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Colby Clan Communications 1
COLBY CLAN COMMUNICATIONS Descendants of Anthony and Susannah
Colby
Editor: Barbara J. Zdravesky 123 Mulberry Street, Pawtucket, RI
02860 401-724-2827 [email protected] Treasurer: Adeline Stack
26 Coolidge Avenue, South Portland, ME 04106 207-799-1648
September 2007
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
1 From the Editor, Colby Reunion, Secretary’s Report
2 News from the Members, Treasurer’s Report
3 In Memoriam
5 Interesting Colby Facts
54th Annual Colby Clan Reunion
The 54th Colby Reunion was a superb success! The weather was
beautiful, spirits were high, and the company was cheerful and
pleasant. Paula Belyea and Pauline DeGusto, with the help of their
fantastic family, were all very hospitable and warm, making the
entire experience very enjoyable. We are all grateful to the entire
committee who worked hard and planned a fantastic time!
Secretary’s Report The Colby Clan Association meeting was held
on Saturday, August 18, 2007 at the Most Blessed Sacrament Church
in Wakefield, MA with President Jim F. Colby presiding and
approximately 45 in attendance. Pauline DeGusto said grace before a
delicious hot buffet meal. Gifts were presented to the youngest in
attendance (Nick DeGusto, age 4, of Wakefield, MA) the oldest in
attendance (Jean Ruiter of Concord, NH) and the person who traveled
the farthest (Grace Thompson from Colorado). The secretary’s report
was given by Barbara Zdravesky who asked for a motion to accept the
minutes of the 2006 meeting as published in the September 2006
Colby Clan Communications. A motion was made by Paula Belyea and
seconded by Susan Saltmarsh. There were none opposed and the motion
carried. In the absence of our treasurer Adeline Stack, the
treasurer’s report was given by Nancy Poland. A motion to accept
the report (see below) was made by Arnold Sears and seconded by
Bruce MacWilliams. There were none opposed and the motion carried.
The memorial tribute was read by Barbara Zdravesky followed by a
moment of silence to honor the Colby members that have passed since
the 2006 reunion. A welcome was extended to the new members in
attendance. David and Kathleen Caflisch from Wisconsin introduced
themselves. A motion was made by Bill Whidden to donate the amount
of $400 to the Macy-Colby House in Amesbury, MA. The motion was
seconded by Arnold Sears. There were none opposed and the motion
carried. The 2008 reunion will be hosted by Barbara Zdravesky in
the Providence area of Rhode Island. The meeting was adjourned.
From the Editor Our 54th Reunion was outstanding! It is good to
see the dedicated Colby relatives at the reunion each year. It is
also exciting to meet new relatives! The reunion committee in
Wakefield did a stellar job at providing everything we needed and
more, such as goodie bags filled with fun bits of Massachusetts
history, table centerpieces with the names and dates of four Colby
generations (from all 7 of Anthony’s children!), and an
unprecedented fashion show of handmade historic outfits with an
informative narration. The Friday evening gathering was a
delightful time of conversation and laughter with a beautiful
summer breeze and yummy treats. It was a great time. Please
continue to share your news with us. I’m happy to get articles,
birth notices, photos, and anything else that can be published.
Remember that many of our members do not use the internet or a
computer and rely on this newsletter for Colby family news. Keep it
coming!
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Colby Clan Communications 2
Treasurer’s Report
A note from Adeline
News from the Colby Members This young lady, Marie Danielle
Prevot, is the granddaughter of Arnold and Ruth Sears. Her mother
is Kathleen Liautaud who has been to many reunions in the past.
Hello All my Supporters! With the race complete, some asking for
photos, and others wondering if I actually have done it yet, I
thought I would take a moment, although two weeks past the day, to
thank all of you for contributing in one way or another to my
success at crossing the finish line in San Diego. The day on the
course was awesome too, bands playing, and people running for
someone important in their lives. I cried a few times along the
way, but I think the most poignant shirt was "I'd run 100,000 miles
for one more day with my mom." I can be honest, as I was trying to
visualize the finish line the night before, I didn't know which one
to look for. I am happy to say, with the thought of seeing people I
knew at the very end, I was able to push to 26.2. Team and Training
for this particular race raised about 12 million dollars for Cancer
Research, and it felt great to be contributing to such a well-run
organization. This was a great experience, as the culmination of
preparation and determination is all manifest quickly in a few (or
maybe several), hours. The sense of accomplishment is huge. Thanks
Again, and I hope this finds you happy, healthy and pursuing your
own new goals, and ambitions. Love, Danielle Rae Johnson writes:
“My great grandmother was Roxanna Colby. Her parents were John
Colby (b. April 18, 1760) and Eunice Dane of Andover, MA (b. April
7, 1773), married on June 23, 1796. Did Roxanna have siblings?
Roxanna married Thomas Poor September 16, 1830. They had a son
Melvin in 1832 who married Elsie French. Were there other children?
Does anyone have more information on this family? Any help will be
appreciated.
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Colby Clan Communications 3
IN MEMORIAM
Grace Colby of Quebec, Canada died on November 27, 2006. She
died peacefully and is survived by her husband John H.E. Colby, and
her children Glenn Cranker (Maria), Judith MacPherson and Nancy
Cranker, and a large extended family. C. Colby Bent of Lyme, NH
03768 died on May 9, 2007 after a long and wonderful life (85 years
old). Emma Colby Miller passed away on Saturday July 1, 2007 at
Providence Nursing Center in Trenton, NJ after various medical
problems. She was 80 yrs old. She is survived by two daughters one
son, three grandchildren, and one great grandchild. Also three
older brothers, including Fred Colby of Port Orange, Fl. and George
W. Colby of Manorville, NY.
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Colby Clan Communications 4
Betty Colby Scott with her grandson Michael, and great
granddaugters Peyton and Casey McCarthy.
Richard and Geraldine Stadler at the 50th wedding anniversary
on
March 14, 2005.
Sent from Beverly Slocum of Burlington, VT:
Colby Damon is the grandson of Wendell Colby of Lancaster,
NH.
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Colby Clan Communications 5
Interesting Colby Facts Transcription and Translation of
Biographical Sketch From McHenry County, Illinois, 1832-1968
McHenry County Board of Supervisors Woodstock, Illinois Rogers
Printing Company Dixon, Illinois (Ed. note: Information has been
parenthetically coded and abbreviated to save space. The following
is a translation of the codes and abbreviations, shown in
parenthesis where indicated in the original) COLBY, Gideon
(original settler), b.1797 – d.1842, arrival in county 1837,
Crystal Lake from Danville, VT, purchased Colby Point farm from
government at $1.25 per acre; member Whig party and Universalist
Church. Colby Point on Fox River named after family, married Olive
Marsh, Danville, VT, children - 4: WEBSTER (second generation),
ALLEN (second generation), MARY (second generation), ALBERT (second
generation), ALBERT (second generation) b.1830 – d.1907, farmer and
business administrator, Republican, supported John C. Fremont and
Abraham Lincoln, married 1855 his widowed sister-in-law, Abigail
Smith, her husband Webster died sailing around Cape Horn on way to
California gold rush. Children - 3: MINNIE INEZ (third generation),
b.1856, LILLIAN (third generation), b. 1858, Fred Leon (third
generation), b.1862 – d.1925, founder of Colby Motor sales, claims
to be founder of oldest automobile agency in U.S., vice president
United States Bank of Crystal Lake, member of Modern Woodmen and
Methodist Church, married 1881 Lydia Mann Willard, 1 child: CLAUDE
VICTOR (fourth generation), b.1886 – d.1951, automobile dealer,
very prominent among pioneer automobile men, member Methodist
Church, married 1909 Della Scott Lund, prominent in the beginning
years of Crystal Lake Woman's Club and Garden club, children - 3:
ETHEL MILDRED (fifth generation), b.1910, FRED WILLARD (fifth
generation), b.1911, CLAUDE SCOTT (fifth generation), b.1919. Ethel
Mildred, active in Wilmette Parish Methodist, North Shore Art
League, New Trier P.T.A., married 1936 Edward Tyrus Larkin,
children - 3: NANCY LYNN PRICE (sixth generation), b.1938, JULIE
GAY, (sixth generation), b.1942, EDWARD COLBY (sixth generation),
b.1951. Fred Willard, president Colby Motor sales, Inc., U. S.
Navy, 1942-46, member Methodist Church, numerous civic and
fraternal organizations. Claude Scott, vice president Colby Motor
Sales, Inc., Vice President 1st National Bank of Crystal Lake, US
Navy, 1942-46, chairman Chrysler Dealer Council, president Chrysler
Advertising Council, member Methodist Church, Legion and Elks,
married 1964 Olive Bynum Mueller, 1 child: CRAIG SCOTT, (sixth
generation), b.1959, (Correspondent, Fred Colby, 61 N. Main St.,
Crystal Lake, Ill.) From The Nunda Herald Crystal Lake, Illinois
(McHenry County) Thursday, November 5, 1903 McHenry Plaindealer:
Newell S. Colby died at his home west of McHenry, Sunday morning,
Oct. 25, at 9:30 o'clock, after a two weeks' illness. He was taken
with a chill on Tuesday, Oct. 13, (his birthday) and despite the
best efforts of medical skill and careful nursing, pneumonia
resulted. Mr. Colby was born in Danville, Caledonia County, VT Oct.
13, 1826, the eldest of seven children of Ira and Mary Colby. He
remained in Vermont until fourteen
years of age and in 1840 came with his parents to McHenry,
McHenry County. He remained with them until 1856, and then moved to
the farm where he died, a half-mile west of this village. He owned
144 acres of fine land, which is well improved. He made a specialty
of stock raising and had the best grade of horses, sheep, cattle
and hogs. He shipped his stock to all parts of the United States,
receiving for them the highest market prices.
Mr. Colby was married Oct. 9, 1856, to Laura E. Parker, daughter
of J. J. and Mary Parker, natives of Ontario county, NY. Six
children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Colby, only three of whom are
now living: Mrs. Mary E. Sayler, born June 12, 1860; Belle C.
Sayler, born July 26, 1865, and Newell S., born Aug. 9, 1877. The
latter is also married and for several years past has been carrying
on the work at the old homestead. Below is a list of the brothers
and sisters of Mr. Colby, some of whom died many years ago and
others now living: Mrs. Jacob Story (Mary Ann) died about 65 years
ago; Abbie S. Smith died in Woodstock in 1853; Mrs. Robt. Sherburne
(Sarah M.) who resides in this village; Frank S. died 34 years ago;
O. C. Colby, a successful merchant of Nunda, Ill.; Flora Cravens,
Spirit Lake, Iowa; John B., of Clifton, Ill.; Gideon, who died at
Hartley, Iowa; Henry, a resident of Plainville, KS, and Willie M.,
died 25 years ago in MO. The funeral was held Tuesday afternoon at
the M. E. church, Rev. J. M. Cormack officiating. A large number of
relatives and friends were in attendance. Bob Colby’s family page:
http://familytreemaker.genealogy.com/users/c/o/l/Robert-C-Colby-jr/index.html?Welcome=1082496700
From Marriages Registered in the Town of Laconia,NH for the years
1887-1904. COLBY: "Sadie M. aged 17 yrs m 22 Aug 1898 by Rev. F. L.
WILEY of Laconia to Chas. Ferdinand Jos. JOYAL aged 18 yrs. She was
a mill operator born in Bristol to Edwin A COLBY, a painter, born
in Bridgewater, and Emily W. LITTLEFIELD, a housewife, born in
Randolph, MA. He was a knitter born in St Francois du Lac, PQ to
Ferdinand JOYAL, a carpenter, and Odile DURAND. Both his parents
were born in St Francois du Lac, PQ ". " Albert COLBY, aged 48 yrs,
m 11 Nov 1889 by Rev. L. MALVERN of Laconia to Viola A BANFILLE,
aged 34 yrs. He was a conductor born in Warren. She was born in
Campton. He was the s/o David COLBY and Sally PICKERING b. in
Merideth. She was the d/o James A SANBORN who was a machinist born
in Campton and Elizabeth WITHERAL". " Maude Frances COLBY aged 18
yrs m 14 Dec 1898 in Laconia by Rev F. X. LYONS to Patrick Henry
EAGEN aged 22 yrs .he was a clerk born in Laconia. She was a
domestic born in Hillsboro Bridge. He was the s/o John M EAGEN who
was a laborer born in Cork, Ireland and Mary BREEN, a housewife,
born in Leeds, England. She was the d/o Clarence P. COLBY a
carpenter and Mary L. SCRIBNER, a housewife born in Henniker". "
Lena Rivers COLBY aged 24 yrs m 28 June 1904 by F.M. BECKFORD, JP
of Laconia to Harry Gilman CLOUGH aged 37 yrs. She was a waitress
born in Bristol. He was a clerk born in Dover. She was the d/o
Edwin Albion COLBY, a painter, born in Alexandria and Emily
LITTLEFIELD, a housekeeper born in Stoughton, MA. He was the s/o
David Edwin CLOUGH, a carpenter, born in Lowell, MA and Rosetta
Bean MILLER, a housewife, born in Acton".
Cont. on page 6
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Colby Clan Communications 6
Cont. from page 5
" Leroy D COLBY, aged 24 yrs, m 15 Apr 1903 in Merideth by Rev.
Justus ERSKINE to Mildred E ALLEN age 23 yrs He was a trainman born
in Laconia. She was a school teacher born in Lowell, MA. He was the
s/o Enoch COLBY, a farmer, born in Sanbornton and Mary E. FILGATE,
a housewife, born in Laconia. She was the d/o Joseph L. ALLEN, a
farmer, born in Enfield, ME and Ella L. LORD, a housewife, born in
Lowell, MA".
Photos from the 2007 Colby Reunion
Nick DeGusto, youngest in attendance, with his parents Paul
and
Alicia DeGusto
Pauline DeGusto and family, our fantastic Reunion Committee
Joan DeGusto (the seamstress who made these outfits) and
Paul
Belyea
Christine Corbett and Paul DeGusto
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Colby Clan Communications 7
Paula Belyea
Kelsey Corbett and Allen DeGusto
Esther Fiske
Ashley Corbett and Mark Corbett
Pauline DeGusto, Mike DeGusto, Katherine DeGusto
Grace Thompson of Colorado, traveled the farthest distance
Jim and Dan
Kathleen and David Caflisch of Wisconsin
Anna DaFoe and Arnold Sears
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Colby Clan Communications 8
Barbara J. Zdravesky
123 Mulberry Street
Pawtucket, RI 02860
Abby Cirioni, Susan Saltmarsh, Arnold Sears
Grace Thompson, Peggy Reynolds, Nancy Poland
Beatrice and Robert Wadland
Jean Ruiter, oldest in attendance