Middaugh – Marabella Family

January 13, 2022January 13, 2022

William Middaugh Last Will and Testament of 1881

William Middaugh (19 Dec 1811- 22 August 1881) is my third great-grandfather on my mother’s side. This Will was written 15 August 1881. At the time of his death, William’s immediate family consisted of:

1st Wife: Abigail H. Norton, deceased (1811-1852)
2nd Wife: Jane D. Clark Middaugh, deceased (1827-1879)
Daughter: Francis Helen Middaugh, deceased (1838-1874)
Son: Ebenezer Norton Middaugh, living (1839-1911)
Daughter: Orpha Belsora Middaugh Barrett, deceased (1843-1886)
Daughter: Nancy Phebe Middaugh Wright, living (1845-1933)
Son: William Alvin Middaugh, deceased (1847-1847)
Daughter: Susan Meriah Middaugh Singleton Groce, living (1850-1908)
Daughter: Abigail Middaugh, deceased (1852-1853)
Daughter: Abbigail Middaugh, deceased (1858-?)
Daughter: Florence Middaugh Shepard, living (1860-1940)
Daughter: Josaphene Middaugh, deceased (1865-?)
Son: William C. Middaugh, living (1867-?)

New York, U.S., Wills and Probate Records, 1659-1999 – Wills, V 9-10, 1879-1885

Page 492: Record of the Will of William Middaugh Deceased. Know all men by these presents that I William Middaugh of the town of Wellsville County of Allegany and State of New York aged sixty nine years and over and being of sound mind and memory do make and publish this my last Will and Testament hereby revoking all former Wills by me made and as to my worldly estate and all the real and personal property or mixed property of which I may die seized or to which I shall be entitled at the time of my death in whatsoever form the same may be. I devise bequeath and dispose of as follows, to wit.

First, My Will is that all my just debts and funeral expenses be by my executors hereinafter named paid out of my estate as soon after my deceased as by these shall be found convenient.

Second, I give devise and bequeath to my son Ebenezer N. Middaugh and to his heirs all the land I own or possess in the County of McKean in the state of Pennsylvania always reserving and excepting from this bequeath or devise all the oil and oil rights in and on said lands leased or otherwise which oil and oil rights are not to pass by this devise or bequeath to him but to be held by my executors as a fund out of which to pay all my legal and just debts and the balance of the interest if any remain to be disposed of as hereinafter provided and I hereby estimate the value of this bequeath and devise with the buildings thereon to be at least $10,000.00 and I have also heretofore advanced to my said son Ebenezer N. Middaugh several sums of money and other things which I call an advancement to him of at least $10,000.00 which I hereby bequeath and devise to him making the value of his gift at least $20,000.00. And I also hereby give and bequeath to him the further sum of $1,000.00 one thousand – Page 493 – dollars to be paid to him by my said executors out of my said estate within two years after my decease or as soon as they shall have the funds and right so to do.

Third, I give devise and bequeath to my son William C. Middaugh and to his heirs the fifty acres of land I own in or near Portville, NY which was once occupied by Ezra Middaugh and John C. Middaugh, also my property situate on Knights Creek in the town of Scio state of New York known as my homestead farm upon which I lived for many years and upon which I have lately built large and extensive barns together with all the personal property that shall be on said farm at the date of my decease containing 300 acres more or less also the one hundred acres of land situate on the Scio and Bolivar road in said town of Scio. Po__ded in part by A. Norton, J. Balou, and Emerson reserving all the oil interest that may be on and in said land with wood and timber to use and the general privilege given by leases to operate said land for fifteen years if oil is found to be under said land. Also all my real estate situate at Riverside in the town of Wellsville New York with all the personal property that shall be upon said land at my decease belonging to me of whatsoever it may consist indoors and out of every description reserving a few articles from in House to each of the girls that he does not care for he has the liberty to give them this property. I estimate at $6,000.00 total amount of this bequest. I estimate $23,000.00 at least and I also give and bequeath to my said son William C. my gold watch and chain to be delivered to him by my executors as soon as they shall have the right to do so.

Fourth, I give devise and bequeath to my daughter…

Page 494…Nancy P. Wright [Nancy Phebe Middaugh Wright] the farm of land known as the Hildreth farm of about 110 acres situate on Knights Creek in the town of Scio (Wm. Middaugh) aforesaid on the Scio and Bolivar road which farm was deeded to me by Rowland Clark. If I should not live until April 1st 1882 the use of this farm is to be reserved for two years and the revenue therefore is to go to the general fund to be divided equally between Nancy, Susan, Florence, and William Middaugh. I also give and bequeath to Nancy the brick and frame store built by W.W. Thurston in the village of Wellsville the Southerly side of Marie Street and adjoining the brick store of Coats Brothers. I also give and bequeath to her ($3,000.00) three thousand dollars toward paying for the farm she now lives upon in said town of Scio provided she pays to Squire Miles the one thousand dollars note he has my name on if she does not I or my executors have it to pay from my estate then I reduce this $3,000.00 bequeath to her to two thousand dollars and to be paid by my executors and the title must be vested in her solely and whereas it is my situation to see to the payment of said farm in my life time if I shall have done so then this bequeath of money for that use shall be deemed fulfilled but if not done by me shalt I order my said executors to pay the same out of my estate and cause the title to be vested in her all of which I value at $12,000.00 at least.

Fifth, I give devise and bequeath to my daughter Florence K. Shepard all that farm of land known as the Abram Middaugh farm on which she now lives situate in the towns of Scio and Amity State of New York consisting of all the land connected with said farm together with all such improvements or – Page 495 – may be thereon also all personal property that may be thereon at my decease then belonging to me of whatsoever kind the same may be all of which I value at $12,000.00 always reserving the oil interest for six years.

Sixth, I give devise and bequeath unto my daughter Susan Singleton [Susan Meriah Middaugh Singleton] the sum of eight thousand dollars $8,000.00 limited as follows, these shall be by my executors the sum of eight thousand dollars set apart out of my said estate for her as above stated and by my executors safely placed at interest on real estate and so safely kept, the interest of which sum shall be payable semi-annually and the interest thereof paid by my executors to my said daughter as she shall need the same at least semi-annually during her life and at her decease the said interest shall be paid to her children for their support and education until they arrive at the age of twenty one years in which case if my said daughter shall have died then the financial sum shall be paid to her children in equal shares at the time they shall all have arrived at the age of one and twenty years and further if my said daughter shall survive her said husband there in that event the principal sum of $8,000.00 shall be paid to her and the securities for the said sum of money shall if need be, be transferred to her in fee and _?_ and become her sole property for ever and I further order and determine that my said executors shall have full power and control over said fund and over the payment of the interest to her or her heirs as shall in their judgement best constitute to her or their meaning her children’s needs and shall see to it that no part thereof shall be so paid as to be under the control of my…

Page 496…said daughter’s husband and whereas I may in my lifetime invest the whole or a part of said sum for her use then in that case my executors shall be released so far as I have fulfilled this said bequeath _?_ must see that the said bequeath is fully carried out as above provided and I further give devise and bequeath to my said daughter Susan all that store and lot situate in the village of Wellsville New York lately _?_ by W.W. Thurston on the Southerly side of Main street and adjoining the brick jewelry store and law office of Henry S. Jones in which store is a bakery, This bequeath and device is made upon the same term and subject to the control of my executors as the aforesaid $8,000.00 is made and rent to be paid to my said daughter or her said children as the case may be on the _?__?_ as above provided, this store and for I value at $4,000.00.

Seventh, I hereby order and direct that my said executors set apart out of my estate the sum of one thousand dollars which sum they shall place at interest secured by real estate security, the interest of which shall be by then paid yearly to my grand-daughter Esther E. Barrrett so long as she remains single and unmarried but if she marries to David (or Daniel?) Keefe the payment whereof such interest shall cease and the said one thousand dollars shall revert to and form a part of my estate to be dispersed at or shall be hereinafter in this Will directed to be done with the residue and remainder of my said estate.

(William Middaugh)

But if the said Esther E. Barrett shall marry some other good and honorable man or the said David (or Daniel?) Keefe shall die or marry some other woman then and in that case I give and bequeath the said one thousand dollars…

Page 497…to the said Esther E. Barrett when she shall arrive at the age of twenty one years of age or at any time thereafter so her either of said events shall have happened. I further direct that in case she shall marry said Keefe then my said executors may cause to be paid to said Esther E. Barrett and of said sum of $1,000.00 such sum and in such manner as they may think proper on their joint order if they shall all live or the order of the survivors in case of death of either as they as he may think proper not less than five dollars must be paid to her in any event such to exceed the $1,000.00 as directed.

Eighth, I do hereby order and direct and determine that all of any estate Real and personal or mixed such herein specifically disposed of arising from oil interests or rents or from whatever source shall form a fund in the hands of my executors and of the avails of which to carry out and fulfill the conditions of this my Will and for that purpose I give them full power and authority to see and convey the same by deed or otherwise as they shall see fit and find necessary to do, and after fulfilling all the requirements and conditions of this my Will the rest _?_ and residue shall form a fund which shall be divided semi-annually or the same shall become available equal between my three daughters Nancy P. Wright, Susan Singleton, and Florence Shepard and my son William C. Middaugh the payment of any sum to such said daughter Susan to be governed by and in accordance with the terms provided in my said bequests to her except that any sum found less than one hundred dollars may be held by and paid to her by my executors…

Page 498…according to her needs but in no event in such manner or to be under the control of her said husband.

Ninth, Whereas I have entered into a contract with heirs at law and widow of deceased Brother Abram Middaugh in relation to the purchase of the farm of land mentioned herein as the Abram Middaugh farm which contract is in part fulfilled and for which I have not fully paid, now therefore if said contract shall ~~not~~ remain unsettled at my decease there I order and direct my said executor to fulfill said contract out of the avails of my estate and that the title to said property be vested in my said daughter Florence K. Shepherd as before provided and I further order direct and determine that if the title to said farm shall fail by reason of the legality of said contract or through any fault therein there and in that case I give and bequeath to my said daughter Florence K. Shepherd such sum out of my said estate as will in the judgement of my executors make proper restitution to her for such loss not exceeding eight thousand dollars nor less then that sum to be paid to her by my said executors in such manner and at such times as to there shall seem just and proper having reference to the other gifts and bequeaths.

Tenth, I hereby order and direct that if for any reason my said estate shall be found inefficient to enable my said executor to pay my debts and the legacies and gifts and bequeaths herein mentioned and made then and in that case the deficiency shall by my said executors be taken from the bulk of my estate as it shall be found to exist in equal shares to be taken from each part so that each shall share the loss according to his or her gift devise or bequeath and for that purpose and for the purpose of enabling my said executors to do full – Page 499 – justice by all I hereby make each and every of my gifts devises bequests and directions as charge upon my real estate as well as personal to the end that this my Will may be carried and in its full spirit without regard to any technicality or informality that may be found therein contained.

Eleventh, I do hereby nominate constitute and appoint my friend Henry M. Senis of Wellsville, my son William C. Middaugh, Robert Wright, and Nancy P. Wright to be the executors and executrix of this my Will and whereas my said son William C. Middaugh is a minor under the age of twenty one years I do hereby constitute and appoint Robert Wright of Scio, NY to be his guardian during his minority to look after his interest and care for him with full power to do any act necessary to be done by him for that purpose and any act done by my said executors in relation to my said estate with the written assent of said guardian shall be binding and legal and when my said son shall arrive at the age of twenty one years my said sons guardian shall be thenceforth discharged from further acts as such guardian.

Twelfth, I give and bequeath to my sister Emaline [Middaugh] Coon the sum of three hundred dollars to be paid to her if living if not to go into my general fund one half in one year and the balance in two years after my death.

Thirteenth, I hereby further will order and direct and limit the bequest or devise to my said daughter Florence K. as follows: that in case oil can be found on the land…

Page 500…devised by me to her and in paying quantities my said executors may cause the said oil to be obtained in the usual way by drilling for the same or by lease or otherwise and after paying to my said daughter Florence K. a fair rental for said land as a farm or farming land there the profits arising from said oil over the expense of production shall be by my said executors divided equal between daughters Nancy, Susan, Florence, and son William but I hereby except from the said land two acres to be located by my said daughter upon which no entry by my said representatives shall be made for oil purposes in any manner or within three hundred feet of such reserve.

Fourteenth, I hereby give to Robert Wright guardian of my said son full power and authority over all the property by me bequeathed devised to my son William C. during his minority.

(William Middaugh)

With full power lease the land collect the rents and to look after and care for the personal property by me to him bequeathed and to sell and dispose of the same for his benefit in such manner as prudent men care for their own (except the watch and chain) and I hereby charge said guardian that he keep a just and true account of all he shall do in and about the disposition of said property and submit such account to the information and approval of my other executors at least each year and further teach him that in all things relating to said trust where the same shall exceed one hundred dollars he shall first attain the approval of any other executors and I hereby authorize my said executors to first apply so much of the income as avails of the property hereby given to my said son William C. as in their judgement…Page 501…shall be necessary and proper for the support care and education of my said son and to give his guardian credit for such expenditures and any balance that may arise I order and direct that said executors invest at interest on good security for him.

Fifteenth, I hereby limit my representatives to the period of six years to operate for said oil on said Florence K. Shephard’s land after the first well is completed.

In testimony whereof I said William Middaugh have to this my last Will and Testament containing about three and a half sheets of legal cap paper and to every sheet whereof I have subscribed my name and to this last sheet I have subscribed my name and affixed my seal this the 15th day of August 1881.

The interlining as to personal property to Florence K. Shepard was made before signing by testator.

William Middaugh [SS]

Signed sealed delivered and published by the said William Middaugh as for 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 subscribed our names as witnesses these to

Horace H. Nye Wellsville NY
Horace W. Noble Erie, PA
Z.H. Jones Wellsville, NY

Surrogate Gouch ~ County of Allegany
In the matter of Proving the
Will of William Middaugh
Deceased
County of Allegany

Zenas H. Jones and Horace W. Noble of the town of Wellsville in the County of Allegany aforesaid being duly sworn do depose and say that…

Page 502…they are subscribing witnesses to the last Will and Testament of William Middaugh late of the town of Wellsville in the County of Allegany aforesaid deceased. And these deponents further say that the said William Middaugh the said testator did in the presence of these deponents subscribe his name on the end of the instrument in _?_ting which is now shown and exhibited to these deponents and which purports to be the last Will and Testament of the said William Middaugh and which bears date of the 15th day of August in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and eighty one. And these deponents further say that the said testator did at the said time of subscribing his name on aforesaid at the end of said Will declare the said instrument so subscribed and now exhibited to be his last Will and Testament. And these deponents Zenas H. Jones and Horace W. Noble did therefore subscribe their name at the end of the said Will as attesting witnesses thereto in the presence and on the request of the said testator. And these deponents further say that at the said time when the said testator subscribed his name to the said last Will as aforesaid. [There is a line of script above the latest transcribed line that is so small as to be illegible.] The said testator has of sound mind and _?_ of full age to execute a Will and has not under any restraint. And that the said Will now appears in all respects as where so executed without any alteration whatsoever.

Zenas H. Jones
H.H. Nye

Subscribed and Sworn
this 21st day of September
1881 before me

J.S. Green Surrogate of Allegany County

State of New York
Surrogate Office
Allegany Office

In appearing from and upon the proofs duly taken in respect to the last Will and testament of William Middaugh late of the town of Wellsville in Allegany County and state of New York – Page 503 – deceased that said Will was duly executed and that William Middaugh the said testator at the time when he executed the same was in all respect competent to devise real estate and under no restraint the said Will with the proofs and examinations taken thereon are herewith duly signed certified and recorded in this office pursuant to the provisions of the revised statues of the state of New York this 21st day of September 1881 before me.

(illegible) Surrogate of Allegany County

In the matter of the Administration of the Goods, Chattels and Credits of William Middaugh DECEASED.

The People of the State of New York To Henry N. Senis, Robert Wright and Nancy P. Wright executors and executrix named in the Will of said deceased.

Whereas at the Village of ~~Angelica~~ Wellsville in the Country of Allegany on the 21st day of September in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and eighty one before J.S. Green Surrogate of the said County, the Last Will and Testament of William Middaugh late of the said County, was proved and allowed by us. And the said deceased having while living, and at the time of his death, goods, chattels and credits, within this States by means whereof, and the proving and registering the said Will, the granting Administration of all and singular the said goods, chattels, interests and credits; and also the auditing, allowing, and finally discharging the account thereof doth belong to us; and you the said Henry N. Senis, Robert Wright, and Nancy P. Wright being named in said Will as Executors thereof; the administration of all and singular the goods, chattels, and credits of the said deceased, and the execution of the powers reposed in you by said Will, are hereby granted to you, the said Henry N. Senis, Robert Wright and Nancy P. Wright you having first taken and subscribed an oath before the said Surrogate; faithfully and honestly to discharge the duties of such Executors.

In Witness Whereof, We have caused the seal of office of our Surrogate to be hereunto affixed, Witness, J.S. Green Surrogate of the said County, and Angelica this 24th day of September 1881.

J.S. Green Surrogate. Recorded and Examined, Sept. 24th 1881. J.S. Green Surrogate.

February 16, 2021April 12, 2023

Charles & Minnie Marry with Black Cat as Witness

Black Cat Witnessed A Romantic Marriage • Mrs. Paterno is Sure “George Dewey’s” Presence Will Bring Her Luck • He Purred His Best Wishes • Marriage at Babylon, in Magistrate’s Library, Sequel to a Sunday Auto Trip From Manhattan

(Special to the Eagle.)

Babylon, Long Island, December 24, 1906 – The log fire in the library of Justice James B. Cooper* blazed cheerily last night, and the squire’s pet cat, George Dewey, black as a coal and a very wise feline, sat purring and winking in front of the fire. When the telephone bell rang in the adjoining room Dewey winked harder and purred more loudly, indicating that he knew something out of the ordinary was about to happen.

And there was, for the operator at central, when she rang up 127A, was really ringing a wedding bell, although she was unaware of the fact.

The message that came over the wire was from Dr. Charles V. Paterno, of 582 West One Hundred and Eighty-third street, Manhattan, who was at the Flagstaff Inn, a West Babylon hostelry, and who announced his desire to be married.

582 West 183rd Street (now Rafael A Estevez Way) today • Google maps • Here Charles lived with his widowed mother and many siblings.

The magistrate is not in quite his usual health and was not anxious to perform the ceremony; but finally consented to do so, as the bridegroom-to-be seemed unwilling to defer his happiness.

Fifteen minutes later Paterno, accompanied by the bride-elect, Miss Minnie M. Middaugh of Porterville, N.Y., and by Robert Minor [butler of the Flagstaff Inn], arrived, and, the necessary introductions having been made and a second witness procured in the person of the squire’s son and namesake, the ceremony was performed.

George Dewey also witnessed the marriage, but did not have a speaking part, unless his jubilant purr may be described as speech. Perhaps it served as a wedding march.

The bride wore a gown of blue cloth, with a fetching fur toque, and was not in the least nervous. While the certificate was being filed, Mrs. Paterno held George Dewey on her lap and stroked his black coat and told him what a fine cat he was, and how she was sure his presence at her wedding would bring her luck.

It seems that Dr. Paterno and Miss Middaugh came out from Manhattan in an auto and stopped at the Flagstaff Inn for dinner. Not caring to face the cold wind in the long ride back to town, they decided to remain for the night.

As they were sweethearts and intended to marry soon, the idea of being married then suggested itself and the justice was telephone for. Why the young couple decided to be married by a magistrate and not by a clergyman they did not state. There may have been a difference in their religious beliefs, or they may have been unaware of the fact that there are half a dozen clergymen in the place. Anyway, they chose the civil ceremony and were duly and regularly married.

Dr. Paterno gave his age as 35 years. He is a native of Central Italy, but has lived most of his life in America and speaks English without a trace of accent.

After the ceremony the party returned to the Inn, where a wedding supper was served. They will remain here several days.

The Brooklyn Daily Eagle • 24 December 1906

The Sun tells a slightly different story:

The sun. [volume], December 25, 1906, Image 1 • Minnie was actually 10 years older than Charles.

February 9, 2021February 9, 2021

Boyd Paterno Brown Obituary

Boyd, my 1st cousin 1 x removed, is the son of Lyndon Middaugh Brown who is the son of my great-grandmother Minnie Minton Middaugh Brown Paterno whose second husband was my grandfather Dr. Charles Vincent Paterno.

Boyd Paterno Brown

Boyd Paterno Brown, a very compassionate, northern gentleman, passed away April 22, 2003, at the age of 87. He was born in Syracuse, New York and graduated from Riverdale Private School. Spending most of his adult life as President of Premier Beef Cattle Co., Boyd was a lover of nature and north woods. He retired to Ft. Myers in 1990, along with his beloved wife of 32 years, Rose Weber Brown.

He is survived by his wife, Rose Weber Brown, one son Boyd Jr., 6 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren, 2 sisters and 3 step children.

A memorial service will be held in Millinocket, Maine.

February 9, 2021February 9, 2021

Boyd Paterno Brown Jr. Obituary

Boyd, Jr., my 2nd cousin, is the son of Boyd Paterno Brown Sr. who is the son of Lyndon Middaugh Brown who is the son of my great-grandmother Minnie Minton Middaugh Brown Paterno whose second husband was my grandfather Dr. Charles Vincent Paterno.

Boyd Brown Jr. • December 31, 1940 – June 16, 2013

SCARBOROUGH – Boyd P. Brown Jr., 72, passed away Sunday, June 16, 2013, at Maine Veteran’s Home, Scarborough. He was born Dec. 31, 1940, in Port Chester, N.Y.

Boyd along with his former wife, Marguerite “Bonnie” Brown, raised their family in Augusta. He remained in the central Maine area, then retired to his beloved home, “Journey’s End,” on Millinocket Lake.

Boyd graduated from Loomis Chaffe High School in 1958, and from Yale University in 1962. He served in the U.S. Navy, and had one tour of duty in Vietnam as an Operations Officer. After this he served in the Navy Reserves as a Lieutenant Commander. He relocated his family from Newport R.I., to Augusta in 1972 where he began a long career as a salesman. He worked for many years selling real estate in Maine and was a member of Maine Board of Realtors. Later, Boyd worked in computer technical support for Occupational Health Research, Skowhegan.

An avid outdoorsman, Boyd loved to spend time at his camps on Millinocket Lake, “The most beautiful place on earth,” according to Boyd. He loved the outdoors, hunting and fishing with family and friends, and he became a Registered Maine Guide. In 2001, he completed his first leg of a through-hike of the Appalachian Trail with his son, and he later returned to finish the final half in 2003 with friends.

Boyd was predeceased by his parents, Boyd P. Brown Sr. and Marion “Sally” Safford; brother, Gary Brown; and half brother, Keith Brown. He is survived by his two children, Beverly Lawrence of North Yarmouth and Boyd Brown III of Ashford, Conn.; and four grandchildren.

Boyd’s family would like to thank the staff at Maine Veteran’s Home, Scarborough, for the care and comfort that they provided him over the last several years. They would also like to thank VNA Home Health Hospice for their time and support during Boyd’s final days.

A memorial service will be held later this summer in Millinocket. Arrangements are under the care of Jones, Rich & Hutchins Funeral Home, 199 Woodford St., Portland. Donations may be made in Boyd’s memory to Alzheimer’s Association at www.alz.org. For additional information and to sign Boyd’s online guestbook, please visit jonesrichandhutchins.com. To plant a tree in memory of Boyd Brown Jr., please visit Tribute Store.

Please add your memories of Boyd below in the comments. If you’d like to submit a photo to add to Boyd’s slideshow, please contact me HERE.

February 9, 2021February 9, 2021

Marilyn Gertrude Middaugh Brown Smith Obituary

Marilyn, my 1st cousin 1 x removed, is the daughter of Lyndon Middaugh Brown who is the son of my great-grandmother Minnie Minton Middaugh Brown Paterno whose second husband was my grandfather Dr. Charles Vincent Paterno.

Marilyn B. Smith

Marilyn B. Smith, devoted wife of Bob Smith passed away on Sept. 25, 2007. Marilyn lived a very active life starting in Rye, N.Y. from where she commuted to New York City to be a fashion model. Marilyn raised four children and as the children grew, finished school and got married, she was able to spend more time pursuing her favorite sports-tennis and golf. This was made easier when Bob and Marilyn moved to Vero Beach and joined the Moorings Club where Marilyn made her name on the tennis court. They lived in the Moorings for 25 years before moving into Regency Park, an assisted living area in Vero Beach.

Marilyn served as one of the auxiliaries at IRMC for more than 10 years and was a member of the DAR. Marilyn joined her husband in the love of the sea. Together they made ten round trips on their trawler “Bolyn” between their Northern home in Westport, CT. and Vero Beach.

Marilyn is survived by her husband Bob of 44 years, four children and one step-daughter, Christopher Murray, Didi Nydick, Brooke Guiney, Allison Boender and Wayne Murray. These five children presented her with 15 grandchildren.

In lieu flowers a memorial contribution to VNA Hospice would be greatly appreciated. There will be a memorial service at the First Presbyterian Church on Thurs., September 27th at 3:00pm. Following the service there will be a gathering of family and friends.

Please add your memories of Marilyn below in the comments. If you’d like to submit a photo to add to Marilyn’s slideshow, please contact me HERE.

February 9, 2021February 20, 2021

Ruth Middaugh Brown Lawrence Obituary

Ruth, my 1st cousin 1 x removed, is the daughter of Lyndon Middaugh Brown who is the son of my great-grandmother Minnie Minton Middaugh Brown Paterno whose second husband was my grandfather Dr. Charles Vincent Paterno.

L to R: Charles Stuart, Ruth Marie Welsh, Ruth Middaugh, Marilyn Gertrude Middaugh, and Lyndon Middaugh Brown
Ruth Middaugh Brown Lawrence
Ruth and Bill Lawrence with Mr. Kulco

Ruth Middaugh Brown Lawrence

LAWRENCE Ruth Middaugh Brown Lawrence passed away July 2, 2009. Born in NYC July 30, 1924; brought up in Rye, NY; graduated Edgewood High School, Greenwich, CT; attended Washington School for secretaries NYC; married Bill Lawrence in Rye Presbyterian Church, Rye, NY, May 12, 1945 traveled with her Navy husband during WWII; raised 4 children in Armonk, NY.

Ruth worked many years at W.E. Lawrence, Inc. in Rye Brook, NY. They belonged to Tamarack CC in Greenwich, CT. They moved to Severna Park, MD in 1972 where she was active in church, bridge, and Chartwell Golf Club. They retired to Ponte Vedra in 1988; active member of Palms Presbyterian Church, P.V. Chapter D.A.R., Sawgrass Women’s Club and Golf member till recently.

Ruth and Bill loved to dance, golf and walk on the beach. Ruth also loved to swim and do needle work. She leaves behind her very loving husband of 64 years, Bill; sons, William E. Lawrence III (Barbara) of San Diego, CA and Michael C. Lawrence, of Sparks, MD; daughters, Sherill, of Millersville, MD and Barbara (Kevin) of Suffern, NY; and ten grandchildren, Kelly, Billy, Christine, Derrick, Ryan, Travis, Chelsea, Michael B., Andrew and Brittany; and five great-grandchildren, Taylor, Ashton, William E. V, Lucas and Kalyn.

A Special Celebration of Ruth’s life will be held at 1:00 p.m., Friday, July 31, 2009 at the Sawgrass Beach Club with music and refreshments. Please RSVP by July 24th to ruthandbillL @comcast.net. Please visit our online Tribute at www.quinn-shalz.com . Services under the care and direction of: Please Sign the Guestbook @ Jacksonville.com

Please add your memories of Ruth below in the comments. If you’d like to submit a photo to add to Ruth’s slideshow, please contact me HERE.

November 2, 2020July 31, 2021

Ruth Middaugh Brown’s Memories

Ruth Middaugh Brown (30 Jul 1924 – 2 Jul 2009) was the eldest daughter of Lyndon Middaugh Brown (1892-1977) and Ruth Marie Welsh (1898-1952) and is my 1st cousin one time removed. These are her wonderful recollections provided to me by her son William “Bill” Effingham Lawrence III, my second cousin and steward of so many special family mementoes.

L to R: Charles Stuart Brown, Ruth Marie Welsh Brown (seated), Ruth Middaugh Brown (author of these written memories), Marilyn Gertrude Middaugh Brown (sitting on floor), and Lyndon Middaugh Brown who was the son of Minnie Minton Middaugh and her first husband Rufus Lincoln Brown. Minnie later married Dr. Charles Vincent Paterno.

“I was born at home – 26 Haven Avenue, New York City – in an apartment house that had to be torn down in order to build the George Washington Bridge that spans the Hudson River.

My mom and dad and I moved when I was one year old to a brand new stretched out apartment in a very modern apartment complex overlooking “The Castle” and the Hudson River and the New Jersey Palisades. The apartment complex was called “Hudson View Gardens” and was built by my grandfather Dr. Charles V. Paterno [1878-1946]. There were a dozen apartments attached with cellar ways connecting so one could walk from one to another in bad weather. An A&P drug store, restaurant and radio station were in the complex. Also a large rose garden and a separate children’s park with a sand box large enough for all the children to play in.

Hudson View Gardens left (6-story) and center (4-story) with The Paterno Castle on the right.

Our apartment was designed for us – two apartments connected. It was stretched out with the large dining room in the center, a kitchen (with dishwasher and other appliances) and a large laundry room, the same size as the kitchen were to the side. A foyer ran along the back of the apartment where the front door was (we were a flight below street level) with a telephone in the outer foyer of the building for security. At one end of the dining room was the living room and beyond that a large bedroom and bath and just the opposite on the other side of the dining room was a “nursery” (like a family room) with a murphy bed. A large master bedroom and bath were at this end and screened porch and path, garden and stairs going down to the street below. It was a wonderful apartment with beautiful views from all the window (large foot deep window sills). There was a second murphy bed under the large tapestry in the living room. We had a grand player piano in the living room where our parents entertained frequently.

My sister Marilyn [Gertrude Middaugh Brown 1927-2007] arrived three years after me and then brother Charles three years later.

Our grandparents living across the street in the Castle. It was wonderful having them so near and being invited for Sunday dinner almost every Sunday.

The Castle was built of white marble set on 20 acres high above the Hudson with a three-foot thick grey stone supporting wall all along the side above the river. The front side had a decorative iron fence with three automobile entrances and three pedestrian entrances spaced along Northern Avenue. At the end of the property were the seven garages which housed the limousines and above which the two chauffeurs and families lived in their own apartments. The driveways ran so that it would be convenient for the cars to leave the garages, drive out onto Northern Avenue up the street to the third entrance and drive down the driveway and stop at the front door of the Castle under the porte-cochere.

Paterno Castle in foreground with retaining wall overlooking Riverside Drive (was Boulevard Lafayette), Fort Washington Park, and Henry Hudson Parkway along the river. Note three driveways for castle along Northern Avenue (now Cabrini Boulevard). The Hudson View Gardens apartment buildings are on on the far side of Northern Avenue (one row of four story buildings and behind them, a row of six-story buildings).

The front door had red carpeting running out under the double grill covered glass doors down the two steps to the driveway. Inside the foyer were two “knights of armor” and chairs and tables of Italian design. On the right side was the Japanese room. All done in Japanese style with a constantly glaring ember fire in a Japanese hibachi. Further down the foyer one entered an octagonal shaped center room in the middle of the castle with a fountain and goldfish pond in the middle with Italian furniture on the outer walls. To the left was the dining room very formal done in dark wood to the left of that the large pantry. Off the dining room doors opened into a long tiled floor (heated) three sectioned green house with flowers growing on each side at waist level. At the end of this one entered a huge solarium with a glass roof, carpets over tile floors, a large stone fireplace and a dozen hanging bird cages with canaries and potted plants everywhere. This was a favorite room to entertain in always bright compared especially to the darker rooms of the castle.

Note Paterno crest on mantle detail. *For more castle images, visit* MyInwood.net

Off of this room one opened double glass doors and went down three steps into the billiard room which was fitted out with a very heavy pool table, dome lights, cues, racks, etc. and high stools to watch the game. Once again another set of glass doors and you walked down three steps into a series of greenhouses one after the other [rows?] of flowers but specializing in different kinds of orchids. Our grandmother [Minnie Minton Middaugh Paterno 1868-1943] wore a fresh orchid everyday on mink, sable or chinchilla coats. The greenhouses ended at the engineers house which faced houses for some of the servants.

For more castle images, visit MyInwood.net

Back again in the billiard room a small stairway led to the exercise room with a large mechanical horse and another one called the elephant. These exercise machines were great fun for us children. They went from slow, medium to fast.

A dozen steps down from this room was the pool. The pool was surrounded by rattan furniture along one long windowed wall and the other wall had goldfish set in four glass aquariums in the wall. The pool had a diving board at one end, ropes for swinging on in the middle overhead and had a beautiful blue tile bottom.

Beyond the pool there were dressing rooms on each side, six for the ladies and six for the men with an assortment of bathing suits for their use. Bathrooms for each of course and beyond this a very large health room with Turkish bath, massage table and water hoses all supervised by the engineer Mr. Tagalieri.

Now we go back upstairs to the grand octagonal foyer. And turn left after we come out of the dining room. We go into the library. The library has a circular glass window at one end and in front of the furniture lies the head and body of a beautiful tiger stretched out on the floor. An open area with long windows separates the library from the music room. Here the grand piano, the French furniture and the beautiful lion on this floor.

We leave this room and turn left. Walk past the grand staircase and further left to a ladies sitting room and adjoining powder room which is next to the Japanese room. Turn back to the grand staircase and you will see that you can look straight up to the glass roof. The second story has a red velvet balustrade running around the entire second floor and also the third floor. Back to the stairway you walk up three red carpeted stairs and continue as the stairs turn right for the full flight to the second floor or else take the elevator up to the second or third floor. As we reach the second floor we will notice organ pipes in the left corner. We walk to the first door and we enter a large foyer. A closet on the left houses my grandmothers shoes – dozens of them in all colors. The next door in the foyer area leads into my grandfather’s room – dark masculine with a large fireplace. Leaving that room and going into the doorway across from the foyer door is a very large white bathroom with sunbathing deck outside which is above the porte-cochere. All of the commodes in the bathrooms in the castle are covered with white wicker chairs.

The next room off the foyer area is my grandmother’s “boudoir.” With bed, day bed, chairs, small piano, fireplace and a room for the family to gather in. And for me to sleep on the day bed whenever I spent the night when I was little. A second door from the boudoir led into a little hall with a back stairway going down to the pantry. And through the hall was a good sized sewing room. Beyond that a large bathroom belonging to my Uncle Carlo [Carlo Middaugh Paterno 1907-1995] and then his room which had a circular area surrounded by glass windows. This room also had entrance by a door from around the second floor balcony. We walk a little further to a large walk-in cedar closet and then a few feet further, open the door into a small foyer area. And there are two guest rooms with small fireplaces, a bath to share, all lovely with balconies overlooking the Hudson.

We now leave the second floor and go up to the third floor. We now enter the grand ballroom area with grand piano. The ceiling and walls covered with al frescos and velvet chairs and mirrors covering the sides of the rooms. Besides the ballroom there is a full dining room, kitchen and powder rooms.

We go back downstairs to the pantry and see the dumb waiter that brings the food up from the kitchen and can also bring food up to the send or third floor if necessary. There are heating ovens, china cabinets, sink, etc. with a door to outside and terrace.

We take the back servant’s stairway and go downstairs all underground to the kitchen, servants lounge, servant dining room and servant sleeping quarters all. Beyond these bedrooms do have windows. [Not certain of transcription on last sentence.]

Once as a teenager my cousin Gladys [Gladys Middaugh Hazeltine 1897-1994] and her daughter who was my age, cousin Harriett [Harriet Hazeltine 1924-1989] from Pasadena, California, came to visit. My grandmother’s chauffeur Glen [Glenn Lybarger] took us down through the servants quarters to a secret door. There we went through on unfinished part of the cellar where we walked on gang planks and walked out to the stone wall overhanging Riverside Drive and looked out over the small cars below. It was very scary. Above the stone wall was a white pergola which ran the length of the property.

The castle was built in [1907] by my grandfather whom we always called “Doctor.” He came to the United States as a small boy. [This sentence is crossed out in the original.]

Carlo, Minnie/Nana, and Charles/Doctor at the pergola overlooking Riverside Drive. *For more castle images, visit* MyInwood.net

My grandmother “Nana” was very blonde, tall, and statuesque, while my grandfather “Doctor” was shorter in height and he had a waxed mustache and goatee. They were wonderful grandparents. I have many memories of going with them in the chauffeured driver Rolls Royce covered with five blankets and not feeling too well. They had two chauffeurs Glen and Albert, two cooks, three or four house maids, a personal maid, butler, etc. When they entertained they needed extra help. Old Glen and Albert’s wives would pitch in from the time I was a baby.

In the summer Nana and Doctor would go to their farm in North Castle, New York. They would bring all the servants with them and the chauffeurs would take turns.

The barns were mostly down by the road running along Route 22. The bull was tied with a chain through his nose near the barns and as I walked down to the barns from the Big House through the arbor, the bull was always there. I was petrified of him and had been told never to wear a red dress because then he would go crazy and try to break loose. It was in the area where they butchered the chickens, etc.

There was a 9-hole golf course across the street from the Big House and tennis courts down by the barns and an ice house plus several other houses on the property.

When I was about 8 years old and “they” did over the farm: built beautiful barns and stables and cottages way in the back of the Big House. An enormous garden the size of a football field, a polo field, a very large artificial lake with boat house and dressing rooms and bathrooms attached. And upstair was the living room. There were seven artificial lakes and windmills to pump the water if needed. The farm was renamed “Windmill Manor.” [Later to be called Windmill Farm.]

There were miles of bridle paths and large deer pens in the woods. There were ten horses, four work horses, cows, sheep, goats, chickens, pigs, my pony named “Mickey” and several peacocks.

There was a dairy where they made the cream and butter. This farm supplied everything: meat, fish (the lakes were full of fish), vegetables and fruits from the garden, eggs, butter, milk, etc. from the dairy.

With the new farm they did away with the golf course and the tennis courts.

I had a lovely play yard with play horse, swing, wading pool, roller coaster, etc.

I was also given a pony “Mickey” and pony cart besides having “Laddie” my old circus horse to ride.

My grandmother rode her horse “Gloria” every day side saddle. The groom would bring the horses up to the Big House every morning. A permanent mount was always there to help one get on the horses.”

Thank you Ruth for capturing your memories and thank you Bill for preserving and sharing your mother’s delightful writing.

October 29, 2020July 15, 2021

Minnie Minton Middaugh Paterno’s Daughters of the American Revolution Application

Minnie Minton Middaugh Paterno (11 Oct 1868 – 29 Mar 1943) made application to the Fort Washington Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution which was approved and accepted on 25 Oct 1933. She applied while living at 182 Northern Avenue which was the address of Paterno Castle. The scans of this document were graciously provided to me by William “Bill” Effingham Lawrence III (1946-) who is a great-grandson of Minnie and is my second cousin.

Minnie Minton Middaugh Paterno (1868 – 1943) was the daughter of Charlotte E. Wolcott (1847-1903) who was the daughter of John Wolcott, Jr. (1793-1851) who was the son of John H. Wolcott (1759-1824) who was the son of Josiah Wolcott (1713-1784) who was the son of George Wolcott, Jr. (1652-1726) who was the son of George Wolcott (1612-1662) whose younger brother was Simon Wolcott (1625-1687) whose son was Roger Wolcott (1679-1767) whose son was Oliver Wolcott, Sr. (1726-1797) who was a signer of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. Oliver Wolcott is my second cousin seven times removed.

Oliver Wolcott, Governor of Connecticut and signer of the Declaration of Independence

Minnie’s great-grandfather John H. Wolcott (1759-1824) – great uncle of Oliver Wolcott – served in the American Revolution. He enlisted the latter part of summer 1779 as a Private in Captain James Wilson’s Company in Colonel Chamber’s First Pennsylvania Regiment. He was captured by the British near Fort Montgomery in the winter of 1779. He remained in captivity about six months when he was exchanged and rejoined the American Army in the summer of 1780. He was discharged in the fall of 1780 as a Captain. On 1 July 1820, John Walcott, age 61, residing in Bath Co. Kentucky, gave a statement at Aureysville, Bath County KY Courthouse, stating his occupation as farrier or farmer, and that he had war injuries of one ball through right leg, one ball through left thigh, and one ball that broke the left wrist. John H. Wolcott is my 4th great-grandfather.