The Groff Family

This is the line for Gertrude Evadean Groff Handy.  Click on her name to go straight to her information.

Click here to find the diaries for her and her mother, Antoinette.

Christian Groff

FIRST GENERATION

1.  Christian GROFF was born in 1740 in Stone Arabia, Montgomery County, New York.  He was a farmer in Stone Arabia, New York.  He was also a Hessian soldier who turned to the American side and fought for their cause.  He was naturalized in Albany, Albany County, New York on March 8, 1779.

He was married to Hannah Barbara DILLENBACH (daughter of John Christian DILLENBACH and Anna Maria SIXT) on 16 Jul 1765 in Stone Arabia, Montgomery County, New York.  Hannah Barbara DILLENBACH was born on 10 Feb 1744 in Stone Arabia, Montgomery County, New York.  She died on 10 Aug 1827 in St. Johnsville, Montgomery County, New York.  She was buried in Fair View Cemetery, Groff Farm (now Handy Hills), St. Johnsville, Montgomery County, New York.  Christian and Hannah had the following children:

+2.  Elizabetha GROFF.

+3.  Christian GROFF II.

+4.  John Michael GROFF.

+5.  Anna Margaret GROFF.

+6.  Maria GROFF.

Notes for Christian GROFF:

The Benjamin Groff Farm, previously owned by Mr. & Mrs. Floyd Groff, now owned by Keith & Juanita Handy

On the front lawn there is a memorial tablet on which is inscribed the following: “Rudolf Youker and wife, Anna Windlorin, Pioneer settlers in Oppenheim in 1750. Later settlers spent their first night with them and took fire and emptins to their new homes.” It is not known at just what time Christian Groff bought this farm, but it was some time before 1790. At first the Groffs & Youkers lived in the same house and they could not understand each other.

Christian Groff II, who was born April 26, 1768 in Stone Arabia, married Catherine Nestle and they had 11 children. He built the house, which is now being used. He served in the War of 1812. The first St. Johnsville Post Office was established through the efforts of him and Henry Lloyd.

His youngest son Benjamin, took charge of the farm at the age of 34. He married Lany A. Smith and they had nine children. Martha, Alonzo, James, Daniel, Mary, Catherine, Lucinda, Emily and Fayette.

Their youngest son, Fayette, took over the management of the farm when his father was no longer able to do the work. He married Antoinette Burkdorf on Sept. 8, 1875. They had four children, Lucinda, Floyd, a daughter who died at birth, and Evadean. He built the present barn in the year 1882. He also remodeled the house (when Lucinda was married).

Their only son, Floyd Benjamin, stayed on the farm and is now the present owner. He and his father Fayette invented and manufactured the “Simplicity Milking Machine” for a while. They manufactured these in a building, which was located between the house and barn. This was destroyed by fire in 1940. Floyd Groff was married to Miss Edith Beard of Truxton, N. Y. on Jan. 6, 1909. On Oct. 23, 1936, he married Miss Marion Getman of Vernon, N. Y.

(by Evadean Groff Handy)

SECOND GENERATION

2.  Elizabetha GROFF (Christian1) was born on 9 May 1755 in Stone Arabia, Montgomery County, New York.  She died in 1807.

She was married to Jacob M. DOCKSTADER in 1786.  Jacob M. DOCKSTADER was born on 19 Feb 1763 in Caughnawaga, New York.  He died on 6 May 1807.  Elizabetha and Jacob had the following children:

7.  John Jacob DOCKSTADER was born on 3 Sep 1787 in Mohawk, Herkimer County, New York.  He died on 3 Apr 1837 in Mohawk, Herkimer County, New York.  He was buried in Evergreen Cemetery, Fonda, New York.

8.  Henry DOCKSTADER was born on 5 Feb 1791.  He died on 5 Aug 1832.

9.  Elizabeth DOCKSTADER was born on 17 Oct 1794.

10.Marcus J. DOCKSTADER was born on 18 Aug 1799.  He died on 5 Jun 1832.

3.  Christian GROFF II (Christian1) was born on 26 Apr 1768 in Stone Arabia, Montgomery County, New York.  He died on 21 Oct 1842 in St. Johnsville, Montgomery County, New York.  He was the buyer of the farm known as the Groff homestead.  He was buried in Fair View Cemetery, Groff Farm (now Handy Hills), St. Johnsville, Montgomery County, New York.  He was a farmer.

He was married to Catharine NESTLE (daughter of Martin NESTLE and Elizabeth DILLENBACH) in 1790.  Catharine NESTLE was born on 27 Jul 1770.  She died on 15 Jan 1855 in St. Johnsville, Montgomery County, New York.  She was buried in Fair View Cemetery, Groff Farm (now Handy Hills), St. Johnsville, Montgomery County, New York.  Christian and Catharine had the following children:

+11.  Christian GROFF III.

+12.  Daniel GROFF.

+13.  Catharine GROFF.

+14.  Margaret GROFF.

15.    John C. GROFF I was born on 10 Mar 1803 in St. Johnsville, Montgomery County, New York.  he died on 25 Jul 1904 in St. Johnsville, Montgomery County, New York.  He was drowned in a well while women were washing.  He was buried in Fair View Cemetery, Groff Farm (now Handy Hills), St. Johnsville, Montgomery County, New York.

+16.  Mary GROFF.

17.    Nancy GROFF was born on 9 Sep 1807.  She died on 19 Jan 1882.

18.    John C. GROFF II was born on 19 Mar 1810 in St. Johnsville, Montgomery County, New York.  He died on 11 Jun 1911 in St. Johnsville, Montgomery County, New York.  He was also drowned in a well while women were washing.

+19. Benjamin GROFF.

20.   Lucinda GROFF was born on 15 Apr 1813 in St. Johnsville, Montgomery County, New York.  She died on 19 Aug 1817.  She was buried in Fair View Cemetery, Groff Farm (now Handy Hills), St. Johnsville, Montgomery County, New York.

+21. Elizabeth (Betsey) GROFF.

Book Military Records 1784-1821 Volume II, Council of Appointments

p1572, Montgomery County, 9th Regt. 1815

Christian Groff, Jr. Ensign

p1935, Montgomery County, 138th Regt. Of Infantry, 1818

Christian Groff, Jr. Capt. Of Rifleman

P2289, Montgomery County, 138th Regt. Infantry 1821

Riflemen – Capt Peter D Fox

Vice – Capt Christian Groff

Daniel Groff, Ensign in same Riflemen Unit

4.  John Michael GROFF (Christian1) was born on 1 Nov 1772 in Stone Arabia, Montgomery County, New York.

He was married to Catherine COOK.

5.  Anna Margaret GROFF (Christian1) was born on 24 Jun 1775.  She died on 6 Feb 1825.

6.  Maria GROFF (Christian1).

She was married to Joshua RISE/REESE.

THIRD GENERATION

11.  Christian GROFF III (Christian II2, Christian1) was born on 18 Aug 1793 in St. Johnsville, Montgomery County, New York.  He died before 1844.

He was married to Sarah LOOMIS (daughter of Eleazer LOOMIS and Julia COLEMAN) in 1819 in Oaksville, Otsego County, New York.  Sarah LOOMIS was born on 4 Jul 1799 in Laneborough, Orleans County, New York.  She died on 31 Dec 1883.  She was buried in Boxwood Cemetery, Orleans County, New York.  Christian and Sarah had the following children:

+22.  Hiram GROFF.

23.    Julia GROFF was born on 26 Jul 1827.  She died on 16 Apr 1829.

+24.  Catherine J. GROFF.

25.    Hester Ann GROFF was born about 1831.  She died about 1909.

26.    Sarah GROFF was born about 1834.

27.    Cornelia GROFF was born in Aug 1840.  She died about 1913.

12.  Daniel GROFF (Christian II2, Christian1) was born in 1797.  He died in 1879.

He was married to Eve FAILING (daughter of Jacob H. FAILING and Gertrude DOCKEY).  Eve FAILING was born on 20 Oct 1802.  She died in 1888.  Daniel and Eve had the following children:

+28.  Reuben GROFF.

+29.  Hamilton GROFF.

30.    Gertrude GROFF was born on 8 May 1826.

31.    Julia GROFF.

32.    Mary GROFF.

33.    Martha GROFF.

34.    Margaret GROFF.

35.    Elisha GROFF.

36.    Fayette GROFF.

+37.  John Erwin GROFF.

13.  Catharine GROFF (Christian II2, Christian1) was born on 15 Apr 1799 in St. Johnsville, Montgomery County, New York.  She died on 1 Oct 1888.  She was buried in Fair View Cemetery, Groff Farm (now Handy Hills), St. Johnsville, Montgomery County, New York.

She was married to Jacob John SCHRAM on 10 Nov 1825.  Jacob John SCHRAM was born on 21 Mar 1795.  He died on 22 Jan 1837.  Catharine and Jacob had the following children:

38.  Martin L. SCHRAM was born on 8 Jun 1829.  He died on 22 Feb 1875.

39.  Mary Jane SCHRAM was born on 23 Dec 1832.  She died on 26 Dec 1836.

40.  Ella Eliza SCHRAM was born on 20 Sep 1836.  She died on 16 Dec 1888.  She was a teacher.  She was taken by typhoid fever.

14.  Margaret GROFF (Christian II2, Christian1) was born in 1800 in St. Johnsville, Montgomery County, New York.  She died on 15 Jun 1842 in St. Johnsville, Montgomery County, New York.

She was married to Anthony William BEEKMAN.  Margaret and Anthony had the following children:

+41.  Noah W. BEEKMAN.

+42.  Catherine BEEKMAN.

+43.  John Groff BEEKMAN.

44.    Reuben BEEKMAN was born on 14 Oct 1833.  He died on 30 Dec 1865.

45.    Benjamin BEEKMAN was born on 27 Feb 1837.  He died on 11 Mar 1919.

+46.  Loami BEEKMAN.

47.    Margaret BEEKMAN was born on 12 Jun 1842.  She died on 25 Jun 1842.

16.  Mary GROFF (Christian II2, Christian1) was born on 25 Apr 1805 in St. Johnsville, Montgomery County, New York.  She died on 6 Jul 1888.   She was buried in Lower Snells Bush Cemetery, Manheim, Herkimer County, New York.

She was married to John J. YORAN after 1842.  John J. YORAN was born on 3 Sep 1798.  He died on 15 Dec 1885.

19.  Benjamin GROFF (Christian II2, Christian1) was born on 18 Nov 1812 in St. Johnsville, Montgomery County, New York.  He died on 7 Feb 1901 in St. Johnsville, Montgomery County, New York.

He was married to Lany Ann SMITH (daughter of Nicholas J. SMITH and Catharine FLANDERS) on 30 Jan 1834.  Lany Ann SMITH was born on 20 Oct 1811.  She died on 16 May 1878.  She was buried in Fair View Cemetery, Groff Farm (now Handy Hills), St. Johnsville, Montgomery County, New York.  Benjamin and Lany had the following children:

48.  Martha Ann GROFF was born on 20 May 1835 in St. Johnsville, Montgomery County, New York.  She died on 27 Dec 1841 in St. Johnsville, Montgomery County, New York.  She was buried in Fair View Cemetery, Groff Farm, St. Johnsville, Montgomery County, New York.

49.  Alonzo GROFF was born on 7 Dec 1836 in St. Johnsville, Montgomery County, New York.  He died on 30 Jul 1858.  He was buried in Fair View Cemetery, Groff Farm, St. Johnsville, Montgomery County, New York.

50.  James GROFF was born on 17 Dec 1838 in St. Johnsville, Montgomery County, New York.  He died on 23 May 1949 in St. Johnsville, Montgomery County, New York.  He was buried in Fair View Cemetery, Groff Farm, St. Johnsville, Montgomery County, New York.

+51. Daniel B. GROFF.

+52. Mary GROFF.

+53. Catharine GROFF.

+54. Lucinda GROFF.

55.   Emily GROFF was born on 26 Mar 1850 in St. Johnsville, Montgomery County, New York.  She died on 18 Oct 1850 in St. Johnsville, Montgomery County, New York.  She was buried in Fair View Cemetery, Groff Farm, St. Johnsville, Montgomery County, New York.

+55.Fayette GROFF.

21.  Elizabeth (Betsey) GROFF (Christian II2, Christian1).

She was married to Jacob John FLANDERS.

FOURTH GENERATION

22. Hiram GROFF (Christian III3,Christian II2, Christian1)was born about 1824.

He was married to Sarah J. about 1850.  Sarah J. was born about 1827.  Hiram and Sarah had the following children:

57.  Eva Adele GROFF was born about 1851.  She died on 16 Mar 1936.  She was buried in Mt. Albion Cemetery, Orleans County, New York.

58.  Kate GROFF was born about 1858.

59.  Whalen GROFF was born about 1863.

24.  Catherine J. GROFF (Christian III3,Christian II2, Christian1) was born on 10 May 1828 in Shelby, Orleans County, New York.  She died on 13 Jan 1912.

She was married to Elisha S. WHALEN about 1844.  Elisha S. WHALEN was born on 24 Mar 1817 in Milton, New York.  He died on 7 Sep 1889.  Catherine and Elisha had the following children:

60.  Olney L. WHALEN was born on 18 Jul 1845.  He died on 6 Aug 1845.

61.  Ida M. WHALEN was born about 1848.

62.  Kate G. WHALEN was born in 1858.  She died on 21 Jul 1858 in Milton, New York.

28.  Reuben GROFF (Daniel3,Christian II2, Christian1) was born on 20 May 1822.  He died on 13 Jul 1891.

He was married to Mary TIMMERMAN on 20 Sep 1849.

29.  Hamilton GROFF (Daniel3,Christian II2, Christian1) was born in 1824.  He died in 1897.

He was married to Nancy FLANDERS on 19 Mar 1856.  Nancy FLANDERS died in 1904.  Hamilton and Nancy had the following children:

+63.  Charles Hamilton GROFF.

64.    John GROFF was born in 1862.  He died in 1941.

65.    Arthur GROFF.

66.    Alice GROFF.

67.    Albert GROFF.

37.  John Erwin GROFF (Daniel3,Christian II2, Christian1) was born in 1845.  He died in 1922.

John Erwin GROFF had the following children:

+68.  Jacob Herbert GROFF.

41.  Noah W. BEEKMAN (Margaret Groff3,Christian II2, Christian1)was born in Oct 1826.  He died on 5 Jul 1918 in Lyme, Jefferson County, New York.

He was married to Maria VANDEUSEN.

42.  Catherine BEEKMAN (Margaret Groff3,Christian II2, Christian1) was born on 28 Feb 1829.

She was married to Robert VANDEUSEN on 15 Mar 1853.

43.  John Groff BEEKMAN (Margaret Groff3,Christian II2, Christian1) was born on 19 Jul 1831.  He died on 13 Jun 1893.

He was married to Sarah GROFF (daughter of John GROFF). Sarah GROFF was born on 23 May 1833.  She died on 26 Aug 1925.

46.  Loami BEEKMAN (Margaret Groff3,Christian II2, Christian1) was born on 26 May 1839.

He was married to Sarah HOFFMAN.

51.  Daniel B. GROFF (Benjamin3,Christian II2, Christian1) was born on 28 Jan 1841 in St. Johnsville, Montgomery County, New York.  He died on 22 Sep 1928.  He was buried in Fair View Cemetery, St. Johnsville, Montgomery County, New York.

He was married to Lany Maria DAVY (daughter of William DAVY and Mary TIMMERMAN) on 1 Sep 1864.  Lany Maria DAVY was born on 11 May 1843 in Ford's Bush, New York.  She died on 18 Dec 1909.  She was buried in Fair View Cemetery, Groff Farm, St. Johnsville, Montgomery County, New York.  Daniel and Lany had the following children:

+69.  Catharine L. GROFF.

70.    Alonzo B. GROFF was born on 16 Jun 1865 in Oppenheim, Fulton County, New York.  He died on 5 Apr 1869 in St. Johnsville, Montgomery County, New York.  He was buried in Fair View Cemetery, Groff Farm, Montgomery County, New York.

+71.  William D. GROFF.

+72.  Nettie May GROFF.

+73.  Josiah Rice GROFF.

+74.  John W. GROFF.

+75.  Ada Ann GROFF.

52.  Mary GROFF (Benjamin3,Christian II2, Christian1) was born on 20 Jan 1843 in St. Johnsville, Montgomery County, New York.

She was married to John H. CRESS on 26 Dec 1866.  Mary and John had the following children:

76.  Eugene CRESS.

+77.Lana CRESS.

53.  Catharine GROFF (Benjamin3,Christian II2, Christian1) was born on 5 Apr 1845 in St. Johnsville, Montgomery County, New York.

She was married to Daniel STORMS on 15 Sep 1863.  Catharine and Daniel had the following children:

78.  Ella STORMS.

+79.Fred STORMS.

+80.Anna STORMS.

+81.Arthur STORMS.

82.  Minnie STORMS.

54.  Lucinda GROFF (Benjamin3,Christian II2, Christian1) was born on 30 Apr 1847 in St. Johnsville, Montgomery County, New York.

She was married to John Peter FAILING on 22 Feb 1876.  John Peter FAILING was born on 22 Feb 1842.  He died on 14 Aug 1920.  Lucinda and John had the following children:

+83.  Lucinda FAILING.

56.  Fayette GROFF (Benjamin3,Christian II2, Christian1) was born 29 Jan 1853 in St. Johnsville, Montgomery County, New York.  He was buried in Fair View Cemetery, Groff Farm, St. Johnsville, Montgomery County, New York.  He was a farmer.

He was married to Antoinette BURKDORF (daughter of John BURKDORF and Gertrude KLOCK) on 8 Sep 1875 in Oppenheim, Fulton County, New York.  Antoinette BURKDORF was born on 28 Sep 1856 in Oppenheim, Fulton County, New York.  She died on 10 Jul 1935 in St. Johnsville, Montgomery County, New York.  She was buried in Fair View Cemetery, Groff Farm, St. Johnsville, Montgomery County, New York.  Fayette and Antoinette had the following children:

+84.  Lucinda GROFF.

+85.  Floyd Benjamin GROFF.

86.    Infant Daughter GROFF died in 1891.  She was born on 19 Jan 1891.  She was buried in Fair View Cemetery, Groff Farm, St. Johnsville, Montgomery County, New York.

+87.  Gertrude Evadean GROFF.

Fayette Groff, (written by his daughter, Evadean)

Fayette Groff was the youngest child of Benjamin & Lany (Smith) Groff. He was born January 29, 1853 on the Groff farm outside of St. Johnsville. He attended the Crum Creek school and I think for a while attended a private school, run by the Schrams in St. Johnsville. He was a poor speller, but a very good reader. He subscribed to the daily newspaper, the World and read it very carefully. He liked to read articles out loud to the rest of us. I remember than when I was trying to get some work done, I did not listen as well as I should have. He always had family devotions before breakfast each day. He had a India print Bible, which he always used as long as I can remember. I can still hear him reading many of his favorite passages, which became favorites of mine. He liked music and although he could not sing a tune, I often heard him singing, when he was working out of doors. I have heard him mention his attending singing school at the Crum Creek Church. He was an ardent Democrat and I doubt if he ever split the ticket, when voting. He was confirmed by Rev. J. H. Weber on Feb. 24, 1872 and transferred to the Crum Creek Church Feb. 6, 1881. (See page 65 of the Lutheran Church at St. Johnsville in the library.) He was always a devoted member of the church and Sunday School. Until the last few months of his life, when he was no longer able, he always attended church regularly.

Fayette Groff was not a farmed from choice. He told me that he would have liked to be a railroad engineer. As he was the only son at home when his father, Benjamin, was no longer able to continue with farming, he started farming at the age of 22 years. He was a dairy farmer and used to take the milk to the Christman cheese factory, about a mile from his home. Later he took the milk to the Mohawk Condensed Milk Factory in St. Johnsville. He always believed in keeping the buildings in repair and everything picked up. He was ready to try new things. He was one of the first three in that section to buy a mowing machine. He had a furnace before I was born. I can’t remember any of the other homes, I visited in Crum Creek when I was a child, having a furnace. He always tried to fix the house to make it more pleasant for the family. He bought things to help lighten the women’s work. He went to Fort Plain on Wed. 26, 1893 to buy a dishwasher. (look in Antoinette Groff’s diary). He built the present barn in 1882 and remodeled the house in 1894, the year his daughter, Lucinda, was married.

Fayette Groff married Antoinette Burkdorf of Crum Creek on Sept. 8 1875. (Invitation can be found in the scrap book containing wedding invitations). An account of their wedding trip can be found in my father’s diary. They apparently were gone a month. They went to Niagara Falls and visited relatives in different parts of the state. They had four children: Lucinda, Floyd, an infant daughter, and Evadean.

Fayette Groff was of an inventive mind. He with the help of his son, Floyd, invented the Simplicity milking machine. They remodeled the old cheesehouse and made a shop out of it, where they manufactured these machines. Jessie Denure was the machinist. He also cut out three copies of the Lord’s prayer on a scroll saw. There is one of them still on the wall in the Groff home. He and Floyd made the bookcase, the revolving bookcase and the hall-seat in the front hall. He did beautiful inlaid work, as can be seen in the above pieces of furniture.

Fayette Groff was a man of high principles. He was a man of his word. He lived according to Christian principles. He was perhaps rather out-spoken at times, but he was a true friend. He had a good sense of humor and liked fun and games. He and the rest of the family taught me a lot of good things by playing games with me. He was a very good husband and father. I always obeyed him, because I thought his will was stronger than mine. I did not question his authority. He never punished me except to tell me to sit on a chair for a while and keep still. He often told me to stop whining. He never ate very much, and often said he was waiting for the dessert. I often saw him eat sugar and he kept wintergreen candies on a shelf in the clothescloset. He was always thin. In his later years he was rather hard of hearing. On the evening of Feb. 8, 1935, while he was listening to the radio, he had a very severe attack of Angins. Dr. Feldstein gave him a “shot” in his arm. He never regained consciousness and died about noon the next day. Rev. George Kling preached the funeral sermon. The funeral service was held at his home and he was buried in the Groff family cemetery. It was a very cold day, but a beautiful, sunshiny day.

(Evadean Handy, 1966)

Fayette Groff’s Diary Excerpts

Fayette Groff (my father) in his diary wrote on Feb. 23, 1875 that he worked on his book desk. On the 25th he said he worked on the book case. On the 27th he wrote that he went to St. Johnsville and got the doors for the desk. On the 28th he said he went to see A. N. B. (Antoinette Burkdorf)

On Sunday, May 23, he said they went to Fords Bush to Communion. In the evening he went to see A. N. B.

On Sat, May 29, Fayette & his sister Lucinda, his sister Catherine Storms and (niece & nephew) Ella and Fred Storms went to Richfield Springs (So. Columbia) to visit his sister Mary & brother-in-law, John Cress. They got there at 12 o’clock. On the next day father said he went to church at Richfield Springs. On Monday they came home. He said they started twelve o’clock and got home at six o’clock.

(Read Thursday, June 17)

In back of the 1875 diary on page for memoranda there is the following written by my mother to father.

To Fayette

May you dear Fayette

Be ever blessed with friends

Selected from the best

And

In return may you extend

A gem of love to every Friend

From Antoinette Groff

Feb 14, 1875

FIFTH GENERATION

63.  Charles Hamilton GROFF (Hamilton4,Daniel3,Christian II2, Christian1) was born in 1857.  He died in 1918.

Charles Hamilton GROFF had the following children:

+88.  Solon Eugia GROFF.

68.  Jacob Herbert GROFF (John Erwin4,Daniel3,Christian II2, Christian1) was born in 1870.  He died in 1921.

+89.  Raymond Nellis GROFF.

69.   Catharine L. GROFF (Daniel B.4,Benjamin3,Christian II2, Christian1)was born on 9 Jul 1877.

She was married to Clarence A. CHRISTMAN (son of George H. CHRISTMAN) on 7 Sep 1899 in St. Johnsville, Montgomery County, New York.  Clarence A. CHRISTMAN died in Jan 1911.  Catharine and Clarence had the following children:

90.  Clyde CHRISTMAN was born on 4 Oct 1900.

+91.Mary Lorene CHRISTMAN.

+92.Myrtle CHRISTMAN.

71.  William D. GROFF (Daniel B.4,Benjamin3,Christian II2, Christian1) was born on 7 Feb 1867 in Oppenheim, Fulton County, New York.  He died on 6 Nov 1950.

He was married to Lettie A. LEAVITT (daughter of George W. LEAVITT) on 13 Sep 1893 in St. Johnsville, Montgomery County, New York.  William and Lettie and the following children:

+93.  Mabel D. GROFF.

72.  Nettie May GROFF (Daniel B.4,Benjamin3,Christian II2, Christian1) was born on 13 Jun 1869.  She died on 27 May 1914.

She was married to Robert J. VANDEUSEN on 20 Aug 1908 in St. Johnsville, Montgomery County, New York.  Robert J. VANDEUSEN was born on 18 Jan 1873.  He died on 25 May 1948 in Center Brunswick, New York.  Nettie and Robert had the following children:

+94.  Ruth L. VANDEUSEN.

95.    Leila R. VANDEUSEN was born on 8 Oct 1905.  She was a Missionary to India.

+96.  Leah R. VANDEUSEN.

+97.  Robert Eldon VANDEUSEN.

98.    Rev. Robert J. VANDEUSEN, Jr.

+99. Clayton Groff VANDEUSEN.

+100.Dayton Goss VANDEUSEN.

Obituary of Mrs. Nettie Groff VanDeusen

Wednesday, June 3, 1914

 Mrs. Nettie Groff, wife of Rev. Robert VanDeusen, passed away at 2 o’clock last Wed. afternoon at her home in Churchtown, N. Y.  Mrs. VanDeusen was born at Crum Creek June 13, 1869 and had always resided in that vicinity until her marriage to Mr. VanDeusen, which took place Aug. 20, 1902.  She was an earnest Christian worker, a devoted mother, and her sudden death causes a sorrow among her relatives and friends in town.  Besides her husband she is survived by 6 children, Ruth, Leila, Leah, Eldon, and twin sons, Clayton and Dayton, born May 20, 1914, her father, Daniel Groff of Crum Creek, three brothers, William of St. Johnsville, John Groff of Crum Creek, and Josiah of Rochester; two sisters, Mrs. Clarence Christman and Mrs. Emory Smith of St. Johnsville.

73.  Josiah Rice GROFF (Daniel B.4,Benjamin3,Christian II2, Christian1) was born on 29 Jul 1871.

He was married to Cornelia E. DECUE on 7 Jun 1902.  Josiah and Cornelia had the following children:

+101.  Charles D. GROFF.

+102.  Grace C. GROFF.

+103.  Chester Frederick GROFF.

74.  John W. GROFF (Daniel B.4,Benjamin3,Christian II2, Christian1) was born on 24 Jan 1873.  He died on 22 Feb 1942 in Little Falls, Herkimer County, New York.  He was buried in Rural Park Cemetery, Manheim, New York.  He was a farmer.  He was gored by a bull, therefore causing his death.

He was married to Edith Morena ALLEN (daughter of Ambrose ALLEN and Elnora ZIMMERMAN) on 29 Sep 1897.  Edith Morena ALLEN was born on 4 Sep 1877 in Oppenheim, Fulton County, New York.  She died on 31 Oct 1965.  John and Edith had the following children:

+104.  Kenneth A. GROFF.

+105.  Ralph John GROFF.

+106.  Merlin Davy GROFF.

75.  Ada Ann GROFF (Daniel B.4,Benjamin3,Christian II2, Christian1) was born on 27 Jul 1874 in Oppenheim, Fulton County, New York.  She died on 31 May 1950.  She was buried in St. Johnsville Cemetery, St. Johnsville, Montgomery County, New York.

She was married to Emery Augustus SMITH (son of Oliver SMITH and Morena INGERSOLL) on 5 Sep 1900 in St. Johnsville, Montgomery County, New York.  Emery Augustus SMITH was born on 13 Mar 1876 in St. Johnsville, Montgomery County, New York.  Ada and Emery had the following children:

+107.  Ross E. SMITH.

+108.  Raymond D. SMITH.

+109.  Alice M. SMITH. 

77.  Lana CRESS (Mary Groff4,Benjamin3,Christian II2, Christian1) died on 22 Sep 1962.

She was married to Robert J. VANDEUSEN in Oct 1929.  Robert J. VANDEUSEN was born on 18 Jan 1873.  He died on 25 May 1948 in Center Brunswick, New York.

79.  Fred STORMS (Catherine Groff4,Benjamin3,Christian II2, Christian1).

He was married to Alice SOMPH on 16 Oct 1909.

80.  Anna STORMS (Catherine Groff4,Benjamin3,Christian II2, Christian1) was born on 1 Oct 1872.  She died in 1943.

She was married to John BENTLEY on 14 Aug 1900.  John BENTLEY was born on 16 Dec 1868.

81.  Arthur STORMS (Catherine Groff4,Benjamin3,Christian II2, Christian1)

He was married to Bertha LAMPMAN (daughter of William LAMPMAN).  Bertha LAMPMAN was born in May 1876 in St. Johnsville, Montgomery County, New York.  She died on 27 Feb 1959 in St. Petersburg, Florida.

83.  Lucinda FAILING (Lucinda4,Benjamin3,Christian II2, Christian1) was born on 14 Oct 1888 in Point Peninsula, Jefferson County, New York.  She died on 7 Jan 1968 in Watertown, New York.

She was married to James S. DONALDSON on 14 Oct 1908.  James S. DONALDSON died on 17 Feb 1956.

84.  Lucinda GROFF (Fayette4,Benjamin3,Christian II2, Christian1) was born on 1 Jun 1876 in St. Johnsville, Montgomery County, New York.  She died on 28 Feb 1956 in Vernon Center, Oneida County, New York.  She was buried in Rural Park Cemetery, Manheim, Herkimer County, New York.

She was married to Harry DAVIS (son of Joseph DAVIS II and Esther Viola STROUGH) on 12 Sep 1894 in St. Johnsville, Montgomery County, New York.  Harry DAVIS was born on 19 Feb 1871 in Manheim, Herkimer County, New York.  He died on 19 Dec 1954 in Vernon Center, Oneida County, New York.  He was buried in Rural Park Cemetery, Manheim, New York.  He was a farmer.  Lucinda and Harry had the following children:

+110.  Alta Izetta DAVIS.

+111.  Marion Alberta DAVIS.

85.  Floyd Benjamin GROFF (Fayette4,Benjamin3,Christian II2, Christian1) was born on 28 Mar 1886 in St. Johnsville, Montgomery County, New York.  He died on 5 Jan 1964 in St. Johnsville, Montgomery County, New York.  He was buried in Fair View Cemetery, Groff Farm, St. Johnsville, Montgomery County, New York.

He was married to Edith Curtis BEARD (daughter of Giles BEARD and Elizabeth CURTIS) on 6 Jan 1908.  Edith Curtis BEARD was born on 16 May 1888 in Manheim, Herkimer County, New York.  She died on 17 Jul 1922 in Little Falls, Herkimer County, New York.  She was buried in Truxton, New York.

He was married to Marion GETMAN (daughter of Phillip GETMAN and Anna Katherine Louise ZIMMER) on 23 Oct 1935 in Fultonville, New York.  Marion GETMAN was born on 1 Jul 1898.  She died on 18 Apr 1998.  She was buried in Fair View Cemetery, Groff Farm, St. Johnsville, Montgomery County, New York.

87.  Gertrude Evadean GROFF (Fayette4,Benjamin3,Christian II2, Christian1) was born on 20 Feb 1899 at the Groff Farm (now Handy Hills), St. Johnsville, Montgomery County, New York.  She died on 10 May 1985 in Palatine Bridge, Montgomery County, New York.  She was buried in West St. Johnsville Cemetery, St. Johnsville, Montgomery County, New York.  She was a former math teacher at Fort Plain High School.

She was married to Herbert Asa HANDY (son of Asa Bernard HANDY and Ada May TIMMERMAN) on 19 Aug 1925 at the Groff Farm, St. Johnsville, Montgomery County, New York.  Herbert Asa HANDY was born on 8 Mar 1904 in St. Johnsville, Montgomery County, New York.  He died on 3 Jul 1988 in Fort Plain, Montgomery County, New York.  He was buried in West St. Johnsville Cemetery, St. Johnsville, Montgomery County, New York.  He was a farmer.  Gertrude and Herbert had the following children:

+112.  Keith Raymond HANDY.

+113.  Joanne Mary HANDY.

SIXTH GENERATION

88.  Solon Eugia GROFF (Charles Hamilton5,Hamilton4,Daniel3,Christian II2, Christian1).

Solon Eugia GROFF had the following children:

114.  DeForest GROFF.

+115.Marion Alice GROFF.

89.  Raymond Nellis GROFF (Jacob Herbert5,John Erwin4,Daniel3,Christian II2, Christian1) was born in 1895.  He died in 1959.

Raymond Nellis GROFF had the following children:

+116.  Herbert Raymond GROFF.

91.  Mary Lorene CHRISTMAN (Catherine L. Groff5,Daniel B.4,Benjamin3,Christian II2, Christian1) was born on 22 Aug 1904.

She was married to Herbert KETCHUM on 20 Jun 1936.  Herbert KETCHUM was born on 15 Jun 1905.  He died in Mar 1978 in Ballston Lake, Saratoga County, New York.

92.  Myrtle CHRISTMAN (Catherine L. Groff5,Daniel B.4,Benjamin3,Christian II2, Christian1) was born on 22 Jan 1906.  She died in Nov 1981 in Ballston Lake, Saratoga County, New York.

She was married to Stanton WRIGHT on 10 May 1947.

93.  Mabel D. GROFF (William D.5,Daniel B.4,Benjamin3,Christian II2, Christian1) was born on 9 Jun 1895.

She was married to Charles MCCRONE on 13 Sep 1922.

94.  Ruth L. VANDEUSEN (Nettie May Groff5,Daniel B.4,Benjamin3,Christian II2, Christian1) was born on 23 Feb 1904.  She died in 1962.

She was married to A. Ward EVANS on 9 Jul 1944.

96.  Leah R. VANDEUSEN (Nettie May Groff5,Daniel B.4,Benjamin3,Christian II2, Christian1) was born on 6 Feb 1907.  She died on 1 Jan 1964.

She was married to A. Ward EVANS.

97.  Robert Eldon VANDEUSEN (Nettie May Groff5,Daniel B.4,Benjamin3,Christian II2, Christian1) was born on 1 Apr 1909.

He was married to Ruth Sarah BROWN on 8 Jul 1933 in Brooklyn, New York.

99.  Rev. Clayton Groff VANDEUSEN (Nettie May Groff5,Daniel B.4,Benjamin3,Christian II2, Christian1) was born on 20 May 1914.  He died on 7 Apr 1998 in Albany, Albany County, New York.

He was married to Marjorie VROOMAN on 15 May 1938.

100.  Rev. Dayton Goss VANDEUSEN (Nettie May Groff5,Daniel B.4,Benjamin3,Christian II2, Christian1) was born on 20 May 1914.

He was married to Margaret VANRADEN on 29 Dec 1953.

101.  Charles D. GROFF (Josiah Rice5,Daniel B.4,Benjamin3,Christian II2, Christian1) was born on 3 Oct 1903.  He died on 7 Jul 1995 in Erie, Weld County, Colorado.

He was married to Laura A. NYE on 12 Jun 1928.  Laura A. NYE was born on 10 Oct 1904.  She died on Nov 1993 in Erie, Weld County, Colorado.

102.  Grace C. GROFF (Josiah Rice5,Daniel B.4,Benjamin3,Christian II2, Christian1) was born on 15 Feb 1905.  She died on 8 Sep 1992 in Auburn, Lee County, Alabama.

She was married to Lawrence LaVerne BROOKS on 2 Apr 1929.

She was married to Clarence BROOKS on 12 Aug 1939.

103.  Chester Frederick GROFF (Josiah Rice5,Daniel B.4,Benjamin3,Christian II2, Christian1) was born on 6 May 1913.  He died on 6 Sep 1990.

He was married to Alta POWELL on 18 Apr 1942.

104.  Kenneth A. GROFF (John W.5,Daniel B.4,Benjamin3,Christian II2, Christian1) was born on 21 Apr 1902 in Oppenheim, Fulton County, New York.  He died on 16 Oct 1974 in Orlando, Florida.  He was an architect.

He was married to Cecelia H. NAMES on 15 Sep 1926 in Rochester, New York.  Cecelia H. NAMES was born on 12 Sep 1905 in Syracuse, New York.  She died on 10 Mar 1981 in Utica, Oneida County, New York.  Kenneth and Cecelia had the following children:

+117.  Living GROFF.

105.  Ralph John GROFF (John W.5,Daniel B.4,Benjamin3,Christian II2, Christian1) was born on 11 Nov 1907 in Oppenheim, Fulton County, New York.  He died on 5 Jun 1999 in St. Johnsville, Montgomery County, New York.

He was married to Mary Snell JOHNSON (daughter of Ross C. JOHNSON and Nina SNELL) on 28 Apr 1936 in Inghams Mills, New York.  Mary Snell JOHNSON was born on 25 Oct 1913 in Oppenheim, Fulton County, New York.  Ralph and Mary had the following children:

+118.  Living GROFF.

+119.  Living GROFF.

+120.  Living GROFF.

+121.  Living GROFF.

106.  Merlin Davy GROFF (John W.5,Daniel B.4,Benjamin3,Christian II2, Christian1) was born on 27 Jul 1909.  He died on 8 Dec 2003 in Clinton, Oneida County, New York.

He was married to Ella Mae SPRAKER on 8 Jan 1972.  Ella Mae SPRAKER was born on 28 Aug 1916.  She died on 6 Jun 1997 in Canajoharie, Montgomery County, New York.

107.  Ross E. SMITH (Ada Ann Groff5,Daniel B.4,Benjamin3,Christian II2, Christian1) was born on 27 Dec 1902.  He died in Feb 1961.

He was married to Mildred LEIGH on 17 Jun 1943.

108.  Raymond D. SMITH (Ada Ann Groff5,Daniel B.4,Benjamin3,Christian II2, Christian1) was born on 4 Aug 1912.  He died in Aug 1985 in Port Orange, Volusia County, Florida.

He was married to Blanche Wolfrom COPELAND on 11 Feb 1960.

109.  Alice M. SMITH (Ada Ann Groff5,Daniel B.4,Benjamin3,Christian II2, Christian1) was born on 5 Nov 1913 in St. Johnsville, Montgomery County, New York.  She died on 29 Jan 1994 in Schenectady, Schenectady County, New York.

She was married to Ainslie B. ALLEN on 16 Oct 1954.  Ainsley B. ALLEN was born about 1909.

110.  Alta Izetta DAVIS (Lucinda Groff5,Fayette4,Benjamin3,Christian II2, Christian1) was born on 23 Jun 1900 in Manheim, Herkimer County, New York.  She died on 29 Sep 1985 in Little Falls, Herkimer County, New York.  She was buried in West St. Johnsville Cemetery, St. Johnsville, Montgomery County, New York.  She was a schoolteacher.

She was married to Floyd O. WEAVER (son of Daniel WEAVER III and Scena HICKS) on 26 Nov 1927 in Vernon, Oneida County, New York.  Floyd O. WEAVER was born on 10 Sep 1893 in Lassellsville, Fulton County, New York.  He died on 10 Dec 1976 in Little Falls, Herkimer County, New York.  He was buried in West St. Johnsville Cemetery, St. Johnsville, Montgomery County, New York.  Alta and Floyd had the following children:

+122.  Hazel Antoinette WEAVER.

+123.  Ferne Edith WEAVER.

111.  Marion Alberta DAVIS (Lucinda Groff5,Fayette4,Benjamin3,Christian II2, Christian1) was born on 16 Aug 1906.  She died on 12 Sep 1987 in Oneida County, New York.  She was buried in Bronson Cemetery, Vernon, Oneida County, New York.

She was married to Veba John BLACK (son of Jan Willem SWART and Alice ADVOCATE) on 29 Nov 1924 in Vernon, Oneida County, New York.  Veba John BLACK was born on 13 Feb 1904 in Wirdum, Netherlands.  He immigrated on 8 Apr 1908.  He was naturalized on 9 Jul 1943.  He died on 26 Jun 1992 in Oneida, New York.  He was buried in Bronson Cemetery, Vernon, Oneida County, New York.  He was a carpenter.  Marion and Veba had the following children:

+124.  Wilfred Veba BLACK.

+125.  Esther Marie BLACK.

+126.  Living BLACK.

112.  Keith Raymond HANDY (Gertrude Evadean Groff5,Fayette4,Benjamin3,Christian II2, Christian1) was born on 26 Dec 1926 at the Groff Farm, St. Johnsville, Montgomery County, New York.  He was baptized on 5 Jun 1927 at Crum Creek Evangelical Lutheran Church, Crum Creek, New York.  He died on 29 Jan 1993 in Fort Plain, Montgomery County, New York.  He was buried on 15 May 1993 in Fair View Cemetery, Handy Hills Farm (formerly the Groff Farm), St. Johnsville, Montgomery County, New York.

He was married to Janice Marie STREED (daughter of Perry Robert STREED and Lula Margaret FREDERICK) on 27 Dec 1947 at Crum Creek Evangelical Lutheran Church, Crum Creek, New York.  Janice Marie STREED was born on 26 Apr 1929 in Fort Plain, Montgomery County, New York.  She was the Senior Editor for Country Folks until 2005.  Keith and Janice had six children, 24 grandchildren, and 25 great grandchildren (expecting 2 more), who are all still living.

113.  Joanne Mary HANDY (Gertrude Evadean Groff5,Fayette4,Benjamin3,Christian II2, Christian1) was born on 28 Apr 1933 in Fredonia, New York.  She was adopted on 1 Jan 1942.  She died on 2 Apr 1993.  She was buried on 15 May 1993 in West St. Johnsville Cemetery, St. Johnsville, Montgomery County, New York.

She was married to Jules Gordon SCHAETZEL on 5 Nov 1955.  She was divorced from him about 1981.  Jules Gordon SCHAETZEL was born on 1 Aug 1931.  Joanne and Gordon had the following children:

+133.  Alyson Jane SCHAETZEL.

+134.  Living SCHAETZEL.

SEVENTH GENERATION

115.  Marion Alice GROFF (Solon Eugia6,Charles Hamilton5,Hamilton4,Daniel3,Christian II2, Christian1).

She was married to DVORAK.

116.  Herbert Raymond GROFF (Raymond Nellis6,Jacob Herbert5,John Erwin4,Daniel3,Christian II2, Christian1) was born on 30 Nov 1925.  He died on 30 Mar 2002 in Auburn, Cayuga County, New York.  He was buried in Soule Cemetery, Auburn, Cayuga County, New York.

Herbert Raymond GROFF had the following children:

+135.  Living GROFF.

122.  Hazel Antoinette WEAVER (Alta Izetta6,Lucinda Groff5,Fayette4,Benjamin3,Christian II2, Christian1) was born on 4 Dec 1929 in Vernon, Oneida County, New York.

She was married to Robert Lloyd BROWN on 5 May 1949 in Youker's Bush Union Church, Crum Creek, New York.   Robert Lloyd BROWN was born on 31 Dec 1921.  Hazel and Robert had the following children:

148.  Living BROWN.

123.  Ferne Edith WEAVER (Alta Izetta Davis6,Lucinda Groff5,Fayette4,Benjamin3,Christian II2, Christian1) was born on 23 Oct 1931 in Vernon, Oneida County, New York.

She was married to Robert Cecil ALLEN (son of Charles Vernon ALLEN and Etta MOSHER) on 1 Jul 1949 in Crum Creek Evangelical Lutheran Church, Crum Creek, New York.  Robert Cecil ALLEN was born on 18 Oct 1924 in Oppenheim, Fulton County, New York.  He died on Jul 1987 in Utica, Oneida County, New York.  Ferne and Cecil had the following children:

149.  Living ALLEN.

150.  Living ALLEN.

151.  Living ALLEN.

124.  Wilfred Veba BLACK (Marion Alberta Davis6,Lucinda Groff5,Fayette4,Benjamin3,Christian II2, Christian1) was born at 12:30am on 8 Sep 1925 in Vernon, Oneida County, New York.

He was married to Elizabeth Jane SAMSON on 22 Oct 1945 in Vernon Center Methodist Church.  Elizabeth Jane SAMSON was born on 16 Mar 1925.

125.  Esther Marie BLACK (Marion Alberta Davis6,Lucinda Groff5,Fayette4,Benjamin3,Christian II2, Christian1) was born on 7 Mar 1927 in Vernon, Oneida County, New York.

She was married to Peter Paul MAIURA on 10 Oct 1953 in Vernon Baptist Church, Vernon, Oneida County, New York.  Peter Paul MAIURA was born on 8 Sep 1920.  He died on 19 Sep 1991 in Vernon, Oneida County, New York.  Esther and Peter had the following children:

+152.  Living MAIURA.

+153.  Living MAIURA.

126.  Living BLACK (Marion Alberta Davis6,Lucinda Groff5,Fayette4,Benjamin3,Christian II2, Christian1).

She was married to Carl Lewell PERKINS on 16 Aug 1952 in Vernon Baptist Church, Vernon, Oneida County, New York.  Carl Lewell PERKINS was born on 29 Apr 1929 in Watertown, New York.  They have two living children.

133.  Alyson Jane SCHAETZEL (Joanne Mary Handy6,Gertrude Evadean Groff5,Fayette4,Benjamin3,Christian II2, Christian1)was born on 18 Jun 1956.  She died on 3 Jul 1996.  She was buried in West St. Johnsville Cemetery, St. Johnsville, Montgomery County, New York.  She was cremated.

Alyson Jane has one living daughter.

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