party, being secretary of the Rutland County Demo- cratic Committee. Mr. Donnelly is also chairman of the Rutland County, City and Town Officials Legislative Committee. Fraternally, he is an affiliate of the Fraternal Order of Eagles and the Loyal Order of Moose. A member of the Grange and the Farm Bureau, he is also State Commander of the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War.
Mr. Donnelly is unmarried.
OWEN KILBURN MARANVILLE-Proprietor of the Bolton Landing garage and taxi service, the oldest establishment of its kind in the community, Owen Kilburn Maranville, of Bolton Landing, New York, is not only one of the leading business men of Bolton but also an outstanding citizen,
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having devoted himself generously for many years to various offices and enter- prises.
Owen Kilburn Maranville was born in Bolton, New York, April 11, 1890, son of James L. and Annie May (Baird) Maranville. James L. Maranville, who was a native of Fort Ann, New York, established himself in Bolton as a livery proprietor and also as a dealer in horses, as well as operating the stage between Bolton and Lake George for many years, changing over in 1913 to establish the Bolton garage and taxi business, an enterprise in which he re- mained active until his death. Annie May (Baird) Maranville, his wife, who survives him, is a native of Rutland, Vermont.
Owen Kilburn Maranville passed through the public schools of Bolton and then, after graduating from the Bolton High School, entered Colgate University, graduating as a member of the class of 1912. Returning home, Mr. Maranville joined his father in the livery and horse business, working as a riding instructor and also buying and selling horses, activities in which he continued for some seventeen years. In the meantime, about 1913, Mr. Maranville and his father, James L. Maranville, became interested in the rapidly growing popularity of the automobile and, accordingly, while continu- ing their livery business, established their garage and taxi business, an enter- prise which shortly developed into its present large proportions and com- pelled the liquidation of the family's original interest in horses. Since 1925 Owen Kilburn Maranville has been the sole proprietor and manager of this business, which is now the oldest of its kind in the community.
Active in the affairs of the Republican party, Mr. Maranville has long been a leading citizen, serving a term as collector of taxes and being chairman of the Election Board for several years, as well as supporting all activities which have been carried out for the benefit of the community. A member of Saint Sacrament Lodge, No. 1029, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, Mr. Maranville, who is a member of the Bolton Episcopal Church, an institution which he serves as vestryman, finds recreation from his public and private responsibilities in golf and in fishing. He retains his fondness for horses, the latter having become his leading hobby after he relinquished them as his business.
Owen Kilburn Maranville married, in 1916, Hazel Frances Walrath, a native of Maryland, New York. Mr. and Mrs. Maranville are the parents of four children : I. Jeanne Walrath. 2. James Baird. 3. Owen Kilburn, Jr. 4. Kay Swift.
WILLIAM H. LADUE, M. D .- One of the leading members of the medical profession in Clinton County, William H. Ladue, of Plattsburgh, is also outstanding in public life, being for many years active in the service of his community and his county, both professionally and civically.
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William H. Ladue was born in Beekmantown, Clinton County, March 7, 1884, son of Abraham Daniel and Sarah E. (Howard) Ladue. Abraham Daniel Ladue, of Huguenot descent, was a native of Alburg, Vermont. He established himself in Clinton County as a farmer, a calling which he fol- lowed all his life and in which he remained active until his death. Sarah E. (Howard) Ladue, his wife, also deceased, was born at Saranac, Clinton County.
After passing through the district schools of Beekmantown, William H. Ladue determined to be a teacher and accordingly attended Plattsburgh State Normal School, graduating with the class of 1905; but after teaching school for two years at Dannemora, Clinton County, he decided to continue his edu- cation and entered Union College, at Schenectady, where he graduated i: 1910 with the degree of Bachelor of Science. Then, finding the medical pro- fession to be of compelling attraction, he entered Albany Medical College and received his degree of Doctor of Medicine from that institution in 1913. Following a year as an interne at the Ellis Hospital at Schenectady, in 1914, he returned to his native town of Beekmantown and established himself in the general practice of his profession, remaining so engaged until 1915, when he moved to Morrisonville. There, where he served as a member of the local medical advisory board during the World War in addition to other civic duties, he continued to practice his profession until 1924, when he came to Plattsburgh, where he has conducted his office through the present time. A member of the staff of the Champlain Valley Hospital and similarly asso- ciated with the Physicians Hospital, Dr. Ladue has held office as president of the Clinton County Medical Society, an organization in which he continues as a member, as well as belonging to the New York State Medical Society and the American Medical Association. Dr. Ladue did postgraduate work in pediatrics at New York in 1923, and at Chicago in 1928. He is author of numerous papers dealing with the social aspects of medical practice, also of a book published by himself and entitled "A Square Deal for the Narcotic Addict" (1935).
Throughout his years of residence in Plattsburgh, the doctor has continued to give generously of his time to public service, being a member of Public Health and Public Welfare committees. He has acted as health officer of the town of Plattsburgh since 1916, and has served as city physician of the city of Plattsburgh since 1926. He is a member of Beta Theta Pi and Nu Sigma Nu fraternities.
William H. Ladue married, in 1916, Alice E. Hagar, a native of Platts- burgh and a member of the Methodist church. Dr. and Mrs. Ladue are the parents of four children : I. William L., a graduate of Union College, class of 1938, and now a student at the Albany Medical College. 2. Robert H., now a student at Union College. 3. Ruth Alice, now a student at Ithaca College. 4. John S.
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BENJAMIN FRANKLIN FEINBERG-Mr. Feinberg was born at Malone, Franklin County, New York, October 23, 1888, the son of Max J. and Golda M. (Alpert) Feinberg. His parents moved to Altona, New York, when he was about a year old and he has been a Clinton County resident ever since. He received his preliminary education at the public schools in Altona and at Mooers High School and Training Class. He taught school for two terms at Altona and became the principal of the Altona Union Free School in 1908. He was graduated in 1911 from the Albany Law School of Union University with the degree of Bachelor of Laws, and admitted to the bar the same year. He was managing clerk for the law firm of Weeds, Con- way and Cotter until January 1, 1912, at which he engaged in private practice. In 1925, he formed a law partnership with Harold A. Jerry, which still exists. In 1922, he was appointed city judge of Plattsburg for the term of two years; was elected to the Senate of the State of New York, represent- ing the Thirty-third District which comprises the counties of Clinton, Essex, Warren and Washington in 1932, and reëlected in 1934, 1936 and 1938. He was permanent chairman of the Republican State Convention, held at Albany in September, 1936; was elected delegate-at-large to the 1938 State Constitu- tional Convention. He is chairman of the Judiciary Committee of the New York State Senate, a member of the Judicial Council of the State of New York and the Law Revision Commission. He is a member of the American, New York and Clinton County Bar associations.
On June 3, 1914, he married Leah Mendelsohn of Plattsburg, and they have three children : 1. Ruth. 2. Dorothy. 3. Robert. Mr. Feinberg belongs to the following fraternal orders: Free and Accepted Masons, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, B'nai B'rith and Zeta Beta Tau college fraternity. He is a past president of the Plattsburg Rotary Club.
KENNETH HENRY HOLCOMBE-Widely known for profes- sional and civic attainments, Kenneth Henry Holcombe was a respected law- yer of Plattsburg and of this region of New York State. He was a member of the Plattsburg law firm of Pierce and Holcombe. He figured prominently in Republican politics and as district attorney for Clinton County performed an important and valued work, earning thereby the warm esteem and admira- tion of his fellow-citizens in all walks and departments of life. He was kind, generous, fair-minded and sympathetic, and outstanding among his character- istics were his geniality and friendliness of spirit.
Mr. Holcombe was born June 22, 1898, at Rouses Point, New York, son of Jesse W. H. Holcombe and Annabelle (Carswell) Holcombe. His father, who was born on the Isle La Motte, Vermont, April 2, 1870, christened Jesse
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Woodridge Hill Holcombe, son of Henry Holcombe, was formally educated in the grammar school of his native village and was graduated from St. Albans High School. His earliest employment was in a St. Albans clothing store. When he was nineteen years old he came to Rouses Point to open a branch establishment in the block where the post office is now situated. But a few years later, with James Skeels, of Isle La Motte, he bought the men's furnishing business, whereupon they removed to the store later occupied by Elmer Bullis. In 1901 Harry F. Bruso purchased an interest in the business, which was continued as Holcombe and Bruso in the store now occupied by Harry King, until it was sold in 1921. For a time the firm also had a half- interest in the Chilton Hardware Company, though later George Chilton oper- ated it independently. This firm of Holcombe and Bruso did an extensive business in men's furnishings over a long period of years and was a profitable enterprise. In 1901 Jesse W. H. Holcombe was elected county clerk, an office in which he served for three terms, from 1901 to 1909. He also repre- sented the town of Champlain on the Board of Supervisors when he was only twenty-four years of age, and was chairman of the Plattsburg Park and Beach Commission. He was a charter member of the Plattsburg Rotary Club and served on many committees organized for public welfare, charity and civic improvement. After completing his service as county clerk, Mr. Holcombe established the Holcombe Abstract Corporation, in Plattsburg, commuting to and from Rouses Point until the family came to Plattsburg to live in 1921. He never lost his interest in Rouses Point, however, frequently returning for visits there until his death on January 27, 1939. Jesse W. H. Holcombe mar- ried Annabelle Carswell, the ceremony taking place at Rouses Point. They became the parents of a son and a daughter who survived him: I. Ken- neth Henry Holcombe, of further mention. 2. Mrs. Francis Callanan, of Peru, New York.
Kenneth Henry Holcombe attended public schools at Rouses Point, his birthplace, and after finishing his high school work he was a student for a year at Norwich University. He then went to the Albany Law School, in Albany, New York, where he was a member of the class of 1921. In 1923 he was admitted to the bar of New York State, and at once he proceeded with his professional practice in Plattsburg, where after 1926 he was a men- ber of the law firm of Pierce and Holcombe, with offices at No. 28 City Hall Place. His partner in this firm was the Hon. Wallace E. Pierce, who was Congressman from his district. He figured prominently in a number of cases of both civil and criminal status, and distinguished himself in the legal pro- fession.
In his political views Mr. Holcombe was a staunch Republican. He was one of Clinton County's leading party members over a long period of years,
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and in the autumn of 1938 was nominated for district attorney. Later he was elected by a wide margin over his Democratic opponent, Allen M. Light, tak- ing office January 1, 1939. His personality ideally fitted him for the work of prosecutor, and at the time when he was stricken with his fatal illness, in April of 1939, he had already compiled nineteen indictments for presentation at the spring term of the County Court. Had not the condition of his health prevented, he would undoubtedly have gone forward to achievements of dis- tinction in this office. He was also active in many organizations. He belonged to the Clinton County Bar Association and acted as its treasurer. He was also a member of the New York State Bar Association and the American Bar Association. He was a member of Rouses Point Council of the Knights of Columbus; the Delta Chi Fraternity, which he joined in his student days ; Plattsburg Lodge, No. 621, of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks; Montgomery Post of the American Legion, at Rouses Point ; the Plattsburg Chamber of Commerce; and the Plattsburg Rod and Gun Club. He attended St. John's Roman Catholic Church. Outdoor sports constituted his major leisure-time activity, and he took part in them whenever opportunity offered.
On February 26, 1927, Kenneth Henry Holcombe married Mary Tierney, daughter of the Hon. Patrick J. Tierney, of Plattsburg. Mrs. Holcombe was born in Plattsburg. Mr. and Mrs. Holcombe became the parents of two chil- dren : I. Kenneth Henry Holcombe, Jr. 2. James Tierney Holcombe.
The death of Kenneth Henry Holcombe, on May 6, 1939, at Plattsburg, was an occasion of profound sorrow and regret in every quarter in which he was known. His accomplishments were many-sided and constructive, earning for him the wide respect and admiration of his fellow-citizens in all walks and departments of life. His influence will be felt through the years as a con- tinuing force for good.
REV. J. FRANCIS McMAHON-As pastor of St. James' Roman Catholic Church, at North Creek, New York, J. Francis McMahon has made a notable contribution to the life of his times, earning the respect and admira- tion of his parishioners and his fellow-citizens. Ministering to the spiritual needs of his parishioners in many communities that he served before coming to North Creek, he so prepared himself for the labors that he undertook here, and today he stands high in the affections of all whose privilege it is to know him.
Father McMahon was born October 28, 1880, in Troy, New York, son of Bernard and Catherine (Brennan) McMahon, both natives of Ireland and both now deceased. The father was engaged as a moulder all his active career.
St. Patrick's Parochial School provided the early education of J. Francis McMahon, who also attended La Salle Institute High School and St. Charles
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College, at Ellicott City, Maryland. He prepared himself for the priesthood at St. Joseph's Seminary, and on June 5, 1909, was ordained to the priesthood. There followed a six-week period at the Church of the Blessed Sacrament, in Albany, New York. Then he went to St. Patrick's Roman Catholic Church, at Watervliet, New York, where he remained through the summer of 1909. Next he proceeded to St. Ann's, in Albany, then to St. Bridgid's Church, in Watervliet. After seven years at St. Bridgid's Father McMahon went to Hancock, New York, there becoming pastor of St. Paul's Roman Catholic Church and so continuing for seven months. Next he was at Green Island as assistant pastor for six months. After 1919 he was pastor at St. James' Church, in North Creek, where he carries forward his work today.
He is a leader in many church societies and organizations, as well as in the affairs of his community. He belongs to the Knights of Columbus and the Knights of Alhambra. In spare time he is fond of outdoor sports and recreation which, because of their health-giving attributes, he does much to encourage, particularly among the young people of his church and his com- munity.
REV. MICHAEL EDWARD COSTELLO-Rev. Michael Edward Costello, a well-known member of the Roman Catholic priesthood and the present pastor of St. Thomas' Church at Underhill Center, Vermont, was born at Bennington, Vermont, April 4, 1894, the son of William and Mary (Cummins) Costello, both deceased. William Costello was born at Tipperary, Ireland, February 20, 1853, and was associated with the Holden-Leonard firm for many years prior to his death, July 7, 1920. Mary (Cummins) Costello, born in Ireland May 1, 1861, departed this life on May 22, 1918.
Rev. Father Costello received his early education in the parochial schools at Bennington, and later enrolled at St. Michael's College, where he was graduated in 1921 with the degree of Bachelor of Arts. His studies at this institution were interrupted in 1917, when he enlisted for war service, and his first assignment was at Fort Constitution, New Hampshire, and later Fort Adams, Rhode Island, as a member of the roth Coast Artillery. On July 19, 1918, he went overseas with the 66th Coast Artillery, and saw active service in France until March 5, 1919. He received his honorable discharge May 18, 1919, at Camp Devens, Massachusetts, after which he returned to college. He completed his preparation for the priesthood at Grand Seminary in Montreal, Canada, and was ordained to his holy office June 6, 1925.
As his first assignment he became a curate at a parish in Brattleboro, and the following year was transferred to St. Peter's Church in Rutland, where he continued until 1931. He was then appointed pastor of St. Jerome's Church in East Dorset, and he remained in charge of this parish until August,
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1935, when he came to Underhill Center, to assume his present duties as pastor of St. Thomas' Church. Despite his comparatively short time in this locality, Rev. Father Costello has endeared himself to the local populace and he is recognized as a most progressive leader, not only in church but also in civic affairs.
St. Thomas' Church has existed in Underhill Center since 1855, having been founded by Father Lynch, the first pastor. The original building was destroyed by fire in 1890, and the following year the present edifice was erected and blessed.
Rev. Father Costello is an affiliate of the Rutland Council, Knights of Columbus, and a well-known figure in local affairs.
REV. GEORGE EMERY L'ECUYER-Member of the Roman Catholic priesthood for more than thirty years, Rev. George Emery L'Ecuyer is now the pastor of St. Francis Xavier Church at Winooski, Vermont, where he caters to the spiritual needs of an ever-increasing parish who love and revere him as an untiring and most zealous servant of God, and a leader in all worth while and wholesome civic activities.
Rev. Father L'Ecuyer was born at St. Johns, Province of Quebec, Canada, April 23, 1884, the son of the late Nelson E. and Azelie (Langlois) L'Ecuyer, both natives of St. Johns. Nelson E. L'Ecuyer, born July 17, 1862, was manager and treasurer of St. Albans Messenger Company for approximately thirty years prior to his death at Tampa, Florida, February 29, 1920. Azelie (Langlois) L'Ecuyer was born December 31, 1864.
Rev. Father L'Ecuyer was educated at St. Mary's in Maryville, Canada, and then prepared for the priesthood at the Grand Seminary, Laval Uni- versity School of Divinity, in Montreal, where he was a member of the class of 1907. He was ordained to the priesthood in the same year, and his first assignment was as a curate in Brattleboro, Vermont, where he was stationd until 1911. For the next six months he served as a curate in the church where he is now pastor, and then in March, 1912, he was appointed pastor of St. John the Baptist Church in Enosburg Falls, where he remained until 1930. From that time until 1937 he was in charge of the parish of St. Peter's at Vergennes, and then in November of that year he returned to Winooski to take up his present duties as pastor at St. Francis Xavier Church. This church and adjoining school were erected under the supervision of Rev. J. F. Audet in 1869, and he remained as pastor until 1918. For the next five years Rev. J. B. Turcot was pastor, and he was succeeded in 1924 by Rev. J. M. Billon, who conducted the affairs of the parish until 1926. He was succeeded by Rev. J. A. La Couture, who held the pastorship until 1937, at which time Rev. L'Ecuyer was appointed as pastor. The parish has steadily increased in
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number during the years of its existence under the leadership of these priests, and today the parochial school, known as St. Louis Convent, has an enroll- ment of more than six hundred and fifty students and requires the services of a teaching staff of twenty-one nuns, whereas at the time of its erection, only three nuns were assigned to duty here.
Rev. Father L'Ecuyer is highly regarded in this section, and during his comparatively brief association with the people of Winooski, he, has gained the confidence of the local citizenry of all faiths who recognize in him a true churchman and a citizen of unquestioned integrity.
WATSON FRANK ROGERS, M. D .- Following in the footsteps of his distinguished father who achieved a notable reputation in the Vermont medical field, Dr. Watson Frank Rogers became a member of the medical profession in 1934, and he now maintains offices in Underhill, where he is recognized as a most capable physician, well fitted to continue the family tradi- tion for successful performance in the field of medicine.
Dr. Rogers was born at Alburg, Vermont, June 9, 1908, the son of the late Dr. Frank and Sybil (Morgan) Rogers. Dr. Frank Rogers, born at Panton, Vermont, February 17, 1885, graduated from the University of Ver- mont with the degree of Doctor of Medicine in 1899, and immediately there- after began the practice of his profession in Alburg, where he continued until 19II. He then moved his offices to Vergennes, and maintained an extensive practice in that city, until his death on April 8, 1927. He was an active Repub- lican, and at one time served as a member of the Vergennes School Board. Sybil (Morgan) Rogers was born at Lincoln, Vermont, April 8, 1884.
Dr. Watson Frank Rogers received his early education in the Vergennes public schools, and after completing his high school studies in 1925, he matric- ulated at the University of Vermont, where he received his degree of Bachelor of Surgery in 1929. He continued his studies in the Medical College of this university, and received his degree of Doctor of Medicine as a member of the class of 1933. During the following year he served an interneship at the Vassar Brothers Hospital at Poughkeepsie, New York, and then he went to Essex Junction to launch his medical career. He later moved his offices to Underhill, where he has since engaged in the general practice of his profession. He is at present a member of the staff of Fanny Allen Hospital, and a mem- ber of the courtesy staff of Mary Fletcher Hospital in Burlington. He is also now serving as local health officer.
Dr. Rogers is a member of the Congregational Church, an active Republi- can, and an affiliate of the Chittenden County, Vermont State and American Medical associations and the Free and Accepted Masons.
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He was married at Poughkeepsie, New York, September 23, 1933, to Marguerite Cole, a native of that city, born March 11, 1911, the daughter of James and Georgiana (McEntee) Cole. Dr. and Mrs. Rogers are the parents of two sons: I. Lee Frank, born September 24, 1934. 2. Peter Cole, born June 17, 1937.
MAURICE JEAN VILLEMAIRE, M. D .- For the past seven years, Dr. Maurice Jean Villemaire has been engaged in the general practice of medicine and surgery at Milton, Vermont, where he is highly regarded both by his associates in the medical profession and by the many who comprise his extensive clientele.
Dr. Villemaire was born at Winooski, Vermont, April 8, 1902, the son of Frank Edward and the late Claire Elizabeth (Desautels) Villemaire. Frank Edward Villemaire was born at Winooski, July 25, 1868 and has been engaged in the machinist trade at Burlington for many years. He is a communicant of the Roman Catholic Church, an active Democrat and an affiliate of the Order of Foresters. He is the son of Peter and Cordelia (Blanchard) Ville- maire. Peter Villemaire, a descendant of Peter Villemaire, a native of Mascouche. Quebec, and the pioneer of the family in Vermont, was born at Winooski, and lived there until his death in October, 1902. He married Cordelia Blanchard, and to their union was born seven children: I. Frank Edward. 2. Frederic A. 3. Albert. 4. Augusta. 5. George E. 6. J. Henry. 7. Nellie Villemaire. Cordelia (Blanchard) Villemaire, a native of Chau- tauqua, New York, died in 1934 at the age of eighty-nine years. Claire Eliza- beth (Desautels) Villemaire was born at Charlotte, Vermont, October 6, 1870, and died August 29, 1918.
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